Pyrosearch consulting

The Centre offers professional consulting services, outlined below.

Consulting services are provided through UniQuest, the main commercialisation company of the University of Queensland.

For initial discussions, project scoping and quotations for consulting services, contact Professor Peter Hayes or Professor Evgeni Jak.

Metallographic, Structure and Microanalysis

Slag, sinter, mineral, accretion, deposits etc. microstructural analysis with optical microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with Energy Dispersive Spectra (EDS) and Electron Probe X-ray Microanalysis (EPMA) with Wavelength Dispersive Detectors.

Micrographs are provided in hardcopy and electronic form. Phase or mineral compositions are reported with accuracy ~-+1 wt %.

X-ray powder diffraction analysis (XRD) can also be performed where necessary to determine/confirm crystal structures. Reports include descriptions of microstructure with respect to the possible origin of the phases and possible mechanisms of formation. Reference to appropriate phase equilibrium diagrams is given where appropriate.

Thermodynamic calculations (see below) are performed to support description of the microstructure history in special cases.

Thermodynamic calculations

Thermodynamic calculations can be provided using computer package FactSage^© with public and specially developed thermodynamic databases.

Data can be provided in the tabular form as well as in graphical form of binary and pseudo-ternary diagrams. Special forms of representation can be developed to suit customer requirements, e.g. to present information in an easy-to-use form. Reports describing major features and points that emerge from the calculations can also be prepared.

Expert scientific opinion

The Centre can provide expert scientific opinion on legal, patent, and technical issues in the field of extractive metallurgy, pyrometallurgy, and chemical thermodynamics.