Soft sensor of flotation froth grade classification based on hybrid deep neural network

In recent years, the technology of deep learning has made great achievements in the field of machine learning. In this study, with the help of the transfer learning method, a kind of soft sensor is designed for the classification of iron ore tailings grade. Firstly, a sample database of froth images of flotation tailings was established. Secondly, the three most reliable models are determined after comparing the accuracy of 13 deep neural network models applied in the flotation froth image. A more accurate hybrid deep neural network model is established, with an accuracy of 97%. Finally, a software system is designed and developed, which can operate stably in the flotation plant. The experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed hybrid deep neural network in the field of iron ore froth flotation.