Reading CO2 levels in surface waters

Projects such as this are helping the EU to become a smart, sustainable and inclusive economy by 2020, as set out in the EU 2020 growth strategy. The EU is facing some tough challenges, including an ageing population, an insufficiently qualified workforce, the need for greater innovation, striking a balance between economic growth and environmental degradation, and ensuring secure, clean energy supplies. Regional policy projects across the EU are playing an active role in dealing with these and many other challenges, by undertaking projects designed to generate employment, raise educational achievement, develop renewable energy sources, boost productivity and give all citizens access to opportunities. The projects and the regions play a pivotal role in this, as they generate real results that contribute to achieving the strategy’s key goals.

Industry and science can benefit from this advanced system, with many practical uses including monitoring climate change and developing renewable energies, alongside opportunities for increased turnover, growth and new and highly qualified jobs.

Smart technology for the environment

The project involved the development of CO2 environmental measurement technology (a smart sensor with evaluation software) for surface waters, using a flow-through measurement system. Such a system offers across-the-board technology for use in helping to address critical issues facing society, including climate change, global warming, greenhouse gases, industrial production optimisation and renewable energies (biogas).

Membranes drive business growth

The technology used is based partly on membrane technology. Based on their experience with methane analysis and by using suitable certified membranes, the project partners have developed a sensor system in line with market requirements, in terms of being flexible, portable and in a form that can be integrated into various systems.  The use of membrane technology and certification brings a major innovative advantage to CONTROS, the project leader. Findings from scientific applications can also be immediately implemented in industry and, conversely, problems or solutions from industry can make a direct contribution to science.

The product offers strong potential for real market growth. Customers are already installing the sensors, however some final field trials have still been taking place in 2011, meaning that CONTROS has been able to develop practical surface CO2 sensors as serially produced devices.

At the end of 2008, CONTROS had eight employees. Seven more were taken on in 2009 and at the beginning of 2010 a further employee was hired for administrative tasks.  At present (2011), CONTROS has 18 full-time employees, a sure sign of a smart, growing and forward-looking business.