Innovator displaying foolproof devices

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Surakshaayanam-12, the exhibition and workshop on disaster risk reduction and contingency plan, has a number of stalls of various government and non-governmental organisations. The lone individual stall has been put up by a Kottayam-based young innovator, Sijo Cherian. The 24-year-old youth has a number of innovations to his credit. The stall showcases simple and effective methods for protection at unmanned level-crossings, prevention of accidents due to leakage of penstock pipes and reduction of heavy loss from fire accidents. No advanced technology, but a simple circuit is used in these mechanisms. The circuit Sijo developed for unmanned level-crossings has won accolades from Railway officials and politicians. The simple circuit will give a warning signal when a train is even 2 km away. Interestingly, it can also give a signal to the train driver if there is vehicle or person on the level-crossing. It could save lives in case the vehicle is stuck on the track. “The technology is simple and less expensive. The circuit will come in touch with the wheels of the train and it will give a warning  signal,” said Sijo.  Sijo said the electrical system for protection and prevention of leakage-related disasters is highly effective in the case of accidents in penstock pipes. The device automatically controls the shutter and valve of penstock. “At the moment of any break or leakage in the penstock pipe, it automatically detects it and closes the shutter or valve. It can also deliver light alarm messages to the control room and SMS alert messages to the authorities,” Sijo said. The wireless system developed by Sijo can reduce loss during fire accidents in generators. “If fire breaks out, the device will work through a wireless message and switch off the turbine automatically, thus preventing a short-circuit, and checking the spread of fire,” he said. It will also automatically send alert messages to the control room and Fire Force, he added.  The Surakshaayanam exhibition will conclude on Saturday.