An innovative study focusing on ultrasound sensor technology could give rise to the development of new technology.

John Shamu, a doctoral student who is based at the Flow Process and Rheology Centre (FPRC), recently completed advanced studies related to ultrasound sensor technology on Flow-Viz, an industrial system invented by CPUT and SP - Technical Research Institute of Sweden.

Flow-Viz is a highly specialised industrial fluids characterization system that improves process and quality control within a fluid production line.

Developed by CPUT inventors, Dr Reinhardt Kotzé and Prof Rainer Haldenwang, along with Swedish co-inventor, Dr Johan Wiklund, the industrial system is based on a pulsed ultrasound technology platform including non-invasive sensors.

Thanks to funding from the CPUT Research and Innovation Fund and the Research Directorate, John recently completed two recent stints at SP in Sweden.

Whilst in Sweden, John says he completed tests on novel ultrasound sensor technology that can measure Doppler profiles through high grade stainless steel pipes.

“This information is critical for advanced sensor development,” says John.

With access to high tech equipment, John says he was able to successfully acoustically characterise several industrial sensors with different configurations, using various coupling technologies.

“The research trip was quite enlightening and I got to learn about advanced research methods within my subject area as well as using sophisticated equipment in a different working environment,” says John.

Dr Kotzé, who is one of the inventors of Flow-Viz, says the results of John’s work will be used to develop the next generation of sensors where the ultrasound beam is more optimised for industrial applications and accurate measurements.

Dr Kotzé says John’s research activities are part of the centre’s plan to build infrastructure, develop new skills and ensure sustainability within the Flow-Viz innovation project.

*Students who would like to join the Flow-Viz team, both in SA and in Sweden, can contact Dr Reinhardt Kotzé at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Written by Candes Keating
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Provides coverage for the Engineering and Applied Sciences Faculties; the Bellville and Wellington Campuses, and research and innovation news.

The industrial Flow-Viz system, an invention by CPUT and Swedish partner SP – Technical Research Institute of Sweden has been approved for a US patent, further paving the way for the formation of an international spin-off company.

This is another first for the university’s Technology Transfer Office (TTO), which plays a key role in promoting innovation at CPUT.

The news comes just a few months after the real-time industrial Flow-Viz system was granted a European Patent Office (EPO) approval, giving CPUT and SP the official rights to file national phase filings in numerous European countries. Patents in other countries have also been applied for.

Obtaining US and EPO patent approvals is no mean feat as this involves defending intricate technical and legal intellectual property office actions. Such applications are fully examined by leading international patent examiners and success proves the novelty, non-obviousness and applicability to industry of the invention. 

Flow-Viz technology is a highly specialised industrial fluids characterization system that improves process and quality control within a fluid production line.

CPUT inventors, Dr Reinhardt Kotzé and Prof Rainer Haldenwang, who are based at the Flow Process and Rheology Centre, along with Swedish co-inventor, Dr Johan Wiklund worked tirelessly over many months with the TTO to achieve these approvals, and have welcomed the news.

Haldenwang says the patents will stand them in good stead as they will open doors for commercialisation in regions where they have identified possible business links.

Research work leading to this invention began 15 years ago, with CPUT coming aboard in 2007. The device was first demonstrated in South Africa in 2011 at CPUT. Since then pilot tests have been conducted on a wide-range of products such as food products and even wastewater. 

Two systems have already been set up in pilot plants in America and Europe.

“Flow-Viz is unique, there is no similar product that currently exists in the world for opaque non-Newtonian fluids,” says Kotzé.

“Its aim is to replace time-consuming off-line measurements in the quality control laboratory with continuous real-time and non-invasive process monitoring of industrial fluids that takes place directly in the production line.”

Kotzé says that currently operators take fluid samples and conduct time-consuming lab tests to monitor product quality.

Director of Technology Transfer and Industrial Linkages at CPUT, Prof Gary Atkinson - Hope, says this is a major achievement for the University.

“These achievements place our forthcoming Flow- Viz company on a very sound footing and we can now with confidence move into the commercialisation space,” says Atkinson - Hope.

Written by Candes Keating
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Provides coverage for the Engineering and Applied Sciences Faculties; the Bellville and Wellington Campuses, and research and innovation news.