Tony Howes
Source: https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/346 Parent: https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/579
Dr
Tony Howes
Email: : tonyh@uq.edu.au
Positions
First Year Engineering Academic Advisor : Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
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
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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
All (165) Journal Article (115) Conference Publication (48) Book Chapter (2)
2025
Journal Article
Membrane percrystallization for production of lithium salt and basic compounds
Deng, Yiquan, Howes, Tony and Vaughan, James (2025). Membrane percrystallization for production of lithium salt and basic compounds. JOM, 77 (11), 8272-8284. doi: 10.1007/s11837-025-07464-2
Membrane percrystallization for production of lithium salt and basic compounds
2024
Journal Article
AI: Educating the educators
Konarova, Muxina, Fitzgerald, Rachel, Birkett, Greg, Bakharia, Aneesha, Howes, Tony, Rufford, Tom and O'Brien, Kate (2024). AI: Educating the educators. The Chemical Engineer, 26-28.
2023
Conference Publication
Novel extraction route for lithium from alpha spodumene by chlorination roasting and inorganic membrane percrystalisation
Fosu, A.Y., Kanari, N., Deng, Y., Motuzas, J., Howes, T., Vaughan, J. and Chagnes, A. (2023). Novel extraction route for lithium from alpha spodumene by chlorination roasting and inorganic membrane percrystalisation. 26th World Mining Congress, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 26-29 June 2023. Brisbane, QLD Australia: World Mining Congress.
2023
Journal Article
Learning how to learn: the skill which underpins performance throughout one’s career
O'Brien, Kate, Howes, Tony and Birkett, Greg (2023). Learning how to learn: the skill which underpins performance throughout one’s career. The Chemical Engineer (982), 33-35.
Learning how to learn: the skill which underpins performance throughout one’s career
2022
Journal Article
Tailoring of solubility of Ibuprofen in the presence of hydrophilic excipients in water-ethanol mixtures by crystallization method
Afrose, Afrina, White, Edward T., Rashid, Md Abdur, Howes, Tony and Alhamhoom, Yahya (2022). Tailoring of solubility of Ibuprofen in the presence of hydrophilic excipients in water-ethanol mixtures by crystallization method. International Journal of Applied Pharmaceutics, 14 (2), 102-109. doi: 10.22159/ijap.2022v14i2.43871
2021
Journal Article
A theoretical study of particle coalescence criteria for inelastic collisions of wet particles
Wu, Dongling, Zhou, Ping, Wang, Geoff, Howes, Tony and Chen, Wei (2021). A theoretical study of particle coalescence criteria for inelastic collisions of wet particles. Chemical Engineering Science, 243 116770, 1-11. doi: 10.1016/j.ces.2021.116770
A theoretical study of particle coalescence criteria for inelastic collisions of wet particles
2021
Journal Article
Rupture distance and shape of the liquid bridge with rough surface
Chen, Jian, Wang, Peipei, Li, Mengran, Shen, Jiahe, Howes, Tony and Wang, Geoff (2021). Rupture distance and shape of the liquid bridge with rough surface. Minerals Engineering, 167 106888, 106888. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2021.106888
Rupture distance and shape of the liquid bridge with rough surface
2021
Journal Article
Measurement of nucleation kinetics for ibuprofen crystals from ethanol and water-ethanol mixtures
Rashid, Md Abdur, White, Edward T., Howes, Tony, Litster, James D. and Marziano, Ivan (2021). Measurement of nucleation kinetics for ibuprofen crystals from ethanol and water-ethanol mixtures. Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology, 64 102587, 1-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jddst.2021.102587
Measurement of nucleation kinetics for ibuprofen crystals from ethanol and water-ethanol mixtures
2020
Journal Article
Modeling of capillary force between particles with unequal contact angle
Wu, Dongling, Zhou, Ping, Wang, Geoff, Zhao, Baojun, Howes, Tony and Chen, Wei (2020). Modeling of capillary force between particles with unequal contact angle. Powder Technology, 376, 390-397. doi: 10.1016/j.powtec.2020.08.037
Modeling of capillary force between particles with unequal contact angle
2019
Journal Article
Liquid redistribution upon the liquid-bridge rupture between two unequal particles with a minimal energy method
Wu, Dongling, Zhou, Ping, Zhao, Baojun, Howes, Tony and Wang, Geoff (2019). Liquid redistribution upon the liquid-bridge rupture between two unequal particles with a minimal energy method. Powder Technology, 354, 165-173. doi: 10.1016/j.powtec.2019.05.057
2019
Journal Article
Improving hydrophilic barriers of encapsulated compounds in Ca-alginate microgel particles through a new ionotropic gelation method for double emulsion droplets
Lee, Boon-Beng, Bhandari, Bhesh R., Ching, Su Hung and Howes, Tony (2019). Improving hydrophilic barriers of encapsulated compounds in Ca-alginate microgel particles through a new ionotropic gelation method for double emulsion droplets. Food Biophysics, 14 (4), 365-382. doi: 10.1007/s11483-019-09586-y
2018
Journal Article
Preparation of ibuprofen microparticles by antisolvent precipitation crystallization technique: characterization, formulation, and in vitro performance
Afrose, Afrina, White, Edward T., Howes, Tony, George, Graeme, Rashid, Abdur, Rintoul, Llew and Islam, Nazrul (2018). Preparation of ibuprofen microparticles by antisolvent precipitation crystallization technique: characterization, formulation, and in vitro performance. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 107 (12), 3060-3069. doi: 10.1016/j.xphs.2018.07.030
2018
Journal Article
Gelation of an alginate film via spraying of calcium chloride droplets
Lee, Boon-Beng, Bhandari, Bhesh R. and Howes, Tony (2018). Gelation of an alginate film via spraying of calcium chloride droplets. Chemical Engineering Science, 183, 1-12. doi: 10.1016/j.ces.2018.02.049
Gelation of an alginate film via spraying of calcium chloride droplets
2018
Journal Article
An innovative approach to extend the shelf life of cottage cheese curds using food grade CO2-α-cyclodextrin complex powder: a preliminary study
Ho, Thao M., Howes, Tony and Bhandari, Bhesh R. (2018). An innovative approach to extend the shelf life of cottage cheese curds using food grade CO2-α-cyclodextrin complex powder: a preliminary study. Journal of Food Processing and Preservation, 42 (2) e13514, e13514. doi: 10.1111/jfpp.13514
2017
Journal Article
Application of the thixotropic elasto-viscoplastic model as a structure probing technique for acid milk gel suspensions
Javanmard, Marjan, Wong, Edeline, Howes, Tony and Stokes, Jason R. (2017). Application of the thixotropic elasto-viscoplastic model as a structure probing technique for acid milk gel suspensions. Journal of Food Engineering, 222, 250-257. doi: 10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2017.11.031
2017
Journal Article
Quantification of calcium alginate gel formation during ionic cross-linking by a novel colourimetric technique
Lee, Boon-Beng, Bhandari, Bhesh R. and Howes, Tony (2017). Quantification of calcium alginate gel formation during ionic cross-linking by a novel colourimetric technique. Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 533, 116-124. doi: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2017.08.033
2017
Journal Article
From raw data to process: the path to a batch or a continuous crystallizer design for ibuprofen
Rashid, Abdur, White, Edward, Howes, Tony, Litster, James and Marziano, Ivan (2017). From raw data to process: the path to a batch or a continuous crystallizer design for ibuprofen. Organic Process Research and Development, 21 (2), 187-194. doi: 10.1021/acs.oprd.6b00339
From raw data to process: the path to a batch or a continuous crystallizer design for ibuprofen
2016
Journal Article
Air extrusion system for ionotropic alginate microgel particle formation: a review
Lee, Boon-Beng, Bhandari, Bhesh R. and Howes, Tony (2016). Air extrusion system for ionotropic alginate microgel particle formation: a review. Chemical Engineering and Technology, 39 (12), 2355-2369. doi: 10.1002/ceat.201600088
Air extrusion system for ionotropic alginate microgel particle formation: a review
2016
Journal Article
Dehydration of CO2-α-cyclodextrin complex powder by desiccant adsorption method and its release properties
Ho, Thao M., Howes, Tony and Bhandari, Bhesh R. (2016). Dehydration of CO2-α-cyclodextrin complex powder by desiccant adsorption method and its release properties. Journal of Microencapsulation, 33 (8), 1-10. doi: 10.1080/02652048.2016.1260662
2016
Journal Article
Encapsulation of CO2 into amorphous alpha-cyclodextrin powder at different moisture contents - part 2: Characterization of complexed powders and determination of crystalline structure
Ho, Thao M., Howes, Tony, Jack, Kevin S. and Bhandari, Bhesh R. (2016). Encapsulation of CO2 into amorphous alpha-cyclodextrin powder at different moisture contents - part 2: Characterization of complexed powders and determination of crystalline structure. Food Chemistry, 206, 92-101. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2016.03.044
Funding
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
View all 26 past funded projects View less
Supervision
Availability
Dr Tony Howes is: : Available for supervision
Looking for a supervisor? Read our advice on how to choose a supervisor.
Available projects
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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)
Read more Read less - #### 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.
Read more Read less
Supervision history
Completed supervision
- 2019
Doctor Philosophy
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Bhesh Bhandari - 2015
Doctor Philosophy
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Peter Halley - 2015
Doctor Philosophy
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Lydia Kavanagh - 2015
Doctor Philosophy
##### Powder Flow in Vertical High Shear Mixer Granulators
Principal Advisor - 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 - 2004
Doctor Philosophy
##### RIVERINE TURBIDITY AND RESUSPENSION PROCESSES
Principal Advisor - 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 - 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: Emeritus Professor Bhesh Bhandari - 2025
Doctor Philosophy
##### Percrystallisation for Producing Cathode Active Material
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor James Vaughan, Dr Julius Motuzas - 2017
Doctor Philosophy
##### Model Structure and Rheology of Weak Gel Suspensions
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jason Stokes - 2017
Doctor Philosophy
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus 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
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Bhesh Bhandari - 2008
Doctor Philosophy
##### Wet Granule Breakage in High Shear Mixer Graunlators
Associate Advisor - 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: Emeritus 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: Emeritus Professor Bhesh Bhandari
View all 23 completed supervisions View less
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
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