EU Business News- Benelux Enterprise Awards 2025 To start, what exactly is biofilm? Biofilm is a complex community of microorganisms that attach to each other using a sticky, self-produced slime, to which more bacteria, fungi, and yeasts can stick, and it is often found on the inner walls of pipes. Biofilm can be made up of up to 90 to 95% glycocalyx, otherwise known as the extracellular matrix or EPS (extracellular polymeric substance). The glycocalyx catches more bacteria, which can then multiply and form their own glycocalyx. Biofilm can contain a variety of bacteria capable of producing corrosive chemicals, such as anaerobic sulphate-reducing bacteria, which can create sulphuric acid and corrode metal pipes. Iron-oxidising bacteria can also cause corrosion, causing expensive damage and leaking pipes. It doesn’t end there – biofilm reduces pipe diameter, increasing resistance and danger, and allowing less water to pump through, leading to higher energy costs. Enter the NDV Ultrasonic, which operates using specific frequencies emitted at intervals by a transducer. These vibrations cause damage to the vacuoles of singlecelled organisms, which prevents them from attaching and therefore eliminates the biofilm. The ultrasonic vibrations over a wide frequency range rupture bacterial cell walls and block the active part of enzymes that many bacteria use to build their cell walls. Using the right frequencies, bacteria are killed. NDV Ultrasonic serves as a much better alternative to using chemical treatments and only requires a one-time purchase. It prevents recolonisation of the bacteria as it is destroyed, including both the nutrient based and attachment layer. The transducers carry multiple high-frequency signals to combat different types of biofilm cells, while delaying corrosion of pipes and not having any impact on the taste or smell of the water. Eco-Friendly Water Treatment Innovators of the Year 2025 Founded by Nick De Vos, NDV Ultrasonic is a developer of proprietary high-frequency ultrasound technology that treats water by successfully destroying biofilm. The device works by using ultrasonic waves, sound frequencies above 21 kHz, which are inaudible to humans. Mechanical vibrations are generated through the conversion of electrical energy to break down biofilm by removing the bacteria’s nutrient source. In light of NDV Ultrasonic’s recognition within the Benelux Enterprise Awards 2025, we take a closer look at what makes it such a worthy winner. Jul25021 That isn’t all, for the device brings technical and environmental benefits, too. The device operates continuously while consuming low energy (6W), making it suitable for use with batteries or solar panels. The large devices are user-friendly with control screens to monitor operation and detect any power failures. It has a positive impact on the environment, it’s timesaving, it removes maintenance costs, it reduces harmful emissions, and it is safer for people who work with water, as harmful bacteria is removed, the pipes remain clean, and there is no need to use chemicals to flush the system. Nick De Vos sits at the helm of the business. He began his career in electronics, repairing a lot of radios and TVs, before launching his security company in 1987. Nick, who later decided to specialise in high frequency ultrasonic technology, soon made NDV Ultrasonic a reality. He developed the devices as a result of his global experience in different waters, from Taiwan to Gabon. He performed a significant amount of testing, both at home and abroad, to destroy various types of biofilm. “We will continue to adapt our devices to the needs of the market, in order to remain sharp and keep up with the everchanging electronics market, to incorporate and adapt the best in our devices,” he states. Nick is joined by Erik Brink, an entrepreneur in the water treatment industry and CoOwner and Director of VDH watertechnology BV. His company operates in the production, worldwide distribution, and service of salt electrolysis technology for the treatment of swimming pool and drinking water, among other things. Job Kok also plays a role at NDV Ultrasonic, a Director and Independent Boardroom Consultant at various companies in different sectors, including the water treatment industry. Both bring valuable expertise and have played their role in the success of the company. Everyone who uses water, whether business or individual, using small or large volumes, faces the same issues, whether limescale, bacterial growth, algae, shells, barnacles, and more. NDV Ultrasonic devices are available to solve these problems for a wide range of clientele, including industry, for example, with mass water sanitising systems, inland/sea/offshore shipping, and agriculture with sprinkler systems and drinking water pipes in barns; and private use, whether hot and cold water pipes, ponds, swimming pools, or Jacuzzis. So, what do some of NDV Ultrasonic’s customers say? One shares, “I have a 100,000-litre clear water pool located deep in the tropics of Costa Rica. I use the NDV Ultrasonic device as part of this unique eco pool design. We use no chlorine, nor salt; the pool water stays clear, using no chemicals year-round, even during the heavy rain season. The NDV device is easy to install, has no maintenance, and operates seamlessly. Customer service is impeccable, as well as tech support. I am pleased with the performance and even ordered a second unit.” Another comments, “Year after year, the boat came out of the water, sanding and scratching to remove the algae. Having been introduced to Nick De Vos of NDV Ultrasonic, I am very happy that my boat is now completely free from algae from the water. For me, the NDV Ultrasonic installation has been fully reimbursed after four years and with much less work. I’m curious how long I can keep my antifouling now; it has been on it for two years and we go to the third year! Nice to have this installation and I recommend it to every boat owner!” Someone else adds, “My neighbour had told me that they had a solution to our problem of limescale and bacteria. We also had an NDV Ultrasonic installed, and we clearly notice the difference. Thank you, Nick for the good service.”
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUyMDQwMA==