ABOUT TRAQUA

TRAQUA is specialized in techniques for water flow characterization. We offer innovative technological solutions and customized expertise to hydrogeological or hydrological inquiries (analysis, diagnosis, monitoring).

OUR HISTORY

TRAQUA is a spin-off from the University of Namur. The first model of the STREAM® fluorometer was developed in 2015 by Amaël Poulain and Geert De Sadelaer, as part of Amaël Poulain’s Ph.D. thesis in karstic hydrogeology. The project required field fluorometers to characterize underground water flows in the karst systems. The team quickly realized that the fluorometers available on the market were too cumbersome for easy transport and installation in the field, specifically in hard-to-reach sites such as karst caves. After several years of development, testing, and field experiments, Amaël decided to create the company TRAQUA to offer the expertise and innovative fluorometers to actors in the water field, with the aim to make this type of analysis and monitoring more accessible for the management and protection of water resources. Sofie de Volder joined the team in early 2020 as a business developer to guide the creation of the spin-off and take its independence from the University of Namur.

OUR VALUES

SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL EXPERTISE

By developing its own measurement probes, TRAQUA combines strong scientific expertise in hydrology and hydrogeology with a rigorous knowledge of the technology. Our scientific approach allows us to provide objective and clear answers through the acquisition of data with high added value.

LOCAL DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION

Our STREAM® probes are produced and assembled in Belgium. The production through local partners allows us to ensure strict control over the quality of each product. This method of production and the individual calibration of our instruments guarantee the reliability of our analyses and expertise.

FLEXIBILITY TOWARDS OUR CUSTOMERS

Each TRAQUA expertise is based on the rental of our fluorometers, to which services can be added ‘à la carte’, in accordance with your requirement and expertise. We offer individualized service, adapted to the situation, in order to provide a quick solution based on reliable data.

RESPECT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

Protecting water resources is our profession. TRAQUA offers solutions with minimal impact on the natural environment in line with this principle. Our fluorometers can measure fluorescent tracers with high sensitivity (0.06 ppb for fluorescein) and high temporal resolution (up to 1 measurement per minute). This allows us to use a minimum amount of tracer during our dye tracing tests while allowing for an accurate and reliable quantitative result. The fluorescent tracers are non-toxic and quickly diluted in water to become invisible to the naked eye while remaining measurable with our field instruments. Monitoring using STREAM® fluorometers is discreet given the size and the autonomous character of the probe and allows data collection without disturbance of the environment.

WHO ARE WE?

The TRAQUA team combines cutting-edge scientific expertise with solid field experience gained during many projects over the past few years. As speleology, hiking, and adventure enthusiasts, our members share a passion for the natural environment and are concerned about nature preservation. Water is an indispensable and rare resource. Well aware of the challenge ahead, our team wants to invest in the protection and management of water through innovative solutions.