Multiscale modelling and analysis of complex particulate and multiphase flow. Particulate and multiphase processes are widely used in both conventional and modern industries in Australia and worldwide, however rarely reach more than 60% of design capacity because of a poor understanding of their fundamental characteristics. This frontier technology research program aims to overcome this problem using an extensive combined fundamental and applied approach. The resulting theories, computer models ....Multiscale modelling and analysis of complex particulate and multiphase flow. Particulate and multiphase processes are widely used in both conventional and modern industries in Australia and worldwide, however rarely reach more than 60% of design capacity because of a poor understanding of their fundamental characteristics. This frontier technology research program aims to overcome this problem using an extensive combined fundamental and applied approach. The resulting theories, computer models and simulation techniques will be applied to improve process design, control and optimisation. Consequentially, productivity and Australian competitiveness will be significantly enhanced in its most important industries such as minerals, metallurgical, chemical, energy, pharmaceutical and materials.Read moreRead less
Fundamental studies of physical and thermal processes around the taphole of an ironmaking blast furnace. This project will investigate the fundamentals governing the complex physical and thermochemical processes in the hearth of an ironmaking blast furnace by a combined theoretical and experimental program. Its aim is to develop and validate computer models that can describe reliably the gas-liquid-solid flow and heat transfer in the hearth, particularly near the taphole region. The models will ....Fundamental studies of physical and thermal processes around the taphole of an ironmaking blast furnace. This project will investigate the fundamentals governing the complex physical and thermochemical processes in the hearth of an ironmaking blast furnace by a combined theoretical and experimental program. Its aim is to develop and validate computer models that can describe reliably the gas-liquid-solid flow and heat transfer in the hearth, particularly near the taphole region. The models will be very useful to quantify the interrelationships among fluid flow, heat transfer and furnace refractory erosion, and provide a basis for developing better control strategies and extending furnace campaign life, leading to an improved competitiveness of Australia's steel industry.Read moreRead less
Fundamental experimental and modelling studies of slag/matte/metal/gas systems in support of sustainable copper smelting and converting technologies. Australia is in the midst of a sustained increase in demand for its mineral resources that is leading to expansion in production and major capital investments across the industry sector. Most of the primary production of copper metal in Australia takes place through the use of high temperature smelting technologies. New technologies and significant ....Fundamental experimental and modelling studies of slag/matte/metal/gas systems in support of sustainable copper smelting and converting technologies. Australia is in the midst of a sustained increase in demand for its mineral resources that is leading to expansion in production and major capital investments across the industry sector. Most of the primary production of copper metal in Australia takes place through the use of high temperature smelting technologies. New technologies and significant changes to existing smelting technologies are currently underway; driven by the need to improve both productivity and environmental performance. This research partnership will provide important fundamental information about the complex chemistries of these high temperature processes. This project will assist these process improvements and will provide competitive advantage to Australian industry.Read moreRead less
Special Research Initiatives - Grant ID: SR0354672
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$20,000.00
Summary
ARC Network in Mineral Processing, Extraction and Refining. The Network aims to develop long-term, collaborative research and training links between world-class researchers and research centres in mineral processing, extraction and refining. The goal is to ensure that Australia's major export industry is sustainable, environmentally acceptable and technically at the cutting edge.
Networking key researchers with complementary skills and expertise will enhance research quality, encourage a hol ....ARC Network in Mineral Processing, Extraction and Refining. The Network aims to develop long-term, collaborative research and training links between world-class researchers and research centres in mineral processing, extraction and refining. The goal is to ensure that Australia's major export industry is sustainable, environmentally acceptable and technically at the cutting edge.
Networking key researchers with complementary skills and expertise will enhance research quality, encourage a holistic approach to problem solving and support researchers to tackle big challenges, beyond their usual scope, that will transform the industry. The outcomes will be greater international competitiveness, better resource utilisation, and the incubation of new research leaders, enhancing Australia's minerals R&D infrastructure.Read moreRead less
Effect of Chromium and Manganese on the Formations of Graphite and Carbide on the surface of Low Carbon Sheet Steels. Surface graphite and surface carbide are two surface defects observed in cold-rolled low carbon steel sheets after batch annealing under non-oxidising atmosphere. The surface defects detract from the appearance of the steel sheets and diminish the surface treatment potential of the sheets, causing significant and costly material losses. The aims of the project are to study the in ....Effect of Chromium and Manganese on the Formations of Graphite and Carbide on the surface of Low Carbon Sheet Steels. Surface graphite and surface carbide are two surface defects observed in cold-rolled low carbon steel sheets after batch annealing under non-oxidising atmosphere. The surface defects detract from the appearance of the steel sheets and diminish the surface treatment potential of the sheets, causing significant and costly material losses. The aims of the project are to study the inhibition of surface graphite formation by the additions of Chromium and Manganese and to study the mechanism of formation of surface carbide with the aim of developing an alloying / processing strategy which eliminates both the surface graphite and the surface carbide.Read moreRead less
Free Surface Instability and Gas Entrainment during Blast Furnace Drainage. Iron and Steelmaking operations have underpinned Australia's industry base for many years. To remain competitive in a global market BHP has undertaken considerable research and development to constantly improve process performance. An area of on-going concern is the unexpected release of gas during Blast Furnace drainage resulting in hazardous conditions for the operators and overall loss of production. This project aims ....Free Surface Instability and Gas Entrainment during Blast Furnace Drainage. Iron and Steelmaking operations have underpinned Australia's industry base for many years. To remain competitive in a global market BHP has undertaken considerable research and development to constantly improve process performance. An area of on-going concern is the unexpected release of gas during Blast Furnace drainage resulting in hazardous conditions for the operators and overall loss of production. This project aims to identify the causes of gas release and to devise operational strategies and design modifications to prevent this occurrence. Once implemented the outcomes of the research will be a more stable operation leading to increased production and less environmental emissions.Read moreRead less
Understanding and minimising oxidation during hot rolling and metal coating of steel strip. Steel production is one of the few manufacturing industries in which Australia is internationally competitive. Annual steel exports generate about two billion dollars in national income. Substantial value is added to raw steel by hot rolling it into sheet and coating with zincalume and paint. The market for these products is intensely competitive, and continued success is critically dependent on produc ....Understanding and minimising oxidation during hot rolling and metal coating of steel strip. Steel production is one of the few manufacturing industries in which Australia is internationally competitive. Annual steel exports generate about two billion dollars in national income. Substantial value is added to raw steel by hot rolling it into sheet and coating with zincalume and paint. The market for these products is intensely competitive, and continued success is critically dependent on productivity and quality. This project will assist BlueScope Steel in understanding and controlling millscale development on hot rolled products, and avoiding scale defects in zincalume coating.Read moreRead less
Surface reaction kinetics of zinc gas relevant to the ZINCALUME coating process. The proposed project aims to develop a sound understanding of the mechanism and rate of condensation of zinc vapour on clean and partially oxidised steel strip surfaces. This Fundamental scientific knowledge is the key to furthering our understanding of the effect of process variables on the occurrence of pinholes and bare patches on ZINCALUME coated steel strip. Should the fundamental causes of defect formation be ....Surface reaction kinetics of zinc gas relevant to the ZINCALUME coating process. The proposed project aims to develop a sound understanding of the mechanism and rate of condensation of zinc vapour on clean and partially oxidised steel strip surfaces. This Fundamental scientific knowledge is the key to furthering our understanding of the effect of process variables on the occurrence of pinholes and bare patches on ZINCALUME coated steel strip. Should the fundamental causes of defect formation be established, product quality can be improved, process costs reduced and the Australian industry's competitive position in the market place retained. A new experimental approach will be taken; conductive to the training of the researchers involved in advanced research techniques.Read moreRead less
The Fundamentals of Liquid Flow Through A Reactive Packed Bed. A new and improved understanding of reactions that occur between liquids and coke in the lower zone of the blast furnace will enable ironmaking process optimization, and result in a significant reduction in carbon usage. This will decrease the amount of greenhouse gas emissions. The results will benefit metal refiners and associated support industries that utilize coal or coke in their process. Process optimization also helps to ensu ....The Fundamentals of Liquid Flow Through A Reactive Packed Bed. A new and improved understanding of reactions that occur between liquids and coke in the lower zone of the blast furnace will enable ironmaking process optimization, and result in a significant reduction in carbon usage. This will decrease the amount of greenhouse gas emissions. The results will benefit metal refiners and associated support industries that utilize coal or coke in their process. Process optimization also helps to ensure that Australia's vitally important steel industry remains internationally competitive, able to provide both quality steel for domestic and export markets and employment for thousands of Australians.Read moreRead less
Model studies of multiphase flow in fluid bed reactors. Multiphase flow is widely encountered in mineral, metallurgical and chemical industries which are important components of Australia's economy. Understanding and modelling multiphase flow plays a significant role in the design, control and optimization of multiphase reactors in these industries. The success of this project will enhance computational multiphase flow capability and help build fluid bed reactors with high efficiency, low energy ....Model studies of multiphase flow in fluid bed reactors. Multiphase flow is widely encountered in mineral, metallurgical and chemical industries which are important components of Australia's economy. Understanding and modelling multiphase flow plays a significant role in the design, control and optimization of multiphase reactors in these industries. The success of this project will enhance computational multiphase flow capability and help build fluid bed reactors with high efficiency, low energy consumption and low emissions. The research outcomes will not only greatly benefit Australia's economy but also significantly help environmental protection beneficial to Australia's community.Read moreRead less