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 polydisperse particle-fluid reacting flows. Complex polydisperse particle-fluid reacting flows are widely practised in many industries where particle size distribution is wide and particle number is huge, yet the process design and optimisation are hindered by the lack of fundamental understanding of the complex reacting flows, particularly polydispersity and interactions. The project will tackle this specific challenge by developing a novel particle-scale mathematical model by inco ....Modelling of polydisperse particle-fluid reacting flows. Complex polydisperse particle-fluid reacting flows are widely practised in many industries where particle size distribution is wide and particle number is huge, yet the process design and optimisation are hindered by the lack of fundamental understanding of the complex reacting flows, particularly polydispersity and interactions. The project will tackle this specific challenge by developing a novel particle-scale mathematical model by incorporating new numerical techniques of interphase heat/mass transfers, polydispersity and computation speed-up; and applying it to two typical industry processes for demonstration. The outcomes will be applied across a range of industries of vital importance to Australian economic and technological future.Read moreRead less
Preparation and use of lignite-iron ore composite briquettes for ironmaking. Preparation and use of lignite-iron ore composite briquettes for ironmaking. This project aims to study the briquetting processes of fine powders, and the preparation and utilization of new brown coal (lignite)–iron ore composite briquettes in a blast furnace. Lignite is a low-cost and abundant resource, and could be used in an emerging carbon-iron ore composite briquette for low-cost ironmaking. This project will perfo ....Preparation and use of lignite-iron ore composite briquettes for ironmaking. Preparation and use of lignite-iron ore composite briquettes for ironmaking. This project aims to study the briquetting processes of fine powders, and the preparation and utilization of new brown coal (lignite)–iron ore composite briquettes in a blast furnace. Lignite is a low-cost and abundant resource, and could be used in an emerging carbon-iron ore composite briquette for low-cost ironmaking. This project will perform multi-scale numerical studies, supported by lab/industry-scale experiments, to produce models and control strategies. Anticipated outcomes include better design and control of briquette's preparation and utilization in ironmaking for further cost-cutting; a new market for brown coal; and a more competitive 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
Preparation and use of lignite-iron ore composite briquettes for ironmaking. Preparation and use of lignite-iron ore composite briquettes for ironmaking. This project aims to study the briquetting processes of fine powders, and the preparation and utilization of new brown coal (lignite)–iron ore composite briquettes in a blast furnace. Lignite is a low-cost and abundant resource, and could be used in an emerging carbon-iron ore composite briquette for low-cost ironmaking. This project will perfo ....Preparation and use of lignite-iron ore composite briquettes for ironmaking. Preparation and use of lignite-iron ore composite briquettes for ironmaking. This project aims to study the briquetting processes of fine powders, and the preparation and utilization of new brown coal (lignite)–iron ore composite briquettes in a blast furnace. Lignite is a low-cost and abundant resource, and could be used in an emerging carbon-iron ore composite briquette for low-cost ironmaking. This project will perform multi-scale numerical studies, supported by lab/industry-scale experiments, to produce models and control strategies. Anticipated outcomes include better design and control of briquette's preparation and utilization in ironmaking for further cost-cutting; a new market for brown coal; and a more competitive Australian economy.Read moreRead less