First published 30 November 2021
QUT Faculty of Engineering, School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering hosted the annual industry research event.
The QUT School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering has a significant focus on working with industry to develop solutions which are scalable, practical, efficient, safe, sustainable, and economically viable.
At the recent QUT industry research showcase event industry speakers Karl Seck (Mercurius Biorefining; Chief Executive Officer), Dr. Neil Thompson (ITM Power; Managing Director) and Michael McCann (Lava Blue; Managing Director) presented overviews of the benefits of working with an impact driven University such as QUT and discussed current research projects.
Karl described the Mercurius pilot plant located at the Mackay Renewable Biocommodities Pilot Plant hub operated by QUT. Mercurius is using data gathered from the pilot plant operations to continue to scale-up their technology relating to efficiently converting biomass into jet fuel and diesel range low carbon intensity fuels.
Dr. Neil Thompson shared his long standing partnership with QUT as a former Queensland Institute of Technology electrical power and computer systems engineer to his current work as Adjunct Associate Professor with the Centre for Clean Energy Technologies.
The QUT research team working with Michael from Lava Blue is presently constructing a commercial demonstration plant for high purity alumina production. This plant is located at the Redland facility.
Industry speakers were also joined by QUT Faculty of Engineering panel members Professor Ana Deletic (Executive Dean), Professor Ian O’Hara (Deputy Dean) and Professor Graeme Millar (MMPE Industry Engagement) who answered questions relating to current projects and QUT’s research capacity for future collaborative industry research.
Examples were also showcased of QUT research team activities who are applying a multi-disciplinary approach to deliver tailored solutions to industry.
Professor Emilie Sauret is conducting pioneering research in computational microfluids and she said “We are aiming for cheaper, faster and better results in cell analysis and separation, micro-chemical reactions and water purification, which will lead to economic benefits for our communities.”
Dr. Veronica Gray is presently discovering how materials respond to changing patterns of use and Dr. Gray said “I work on power plants where I need to predict the breaking point more than 20 years into the future, and jet engines where we push stress and temperatures to the absolute limits”
QUT researchers have also found a way to use mining water as part of a potential cheaper catalyst for hydrogen fuel production. Professor Sun said “the new catalyst could also potentially lower the cost of lithium-ion batteries and other sustainable energy solutions that relied on electrochemical conversions.”
A pilot plant at the QUT Banyo Pilot Plant Precinct is demonstrating technology for removing salts from groundwater, industrial wastewater, and seawater to produce high-quality drinking water, irrigation water or water for livestock. Professor Graeme Millar heads up this research team and said “It potentially offers low-cost water treatment for remote communities. It’s about taking those impaired waters and making them usable.”
To view a brief presentation on the research showcase please click here.
The School of Mechanical, medical and process engineering invites industry to meet our research staff, tour our research facilities and discuss your projects and business priorities.
