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.
The use of Australian magnetite ore in advanced ironmaking. The project will study reduction behaviour of Australian magnetite ore in advanced ironmaking with low emission of greenhouse and hazardous substances. Efficient utilisation of magnetite ore which economic demonstrated resources constitute 9.5 gigatonnes will be of high importance to Australian industry and prosperity.
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.
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
Modelling of particle-fluid reactive flows coupled with phase changes. This project aims to develop an integrated mathematical model for reliably describing multiphase reactive flow coupled with phase change. Particle-fluid reactive flows with phase changes are widely encountered in many energy-intensive industries, yet process design and optimization are hindered by the lack of understanding of complex phenomena governing particularly multiphase flow, phase change and their interactions. The m ....Modelling of particle-fluid reactive flows coupled with phase changes. This project aims to develop an integrated mathematical model for reliably describing multiphase reactive flow coupled with phase change. Particle-fluid reactive flows with phase changes are widely encountered in many energy-intensive industries, yet process design and optimization are hindered by the lack of understanding of complex phenomena governing particularly multiphase flow, phase change and their interactions. The model will be achieved by means of combining advanced particle-scale numerical techniques with pre-database-based thermodynamic model, supported by physical experiments. The outcomes will be applied across a range of industries of vital importance to Australian economic and technological future. It will help transform Australian pyrometallurgy and chemical industries, open new markets for a range of Australian minerals like low-grade coal and iron/copper ore, and ultimately enhance competitiveness of Australian economy.Read moreRead less
The use of non-traditional materials in production of manganese alloys with economic and environmental benefits. The use of ironstone and siliceous manganese ore in production of silicomanganese will have technological, economic and environmental benefit through improved technology and the use of local materials. It will also stimulate the development of the Tasmanian mineral industry, infrastructure and improvement of employment.
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.
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