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
Micromechanical analysis of size segregation and its prediction in granular free-surface flows. Industries often suffer from size segregation in the handling and processing of granular materials, leading to significant economic consequences. This project aims to develop a fundamental understanding of size segregation and prediction models, enabling industries to eliminate, minimise, or manage the effects to an acceptable level.
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
Low emission iron and steelmaking using hydrogen to pre-reduce lump ore. This project aims to develop and apply a new route of lump iron ore pre-reduction with hydrogen or H2-enriched gases for ironmaking to minimise CO2 emission from steel production. The route will be built up on the base of H2 reduction kinetics of iron ore and with novel technologies such as CO2 recycle and H2-heating using hot blast, underpinning the hydrogen economy by addressing the environmental concerns in mineral and s ....Low emission iron and steelmaking using hydrogen to pre-reduce lump ore. This project aims to develop and apply a new route of lump iron ore pre-reduction with hydrogen or H2-enriched gases for ironmaking to minimise CO2 emission from steel production. The route will be built up on the base of H2 reduction kinetics of iron ore and with novel technologies such as CO2 recycle and H2-heating using hot blast, underpinning the hydrogen economy by addressing the environmental concerns in mineral and steel industries. It is not only significant for low-carbon steel production, but also for better fundamental understanding to develop the future zero-emission iron and steelmaking with hydrogen. The project will be very beneficent because it increases the use of lump iron ore and expends Australian export of iron ores.Read moreRead less
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
Development and application of a virtue experimental blast furnace. This project aims to develop a virtual experimental blast furnace based on advanced discrete particle simulation technique. It is intended that the model furnace will be used to study the flow and thermochemical behaviour in iron making, quantify the effects of key variables related to raw material and operational conditions, and formulate strategies for optimum process design and control under different conditions. The findings ....Development and application of a virtue experimental blast furnace. This project aims to develop a virtual experimental blast furnace based on advanced discrete particle simulation technique. It is intended that the model furnace will be used to study the flow and thermochemical behaviour in iron making, quantify the effects of key variables related to raw material and operational conditions, and formulate strategies for optimum process design and control under different conditions. The findings aim to be very useful to comprehensively assess the performance of Australian minerals in iron making, improve the energy efficiency and reduce carbon dioxide emission in the steel industry, and enhance the competitiveness of the Australian economy.Read moreRead less
Model studies of new ironmaking processes. This project aims to study the fundamentals governing the multiphase flow and thermochemical performance in representative new ironmaking processes, and formulate some useful strategies for the design, control and optimisation of next generation of ironmaking technology which is useful to Australia's future mineral and steel industries.