A4I Round 10 Now Open

11 May 2023

TÜV SÜD National Engineering Laboratory is delighted to be embarking on our Round 8 projects under the A4I Scheme. The scheme which has just recently launched Round 10 of the competition (more info below), provides UK companies funding to access the vast range of flow test facilities and expertise residing across the various UK metrology institutes. The program has successfully helped hundreds of companies solve flow measurement and analysis challenges affecting their products, processes and production.

Round 8 involves a wide range of different measurement and analysis projects spanning most industry sectors. In addition to enhancing the performance of flow meters deployed in complex oil and gas applications, a lot of work is now being carried out to support the new monitoring and reporting requirements set out under the various new net zero sectors. This includes CCUS (carbon capture, utilisation and storage), and hydrogen production, both of which have brought about completely new measurement needs and challenges. As well as testing products and systems in our state-of-the-art flow facilities in East Kilbride, TÜV SÜD’s team of data scientists are working in close collaboration with applicants to develop, implement and benchmark game-changing measurement techniques. This includes the integration of machine-learning algorithms to streamline and model large volumes of data.

OTHER PAST A4I PROJECTS HAVE INCLUDED:

• High pressure multiphase testing of pipeline laser monitoring system with AI and machine learning
• Flow testing of novel pipeline leakage detection system
• Erosion testing on a USM pipeline monitoring system
• Evaluation of flow measurement system for CCUS applications
• Hydrogen flow testing of domestic gas meter
• CFD flow modelling - hydrogen leakage simulation on a Formula One racing car
• CFD evaluation of grain robot for the food sector
• Performance and integrity evaluation using CFD of seals and pumps used in a hydroelectric power plant
• Design evaluation of a produced water monitoring system
• Measurement uncertainty analysis on flow measurement system
• CFD modelling of renewable energy heat pump
• Flow modelling to optimise performance of an algae production plant used to purify water
  
  

ROUND 10 NOW OPEN - STAGE 1 DEADLINE: 24 May 2023

The deadline for submitting a Stage 1 Expression of Interest (EOI) application for Round 10 of the A4I scheme is Wednesday 24 May 2023 – essentially the scheme provides industry funding to access the test facilities and expertise residing across the various UK metrology institutes. The scheme focuses on solving measurement and analysis problems relating to existing products and processes.

If you would like to discuss a potential application or get more details of the scheme, please do not hesitate to contact us.

UK companies can apply for one of two funding models:

• Companies of any size can apply for a fully funded 3-month mini project up to £50k (SMEs only)
• Larger 6-9 month project up to £150k (funding level dependent on company size)

A4I RESOURCES

• A4I Round 10 application portal Analysis for Innovators (A4I) Round 10 – Stage 1 - Innovate UK KTN (ktn-uk.org)
• Full details of the A4I scheme
• Stage 1 virtual briefing recording on 20 April 2023

Round 10 Timeline:

24 April 23 – Stage 1 EOI opens

24 May 23 – Stage 1 closes

23 June to 6 July 23 – Brokerage meetings with potential partners

14 July 23 – Applicants confirm which A4I partner they want to work with

17 July 23 – Stage 2 opens

c. 16 August 23 – Stage 2 closes

c. 1 Dec 23 – Successful projects can start

Lynn Hunter, Business Development Manager at TÜV SÜD National Engineering Laboratory, said:

“A4I can help businesses to solve problems that they have been unable to tackle using standard technologies and techniques. TÜV SÜD has experience in supporting a range of businesses across different industry sectors and A4I gives even more of them access to our facilities, which are equipped with the largest and most diverse range of full-scale flow test facilities in the world. They can also collaborate with our team of measurement scientists, who use the most advanced techniques to develop easily integrable, cost-effective solutions.”

For more info, please email Lynn Hunter at [email protected].