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31 December 2019
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Story Dr Cindé Greyling
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Photo Anja Aucamp
KovsieInnovation at the UFS supports innovative research outputs in various ways – one of which is to protect the intellectual property and to register patents where viable. This is in line with KovsieInnovation’s broader aim to create third-stream income for the university. Patent registration is a complex process and the UFS is proud to have the needed expertise to properly facilitate such an endeavour.
The SAENSE Platform
South Africa is a water-scarce country, with many water hungry industries (such as agriculture and mining). “Industrial processes often contaminate water with heavy metals, harmful chemicals, radioactive waste, and even organic sludge,” Dr Mariana Erasmus, SAENSE Platform Manager, explains.
Hence, water remediation is vital for both the ecosystem and industries. One of the key functions of the SAENSE Platform is to offer water-remedial solutions for the (bio)remediation of nitrates, heavy metals, and salts, among others. The platform’s activities and services are supported by undergraduate and postgraduate students and researchers, using Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) funding. TIA is a national public entity that serves as key institutional intervention to bridge the innovation chasm between research and development.
From waste to water
Through the joint effort of two mining companies and the UFS/TIA SAENSE Research Platform, a new treatment for mine drainage (MD) has been developed. This patented B-DAS (Barium – Dispersed Alkaline Substrate) technology effectively treats the major contaminants found in acid, alkaline, or neutral mining wastewater. The aim of the B-DAS system is to provide a passive water-treatment solution with minimum waste production; it can also be a potential pre-treatment for reverse osmosis (RO) to lower the requirements of the membranes and therefore potentially reduce the RO cost.
The success of the patent is that it turns unusable water into water that is fit for agricultural purposes at a reduced cost and increased efficiency.
Goodbye Bloem Concert!!
2010-02-26
Scaena Theatre: Goodbye Bloem Concert!! |
Goodbye Bloem Concert!
With Bea van der Vyver, Caroline Haasbroek, Martinette van Jaarsveld and klitzgras
At 19:30 on 26 and 27 Feb in the Scaena Theatre on the UFS Campus, cabaret singer Bea van der Vyver will reflect on her years as a resident of Bloemfontein. The show consists of songs written by Van der Vyver as well as commercial numbers.
Klitzgras, Caroline Haasbroek and Martinette van Jaarsveld will join her on stage in this concert that also serves as a benefit for musician and former Kovsie Hanno van Heerden ('n Man soos Jan) in his battle against cancer. The tickets cost R50. For more information and bookings, contact Kovsie Culture at 051 4012819.
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