UQ's Innovative Solution Wins Award for Combating Sewer Odour and Corrosion
Key Ideas
  • UQ's project wins an international award for tackling odour and corrosion in sewers by combating hydrogen sulphide through real-time control and chemical dosing technology.
  • The technology predicts and injects precise doses of control chemicals based on flow measurements, aiming to reduce chemical use by 40% in dry weather scenarios.
  • The innovative solution builds on almost 20 years of work at UQ and aims to extend the service life of sewer infrastructures, reduce maintenance work, and protect human health and the environment.
  • The project is supported by various organizations including the Australian Research Council, Urban Utilities, City of Gold Coast, and SA Water.
A research and development project at the University of Queensland (UQ) has been recognized with an international innovation award for its successful approach to combatting odour and corrosion in sewers. Led by Dr Jiuling Li, the project focuses on addressing hydrogen sulphide, also known as 'rotten egg gas,' a common issue in wastewater systems. The team has developed real-time control and chemical dosing technology to tackle the problem efficiently. By utilizing algorithms to predict hydrogen sulphide build-up, monitoring equipment, and precise dosing of control chemicals, the project aims to prolong infrastructure lifespan, reduce odours and toxins, and minimize chemical usage. This innovative solution has already shown promising results in sewer networks on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane's western suburbs. The project has received a Silver Project Innovation Award from the International Water Association. Moving forward, the team plans to test the technology in larger systems and diverse climates. Supported by various organizations, including the Australian Research Council, Urban Utilities, City of Gold Coast, and SA Water, the project underscores the importance of managing odour and corrosion in sewer networks for water management, human health, and environmental protection.
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