Nathan Barrett

Dr Nathan Barrett is a Researcher at the University of Newcastle's School of Engineering, affiliated with the BHP Centre for Sustainable Steelmaking Research (SSR). His work focuses on pyrometallurgical processes, particularly the sustainability of ironmaking technologies under modern and future operational conditions. He investigates the use of Australian iron ores in blast furnaces and fluid bed reduction systems, emphasizing hydrogen integration to reduce carbon emissions.

Education:

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, University of Newcastle
• Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Chemical Engineering, University of Newcastle

Research Interests:

• Hydrogen-enriched blast furnace operations
• Lump ore and sinter interactions in pyrometallurgical processes
• Thermodynamic modeling of ferrous burden systems
• Sustainable steelmaking technologies

Publications: His recent work explores hydrogen’s impact on blast furnace performance, emphasizing improved permeability and reduced emissions through optimized burden designs. Key themes include microstructural analysis of ferrous materials and the mechanistic interactions between lump and sinter ores.

Awards: No awards explicitly mentioned.

Supervision: Co-supervises 1 PhD student on hydrogen fluidized bed reduction of Australian iron ores.

Labs/Teams: Active member of the BHP SSR Centre, collaborating on projects related to low-carbon steel production.