Two aspects of the computer simulation of minerals processing systems were
investigated in order to facilitate more effective use of simulation technology.
A user-interface was designed and combined with an existing simulator
executive, resulting in the implementation of a user-friendly microcomputer based
minerals processing simulator, MicroSim. Ease of use was achieved by
consideration of the needs of the user of such a program. This resulted in the use
of graphical methods for information input and output. Efficient form-filling
techniques were developed for numerical data entry and editing.
Models for the carbon-in-pulp adsorption process and for continuous gold
leaching were derived. The CIP models were derived using a population balance
approach. The method of characteristics and the method of moments were found
to be particularly useful in solving the resulting equations. Besides being
important processes in themselves, the integration of these models into MicroSim
provided valuable experience regarding the use of such models in a simulator.AC 201
