Solvay announced SmartFloat, a digital system that uses artificial intelligence to enhance base metal flotation by improving operational efficiency, metallurgical results and sustainability. SmartFloat helps operators automate tasks, streamline decision making processes, and optimize grade and recovery, the company said.
The solution uses live flotation data to recommend the best suitable reagent formulation and dosage in real time, based on incoming ore properties and operational parameters. Customizable to specific customer process needs, SmartFloat enables operators to respond faster to changes in ore composition, helping avoid loss of valuable metals and save energy, while reducing reagent consumption and cost, Solvay said.
SmartFloat is designed for use with the Solvay Cube, a dosing system that offers more precise blending and dosing control of reagent building-block chemicals. The data and insights gathered by SmartFloat, together with the Cube’s formulation capabilities, can be used to automate reagent injection into the flotation cell.
Currently, SmartFloat is in use at copper and copper-gold ore processing operations around the world.
