Real-time condition monitoring and early warning of failure of potable water using novel fluorescence spectroscopy instrumentation
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Sheffield
Department Name: Civil and Structural Engineering
Abstract
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Organisations
- University of Sheffield (Lead Research Organisation)
- Severn Trent Water (Collaboration)
- UNITED UTILITIES GROUP PLC (Collaboration)
- Northumbrian Water (Collaboration)
- Gilden Photonics (United Kingdom) (Project Partner)
- Severn Trent (United Kingdom) (Project Partner)
- Safe Training Systems Ltd. (Project Partner)
- United Utilities (United Kingdom) (Project Partner)
- Northumbrian Water Group plc (Project Partner)
Publications
Bridgeman J
(2015)
Portable LED fluorescence instrumentation for the rapid assessment of potable water quality.
in The Science of the total environment
| Description | A dual wavelength LED based, battery powered, portable prototype device has been developed and proven for the measurement of potable water quality. The device; - Works in either discrete or continuous modes of operation. - Gives near real time measurements. - Is suitable for use in-situ, outside laboratory conditions. - Provides a single indicative value assessment of organic (peak C) and microbial (peak T) content of water. - Operates over a wide range of fluorescence, hence applicable to waters found through potable and waste water systems. - Provides excellent correlation with a proven bench top device for both peaks. - Provides excellent correlation to total organic carbon, with potential shown for microbial surrogate measures. |
| Exploitation Route | The device has multiple potential uses within the water industry, in both water and waste water applications. It could be deployed to provide a rapid, cost effective and robust indication of: - Organic and microbial matter in potable water distribution systems - Identification of potential ingress into service reservoirs - Identification of misconnections - BOD and COD at different stages within wastewater treatment - River water quality for use at, or upstream of, water treatment works abstraction points or downstream of wastewater treatment discharge points - Bathing water quality - Combined Sewer Overflow spills - Disinfection by-product formation potential at water treatment works and water distribution systems. The device also adds value to academic research involving the use of LED based fluorescence instrumentation for the assessment of water quality. |
| Sectors | Environment |
| Description | The device developed has been utilized at prototype stage for a number of applications across water supply systems including treatment works, service reservoirs and distribution systems by all three collaborating water companies. Results of these applications have yield benefits and informed initial cost benefit assessments. Follow on KE activity has led to further development of prototype devices suitable for developing world applications, this activity is ongoing. Application of the device as a means to monitor WQ within drinking water distribution systems is continuing, for example via a WIRe CDT project in collaboration with Dwr Cymru Welsh Water applied to Service Reservoirs. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2012 |
| Sector | Environment,Other |
| Impact Types | Economic |
| Description | Follow on funding via University of Birmingham Impact Accelorator Account |
| Amount | £90,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | University of Birmingham |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 06/2014 |
| End | 06/2015 |
| Description | Service Reservoir Integrity |
| Amount | £100,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Welsh Water |
| Sector | Private |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2019 |
| End | 09/2023 |
| Description | Collaboration with Northumbrian Water |
| Organisation | Northumbrian Water |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Collaboration with Severn Trent Water / United Utilities / Northumbrian Water throughout the course of the project in the application of the created technology to real world treatment and supply conditions (e.g. collection and monitoring of sample waters). |
| Collaborator Contribution | Membership of steering committee, direction, advice, comparative analysis and field testing |
| Impact | Field testing leading to reports, publications and follow on funding |
| Start Year | 2011 |
| Description | Collaboration with Severn Trent Water |
| Organisation | Severn Trent Water |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Collaboration with Severn Trent Water / United Utilities / Northumbrian Water throughout the course of the project in the application of the created technology to real world treatment and supply conditions (e.g. collection and monitoring of sample waters). |
| Collaborator Contribution | Membership of steering committee, direction, advice, comparative analysis and field testing |
| Impact | Field testing and comparative analysis leading to reports, publications and further funding |
| Start Year | 2011 |
| Description | Collaboration with United Utilities |
| Organisation | United Utilities Group PLC |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Collaboration with Severn Trent Water / United Utilities / Northumbrian Water throughout the course of the project in the application of the created technology to real world treatment and supply conditions (e.g. collection and monitoring of sample waters). |
| Collaborator Contribution | Membership of steering committee, direction, advice, comparative analysis and field testing |
| Impact | Field testing and comparative analysis leading to reports, publications and further funding |
| Start Year | 2011 |
| Title | Fully functional prototype device constructed and tested |
| Description | A fully functional dual wavelength LED based, battery powered, portable prototype device has been developed and proven for the measurement of potable water quality. |
| Type Of Technology | Physical Model/Kit |
| Year Produced | 2012 |
| Impact | Stimulated new thinking and capability for measuring water quality in real time in situ |
| Title | Improved measurement of peak C and peak T fluorescence using a portable, battery powered LED device |
| Description | The project has advanced the use of LED based technology for the measurement of peak C and peak T fluorescence in both discrete and continuous modes of operation. |
| Type Of Technology | New/Improved Technique/Technology |
| Year Produced | 2012 |
| Impact | Stimulated new thinking and capability for the real time insitu measurement of drinking water quality |
| Description | Diageo Foundation 25 Year Impact Report Lauch Event |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Presentation of latest prototype of water quality analyser at the Diageo Foundation's launch of its 25 year report. This project was the only one selected for showcasing throughout the evening. Attendees included Diageo staff, NGOs and charities, including Wateraid and Care. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| URL | http://www.diageo.com/en-row/newsmedia/pages/resource.aspx?resourceid=3049 |
| Description | Filtration and Separation |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Result of press release by University of Birmingham. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| URL | http://www.filtsep.com/view/44267/birmingham-water-experts-develop-device-to-save-lives/ |
| Description | Finesse Control Systems ltd opportunities scoping |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Presentation and initial discussions around commercialisation of water quality device, possibly with production based in Malawi to stimulate local economy. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | Fishermans Rest Presentation |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Third sector organisations |
| Results and Impact | Presentation to Fisherman's Rest / FROM Wales. FROM Wales monitors borehole activity in more than 10,000 boreholes in Malawi and hopes to increase this to 40,000 over the next few years. The charity is interested in using the water quality device to monitor quality at those borehole sites. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | IWA NATURAL ORGANIC MATTER SPECIALIST CONFERENCE 2013 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Type Of Presentation | paper presentation |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Oral presentation at the IWA NATURAL ORGANIC MATTER SPECIALIST CONFERENCE - NOM 5 Down Under. Led to international interest and awareness Follow up interest from international researchers and water companies |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
| Description | Interview with Voice of America |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | Interview given to Voice of America on need for rapid water quality analysis and how EPSRC funding has helped in the development of a novel device. Voice of America (VOA) is the largest U.S. international broadcaster, providing news and information in more than 40 languages to an estimated weekly audience of 236.6 million people. VOA produces content for digital, television, and radio platforms. It is easily accessed via your mobile phone and on social media. It is also distributed by satellite, cable, FM and MW, and is carried on a network of more than 2300 affiliate stations. Thus, its reach is vast. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| URL | http://www.voanews.com/a/new-device-tests-water-safety-in-seconds/3345158.html |
| Description | Micropol and Ecohazards 2013 conference - Zurich |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Type Of Presentation | paper presentation |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Poster presented at IWA Micropollants and Ecohazards 2013 conference in Zurich detailing key findings from the project. The 8th IWA Specialist Conference on Assessment and Control of Micropollutants/Hazardous Substances in Water Interest from international researchers |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
| Description | Pioneer Article |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Article published in EPSRC Pioneer magazine. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| URL | https://www.epsrc.ac.uk/newsevents/pubs/pioneer16/ |
| Description | Presentation at st SWIG Sensing in Water bi-annual conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | talk sparked questions and discussion and requests for information Interest from supply chain and water companies |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011 |
| Description | SWIG conference 2013 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Type Of Presentation | paper presentation |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Oral presentation at the SWIG conference 2013. Led to discussions with supply chain. Interest from supply chain |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
| Description | Severn Trent - Lunch and Learn session |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | 20 minute oral presentation given to staff (approx. 20) in Severn Trent Water's clean and dirty water process operations, summarizing work and key findings. Followed by 15 minute question and answer session. Talked led to interest and further testing with severn trent. Company awareness of project |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
| Description | Severn Trent Water - Stakeholder dissemination event of research outcomes |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Presentation / question and answer session to middle management at Severn Trent Water on the key findings of the project and the operational benefits to the company. water company interest |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
| Description | University of Birmingham Press Release |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Press release from University of Birmingham Press Office generated significant interest and requests for further information. Story picked up and reported across at least 34 separate websites across the world, including the UK, United States of America, China, India, Canada, South Africa, Australia, Indonesia, Turkey, Cambodia. http://wwtonline.co.uk/features/rapid-low-cost-water-quality-assessment-for-all http://www.wateractive.co.uk/news/birmingham_water_experts_develop_device_to_save_lives http://www.huaxunnsw.com/health/huanbao/146605450317634.html http://www.eenaduindia.com/News/International/2016/05/17173545/UK-water-experts-develop-device-to-help-save-lives.vpf http://www.noodls.com/view/733D317668E5681B386FB7302429AFFC876B2BF6 http://www.financialexpress.com/article/india-news/water-experts-develop-device-to-help-save-lives-in-india/257876/ http://www.publicnow.com/view/733D317668E5681B386FB7302429AFFC876B2BF6 http://www.indiablooms.com/ibns_new/health-details/S/1752/birmingham-water-experts-develop-device-to-help-save-lives-in-india.html http://www.newkerala.com/news/2016/fullnews-64896.html http://www.asianage.com/technomics/uk-water-experts-develop-device-save-lives-india-384 http://huntnews.in/p/detail/4253145791164409?uc_param_str=dnfrpfbivesscpgimibtbmntnijblauputoggdnw&pos=1463519022333&channel=tag_headlines&chncat=tags_english http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/uk-water-experts-develop-device-to-help-save-lives-in-india-116051700838_1.html http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/science/uk-water-experts-develop-device-to-help-save-lives-in-india/articleshow/52309997.cms http://www.newindianexpress.com/world/UK-water-experts-develop-device-to-help-save-lives-in-India/2016/05/17/article3437664.ece http://www.deccanherald.com/content/547001/uk-water-experts-develop-device.html http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/uk-water-experts-develop-device-to-help-save-lives-in-india/ http://drdo.gov.in/drdo/pub/npc/2016/may/19May2016.pdf http://www.gdepi.com/bencandy.php?fid=139&id=21753 http://northcoastcourier.co.za/60606/birmingham-water-experts-develop-life-saving-device/ http://www.voanews.com/content/new-device-tests-water-safety-in-seconds/3345158.html http://www.filtsep.com/view/44267/birmingham-water-experts-develop-device-to-save-lives/ http://canmua.net/washington/new-device-tests-water-safety-in-seconds-841431.html http://whatissaid.com/news_stories/health/2016/05/new-device-tests-water-safety-in-seconds_264545.html http://www.internationaltravelnews.com/index.php/sid/244375237 http://www.torontotelegraph.com/index.php/sid/244375237 http://www.southsouthnews.com/all-news/voa/198-2015-05-27-15-49-38/health-voa/100806-new-device-tests-water-safety-in-seconds http://www.worldandi.com/subscribers/searchdetail_headlines.asp?num=15643 http://workingwithwater.filtsep.com/view/44267/birmingham-water-experts-develop-device-to-save-lives/ http://www.newdelhitimes.com/new-device-tests-water-safety-in-seconds123/ http://www.cnnindonesia.com/gaya-hidup/20160526122334-255-133569/kualitas-air-kini-dapat-diuji-dalam-hitungan-detik/ http://www.sizehaber.com/haber/256664/ictiginiz-su-temiz-mi http://www.risalehaber.com/ictiginiz-su-temiz-mi-272142h.htm http://kampucheathmey.com/kpt/?p=288624 http://www.haberturk.com/saglik/haber/1246837-ictiginiz-su-temiz-mi |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| URL | http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/latest/2016/05/Birmingham-water-experts-develop-device-to-save-live... |
| Description | Water quality measurement using fluorescence spectroscopy |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Type Of Presentation | paper presentation |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Presentation to IWEX trade exhibition. Supply chain |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011 |