WaterBriefs: Cellnet delivers for WaterOne of Johnson County, Kan.
In other news below:
-- EPAct concerns covered at Autovation 2006
-- Siemens Water Technologies cracks Chinese refinery contract
-- Leica Geosystems opens e-commerce online store
-- Emerson introduces online operator training
-- Universal Flow Monitors unveils online flowmeter technology selection chart
-- Xerium Technologies announces sale of Huyck Dewatering Equipment Business
-- Nanophase extends Rohm & Haas partnership
-- EPA awards $50,000 technical assistance grant to Cincinnati community group
-- U.S. Census Bureau releases report on water use
-- Use of novel membrane materials holds key to development of RO, UF and MF technologies
-- New York recall demonstrates failure of FDA to regulate bottled water safety
-- DSM Soft joins Bentley's Enterprise License Subscription program
-- Trojan Technologies founder appointed to CVF unit BIOREM's board
-- Critics of Canada's Clean Water Act awash in contradiction
-- Aquatech International to export wastewater system to Oman
-- Southwest Water acquires Texas utility
-- Hurricane torn city selects In-Pipe Technology to reinvent wastewater treatment
-- Another large order for Alfa Laval in Japan
-- UN agencies highlight shortages of water, shelter as most Lebanese have now returned
-- Hammonds Water Treatment Systems Inc. announces new business development
-- Clean Harbors completes acquisition of Teris LLC
• Cellnet delivers for WaterOne of Johnson County, Kan. -- ATLANTA, GA, Aug 28, 2006 -- Cellnet Technologies Inc. highlighted its success on automated metering services to WaterOne of Johnson County, KS, the state's second largest water utility which has deployed AMR to over 12,000 commercial and industrial water customers. In partnership with Cellnet, WaterOne has reduced meter reading and operational expenses, and enhanced its ability to monitor water consumption of large commercial accounts. Enhanced ability to monitor water consumption was especially beneficial to the utility earlier this summer when several large golf courses were asked to voluntarily reduce irrigation. Because of Cellnet's services, the utility was able to obtain immediate water use data at each golf course site...
• EPAct concerns covered at Autovation 2006 -- Energy Policy Act a hot topic at Autovation 2006, Oct. 22-25 at Tenn.'s Nashville Convention Center -- NORTHBROOK, IL, Aug. 28, 2006 -- With more states beginning their investigations into advanced metering, AMRA is responding with extensive coverage of the Energy Policy Act (EPAct) and other smart metering topics for the more than 1,400 registrants expected at Autovation 2006. The AMRA International Symposium, Oct. 22-25 in Nashville, Tenn...
• Siemens Water Technologies cracks Chinese refinery contract -- Siemens unit helps largest Sino-foreign refining and petrochemical project meet stringent environmental discharge, reuse regulations -- WARRENDALE, PA, Aug. 28, 2006 -- A joint venture made up of the Fujian Petrochemical Co., Ltd., Exxon/Mobil and Saudi Aramco selected the Water Technologies division of the Siemens Group Industrial Solutions and Services (I&S) to provide equipment for treating ethylene spent caustic and wastewater. The four-part system, comprised of Zimpro wet air oxidation, Pact biological treatment, Zimpro wet air regeneration and Hydro-Clear sand filter systems, will help the joint venture meet stringent discharge and reuse regulations...
Also see: Modesto Irrigation District selects Memcor submerged membrane filtration system for 36-mgd water treatment plant expansion
• Leica Geosystems opens e-commerce online store -- Danaher unit's new e-commerce online store offers easy-to-use direct product purchases -- NORCROSS, GA, Aug. 28, 2006 -- Leica Geosystems recently opened its new e-commerce online store for business at www.buy.leica-geosystems.com. The site makes it easy for professionals with construction, surveying, positioning and distance measurement needs to purchase a variety of Leica Geosystems products direct from the source. To aid in the selection of the right product, the site offers customers online training with demonstrations and tutorials. Customers also have access to special promotions offered exclusively through the site -- as well as ongoing monthly specials and discounts. Other features include price checking, real-time order entry, tracking and status...
• Emerson introduces online operator training -- With vocal instructor narrations, new online DeltaV Operator Training Course is cost-effective alternative to traditional classroom training -- AUSTIN, TX, Aug. 28, 2006 -- Emerson Process Management is now offering a comprehensive DeltaV™ Operator Training Course using eLearning online training (www.emersonprocess.com/education). The new operator training course provides in-depth information on the DeltaV system, operator user interface, alarms, trending and module operation. This program is a cost effective alternative to traditional classroom training, as it eliminates the need for costly travel and lodging. The fully interactive DeltaV Operator Training Course takes about 12 hours to complete and includes detailed, step-by-step instructions and illustrations with accompanying audio presentations, demonstrations, practice sessions, workshops, quizzes and a final exam...
Also see: "Emerson Process Management chosen one of 'Hottest Companies' by START-IT magazine for ninth consecutive year"
• Universal Flow Monitors introduces online flowmeter technology selection chart -- HAZEL PARK, MI, Aug. 28, 2006 -- Universal Flow Monitors Inc. has added a new resource to its website, www.flowmeters.com, that functions as a virtual information source for flowmeter technologies. Flowmeters.com now provides a chart that enables site visitors to select the appropriate flowmeter technology for the type of fluid they are using. The flowmeter technology selection chart shows the technology that provides best value in a typical application of a fluid. The chart also compares various technologies and fluids on the basis of cost, accuracy, installation requirements, output type, on-unit display availability, power requirements, flow switching availability, rangability, fluid conductivity and response time...
• Xerium Technologies announces sale of Huyck Dewatering Equipment Business -- YOUNGSVILLE, NC, Aug. 28, 2006 -- Xerium Technologies Inc., a leading global manufacturer of clothing and roll covers used primarily in the paper production process, today announced that it has completed the sale of its Huyck Dewatering Equipment Business, based in Whitstable, United Kingdom, to subsidiaries of Groupe Laperriere & Verreault Inc. Huyck is engaged primarily in the business of the manufacture and sale of equipment utilized in the wet end of paper-producing machines for the purpose of enhancing the removal of water from the paper manufacturing process. Net sales of the Huyck Dewatering Equipment business for the first half of 2006 were US$2 million. inancial terms of the transaction were not disclosed...
• Nanophase extends Rohm & Haas partnership -- Exclusive pact accompanies $5 million investment by Rohm & Haas in -- ROMEOVILLE, IL, & PHOENIX, Aug. 28, 2006 -- Nanophase Technologies Corp., a technology leader in nanomaterials and advanced nanoengineered products, announced that Nanophase and Rohm and Haas Electronic Materials, CMP Technologies, have extended their exclusive global partnership for the use of new nanomaterials and nanomaterial dispersions for semiconductor polishing (CMP) applications through 2019. The partnership will collaborate in developing innovative nanomaterial-based slurries for current and future technology nodes in semiconductor fabrication. In view of the exclusivity and the partnership objectives, Rohm and Haas has purchased 847,918 shares of Nanophase common stock at a purchase price of $5.8968 per share, or an aggregate $5 million in cash. These shares will be restricted and not registered for a period of two years. After this purchase, Nanophase has 18,811,263 shares of common stock outstanding, approximately 4.5% of which is now owned by Rohm and Haas...
Also see: "Non-toxic nanolithography using pure water"
• EPA awards $50,000 technical assistance grant to Cincinnati community group -- CHICAGO, Aug. 28, 2006 -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 office has awarded a $50,000 technical assistance grant to the Friends of the Great Miami River, a community organization in Cincinnati. The grant will be used to hire a technical advisor for the Armco Hamilton Superfund site in New Miami. The advisor will interpret technical data for the organization and act as a liaison between the group and EPA. The site is composed of two parcels on 252 acres north and south of Augspurger Road in New Miami. Industrial use at the site dates to the early 1900s. Starting out as a coke plant, the property was also the site of iron, steel and road tar manufacturing. Now vacant, it was purchased by AK Steel in 1994 and subsequently blast furnaces, buildings and other structures were demolished...
• U.S. Census Bureau releases report on water use -- WASHINGTON, DC, Aug. 27, 2006 -- In its latest "Profile America" release, the U.S. Census Bureau offers detailed information on water use across the nation. Each day in the U.S., more than 400-billion gallons of water is removed from the nation's rivers, lakes and underground supplies. Nearly half of it is used by steam-powered electric generating plants, 140-billion gallons are used for irrigation, and 43-billion goes to supplying the public. Almost nine of 10 homes across the country receive their water from public private systems. You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau on the web at www.census.gov...
• Use of novel membrane materials holds key to development of RO, UF and MF technologies -- PALO ALTO, CA, Aug. 28, 2006 -- With the current supply pool unlikely to sustain the ever-increasing demand for clean water among industries as well as the general population, there is a growing trend toward the use of membrane filtration technologies for water purification. As a specification-driven process, membrane filtration is able to provide water of much higher quality, be it to meet municipal drinking and wastewater quality requirements, or industrial specifications for water reuse. Moreover, dramatic reductions in the prices of membrane water treatment technologies in the last few years have further served to promote technology as a cost-effective alternative to water treatment...
Also see:
-- "AQUANOVA receives Frost & Sullivan award for its pioneering solubilisation technology"
-- "Boost from pharmaceutical, nutraceutical markets to drive analytical laboratory services market"
-- "Strategic partnerships, acquisitions prevail in rapidly growing specialty pharmaceuticals market"
• New York recall demonstrates failure of FDA to regulate bottled water safety -- BOSTON, Aug. 28, 2006 -- The unfolding case of bromate contamination of bottled water produced by Mayer Bros. Co. and marketed under private labels of major supermarkets such as Wegmans and Food Club provides a startling look at the lapses in the bottled water regulatory system. The failure of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to adequately regulate bottled water corporations puts the health of bottled water consumers in jeopardy, according to corporate accountability advocates. In early August, Wegmans was notified that tests of its "Food You Feel Good About" spring water brand contained elevated levels of cancer-causing bromate. Wegmans' supplier, Mayer Bros. Co. of West Seneca, NY, tests samples of its water products monthly, according to the Rochester, NY, Democrat & Chronicle. Wegman's independent laboratory conducted additional tests and confirmed levels of bromate as high as 25 parts per billion, nearly two and half times the 10 parts per billion allowed under FDA regulations. Wegmans immediately recalled its own products, and notified the FDA and its competitors. Subsequent tests have revealed the problem stems from water bottled as far back as June 27th, much of which has already likely been purchased and consumed by unsuspecting customers...
Also see: "AmeriCares, Nestle Waters North America create one million water bottle reserve to aid Gulf Coast communities"
• DSM Soft joins Bentley's Enterprise License Subscription program -- Leading provider of Engineering and Geospatial Data Services based in India gets unlimited access to entire ELS software portfolio for a fixed annual fee -- EXTON, PA, Aug. 28, 2006 -- Bentley Systems Inc. today announced that DSM Soft Private Limited, a leading provider of engineering and geospatial data services headquartered in India, has joined Bentley's Enterprise License Subscription (ELS) program. The Bentley ELS program grants organizations unlimited access to the entire ELS software portfolio for a fixed annual fee. The portfolio covers all the architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) and geospatial software needs of subscribers, providing building, plant, civil, and geospatial solutions and supporting a managed environment for their AEC and geospatial IT. The total coverage at a fixed, discounted price means that organizations can increase their software productivity and reduce their total AEC and geospatial software costs simultaneously...
• Trojan Technologies founder appointed to CVF unit BIOREM's board -- WILLIAMSVILLE, NY, Aug. 25, 2006 -- CVF Technologies
Corp.'s holding BIOREM announced the appointment of Hank Vander Laan to the Board of Directors. H.J (Hank) Vander Laan founded Trojan Technologies Inc, now part of Danaher Corp., in 1976, acquiring the patent for a small ultraviolet device for private water supply applications. Building upon that concept, he developed a company that's now a global leader in its field with revenues well in excess of $100 million per year. Vander Laan has continued to work with Trojan in the role of senior advisor...
• Critics of Canada's Clean Water Act awash in contradiction -- 'Saying this bill is unfair to landowners doesn't hold water,' according to Rick Smith -- PETERBOROUGH, ON, Canada, Aug. 25, 2006 -- As a provincial committee of MPPs wraps up a week of public hearings on the proposed Clean Water Act , critics of the bill continue to contradict themselves in trying to undermine the Act, says Environmental Defence. Throughout the week of hearings, a number of agricultural and landowners' associations have argued that farmers are good stewards of the province's lands and waters, and that the Act unfairly targets them as the cause of water quality problems. They have also argued that complying with the law will impose a huge cost burden on rural Ontario...
Also see:
-- "New law makes link between human health and clean water: 'Lesson of Walkerton is that the status quo doesn't protect people'"
-- "New water law critical for healthy Ontario: Citizens, environmental groups want proposed bill strengthened, passed swiftly"
• Aquatech International to export wastewater system to Oman -- With help of Ex-Im Bank working capital guarantee, recycle/reuse technology goes to Mideast -- WASHINGTON, DC, Aug. 25, 2006 -- Aquatech International Corp., a provider of innovative water purification technology solutions with headquarters in Canonsburg, PA, will export a wastewater recycle/reuse facility to an oilfield project in Oman valued at over $100 million with the help of a $23 million working capital loan guarantee from the U.S. Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im Bank). The facility will use MVC evaporation technology to desalinate and recycle wastewater generated by an enhanced oil recovery facility. The loan from PNC Bank in Pittsburgh, Pa., will provide Aquatech with working capital to fulfill its contract to supply equipment and related services to Occidental Mukhaizna LLC, a subsidiary of Occidental Petroleum, and Contractors Technical Services LLC in Oman...
Also see: "Ex-Im Bank short-term insurance allows financing to spur international sales at Columbia, Mo.'s Environmental Dynamics Inc."
• Southwest Water acquires Texas utility -- LOS ANGELES, Aug. 24, 2006 -- Southwest Water Company announced the acquisition of a water utility in Austin, TX. The utility serves approximately 400 residents on the south side of Austin. "Our Services Group continues to open doors for us to acquire water and wastewater utilities," said Mark A. Swatek, CEO and chairman. "We have been operating this water system for more than 10 years, which put us in an excellent position to acquire this utility. Having firsthand experience with this operation took a good deal of uncertainty out of the transaction because we know the system and its constituencies...
• Hurricane torn city selects In-Pipe Technology to reinvent wastewater treatment -- Deployment to serve as model for budget-minded cities nationwide to improve water quality & compliance -- WHEATON, IL, Aug. 24, 2006 -- The city of Slidell, LA, selected In-Pipe Technology to provide system-wide wastewater treatment services in a program underwritten by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). In-Pipe's patented biological treatment process will be used throughout the sewer collection system and wastewater treatment plant to improve operating efficiency and effluent quality. Slidell was among the hardest hit by Hurricane Katrina. The wastewater treatment facility had 4 feet of water on-site and 30 inches of water inside the buildings. Statewide, it is estimated that more than $1 billion in damage was done to municipal sewer systems and treatment plants...
• Another large order for Alfa Laval in Japan -- STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Aug. 22, 2006 -- Alfa Laval in Japan has taken an order for the supply of plate heat exchangers to be used in a liquid natural gas (LNG) plant as part of the RasGas project in Qatar. The order is valued at around SEK 75 million and final delivery will be made in 2007. In general, the last few years has seen an upturn in the Japanese market for the company. A contributing factor to Alfa Laval's success in Japan is an increase in contractor sales to the energy market on which Alfa Laval works in close cooperation with the Mitsubishi Corp. and other prestigious companies. Earlier this year, Alfa Laval in Japan won its largest contract ever, valued at around SEK 80 million. The order was for heat transfer equipment to be used in the Middle Eastern LNG industry...
• UN agencies highlight shortages of water, shelter as most Lebanese have now returned -- NEW YORK, Aug. 22, 2006 -- With most Lebanese who fled the devastating month-long conflict in their homeland now having gone back to their homes, United Nations agencies on the ground have identified shortages of clean water and shelter as two of the most pressing needs faced by the hundreds of thousands of returnees. In 10 of 12 war-affected communities visited by UNICEF in recent days, underground pipes and other water-related infrastructure had been seriously damaged or destroyed, the agency said, adding that it had stepped up its response to deal with the problem. Since the beginning of the crisis on 12 July, more than a quarter of a million litres of bottled water has been sent to some of the worst-hit communities including Bint Jubail, Ait el Shaab and Tibnin. Currently, around 50,000 litres a week are being sent south by truck, but this quantity will more than double by the weekend...
• Hammonds Water Treatment Systems Inc. announces new business development -- KEMAH, TX, Aug. 21, 2006 -- Carl Hammonds, president of Hammonds Water Treatment Systems Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of International American Technologies Inc.), has announced receipt of an order for calcium hypochlorite for $764,500. The order reflects continued growth in demand for solid disinfection used in the food processing, waste treatment and potable water treating industries. This particular order will supply product to the poultry processing industry, through the end of 2006 and is consumed by systems that include Hammonds' proprietary tablet feeders...
• Clean Harbors completes acquisition of Teris LLC -- NORWELL, MA, Aug. 21, 2006 -- Clean Harbors Inc., a leading provider of environmental and hazardous waste management services, announced that, on Aug. 18, it completed the acquisition of Teris L.L.C., an environmental services company based in Dallas. Clean Harbors acquired all of the membership interests in Teris for approximately $52.7 million in cash, including $10.3 million in net working capital, from SITA U.S.A. Inc., a subsidiary of Suez Environnement S.A. Teris operates an incineration facility in El Dorado, AR, and a treatment, storage and disposal facility in Wilmington, CA. With 2005 revenue of about $95 million, the company currently has over 550 employees and several field locations...
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