The significant impacts of morphological and interface stability on gas/solid reaction kinetics and for metals production. This project will provide fundamental scientific information on the reduction of metal oxides in hydrocarbon based systems, information required to successfully reduce Greenhouse gas emissions in metal production technologies. It will also extend our understanding of the fundamental science of decomposition of inorganic metal compounds.
Fundamental mechanisms of metaplast formation during coal and biomass pyrolysis. This project investigates the reasons behind why some coals become fluid at high temperatures and apply these findings to biomass. This fluid phase (metaplast) represents the main area of uncertainty in pyolysis. This project builds on current research into coal macerals (the constituents of coal) using specifically developed novel thermal techniques to capture the dynamic behaviour of the fluid phase during its tra ....Fundamental mechanisms of metaplast formation during coal and biomass pyrolysis. This project investigates the reasons behind why some coals become fluid at high temperatures and apply these findings to biomass. This fluid phase (metaplast) represents the main area of uncertainty in pyolysis. This project builds on current research into coal macerals (the constituents of coal) using specifically developed novel thermal techniques to capture the dynamic behaviour of the fluid phase during its transformation. Critically, these techniques offer a new method of characterising tar compounds and in particular the extracted components of the metaplast. It will provide fundamental insight into an area governed by "black art" and empiricism, guide renewable fuel substitution and optimise Australia's coal and biomass reserves.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
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
New thermodynamic database development method for increasingly complex chemical systems supporting electric car battery recycling and other industries. This strategic project will provide Australia with advanced research capability in high temperature thermochemistry and technology development fields, and support the development of the recycling processes for hazardous but valuable materials from electric car rechargeable batteries-part of solution to global warming and increasing CO2 emissions.