This is a successful project awarded under Round 3 Global Innovation Linkages program which provides funding to help Australian businesses and researchers collaborate with global partners. The project addresses persistent froth which normally occurs in minerals and energy resources processing and presents both operational challenges and safety risks.
The two PhD students will conduct fundamental research to guide the two postdoctoral research fellows who will apply the new patented de-aeration technologies to break persistent froth. One PhD student will study the rheology of coal, mineral and bitumen froths subjected to physical forces and pressure changes. The second PhD student will study how chemicals modify the interfacial properties of coal, mineral and bitumen froths. The two PhD students will work within a large project team consisting of professors, research fellows and industry experts from three countries. The two PhD students may participate in the trainings and field trials in three countries.
A working knowledge of minerals or energy resources processing would be of benefit to someone working on this project.