Silicon Pastures Announces Investment in Wisconsin-based Firm Offering Proprietary Analytical Measurement Systems for Industrial Sensor Market

Angel network sees high-yield potential in patent-pending approach to streamline water quality measurement

Milwaukee, WI (PRWEB) December 23, 2005 -- Silicon Pastures, a local network of angel investors, today announced an investment in Milwaukee-based AquaSensors, LLC. This Menomonee-Falls company designs, manufactures and sells analytical instruments that measure the properties of liquids.

AquaSensors’ flagship product, DataStick, is a new plug-and-play digital technology that provides a superior alternative to analog sensors in a wide range of applications including water, waste-water, food, beverage, chemical, pulp & paper, and other process control. This patent-pending modular sensor system converts analytical sensor measurements into digital data for streamlined transfer to a computer control system. In the brewing process, for example, the DataStick would detect the amount of dissolved oxygen, process the information and communicate it to a computer. Based upon results, adjustments could be made as needed.

“We are very impressed with the ability of this company to execute,” says Pehr Anderson, Silicon Pastures managing director. “They are very well-positioned because the founders have a deep understanding of the distribution channel. They are introducing a new level of modularity into what has been a stable and growing market.”

The AquaSensor Datastick can be equipped with a variety of sensors to test levels of pH, conductivity, ozone, turbidity and various other properties in water and other aqueous solutions. The DataStick enables programmable controllers, industrial PCs, and commercial PCs to perform in a wide range of applications that in the past could only be done with expensive Distributed Control Systems (DCS) or process instruments. These applications can now be accomplished with Programmable logic controllers and PCs since DataSticks deliver 24 bit resolution data directly over industrial networks.

AquaSensors also makes traditional analog equipment for customers who aren't ready for the shift to digital data gathering. Additionally, the company provides interface software and mounting, calibration and refurbishment solutions as well as custom engineering services.
“Our customers report time and cost savings by replacing analog equipment with digital technology,” says Bruce Bathurst, the company’s co-founder and president. “With the Datastick’s tube-like design, sensor heads can be changed as needed, thus forgoing traditional designs in which several pieces of equipment must work together. The result is efficiency, flexibility, and fewer problems with co-mingled parts. Remote monitoring, calibration, configuration and diagnostics are also possible.”    

In June 2005, AquaSensors secured a second place finish in the Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Contest. In November, the firm received a $100,000 low-interest loan from the Wisconsin Department of Commerce (Commerce) Technology Venture Fund (TVF) program.

About Silicon Pastures
Founded in 2000, Silicon Pastures is a network of angel investors targeting emerging technology-focused companies based in Wisconsin and neighboring states. The expected deal size for the group is $300,000 to $500,000 with one to two investments per year. Meetings are held monthly to hear presentations and privately discuss these investment opportunities.

About AquaSensors
AquaSensors was established to develop revolutionary sensor design offerings that reduce costs, improve reliability and enhance flexibility in measuring, processing and communicating information about chemical properties in aqueous solutions. The firm is the first to offer technology using integrated digital communications, remote adjustments, interchangeable factory-calibrated sensor heads, and plug-and-play installation. Manufacturer representatives and distributors across the US and in several countries worldwide sell a growing number of Aquasensor product lines into water treatment facilities, food and beverage manufacturers, chemical companies and beyond.

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