Whey process - Reduction of waste and resources (2015-16)

Whey process - Reduction of waste and resources (2015-16)

Project outcomes

Sponsored by Devondale Murray Goulburn

This project is proudly funded and supported by Gardiner Dairy Foundation

Team members:
  • Alex Mitchem
    Bachelor of Computer Software
  • Jess Pizzol
    Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical)/Bachelor of Science (Applied Mathematics)
  • Stephanie Wong
    Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical) Bachelor of Science (Chemistry/Mathematics)
Project title:
Whey process - Reduction of waste and resources
Description of the project:
 The aim of this project is to identify opportunities to maximise the efficiency of our whey processing area, while minimising resource use and waste. There are significant environmental benefits for our downstream wastewater treatment and irrigation by optimising this area. Our whey processing area is highly complex making a varied product mix, utilising membranes. This project will require the student group to work collaboratively with our production team, engineering and controls specialists to source input data and build models of the area. The student group will also be tasked with identifying areas of improvement and working with our site team to implement 'quick wins'.

By the end of the project, we expect to have a working model which uses 'real time' inputs from our control system, as well as identified projects for implementation to reduce waste generation and resource use.

Project brief

Project brief

Sponsored by Devondale Murray Goulburn

This project is proudly funded and supported by Gardiner Dairy Foundation

Location:
Cobram (Regional VIC)
Description of the project:
 The aim of this project is to identify opportunities to maximise the efficiency of our whey processing area, while minimising resource use and waste. There are significant environmental benefits for our downstream wastewater treatment and irrigation by optimising this area. Our whey processing area is highly complex making a varied product mix, utilising membranes. This project will require the student group to work collaboratively with our production team, engineering and controls specialists to source input data and build models of the area. The student group will also be tasked with identifying areas of improvement and working with our site team to implement 'quick wins'.

By the end of the project, we expect to have a working model which uses 'real time' inputs from our control system, as well as identified projects for implementation to reduce waste generation and resource use.

Project outcomes

This project has been closed
Project Aims:

Key deliverables of this project include:

  • Development of waste generation, water and chemical use map and model of the whey processing area;
  • Scoping of opportunities to minimise waste generation, water and chemical use;
  • Implementation of opportunities (as agreed with project supervisors) and;
  • Report detailing outputs of model, ongoing use of model and scoped opportunities (implemented and potential)
Available to:
Undergraduate students in penultimate and subsequent year (including honours)
Postgraduate students
Faculty or Department:
Engineering-Chemical
Engineering-Civil
Engineering-Electrical & Computer Systems
Engineering-Materials
Engineering-Mechanical
Information Technology
Disciplines:
Business Computing
Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Computational Science
Computer Science
Electrical & Computer Systems Engineering
Environmental Engineering
Materials Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Network Computing
Software Development & Software Engineering
Sector:
Manufacturing
Employment Type:
Scholarship
Attributes:

Previous experience on a manufacturing site will be considered an advantage.

Eligibility:
Australian residents or PR only
Selection Criteria:
  • Application review by senior faculty members (including academic performance)
  • Successful completion of group assessment activity
  • Successful interview with industry partner

Please note:

  • The final selection of the MITI project team will be made by representatives of Devondale Murray Goulburn
  • Successful applicants must agree to commit to 12 weekswork commencing December 2015-February 2016
Duration:
12 weeks
Max number of recipients:
3
Application process:

A cover letter and current CV are mandatory requirements of the application process.

Your cover letter should state the following information in a clear and concise manner:

  • why this project is of particular interest to you
  • an outline of your experience either through work, study or other interests to support your application
  • what you can contribute as a member of the team

PRIOR TO APPLYING FOR THIS PROJECT PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:

Cobram is situated on the Murray River (Regional Victoria-bordering NSW)) located approximately 259 kms from Melbourne CBD. You will be living away from home for the duration of the project and your own transport is required.

  • Suitable local accommodation + an appropriate travel allowance will be provided

Devondale Murray Goulburn

Today, Devondale Murray Goulburn processes one-third of the nation’s milk supply and is controlled by over 2500 dairy farmer-shareholders. The highs and lows of its 60-year history give Devondale Murray Goulburn a wealth of experience and knowledge of the nation’s dairy industry which sets it apart. As the largest Australian-owned dairy food company, Devondale Murray Goulburn’s aim is to be the primary partner of Australian dairy farmers. The co-operative’s key objective is to maximise farmgate returns and as a result, Devondale Murray Goulburn plays a vital role in driving higher milk prices.

http://www.mgc.com.au/