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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.
Shimlas & Kovsie Netball reign at SASSU 2007
2007-07-25
Various sporting codes of the University of the Free State (UFS) participated in the SASSU tournaments over the past June/July holidays.
Shimlas |
Rugby:
The Shimlas won their first game against Walter Sisulu University (Buffalo City) 69–0. The game was stopped 20 minutes before the end.
In their second game, the Shimlas won UJ 24-20.
The Shimlas won the final match against Pukke with a convincing 28-13.
Hockey:
The UFS woman’s team ended 6th in die A division
The UFS men’s team ended 5th in die B division
Squash:
The UFS men’s team ended 5th in the A division
The UFS woman’s team ended 1st in the B division
Karate:
Johann Rourke – 1st – Men above 80kg Kumite
Deidre West – 1st – Ladies open Kata Section
3rd – Ladies above 60kg in Kumite
Cross Country:
Women 4km – 2nd (Esté de jager came in 2nd)
Men 4km – 2nd (Boy Soke came in 1st)
Women Road Relay – 4th
Men Road Relay – 1st
The teams were as follow:
Esté de Jager
Thandi Malindi
Rone Reyneke
Boy Soke
Johan Cronjé
Michael Tlhoro
Dumisane Hlaselo
Netball:
Won the tournament.
Compiled by
Ansu Colditz
KovsieSport: Sports Officer
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