A new methodology for the measurement of transition metals ions in complex, high temperature oxide systems relevant to non-ferrous metal production. Complex multi-component molten oxide phases, known commonly as slags, are used in the high temperature production and refining of metals. The slag systems of commercial interest contain transition metals species, such as, Fe2+, Fe3+. Each of these species behaves as if it were a separate chemical component. Researchers at the University of Queensla ....A new methodology for the measurement of transition metals ions in complex, high temperature oxide systems relevant to non-ferrous metal production. Complex multi-component molten oxide phases, known commonly as slags, are used in the high temperature production and refining of metals. The slag systems of commercial interest contain transition metals species, such as, Fe2+, Fe3+. Each of these species behaves as if it were a separate chemical component. Researchers at the University of Queensland have developed a new methodolgy, which enables the concentrations of these transition metal ions to be measured.
These types of measurements cannot be made with any of the techniques currently in use. The study will provide data on high temperature slags in a number of industrially and scientifically important systems. This approach will be applicable to a wide range of chemical systems in the fields of extractive metallurgy, materials science and geology; systems which could not previously be characterised.Read moreRead less
Step Change Technologies in Ironmaking - Slag Compositions for Use in the New Low Energy Blast Furnace Practice. The world's current iron and steelmaking production capacity is over 200 million tonnes annually; this is set to rapidly rise with the increasing production in China and in India. Australia is a major exporter and supplier of iron ores and coal and coke to the South East Asian region. It is in Australia's National interest to encourage improvements in these technologies not only to in ....Step Change Technologies in Ironmaking - Slag Compositions for Use in the New Low Energy Blast Furnace Practice. The world's current iron and steelmaking production capacity is over 200 million tonnes annually; this is set to rapidly rise with the increasing production in China and in India. Australia is a major exporter and supplier of iron ores and coal and coke to the South East Asian region. It is in Australia's National interest to encourage improvements in these technologies not only to increase export income but also to contribute to improved environmental performance. The proposed project will assist in the development of a modified iron blast furnace, and in so doing substantially reduce the energy consumption and CO2 emissions from the process.Read moreRead less
Development of an efficient oxygen-thiosulfate process for the recovery of gold from ores. Gold is currently recovered from the ore by a cyanide leaching process. This high risk procedure is used because there is currently no safe alternative. The research we propose to undertake will investigate a novel thiosulfate-oxygen process to dissolve gold. Successful completion of the project will identify the mechanism of the process and could lead to the replacement of the highly toxic cyanide with th ....Development of an efficient oxygen-thiosulfate process for the recovery of gold from ores. Gold is currently recovered from the ore by a cyanide leaching process. This high risk procedure is used because there is currently no safe alternative. The research we propose to undertake will investigate a novel thiosulfate-oxygen process to dissolve gold. Successful completion of the project will identify the mechanism of the process and could lead to the replacement of the highly toxic cyanide with the non toxic thiosulfate. Thus the proposed project has the potential to substantially alter the gold recovery process, particularly in an era where environmental and public concerns exist over the use of cyanide.Read moreRead less
The Physicochemical Properties of Complex Silicate Melts - Application of a New Quasichemical Model to Surface Tension Prediction. Most chemical reactions occur at surfaces or interfaces. The contact area and ease in which fluids spread or cover surfaces depends critically on the surface tension or surface energy of the fluid.
In the processing of metals and advanced ceramic materials the behaviour of molten oxides can greatly influence the rates of reactions, the quality of the interfaces bet ....The Physicochemical Properties of Complex Silicate Melts - Application of a New Quasichemical Model to Surface Tension Prediction. Most chemical reactions occur at surfaces or interfaces. The contact area and ease in which fluids spread or cover surfaces depends critically on the surface tension or surface energy of the fluid.
In the processing of metals and advanced ceramic materials the behaviour of molten oxides can greatly influence the rates of reactions, the quality of the interfaces between phases and therefore mechanical and other key properties of advanced materials produced.
This project provides a means of predicting the surface tensions of molten oxides, making it possible to design, control and improve metal and material manufacturing processes.Read moreRead less
ECOLOGICALLY SAFE RECYCLING OF ELECTRONIC SCRAP - CHEMICAL THERMODYNAMICS OF NOVEL HIGH TEMPERATURE PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY. As a developed industrialized society we are faced with increasing problems associated with the obsolete electronic materials. These materials are classed as hazardous wastes because they contain heavy metals and other elements that must be removed or made chemically inert before they can be disposed of safely. Electronic components however also represent a source of valuabl ....ECOLOGICALLY SAFE RECYCLING OF ELECTRONIC SCRAP - CHEMICAL THERMODYNAMICS OF NOVEL HIGH TEMPERATURE PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY. As a developed industrialized society we are faced with increasing problems associated with the obsolete electronic materials. These materials are classed as hazardous wastes because they contain heavy metals and other elements that must be removed or made chemically inert before they can be disposed of safely. Electronic components however also represent a source of valuable elements that can be recovered and reused. The project will assist in finding safe, cost-efficient ways in which we can process these materials and, at the same time, recover the valuable metals contained within them. The project will thus contribute to the sustainable use of our raw materials and a cleaner environment.Read moreRead less