Sustainable copper metallurgy and recycling – saving energy and resources. This project aims to develop new, powerful and sophisticated, computer-based models that can reliably predict the results of chemical reactions in complex, high temperature metal production processes. This project expects to use these models, initially applied to copper smelting systems, to enable the improved recycling of other valuable metals. These models should be able to be applied to a wide range of technologies use ....Sustainable copper metallurgy and recycling – saving energy and resources. This project aims to develop new, powerful and sophisticated, computer-based models that can reliably predict the results of chemical reactions in complex, high temperature metal production processes. This project expects to use these models, initially applied to copper smelting systems, to enable the improved recycling of other valuable metals. These models should be able to be applied to a wide range of technologies used in the metallurgical industry as most of the world’s metals are produced by these pyrometallurgical processes. This should provide significant benefits such as substantial improvements in productivity and process efficiencies, whilst at the same time delivering energy savings and improved use of valuable metal resources.Read moreRead less
Thermodynamic basis for ironmaking and slag recycling in circular economy. This project aims to develop new, powerful state-of-the-art computer-based tools to predict the outcomes of complex chemical reactions, high-temperature ironmaking and slag recycling processes. Globally, over 1 billion tonnes of iron are produced each year consuming 30 billion billion (Quintillion) Joules energy! and creating over 300 million tonnes of molten oxides (slags). Our industry partners need new advanced thermod ....Thermodynamic basis for ironmaking and slag recycling in circular economy. This project aims to develop new, powerful state-of-the-art computer-based tools to predict the outcomes of complex chemical reactions, high-temperature ironmaking and slag recycling processes. Globally, over 1 billion tonnes of iron are produced each year consuming 30 billion billion (Quintillion) Joules energy! and creating over 300 million tonnes of molten oxides (slags). Our industry partners need new advanced thermodynamic databases and computer models with which to optimise their major industrial processes and develop new technologies. By delivering these tools, this project expects to benefit both industry and the community through improved process efficiencies, and reductions in energy usage, pollutants, and environmental impacts.
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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.
Improvements in Australia’s iron ore resource utilisation . This project aims to support improved extraction and utilisation of Australia’s iron ore resources through providing new technical information on the behaviour of the ores during iron ore sintering. The project will measure the rates of chemical reactions taking place between the minerals and high temperature melts encountered in iron ore sintering. These reactions are critical in determining the microstructures formed and the resulting ....Improvements in Australia’s iron ore resource utilisation . This project aims to support improved extraction and utilisation of Australia’s iron ore resources through providing new technical information on the behaviour of the ores during iron ore sintering. The project will measure the rates of chemical reactions taking place between the minerals and high temperature melts encountered in iron ore sintering. These reactions are critical in determining the microstructures formed and the resulting physical properties of the iron ore sinter. Understanding the effect of these properties on subsequent iron -making process efficiency will support companies to efficiently use, market, and sell different iron ores.Read moreRead less
Phosphorous and iron recovery from steelmaking slag for effective recycling. This project aims to understand the principles that control phosphorus (P) partitioning in steel plant slags and to optimise the treatment process to produce P- and Fe-rich streams for recycling. Changing ore grades in Australia, especially increasing P content, are placing a substantial proportion of these ore products at a competitive disadvantage. The project will use an integrated approach to demonstrate, experiment ....Phosphorous and iron recovery from steelmaking slag for effective recycling. This project aims to understand the principles that control phosphorus (P) partitioning in steel plant slags and to optimise the treatment process to produce P- and Fe-rich streams for recycling. Changing ore grades in Australia, especially increasing P content, are placing a substantial proportion of these ore products at a competitive disadvantage. The project will use an integrated approach to demonstrate, experimentally and theoretically, how key properties of slags can be manipulated to enhance partitioning and couple this analysis with fluid dynamics to model the kinetics of the separation process. The expected outcomes of this research are to: first, provide possible solutions to address the increasing P content in Australian iron ores, which could place future ore products at a competitive disadvantage within the global iron ore market; and second, to identify treatment methods and practices which would promote higher recycling rates of steelmaking slag, significantly reducing the volume of material stockpiled or sent to landfill.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
Future copper metallurgy for the age of e-mobility and the circular economy. Copper, nickel, cobalt, chromium and tin metals are essential for the manufacture of new battery materials, electrical and electronic devices and technologies that will enable the global transition to sustainable energy systems. There are major technical challenges associated with the industrial scale high temperature production, separation and recycling of these metals. The aim of the present study is develop advanced ....Future copper metallurgy for the age of e-mobility and the circular economy. Copper, nickel, cobalt, chromium and tin metals are essential for the manufacture of new battery materials, electrical and electronic devices and technologies that will enable the global transition to sustainable energy systems. There are major technical challenges associated with the industrial scale high temperature production, separation and recycling of these metals. The aim of the present study is develop advanced chemical thermodynamic databases and models that can be used to predict the outcomes of these complex chemical reactions, and in doing so provide the industry with the vital fundamental scientific information and tools needed to be able to design and improve new, more efficient metal production and recycling technologies. Read moreRead less
Industrial Transformation Research Hubs - Grant ID: IH130100017
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$5,000,000.00
Summary
ARC Research Hub for Australian Steel Manufacturing. ARC Research Hub for Australian Steel Manufacturing. The aim of this Research Hub is to develop breakthrough process and product innovations to enable the Australian steel industry to improve its global competitiveness. Based on an integrated, value chain-wide approach to innovation in the steel sector the Research Hub includes projects on innovation strategy and management, customer-focused product development, innovation in coating and surfa ....ARC Research Hub for Australian Steel Manufacturing. ARC Research Hub for Australian Steel Manufacturing. The aim of this Research Hub is to develop breakthrough process and product innovations to enable the Australian steel industry to improve its global competitiveness. Based on an integrated, value chain-wide approach to innovation in the steel sector the Research Hub includes projects on innovation strategy and management, customer-focused product development, innovation in coating and surface engineering technology, and economic and environmental sustainability of iron and steelmaking.Read moreRead less