Ryan Bracey specialises in fundamental understanding of novel comminution devices through computational simulations and practical field work.
Ryan is an early career researcher specialising in industry driven fundamental understanding of novel comminution devices with the novel multi-shaft mill a focus of his fundamental research. This mill has been simulated in EDEM and in Rocky (Discrete Element Method Simulation Platforms) and detailed on site surveys have been completed to validate and compare models predicted breakage environment and performance.
Ryan is heavily involved in an innovative project which is building a platform to deliver cutting-edge and world-leading research to site personnel through the Process Improvement Toolbox collaborative research project. This research is based around technology transfer and the ability to apply relationships and techniques translated into innovative industry tools. Translation of research methodology into industry tools for uptake on site through consistent tool front end and various security measures to maintain IP sensitive material. The current toolbox is live and implemented on the GCC website and Anglo American Intranet with continued work to develop and expand the current toolbox. Future research in this area would aim to deliver workshops/ teachings to site personnel along with the continued inclusion of relative tools and models.
Collaborations
Major collaborative effort exists in the Process Improvement Tools project. This collaboration is between UQ and major institutes around the globe to combine their respective knowledge champions and deliver a number of quality technical tools to the toolbox. Collaborators include Braunschweig University (Germany) and University of Cape Town (South Africa). These collaborations have successfully delivered tools around fine grinding, ISA Mill, along with Hydrocyclone models, in which these respective institutes are the world leaders in the technology.
Key Publications
R.J. Bracey, N.S. Weerasekara, M.S. Powell, Performance evaluation of the novel multi-shaft mill using DEM modelling, Minerals Engineering 98 (2016) 251–260