Associate Professor Darryn Rackemann

PhD (Queensland University of Technology), Master of Engineering Science (James Cook Uni. of North Qld)

Darryn Rackemann has over 22 years experience in undertaking R&D and consulting for raw sugar mills and other clients. Over this time he has developed a comprehensive knowledge of the sugar industry in the areas of clarification and filtration technology and evaporation and crystallisation vessel design and operation. Dr Darryn Rackemann has developed CFD modelling tools and knowledge (including multi–phase and multi–component flows) to evaluate enhanced process vessel designs and has also trained other staff in CFD modelling techniques. Darryn has completed a Masters in Chemical Engineering on heat and mass transfer in crystallization unit operations and was responsible for the design of proprietary circulation and heat transfer assistance technology (SRI Jigger Tube System) for improving the performance of crystallisation pans. This technology is promoted worldwide. Darryn completed a PhD program exploring environmentally friendly and efficient solvolysis processes to target bio-chemical products (e.g. platform chemicals and biofuels) from the carbohydrate content of lignocellulosics.

Recently Darryn has been involved in a number of sugar factory and refinery design and review projects undertaking activities including developing Process Flow Diagrams, Heat and Mass Balance considerations and Process and Instrumentation Diagrams and preparing and reviewing proposed sugar factory and refinery process and equipment design, equipment selection and equipment layout. Darryn is also currently involved in research projects examining biomass pretreatment and processing strategies, and production of renewable fuels, biochemicals and biomaterials at both laboratory and pilot scale.

Additional information