Particle Processing Science 1

Course aim

The main thrust of the course is to provide the student with new knowledge and greater understanding of the fundamental science of particulate materials properties and behaviour (specific gravity, electrical, conductivity, magnetic, surface hydrophobicity, chemical reactivity, etc.) and how these may be prudently exploited to facilitate value adding, processing, fabrication and manufacturing of materials in various industrial operations and applications. The course aims to:

• foster the student’s knowledge and understanding of basic properties and behaviour of solid materials which inform the various processing routes and applied technologies.

Course content

1. Introduction
   (Aims of the course, Processing methods, Relevance to the materials/minerals industry)
2. Particle characterization and Material Safety
   (Particle size and shape, Mineralogy, Chemical composition, Density, Wettability/contact angles etc., Introduction to Safety, risk and environmental impact assessment)
3. Particle size reduction: Comminution and Classification
   (Principles of comminution and energy balance, grinding of solid materials, size classification and factors affecting the efficiency of classification and Equipment).
4. Principles of gravity separation
   (Specific gravity of solid materials, Motion of particles in fluids, Centrifugal and drag force, Fluidized beds, Dense media, Gravity/multi-gravity based separation of particles).
5. Principles of electrical separation
   (Electrical properties of solids. Conductors and semi-conductors according to the solid state physics, Electrical and Tribo-electric charging-based separation of particles)
6. Principles of magnetic separation
   (Magnetic properties of materials: diamagnetic, paramagnetic and ferromagnetic, Magnetic induction and intensity of magnetisation, Selective magnetic and non-magnetic particles separation)
7. Principles of froth flotation separation
   (Surface hydrophobicity, Contact angle/ wettability of particles, Surface tension and gamma flotation, Approaches and reagents to enhance selectivity: Value mineral concentrate and waste tailings separation)
8. Nano-colloidal particles interactions & processing in aqueous media
9. Chemical reactivity and hydrometallurgical processing

Textbook(s)

Wills, B. A. 1997, Mineral processing technology: an introduction to the practical aspects of ore treatment and mineral recovery, 6th, Pergamon Press, Oxford, New York

Prerequisite(s)

MATH 1054 Calculus 1 CHEM 1007 Chemistry 101 OR CHEM 1014 Chemistry in Life 101 PHYS 1008 Applied Physics 2

Corequisite(s)

Nil

Teaching method

Note: These components may or may not be scheduled in every study period. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Assessment

Examination, In class assessment, Research assignment

Fees

EFTSL*: 0.125
Commonwealth Supported program (Band 2)
To determine the fee for this course as part of a Commonwealth Supported program, go to:
How to determine your Commonwealth Supported course fee. (Opens new window)

Fee-paying program for domestic and international students
International students and students undertaking this course as part of a postgraduate fee paying program must refer to the relevant program home page to determine the cost for undertaking this course.

Non-award enrolment
Non-award tuition fees are set by the university. To determine the cost of this course, go to:
How to determine the relevant non award tuition fee. (Opens new window)

Not all courses are available on all of the above bases, and students must check to ensure that they are permitted to enrol in a particular course.

* Equivalent Full Time Study Load. Please note: all EFTSL values are published and calculated at ten decimal places. Values are displayed to three decimal places for ease of interpretation.