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
Improving the scale-up of spray drying for bioactive extracts and fibres. The project will develop new processing techniques that will contribute to better functional foods and bioactive products from fruit and vegetable wastes. The total national crop of fruit and vegetables produces over 3 million tonnes of wastes, where the bioactive materials in the wastes have a potential value of $3 billion/year.
Design a Targeted Delivery System for Probiotics. The project aims to improve the effectiveness of probiotics by developing a targeted delivery system to the colon. This interdisciplinary research will generate new knowledge in the field of microbiota and develop new delivery systems for live microorganisms and other active compounds. Expected outcomes include increased understanding of the factors affecting the viability of probiotics during storage and passage through the gastro-intestinal tra ....Design a Targeted Delivery System for Probiotics. The project aims to improve the effectiveness of probiotics by developing a targeted delivery system to the colon. This interdisciplinary research will generate new knowledge in the field of microbiota and develop new delivery systems for live microorganisms and other active compounds. Expected outcomes include increased understanding of the factors affecting the viability of probiotics during storage and passage through the gastro-intestinal tract, the establishment of probiotics into gut flora, and how this incorporation affects the dynamics of gut microbiota. The new technology can be utilised across a wide range of therapeutics that target the colon to promote the well-being of our society through commercialisation by industry partner.Read moreRead less
Granular dynamics: characterization, modelling and application. Storage and transport of bulk solids are widely encountered in mineral, metallurgical and chemical industrials which are important to Australia. The design and control of bulk solids handling equipment must be optimised for the efficiency of processing. This project provides a systematic investigation of the techniques used to characterize bulk solids, and applies the new findings to hopper flow and pneumatic conveying. This, togeth ....Granular dynamics: characterization, modelling and application. Storage and transport of bulk solids are widely encountered in mineral, metallurgical and chemical industrials which are important to Australia. The design and control of bulk solids handling equipment must be optimised for the efficiency of processing. This project provides a systematic investigation of the techniques used to characterize bulk solids, and applies the new findings to hopper flow and pneumatic conveying. This, together with the research training offered through the conduct of the work, is very helpful to maintaining Australia’s leading position in bulk solids handling and application in resource, energy, process and allied industries.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.
Gravity Separation and Desliming of Fine Particles. This project will be of benefit to the Australian coal and mineral processing industries, worth tens of billions of dollars to the Australian economy each year. The objective is to establish an innovative system of cascading Reflux Classifiers for achieving both gravity separation and desliming of fine particles. Presently millions of tonnes of fine coal exist in tailings dams, unrecoverable by existing technologies such as flotation. This rese ....Gravity Separation and Desliming of Fine Particles. This project will be of benefit to the Australian coal and mineral processing industries, worth tens of billions of dollars to the Australian economy each year. The objective is to establish an innovative system of cascading Reflux Classifiers for achieving both gravity separation and desliming of fine particles. Presently millions of tonnes of fine coal exist in tailings dams, unrecoverable by existing technologies such as flotation. This research will provide options for the recovery of this resource, making the remediation of these sites economically viable. The project will also support the education and training of researchers in this field of importance to Australia’s 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
High-load powder dispersion and aerosol delivery: an integrated approach. This project aims to develop a novel design toolbox that can accurately predict dispersion performance of a range of powder systems for high-dose inhaler devices. The project expects to provide the pharmaceutical industry with a cornerstone technology to facilitate the design and optimisation of new powder delivery devices. Outcomes are expected to include new knowledge on powder dispersion behaviour that can be applied to ....High-load powder dispersion and aerosol delivery: an integrated approach. This project aims to develop a novel design toolbox that can accurately predict dispersion performance of a range of powder systems for high-dose inhaler devices. The project expects to provide the pharmaceutical industry with a cornerstone technology to facilitate the design and optimisation of new powder delivery devices. Outcomes are expected to include new knowledge on powder dispersion behaviour that can be applied to various industry sectors, including the environmental, bulk chemical and food industries where the majority of products are in powder form. This knowledge will provide significant benefits to industry through provision of a toolkit that can be used to improve final powder-based product quality.Read moreRead less
Enhanced recovery and concentration of cenospheres from fly ash. The purpose of this project is to investigate the recovery of valuable particles, referred to as cenospheres, from the fly ash waste of coal fired power stations. An understanding of the complex gravitational settling behaviour of fly ash suspensions in inclined channels will lead to a new technology for recovering and concentrating the particles.
Engineering improved fat encapsulation for food powders. Encapsulation of fats and oils into powders has wide applications in the food industry, with products including creamers, soups, infant formula, and nutraceutical powders. Spray drying of liquid emulsions into powders is an integral part to manufacture high value products by extending their shelf life, nutritional content, and functionality. This project will generate new protocols for the production of high-fat powders, with direct commer ....Engineering improved fat encapsulation for food powders. Encapsulation of fats and oils into powders has wide applications in the food industry, with products including creamers, soups, infant formula, and nutraceutical powders. Spray drying of liquid emulsions into powders is an integral part to manufacture high value products by extending their shelf life, nutritional content, and functionality. This project will generate new protocols for the production of high-fat powders, with direct commercial benefits in improved production efficiency and new product development from recovered ingredients. The knowledge will benefit the manufacturing of food powders in Australia, currently valued around $600M AUD pa, and will potentially expand the variety of product offering for the export market.Read moreRead less