Control 2000

This volume chronicles recent developments in control systems used in the mineral industry. The proceedings from the 2000 SME Annual Meeting cover five main subjects: New Uses of Plant Information, Operating Experience with Stabilizing Control, Operating Experience with Advanced Control, Progress Toward Plantwide Control, and Tools for Optimal Decision Making. Several important trends can be observed after reading these papers. Plants are using more information from new sources, such as maintenance schedules and metal prices, and the information is being used in clever ways in control systems. Video imaging is emerging as a useful tool for measuring several previously unmeasured variables. Some 'research only' tools of the past are becoming the workhorses of today. More expert systems are being employed than ever before.