Technology Transfer Program
Introduction
The Parker Centre's research is already closely aligned with the needs
of the end-users of that research in the minerals industry. However, the
Centre desires to go further than merely ensuring its research is relevant;
it wants to take a proactive role in improving the transfer of technology
that leads ultimately to its implementation by the companies concerned.
The Centre believes that technology transfer requires consideration at all stages of a research project, especially at the initial planning stage and the final reporting stage. It is not just a technical process but a complex social and business process as well.
The Technology Transfer Program aims to bridge the gap between research outputs and industry application by:
- engaging experienced industry consultants as
Technology Application Advisers to:
- help interpret the customer's business needs for the researchers.
- help translate research proposals and research results into the economic and operating language of the industry.
- assist the Centre's research leaders understand the financial
costs and benefits, the operating practicality and the work necessary
for implementing the research results.
- researching and applying flowsheeting computer
tools (based on existing software packages and novel Parker Centre models)
to:
- understand the impact of improvements to one unit operation on upstream and downstream sections of the plant.
- determine the overall operating benefits of changes made to improve a particular unit operation.
The Technology Transfer Program is being funded by a A$0.9 million supplementary grant from the CRC Program and cash contributions from industry. Three of the Parker Centre’s research partners are providing in-kind support.
The sponsoring companies are six of the Centre’s industry partners (Alcan International, AngloGold Australia, Billiton Aluminium Australia, Queensland Alumina, Rio Tinto Research & Technology Development and WMC Resources) and six other companies who have become associate members of the Centre through their involvement. These new companies (Anaconda Nickel, Bulong Nickel Operations, Iluka Resources, Peko Rehabilitation, Straits Resources and Titan Resources) are smaller companies in the minerals industry.
Specific Projects
The two projects within the Technology Transfer Program commenced on 1 July 2003 and will run until 2006.
Project 1: Technology Application Advisers
The Centre will appoint several consultants as Technology Application Advisers (TAAs). The appointees will have industry experience and skills in identifying underlying business issues, in quantifying business benefits and in achieving commercial outcomes from research. Up to six TAAs might be employed over a year, each with expertise relevant to particular project areas.
The first Technology Application Adviser has been appointed and is working on the Thickener Technology project.
Project 2: Process Modelling and Flowsheet Development
Parker Centre researchers have established a reputation for their understanding
of the process chemistry and process engineering of key unit operations
in hydrometallurgy, such as pressure leaching, bioleaching, thickener
technology, crystallisation, solvent extraction, ion exchange and electrowinning.
This understanding has resulted in suggestions for improving the performance of unit operations. However, each unit operation cannot be viewed in isolation from its upstream and downstream neighbours in the entire flowsheet, especially when the objective is to improve the plant’s overall performance, not just that of a particular unit operation.
An overall understanding of the integrated operation of several connected unit operations will give Centre staff a greater understanding of the likely outcomes of their research. This will allow better linkage between business needs, research outputs and business outcomes, enhancing technology transfer.
The extensive industry knowledge on process modelling and flowsheet development available to the Centre through its alliances with engineering companies will be integrated into the project.
The project team will focus on two areas: solvent extraction and pressure/atmospheric leaching of lateritic nickel ores.
Program Manager: Mr Mark Woffenden (CEO)
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