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
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.
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.
Feasibility of biological hydrogen production from biomass wastes using activate sludge microorganisms. This study will focus on biological hydrogen production from biomass wastes, not only because hydrogen is a clean and high efficient energy, but also because it can be a process for waste treatment. The research is aimed at examining the feasibility of biological hydrogen production from an organic waste stream by hydrogen producing bacteria isolated and enriched from pretreated digested activ ....Feasibility of biological hydrogen production from biomass wastes using activate sludge microorganisms. This study will focus on biological hydrogen production from biomass wastes, not only because hydrogen is a clean and high efficient energy, but also because it can be a process for waste treatment. The research is aimed at examining the feasibility of biological hydrogen production from an organic waste stream by hydrogen producing bacteria isolated and enriched from pretreated digested activated sludge. The overall goal is to get better understanding of the biochemical mechanisms, metabolic pathways effecting on the intermediate and end-products, leading to high hydrogen productivity and yield.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.
Differential solidification of steel slag to create a fertiliser co-product. The project aims to develop a process to separate phosphorus from steelmaking slag while the slag is still molten. Changing iron ore grades in Australia, especially increasing phosphorus content, places Australian iron ore products at a competitive disadvantage and attracts a significant financial penalty. The separation process is intended to facilitate recycling of an iron rich stream within the steelworks and product ....Differential solidification of steel slag to create a fertiliser co-product. The project aims to develop a process to separate phosphorus from steelmaking slag while the slag is still molten. Changing iron ore grades in Australia, especially increasing phosphorus content, places Australian iron ore products at a competitive disadvantage and attracts a significant financial penalty. The separation process is intended to facilitate recycling of an iron rich stream within the steelworks and production of a phosphorus rich co-product for agriculture. Benefits are anticipated to include increased utilisation of steel slag, creation of a valuable fertiliser co-product, decreased greenhouse gas emissions, and a reduction in the penalty applied to Australian iron ores.Read moreRead less
Fume resistant explosives for critical areas. Fume resistant explosives for critical areas. This project aims to understand how a new explosive works and how it can be used in critical areas. This ammonium nitrate (AN) emulsion explosive provides excellent resistance against emissions of mono-nitrogen oxide (NOx) fumes. This project will investigate physical and chemical parameters of the key emulsion components and formulate new blends for higher-strength applications. This project will researc ....Fume resistant explosives for critical areas. Fume resistant explosives for critical areas. This project aims to understand how a new explosive works and how it can be used in critical areas. This ammonium nitrate (AN) emulsion explosive provides excellent resistance against emissions of mono-nitrogen oxide (NOx) fumes. This project will investigate physical and chemical parameters of the key emulsion components and formulate new blends for higher-strength applications. This project will research the surface burning process of AN prills and other materials to understand possible NOx production and mitigation pathways. The results from the project are expected to overcome the limitations of the new technology, and make Australian industries more competitive.Read moreRead less
Mitigation of nitrogen oxides (NOx) formed in blasting of ammonium nitrate explosives. Several mines in Australia experience the formation of orange-brown fumes containing nitrogen oxide (NOx) gases, immediately after blasting of ammonium nitrate (AN) explosives to crush the rock. This project develops new explosives technologies, aimed to mitigate the formation of post-blast fumes, that are safe to people and the environment.
Improved control of dioxin emissions during iron ore sintering. This project aims to develop an innovative assessment of dioxin formation through analysis and speciation of its precursors (Cl and Cu). Iron ore sintering is the industrial process with the highest emissions of dioxins and furans to the environment in Australia, which are amongst the most toxic substances produced by man. The aim of this project is to conduct critical investigations required for control of dioxin emissions during i ....Improved control of dioxin emissions during iron ore sintering. This project aims to develop an innovative assessment of dioxin formation through analysis and speciation of its precursors (Cl and Cu). Iron ore sintering is the industrial process with the highest emissions of dioxins and furans to the environment in Australia, which are amongst the most toxic substances produced by man. The aim of this project is to conduct critical investigations required for control of dioxin emissions during iron ore sintering. The expected outcome of this project is the development of control mechanisms for the process conditions responsible for dioxin formation. This should provide significant benefits, such as assisting the Australian iron ore industry to address the environmental requirements of their international trade partners and sustain their iron ore exports.Read moreRead less
Improving the processing of low quality iron ores by the modification of particle interactions. This project is aimed at modifying particle interactions to selectively stabilise or destabilise minerals during grinding and subsequent separation of low quality iron ores. The project will lead to improving grinding energy efficiency, increasing iron mineral production and reducing the impact of iron ore tailings on health and environment.