“Our tools help us
to look deeper
and show you more,
so that you can
advance with confidence.”

TOOLS

Our primary tools are the skills in our team and our structured methods that help us achieve reliable and valuable results. We also rely heavily on different types of modelling, such as computational thermochemistry, process modelling and multiphysics modelling. Our software tools enable us to develop deeper insight, so that we can help you make better decisions.

Computational
Thermochemistry

Imagine you could assess thousands of feed blends and recipes rapidly to find the ones that will help you succeed.

Decades of experimental data and models are available to describe the behaviour of different systems at thermodynamic equilibrium. Pyrometallurgical processes are ideal to take advantage of this data because the high temperatures involved provide a strong driving force for the system to achieve equilibrium. Computational thermochemistry allows us to gain a better understanding of a system’s behaviour and to predict how it would respond to changes. We routinely use large-scale computational thermochemical analyses to assess a wide range of options, which eliminates bad choices and reveals the options that will support successful operation.

System Phase Distibution
System Phase Content
System-Phase-Graph
System-Phase-Content-Graph-

Process
Modelling

Imagine you could test different process concepts and flowsheet configurations before entering detailed design.

A model is a computer-based representation of a process and a useful tool for studying likely process behaviour. Process models enable us to rapidly study numerous process configurations before embarking on a pilot campaign or finalising a basic design. By eliminating infeasible options, it allows us to design focused test campaigns, processes, and furnaces. This process decreases overall development time, reduces risk, and enables earlier start to production.

Multiphysics
Modelling

Imagine you could see how your furnace would behave to guide your design decisions.

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) are well-established methods to provide high-fidelity descriptions of complex system that involve multiple physical phenomena. In the world of pyrometallurgy, these phenomena include fluid flow, heat transfer, electromagnetics, chemical reactions as well as stress and strain in the furnace lining. At Ex Mente we use advanced computational models to describe and analyse the behaviour of furnaces and processes to help our clients gain deeper insight and make better decisions. To support you, we have a strong multidisciplinary team with experience in pyrometallurgy, mechanical engineering, and numerical methods.
Dr Jaco Swanepoel 2024

Dr Jaco Swanepoel

SENIOR PROCESS ENGINEER

Jaco is a Chemical Engineer with twelve years of experience in projects that range from reactive metals handling, reactive metal powder production in molten salt slurry reactors, extractive metallurgy to microwave-assisted gas-solid materials processing.
Jaco contributed to three process patents and obtained a PhD degree in Chemical Engineering. Jaco also completed the KTP Management and Leadership Study Program at Ashorne Hill Management College, England.

Stefan van der Merwe 2024

Stefan van der Merwe

Lead Engineer Digital

Stefan’s greatest passion is to enable people. By combining his greatest passion with his love for technology, he finds joy in making computing infrastructure accessible to the non-technical, and developing software that uncomplicates tasks. As a software engineer with qualifications in electronic engineering and bioengineering, Stefan is responsible for software development, enabling the team and clients to advance through insight.