A unique SA solution to an expensive problem

Abstract

INDUSTRIAL WATER D eveloped at the University of Pretoria, the Rotoscope is a uniquely South African answer to a problem that costs global industry several billion Euros a year. The system is designed to monitor and treat the formation of unwanted biofilm – the accumulation of bacteria, proteins, algal material and fungi that causes the deterioration in the microbiological quality of treated water. The corrosion and weathering caused by this biofilm can lead to considerable damage, ranging from contamination of pharmaceutical or microelectronic products, to reduced efficacy of heat exchangers, unexpected corrosion of stainless steel and premature destruction of mineral materials. In a nutshell, the Rotoscope aims to provide an affordable on-line, realtime, non-destructive method to monitor biofilm. And at roughly a tenth of the price of similar highend systems, it holds huge promise for local companies who want to improve the price and quality of their products. Once commercialised, it could also capture a substantial slice of the somewhat underserved overseas market.

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