Dannevirke: Milk line probe puts inventors up for awards

Alison Franklin demonstrates the DTexH2o. Photo / Christine McKay

It could be a long season of awards functions for Tararua's inventor duo Alison and Graeme Franklin and their innovative DTexH2o.

The DTexH2o is an in-line electronic probe which is easily installed into the milk line of a working cowshed and is programmed to detect the difference between milk and water. It was invented by Graeme and has been named as a finalist for the 2014 New Zealand Innovators Awards.

"It's very exciting times," Alison told the Dannevirke News.

The DTexH2o is among some of the most inspiring entries in the awards, New Zealand Innovation Council chief executive Louise Webster said.

"Entries increased a staggering 60 per cent on last year indicating innovation and commercialisation in New Zealand is alive and well.

"We are seeing more and more businesses in New Zealand with a global outlook, seeking global opportunities, collaborating with global partners and commercialising technologies across multiple industries and sectors," she said.

The Franklins believe the DTexH2o has the potential to save New Zealand's dairy farmers thousands of dollars.

"The spill stopper is more vital than ever before for farmers, as it prevents water going into the vat, but also maximises milk into the vat," Graeme said. With 30 per cent of New Zealand's dairy farmers on total water exclusion, gone were the days of guessing when it was time to flick the tap by holding on to the milk pipe, waiting for it to go from warm (milk) to cold (water).

"Losing milk and money down the drain isn't an option any more," Alison said.

The DTexH2o has passed a stringent Fonterra testing regime and won the couple the most viable business prize and $15,000 at this year's fieldays at Mystery Creek in Hamilton.

The winners of the New Zealand Innovators Awards will be announced on October 15 and the Franklins will have two awards events to attend that month. They are also Manawatu regional finalists in the ANZ Flying Start Business Plan competition - run in conjunction with Business NZ - to be announced in October.