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Unveiling the Fluid Dynamics of Fine and Coarse Particles in the Reflux Flotation Cell

This project is closed.

Project summary

Program
PhD
Location
St Lucia
Research area
Engineering

Project description

The ARC Centre of Excellence for Enabling Eco-Efficient Beneficiation of Minerals is a prestigious collaboration of nine leading Australian universities and industry partners, focusing on sustainable solutions for resource processing. The Reflux Flotation Cell (RFC) is a key innovation addressing the challenges of fine and coarse particle flotation. We offer a PhD opportunity to contribute to this cutting-edge research.

This PhD project will explore the fluid dynamics of fine and coarse particles within the RFC. Through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, the internal hydrodynamics will be modeled, focusing on essential interactions such as bubble-particle collisions, drag forces, and turbulence dissipation. To complement the simulations, Focused Beam Reflectance Measurement (FBRM) and high-speed imaging techniques will be used to precisely characterise the motion of bubbles and particles. This combined approach will yield valuable insights into the mechanisms that drive flotation performance and contribute to the development of strategies to optimise recovery.

Research environment

The University of Queensland (UQ) is a leading research and teaching institution, consistently ranked among the world’s top 50 universities. The School of Chemical Engineering at UQ is renowned for its excellence in research, education, and industry collaboration, playing a pivotal role in advancing the process industries. In the 2024 QS World University Rankings by Subject, UQ Chemical Engineering was ranked #1 in Australia.

The School is located in the cutting-edge Andrew N. Liveris Building, which houses advanced experimental laboratories that seamlessly integrate hands-on learning with high-quality lectures and research applications. This dynamic environment fosters collaboration and innovation among students and researchers alike.

This project is part of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Enabling Eco-Efficient Beneficiation of Minerals. This opportunity will allow you to collaborate with world-leading researchers and global industry partners. The Centre also offers a dynamic postgraduate environment to support your research and professional growth.

Scholarship

This project is supported by the Research project scholarship.

This scholarship includes:

  • living stipend of $36,400 per annum tax free (2025 rate), indexed annually
  • tuition fees covered.

This scholarship includes:

  • living stipend of $36,400 per annum tax free (2025 rate), indexed annually
  • tuition fees covered.

Learn more about the Research project scholarship.

Supervisor

You must contact the principal supervisor for this project to discuss your interest. You should only complete the online application after you have reached agreement on supervision.

Always make sure you are approaching your potential supervisor in a professional way. We have provided some guidelines for you on how to contact a supervisor.

Preferred educational background

Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.

We take into account your:

  • previous academic record
  • publication record
  • honours and awards
  • employment history

A working knowledge of particle separation would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the field/s of chemical engineering or resource engineering or a relevant field and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of resource processing and fluid dynamics is highly desirable.

How to apply

Before you apply

Before submitting an application you should:

  1. check your eligibility for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
  2. prepare your documentation
  3. contact Professor Yongjun Peng (yongjun.peng@uq.edu.au) to discuss your interest and suitability
  4. submit your application by 3 April, 2025 3 April, 2025.

When you apply

You apply for this scholarship when you submit an application for your program. You don’t need to submit a separate scholarship application.

In your application ensure that under the ‘Scholarships and collaborative study’ section you select:

  • ‘My higher degree is not collaborative’
  • ‘I am applying for, or have been awarded a scholarship or sponsorship'
  • ‘Other’, then ‘Research Project Scholarship’ and in the ‘Name of scholarship’ field enter FLOTATION-PENG.

Apply now

Do you have questions?

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Contact us