About the Scholarship
Join the University of Wollongong-led ARC Research Hub for Australian Steel Innovation, a $28m, 5-year program uniting 9 universities and 8 industry partners. Apply now for an opportunity to contribute to innovative research in steel sustainability, recycling, energy efficiency, and circular economy.
In Program 4 (Steel Supply Chain Transformation), a PhD scholarship is available for a suitable candidate to be involved in Project 4.1.6 - Development of Heat Flow Monitoring System for the BOF.
This project aims to develop innovative sensors and models for the steelmaking process, with the goal of reducing its environmental impact, particularly in lowering carbon emissions. Led by Professor Geoffrey Brooks and Dr. Michelle Dunne from Swinburne University of Technology, in collaboration with research engineers from BlueScope Steel (Port Kembla), the project builds upon previous successful work in developing multi-zone kinetic and heat transfer models for Oxygen Steelmaking. BlueScope Steel seeks to enhance control of their Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF) process through sensor development for advanced control systems, aligning with their adoption of Industry 4.0 principles. Additionally, efforts are directed towards reducing carbon footprint by optimizing post-combustion of CO in the vessel, utilizing heat for scrap preheating, and minimising heat losses from the vessels.
This study aims to integrate mathematical heat flow models with existing and potential new sensors on steelmaking vessels to monitor heat flows and losses from the Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF). By combining models with sensors, the system will provide operators and engineers with real-time estimates of heat loss as a function of time and operating parameters, enabling optimisation of heat utilisation in the steelmaking process.
The successful applicant will have to apply for entry into a PhD and satisfy the general requirements of entry into a PhD program at Swinburne University of Technology (see (
http://www.swinburne.edu.au/research/research-degrees/application-process/submit-application/). Funding is also provided to facilitate regular visits to the BlueScope Steel in Port Kembla (NSW) to interact and work with staff at the steelworks.
Key Responsibility Areas
The following proposed research program is proposed in Development of Heat Flow Monitoring System for the BOF, namely:
a) Studying how the current control system works and review and assess the hardware in use, the mounting and installation design, and any inherent limitations to installing new sensors.
b) Studying and advising on what are the best sensors available and propose equipment and location of sensors for further work.
c) Produce a literature review on the current understanding of the heat flow monitoring systems for the BOF, including a critical review of the existing system.
d) Develop a mathematical model of the BOF that would link existing and proposed sensors for the BOF to heat transfer models of the Port Kembla BOF, allowing for estimation of dynamic heat flow from plant measurements.
e) Develop a Heat Flow Monitoring system (hardware, software) that would initially be tested on a laboratory scale furnace at Swinburne.
f) Undertake plant trials with BlueScope staff at Port Kembla steel plant using the system developed (hardware and software) at Swinburne for calculating dynamic heat flows and losses for the BOF.
About you
To be successful in the role, you will have:
- Bachelor (or Masters) of Engineering or Bachelor (or Masters) of Applied Science
- Training in Mathematical Modelling
- Training in Basic Control Engineering
- Background in Process Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering Materials Engineering or Mechanical Engineering
- Industrial experience in a process industry
A full list of selection criteria is available within the position description.
About Swinburne University of Technology
Swinburne Horizon 2025 draws upon our understanding of future challenges. With this new strategic plan, we choose to build Swinburne as the prototype of a new and different university – one that is truly of Technology, of Innovation and of Entrepreneurship, and proud of it. We are committed to a differentiated university proposition in education and research, so that:
- Every Swinburne learner gets a work experience
- Every Swinburne graduate gets a job
- Every Swinburne partner gets a tech solution
- Swinburne is the prototype of global best practice
The achievement of our 2025 moon shots depends on our capacity to work collectively, always, as One Swinburne.
How to apply and further information
Please submit your CV and cover letter addressing why you believe you are suitable for this position.
For further information about this position, contact Geoffrey Brooks - gbrooks@swin.edu.au
Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children Check.
If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application, please contact the Swinburne Talent Acquisition Team on staffrecruitment@swin.edu.au
Applications Close: Wednesday 1st May 2024, at 11pm.
Swinburne offers flexible working options, leave and parenting/carer policies to support work life balance.
Equity and Diversity
Swinburne is a large and culturally diverse organisation and we are proud of our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion through key initiatives. For further information on all our initiatives visit our
Equity & Diversity website.
We welcome and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
We are committed to making the recruitment process fair and equitable for all our candidates. If you have specific accessibility or support requirements please contact inclusion@swin.edu.au
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We welcome and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
For any support please contact DeadlyCareers@swin.edu.au or for more information on our Indigenous strategies please follow the link to our
RAP Reconciliation Action PlanAs a signatory to
Victoria’s Commitment to Action, Swinburne seeks to remove barriers to international graduate employment. We welcome and encourage applications from international graduates.
(Agency enquiries will not be accepted for this position)
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