Research heats up in Murdoch laboratories

Murdoch researcher Sally-anne Rowlands has her hands full at Murdoch University at the moment, learning how to use Australia’s first high temperature Calvet (heat-flow) calorimeter.

This instrument is the first part of a high temperature facility being developed by Associate Professors Glenn Hefter and Peter May at Murdoch University, as part of the University’s commitment to the AJ Parker Centre for Hydrometallurgy.

“The calorimeter measures the heat effects, and therefore the energies, of chemical reactions and physical processes,” said Professor Hefter.

“In particular, this machine will be used to improve models of heat capacities for alumina extraction from bauxite ore, which will help companies to become more efficient and therefore remain internationally competitive.”

The $175,000 machine was funded by the Australian Research Council with the support of the majority of Australia’s large alumina companies and Murdoch University.

The machine was supplied by French company Setaram through their Australian agent Scientex.