Nigel Ridgway

Location: A211
Email: nridgway@chemeng.adelaide.edu.au
Phone: 8303 4645
FAX: 8303 4273

Supervisors

Associate Professor Brian O'Neill

Research Topic

Slurry-Pump, Gland-Seal Tribology

Research Abstract

This project's objective is to identify and understand the key elements of the failure processes of slurry-pump, gland seals.

Pump sealing is a significant mineral processing cost and reliability problem. Current seal models and packing relationships are primarily based on liquor process experience. In the first instance, these models will be compared with actual wear data to determine their limitations.

Using a tribology framework, key elements in the chemical/mechanical wear process are to be identified and an improved wear model is to be developed.

Interests

• Wear mechanics

Recent Publications

• Ridgway, N., O'Neill, B.K., Colby, C.B., "The life cycle tribology of slurry gland seals", Sealing for Pollution Prevention and Control 18th International Conference on Fluid Sealing, Antwerp, Belgium, 12-14 October 2005.