Applications of computational and image processing-assisted modelling in minerals treatment

Speaker

Dr Ai Wang

Abstract

Imaging and modelling are intrinsic parts in the modern lifestyle when vets scan pets for health conditions, or bankers analyse and predict finance of clients in the past and future, etc. Imaging and modelling are equally important in mineral processing and metallurgy as they assist visualization and quantitative understanding of how different phases move in an opaque flotation column or how the internal structure of a coke lump degrades when subjected to reacting gas. This seminar will discuss four scenarios in which imaging and modelling, either separation or combined, are applied. The scenarios include: 1) optimizing flotation column based on CFD simulation; 2) micro-level simulation of bubble-particle interaction in flotation; 3) high-speed image-assisted drag modelling of rising particle-laden bubbles; 4) CT-imaging-assisted coke degradation modelling in green ironmaking. In these studies, advanced imaging processing algorithms for both 2D and 3D image stacks were developed, and the models were also well validated, providing real-world value to the industries.

Bio

Dr Ai Wang is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the School of the Chemical Engineering at the University of Queensland. Ai obtained her PhD in Chemical Engineering in the University of Newcastle (Australia) where she was a researcher in the ARC Centre of Excellence for Enabling Eco-Efficient Beneficiation of Minerals. She then worked for approximately two years in the BHP Centre for Sustainable Steelmaking Research and another two years in Baosteel – Australia Joint Research and Development Centre. Ai has expertise on Computational Fluid Dynamics, reaction-diffusion modelling and algorithm development for customised 3D CT image processing across mineral processing and green ironmaking fields. She is the chief investigator for an ARC Linkage project and multiple ACARP projects, indicating her strong background in industry collaboration.