Successful proof-of-concept for sewer pipe sensor system
Monday 11 August 2008, 11:00am
Sensol Ltd. today announced that the first stage of the development of its innovative sewer pipe sensing system had been successful. The project aims to develop a commercial system which employs acoustic analysis techniques to determine sewer pipe condition in order to significantly reduce maintenance costs. The first stage aiming to established proof-of-concept had successfully demonstrated in laboratory trials that the concept was sound and that acoustic signals could be used to determine if a sewer pipe was blocked or if it was clear.
Sensol CEO Ian Bergman said "This is an exciting development. There is a clear need for this technology. In Australia, and around the world, water utilities are required to regularly clear sewer pipes that are not blocked because a small number of blockages in a suburban area requires all pipes in that area to be cleared, irrespective of whether or not they are blocked. At present there is simply no technology able to simply and cheaply determine whether a pipe is blocked or it is clear."
Current indications are that this concept is viable and trials are scheduled for late 2008. If successful, the system will be jointly commercialised by Sensol and ActewAGL for use by water utilities across Australia and worldwide. Sensol Ltd. has agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with ActewAGL to support the ongoing research and development and the MOU is under discussion.
The technology is protected under a provisional patent:
- L. Starczewski, An Acoustic Method and System for Inspecting Pipelines for Blockages, 26/11/2007, Australian Provisional Patent Application No 2007906536.
For further information contact Ian Bergman, CEO, Sensol Ltd on +61 (0) 2 6280 7521 or on +61 (0) 449 159442
Note to editors
The Company - SENSOL Limited
Sensol Ltd provides sensor solutions for perimeter security, electronic tracking and surveillance, wide area monitoring and environmental monitoring. The company's main focus is the application of seismic sensor technologies supported by broad expertise in signal collection and analysis, transmission and dissemination of information, and the development of self-configuring networks of cost-efficient sensors that monitor their environment. Sensol is expanding its intellectual property portfolio through licensing and acquisition of related sensor technologies from alliance partners within Australia and internationally.
More detail about the company and the technology can be found at: http://www.sensol.net.au