
Overview
Background
Biography:
Tony Howes graduated from UQ in 1983 with a degree in chemical engineering, and after 6 months working on a novel fluid bed retort system for oil shale went to Cambridge, UK, where he worked with Malcolm Mackley as his first PhD student on what is now the “Oscillating Baffled Reactor”. His dissertation was awarded the 1988 Danckwerts-Maxwell prize for best thesis in that year. A postdoctoral year at Brown University working on patterns in fluid data sets was followed by 3 ½ years in ICI’s Corporate Colloid Science Group, where he worked on theory and application of a novel atomiser.
Since 1993 Tony has been at The University of Queensland teaching, supervising and doing research. His work (largely in collaboration with Bhesh Bhandari in Food Science) on sticky droplet spray drying has been extensively published and cited – at present Bhandari and Howes papers are in the top-10 most cited in Drying Technology, Journal of Food Engineering and International Journal of Food Properties.
Tony has also worked on a variety of other particle problems, including solid state fermentation, regimes in rotating drums and prilling. Following work on sticky mud particles he was heavily involved in local water quality issues, and sat on the Scientific Expert Panel of the Healthy Waterways Partnership in South East Queensland.
At UQ he co-ordinated an innovative programme where students are placed in industry for a research project, and actively reflect on their learning and interact with UQ staff while in industry. In 2008 he was nominated for a University Teaching Excellence Award for his efforts on this programme.
Research:
My research focus is on spray drying, especially of sticky or potentially sticky foods. With key collaborators (Prof. Bhesh Bhandari, UQ, A.Prof Benu Adhikari University of Ballarat) we have developed rules and understanding of the role of sugars, proteins and other additives on the drying of sugar rich foods, including fruit juices, honey and milk products.
My general interests are in the modelling and physical aspects of these systems.
Teaching and Learning:
Teaching: Engineering Thermodynamics (1st year)
Education Research: The role of Work Integrated Learning in the BE and ME programmes.
Projects:
- Spray drying at elevated temperatures
- API crystallisation modelling
- Role of proteins and additives in food spray drying
- Morphology development in spray drying
Availability
- Dr Tony Howes is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Qualifications
- Bachelor (Honours) of Engineering, The University of Queensland
- Doctor of Philosophy, University of Cambridge
- Postgraduate Diploma in Education, The University of Queensland
Works
Search Professor Tony Howes’s works on UQ eSpace
2007
Journal Article
Water sorption and glass transition properties of spray dried lactose hydrolysed skim milk powder
Shrestha, Ashok K., Howes, Tony, Adhikari, Benu P. and Bhandari, Bhesh R. (2007). Water sorption and glass transition properties of spray dried lactose hydrolysed skim milk powder. LWT - Food Science and Technology, 40 (9), 1593-1600. doi: 10.1016/j.lwt.2006.11.003
2007
Journal Article
Development of stickiness of whey protein isolate and lactose droplets during convective drying
Adhikari, B., Howes, T., Shrestha, A. K. and Bhandari, B. R. (2007). Development of stickiness of whey protein isolate and lactose droplets during convective drying. Chemical Engineering And Processing, 46 (5), 420-428. doi: 10.1016/j.cep.2006.07.014
2007
Journal Article
A novel nucleation apparatus for regime separated granulation
Wildeboer, W. J., Koppendraaier, E., Litster, J. D., Howes, T. and Meesters, G. (2007). A novel nucleation apparatus for regime separated granulation. Powder Technology, 171 (2), 96-105. doi: 10.1016/j.powtec.2006.09.008
2007
Journal Article
Glass transition behavior of spray dried orange juice powder measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermal mechanical compression test (TMCT)
Shrestha, A. K., Ua-Arak, T., Adhikari, B. P., Howes, T. and Bhandari, B. R. (2007). Glass transition behavior of spray dried orange juice powder measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermal mechanical compression test (TMCT). International Journal of Food Properties, 10 (3), 661-673. doi: 10.1080/10942910601109218
2007
Journal Article
Effect of surface tension and viscosity on the surface stickiness of carbohydrate and protein solutions
Adhikari, B,, Howes, T., Shrestha, A. and Bhandari, B. R. (2007). Effect of surface tension and viscosity on the surface stickiness of carbohydrate and protein solutions. Journal of Food Engineering, 79 (4), 1136-1143. doi: 10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2006.04.002
2007
Journal Article
Use of solute fixed coordinate system and method of lines for prediction of drying kinetics and surface stickiness of single droplet during convective drying
Adhikari, B., Howes, T. and Bhandari, B, R. (2007). Use of solute fixed coordinate system and method of lines for prediction of drying kinetics and surface stickiness of single droplet during convective drying. Chemical Engineering And Processing, 46 (5), 405-419. doi: 10.1016/j.cep.2006.06.018
2007
Journal Article
Effect of protein concentration on the surface composition, water sorption and glass transition temperature of spray-dried skim milk powders
Shrestha, A. K., Howes, T., Adhikari, B. P., Wood, B. J. and Bhandari, B. R. (2007). Effect of protein concentration on the surface composition, water sorption and glass transition temperature of spray-dried skim milk powders. Food Chemistry, 104 (4), 1436-1444. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2007.02.015
2007
Conference Publication
Aggregation and breakage rates in the flocculation of estuarine cohesive sediments
Neumann, L. E. and Howes, T. (2007). Aggregation and breakage rates in the flocculation of estuarine cohesive sediments. International Conference on Cohesive Sediment Transport (INTERCOH 2003) , Gloucester Point, VA, United States, 1-4 October 2003. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier . doi: 10.1016/S1568-2692(07)80005-2
2007
Conference Publication
Controlled production and characterisation of biopolymer gel particles
Burey, P., Bhandari, B. R., Howes, T. and Gidley, M. (2007). Controlled production and characterisation of biopolymer gel particles. CHEMECA 2007, Melbourne, Victoria, 23-26 September 2007. Barton, ACT: Engineers Australia.
2007
Journal Article
Instrumentation and testing of a thermal mechanical compression test for glass-rubber transition analysis of food powders
Boonyai, P., Howes, T. and Bhandari, B. (2007). Instrumentation and testing of a thermal mechanical compression test for glass-rubber transition analysis of food powders. Journal of Food Engineering, 78 (4), 1333-1342. doi: 10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2006.01.005
2006
Journal Article
Thin-layer isothermal drying of fructose, maltodextrin, and their mixture solutions
Adhikari, B., Howes, T., Shrestha, A. K., Tsai, W. and Bhandari, B. R. (2006). Thin-layer isothermal drying of fructose, maltodextrin, and their mixture solutions. Drying Technology, 24 (11), 1415-1424. doi: 10.1080/07373930600952768
2006
Journal Article
Erratum: optimization of cocurrent spray drying process for sugar-rich foods. Part II - optimization of spray drying process based on glass transition concept (Journal of Food Engineering (2005) 71 (66-72) PII: S0260877404005151 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2004.10.018)
Truong, Vinh, Bhandari, Bhesh R. and Howes, Tony (2006). Erratum: optimization of cocurrent spray drying process for sugar-rich foods. Part II - optimization of spray drying process based on glass transition concept (Journal of Food Engineering (2005) 71 (66-72) PII: S0260877404005151 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2004.10.018). Journal of Food Engineering, 73 (3), 304-304. doi: 10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2005.06.001
2006
Journal Article
Effect of lactic acid on spray drying behavior of acid-whey and study of their glass transition temperature
Shrestha, Ashok K., Adhikari, Benu P., Howes, Tony E. and Bhandari, Bhesh R. (2006). Effect of lactic acid on spray drying behavior of acid-whey and study of their glass transition temperature. Journal of Food Science and Technology Nepal, 2, 57-62.
2006
Conference Publication
Surface tack measurements on drying droplets
Litster, J D, Van der Hoeven, M. J., Cameron, I T, Howes, T, Meesters, G M H and Wildeboer, W J (2006). Surface tack measurements on drying droplets. CHEMCA 2006 Knowledge and Innovation, Auckland, New Zealand, 17-20 September 2006. New Zealand: University of Auckland.
2006
Journal Article
Applications of the cyclone stickiness test for characterization of stickiness in food powders
Boonyai, P., Howes, T. and Bhandari, B. (2006). Applications of the cyclone stickiness test for characterization of stickiness in food powders. Drying Technology, 24 (6), 703-709. doi: 10.1080/07373930600684908
2006
Journal Article
Simulation of the cake formation and growth in cake filtration
Ni, L. ., Yu, A. B., Lu, G. Q. and Howes, T. (2006). Simulation of the cake formation and growth in cake filtration. Minerals Engineering, 19 (10), 1084-1097. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2006.03.012
2006
Conference Publication
Sticky behavior of whey protein isolate and lactose droplets during convective drying
Adhikari, B P, Howes, T, Shestha, A and Bhandari, B R (2006). Sticky behavior of whey protein isolate and lactose droplets during convective drying. Fifth World Congress on Particle Technology, Florida, USA, 23-27 April 2006. USA: The American Institute of Chemical Engineers.
2006
Conference Publication
Self-assembly of biopolymer gel networks within hydrating particles
Ramesh, Sukha, P., Bhandari, Bhesh, Howes, Tony and Gidley, Mike (2006). Self-assembly of biopolymer gel networks within hydrating particles. 5th World Congress on Particle Technology, Lake Buena Vista, Florida, U.S., 23-27 April, 2006.
2006
Journal Article
Applications of Thermal Mechanical Compression Tests in food powder analysis
Boonyai, P., Bhandari, B. and Howes, T. (2006). Applications of Thermal Mechanical Compression Tests in food powder analysis. International Journal of Food Properties, 9 (1), 127-134. doi: 10.1080/10942910500473988
2006
Conference Publication
Influence of surface tack of food products on agglomeration in spray drying
Van der Hoeven, M. J., Litster, J D, Howes, T, Meesters, G M H and Wildeboer, W J (2006). Influence of surface tack of food products on agglomeration in spray drying. Fifth World Congress on Particle Technology, Florida, USA, 23-27 April 2006. USA: The American Institute of Chemical Engineers.
Funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Tony Howes is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Available projects
-
A simple model for coastalwaterway management
This research project is part of a larger Coastal Co-operative Research Centre project on the interface between modelling, monitoring and management in coastal waterways. Monitoring is essential for determining the water quality and ecosystem health of waterways. However, the are significant constraints on the design and operation of these programs due to cost and resource limitations. Furthermore, there are minimum requirements on the amount of data that is necessary to provide statistical confidence. This research project will aim to overcome some of these limitations by investigating the use of simple models for the design and interpretation of water quality monitoring data.
Funds are available to top-up an APA or other scholarship by up to $5000 p.a. Importantly, the successful student will have an operating budget of up to $5000 p.a. and similar support for professional development, (to June 2006). The project involves close collaboration with the Queensland Environmental Protection Agency as well as a range of other stakeholders.
Students will need an honours degree in a suitable field (Science, Engineering) and an interest in modelling and water quality issues.
For more details contact Tony Howes, School of Engineering, The University of Queensland (phone (07) 3365 4262, email tonyh@uq.edu.au)
-
Design of a PID controller for a drying rig
We presently have apparatus which blows hot, dry air over a single droplet, and we obtain the drying kinetics of the drying through computer measurements of the droplet temperature and weight.
We have a project which looks at improving the control of the in-coming air stream temperature and humidity, which at present is manually set by the user and monitored. In particular, we would like to look at using the data acquisition card and software in the computer to control the heating and humid air flow rates in order to perform this control.
The project would suit a student interested in control or data acquisition.
Supervision history
Completed supervision
-
2019
Doctor Philosophy
Atomisation, Flow Patterns and Gelation of Impinging Aerosols in a Continuous Microgel Producing Device
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bhesh Bhandari
-
2015
Doctor Philosophy
Maximising Stakeholders¿ Benefits of Work Integrated Learning Programs: Schools of Chemical Engineering
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Lydia Kavanagh
-
-
2015
Doctor Philosophy
A conceptual model of a sustainable system based upon observations of biodegradable plastic packaging film experiments and material flow
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Peter Halley
-
2011
Doctor Philosophy
Crystallization Engineering of Ibuprofen for Pharmaceutical Formulation
Principal Advisor
-
2009
Doctor Philosophy
Biodiversity of phytoplankton and seagrass epiphyte assemblages in Hervey Bay: Links to water quality and habitat characterisation during a recovery phase of seagrass growth
Principal Advisor
-
2009
Doctor Philosophy
Particle-Droplet Collisions in Spray Drying
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Ian Cameron
-
2008
Doctor Philosophy
Interpreting Residence Time Distributions in Water Treatment Systems
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Paul Lant
-
2004
Doctor Philosophy
RIVERINE TURBIDITY AND RESUSPENSION PROCESSES
Principal Advisor
-
2003
Doctor Philosophy
GLASS TRANSITION TEMPERATURE OF A DRYING DROPLET WITH VARIABLE COMPOSITION AND ITS IMPLICATION TO THE SPRAY DRYING OF SUGAR-RICH FOODS
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bhesh Bhandari
-
2003
Doctor Philosophy
RESIDENCE TIME DISTRIBUTION STUDIES OF WASTEWATER FLOWS THROUGHT HE OXLEY CREEK SUBSURFACE FLOW CONSTRUCTED TREATMENT WETLAND
Principal Advisor
-
2003
Doctor Philosophy
A study of turboflotation - a novel high-intensity flotation system
Principal Advisor
-
2003
Doctor Philosophy
COMPUTATIONAL FLUID DYNAMICS DESIGN OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS
Principal Advisor
-
2003
Doctor Philosophy
ELECTRIC IMPEDANCE. TOMOGRAPHY FOR MEASUREMENT OF SOLIDS CONCENTRATION
Principal Advisor
-
2025
Doctor Philosophy
Percrystallisation for Producing Cathode Active Material
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor James Vaughan
-
2017
Doctor Philosophy
Model Structure and Rheology of Weak Gel Suspensions
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jason Stokes
-
2017
Doctor Philosophy
Studies of the Encapsulation and Release of Carbon Dioxide from Amorphous and Crystalline Alpha-Cyclodextrin Powders and Its Application in Food Systems
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bhesh Bhandari
-
2014
Doctor Philosophy
Drainage and stability of foam films during bubble coalescence in aqueous salt solutions
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Anh Nguyen
-
2013
Doctor Philosophy
Understanding the mechanism and factors affecting the surface composition of powder particles containing proteins during spray drying.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bhesh Bhandari
-
-
2008
Doctor Philosophy
Dynamics of Drop Formation in Microfluidic Devices
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Justin Cooper-White
-
2005
Doctor Philosophy
DEVELOPMENT OF NEW INSTRUMENTAL TECHNIQUES FOR MEASUREMENT OF STICKINESS OF SOLID PARTICULATE FOOD MATERIALS
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bhesh Bhandari
-
2003
Doctor Philosophy
MODELLING OF THE GLASS TRANSITION TEMPERATURE OF SUGAR-RICH FOODS AND ITS RELATION TO SPRAY DRYING OF SUCH PRODUCTS
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bhesh Bhandari
Media
Enquiries
Contact Dr Tony Howes directly for media enquiries about:
- Atomisation - chemical engeering
- Coalescence - chemical engineering
- Flocculation - chemical engineering
- Fluid mixing - chemical engineering
- Spray drying - chemical engineering
Need help?
For help with finding experts, story ideas and media enquiries, contact our Media team: