It's great to spread this piece of news. The Brisbane-based electrochemical instrument maker TPS Pty Ltd has teamed up with the University of the Sunshine Coast to explore the use of drone-based technology to monitor water quality in remote areas or difficult to reach situations. Founded back in 1968, TPS was integrated into the Elexon Electronics Group in 2014. Elexon Electronics is a wholly Australian, privately-owned concern with around 150 highly skilled employees, many of whom have tertiary qualifications.
TPS has long had a reputation for its accurate, rugged and reliable range of electrochemical meters and monitors and benefits from its association with Elexon Electronics. An example of this is the newly released Ranger portable water quality monitoring meter. It was designed and built in-house, with electronics manufactured on Elexon's state-of-the-art surface mount PCB line.
I note also that TPS have just added a range of intermediate junction pH sensors to suit the Ranger meter. The intermediate junction is technology unique to another Brisbane company, Ionode Pty Ltd. It was invented by Ionode's founder and original owner John Petty.. John also invented the world's first machine to automatically blow glass pH sensors in bulb and spear form, and he automated other processes important in electrochemical sensor manufacture.
In an era where Australian manufacturing has been in decline, it is important that we celebrate and support companies like TPS, Elexon and Ionode whose products are of world class and of the highest quality.
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Tom Smith
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