To help build new connections in the water sector, we called for pitch videos from innovative suppliers interested in working with water companies to address the sector’s biggest challenges – from reaching net-zero, to restoring our water environment, to tapping into the potential of open data.
Registrations for the Water Innovation Directory are currently closed while we plan our next competitions, and review how we can best support new partnership and collaboration in the water sector.
If you’re a water company or NAV please take a look and take note of any you would be interested in partnering with – we’ll be adding a link for you to book 1-to-1s with the water companies shortly.
If you’re anyone else and are interested in working with the water sector – you can register your interest in taking part in future brokerage activities, and sign up to our newsletter to receive updates on the Fund.
Please note – it is the responsibility of water companies to carry out any necessary checks and due diligence on partners.
Using High-Performance Computers, we model water flows and networks in near real-time by creating Computational Fluid Dynamic models. External data sets, for demand and supply, are added to the model to give decision makers scenarios of what may occur. Over a course of time, the model will improve with longer time data sets and additional external data sets, to make the model more reliable. This CFD model will help decision makers to plan their future network and proportionately allocate resources to the improvement of the current and future network.
Inside a conventional tap is a washer, which is screwed down to stop the flow. Whilst it gives a leak-proof seal for a period of time, the washer is subject to wear and corrosion and will eventually fail, causing tears that allow water to pass. The procedure for replacing this washer is time-consuming and complex, requiring specialised maintenance. The MIKK Valve creates a default ‘valve closed’ position rather than the current ‘valve open’ position, meaning there is no longer a need to turn off the mains supply during maintenance and repair. One MIKK Valve would stop a dripping tap from wasting at least 5,500 L of water a year.
Based on measurements of data such as water sound, motion, temperature and moisture in the shower cubicle, an algorithm monitors showers in real-time and displays this to the user. Aguardio also uses Narrowband-IoT technology to communicate the data to the server, providing automated consumption reports, including benchmark data. All the installation that is needed is to attach the device to a wall in the shower cubicle, as it comes with a SIM card built in that transmits the water consumption information back to the server. Data from over 25,000 showers in seven tourism show that showers with Aguardio were 14% shorter on average and, when a persuasive message was added in a sticker next to Aguardio, showers were 21% shorter on average.
The technology uses latest linear and non-linear data analysis techniques for a range of projects including: embankment dam condition surveys; land susceptibility to groundwater extraction; leakage risk assessment, water quality evaluation, and; mapping pipe networks. Our unique combination of expertise allows us to select the most appropriate analysis techniques for geotechnical and structural applications and to provide informed interpretations of radar satellite data.
HP1T’s flexible pressure sensor solution integrates both level and pressure measurements into a single lower cost device. Since the sensor can conform to uneven surfaces, it will be attached to the wall at a CSO inlet/outlet, where the thin form factor and surface material can reduce the effects of ragging. Once installed, the device will connect to a data logger to record what is happening in the CSO chamber. Data will then be transmitted via Narrow Band IoT (NBIoT) to a cloud environment where it can be visualised and analysed to inform decision making.
Instrumentel’s Condition Based Maintenance solutions utilise sensors and IoT devices, alongside integration with existing data sources, making data available remotely using our proprietary Diagnostic Hubs. Data is then turned into usable, actionable information using machine learning algorithms which results in maintenance teams being alerted when intervention is needed saving between 10% and 15% of operational costs. Examples include high pressures or temperatures providing early warning of failure on service critical assets. Customers in other industries have saved £millions from their maintenance budgets and assets run more reliably for longer.
VAPAR.Solutions rapidly digitises, standardises and centralises legacy and incoming sewer CCTV condition data. The VAPAR platform processes over six hundred thousand metres of wastewater infrastructure every year for dozens of clients across Australia, New Zealand and the UK. They have customers in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Their solution is currently being used by United Utilities and Anglian Water in their sewer flooding reduction programs.
Riscon Solutions Limited’s solution Dig-WSP applies IoT technology to passively allow the monitoring of Water Safety Plans allowing much higher levels of implementation of the approach. Water Safety Planning has now been in wide circulation for over 15 years, but two key challenges remain; 1. the ability to monitor significant numbers of parameters passively and feed them into the data structure, and 2. using continuous understanding of these to evaluate and update risk. The Dig-WSP solution provides two specific digital technologies that overcome this challenge.
Bivalve have developed a range of machines that can be deployed directly into the aquatic environment to remove harmful microplastics and invasive species without damaging river flora and fauna. Their solutions are powered by renewable energy and are capable of processing millions of litres of water in a chemical free, low disruption method. The machines are scalable, able to work in the smallest pond or stream or up to the open ocean, giving real-time data from water bodies around the World.
The Blue Barriers are modular in design and comprise two parts: modular floats made by recycled and recyclable polyethylene that provide buoyancy and stability, and an internal steel structure of 4 steel cables that provide high resistance. The system sinks up to 90cm below the water surface and is able to remain vertical even in strong currents. Thanks to this characteristic and its curved surface, the collection efficiency is optimised in the area of major accumulation of the plastic around 50cm of depth. It collects 93% to 100% river plastic in normal flow conditions and 80% to 88% in higher flow.
WASE accelerates the breakdown of waste using unique, low energy electrode technology (EMR) which boosts energy production by increasing biogas yields by >20%, increasing methane percentage up to 90%, increasing versatility and reducing Biomethane upgrading costs. The process stabilises internal reactions during treatment, regulates the pH and stabilises performance compared to AD, ensuring reliable performance. EMR treats waste up to 10X faster, reducing the system footprint and making secondary treatment as a pre-aeration step and sludge management feasible. EMR brings a return on investment in 3-4 years, in comparison to 5-6 years for AD systems.
HydroSolar’s floating solar system (FSS) provides unique durability, environmental-friendliness and cost-efficiency. Researchers from Lancaster University will model, analyse, and monitor the environmental impacts and provide insights to minimise any negative effects and maximise positive ones, resulting in environmental guidelines for all FSS project stages. The innovative integration of unique products and the inclusion of environmental scientists will de-risk and increase the feasibility of FSS for UK water companies. They have installed Turkey’s first and Turkey’s largest floating solar system and received global awards such as MIT Innovators Under 35 and Forbes 30 Under 30.
Based on INERGYS technology, the GreenPack aerogenerator features a vertical axis with movable blades which allow it to capture maximum wind energy, which in turn is converted into electricity. The nominal power of our GreenPack is 3kW and it is scalable. The GreenPack is easily installed, is of reasonable size and can be operated in urban or rural areas. It is robust and resistant to storms or violent wind.
Fugitive and diffuse emissions are common in industrial processes and challenging to monitor. NPL, as UK’s National Measurement Institute, has in-depth knowledge, experience and capabilities in emission metrology. This includes assessing, validating and calibrating sensors traceable to national and international standards, as well as monitoring emissions and developing new methods and techniques. Additionally, NPL’s research contributes to developing new standards and setting new regulations.
Drivers find, charge and pay for public charging through a single mobile app. The app is linked with a web app for fleet managers, allowing businesses to electrify their fleets. The solution enables centralised payment for drivers, collection of receipts and identification of anomalous charging events. Paua is backed by Innovate UK to get to a proof of concept stage and are seeking partners to develop a production version of the solution through co-development with pioneering fleets.
The Blue Flag Filter filters has perforations of 100 microns, 3000 times finer by cross-sectional area than the EU adopted standard of 6 mm holes screen plate. Water is only taken from the top 50 mm of the container it is in so that more than 90% of solids never interface with the filter medium, migrating downwards by gravity and remaining in the continuation flow. The filter is applicable as a supplementary or replacement phase for/to primary sedimentation as it produces water suitable for re-introduction to water courses and coastal waters.
The solution is to develop a collaboration ‘envelope’ across the sector based on an Open Common Methodology (OCM) through which (non-financial/commercially sensitive) information about objectives, strategies, plans, outcomes, outputs, analyses and lessons learned can be shared. The approach is embedded in, and builds upon, the principles of the Asset Management Standard (ISO55001). The scope of the OCM is determined by each company, but must not include financial information, or activities that are subject to competition. Success is dependent on the flow of information around the cycle, in which each of the stages can only be effective if all the other stages are functioning adequately.
Deploy Tech uses Concrete Canvas HydroTM (CCH), a flexible, concrete-filled geosynthetic that hardens when hydrated. Once the concrete is set, it prevents any crack propagation. Deploy Tech have two products that would benefit the UK water industry: Deploy 40,000 litres Rural (Deploy 40R) for rural applications for agricultural activities, and; Deploy 40,000 litres Drinking (Deploy 40D) for drinking water systems. Deploy 40D has won several international awards in social good and social impact categories.
Composite materials can provide multiple tailored benefits to provide innovative solutions to technology problems. This expanding materials group can be engineered to be both corrosion and chemically resistant, very low weight, multi-functional and low-carbon impact. Increasingly they can be engineered for extremely low carbon impact and lend themselves for greater use of strengthening of existing assets from pipes to reservoirs. The NCC works with industry to apply knowledge and technologies to materials, processing and applications – accelerating and de-risking innovation.
Worldwatercommunity.com is a global collaboration and community platform (in development) for all individuals and organisations involved in water. It provides easy personal access to the latest scientific information, scientific laboratories and water officials. Community members have access to answers and latest (possible) effective solutions for water challenges. The platform allows 100% open accounting community crowdfunding of any water related project, including those which are normally difficult to get financed.
