Dr Tony Howes
Dr

Tony Howes

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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:

  1. Spray drying at elevated temperatures
  2. API crystallisation modelling
  3. Role of proteins and additives in food spray drying
  4. 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

Search Professor Tony Howes’s works on UQ eSpace

165 works between 1990 and 2025
All (165) Journal Article (115) Book Chapter (2) Conference Publication (48)

141 - 160 of 165 works

2000

Conference Publication

Effect of thermal history on the glass transition termperature of organic acids and sugars

Truong, V., Bhandari, B. R., Adhikari, B. P. and Howes, T. (2000). Effect of thermal history on the glass transition termperature of organic acids and sugars. 33rd Annual AIFST Convention, Brisbane, Brisbane Convention Centre, 20-23 August, 2000. Sydney, Australia: AIFST.

Effect of thermal history on the glass transition termperature of organic acids and sugars

2000

Journal Article

Characterizing mixing in a rotating drum bioreactor for solid-state fermentation

Marsh, AJ, Stuart, DM, Mitchell, DA and Howes, T (2000). Characterizing mixing in a rotating drum bioreactor for solid-state fermentation. Biotechnology Letters, 22 (6), 473-477. doi: 10.1023/A:1005675703617

Characterizing mixing in a rotating drum bioreactor for solid-state fermentation

2000

Journal Article

Approach to designing rotating drum bioreactors for solid-state fermentation on the basis of dimensionless design factors

Hardin, M. T., Mitchell, D. A. and Howes, T. (2000). Approach to designing rotating drum bioreactors for solid-state fermentation on the basis of dimensionless design factors. Biotechnology And Bioengineering, 67 (3), 274-282. doi: 10.1002/(SICI)1097-0290(20000205)67:33.0.CO;2-I

Approach to designing rotating drum bioreactors for solid-state fermentation on the basis of dimensionless design factors

2000

Journal Article

Assessment of the controlling factors in TurboFlotation by statistical analysis

Ofori, P. K., Firth, B. A. and Howes, T. (2000). Assessment of the controlling factors in TurboFlotation by statistical analysis. Coal Preparation, 21 (4), 355-382. doi: 10.1080/07349340008945626

Assessment of the controlling factors in TurboFlotation by statistical analysis

2000

Conference Publication

Droplet Breakage Behaviour in a Pilot Oscillatory Baffled Column

Nelson, G., Ni, X., Johnstone, J. C. and Howes, T. (2000). Droplet Breakage Behaviour in a Pilot Oscillatory Baffled Column. CHEMECA 2000, Perth, W.A., 9-12 July 2000. Barton, A.C.T. Australia: The Institution of Engineers, Australia.

Droplet Breakage Behaviour in a Pilot Oscillatory Baffled Column

2000

Journal Article

Glass transition in processing and stability of food

Bhandari, BR and Howes, T (2000). Glass transition in processing and stability of food. Food Australia, 52 (12), 579-585.

Glass transition in processing and stability of food

1999

Journal Article

Evaluating strategies for overcoming overheating problems during solid-state fermentation in packed bed bioreactors

Ashley, VM, Mitchell, DA and Howes, T (1999). Evaluating strategies for overcoming overheating problems during solid-state fermentation in packed bed bioreactors. Biochemical Engineering Journal, 3 (2), 141-150. doi: 10.1016/S1369-703X(99)00010-8

Evaluating strategies for overcoming overheating problems during solid-state fermentation in packed bed bioreactors

1999

Conference Publication

The controlled break-up of gravity affected liquid jets into particle drops

Cheong, B. S. and Howes, T. (1999). The controlled break-up of gravity affected liquid jets into particle drops. 6th Engineering Foundation Conference on Control of Particulate Processes, Kingfisher Bay Resort, Fraser Island, 19-24 Sep 1999. USA: United Engineering Foundation.

The controlled break-up of gravity affected liquid jets into particle drops

1999

Conference Publication

Modelling fungal growth on solid substrate with a soluble carbon source

Nopharatana, M., Mitchell, D. A. and Howes, T. (1999). Modelling fungal growth on solid substrate with a soluble carbon source. APBioChEC '99, Phuket, Thailand, 15-18 November 1999. Thailand: Thai Society of Biotechnology.

Modelling fungal growth on solid substrate with a soluble carbon source

1999

Journal Article

Implication of glass transition for the drying and stability of dried foods

Bhandari, BR and Howes, T (1999). Implication of glass transition for the drying and stability of dried foods. Journal of Food Engineering, 40 (1-2), 71-79. doi: 10.1016/S0260-8774(99)00039-4

Implication of glass transition for the drying and stability of dried foods

1998

Journal Article

Modelling fungal growth on surfaces

Nopharatana, M, Howes, T and Mitchell, D (1998). Modelling fungal growth on surfaces. Biotechnology Techniques, 12 (4), 313-318. doi: 10.1023/A:1008810500243

Modelling fungal growth on surfaces

1998

Journal Article

Flow and axial dispersion simulation for traveling axisymmetric Taylor vortices

Howes, T and Rudman, M (1998). Flow and axial dispersion simulation for traveling axisymmetric Taylor vortices. Aiche Journal, 44 (2), 255-262. doi: 10.1002/aic.690440204

Flow and axial dispersion simulation for traveling axisymmetric Taylor vortices

1998

Journal Article

O-2 uptake during solid-state fermentation in a rotating drum bioreactor

Marsh, AJ, Mitchell, DA, Stuart, DM and Howes, T (1998). O-2 uptake during solid-state fermentation in a rotating drum bioreactor. Biotechnology Letters, 20 (6), 607-611. doi: 10.1023/A:1005366131817

O-2 uptake during solid-state fermentation in a rotating drum bioreactor

1998

Journal Article

Two dimensional computational fluid dynamic models for waste stabilisation ponds

Wood, MG, Howes, T, Keller, J and Johns, MR (1998). Two dimensional computational fluid dynamic models for waste stabilisation ponds. Water Research, 32 (3), 958-963. doi: 10.1016/S0043-1354(97)00316-3

Two dimensional computational fluid dynamic models for waste stabilisation ponds

1997

Journal Article

Hydraulic tracer studies in a pilot scale subsurface flow constructed wetland

King, AC, Mitchell, CA and Howes, T (1997). Hydraulic tracer studies in a pilot scale subsurface flow constructed wetland. Water Science And Technology, 35 (5), 189-196. doi: 10.1016/S0273-1223(97)00068-1

Hydraulic tracer studies in a pilot scale subsurface flow constructed wetland

1997

Journal Article

Problems associated with spray drying of sugar-rich foods

Bhandari, BR, Datta, N and Howes, T (1997). Problems associated with spray drying of sugar-rich foods. Drying Technology, 15 (2), 671-684. doi: 10.1080/07373939708917253

Problems associated with spray drying of sugar-rich foods

1997

Journal Article

Self-organization with traveling waves: A case for a convective torus

Martincigh, BS, Chinake, CR, Howes, T and Simoyi, RH (1997). Self-organization with traveling waves: A case for a convective torus. Physical Review E, 55 (6), 7299-7303. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevE.55.7299

Self-organization with traveling waves: A case for a convective torus

1997

Journal Article

Simulation of mixing in unsteady flow through a periodically obstructed channel

Howes, T and Shardlow, PJ (1997). Simulation of mixing in unsteady flow through a periodically obstructed channel. Chemical Engineering Science, 52 (7), 1215-1225. doi: 10.1016/S0009-2509(96)00361-2

Simulation of mixing in unsteady flow through a periodically obstructed channel

1997

Journal Article

A semi-empirical approach to optimise the quantity of drying aids required to spray dry sugar-rich foods

Bhandari, BR, Datta, N, Crooks, R, Howes, T and Rigby, S (1997). A semi-empirical approach to optimise the quantity of drying aids required to spray dry sugar-rich foods. Drying Technology, 15 (10), 2509-2525. doi: 10.1080/07373939708917373

A semi-empirical approach to optimise the quantity of drying aids required to spray dry sugar-rich foods

1996

Journal Article

Stationary waves on cylindrical fluid jets

Awati K.M. and Howes T. (1996). Stationary waves on cylindrical fluid jets. American Journal of Physics, 64 (6), 808-811. doi: 10.1119/1.18180

Stationary waves on cylindrical fluid jets

Past funding

  • 2017 - 2018
    Increasing student engagement in active learning through feedback on pre-reading quizzes
    UQ Teaching Innovation Grants
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Fuel tank fluid response to ballistic impact
    Commonwealth Department of Defence Science and Technology Organisation
    Open grant
  • 2014
    Fuel tank fluid response to ballistic Impact
    Department Defence - Defence Science & Technology
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2013
    Gold Coast Desalination Plant Hydrocratic Project
    Queensland Bulk Water Supply Authority trading as Seqwater
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2009
    Surface Modification of Spray-dried Powders by Surface-Active Proteins
    University of Sydney
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2011
    Engineering particles for pharmaceutical formulation
    Pfizer Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2005 - 2008
    Predicting Lyngbya blooms: impact of iron transformation kinetics on flux, distribution and rate of uptake of bioavailable iron and phosphorous
    University of New South Wales
    Open grant
  • 2005 - 2007
    Self-assembly of gelling biopolymer particles
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2005
    UQ TRAVEL AWARDS CAT2-05
    UQ Travel Grants Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2004 - 2006
    SEAS - Modelling, monitoring and management interfacing for waterways
    CRC for Coastal Zone, Estuary and Waterway Management
    Open grant
  • 2004 - 2006
    Prediction of Stickiness in Dairy Products Using Spray Drying
    Dairy Ingredients Group of Australia Ltd.
    Open grant
  • 2004 - 2006
    Understanding of structure development in drying droplets through the stickiness paradigm
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2003 - 2004
    Receiving Water Quality Model Custodianship
    Brisbane City Council
    Open grant
  • 2003
    Application Of Jet Break-Up Emulsification For The Production Of Uniform-Sized Dispersions As Templates For The Preparation Of Particulate
    University of Queensland Research Development Grants Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2002 - 2005
    Improving biological nitrogen removal by enhanced mixing in non-aerated bioreactors
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2001
    Development of instruments to measure stickiness of solid particulate food materials.
    University of Queensland Small Grants Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2001
    Extension of the batch droplet breakup/coalescence model to the more industrially relevant continuous flow case; CFD modelling work; Particle Image Velocimetry hardware and software
    UQ Travel Grants Scheme
    Open grant
  • 1999
    A new approach for wastewater pond design using computational fluid dynamics
    UQ External Support Enabling Grant
    Open grant
  • 1999 - 2001
    Glass Transition Temperature of a Drying Droplet with Variable Composition and its Implication to the Spray Drying fo Sugar-Rich Foods
    ARC Australian Research Council (Large grants)
    Open grant
  • 1998
    Influence of glass transition temperature of sugars and organic acids on the spray drying process
    ARC Australian Research Council (Small grants)
    Open grant
  • 1998
    Jet breakup and droplet formation studies under microgravity and high gravity
    ARC Australian Research Council (Small grants)
    Open grant
  • 1997
    Computational fluid dynamics for improved design of wastewater ponds
    UQ External Support Enabling Grant
    Open grant
  • 1996
    Application of high resolution electric impedance tomography for measurement of solids concentation distribution in a pulsed baffled colum
    ARC Australian Research Council (Small grants)
    Open grant
  • 1996
    Experimental and numerical studies of capillary wave phenemena in low velocity jets
    UQ External Support Enabling Grant
    Open grant
  • 1995 - 1996
    Baffle design for solid-state fermentation in rotary drum fermenters
    ARC Australian Research Council (Small grants)
    Open grant
  • 1995
    Exprimental and numerical studies of single and multiple fluid droplet production
    UQ External Support Enabling Grant
    Open grant

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

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

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