The application of machine learning models based on particles characteristics during coal slime flotation

In this study, four different machine learning (ML) models were used to simulate the migration behavior of minerals during coal slime flotation based on particle characteristics (shape, size, compositions, and types): random forest (RF), logistic regression (LR), AdaBoosting (Ada), and k-nearest neighbors (KNN). For ML model development, 70% of the total data was used for the training phase, and 30% was used for the testing phase. F-score and area under the curve (AUC) were used as the most vital indicators for evaluating the different ML models. Compared to the other ML models, the RF model had the best accuracy for simulating particle migration behavior during flotation. Furthermore, the RF model avoided the drawback of having to be retrained when the feed conditions changed. The results revealed that particle size and particle composition play the most significant role in coal slime flotation.