ABOUT US
©Gaëtan Rochez
TRAQUA specialises in techniques for the characterisation of water flows. We offer innovative technological solutions and customised expertise for hydrogeological or hydrological enquiries (analysis, diagnosis, monitoring).
OUR STORY
TRAQUA is a spin-off of 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 PhD thesis in karst hydrogeology. The project required field fluorometers to characterise groundwater flow in karst systems. The team quickly realised that the fluorometers available on the market were too cumbersome for easy transport and installation in the field, especially in hard-to-reach locations such as karst caves.
After several years of development, testing and field trials, Amaël decided to create the company TRAQUA to offer its expertise and innovative fluorometers to water professionals, with the aim of making this type of analysis and monitoring more accessible for the management and protection of water resources.
Sofie de Volder joined the team at the beginning of 2020 as Business Developer to guide the creation of the spin-off and its independence from the University of Namur in 2021. In 2024, two additional hydrogeologists, Romain Deleu and Maurel Leunte, joined the team.
OUR VALUES
SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL EXPERTISE
By developing its own probes, TRAQUA combines strong scientific expertise in hydrology and hydrogeology with a rigorous knowledge of technology. Our scientific approach allows us to provide objective and clear answers through the acquisition of high added value data.
LOCAL DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION
Our STREAM® probes are manufactured and assembled in Belgium. Production by local partners allows us to maintain strict control over the quality of each product. This production method and the individual calibration of our instruments guarantee the reliability of our analyses and expertise.
FLEXIBILITY TOWARDS OUR CUSTOMERS
Every TRAQUA expertise is based on the rental of our fluorometers, to which you can add 'à la carte' services according to your needs and expertise. We offer a personalised service, adapted to the situation, to provide a rapid solution based on reliable data.
RESPECT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
Protecting water resources is our passion. TRAQUA offers solutions with minimal impact on the natural environment. 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 in our dye tracing tests, while still providing an accurate and reliable quantitative result. The fluorescent tracers are non-toxic and rapidly dilute in water to become invisible to the naked eye while remaining measurable with our field instruments. Monitoring with STREAM® fluorometers is discreet due to the size and self-contained nature of the probe, allowing data to be collected without disturbing the environment.
©Gaëtan Rochez
WHO WE ARE
The TRAQUA team combines cutting-edge scientific expertise with solid field experience gained from many projects over the past few years. As speleology, hiking and adventure enthusiasts, our members share a passion for the natural environment and a commitment to conservation. Water is an essential and rare resource. Aware of the challenges ahead, our team wants to invest in the protection and management of water through innovative solutions.
-
Amaël Poulain, PhD
CO-FOUNDER, LEAD HYDROGEOLOGIST
The heart and soul of TRAQUA, hydrogeologist with over 10 years experience in dye tracing, developer of the STREAM® fluorometer, speleology enthusiast and weirdly passionate about field challenges.
-
Sofie de Volder
CO-FOUNDER, BUSINESS DEVELOPER
The jack-of-all-trades, mostly responsible for finances, project writing, administration, HR and marketing. Sometimes called 'the tracer lady', you've no doubt seen one of her many LinkedIn posts about groundwater.
-
Maurel Landry Leunte
HYDROGEOLOGIST
The junior member of the team, but with quite a bit of experience in dye tracing and hydrological studies for urban permit applications through his Master's thesis and internship. Rain or shine, Maurel is always in a good mood and ready for some field work.
-
Romain Deleu, PhD
HYDROGEOLOGIST
Recently finished his PhD on tracer tests and heterogeneity of karst systems. Probably knows the STREAM® fluorometers as well as Amaël, having worked with them for 6 years. Now in charge of quarrying and geothermal projects.
OUR PARTNERS
