In the heart of North Yorkshire, a new chapter in water technology is unfolding. Synthotech, a Harrogate-based engineering company, is setting the stage for a technological revolution in the water sector. The company is developing a new water technology hub that will create eight new jobs, a significant boost for the local economy and a testament to the growing demand for advanced water management solutions.
Synthotech’s latest venture follows a substantial £7.3m investment in water and multi-utility no-dig technologies. The company specialises in developing advanced monitoring and leak detection technology, a critical area for utility companies grappling with the challenge of pipeline leaks. The new technology centre will focus on designing and building advanced pipeline inspection systems and robotics, which can detect leaks and fix pipes remotely, covering long distances and speeding up the investigation process. This not only enhances safety but also reduces the environmental impact of traditional excavation methods.
The company’s advanced AI-capable robots are designed, developed, and manufactured in the UK, ensuring high standards of quality and innovation. These robots significantly reduce the time and excavation required to investigate pipelines for leaks, making the process more efficient and cost-effective. This technological leap is a game-changer for the water sector, which has long struggled with the issue of leakage from underground water pipelines. Estimates suggest that up to a fifth of all treated water is lost, amounting to nearly 1 trillion litres per year in the UK alone. Synthotech’s innovations aim to tackle this problem head-on, ensuring that water networks operate more efficiently and sustainably.
One of Synthotech’s latest innovations is the SynthoCAM H20, a CCTV inspection system that allows water networks to inspect drinking water pipes without interrupting customers’ water supply. This technology ensures that pipelines are leak-free and working effectively, providing a seamless service to consumers while minimising disruptions.
Mark Tindley, managing director of Synthotech, highlighted the importance of sharing technological advancements within the sector. “Our recent advancements in robotics and leak detection technology are helping water companies operate more efficiently and reduce the impact of repairs on the public,” he said. “As we expand our technological capabilities, it’s crucial that our learnings and outcomes are shared with the water sector to accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge technologies by water utilities.”
The company’s innovation division, Synovate, has already made significant strides with two contracts worth £5.8m in Ofwat’s Water Breakthrough Challenge. These contracts will utilise Synthotech’s latest robot technology to identify and repair leaks from within live water mains without requiring extensive excavations, further minimising interruptions to water supplies.
This investment and the subsequent technological advancements are poised to reshape the water, sanitation, and drainage sector. By reducing the time and cost associated with pipeline maintenance, Synthotech’s innovations could lead to more sustainable water management practices. The focus on no-dig technologies and remote inspections aligns with the growing demand for environmentally friendly and efficient solutions in the water sector. As Synthotech continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible, the water industry is set to benefit from a new era of technological innovation, driving forward a more efficient, sustainable, and resilient future.
