A NEW Manchester company hopes to revolutionise the construction industry with its pioneering technique for blasting blockages from pipes using the power of sound.

Scientist turned entrepreneur Dr Charlie Zhou has used his academic know-how to develop technology which uses sonic shock waves to prevent obstructions building up in equipment.

His company AcousTech, based at Manchester Science Park, provides a range of acoustic cleaning solutions for firms involved in manufacturing building supplies, such as cement, concrete and petro-chemicals.

The clearing system improves flow and increases the overall efficiency of machinery.

And one of the main benefits is that it prevents material building up in the first instance - the old adage that prevention is better than cure.

AcousTech director Dr Zhou explained: "You could call it rocket science!

"The technology uses a very similar principle, generating a sudden shock wave travelling at four times the speed of sound."

He added: "The moisture content of some materials used in manufacturing building supplies means they tend to stick to equipment, such as chutes, causing a blockage.

Shockwave

"AcousTech uses an automatic shockwave generator to create a controlled explosion, basically a gas and air mixture, at the point of build-up. This safely clears the chute without the need to stop production.

"We have received excellent feedback from companies which have trialled our shockwave generators; the majority have gone on to either purchase or rent our equipment."

Before AcousTech, machinery would have had to be shut down for time-consuming and often dangerous manual cleaning, which exposes workers to hazards like moving parts and inhaling dust.

AcousTech's new technique means this is no longer necessary, as shockwaves blast away any substance that sticks to equipment while work is ongoing, maximising productivity and eliminating risk.

The technology has already been picked up by a number of firms in the north west, one of which has been short-listed in the QPA (Quarry Products Association) Health and Safety Best Practice Awards 2008 for its initiative in using AcousTech's prototype shockwave generator.

AcousTech is also exploring how the technology can be applied to other sectors, including power generation industries.

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