A research paper assessing the need for potentially lifesaving technology which has been prepared by university researchers and specialists at a water safety company has been published in an international academic journal.
SAS Water is working in partnership with Staffordshire University on a project to develop easy to use legionella monitoring technology for commercial use.
As the project progresses, the Knowledge Transfer Partnership has authored an academic paper, published online by the International Journal of Applied Sciences.
The study outlines the case for the use of technology in monitoring water temperatures – a key indicator in the detection of bacteria which can cause Legionnaire’s Disease.
The report’s authors are Preetham Kommula and Lizzie Ward, of SAS Water Ltd, based in Leek, Staffordshire, and Abdel Hamid Soliman and Euan Wilson, of Staffordshire University.
Lizzie Ward, Managing Director at SAS Water, said: “The academic study demonstrates the benefits of development of a temperature monitoring and tap flushing system using the Internet of Things (IoT). Following the establishment of the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with our local university here in Staffordshire, work is progressing well on developing such a system.
“The development would help our business to stay ahead in legionella prevention and protect people from a potentially life-threatening form of pneumonia.”
Legionella risk is usually monitored through temperature checks and regular flushing of water systems. To improve accuracy and save resources, the KTP is developing a sensor-based solution to automatically monitor water for the bacteria, using low powered, cutting-edge sensor technologies and a cloud-based management system.
Preetham, Software Developer at SAS Water, said that key benefits would include real time monitoring of water systems, the ability to remotely monitor water systems in areas of restricted access, and easy recording of actions taken.
By law, all companies with five or more staff or visitors have a duty to monitor water in the workplace for the growth of legionella bacteria and use of technology will save time and money for businesses.
Preetham was a university research associate on the KTP, and his impressive knowledge and work ethic has resulted in him being employed at SAS Water.
Lizzie added: “The opportunity provided by the KTP programme at Staffordshire University presents a real opportunity for companies looking to carry-out research into new ideas and products.
“The technology is designed to make tracking the indicators of legionella bacteria easier for our clients, providing peace of mind for building and facilities managers, and has the potential to prevent a debilitating illness and to save lives.”
