“It was really ‘blue skies’ research at this stage and we didn’t know where it would take us. ” Dr Peter Birkin, Senior Lecturer in Chemistry
when bubbles move or collapse suggested this action could be used to clean surfaces. However, to work effectively, such bubbles have to be the right size. If not, they are less effective. In addition, bubbles and sound have to be co-ordinated perfectly for maximum cleaning effect to be achieved on the surface in question. In 2008, the developing research received a boost when the government defence agency Dstl expressed interest in using the technology for a low power, low water ultrasonic cleaning system. The team at Southampton focused their efforts on using the findings of their research to meet these requirements and develop a liquid jet system incorporating electrochemically generated bubbles activated with sound. Interest in the technology, now called StarStream, has attracted much public interest and media exposure in recent years and its inventors have patented their innovation. Work is now centering on turning the concept from a laboratorybased model to a more robust prototype and investigating how it can be used practically in the domestic arena as well as medical,
pharmaceutical, aerospace, automotive and manufacturing industries. Peter and Tim have linked up with a company that already specialises in ultrasonic cleaning to take the technology further; Ultrawave Ltd in Cardiff is collaborating with them in the production of robust prototype systems for the manufacturing industry. John Melville, Managing Director of Ultrawave Ltd is enthusiastic: “StarStream technology has the potential to provide a paradigm shift and we are delighted to be collaborating with the University to develop the technology and realise commercial products,” StarStream has even attracted Royal attention. The Royal Society selected the technology as one of three inventions it presented to HRH Prince Andrew at its 2012 Labs to Riches event, Peter and Tim discussed the device with the Royal visitor at the celebration which marked the start of the Royal Society’s Year of Science and Industry. In other developments, the team is actively collaborating with Sellafield Limited to create a decontamination tool to support its missions in nuclear fuel reprocessing and decommissioning of facilities.
Back at the University, Peter is optimistic that this innovative cleaning technique could be valuable in other areas of research. Prototypes are being used by several leading academics in different fields at Southampton. They include Professor Bill Keevil, who is interested in the removal of proteins in medical settings, Professor Richard Oreffo, who leads the Bone and Joint Research Group based at the Institute of Developmental Science, and Dr Paul Stoodley who researches dental plaque biofilms. Almost 20 years after the start of research on gas bubbles in liquids, the innovation that resulted from the first laboratory experiments could transform cleaning technologies. “I’m pleased that the success of our invention is being recognised and plans are in hand to use the technology commercially,” says Peter. “It goes to show how blue skies research working across the disciplines can lead to novel developments and radically new products. We had little idea when our experiments started that they would end in StarStream.” For more information, visit: www.southampton.ac.uk/chemistry/pb
Chemistry New Boundaries | University of Southampton
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