#USA #St. Louis #Emerson #HeroX #Innovation Challenge

HeroX and Emerson Announce New Competitions

In an effort to advance flow measurement technology, HeroX, a premier platform for crowdsourced solutions, has launched two exciting competitions on behalf of Emerson, a global leader in automation and industrial innovation. These competitions, entitled "The Electrode Code" and "The Emerson License to Flow Challenge," invite engineers and creative thinkers alike to propose innovative solutions aimed at enhancing the reliability, accuracy, and lifespan of vital flow measurement systems utilized in essential industrial operations.

Identifying the Challenges

In industries such as oil and gas, water management, and chemical processing, precise measurement is crucial for optimal performance and safety. However, the industry often faces two significant challenges: electrode fouling in electromagnetic flowmeters and acid corrosion in Coriolis flowmeters. These issues can lead to measurement inaccuracies, increased maintenance costs, and reduced operational uptime—all of which create costly inefficiencies in systems that rely on continuous flow monitoring.

"Innovation thrives when we open the door to collaboration," said Emerson's Product Manager for Flow Technologies. By engaging the global community through HeroX, we are not only accelerating the introduction of new ideas but also transforming the way flow measurement technologies perform in demanding industrial environments.

The Electrode Code Challenge

This challenge encourages participants to devise durable, conductive, and PFAS-free solutions that either prevent or eliminate fouling in electromagnetic flowmeter electrodes. In harsh industrial settings, elements like paraffin, scale, and abrasive particulates can result in inaccurate readings, leading to costly maintenance endeavors. Therefore, competitors are tasked with developing materials or self-cleaning mechanisms that ensure signal integrity even under extreme temperatures, pressures, and chemical exposure. Solutions must also comply with REACH and RoHS standards while being cost-effective, wear-resistant, and compatible with existing systems to maximize uptime and accuracy.

The Emerson License to Flow Challenge

Similarly, the Emerson License to Flow Challenge invites innovators to create effective and compliant linings or coatings designed to shield Coriolis flowmeters from acid corrosion and mechanical wear. Harsh substances like sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide can threaten the integrity of stainless-steel flow paths, compromising accuracy and increasing downtime. Thus, competitors must introduce materials or application methods that provide uniform, long-lasting protection, capable of enduring temperature and pressure extremes without compromising performance. Like the Electrode Code Challenge, participants must ensure their solutions satisfy REACH and RoHS standards, minimize PFAS usage, and showcase durability and adaptability in various geometric structures.

Prize Information

A combined prize pool of $60,000—split evenly between the two challenges—will be awarded to the top-performing teams whose entries demonstrate exceptional innovation, technical merit, and practical viability. Winning solvers will also have an opportunity to partner with Emerson beyond these challenges, engaging in collaborative efforts in the realms of development, testing, and market launch.

Who Can Participate?

Participation is open to individuals and teams worldwide, who are 18 years or older. HeroX encourages entries from both established experts and unconventional innovators, meaning teams may consist of university students, startups, corporations, or independent inventors. All applicants must comply with applicable U.S. regulations and international competition laws.

If you're interested in participating, details can be found at: The Electrode Code and The Emerson License to Flow Challenge.

About HeroX

HeroX serves as a vital platform for crowdsourcing innovation, co-founded in 2013 by entrepreneur Christian Cotichini and XPRIZE Founder Peter Diamandis. Their mission is to empower anyone to solve business challenges through the collective intelligence of the crowd, making HeroX a unique social network for innovation. To explore more challenges and opportunities, visit HeroX.