Chemical Engineering Research

 

Particle Technology and Interface Science

The research activities in Particle Technology and Interface Science are concerned with the fundamental understanding and subsequent exploitation of physical systems composed of bubbles, particles, droplets and foams. The key areas of interest include bubble hydrodynamics, flotation, mass transfer to bubbles and droplets, interface science, and thin film drainage and stability of flowing foams. Applied research focuses on mineral processing, industrial emulsions, nanotechnology and advanced ceramics.

Energy Technology

  1. conducting basic fundamental and applied research on thermal conversion of solid fuels (coal, biomass, RDF, etc) for energy generation
  2. demonstrating the applications of its work
  3. investigating the environmental impact of energy-related activities.

ERG collaborates in these endeavors with the CRC for Coal in Sustainable Development; The Australian Research Council (through various funding schemes); state, and local governments; private industry; public utilities; community groups; and universities and research institutes throughout the world, especially in Europe and North America. The ERG has an exceptional record of achievement in studying various aspects of coal utilisation, developing technologies to use biomass for energy, charcoal, and high-value chemicals.

Process Safety and Environment Protection

The key research activities of group are concerned with the fundamental understanding of flame ignition, fire development, its spread and extinction. The research activities of the group also include the application and exploitation of this fundamental knowledge toward fire prevention and fire control. The main areas of study are:

  • Kinetics of chemical reactions in combustion systems: reaction mechanisms and rates, formation of toxic by-products in fires; smoke generation; removal of combustion-propagating radicals from flames, chain initiation and break-up; flame ignition.
  • Extinction of flames and mitigation of fires: interactionbetween fires and water mist; behaviour of foams, gels and powders in fires; gaseous suppressants, their global-warming and ozone-depletion properties; flame quenching; flammability limits; burning velocities and combustion waves.
  • Mass and heat transfer in fires; emission of thermal radiation and its mitigation; thermodynamic and transportproperties of flame radicals; heat release and cone calorimetry; thermal decomposition and stability of materials.
  • Fluid mechanics in fires; mixing and buoyancy; turbulence; fire spread; movement of smoke and toxic chemicals; large scale natural and industrial fires; pre and post-flashover fires.
A number of projects are in progress which are aimed at addressing important problems connected with the environment. The emphasis is on projects where chemical engineering skills are being applied to the solution of environmental problems, whether they be concerned with biological processing, control of gaseous emissions, treatment of industrial wastewaters, soil remediation, and fire studies.

Other Research Areas

  • Mathematical Modelling Of Oestrogen Effects On Nervous Parasympathetic Control Of The Coronary Circulation
  • Mathematical Modelling Of Oestrogen Effects On Vagal Control Of The Coronary Circulation
  • Application of Micro Particle Image Velocimetry (Micro-PIV)to Study Thrombus Formation in the Back Gap Region of Centrifugal Blood Pumps
  • Fluid Dynamic Characteristics Of An Artificial Lung Device