CATBALOGAN CITY, Philippines — Prof. Ronald L. Orale, a faculty member of the Samar State University (SSU) College of Engineering (CoEng), has made a significant contribution to the field of water resources engineering with his invention of a laboratory apparatus that simulates the flow of water in aquifers. This innovative tool named the Flow of Water in Aquifers Laboratory Apparatus has been granted patent rights by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) on April 3, 2024, a full decade after its initial application.
In an interview, Prof. Orale shared that the hydrogeology apparatus was designed to simulate and visualize the natural movement of water within aquifers, allowing for an improved learning process between SSU teachers and students. Aquifers are bodies of porous rocks that are important sources of groundwater. According to its patent description, the apparatus can perform at least seven experiments, including potentiometric surface simulations, drawdown in artesian wells, free-flowing artesian wells, creation of oasis, perched aquifer/spring simulation, seepage in excavation, and water table well water drawdown.
Prof. Orale shared that this tool is important to students and industry practitioners alike as it provides understanding of the waterflow in soils that are not visually available to anyone.
“Through this apparatus, students and engineers will know how to protect and optimize water as a resource. How water flows from one source to another—these processes may be appreciated better through laboratory apparatuses such as these,” Prof. Orale said.
Reflecting on the lengthy patenting process, Prof. Orale shared, “This was a test application back in 2014 when we started training for patent applications during the establishment of SSU’s ITSO (Innovation & Technology Support Office). The patent was registered only in 2024. Patents really take time.” This is the second patented invention coming from SSU since its establishment.
Prof. Orale has been a faculty member at SSU CoEng for over 20 years, specializing in civil engineering, water resource engineering, and technology management. This invention marks the commitment of SSU scholars to innovative research that addresses real-world challenges and contributes to sustainable development.