Distributed control system network for an electrostatic roll separator
Date
2006-03
Authors
Theron, Pieter
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch
Abstract
The distributed control system network involves analog data acquisition nodes
interconnected through CAN and USB protocol interfaces to form a network.
The network is designed to be generically applicable to various control
problems. This network of controllers was specifically utilised on a scaled-down
electrostatic roll separator plant used in the mineral processing industry. A SISO
and a MIMO regulator was designed to demonstrate the regulation of plant
parameters. The MIMO regulator was employed in a scheme that optimises the
plant yield automatically.
Analog data acquisition nodes were designed and built especially for the
purposes of this project. These nodes were installed on the electrostatic roll
separator plant. PC based application software was written so that plant ID
experiments could be performed. SISO and MIMO regulators along with a yield
optimising scheme was designed and implemented in the application software.
Both SISO and MIMO regulators successfully regulated plant outputs. The nonconducting
mineral product grade was regulated by the SISO regulator. The
non-conducting mineral product grade and conductor mineral mass flow was
regulated by the MIMO regulator. The yield optimiser successfully employed the
MIMO regulator to optimise the plant yield automatically.
Description
Thesis (MScEng (Electrical and Electronic Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2006.
Keywords
Dissertations -- Electronic engineering, Theses -- Electronic engineering