Innovations

The Rotatable Fish Drying Frame is aimed at formalising a specific fish-drying process already used by different communities in Africa. The frame allows for the drying of up to 100 kg of fresh fish at a time using the existing iteration. The key principle is that after one week of drying the drum

The North-West University (NWU) has developed and patented a method for producing hydrogen via hydrolysis, using an activated aluminium compound. Technology Benefits: Aluminum also can be recycled after the hydrogen production process. Hydrogen can be produced under high pressure. By-products are

This technology utilises a microchannel reactor for the decomposition of ammonia, comprising two chambers: one for exothermic combustion of ammonia to generate heat. A second chamber of the reactor with a second catalyst receives a second stream of ammonia to provide endothermic decomposition of the

This system involves the process of taking soil samples from a potential building site, mixes it with water and then the sedimentation process is evaluated by a camera and analysed to determine how much clay is in the soil sample. This in turn will then provide the engineers with information on what

Postharvest table grapes are susceptible to fungal infection even when stored at the optimal temperature of −0.5°C. The most important pathogen of stored Table Grapes is grey mould, which is caused by Botrytis cinerea. Some countries fumigate their grapes with sulphur dioxide gas. However, if the

The Bambara Groundnut, or round bean, is widespread in Africa where it is known by various names. It has potential as a cash crop, owing to its nutritional composition, functional properties and antioxidant potential. Consequently, we at CPUT have used the Bambara Groundnut as a raw material to

LeguPro is a protein-rich pasta, which is produced from non-traditional pasta ingredients such as peanuts, soybeans, and chickpeas. It is a cost-effective nutrient-dense high protein, healthy instant noodle product and aims to give consumers an alternative staple food product to be consumed as is or

The Agricultural Research Council - Vegetable and Ornamental Plants ( ARC-VOP), which has a solid reputation as a leader in sweet potato R&D, has developed a new variety Khumo orange-fleshed sweet potato. A 60-gram serving of boiled roots of variety Khumo, supplies the recommended daily allowance

The skin represents the first physical barrier to protect our bodies from harmful toxins, pathogens and dangerous environmental factors and plays an important role in social and visual experiences. South Africans have used traditional herbal medicinal products to increase immunity in

The cost of building materials contributes significantly to overall construction costs, with ordinary Portland cement (OPC) being one of the main components. The production of OPC is not environmentally friendly. It is energy-intensive, uses natural resources such as limestone, and produces high

Currently, the ARC have three commercial cultivars, Ratel, Steenbok and Tredou. Ratel consists of a medium growth period whereas Steenbok consists of a short growth period with good drought tolerance making it suitable for areas with a dry climate. Tredou is the newest addition to the ARC cultivar

Fly ash, is a waste by-product from the coal-fired electricity generating stations. Power stations need to dispose of the fly ash in a safe and environmentally friendly manner, making the need to utilize fly ash important. The production of zeolites is one way to beneficiate the fly ash waste where