Depressing pyrite in selective flotation of complex polymetallic ores . This project aims to understand the reactions taking place on the major gangue (waste) mineral during the recovery of base-metal and precious minerals. The mining industry is processing low grade complex ores and experiencing difficulties in rejecting gangue minerals in mineral separation and metal extraction plants. The project will develop new technologies that manipulate these reactions to achieve mineral separation and ....Depressing pyrite in selective flotation of complex polymetallic ores . This project aims to understand the reactions taking place on the major gangue (waste) mineral during the recovery of base-metal and precious minerals. The mining industry is processing low grade complex ores and experiencing difficulties in rejecting gangue minerals in mineral separation and metal extraction plants. The project will develop new technologies that manipulate these reactions to achieve mineral separation and metal extraction efficiently and economically. These technologies may provide value in processing low quality complex polymetallic resources using low quality water, whilst halving the operating costs of mineral concentrators and providing corresponding reductions in harmful emissions.Read moreRead less
Industrial Transformation Research Hubs - Grant ID: IH140100035
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$5,000,000.00
Summary
ARC Research Hub for Computational Particle Technology. ARC Research Hub for Computational Particle Technology. This research hub aims to develop and apply advanced theories and mathematical models to design and optimise particulate and multiphase processes that are widely used in the minerals and metallurgical industries. This should be achieved through detailed analysis of the fundamentals governing fluid flow, heat and mass transfer at different time and length scales, facilitated by various ....ARC Research Hub for Computational Particle Technology. ARC Research Hub for Computational Particle Technology. This research hub aims to develop and apply advanced theories and mathematical models to design and optimise particulate and multiphase processes that are widely used in the minerals and metallurgical industries. This should be achieved through detailed analysis of the fundamentals governing fluid flow, heat and mass transfer at different time and length scales, facilitated by various novel research techniques. Research outcomes including theories, computer models and simulation techniques, as well as well-trained young researchers, should have a significant impact across a range of industries of vital importance to Australia’s economic and technological future, including the minerals, metallurgical, materials, chemical, energy, pharmaceutical and environment sectors.Read moreRead less
Data-driven monitoring of raceway dynamics in ironmaking blast furnaces. Raceway dynamics in ironmaking blast furnaces affect operational stability and cost considerably, yet their dynamic behaviour has not been well monitored online. The project aims to develop a data-driven model for monitoring the internal state of gas-solid-powder reacting flow in the raceway and predicting raceway anomalies online. It will be achieved by combining particle-fluid numerical simulations with data processing an ....Data-driven monitoring of raceway dynamics in ironmaking blast furnaces. Raceway dynamics in ironmaking blast furnaces affect operational stability and cost considerably, yet their dynamic behaviour has not been well monitored online. The project aims to develop a data-driven model for monitoring the internal state of gas-solid-powder reacting flow in the raceway and predicting raceway anomalies online. It will be achieved by combining particle-fluid numerical simulations with data processing and reduced-order state observer, supported by lab/plant experiments, and collaborating with two industry partners from coal and steel industries. The project outcomes including codes, models and raceway control strategies can help promote Australian metallurgical coal's global markets and ultimately the Australian economy.Read moreRead less
Modelling of particle-fluid reactive flows coupled with phase changes. This project aims to develop an integrated mathematical model for reliably describing multiphase reactive flow coupled with phase change. Particle-fluid reactive flows with phase changes are widely encountered in many energy-intensive industries, yet process design and optimization are hindered by the lack of understanding of complex phenomena governing particularly multiphase flow, phase change and their interactions. The m ....Modelling of particle-fluid reactive flows coupled with phase changes. This project aims to develop an integrated mathematical model for reliably describing multiphase reactive flow coupled with phase change. Particle-fluid reactive flows with phase changes are widely encountered in many energy-intensive industries, yet process design and optimization are hindered by the lack of understanding of complex phenomena governing particularly multiphase flow, phase change and their interactions. The model will be achieved by means of combining advanced particle-scale numerical techniques with pre-database-based thermodynamic model, supported by physical experiments. The outcomes will be applied across a range of industries of vital importance to Australian economic and technological future. It will help transform Australian pyrometallurgy and chemical industries, open new markets for a range of Australian minerals like low-grade coal and iron/copper ore, and ultimately enhance competitiveness of Australian economy.Read moreRead less
Depressing pyrrhotite in copper and gold flotation. The mining industry is processing low-grade ores associated with high amounts of waste minerals. Extracting metals from low-grade ores is very difficult with technical challenges in rejecting waste minerals. This project aims to understand the surface properties and the behaviour of a major waste mineral which is becoming increasingly problematic during the processing of copper and gold ores. New chemistry and chemical reagents will be develope ....Depressing pyrrhotite in copper and gold flotation. The mining industry is processing low-grade ores associated with high amounts of waste minerals. Extracting metals from low-grade ores is very difficult with technical challenges in rejecting waste minerals. This project aims to understand the surface properties and the behaviour of a major waste mineral which is becoming increasingly problematic during the processing of copper and gold ores. New chemistry and chemical reagents will be developed to efficiently and economically reject the waste mineral by manipulating the reactions that take place on its surface. This project expects to have immediate economic and environmental impacts through increasing metal production, cutting greenhouse gas emissions and applying new green reagents.Read moreRead less
Regrinding chemistry and particle breakage mechanisms in increased surface hydrophobicity on fine and ultra-fine particles in mineral flotation. This project will study the effect of regrinding chemistry and particle breakage mechanisms on the redistribution of flotation collectors and the evolution of the metal oxidation species on mineral surfaces. New technologies will be developed to increase mineral surface hydrophobicity and therefore increase fine and ultra-fine particle flotation.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE100100155
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$495,000.00
Summary
High-Speed Particle Image Velocimetry and Laser-Induced Fluorescence Facility. This state-of-the-art laser facility will increase our scientific understanding of industrial processes by providing valuable information on velocity, temperature and concentration profiles for rapidly changing flow fields. Previously it was not possible to do this, and the knowledge gained will be applied to develop more efficient and environmentally sustainable operations. For example, many current processes have hi ....High-Speed Particle Image Velocimetry and Laser-Induced Fluorescence Facility. This state-of-the-art laser facility will increase our scientific understanding of industrial processes by providing valuable information on velocity, temperature and concentration profiles for rapidly changing flow fields. Previously it was not possible to do this, and the knowledge gained will be applied to develop more efficient and environmentally sustainable operations. For example, many current processes have high energy input but scientific evidence suggests that it can be reduced if the embodied energy of the flow is properly utilised. Importantly, this utilisation often leads to increased yields and product quality. The facility will greatly assist researchers and industry collaborators in developing processes for the 21st century.Read moreRead less