Innovations

The North-West University (NWU) has pioneered the novel use of Europium-Tellurium-Oxide (ETO) in the production of clean energy. ETO is a light-chargeable catalyst material that exhibits sustained and enhanced activity after light excitation has ended. Its unique characteristics present an

The invention relates to a novel process of partial oxidation of un-agglomerated chromite ore in ferrochrome production processes. The process includes the steps: Providing a source of un-agglomerated chromite ore; subjecting the source of un-agglomerated chromite ore to pre-oxidation at a

This product contains beneficial microbes found in fruits and vegetables. When applied to crops, these microbes naturally improve growth, nutrient use, and crop quality. When produce is consumed raw, it also helps support digestion and gut health. It is especially well-suited for ready-to-eat fruits

Conventional irrigation sprinklers which are fitted with rises pipes above the ground are prone to mechanical damage and disorientation. As a result, the lifespan of the irrigation system is shortened or the potential of irrigation systems to optimally irrigate the required surface areas are

An irrigation sprinkler riser technology which comprises of a flexible tubular body which is installed to join from the lateral water supply pipe to the sprinkler head, allowing adjustable positioning of the sprinkler at various angles or directions by means of an adjustable knob. The body of the

The invention relates to the use of maghemite nanoparticles at pH less than 5 to remove sulphate, manganese, copper, nickel, cobalt and zinc metal ions from acid mine drainage (AMD). In conventional AMD treatment, these pollutants are only removed at higher pH, and that requires costly alkaline

Industrial electrowinning is one such example where archaic technology has become the norm, with innovation being limited simply because the process is “good enough”. After doing a fundamental analysis on the electrowinning process, the design team has invented a dynamic solution which improves on

Air quality is a concern worldwide. Consequently, efficient means to monitor air pollutants are critical. Current commercially available carbon-based sorbents used for sampling volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in air typically require solvent extraction prior to analysis, and they cannot be reused

The invention relates to a process for producing protein microparticles in dilute organic acid solutions, without the presence of an alcohol such as ethanol. The microparticles are formed by dissolving a cereal prolamin protein in a concentrated organic acid solution with agitation, followed by

Using a metallurgical waste product, the invention consists of a method to treat acidic water from mining sites. The treated water can be used for industrial applications or, with additional steps, be treated for potable usage. Water is currently a scarce resource in South Africa, and the depletion

A new technology that provides the first ever high-throughput 3D imaging of locked diamonds within kimberlite rocks. Locked diamonds of up to 10cm in diameter can now be located within rocks before the crushing process begins. Conventional sorting as well as other more recent sorting technologies

Activated Carbon: Local Production Using Local Nuts The invention describes a novel method of producing activated carbon from locally available nut shells. The invention provides a method to carry out carbonation and physical activation simultaneously via a pyrolysis process. This process produces