Project title: Impact of leaching conditions on aluminium ... · Project title: Membrane Distillation Project duration: 10 weeks 28 Nov – 10 Feb Description: Membrane distillation

Project title: Impact of leaching conditions on aluminium and sodium recovery in the combined Bayer-sinter process

Project duration: 10 weeks

Description: Successful applicant will assist in the study of the combined Bayer-sinter process by testing a variety of leaching conditions on a standard sinter product to determine the optimal conditions. Variables to be tested include, lixiviant type/dosage, temperature and time. This will be tested at the laboratory scale working closely with the supervisor to produce data which will feed into a larger study.

Expected outcomes and deliverables:

The student can expect to gain hands on laboratory skills as well as data management and analysis. The student will be expected to prepare a report as well as a presentation at the end of the 10 weeks.

Suitable for: Project will suit a second/third year chemical engineering student particularly those with metallurgy dual major. Applicants will ideally be meticulous and motivated.

Primary supervisor:

Dr James Vaughan and Harrison Hodge

Further info: For further information please contact Harrison Hodge by email at [email protected]

Project title: Bayer desilication product heterogeneous seeding study


Description: This test work fits into a broader scope of work focusing on separating Bayer process desilication product (DSP) from other Bayer residue minerals in order to recover and recycle alumina and caustic present in DSP. Currently DSP is sent to residue storage (tailings) and caustic losses from DSP can be significant (>20% of production cost) for plants treating bauxite ores with high reactive silica (> 8% wt). One important factor in attempting to separate the DSP from other minerals is understanding how the DSP interacts with (intermingles with) other minerals present in the Bayer process (for example hematite, goethite, gibbsite, anatase and quartz, other DSP). Reactive silica minerals (mainly in the form of kaolin) dissolve and the Si released then re-precipitates in the form of DSP. This project aims to determine if the silica in solution attaches and grows (is heterogeneously seeded) preferentially on any one of these minerals, by monitoring desilication rate (Si in solution) over time and studying the solids produced. If the desilication product is seeded onto other DSP in preference of other mineral species, intermingling with other minerals can be potentially reduced by introducing DSP seed early in the circuit. If not, additives such as surfactants can be used to change its seeding behaviour and reduce intermingling with other minerals.

mailto:[email protected]


- Test work planning to achieve the outlined aim

- Batch reactor crystallisation test work experience

- Liquor and solids analysis data collection, analysis and

interpretation

- Technical writing skills (report on findings)

- Oral presentation skills (presentation at conclusion of project)

- Contribute to a publication on competitive DSP seeding

Suitable for: Students in chemical or chemical and metallurgical engineering with a sound background in chemistry in 2nd 3rd or 4th year who are willing to:

- Complete an experimental study in the hydrometallurgy labs

- Follow safety protocols working with hazardous caustic liquors

Primary Supervisor:

Dr James Vaughan and Dilini Seneviratne

Further info: For further information please contact Dilini Seneviratne by email at [email protected]

Project title: Lubrication of chocolate in relation to oral processing and texture

perception


Description: Texture plays a key role in determining consumer appreciation for

chocolate, and is related to the physical changes that occur to its structure

during chewing. Chewing transforms chocolate from an oil-continuous

composite solid to a multiphase water-continuous fluid emulsion that can

be easily swallowed. Consequently, the rheological and tribological

properties of chocolate change after it is chewed or diluted with an aqueous

buffer.

Previous work on the lubrication of chocolate-buffer mixtures has suggested

that at lower speeds, the multiphase emulsion separates and a single phase

is entrained into the contact zone between the tribopair surfaces. This

project aims to identify which phase dominates lubrication when this

occurs, and if the dominating phase changes with speed or the type of

chocolate tested (i.e. white, milk and dark chocolate). This will involve

testing the tribology and rheology of molten chocolate, chocolate diluted

with phosphate buffered saline and isolated components of centrifuged

chocolate.

The project will be conducted within the ‘Rheology, Tribology and

Biointerfaces’ laboratory led by Prof. Jason Stokes, and is aligned to an

industrial project with a major UK chocolate company.

Expected outcomes

and deliverables:

Students will gain practical research skills in planning and conducting

experiments, collecting and analysing data, and interpreting the results.

The work conducted by the student may also have the opportunity to be


published. Students will be asked to deliver a report and/or oral

presentation at the end of their project.

Suitable for: Students with a background in chemical engineering, interest in rheology

and biolubrication, and good attention to detail.

Students who are engaged by industrially relevant real world applications

of fundamental science and engineering.

Primary Supervisor:

Dr Sophia Rodrigues

Further info: Contact: [email protected]

Alternative: [email protected]

Project title: Process Design and Technoeconomics for the production of composite

fillers from native grasses


28 Nov – 10 Feb

Description: The project will entail the preliminary process engineering design for the

production of a nanofiller for composite materials (like polymers) using a

native grass feedstock.

Expected outcomes

and deliverables:

Students will gain skills in process design, economic analysis and

experience with report writing and there may be opportunity to publish

this work, however several of the materials are under IP restrictions.

A final report and presentation to the Dow Centre and the Martin Group in

AIBN

Suitable for: Suitable for a chemical engineering 3rd or 4th year student. Process design,

process flowsheeting and economic analysis preferred.

Primary Supervisor:

Dr Simon Smart

Prof Darren Martin

Further info: Please contact ([email protected]) for more information

Project title: Rheology, Tribology and Biointerfaces Research


Description: The project will utilise capabilities in development within the areas of

rheology, tribology and Biointerfaces that are currently being applied to

diverse areas such as food oral processing and sensory science, food

structure design and engineering, plant cell wall micromechanics, and

high pressure high temperature (HPHT) fluids for enhanced geothermal




systems. A key aspect is understanding the response to multi-scale

deformation (from rheology to tribology) of soft matter systems and

multiphase fluids. The research is of a fundamental nature yet

industrially relevant.

Expected outcomes

and deliverables:




published. Students will be asked to deliver a report or oral presentation at

the end of their project.

Suitable for: Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Physics students

Primary Supervisor:

Professor Jason Stokes

Further info: Contact: [email protected]

Project title: Membrane Distillation

Project duration: 10 weeks 28 Nov – 10 Feb

Description: Membrane distillation technology separates water from seawater (or other salt containing liquids) through evaporation. This process is driven by heat and can be more energy efficient that reverse osmosis desalination in locations where waste heat can be sourced. An initial review of literature has shown that inefficient research is being conducted for MD in desalination applications. This project will extend the initial review and will identify high performing MD research through statistical analysis and recommend future research foci based on these findings.


Students will gain skills in data collection, literature searching, statistical analysis and will have the opportunity to generate a journal publication from the work. The final deliverables will be a report and presentation outlining the findings as well as figures, tables and text that will be used in the final journal submission.

Suitable for: This project is open to chemical engineering or mechanical engineering students in 3rd or 4th year.

Primary Supervisor:

Dr Ben Ballinger Dr Simon Smart

Further info: Please contact Dr Ben Ballinger ([email protected]) for more information.



Project title: The True Cost of Utility Scale Solar PV


Description: The cost of solar PV is almost uniformly predicted to continue decreasing as more panels are manufactured and deployed. However, the levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) is a function of more than just the PV panel price and includes additional installation costs like inverters, grid connection infrastructure, site civil works and sometimes energy storage. Likewise, location factors like productivity factors, solar insolation, capacity factor and availability will also influence costs, often driving them higher particularly as the best solar resources are developed first, increasing the cost of later developments. This project will examine how these extra factors influence the LCOE of utility scale solar PV and how much we can reasonably expect learning curves in these areas to lower costs.


Students will gain skills in data collection, economic analysis, technology learning curves and project development. There will be an opportunity to generate a journal publication from this work. The expected deliverables are a report and presentation to the Dow Centre at the completion of the project.

Suitable for: This project is open to any 4th year engineering students. Experience with economic analysis and power generation preferred.

Primary Supervisor:

Mr Brett Parkinson / Dr Ben Ballinger

Further info: For further information please contact ([email protected]) or ([email protected]) in the Dow Centre for Sustainable Engineering Innovation

Project title: Rapid Thermal Processing of Inorganic Membranes


Description: Recent work in our group using rapid thermal processing (RTP) has dramatically changed the way we make our organosilica membrane distillation membranes. What previously took 7 days to make, now takes hours; however, the process is still not optimised nor does it produce highly repeatable membranes. This project will develop an optimised and highly reproducible production process using RTP and the membrane performance will be benchmarked for desalination via membrane distillation.


Students will gain experimental, data collection and analysis skill, experience with report writing and there will be an opportunity to publish this work. A final report and presentation to the membrane group

Suitable for: Suitable for a chemical engineering 3rd or 4th year student. Experimental experience preferable.



Primary Supervisor:

Dr Simon Smart Dr Rongzhi Chen

Further info: Please contact ([email protected]) for more information

Project title: Investigating the Socio-Technical Imaginaries of Energy Technologies

Project duration: Approximately 10 weeks.

Description: Please insert a project description to give applicants a comprehensive overview of the project. Most technology proponents provide ‘rhetorical visions’ of the contribution their technology will make to society. Research suggests that often these are selective, that is proponents choose what aspects to highlight to support their visions, or leave out (erasures) if it challenges those visions. Sovacool and Ramana (2015) identified 5 such visions for small modular nuclear reactors. This project aims to:

1. Investigate whether such rhetorical visions exist across different energy technologies.

2. Identify the similarities and differences between these visions for different technologies.

3. Examine whether similar or different visions also exist in mainstream media (symbolic convergence)

4. Investigate which stakeholder groups share similar or opposing visions

Undertaking a desktop review of peer reviewed literature and mainstream media of various energy technologies, students will be asked to identify and code the key visions, arguments arising around different energy technologies. From this we will undertake further analyses to investigate the research questions above. All of this will be synthesized into a journal article for publication. Sovacool, B. & M. Ramana (2015) Back to the Future, Small Modular Reactors, Nuclear Fantasies, and Symbolic Convergence. Science, Technology, & Human Values Vol. 40(1) 96-125


Please highlight what applicants can expect to gain/learn from participating in the project, and what they will be expected to complete as a part of the project. Qualitative research skills Data analysis Stakeholder mapping/ Opportunity to publish


Suitable for: Please highlight any particular qualities that individual supervisors are looking for in applicants to assist with the selection process. Social scientists or engineers interested in the socio-technical challenges of energy technology deployment 3rd of 4th year students with advanced research and writing skills Interested in learning social science research methods and analytical techniques

Primary Supervisor:

Please insert supervisor name. Peta Ashworth

Further info: If you would like applicants to contact your unit for further information, please provide the relevant contact details here. [email protected] 0409 929 981

Project title: Micromechanics and rheology of dairy foods and beverages


Description: The project will develop and utilise novel rheological-based techniques to measure the micromechanics of various soft food systems and microgel suspensions. Micromechanics is the analysis of heterogeneous materials on the level of the individual constituents that constitute these materials. This project aims to establish this emerging measurement technique as critical to rational design of dairy foods. The project will be conducted within the ‘Rheology, Tribology and

Biointerfaces’ laboratory led by Prof. Jason Stokes, and is aligned to an

industrial project with a major NZ dairy company.







Suitable for: Students with a background in chemical engineering, interest in rheology,

and good attention to detail.

Students who are engaged by industrially relevant real world applications

of fundamental science and engineering.

Primary Supervisor:

Dr Heather Shewan Professor Jason Stokes

Further info: Contact: [email protected] ; Alternative: [email protected]




Project title: Tribology as a tool to design beverages with low sugar content


Description: Designing beverages with low sugar content is a priority for the beverage industry and would have major health benefits. However, reducing sugar in beverages is challenging because it can lead to unpleasant mouthfeel and unsatisfactory consumer experience. Tribology can be used as a tool to evaluate the lubricating properties of beverages, which could be useful in predicting the sensory outcome. In this project, the student will investigate the effect of different polysaccharide additives on the tribology of low sugar beverages and choose the best candidates to mimic the tribological behaviour of beverages with high sugar content. The project will be conducted within the ‘Rheology, Tribology and Biointerfaces’ laboratory led by Prof. Jason Stokes, and is aligned to an industrial project with PepsiCo, USA.


Expected outcomes: - Gain knowledge in the areas of polysaccharide physico-chemistry,

tribology, rheology - Lab experience, including data collection and operation of complex

equipment (tribometer, rheometer) - Analysis of data - Exposure to a dynamic research environment with regular scientific

seminars and discussions. - Exposure to research relevant to the food industry Deliverables:

- Oral presentation at the start and end of project - Written report at the end of project

Suitable for: - 2nd, 3rd and 4th year Chemical Engineering/Science students with an interest in physical chemistry.

- Students who are engaged by industrially relevant real world applications of fundamental science and engineering.

Primary Supervisor: Dr Clementine Pradal

Further info: Contact: [email protected] Alternative: [email protected]



Project title: Use of micro-CT analysis to quantify the 3D structure of metallurgical coke


Description: We have scanned pieces of coke at the Australian Synchrotron to obtain the 3D structure at a resolution of 10 microns. We are doing this as part of a study into the physical mechanisms occurring as coal is transformed into metallurgical coke. Metallurgical coke is used as a strong permeable support in the Blast Furnace. There is currently no mechanistic model to relate the strength of coke to the properties of the coal. Such a model would be extremely useful for the technical marketers that work for companies exporting metallurgical coal, such as BHP Billiton. The challenge of obtaining a mechanistic model is significant, however, we have a research plan that is composed of many parts which we hope will link up and provide us with an overall picture. 3 parts involve quantifying the structures present in the coke, determining how those structures form using rheometry, and determining how those structures are responsible for the strength of coke using breakage tests. See below. This project will be focused on using computer software ImageJ to characterise the 3D structure of coke, and will therefore be involved in Part 2. The student will work with a research fellow who has established the analytical capability. The student will also work with a PhD student who is focused on the Part 1 studies.


Students on this project will be trained on using ImageJ software and will analyse a range of samples that have already been scanned. The expected outcome will be a set of measures. For example we want to know how connected the internal porosity is and the size of the openings within the connected pores. Through working with other researchers, the student will also gain knowledge on the transformations that coal goes through as it is coked. The deliverable at the duration of the 10 weeks will be a report. Depending on the timing there may also be an opportunity to present to the industry monitors for this research and to our colleagues at The University of Newcastle.

Suitable for: Chemical engineering students.

Primary Supervisor:

Dr Karen Steel

Further info: For more information please contact Karen, [email protected]

1. Rheometry: Characterise viscoelastic properties of coal during coking

2. micro-CT analysis: Characterise 3D structure of coke

3. Breakage tests: Determine which structures cause coke to break


Project title: Development of new electrode materials for rechargeable batteries


Description: Energy storage system plays a significant role in securing our sustainable energy future, while how to develop low cost and high efficient energy storage system remains a key challenge. Rechargeable batteries such as lithium ion batteries and sodium ion batteries are promising energy storage systems to address this challenge. In this program, the applicants are required to work on the design and development of innovative semiconductor nanomaterials as high capacity battery electrode materials, which are expected to improve the capacity and cycling performance of batteries.


The applicants will gain skills in nanomaterial synthesis, battery assembly and testing, data collection and interpretation, and have an opportunity to generate publications from their research. The students will also be asked to deliver an oral presentation at the end of their project.

Suitable for: This project is open to applications from students with a background in chemical engineering and other engineering related disciplines, 2-4 year UQ enrolled students.

Primary Supervisor:

Professor Lianzhou Wang

Further info: For more information please contact Lianzhou [email protected]

Project title: Bioprocessing methane: modelling gas mass transfer to better understand methane uptake as a function of dissolved methane concentration


Description: This project supports a wider research program that is looking at developing a new biochemical process for the production of biochemical and biopolymers directly from a methane feedstock. But a challenge for biotechnologies that utilise dissolved gasses as substrates is transfer of the gas to the liquid phase. In this project we will use Membrane Inlet Mass Spectrometry to track the concentration of dissolved gases and quantify the rate of bioprocesses as a function of dissolved gas concentration. A key aspect of the project will then be modelling gas mass transfer in our bioreactors so to predict performance as a function of operational parameters like temperature, mixing (KLa) and operating pressure.


The project will be conducted within the ‘Environmental processes’ laboratory led by Dr Steven Pratt, and is aligned to an Australian Research Council Discovery Project.


Expected outcomes: - Gain knowledge in the gas mass transfer and bioprocessing - Lab experience, including data collection and operation of complex

equipment (Membrane Inlet Mass Spectrometry) - Analysis of data - Exposure to a dynamic research environment with regular scientific

seminars and discussions. - Exposure to research relevant to environmental biotechnology Deliverables:


Suitable for: - 3rd and 4th year Chemical Engineering students with an interest in bioprocessing and gas mass transfer.


Primary Supervisor: Dr Steven Pratt Dr James Strong


Project title: Biocomposites: high performance biopolymer foams.


Description: This project supports a wider research program that is looking at developing new biomaterials. One of the biggest challenges for the use of novel biomaterials is finding a compelling reason for their use that justifies the typical additional cost of the material. To that end we are exploring a wide range of process modifications to explore broader applications for our biodegradable/bioderived products. One of these is biopolymer foams, which can be used in insulation and packaging applications. Building on technology already trialled in our labs, this project will explore the use of biofibres to support the development of tougher, lower density biopolymer foams. The project will be conducted within the ‘polymer processing’ laboratory led by Dr Bronwyn Laycock.


Expected outcomes: - Gain knowledge in the extrusion of biopolymers


- Lab experience, including data collection and operation of complex equipment (Instron testing, microscopy)

- Analysis of data - Exposure to a dynamic research environment with regular scientific

seminars and discussions. - Exposure to research relevant to polymer manufacture and processing Deliverables:


Suitable for: - 3rd and 4th year Chemical Engineering students with an interest in bioprocessing and gas mass transfer.


Primary Supervisor: Dr Steven Pratt Dr Bronwyn Laycock

Further info: Contact: [email protected] ; [email protected] Alternative: [email protected]

Project title: Alternate Pathways for Ammonia Production


28 Nov – 10 Feb

Description: Ammonia is a compound of nitrogen and hydrogen with the formula NH3; it

is a colourless gas with a pungent smell. It is used extensively in agriculture

as a fertiliser, and serves as a building block in many pharmaceuticals and in

cleaning products, as well as an anti-microbial agent in food processing.

Ammonia production is one of the most energy and greenhouse gas

intensive industrial processes. It accounts for ~1% of the world’s primary

energy use and emits more CO2 than any other chemical production. Most

of the scenarios for taking significant action on climate change call for a

transformation of the chemical industry but few have any real solutions for

how this will be accomplished with ammonia. This project will collect and

evaluate the possible pathways for ammonia production including using

alternate H2 sources, biomass feedstocks, biological processes and

advanced chemical processes.

Expected outcomes

and deliverables:

Students will gain skills in data collection, literature searching, process

design and technoeconomic analysis and will have the opportunity to

generate a journal publication from the work.

The final deliverables will be a report and presentation outlining the

findings as well as figures, tables and text that will be used in the final

journal submission.



Suitable for: This project is open to chemical engineering students in 4th or 5th year.

Process design skills and experience with economic analysis preferred.

Primary

Supervisor(s):

Mojgan Tabatabaei

Brett Parkinson

Dr Simon Smart

Further info: Please contact Mojgan Tabatabaei ([email protected]), Brett

Parkinson ([email protected]) or Simon Smart

([email protected]) for more information.

Project title: UQ R!SK: Treatment of Risk in Boardroom Decision Making

Project duration: Up to 10 weeks

Description: The vision for UQ R!SK is to be a world leader in developing practical and

innovative, human-centred operational risk management approaches that

deliver real improvements in performance and sustainable competitiveness

for hazardous industries.

In large companies the way risk is governed and managed is set by the

senior leadership and discussions and decisions that take place in the

boardroom have significant impact on a company’s performance. The aim

of this project is to understand the way in which various boardrooms deal

with risk based discussions (operational, business, safety, environment and

community risks) and identify areas for further research and study

Expected outcomes

and deliverables:

Literature review of how risk treated at boardroom level of different companies and industries

Results from interviews with company executives and board

members

Identification of gaps in current ongoing research and potential growth areas

Suitable for: This project is open to applications from students with a background in

engineering who have completed their 3rd year

Primary Supervisor:

Mr Christopher Lilburne

Further info: [email protected]





Project title: UQ R!SK: Risk Management Systems in the Food Industry

Project duration: Up to 10 weeks

Description: The vision for UQ R!SK is to be a world leader in developing practical and

innovative, human-centred operational risk management approaches that

deliver real improvements in performance and sustainable competitiveness

for hazardous industries.

The aim of this project is to work with large scale food/beverage companies

in greater Brisbane to understand what strategies for risk management are

being used and where there are opportunities for improvement. The focus

will be on: Failures & Disruptions and Quality Control & Supply Chain Risk.

Expected outcomes

and deliverables:

Summary of companies and risk management processes being used

Review relevant legislation and identity strengths and weaknesses with regards to risk management

Identification of weakness in the industry and potential research and growth areas

Suitable for: This project is open to applications from students with a background in

engineering who have completed their 3rd year

Primary

Supervisor:

Mr Christopher Lilburne

Further info: [email protected]

Project title: Copper sulphide mineral metathesis reactions


Description: Copper concentrates can be upgraded and purified through mineral alteration with contact to aqueous solution containing the copper ion. The student will gain experience in high pressure chemical alteration of sulphide minerals which will include being trained in the use of high temperature hydrothermal reactors and associated solid and solution phase characterisation.


The student can expect to gain hands on laboratory skills as well as data management and analysis. The student will be expected to prepare a report as well as a presentation at the end of the 10 weeks.

Suitable for: Project will suit a second/third year chemical engineering student particularly those with metallurgy dual major. Applicants will ideally be meticulous and motivated and have an interest in hydrometallurgy.

Primary supervisor: Dr James Vaughan

Further info: For further information please contact James Vaughan by email [email protected]



Project title: Investigating the role of calcium in the water holding capacity of plant cell walls using poroelasticity theory


Description: This project will continue our ongoing effort to understand the role of pectin gels as the reservoir of water in the plant cell wall. The plant cell wall is a complex heterogenous structure comprising cellulose fibres, hemicelluloses and pectins. While cellulose and hemicelluloses are believed to control plant cell growth mechanics, it is pectin that dominates its poroelasticity (i.e. the relationship between water movement and deformation). As a matter of fact, it is thought the plant cell can regulate calcium concentration in order to modify osmotic pressure and gel strength, thereby changing the poroelastic properties of the wall "at will". In a recent summer project, we investigated non electrolytic osmotic effects on the water holding capacity of pectin gels using both experiment and finite element modelling, and a publication is in progress in this regard. This project will tackle electrolytic effects. The student will synthezise low and high DM pectin gels and modify calcium concentration to alter osmotic pressure and gel strength. Using rheological measurements and finite element modelling tools, the student will derive a phenomenological understanding on how the cell modyfies its wall poromechanics by simply tuning electrolyte concentration. The project will be conducted within the ‘Rheology, Tribology and Biointerfaces’ laboratory led by Prof. Jason Stokes and aligned to projects within the ARC Centre of Excellence on Plant Cell Walls.


- A finite element model of the poroelasticity of pectin gel in the cell wall. - A thorough report on experimental and modelling methods. - An first draft for publication in a peer reviewed journal.

Suitable for: This project is open to applications from students with a background in food science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics or chemistry in their 2, 3 & 4 year. Interest on combining lab work and computer simulation is a plus.

Primary Supervisor:

Dr. Mauricio Rincon Bonilla




Project title: Rheology of polymers in ionic liquids


Description: Ionic liquids are emerging as an exciting new technology with many

emerging applications and market spaces, including as solvents for

separations, lubricants, cellulose processing, and sustainable energy

generation and storage. This project aims to characterise the rheology of

polysaccharide polymers in ionic liquid solvents, where we seek to uncover

the mechanisms for their enhanced elasticity in comparison to their

behaviour in aqueous fluids.

The project will be conducted within the ‘Rheology, Tribology and Biointerfaces’ laboratory led by Prof. Jason Stokes and aligned to projects within the ARC Centre of Excellence on Plant Cell Walls







Suitable for: Students with a background in chemical engineering, interest in rheology,

and good attention to detail.

Primary Supervisor:

Dr Gleb Yakubov

Further info: Contact: [email protected] ; Alternative: [email protected]



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Project title: Impact of leaching conditions on aluminium ... · Project title: Membrane Distillation Project duration: 10 weeks 28 Nov – 10 Feb Description: Membrane distillation