In other news below:
-- Itron to host first Market Operator Forecasting Summit
-- Koch Membrane Systems hires new regional sales manager
-- Industrial Test Systems names new marketing manager
-- Pump Systems Matter seeks stories for 'People Do the Darndest Things to Pumps!'
-- EPA releases 'Nanotechnology White Paper'
-- Cummins Power Generation transfer switchers receive IBC seismic certification
-- CoStar helps curb global warming with Energy Star rating to properties in online database
-- Wonderware wins top reader awards for HMI, SCADA software
-- New energy policy website connects consumers, industry and decision makers
-- Riverkeeper hails Cuomo's action on Greenpoint oil spill
-- Strong U.S. demand for Dow media driven by new EPA arsenic regulations
• ASTM International Water Committee to host turbidity workshop in June -- W. CONSHOHOCKEN, PA, Feb. 21 2007 -- ASTM International Committee D19 on Water will host a workshop on turbidity during the June Committee Week in Norfolk, VA. Subcommittee D19.07 on Sediment, Geomorphology and Open Channel Flow will present the workshop from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. on June 26.
According to Mike Sadar, D19 member and principal application scientist, Hach Company, Committee D19 has invested several years in the development of new turbidity methods. "Today many new measurement technologies are available and the analyst is challenged to select the appropriate technology for the turbidity measurement of their waters of interest," says Sadar. These new methods encompass many new technologies, refined sampling and measurement techniques, report technology traceability, and provide guidance for technology selection.
This workshop will provide attendees with information on how to better use their instrumentation, collect and prepare samples, and most importantly, report results for improved quality and usage. Workshop topics include:
-- History of turbidity standards in ASTM D19 and why a change was needed;
-- A round robin study of high-level static turbidity measurements;
-- Turbidity applications in the field -- perspective of the U.S. Geological Survey;
-- New method development for in-situ turbidity measurements;
-- The application of in-line and on-line turbidimeters;
-- Determining continuous or near continuous sediment concentrations from turbidity measurements;
-- Turbidity monitoring applications: often maligned analysis gains widespread appeal; and
-- What the future holds for turbidity methods development in ASTM.
For technical information, contact Michael Sadar, Hach Company, Loveland, CO, at 970-669-3050 or [email protected]. Committee D19 meets June 24-28, at the June Committee Week in Norfolk, Va. For membership or meeting information, contact Len Morrissey, manager, Technical Committee Operations, ASTM International, at 610-832-9719 or [email protected].
Committee D19 is one of 140 ASTM technical standards-writing committees. Established in 1898, ASTM International is one of the largest standards development and delivery systems in the world. ASTM standards are accepted and used in R&D, product testing, quality systems, and commercial transactions around the globe.
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Among other recent headlines:
• Itron to host the first Market Operator Forecasting Summit -- SPOKANE, WA, Feb. 21, 2007 -- Itron Inc. announced today that it will host the first annual Market Operator Forecasting Summit, May 1-2, at the Treasure Island in Las Vegas, NV. During the past few years, Itron has worked with most of the ISOs (Independent System Operator) and RTOs (Regional Transmission Operator) in North America and Australia to develop short- and long-term forecasting models and modeling frameworks. While forecasting techniques are not unique to market operators, the level of scrutiny that is placed on the forecasts is unsurpassed in the industry. Market operators face a unique set of forecasting challenges because of (1) the large geographic footprint spanning multiple cities, weather zones and in some cases, time zones; (2) the forecasts required are growing in the level of temporal and geographic detail to support nodal pricing; and (3) the financial costs of forecast errors impacts not only the organization, but the financial well-being of the market served. On May 3-4, Itron's Energy Forecasting Group is meeting at the same hotel to discuss long-term end-use forecasting. Attendees can register for and attend this meeting as well. More information can be found at www.itron.com/forecastingworkshops...
• Koch Membrane Systems hires new regional sales manager -- Grady Coberly joins KMS Municipal and Industrial Groups -- WILMINGTON, MA, Feb. 21, 2007 -- Koch Membrane Systems Inc. (KMS), a world-class developer and manufacturer of high quality membranes and membrane systems, has hired Grady Coberly as sales manager for the Gulf States region of the United States. In addition to providing strong support to existing customers, Coberly will be responsible for growing the business and increasing market share in a high-growth region of the country. With over 10 years of experience in water treatment, he was a new product introduction specialist for GE Water and Process Technologies, and was responsible for developing markets for new products introduced in the Gulf Coast, Southwest, Mexico, and Central America. Prior to joining GE he worked for many years as area manager for Ondeo Nalco and was involved with condensate treatment, utility water systems, wastewater operations as well as optimizing chemical applications to water clarification systems, boilers, and cooling water systems...
• Industrial Test Systems names new marketing manager
ROCK HILL, SC, Feb. 21, 2007 -- Industrial Test Systems Inc (ITS), an international manufacturer of test strips for different industries, today announced the appointment of Mike McBride as the new marketing manager. McBride will be responsible for improving brand awareness and developing the marketing strategy for Industrial Test Systems. He will also be concentrating on improving the website content and current publicity material, such as literature and print advertising. He can be reached at [email protected] or (803) 329-9712, ext. 217...
• Pump Systems Matter seeks stories for 'People Do the Darndest Things to Pumps!' -- PARSIPPANY, NJ, Feb. 20, 2007 -- The Pump Systems Matter (PSM) educational initiative announced plans to collect accounts from the pump industry on how pumps are applied, run and/or maintained incorrectly on its website, www.PumpSystemsMatter.org. By logging on to the Pump Systems Matter(tm) website, visitors can share their stories about the daily difficulties of maintaining and running various pumping systems from all different markets. These accounts will be chronicled in a document entitled "People Do the Darndest Things to Pumps!" and may help in the development of a pump systems optimization guidebook. In order to share their story, site visitors are encouraged to visit the website and follow the links on the homepage to a form where they can provide contact information as well as their own stories and lessons learned. A Pump Systems Matter(tm) staff member will then be in touch as soon as possible. Guests should be aware that their own names as well as the names of manufacturers and customers will not be identified in any document after the original submission...
• EPA releases 'Nanotechnology White Paper' -- WASHINGTON, DC, Feb. 15, 2007 -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Science Policy Council today issued a Nanotechnology White Paper that explores both the promise and potential impact that nanomaterials offer human health and the environment. The peer-reviewed paper, a culmination of efforts by an intra-agency group, provides an overview of nanotechnology research related to human health and the environment, and includes prioritized research needs within most risk assessment topic areas. The document concludes with staff recommendations for addressing science issues and research needs. The paper also provides an appendix, which outlines those areas that EPA should focus on as near-term priorities in regards to nanomaterials. While offering potential opportunities to improve the measurement, monitoring, and management of contaminants, nanomaterials may also present new and unforeseen environmental challenges. To complement its own efforts, EPA is working with other federal agencies through the National Nanotechnology Initiative to develop research portfolios that address environmental and human health needs. The White Paper outlines EPA's key scientific information needs. The paper has also helped EPA strategically focus its own nanotechnology research program to provide key information on both environmental applications and potential environmental impacts from human or ecological exposure to nanomaterials in a manner that complements other federal, academic, and private-sector research activities....
• Cummins Power Generation transfer switchers receive IBC seismic certification -- MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 15, 2007 Cummins Power Generation's automatic transfer switches have been certified to comply with Class C, D, E and F (previously Zone 3 and 4) seismic provisions of the International Building Code (IBC) 2000, 2003 and 2006, as well as the NFPA 5000 code published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The certificate of compliance qualifies the company's automatic transfer switches for use in emergency power systems wherever seismically rated equipment should be considered, up to and including Classes C, D, E and F. Automatic transfer switches play a critical role in on-site emergency standby power systems by transferring electrical loads to an alternate power source, such as a standby generator, after the primary (utility) source has failed...
Also see:
-- "Cummins Named to CRO Magazine's 'Best Corporate Citizens' List for Eighth Straight Year"
-- "Cummins Power Generation is First–to–Market With New 80 and 100 kW EPA Tier 3 Generator Sets"
• CoStar helps curb global warming with Energy Star rating to properties in online database -- BETHESDA, MD, Feb. 12, 2007 -- CoStar Group Inc., the number one provider of information services to the commercial real estate industry, today announced that it will begin adding the Energy Star rating -- the most recognized national metric for evaluating building energy efficiency -- to properties in its massive online database, which currently contains more than 2 million researched and verified commercial properties of all classes and types. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, energy consumption from the operation of commercial buildings accounts for 18% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. In a typical office building, energy represents 30% of operating costs -- its single largest and most manageable operating expense. On average, Energy Star partners experience a 10 to 30% reduction in their operating costs through changes in building management strategies and capital investments with acceptable rates of return...
• Wonderware wins top Control Magazine Readers' Choice Awards for HMI, SCADA software -- LAKE FOREST, CA, Feb. 12, 2007 -- Wonderware, a business unit of Invensys, today announced that Control magazine readers have awarded Wonderware first place in the HMI Software category. Wonderware also tied for first in the SCADA Software category. This is the 12th year that Wonderware has received "Readers' Choice Awards" from Control magazine in these two categories. In the annual reader survey, Wonderware's InTouch HMI software product was selected as the most popular application for industrial automation, process control and supervisory monitoring. InTouch software is in worldwide use in a variety of industries including food processing, oil and gas, automotive, chemical, pharmaceutical, pulp and paper, transportation and power utilities. Wonderware software is used in over 100,000 plants with over 400,000 active software licenses...
Also see:
-- "Invensys introduces SAP xApps Certified Packaged Composite Applications for manufacturing production execution and real-time finance"
-- "New Wonderware Performance Management Software Offerings Designed to Ease Manufacturing Collaboration"
• New energy policy website connects consumers, industry and decision makers -- With energy policy too important to leave solely to politicians, the Smarter Energy Policy Forum creates empowering virtual gathering place for discussion -- WASHINGTON, DC, Feb. 8, 2007 -- As the 110th Congress debates remedies to climate change and many states face energy crises, a new Web destination combines the best of online social networking techniques with energy policy venues -- think tanks, blogs, and news sites --providing readers with real-time information on pivotal energy issues. The Smarter Energy Policy Forum (www.smarterenergypolicy.com) was launched today, with expert contribution ranging from electricity competition to renewable energy sources, to present visitors the opportunity to learn more about these issues, offer their ideas, and engage with other writers. The Forum features contributions from energy experts, consumer groups, industry representatives, and pundits. Visitors can submit comments to articles and news content, thereby furthering the discussion on topics...
• Riverkeeper hails Cuomo's action on Greenpoint oil spill -- Suit to sue for aggressive testing, cleanup, restoration & penalties -- TARRYTOWN, NY, Feb. 8, 2007 -- Today, New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo initiated a legal action against ExxonMobil and four other companies to force a cleanup of the massive 17-million gallon Greenpoint Oil Spill in Brooklyn and to restore the damage done to Newtown Creek. The suit takes aim at the decades-old spill, which has spread under 55 acres of commercial and residential Greenpoint, threatening hundreds of homes and businesses, destroying groundwater and soils, and severely damaging Newtown Creek. Riverkeeper has been leading the fight to clean up Newtown Creek since 2002. In 2004, the organization filed a federal case against ExxonMobil and began collaborating with the Office of the Attorney General. Attorney General Cuomo's filing represents a dramatic turning point in the progress of this landmark case...
Also see: "Court finds massive power plant kills illegal: EPA faulted for placing power plant profits over public trust"
• Strong U.S. demand for Dow media driven by new EPA arsenic regulations -- MIDLAND, MI, Feb. 5, 2007 -- Efforts to meet the U.S. EPA's new reduced arsenic levels dominated the agendas of public water treatment facilities across the U.S. in 2006, creating a growing demand for ADSORBSIA™ GTO™ titanium-based arsenic removal media from Dow Water Solutions. Currently, more than 25 public water systems in the U.S. are using ADSORBSIA media to reduce arsenic levels. Two new large installations in California and New Mexico are among additional systems scheduled for start-up in early 2007. Based on Dow's proprietary technology, ADSORBSIA arsenic removal media is a free-flowing granular adsorbent that holds the molecules of arsenic, allowing purified water to pass through. It maintains a strong hold on the removed arsenic, enabling efficient, safer and easier use and disposal...
Also see:
-- "Charles Kresge Elected into National Academy of Engineering"
-- "Dow's Chief Security Officer Named One of Security Magazine's 25 Most Influential Executives"
-- "Dow CEO Named Chairman of the Board for the American Chemistry Council"
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