Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	GR/R10288/01
Title:	Influence of Cavity Design On the Microwave Treatment of Minerals
Principal Investigator:	Rowson, Professor N
Other Investigators:	Kingman, Professor S Greenwood, Dr R
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:	Rio Tinto
Department:	Chemical Engineering
Organisation:	University of Birmingham
Scheme:	Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts:	01 June 2001	Ends:	31 July 2002	Value (£):	64,024
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Mining & Minerals Extraction
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	Manufacturing
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Summary on Grant Application Form
Work at the University of Birmingham has demonstrated the potential for improvement in mineral/particle process operations as a result of microwave pre-treatment of feed materials. It has been noted, however, that the effect of the microwaves on the material is controlled by the design of the cavity. To improve the economic competitiveness of the technology it has been concluded that the influence of cavity design on mineral heating rate must be quantified. The project will make use of important ore types and quantify the influence of cavity design on mineralogy, grindability and release of the valuable mineral phase. The project will produce the following deliverables:- !. A standard method for measurement of the mineral dielectric properties at elevated temperatures. . A database of the dielectric properties for important ore materials. 3. An evaluation of the relationship between heating rate and cavity design for all important recognised cavity regimes. 4. Optimisation of microwave energy presentation to improve energy balances and reduce the energy required for the communication of minerals. 5. Technology transfer between UK/S>A via presentations, website and organised workshops. The work will conclude with a full techno-economic analysis of the implementation of microwave radiation into particle/mineral process flowsheets.
Key Findings
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Organisation Website:	http://www.bham.ac.uk