Tim Eisele

Biography

Research and Teaching Interests

Particulate processing, chemistry and thermodynamics of metals extraction; physical separation processes, sustainable raw materials production, oxidative and reductive bioleaching of metals.

Large-scale processing and utilization of industrial wastes.

Materials such as fly-ashes scrubber sludges, metallurgical slags, machining wastes, and many other similar materials present a significant disposal problem, which can be much reduced if commercial markets can be developed for them.

Advanced processing techniques for particulate separations.

I have an interest in development of improved processing techniques to deal with ever finer and more diverse particulate materials. This includes advanced separation techniques such as column flotation, centrifugally-enhanced particle separators, electromagnetic separations, and improving the energy efficiency of the comminution (crushing and grinding) step, which is generally considered to only be about 1-2% efficient compared to the theoretical energy requirement.

Bioleaching of Metals.

A number of metals are currently recovered by hydrometallurgy (dissolution in aqueous solution, leaching from ore, and reprecipitation), frequently using microorganisms that promote metal and sulfur oxidation. In addition to oxidative leaching, I am investigating the use of metal-reducing organisms for hydrometallurgy of metals that are more soluble in their reduced forms, such as iron and manganese. Leaching processes for these metals would allow the recovery of metal from much lower-grade ores, while also reducing environmental impact and improving energy efficiency