Statistical techniques of Box and Jenkins (1976) have been used to assess
the existing control schemes and determine the dynamics of flash
smelting furnace at the Kalgoorlie Nickel Smelter. Pertinent process
variables, such as, oxygen flow, flux flow, matte grade and iron to silica
ratio in slag, were considered in the analysis using routine operating data
collected over two periods of operation. Results indicate inadequate
control of some of the important variables. Dynamic characteristic
parameters (dead time and response time) between a set of input and
output variables were identified to improve optimisation of the existing
thermodynamic model used for flash furnace control.