Award lubricates ultrasound spinout

Sensor technology that can monitor and predict the failure of mechanical seals has won

research assistant Phil Harper the inaugural £40,000 ERA Foundation Award from

.

The Award has been established to recognise entrepreneurial researchers working in UK universities in the field of electro-technology who are at an early stage in their career and who demonstrate both considerable entrepreneurial promise and the potential to benefit the UK's future prosperity.

Harper's winning entry outlines the technical development and commercialisation of a patented ultrasound solution, developed jointly with the University of Bristol. The method monitors the thin layer of lubricant separating the stationary and rotating rings of mechanical seals, using a piezo-electric ultrasonic sensor and specialist software. If this liquid layer is too thick, leakage occurs; if too thin, the surfaces come into contact and the seal fails.

Mechanical seals are used in a wide range of pumping applications, such as water pumps, turbines, compressors and oilrigs. Until now, there has been no non-destructive method of measuring the liquid layer thickness despite the durability of seals being crucial to plant operation and the significant costs associated with their failure.