DKZ Project list 2013 - UWA … · Supervisor(s): Professor Dongke Zhang ([email protected]) Dr Wenxu Zhou Project Abstract: Red mud refers the waste of aluminium industry

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List of Final Year Projects for Semester 2, 2013

Dongke Zhang

Project Ref No.: DKZ 1 Project Level: Group Individual (1 student)

Project Title: Effect of Flue Gas Compression on the Behaviour of NOx,

SOx and Mercury Supervisor(s): Professor Dongke Zhang ([email protected])

Ms Yii Leng Chan Dr Mingming Zhu Mr Zhezi Zhang

Project Abstract: Oxy-fuel combustion is one of three major CO2 capture technologies that can be readily applied to the existing coal and gas fired power plants. However, the effect of pressure on the combustion generated pollutants, such as NOx, SOx and mercury is largely unknown. Critical scientific and technical questions relating to the thermodynamic equilibrium of NO-NO2, SO2-SO3 as well as the oxidation state of mercury need to be answered in order to determine if gas cleaning is required before or after the compression, which has enormous cost implications in the way CO2 is arrested. Tasks: Requirements: References: Assigned Student(s):

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Project Title: Use red mud to remove hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and carbon

dioxide (CO2) Supervisor(s): Professor Dongke Zhang ([email protected])

Dr Wenxu Zhou Project Abstract: Red mud refers the waste of aluminium industry. It is the insoluble product generated from the Bayer process for extraction of alumina from bauxite. Generally, the major components of are metal oxides, with Fe2O3 greater than 30%, and red mud is highly alkaline resulted from the residual sodium hydroxide used for bauxite digestion. Red mud posted a huge threat for environment, it has to be neutralized before it can be discharged. Biogas is mixture of gas from anaerobic digestion of organic wastes, such as animal manure, sludge from waste water treatment plants. Biogas usually contains up to 60% of methane and 40% of CO2, in addition, H2S is also present and has to be removed because it is toxic to human. Normally, biogas is low quality gas: the high CO2 content not allow it to be injected into the natural gas pipeline. In this project, we will test the possibility to use red mud to remove H2S and CO2 to purify the biogas and at the same time to neutralize the red mud for discharging. The basic chemistry for the project is following: 3H2S + Fe2O3->FeS3+3H2O: allow red med to remove toxic gas. CO2 + 2NaOH ->Na2CO3 + H2O: allow biogas to neutralize red mud. The project will use both artificial biogas with fixed concentration of H2S and CO2, as well as biogas produce locally react with red mud from different industrial sits for proof concept and condition optimization. Tasks: Requirements: References: Assigned Student(s):

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Project Title: Biochar interaction with red mud leachate Supervisor(s): Professor Dongke Zhang ([email protected])

Dr Wenxu Zhou Project Abstract: Red mud leachate is very dangerous for both surrounding soil and underground water, because of the high alkaline and high metal concentration of the leachate. Innovative method for treat the leachate is urgent for both neutralization, and metal ion removal. Biochar is an inherent product from biomass pyrolysis. It is carbon rich porous material, and can be either acidic or alkaline by varying the pyrolysis conditions. In this project, the biochars interact with red mud leachate will be thoroughly investigated. Biochar will be added to the red mud leachate or added as component during the leaching process in either mixture bed or sandwich bed. The metal ion and pH of the leachate will be monitored at different experimental sittings. Tasks: Requirements: References: Assigned Student(s):

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Project Title: Emission characteristics of biodiesel/diesel/catalyst

combustion in diesel engines Supervisor(s): Professor Dongke Zhang ([email protected])

Ms Yu Ma Project Abstract: As a biodegradable, oxygenated, aromatic and sulphur-free alternative fuel, biodiesel has been extensively studied for its direct application in diesel engines. The project aims to evaluate the emission characteristics of biodiesel combustion in diesel engines. Another aspect of the proposed study is to investigate the effect of a ferrous picrate based homogeneous combustion catalyst on the pollutant emissions from biodiesel combustion in diesel engines. The experiments will be carried out under a set of variables, including engine speed and load, biodiesel/diesel blending ratio and catalyst dosing ratio. The outcomes of this study will provide a scientific database for the development and deployment of the alternative biodiesel fuel and a new catalytic technology. Tasks: Requirements: References: Assigned Student(s):

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Project Title: Thermal behaviour and kinetics of soot particles from

biodiesel/diesel/catalyst combustion in diesel engines Supervisor(s): Professor Dongke Zhang ([email protected])

Ms Yu Ma Project Abstract: Soot is a key component of the atmospheric aerosols, with fossil fuel and biomass combustion being the major sources. As a promising alternative fuel, biodiesel is widely studied for its direct application in diesel engines. However, the thermal behaviour and kinetics of the soot particles emitted from biodiesel combustion are rarely evaluated in the literature and thus are the interests of the proposed research. Another aspect of the proposed study is to investigate the effect of a ferrous picrate based homogeneous combustion catalyst on the thermal properties of soot from biodiesel combustion in diesel engines. The experiments will be carried out on a laboratory diesel engine as a function of engine speed and load, biodiesel/diesel blending ratio and catalyst dosing ratio. Under each condition, soot samples will be collected and subsequently analysed by the thermogravimetric analyser (TGA) for studying their thermal properties and kinetic parameters during the process Tasks: Requirements: References: Assigned Student(s):

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Project Title: Morphology and size distribution of biodiesel/diesel/catalyst

combustion in diesel engines Supervisor(s): Professor Dongke Zhang ([email protected])

Ms Yu Ma Project Abstract: Soot is a key component of the atmospheric aerosols, with fossil fuel and biomass combustion being the major sources. Soot particles from diesel engines are normally composed of branched and irregular aggregates with spherical primary soot as the fundamental units. As a promising alternative fuel, biodiesel is widely studied for its direct application in diesel engines. However, the morphology and size distribution of the soot particles emitted from biodiesel combustion are rarely evaluated in the literature and thus are the interests of the proposed research. Another aspect of the proposed study is to investigate the effect of a ferrous picrate based homogeneous combustion catalyst on the morphological properties of soot from biodiesel combustion in diesel engines. The experiments will be carried out on a laboratory diesel engine as a function of engine speed and load, biodiesel/diesel blending ratio and catalyst dosing ratio. Under each condition, soot samples will be collected using a thermophoretic sampling technique and subsequently analysed using SEM and TEM for obtaining their morphological information and particle sizes. Tasks: Requirements: References: Assigned Student(s):

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Project Title: The reliability of Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) for

biomass proximate analysis Supervisor(s): Professor Dongke Zhang ([email protected])

Dr Wati Yani Project Abstract: The utilisation of biomass as a renewable energy source increases with increase in the fossil fuel price and global concerns to use carbon-neutral fuel. Proximate analysis of biomass, namely moisture, volatile matter, ash and fixed carbon, is a fingerprint of fuel characteristic of biomass. However, up till now there is no exact standard to perform biomass proximate analysis. TGA can be used to obtain the proximate analysis data with quit easy, quick and using fewer samples, although the common method of proximate analysis is performed in a muffle furnace. Several experiments following ASTM and NREL standard methods as well as modified methods using muffle furnace and TGA will be developed to characterise the contents of moisture, volatile matter, ash and fixed carbon in woody, grass and leaf biomass. The results of the experimentations will be analysed statistically to know whether TGA is reliable or not for biomass proximate analysis. Tasks: Requirements: References: Assigned Student(s):

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Project Title: Chemical and Fuel Characteristics of Pyrolysis Oil Supervisor(s): Professor Dongke Zhang ([email protected])

Dr Wati Yani Project Abstract: Biomass pyrolysis liquid is a promising source of energy and renewable chemicals for the future. The liquid is a very complex material comprising more than 400 compounds. It is important to get a better understanding of the chemical composition and fuel characterisation of the whole pyrolysis liquid, namely water soluble and non-water soluble pyrolysis liquid. This project will continue last year FYP by Richard Cloud. Tasks: Requirements: References: Assigned Student(s):

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Project Title: Biomass slurry fuel: preparation and characterization Supervisor(s): Professor Dongke Zhang ([email protected])

Dr Wati Yani Project Abstract: Biomass slurry fuel is another source of renewable and carbon-neutral fuel. The fuel can be used as a substitute for diesel fuel. The aim of the project is to study the preparation and characterisation of biomass based slurry fuel. The variables which will be studied are biochar type, particle size, additives, solvents, biomass-solvent-additive ratio. Tasks: Requirements: References: Assigned Student(s):

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Project Title: The impacts of synthesis conditions on ZSM-5 properties Supervisor(s): Professor Dongke Zhang ([email protected])

Mr Zhijian Wan Project Abstract: ZSM-5 is widely used in the petroleum industry as a heterogeneous catalyst for hydrocarbon isomerization reactions. It was first synthesized by Argauer and Landolt in 1972. The crystal growth rate, morphology, crystal sizes associated with adsorption ability and catalytic activity will be varied by subtle changes in the synthesis conditions. This proposal is generated to investigate how various synthesis conditions impact on ZSM-5 properties. Tasks: Requirements: References: Assigned Student(s):

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Project Title: Ion Exchange ability of ZSM-5 Supervisor(s): Professor Dongke Zhang ([email protected])

Mr Zhijian Wan Project Abstract: Whether the ion exchange of ZSM-5 could be accomplished completely depends on various conditions, such as the morphologies of ZSM-5, crystal sizes, pore sizes, the temperature of ion exchange process, time duration, the solution concentration. This proposal is generated to investigate how various ZSM-5 characters and ion exchange conditions impact on the ability of ZSM-5 undergoes ion exchange, the ingoing and outgoing cations will only focus on NH4

+ and Na+, respectively. Tasks: Requirements: References: Assigned Student(s):

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Project Title: Effect of different blending methods on ash fusibility Supervisor(s): Professor Dongke Zhang ([email protected])

Mr Jianbo Li Project Abstract: Ash fusibility is one significant parameter to evaluate ash properties, which could also give implications to ash slagging and fouling propensity. Presently coal blending is widely used in practical power plant. To investigate the effect of coal blending on ash fusibility, different blending methods can be used. We can obtain ash by blending coal samples before we subject them into combustion; we can also obtain ash by blending ash samples after individual combustion. Different ashing methods may influence ash fusibility to some extent. Tasks: Requirements: References: Assigned Student(s):

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Project Title: Ash fusibility of coal and biomass blends Supervisor(s): Professor Dongke Zhang ([email protected])

Mr Jianbo Li Project Abstract: Ash from biomass has low sulphur content, but relatively high alkali and chlorine content. Blending coal with biomass could change ash characteristics, including ash fusibility. Effect of biomass on ash fusibility can be identified through different coal/biomass blending ratios. For different coal/biomass selections, we could find appropriate way to mitigate ash related issues during co-firing biomass with coal. Tasks: Requirements: References: Assigned Student(s):

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Project Title: Effect of different coal ash blending methods on ash sintering

temperatures Supervisor(s): Professor Dongke Zhang ([email protected])

Mr Jianbo Li Project Abstract: Ash fusibility is one significant parameter to evaluate ash properties, which could also give implications to ash slagging and fouling propensity. Presently coal blending is widely used in practical power plant. To investigate the effect of coal blending on ash fusibility, different blending methods can be used. We can obtain ash by blending coal samples before we subject them into combustion; we can also obtain ash by blending ash samples after individual combustion. Different ashing methods may influence ash fusibility to some extent. Different ashing methods could lead to different ash sintering temperatures. Tasks: Requirements: References: Assigned Student(s):

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Project Title: Sintering temperatures of low temperature ashes Supervisor(s): Professor Dongke Zhang ([email protected])

Mr Jianbo Li Project Abstract: Low temperature ashes are different from high temperature ashes. High temperature ashes have already undergone decomposition, and maybe even mineral interactions, while for low temperature ash, minor decomposition and interaction happen. In such a way we can get insight into the ash physical and chemical changes from low to high temperatures. Tasks: Requirements: References: Assigned Student(s):

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Project Title: Effect of additives on the ash fusibility and sintering of

selected coals Supervisor(s): Professor Dongke Zhang ([email protected])

Mr Jianbo Li Project Abstract: Apart from coal blending, additives can be another method to ameliorate ash characteristics. Some additives can improve ash fusibility and sintering, while some of them can aggravate ash problems. For this part, effect of additive types, additive ratios on ash fusibility and sintering can be investigated, to improve ash related problems. Tasks: Requirements: References: Assigned Student(s):

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Project Title: Studies on the ignition and combustion characteristic of

droplets of biodiesel/diesel/catalyst using a flat flame burner Supervisor(s): Professor Dongke Zhang ([email protected])

Dr Mingming Zhu Project Abstract: Biodiesel has been proposed to a promising alternative fuel to conventional fossil fuel because of its environmental benefits. The project aims to study the ignition and combustion characteristics of droplets of biodiesel using a flat flame burner simulating the combustion conditions in diesel engines. The effect of biofuels/diesel ratio, combustion catalysts, gas temperature and composition on the ignition, flame temperature and burning rate will be systematically investigated. Tasks: Requirements: References: Assigned Student(s):

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Project Title: Studies on the ignition and combustion characteristic of

droplets of bioethanol/diesel/catalyst using a flat flame burner

Supervisor(s): Professor Dongke Zhang ([email protected]) Dr Mingming Zhu

Project Abstract: Bioethanol has been proposed to a promising alternative fuel to conventional fossil fuel because of its environmental benefits. The project aims to study the ignition and combustion characteristics of droplets of bioethanol using a flat flame burner simulating the combustion conditions in diesel engines. The effect of biofuels/diesel ratio, combustion catalysts, gas temperature and composition on the ignition, flame temperature and burning rate will be systematically investigated. The flat flame burner test rig at the CFE will be used for the experiments. Tasks: Requirements: References: Assigned Student(s):

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Project Title: Studies on the ignition and combustion characteristics of

biomass based slurry fuels Supervisor(s): Professor Dongke Zhang ([email protected])

Dr Mingming Zhu Project Abstract: Biomass based slurry fuel is one of promising techniques to use biomass in a more efficient and cleaner way. The project aims to study the physical and chemical properties of biomass based slurry fuels under different preparation conditions (biomass types, particle sizes, water ratio and additive concentration) and then investigate the combustion characteristics of the prepared slurry fuels using single droplet combustion techniques. The ignition delay, burning rate and flame temperature of different slurries fuels will be systematically investigated. Tasks: Requirements: References: Assigned Student(s):

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biodiesel/diesel/catalysts in diesel engines Supervisor(s): Professor Dongke Zhang ([email protected])

Dr Mingming Zhu Project Abstract: Biodiesel has been proposed as a promising alternative fuel to conventional fossil fuel because of its environmental benefits. The project aims to evaluate the performance of biodiesel in diesel engines in terms of the fuel efficiency and combustion characteristics. The effect of ignition timing, biodiesel/diesel blending ratio and the effect of combustion catalyst on the fuel efficiency, ignition delay and heating release rates will be systematically investigated under different engine load and conditions. Tasks: Requirements: References: Assigned Student(s):

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bioethanol/diesel/catalysts in diesel engines Supervisor(s): Professor Dongke Zhang ([email protected])

Dr Mingming Zhu Project Abstract: Bioethanol has been proposed as a promising alternative fuel to conventional fossil fuel because of its environmental benefits. The project aims to evaluate the performance of bioethanol in diesel engines in terms of the fuel efficiency and combustion characteristics. The effect of ignition timing, bioethanol/diesel blending ratio and the effect of combustion catalyst on the fuel efficiency, ignition delay and heating release rates will be systematically investigated under different engine load and conditions. Tasks: Requirements: References: Assigned Student(s):

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Project Title: Extraction of bitumen and heavy oil from oil sand using

thermal extraction technique Supervisor(s): Professor Dongke Zhang ([email protected])

Dr Mingming Zhu Project Abstract: A large source of energy is stored in oil sand and the extraction of bitumen and heavy oil from oil sand becomes increasingly important. The project aims to study the extraction efficiency and mechanisms of bitumen from an Indonesia oil sand using thermal extraction techniques (water and steam). The dependencies of extraction efficiency on the particle size, additive types and concentration, temperature of working medium will be systematically investigated. The optimum condition will be established. Tasks: Requirements: References: Assigned Student(s):

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chemical extraction technique Supervisor(s): Professor Dongke Zhang ([email protected])

Dr Mingming Zhu Project Abstract: A large source of energy is stored in oil sand and the extraction of bitumen and heavy oil from oil sand becomes increasingly important. The project aims to study the extraction efficiency and mechanisms of bitumen from an Indonesia oil sand using chemical extraction techniques. The dependencies of extraction efficiency on the chemical types, particle size of oil sand, additive types and concentration, temperature of working medium will be systematically investigated. The optimum condition will be found. Tasks: Requirements: References: Assigned Student(s):

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Ultrasound Supervisor(s): Professor Dongke Zhang ([email protected])

Dr Mingming Zhu Project Abstract: A large source of energy is stored in oil sand and the extraction of bitumen and heavy oil from oil sand becomes increasingly important. This project aims to study the extraction efficiency and kinetic of water extraction bitumen from an Indonesia oil sand under the effect of ultrasound. The effect of process temperature, ultrasound power, and the concentration of added alkaline reagents on the extraction efficiency will be systematically investigated and the optimum condition will be established. Tasks: Requirements: References: Assigned Student(s):

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Project Title: Ignition of Single Coal Particles in a Spherical Furnace Supervisor(s): Professor Dongke Zhang ([email protected])

Mr Zhezi Zhang Project Abstract: The ignition characteristics of single coal/biomass particles will be studied in a spherical furnace, which offers a uniformed heating environment. The surface temperature history, ignition delay, flame evolution will be measured or recorded by using SWIR and CCD camera. The effect of coal rank, particle size and furnace temperature will be studied. Tasks: Requirements: References: Assigned Student(s):

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Project Ref No.: DKZ 26 Project Level: Group Individual (2 students)

Project Title: Fast pyrolysis of coal and biomass: product yields and

compositions (2 students) Supervisor(s): Professor Dongke Zhang ([email protected])

Mr Zhezi Zhang Project Abstract: In order to understand the fundamentals of pyrolysis process in the industrial scales, a series of pyrolysis experiments will be performed from selected coal and biomass samples by the lab-scale wire mesh reactor (WMR). One very unique feature that WMR can offer is the extreme fast heating rate (more than 3000°C/s) which has the same order of magnitude compare with the industrial scaled reactors. The effect of process parameters such as pyrolysis temperature, holding time, and process gas flow rate, type of biomass, coal rank, and particle size on the pyrolysis product yields will be studied. The chemical characterization of the product char, oil and gas will be analysed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Mass spectrometer (MS) and Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS). Tasks: Requirements: References: Assigned Student(s):

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Project Title: Ignition of Single Diesel Droplet/Coal particle in Wire Mesh

Reactor (WMR) under Normal and Elevated Pressure Conditions (1 student)

Supervisor(s): Professor Dongke Zhang ([email protected]) Mr Zhezi Zhang

Project Abstract: The WMR provides a well-controlled experimental environment for the study of ignition characteristics of a single suspended diesel droplet and coal particle. The ignition temperature, flame evolution and ignition delay will be measured. Effect of system pressure, mesh temperature, holding time and oxygen concentration will be studied. The combustion products will be analysed by using MS or FTIR. Tasks: Requirements: References: Assigned Student(s):

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Project Title: Characterization of crude glycerol from various sources Supervisor(s): Professor Dongke Zhang ([email protected])

Mr Hendrix Yulis Setyawan Project Abstract: According to (Bohon et al., 2011), crude glycerol components are depend on the feedstock and the process specific. This research will map the crude glycerol components from varieties of fat, conversion process, and obtain crude glycerol from commercial plants if possible. This will provide a better understanding of the differentiation of crude glycerol components for the next crude glycerol treatment. Tasks: Requirements: References: Assigned Student(s):

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Project Title: The kinetic modelling of crude glycerol combustion Supervisor(s): Professor Dongke Zhang ([email protected])

Mr Hendrix Yulis Setyawan Project Abstract: Considering the complexity of crude glycerol obtained from biodiesel production, thermogravimetric analysis provides an advance chances to understand the kinetic modelling of glycerol combustion. This research is meant to obtain a better understanding of the crude glycerol decomposition behaviour. Tasks: Requirements: References: Assigned Student(s):

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Project Title: Combustion of glycerol droplets Supervisor(s): Professor Dongke Zhang ([email protected])

Mr Hendrix Yulis Setyawan Project Abstract: Single droplet combustion behaviour represents fuel combustion behaviour. The motivation of this research is to understand the burning of glycerol droplets in practical combustion chambers. Using this method, a computational modelling will be obtained by employing CHEMKIN software. Tasks: Requirements: References: Assigned Student(s):

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Project Title: Alkanes-assisted emulsion system: toward modulating the

pore size and morphological architecture of the highly ordered mesoporous silicas SBA-15

Supervisor(s): Professor Dongke Zhang ([email protected]) Mr Wei Wu

Project Abstract: With the discovery of SBA-15, great efforts have been made on the construction of texture controllable mesoporous morphology. Among them, tailoring the pore size of the mesoporous materials has been one of the hottest issues for the purpose of providing a good performance achieved by the improvement of mass transfer for specific applications, such as the adsorption/separation of bulky molecules, the immobilization of enzymes as well as the catalytic transformation reactions of macromolecules, etc. The addition of swelling agent, such as alkane have been proved to be very effective in expanding the pore size of SBA-15 and studies show that the interaction between different alkanes and P123 micelles are not the same. However, the synthesis of highly ordered SBA-15 silicas with cylindrical pore sizes larger than 12 nm has rarely been reported. Herein, this project tries to synthesize a series of well-ordered mesostructured SBA-15 with tunable pore length and morphological architectures by finely tuning the synthetic parameters (e.g., the composition of the synthetic mixtures, temperature, stirring, etc.) of the alkanes (from pentane to hexadecane)/P123/water/TEOS complex emulsion systems. At the same time, analyses the effects of alkanes on pore length and particle morphology and possible mechanisms for the formation of these short-pore materials. Tasks: Requirements: References: Assigned Student(s):

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Project Title: Preparing bio-char for pulverised char injection (PBCI) in

blast furnace for ironmaking Supervisor(s): Professor Dongke Zhang ([email protected])

Mr Trilochan Gill Project Abstract: Biochar from biomass could be a green alternative to the use of fossil fuels in steel making due to ever increasing prices of coal and coking coal. Its use is further gaining importance in order to reduce the impact of green house gases which account for nearly 7% of the total CO 2 emissions. The process parameters for carbonisation such a heating rate and final temperature are the key factors controlling the final properties of the biochar. The effect of each parameter would be studied by preparing biochar at various temperatures and heating rates. The properties of the char would then by analysed using advanced techniques such such as SCM, BET, TGA to check the surface area, reactivity and morphology, which decides if the char can be used in blast furnace for ironmaking. Tasks: Requirements: References: Assigned Student(s):

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Project Title: A novel process for utilisation of CO2 rich gas resources for

methanol and ethanol production using low-temperature plasma and redox catalysts

Supervisor(s): Professor Dongke Zhang ([email protected]) Project Abstract: The overall aim of the project is to develop new technologies or key technology components for the production of methanol and ethanol using low-temperature plasma and redox catalysts from CO2 rich gas resources Both methane and carbon dioxide molecules are relatively stable and require appropriate catalysts and/or special activation to react with each other in a reforming reaction (CH4 + CO2 2H2 + 2CO) to form synthesis gas, which can be then synthesised to liquid fuels. Low-temperature plasma has been shown to activate methane and CO2 molecules and it is possible that, with addition of hydrogen or steam and the use of an appropriate catalyst, natural gas and CO2 could be utilised to directly produce methanol; or ethanol in an integrated plasma/catalytic reactor system. Although the chemistry and the physics involved seem to be possible, this approach does not appear to have been discussed in the literature. The key will be to design a reactor that incorporates both actions of plasma-induced molecule activation and catalytic formation of methanol and/or ethanol. The present research will concentrate on proof of concept and feasibility studies. Tasks: Review the literature on existing and emerging technologies for production of

methanol and ethanol using low-temperature plasma and redox catalysts from CO2 rich gas resources

Establish a scientific and technological feasibility for future development of this cutting edge research

A set of fully assessed (economic, environmental and social) technological options for production of methanol & ethanol using low-temperature plasma and redox catalysts from CO2 rich gas resources in the form of a comprehensive report to the Government as well as to the public;

Establish a scientific and technological case for further research and development A refereed paper is expected to be generated at the end of the project Requirements: References: Assigned Student(s):

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Project Ref No.: DKZ 34 Project Level: Group Individual (1 ~ 2 students)

Project Title: Biochar-algae interaction: can biochar immobilize algae? Supervisor(s): Professor Dongke Zhang ([email protected])

A/Professor Hong Yang Dr Wenxu Zhou

Project Abstract: The overall aim of this project is to make progress in understanding the technology relating to biochar–algae–water (BAW) slurry fuel. In order to comprehend the processes occurring, this project will focus on the interactions occurring between the biochar particles and the algae in a controlled environment. Biochar will be placed in with the common green algae (Chlorella Vulgaris) effectively immobilise the algae. Being single-celled unicellular common algae (and also a cause of algae blooms in our surface waters), Chlorella Vulgaris, is easy to grow but difficult to harvest ). It is hypothesized that nutrients absorbed on the coarse biochar particles will attract the algae to grow preferentially on the surface of the biochar particles, causing the algae to be immobilised. This project aims at monitoring the condition for the biochar particles using an incubator, and noting how particle size, amount and source of the biomass of the biochar affect the system. Tasks: Undertake a series of experimental studies to evaluate if biochar can immobilise Chlorella Vulgaris strain of algae using a well established laboratory facility. Requirements: Knowledge of chemistry, reaction kinetics, thermodynamics and laboratory skills is desirable. References: Assigned Student(s):

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Project Title: Biochar-algae interaction: effect of biochar on algae growth

and lipid yield Supervisor(s): Professor Dongke Zhang ([email protected])


Project Abstract: The overall aim of this project is to make progress in understanding the technology relating to biochar–algae–water (BAW) slurry fuel. In order to comprehend the processes occurring, this project will focus on the interactions occurring between the biochar particles and the algae in a controlled environment. Specific attention will be paid to the effect of biochar on algae growth and lipid yield. Biochar will be placed in cultures with the common green algae (Chlorella Vulgaris). Tasks: Undertake a series of experimental studies to evaluate how biochar can affect the Chlorella Vulgaris strain of algae growth to yield greater amount of lipid for biodiesel production using a well established laboratory facility. Requirements: Knowledge of chemistry, reaction kinetics, thermodynamics is desirable. References: Assigned Student(s):

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Project Title: The effect of biochar on ion-exchange in soil and biochar-

nutrient interaction in algae culture Supervisor(s): Professor Dongke Zhang ([email protected])


Project Abstract: The overall aim of this project is to make progress in understanding the technology relating to biochar–algae–water (BAW) slurry fuel. In order to comprehend the processes occurring, this project will focus on the interactions occurring between the biochar particles and the nutrients in soil and algae culture. Tasks: Undertake a series of experimental studies to evaluate how biochar interacts with selected nutrients in soil and algae cultures. Requirements: Knowledge of chemistry, reaction kinetics, thermodynamics is desirable. References: Assigned Student(s):

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Project Title: Stability of biochar in soils Supervisor(s): Professor Dongke Zhang ([email protected])

A/Professor Hong Yang A/Professor Chen Chen (Griffith University)

Project Abstract: This project will investigate the stability of carbon and its cycle in soils in representative regions for soil based carbon sequestration. The project will utilise well established laboratory equipment and instruments to conduct a science-based evaluation of the potential of carbon storage in soil for Australia. Tasks: Undertake a series of experimental studies to evaluate the stability of carbon in soil using an isotope tracing technique. Requirements: Knowledge of chemistry, reaction kinetics, thermodynamics is desirable. References: Assigned Student(s):

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Project Title: Thermo-characterisation of soils Supervisor(s): Professor Dongke Zhang ([email protected])

A/Professor Hong Yang A/Professor Chen Chen (Griffith University)

Project Abstract: This project will evaluate the nature and quantities of carbon and its cycle in soils in representative regions to establish a baseline soil carbon inventory for Australia and for soil based carbon sequestration. The project will utilise well established laboratory equipment and instruments to conduct a science-based evaluation of the potential of carbon storage in soil for Australia. Tasks: Undertake a series of experimental studies using thermogravimetric apparatuses equipped with MS and FTIR to study the characteristics of soil in Australian soils collected from different regions. Requirements: Knowledge of chemistry, reaction kinetics, thermodynamics is desirable. References: Assigned Student(s):

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Project Title: Catalytic pyrolysis of selected biomass for production of

synthetic gaseous fuels Supervisor(s): Professor Dongke Zhang ([email protected]) Project Abstract: Under moderate temperature and atmospheric pressure, a range of organic compounds especially carbohydrates (such as sugars, cellulose, and lignin, etc) and aromatics commonly present in a range of biomass can be converted to a liquid fuel, often termed as bio-diesel, under the action of catalytic pyrolysis (or thermal decomposition). In this project, a range of selected biomass resources, such as press cakes of solid wastes of vegetable oil production processes (eg canola, rapeseed, mustard, sunflower seeds, and oil mallee), will be tested in a laboratory scale continuous rotary kiln reactor system to establish the critical obstacles of developing and deploying such technology for bio-diesel production from renewable resources. Tasks: Review the literature on the science and technology of catalytic pyrolysis of coal

and biomass and product distribution Perform a set of carefully designed experiments using a laboratory scale

continuous rotary kiln reactor system to test the product distribution of sepected biomass

Establish the relationship between product distribution (gaseous fuel, liquid fuel and solid residue) and the properties of the feedstock, operating conditions and the catalysts used

Requirements: References: Assigned Student(s):

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Project Title: Relating coal ash sintering behaviour to the design and

operation of coal-fired furnaces Supervisor(s): Professor Dongke Zhang ([email protected]) Project Abstract: Coal ash properties have a significant role in the correct design and operation of furnaces firing coals. Traditionally, the furnace exit temperature, one of the critical parameters in the furnace design, is determined adding 50 °C to the melting point of the laboratory-prepared ash from the coal to be fired in the furnace. Recent advancement in research has demonstrated that ash deposition in furnaces, a major cause of operational problems of coal-fired furnaces, does not require the ash to be melted and, in fact, the ash possesses significant adhesive properties when it “sinters”. The sintering is due to the formation of eutectics matrix of minerals in the ash that partially melts before the whole ash can as the temperature it is subject to rises. It has been recently proposed that the sintering point, as measured in the temperature unit in a given measuring method, is a far better and reliable criterion for determination of the furnace exit temperature. The present research will put this concept to test by experimentally relating the sintering temperatures of a range of coals to their known performance in their respective furnaces firing them, respectively. Tasks: Review the literature on inorganic and mineral matter in coal and their

characterisation techniques Measure the sintering temperatures of a suite of selected coals using the pressure

drop technique available at Centre for Fuels and Energy Compare the sintering temperatures and the melting points of the same coal and

relate the differences to the mineralogical natures of the coal Relate the sintering temperature and furnace performance in terms of ash

deposition for the selected coals Relate the sintering temperature as measured in the pressure drop method to the

characteristics of the coal mineral matter. Requirements: References: Assigned Student(s):

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Project Ref No.: DKZ 41 Project Level: Individual (1 student) Project Title: Biogas from Timber Recycle Waste, Chicken Litters, Horse

Droppings and Other MSWs Supervisor(s): Professor Dongke Zhang ([email protected])

Dr Wenxu Zhou Project Abstract: In this approach, wastes (examples in the title but can include others) will be treated in two separate anaerobic digestion operations forming an integral process, yielding biogas consisting of mainly a rich mixture of hydrogen and methane as illustrated in the brief process flow-sheet diagram below.

Tasks: The key research questions will be 1. What should the anaerobic bacteria be that are most effective for the types of wastes in question?

Approach: through literature research. 2. How do we optimise the performance of the bacteria? Approach: identify the key parameters, eg.

Temperature, pH, agitation, concentration of bacteria and culture, residence time, continuous versus batch operations, etc.

3. What values would such a process deliver? Approach: identify the saleable products and their market prices and potential end-users.

4. How do we integrate such a process together? Approach: process modelling modelling and working with an engineering firm for design, fabrication and installation

5. What are the costs and benefits? Approach: after all of the above have been done 6. Are there any other research questions this research should seek to answer? Requirements: References: Assigned Student(s):

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DKZ Project list 2013 - UWA … · Supervisor(s): Professor Dongke Zhang ([email protected]) Dr Wenxu Zhou Project Abstract: Red mud refers the waste of aluminium industry