Project

iKann

Developing an inspection system for sewerage systems

Digitalisation

Climate change poses new challenges not only to urban planning and development but also to companies who specialise in the maintenance of infrastructure such sewerage systems. In procet iKann, the partners work on optimising the inspection of the sewerage system. To this end, they are developing low-cost sensors called Lab on Chip (LOC), which float on the wastewater and gather specific data from the environment.

Starting Point

Climate change poses new challenges not only to urban planning and development but also to companies who specialise in the maintenance of infrastructure such sewerage systems. After heavy rain, especially, great quantities of stormwater and all sorts of big and small debris gathers in the sewage system and it is thus necessary to carefully inspect it as many as thirty times per year, otherwise, the accumulation of deposits on the pipes can impair the capacities of the system and lead to backflow or flooding. There are already different approaches and technologies for the inspection of retention systems, but not one of them has been able to significantly reduce the enormous inspection costs.

Our Solution

In procet iKann, the partners work on optimising the inspection of the sewerage system. To this end, they are developing low-cost sensors called Lab on Chip (LOC), which float on the wastewater and gather specific data from the environment. Part of the system components are floating and underwater LOCs as well as gateways that transmit the sensor data to a superordinate infrastructure using a radio link. Using a secure transmission software and a smart data platform to process the sensor data, the sewerage system operators obtain fundamental data about the current conditions of the system. Initially, the sensors will be conditioned to gather physical data such as flow velocity or water temperature; the analysis of the biochemical characteristics of the wastewater is the goal of follow-up projects. Using the geographic mapping of potential problem areas in a sewerage system, the necessary maintenance measures can be taken in a timely fashion, thus avoiding breakdowns.

Funding ID

13FH0I72IA

Supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research

Project Duration

2021 – 2022

Key Areas

Smart city
IoT
Lab on Chip (LOC)
Microfluidics
Cloud computing

3D Druck iKann — Abformung komplexer Strukturen wie Kanalstrukturen, Reservoirs oder Ventile mithilfe von 3D-Druck und Eingussverfahren, © Westfälische Hochschule

Project Partners

10.07.2025

Throwback: InnovationMeetUp – 10.07.2025

From vision to financing

On 10 July 2025, our InnovationsMeetup on the topic of ‘From vision to financing’ took place in the inspiring location ‘Zum Kuhhirten’ in Bochum’s city centre – organised together with the Bochum Economic Development Agency.
One highlight of the evening was the exciting keynote speech by Jörg Gudat from Labs.Ruhr, who provided valuable insights as an experienced investor: How do you target investors? What prerequisites should start-ups have? And when is the right time for financing? His practical tips provided the participants with important ideas.
Afterwards, two start-up teams, Evovell and Roadstory, presented their business ideas in short, convincing pitches.
The evening offered not only informative impulses, but also plenty of opportunity for personal discussions over cold drinks and pizza – ideal for making contacts and expanding networks.