World showcase for Drumfries firm 20.06.07

A local engineering firm has invented a unique underwater light that will be unveiled shortly at the world's biggest fish farming show. Inishowen Engineering based in Shandrum, Drumfries, will showcase its Atlantis Light in August at the Aqua Nor 2007 trade fair in Norway. Managing director, Michael McKinney told InishowenNews.com the invention is unique in that it allows the light to operate at lower voltages, making it safer for use in the marine, search and rescue, oil exploration and landscape gardening industries, to name but a few of the many target markets.

"The Atlantis Light is a unique underwater light that uses a patented water cooling design, making it suitable for use in multiple applications," he explained. "As well as in the marine industry, the Atlantis Light would be useful in search and rescue, exploration and the oil industry, as well as serving a purpose
in municipal lighting and many other underwater lighting applications." Instead of the commonly-found 220 volt lights, the Atlantis Light operates from a 110-volt source, making it much safer to use in water. With significantly less voltage required to operate the light, as well as the advantage of a safer environment, the design of the light becomes more simplistic. Fewer components are used, making maintenance and diagnostics simpler, quicker and less expensive. Engineering supervisor, Henry McKinney outlined some of the innovative elements of the design. "The exclusive water cooling technology used in the design draws water from the area surrounding the light to cool the heated elements within the unit," he said. "This cooling feature means that bulbs are less likely to fail due to overheating. This, combined with the fact the light doesn't have the usual control gear associated with this type of light means a lot less can go wrong. "With a dramatic reduction in maintenance and a simplistic diagnostic process, the light can be put into operation in many underwater applications - from inshore ponds, lakes or marinas to much deeper and vast oceans." The local firm, which employs more than 80 people, is now looking forward to showcasing the invention at Aqua Nor 2007. The fish farming industry's most important trade show, it is held biennially in Trondheim, Norway and this year takes place from August 14th - August 17th. "To stimulate growth in their stock, fish farmers often introduce underwater lights. With the launch of our newest product imminent, we thought Aqua Nor 2007 was the ideal place to launch the Atlantis Light," added company director, Josephine Noone.
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