With burst pipes and road closures a part of every day life, it is difficult to ignore the growing problem of a leaking water infrastructure in the UK. One of the underlying problems is a lack of understanding of what is happening within the water network; the volume of flowing water and condition of the pipes are largely unmonitored. Two of the reasons for not measuring the network extensively are the lack of mains electrical power available for water utility providers to measure pressures and flows in the network, and the environmental and economic cost of battery replacement as an alternative. A power harvesting device that generates power from the flowing water would allow measurement and remote control of the water network, in turn reducing leakage. Oxford Flow are developing a reliable and cost-effective method of harvesting power from flowing water and using that power to supply measurement and control equipment around the valves that maintain the function of the water network. This will both increase the understanding of how the water network is functioning and allow the water suppliers greater control over their networks. In the long run, this will reduce leakage rates and the energy required to pressurise the network, allowing water providers to pass the cost savings onto their customers.

Gas companies around the world operate vast networks of pipelines often in remote areas, controlling the pressure with valves and other equipment. They are increasingly seeking data on their networks, as part of the growing Internet of Things, to optimise performance and reduce leakage. Oxford Flow makes Pressure Reduces Valves, and has added intelligence to the valves. But a major limitation on data collection in these remote locations is battery life. A solution is to generate electricity on the site. Gas flow has a unique characteristic – when you reduce pressure you create lower temperatures, and these can be used to generate electricity. Through this project Oxford Flow aims to develop a smart valve, providing the data the gas industry needs, powered by the gas flow itself.

Many industrial and manufacturing processes require the control of the flow of gases and fluids. From water and compressed air through to rare gases, steam, and chemicals, accurate flow control is key to process efficiency and safety. It’s achieved through a range of valves and regulators, the designs and applications for many of which date back to the industrial revolution. Oxford Flow has developed an innovative flow control device. The company is a spin out from Oxford University, and the novel design was developed at the Osney Thermo-Fluids Lab by academics to meet a specific requirement in their research programme. The device has potential as a platform technology – the basis of pressure regulators and valves with applications throughout industry. The patented design is in field trials as a pressure regulator, where it has competitive advantages; it is smaller and more compact than other pressure regulators, and can be manufactured more cheaply. It also has a very precise flow control, a high level of performance that was the original objective of the scientists’ design. Oxford Flow aims to undertake a detailed Proof of Market project to map the performance and attributes of the technology to industry needs. This involves desk research into the markets for the technology, and engagement with industries such as water, chemical processing, advanced manufacturing and specialist gas applications, to understand in detail the highest value initial applications for the technology. As a result of the project, the company will determine its priority markets for commercialisation and develop its technology roadmap to meet industry needs.