Laboratories at the Unit of Processes
Our research is supported by state-of-the-art and custom-built equipment. This equipment is housed in dedicated labs and managed by the leaders of each research theme. The facilities are summarised below and more information is available using the menu on the left of the page. In addition to the Unit's lab facilities, we use facilites at the Hultgren laboratory at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering for materials analysis and the Department's own workshop for sample preparation and production of bespoke components for experiments and equipment.
High temperature experimental kinetics
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High temperature experimental kinetics research is supported by well-equipped labs that contain a variety of customised and custom-built furnaces, thermogravimetric analysis, sessile droplet testing.
Casting
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Casting and Solidification focuses on fundamental experimental and theoretical research that is of relevance to all types of industrial casting and solidification processes.
Water modelling
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Water has some very similar properties to liquid steel. It is also safe to handle and transparent. These factors make it ideal as an experimental material to test phenomena in steelmaking without using metal at \(1800^{\circ{}}\mathrm{C}\). We use computational fluid dynamics to predict behaviour and measure them in the water modelling lab using photographs and high speed films. Custom parts are manufactured as needed in the Department workshop or using the lab's Ultimaker 2+ Extended 3D printer for polymers.
Energy technology
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Laboratory facilities at the Unit of Process that support studies in high temperature experiments kinetics include many custom-built and customised furnaces, chemical preparation facilities and measurement devices. Studies are mainly focused on combustion in various atmospheres and the conversion of materials to gas that can be used as fuel. All equipment is supported by diagnostic and measurement equipment.
Powder characterisation
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The powder characterisation laboratory houses specialist equipment for correct powder handling and measuring the flow of powders. Traditional methods such as Hall and Carney flow funnels and an angle of repose meter are used in conjunction with a thin film applicator, Freeman FT4 powder rheometer and tap density meter to characterise the flow behaviour of powders completely. The lab also houses a spinning riffler and automated sieve stack to ensure precise samples may be taken. Powder research is supported by a MakerBot Replicator Z18 filament polymer printer and a Formlabs From3 stereolithography printer. Environmental conditions are monitored continuously using a custom-built airborne powder sensor to ensure safety.