In a metallurgical extraction process, one wishes to concentrate the metal Mx from a mixture of Mx and My. The situation here is that there will be some My in the product and some Mx in the slag. Ideally, the extraction should consist of Mx only in the product and My only in the slag. Process A and Process B are compared to determine which of them is the better extraction process.
Process A |
Mx |
My |
|
Product |
1025 |
3975 |
5000 |
Slag |
38975 |
156025 |
195000 |
|
40000 |
160000 |
200000 |
Which is the better method?
Process B |
Mx |
My |
|
Product |
1018 |
3782 |
4800 |
Slag |
38982 |
156218 |
195200 |
|
40000 |
160000 |
200000 |
How do we do it?
|
Our strategy is as follows:
This type of chemical extraction can be treated as a digital system where p and q must both be levelled and then reduced. That is, p and q must first be made approximately equal and then reduced. Consequently, any comparison of process performance must include levelling.
Process A |
Mx |
My |
|
Product |
1 - p |
p |
1 |
Slag |
q |
1 - q |
1 |
|
1 - p + q |
1 - q + p |
2 |
Following a digital treatment, it can be shown that Process B is better. |
|