IOW innovations
SPR-sensor for quantifying methane in marine waters
The measuring principle of conventional SPR (surface plasmon resonance) sensors has been modified by using light sources of different colours (wavelengths) in the same arrangement during measurement. This increases the resolution and extends the measuring range compared to operation with only one colour.
In addition, the wavelength change allows a reference spectrum to be recorded without changing the measuring medium (from aqueous to air or similar).
(Patent application: DE 10 2021 100 321 B4)
UV-Antifouling
Biofouling is a decisive factor for the quality of measurements taken by anchored devices. UV-C radiation is capable of effectively preventing the formation of biofilms in a localised area. As part of the UVLiBS project, energy-efficient UV-C emitters with variable optics for different measuring devices have been developed and built. These emitters are used at the IOW-MARNET stations as fouling protection. In 2021, a patent application was filed for the development.
(Patent specification: DE 10 2019 101 420 A1)
Swell movement compensation
Swell movement seriously disturbs oceanographic data collection. A real motion driven winch control helps to solve this problem. After a long period of development the system is now working on the research vessel Elisabeth Mann Borghese for the IOW since 2012. During many cruises it has proven its reliability and has worked with absolute reliability.
The result of this development process was so successful because the engineers of Elbe Hydraulik, Osterrönfeld and the scientists of the IOW worked closely together. It needed a kind of frontier spirit on both sides to accomplish the winch system with the desired qualities.
Although the basis of our system seems rather simple the results show that it works very efficient and provides a compensating effect sufficient for measuring different horizons with an extension of only 10 cm during wave heights of 1,5 m.
(Patent application: DE 10 2014 201 815)
This development was licensed to Elbe-Hydraulik, Rendsburg.
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AFIS - Innovative Sampling Technique from IOW
The newly developed water bottle „Automatic Flow Injection Sampler (AFIS)” was invented as a water sampler with integrated injection device for spraying and dispensing solutions into the sample right after enclosing - this meant a substantial progress. Without these new developments the physiology and the content of certain macromolecules (nucleic acids and proteins) of the enclosed organisms had often changed immediately. With the AFIS microorganisms even from deeper water can be sampled preserving their nucleic acids in accordance to their actual physiological state. Additionally several substrates for the organisms can be added to the sample directly at their habitat.
(Patent-application: DE 10 2012 000 880) A licence was assigned to the company HydroBios, Kiel where it can be purchased today.
