High-Frequency Ultrasonic Technology Company of the Year

Developed by engineer Nick De Vos, NDV Ultrasonic BV designs high-frequency ultrasonic electronic devices. The innovator from Temse draws inspiration from building a greener world, and his technology offers numerous applications for homes, industrial sites, agriculture, and seagoing vessels. NDV Ultrasonic's devices use high frequencies to break down biofilm in liquids, which can cause dangerous bacteria and limescale deposits. Biofilm is a byproduct of water itself and develops into a slimy layer that is difficult to remove from the inner walls of pipes, storage tanks, and water wells. As a complex mix of microorganisms, the bacteria in biofilm can rapidly multiply and contaminate drinking water, while the bacteria themselves can produce corrosive chemicals that damage metal pipes.

The technology developed by NDV Ultrasonic is completely chemical-free and generates sound frequencies higher than 22 kHz—inaudible to humans and animals—that can destroy the structure of bacteria through ultrasonic vibrations, thereby permanently removing biofilm. NDV Ultrasonic’s innovative devices are easy to install and require no maintenance. They are permanently powered but consume very little energy, making them an ideal long-term investment for homes and businesses. For household installations, the devices are ideal for use in boilers and water pipes, keeping them much cleaner for a longer time. Homeowners with swimming pools, jacuzzis, and garden ponds can also benefit from this. NDV Ultrasonic started with industrial applications; these are larger projects in which Nick can assess exactly what is needed to increase the efficiency of water treatment systems, irrigation systems, storage tanks, and cooling and heating systems at an industrial or agricultural site.

The jury was impressed by the exceptional range of benefits that the company’s ultrasonic devices offer. NDV Ultrasonic has developed a green, chemical-free, low-maintenance product that can save homeowners and businesses money, while at the same time making a positive impact on the surrounding environment. The high-frequency devices reduce algae and remove bacteria, making drinking water safer for people and animals, and drastically reducing the risk of limescale buildup in pipes and tanks—which prevents damage and reduces maintenance on those systems, allowing them to last much longer.