Mathew Ellen Email & Phone Number

Christchurch

As a member of a national 4-person team, developed and rolled out a JD Edwards’ supply chain and operations planning system, and personally configured it to account for variables in a continuous manufacturing process.

Christchurch

Developed an ozone-based system for reducing the odour specific to phosphate rock that has achieved a 70–80% reduction in emissions, as shown by olfactometry. The system involves injecting ozone at multiple points in the scrubbing process, a mixing device and adjustments to the temperature and duration of its interaction with process gases.Investigated two disputes over the product quality of imported nitrogen fertiliser ($20m+ in value), and in both cases my findings were accepted by both parties to the dispute.Continued trialling and utilising phosphate rock from multiple mines, assessing each rock on price, reliability of supply, phosphate concentration, hardness, the proportion of heavy metals and processing emissions.

Christchurch

Led Ravensdown’s negotiations with the authorities in respect to atmospheric and wastewater emissions. Reduced the number of imposed conditions and jointly negotiated the reframing of two particularly onerous conditions into manageable two-tier limits. Conceived, designed and developed a community air-quality monitoring system that provides real-time feedback to the manufacturing plant. Introduced innovations in the phosphate processing industry, such as hopper fluidisation, rotary control valves and pleated air filters. Following a major earthquake in Christchurch in 2011, restored full production within 100 days.

Christchurch

Researched, trialled, commissioned and co-authored a paper on the first biofilter for sulphur-melting odour in the fertiliser industry, which virtually eliminates odour emissions. Instigated screening and measurement in the mine processes of 3 major suppliers of high-silica phosphate rock to superphosphate plants (constituting 50%+ of the world market), which — combined with scrubbing upgrades — resulted in a reduction in Ravensdown’s fluoride emissions from 10kg+ per hour to 0.2–0.4kg per hour. In response to a demand that Ravensdown admit liability for an outbreak of Legionnaire’s disease due to plant emissions, researched the disease and represented Ravensdown in the Coroner’s Court, which resulted in a dismissal of the claims.

Christchurch

Christchurch