For a more efficient air compressor

Chris Bosua was frustrated by the inefficiency of his air compressor. So he devised a system that improved the efficiency by 80% while reducing the power used by almost half.

The Australian Exhausted Air Recycling System (EARS) is a way of recycling the exhaust air from air tools. It uses a separate line from the tool to redirect the previously wasted air back to the compressor via the EARS manifold.

"You can now take your existing air compressor and give it more grunt," EARS inventor Chris Bosua said. "There are significant environmental benefits including a major reduction in noise output, to under 60 dB or about the same noise level as two people talking."

Australian EARS is one of 21 finalists in the INNOVIC 2006 Next Big Thing Award, a national competition to find and showcase the best new Australian products and innovations with the potential to become the 'next big thing'. The award celebrates and promotes Australian innovation (www.nextbigthingaward.com).

"EARS reminds us that relatively minor modifications to existing products can dramatically improve their performance, and also have lots of other benefits," INNOVIC CEO, Joss Evans said. "Adding EARS to your compressor will reduce its running temperature, improve its output rating and reduce the amount of contaminated air and water released."

INNOVIC is supported under the state government's VicStart technology commercialisation program. It is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that provides a range of services to assist people with new ideas. INNOVIC assesses over 1600 ideas each year and runs free innovation seminars through its 'Steps to Commercialisation' program. See www.innovic.com.au for more details.