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Technology Development
Pioneering Research and Development Programme
Responding to the common problems of industry with gravity separation of poor and moderate settling solids from liquid streams, Fostech approached the solution strategy from a fundamental level. Building on a lifetime of technological problem solving, some of which led to paradigm-shift solutions, the research included detailed investigation of original references from the birth of the industry to the present day. A hydraulic research laboratory was built at Fostech to enable detailed investigations and pilot scale work, focussed on slow settling suspensions. EC support for this work was invaluable – secured through the Northern Ireland Department of the Environment. Field trials on an industrial plant later commenced with an accommodating client, and results, evaluated independently by QUESTOR at The Queens University Belfast, were shown to be excellent.
These investigations, followed by widespread enquiries, theoretical studies, testing and industrial installations, were very informative on matters of future designs. The range of Voluflow options now makes it possible to focus quickly on best-fit solutions.
Intellectual Property
The technology is protected by the patents listed below. The invention is not limited to patent information in the public domain but also comprises the proprietary knowledge and skills of the company, acquired over the development and application phases of the business.
Fostech would be interested in licensing arrangements for selling Voluflow units, or in selling the technology for further exploitation.
Voluflow patents: Eu 0 608 352 (eight countries)
US 5,575,909
Au 657 172
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