Flowtech Controls wins engineering prize
Dec 28 2010 by Henryk Zientek, Huddersfield Daily Examiner
A KIRKLEES businessman has won a prestigious international award – after his firm developed a life-saving gas detection system.
Simon Simpson, commercial director of Flowtech Controls, collected the innovation award at the annual Institution of Engineering and Technology Awards in London.
The award was made for the company’s new carbon monoxide and combustible gas detection system for residential properties.
The system – which is the first of its kind – alerts residents and automatically shuts off the gas supply in the event of a leak, an area where traditional detection systems provide insufficient protection against poisonous gas fumes and explosions.
The innovation was primarily developed to focus on protecting vulnerable members of the community and those with a duty of care over occupiers.
Mr Simpson who was instrumental in the development of the system, said: Š“As a fairly smallŠcompany with our first product, we are really proud and flattered that an industry body as prestigious as the ŠIET has recognised our innovation over and above the other shortlisted entries and we hope this will inspire others to enter in the years to come.
“We are now embarking on the next stage of our development to create a product that will cut off gas supply once smoke is detected as well as carbon monoxide.”
The company’s outstanding success for its product was against a record number of international entries – offering industry innovators worldwide a unique opportunity to demonstrate their innovations and imagination as they tackle local, economic and social challenges.
Flowtech Control, which is part of the Peerless Controls Group, beat several major companies and organisations to win the award.
The system uses a new range of detectors which in addition to the required visual and audible alarms, also send a wireless signal to a control panel when pre-set levels of gas are reached. This in turn closes the gas supply to prevent further build up.
The IET Innovation Awards recognise the most innovative companies operating in a wide variety of engineering and technology disciplines.
Fifteen categories included asset management, transport, telecommunications and product design.
The awards ceremony at the Brewery, London, was hosted by TV presenter Suzi Perry.Š
