Decrease of environmental impact of steelmaking: development of fluorine-free mould flux for steel continuous casting. Sustainable development of the steelmaking industry requires addressing environmental issues, of which reducing fluorine emission in steel continuous casting is one of the most challenging. The aim of this project is the development of fluorine-free mould flux and establishment of the feasibility of the use of this flux in industrial steel casting.
Enhancing Direct Cu Recovery through Increased Gas Processing Understanding. This project aims to investigate mechanisms of copper loss during smelting and find new ways to reduce the loss. Smelting, which produces copper matte product and slag tailings, is an important step of the copper-making process from copper sulphides. The loss of copper to slag can be as high as 12 per cent. The project aims to create new knowledge about copper loss by matte droplets floated with gas bubbles generated by ....Enhancing Direct Cu Recovery through Increased Gas Processing Understanding. This project aims to investigate mechanisms of copper loss during smelting and find new ways to reduce the loss. Smelting, which produces copper matte product and slag tailings, is an important step of the copper-making process from copper sulphides. The loss of copper to slag can be as high as 12 per cent. The project aims to create new knowledge about copper loss by matte droplets floated with gas bubbles generated by chemical reactions to the slag phase. The outcomes are intended to enable copper smelters to maximise direct copper recovery, reduce copper production costs and increase the productivity of the smelting process.Read moreRead less
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.
Future polymetallic processing through lead smelting, recycling, refining. The aim of the project is to provide new data and thermodynamic modelling tools to be used in the development of the next generation of lead metal smelting, refining and recycling processes used to recycle electronic materials, process hazardous wastes and recover valuable metals. The intention is to combine recently developed experimental techniques with the latest advances in FactSage chemical thermodynamic modelling to ....Future polymetallic processing through lead smelting, recycling, refining. The aim of the project is to provide new data and thermodynamic modelling tools to be used in the development of the next generation of lead metal smelting, refining and recycling processes used to recycle electronic materials, process hazardous wastes and recover valuable metals. The intention is to combine recently developed experimental techniques with the latest advances in FactSage chemical thermodynamic modelling to overcome long-standing experimental and modelling obstacles. The new experimental data and databases are intended to provide important information on high-temperature chemistry of complex phase equilibria and on the distribution of minor elements in multiphase systems.Read moreRead less
Coke integrity in blast furnace ironmaking: understanding and technology development. This project's expected outcomes will lead to optimised coke consumption for the blast furnace and to a more competitive steel manufacturing sector, through improved and rational criteria for selection of carbonaceous materials. This will result in more efficient ironmaking with significant operational, economical and environmental benefits.
Fundamentals of an Innovative Technology for Solar Silicon Production. Australia is a world leader in research in photovoltaic technology for solar energy. However, Australia does not produce solar grade silicon. The proposed project will develop a novel frontier technology which will cut the solar silicon production cost by 50%. This will enhance Australia's capacity to power a world-class photovoltaic industry of the future and build on Australia's strengths in research and innovation. Applica ....Fundamentals of an Innovative Technology for Solar Silicon Production. Australia is a world leader in research in photovoltaic technology for solar energy. However, Australia does not produce solar grade silicon. The proposed project will develop a novel frontier technology which will cut the solar silicon production cost by 50%. This will enhance Australia's capacity to power a world-class photovoltaic industry of the future and build on Australia's strengths in research and innovation. Application of the technology will contribute to achieving national target of 6.74 GW photovoltaic solar power capacity by 2020; this will reduce 9.32 million tonnes/year of CO2 emission (the Australian photovoltaic industry roadmap) and contribute to an environmentally sustainable Australia.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
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
Enhanced carbon removal in secondary steel refining. The purpose of this project is to develop effective methodologies to increase the decarburisation rate in the vacuum degassing process which is used for the production of high value added steel products at BlueScope Steel. It is expected that the project outcomes will result in improved quality and productivity of the high value added steel products.
Multiscale study of raceway operations for low-cost and stable ironmaking. This project aims to optimise blast furnace operations and to assess the performance of Australian brown coals in ironmaking. Pulverised coal injection is a cost-effective technology in blast furnace ironmaking, particularly if low-grade coal is used. This project aims to develop control strategies for stable and low-cost operation and to assess and optimise the combustion of brown coal and its blends in this process. The ....Multiscale study of raceway operations for low-cost and stable ironmaking. This project aims to optimise blast furnace operations and to assess the performance of Australian brown coals in ironmaking. Pulverised coal injection is a cost-effective technology in blast furnace ironmaking, particularly if low-grade coal is used. This project aims to develop control strategies for stable and low-cost operation and to assess and optimise the combustion of brown coal and its blends in this process. The project aims will be achieved via multiscale modelling and simulation, supported by laboratory and plant experiments. The outcomes of the project are intended to open a new market for brown coal.Read moreRead less