Media Releases
GEIDB hails CQU scientists on Environment, Dust
12th March, 2007
Gladstone Economic
and Industry Development Board
Ph contact: 4971 2318
MEDIA RELEASE - Monday 12th March 2007
GEIDB hails CQU Scientists
The Gladstone Economic and Industry Development Board today acknowledged the important contribution that Central Queensland University Scientists have made to Gladstone industry and the environment. GEIDB Chief Executive, Randall Byram, paid tribute to the University’s Process Engineering and Light Metals (PELM) Centre.
According to Mr Byram, the Scientists at the PELM Centre in Gladstone are world class in the field of reliability and materials sciences.
“Through improving the reliability of key equipment in major plants such as QAL and Rio Tinto Yarwun, the scientists at PELM have driven down costs. In addition, the PELM scientists have reduced the need for replacement components that are often made of steel. This decreases the whole of life environmental impacts of the plants, especially in terms of carbon dioxide emissions,” he said.
Apart from its work on plant reliability, the PELM Centre also provides important testing services for businesses in Gladstone and Central Queensland. Mr Byram highlighted how these aspects of PELM’s work also deliver improved business and environmental outcomes. According to Mr Byram,
“A good example is how PELM scientists used advanced instruments such as the scanning electron microscope to identify the nature or airborne particles. The microscope was able to help determine whether or not these airborne particles were naturally occurring dust or whether they originated in plant operations. This work by PELM can be used by industry to help devise targeted and cost effective dust control systems that can benefit our environment and community”.
The PELM Centre will soon see the retirement of its foundation Professor, Warren Thorpe. Mr Byram praised Professor Thorpe’s years in Gladstone and looks forward to welcoming his replacement, who will be in place by the end of March.
