Study level

Vacation research experience scheme

Faculty/School

Science and Engineering Faculty

School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering

Topic status

We're looking for students to study this topic.

Supervisors

Dr Fanny Boulaire
Position
Senior Research Fellow
Division / Faculty
Science and Engineering Faculty
Dr Michael Cholette
Position
Senior Lecturer
Division / Faculty
Science and Engineering Faculty
Associate Professor Sara Couperthwaite
Position
Associate Professor
Division / Faculty
Science and Engineering Faculty

Overview

QUT researchers have partnered with mining company Lava Blue and the Innovative Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centres (IMCRC) to set up a pilot plant. This pilot plant will transform kaolin clay into high-purity alumina (HPA) which is used to make LEDs and lithium-ion batteries.

As a part of this project, you will use machine learning techniques to optimise the extraction of alumina and minimise impurities in the process.

Research activities

You will apply machine learning techniques to a dataset describing elemental composition of different processes. From the developed models output, you will provide guidance for further experiments to refine the models.

Outcomes

A predictive model and techniques for optimising different parts of the alumina extraction process.

Skills and experience

As the ideal student you are both highly motivated and interested in the following:

  • data science
  • programming (Python desirable)

A background in chemical processing is highly desirable.

Keywords

Contact

Contact the supervisor for more information.