Ultra miniaturised, low-power, high precision, robust CT-DO sensor system exploitation

Lead Research Organisation: NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY CENTRE
Department Name: Science and Technology

Abstract

This project will aid the commercialisation of recent inventions of oceanographic / environmental sensor technology developed in collaboration by the National Oceanography Centre Southampton and the University of Southampton. They have developed novel miniaturised high performance sensors that measure the conductivity, temperature and oxygen content of water. The measurement of these parameters is essential in a wide range of environmental studies in both fresh and salt (sea) water. The small size and high performance of these new sensors suggests that they could be developed into a product with potential benefits to both science and industry. Prior to this project the inventors have commissioned a market survey and this has highlighted sizeable markets in a number of sectors. Crucially the potential customers include non scientists in sectors where potential sales volumes are large. This project seeks to investigate these commercial opportunities further and complete adaptation and testing of the technology to allow it to be demonstrated to key user groups and companies. The project will also explore business models, partnerships, patenting, and routes to manufacture.

Publications

10 25 50
 
Description That low-cost CTDO sensors have a market, can be realised, but are complicated by long term materials effects such as water uptake. These have been remedied in subsequent research
Exploitation Route The key engineering problem with the CTDO sensor was identified and hence this output directed further R&D
Sectors Aerospace

Defence and Marine

Electronics

Environment

Manufacturing

including Industrial Biotechology

 
Description We discovered a water uptake issue with one of the sensor materials that fed into subsequent design revisions, a new patent and a product that is on the verge of licensing in a global market.
First Year Of Impact 2016
Sector Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Environment,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology
Impact Types Economic

 
Title APPARATUS FOR SENSING AT LEAST ONE PARAMETER IN WATER 
Description Apparatus (2) for sensing at least one parameter in water, which apparatus (2) comprises: (i) a dissolved oxygen sensor (4) for sensing dissolved oxygen in the water; and which apparatus (2) is such that: (ii) the dissolved oxygen sensor (4) has a working electrode and a reference electrode; and (iii) a voltage signal is applied between the working electrode and the reference electrode, and the voltage signal provides a conditioning waveform, then a wait time, and then a measurement function. 
IP Reference WO2014044998 
Protection Patent granted
Year Protection Granted 2014
Licensed Commercial In Confidence
Impact Licence in negotiation, costs paid by potential licensee
 
Title APPARATUS FOR SENSING AT LEAST ONE PARAMETER IN WATER 
Description Apparatus (2) for sensing at least one parameter in water, which apparatus comprises: (i) a conductivity sensor (6) for sensing conductivity in the water; (ii) a dissolved oxygen sensor (4) for sensing dissolved oxygen in the water; (iii) a glass substrate (14); and (iv) the conductivity sensor (6) and the dissolved oxygen sensor (4) are fabricated on the glass substrate (14) using photolithography and etching. 
IP Reference WO2014044999 
Protection Patent granted
Year Protection Granted 2014
Licensed Commercial In Confidence
Impact license in negotiation with potential licensee paying patent costs
 
Title APPARATUS WITH A SELF-CLEANING ELECTRODE FOR SENSING AT LEAST ONE PARAMETER IN WATER 
Description Apparatus (2) for sensing at least one parameter in water, which apparatus (2) comprises: (i) at least one electrode based sensor (4, 6) for sensing at least one parameter in water; and which apparatus (2) is such that: (ii) the electrode based sensor (4, 6) has a self-cleaning electrode; (iii) the electrode based sensor (4, 6) has a reference electrode; (iv) the self-cleaning electrode is stable in water; (v) the apparatus (2) is configured to operate by liberating chlorine from the water using a first waveform applied to the self- cleaning electrode; (VI) the apparatus (2) is configured to operate by liberating chlorine and oxygen from the water using a second waveform applied to the self-cleaning electrode; and (VII) the apparatus (2) is configured to preserve the condition of the reference electrode by periodically regenerating the reference electrode. 
IP Reference WO2014045001 
Protection Patent granted
Year Protection Granted 2014
Licensed Commercial In Confidence
Impact Licensing in negotiation
 
Title APPARATUS WITH A SELF-CLEANING ELECTRODE FOR SENSING AT LEAST ONE PARAMETER IN WATER 
Description Apparatus (2) for sensing at least one parameter in water, which apparatus (2) comprises: (i) at least one electrode based sensor (4, 6) for sensing at least one parameter in water; and which apparatus (2) is such that: (ii) the electrode based sensor (4, 6) has a self-cleaning electrode; (iii) the electrode based sensor (4, 6) has a reference electrode; (iv) the self-cleaning electrode is stable in water; (v) the apparatus (2) is configured to operate by liberating chlorine from the water using a first waveform applied to the self- cleaning electrode; (VI) the apparatus (2) is configured to operate by liberating chlorine and oxygen from the water using a second waveform applied to the self-cleaning electrode; and (VII) the apparatus (2) is configured to preserve the condition of the reference electrode by periodically regenerating the reference electrode. 
IP Reference WO2014045001 
Protection Patent granted
Year Protection Granted 2014
Licensed Commercial In Confidence
Impact license in negotiation with two companies
 
Title Apparatus for sensing e.g. parameter in sea water for industrial and environmental applications, has conductivity sensor comprising electrodes for current stimulation geometrically bounding and enclosing electrodes for voltage sensing 
Description The design of a planar conductivity cell with geometry that constrains the field limiting the error caused by either conductors or insulators placed in proximity to the sensor. I.e. only the water conductivity is measured. 
IP Reference WO2014044997-A1 
Protection Patent granted
Year Protection Granted 2015
Licensed Commercial In Confidence
Impact This IP is currently the subject of negotiations for a license to one UK and one non UK company