In-Situ Magnetometer - Finalist in NSTF Awards

Sasol and the University of Cape Town's Centre for Catalysis Research are delighted that the In-Situ Magnetometer that arose from their long-standing joint research efforts has been selected as a finalist in the NSTF category: Research for Innovation by an individual or a team through an Organisation/ Institution. Congratulations to the inventors: Professors Michael Claeys and Eric van Steen of UCT and Jan van de Loosdrecht and Kobus Visagie of Sasol Technology on this achievement.

The patented In-Situ Magnetometer has been well-received internationally and prestigiously selected to feature in a journal special edition, along with the work of world leaders in in-situ research, showcasing this world-class South African expertise.

In successful operation for several years now, the instrument has enabled groundbreaking results to be generated for Sasol's proprietary research and development programme in cobalt metal-based Fischer-Tropsch catalysis.

The Magnetometer remains a vibrant area of research at UCT and an NRF Research Infrastructure Support Programmes award will support the development of an even more advanced instrument by coupling it with Raman spectroscopy. This will greatly extend its capabilities and enable characterisation of material virtually down to an atomic scale - uniquely, all at the actual industrial working conditions involving gas/liquid flows of up to 550°C and 100 bar pressure.

Although originally designed for the study of catalysts, the instrument is in fact a generic tool for the characterisation of nanoparticles in a diversity of fields such as: novel magnetic materials for water treatment, metal extraction, nano magnets and recording devices.

Initial requests for Magnetometers, which are already being received from Europe, will be met by the university, but UCT is seeking a commercial partner to fulfill this role in the longer term. Should you be interested in pursuing this opportunity, or finding out more about it, please contact Dr Andrew Bailey at RCIPS or phone 021 650 2425.

Visit the Magnetometer website for detailed information www.magnetometer.co.za