WaterBriefs: New record set for low energy use in desalination with Filmtec membranes

In other news below:
-- Severn Trent executive authors chapter in new marketing book
-- Sen. Lieberman lauds AbTech filtration technology to clean urban runoff
-- SecureWave passes 1.5 million license mark
-- Newly acquired Engelhard purifies drinking water from Cuba to Zambia
-- Global water treatment equipment, supplies market analyzed to 2010
-- Preservation Sciences presents Navy test results at MegaRust 2006
-- Now part of Linde AG, BOC touts science, new contracts
-- Intelligent pump systems driving force for mature European market
-- YSI water quality instruments chosen for WEFTEC's Operations Challenge
-- Reedy Creek Improvement District selects ArcFM
-- ISCO Industries opens distribution site in Alberta
-- NanoLogix Inc. files for six patent on hydrogen bioreactors advances
-- ADA Technologies in running for $1 million arsenic-reduction prize
-- New Middle East order adds to Alfa Laval's success in liquid natural gas
-- USW decries more Teflon chemical found in N.J. drinking water
-- Arkansas utility places initial order with Nighthawk Systems
-- Altair Nanotechnologies CEO testifies to Senate Commerce Committee
-- Ind. firm wins $270K in small business contracts for environmental projects
-- EPA cites Lanxess for violations
-- JohnsonDiversey Inc. announces product development plan to remove APEOs
-- BSI2000 engages transition partners, announces homeland security sale
-- Jordan Valley secures big order for new semiconductor systems
-- TTCM China business update outlines six sewer projects worth $25.5M
-- Congressman announces $2 million for NanoDynamics in Buffalo
-- JMAR receives BioSentry order from Princess Cruise Lines

• ADC sets new record for lowest energy usage in desalination with Filmtec membranes -- MIDLAND, MI, June 19, 2006 -- The Affordable Desalination Collaboration (ADC) has achieved a new record for lowest energy use in reverse osmosis (RO) seawater desalination using FILMTEC™ SW30XLE-400i "low energy" membranes from FilmTec Corp., a subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company. Conducted at the U.S. Navy's Seawater Desalination Test Facility in Port Hueneme, CA, the test effectively demonstrates the capability of seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) technology in producing potable water for the water-stressed municipalities in California...
Also see:
-- "Dow named 2006 "Galaxy Star of Energy Efficiency" by Alliance to Save Energy"
-- "Dow Chemical names Attiganal Sreeram to lead core research and development"
-- "Dow offers Filmtec membrane elements with extended pH limits for cleaning"

• Severn Trent executive authors chapter in new marketing book -- FORT WASHINGTON, PA, June 19, 2006 -- Thomas Mills, Severn Trent Services vice president, marketing and business development, authored a chapter in the recently released book, "Inside the Minds: Improving Marketing ROI - Leading CMOs on Adding Value, Calculating Return on Investments, and Creating a Financial Impact," published by Aspatore Books. Marketing executives from some of the nation's top companies contributed to the book by providing a comprehensive overview of their experience with improving marketing return-on-investment...

• Sen. Lieberman lauds success of new filtration technology cleaning up nation's waterways -- NORWALK, CT, June 19 , 2006 -- U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman (D-CT), Norwalk Mayor Richard Moccia and Long Island Soundkeeper's Terry Backer join to reveal results of unique clean water program in Connecticut featuring AbTech Industries' Smart Sponge water filtration technology to curb urban run-off pollution and its effect on waterways. Initial field tests from Long Island Sound stormwater management project show filters cut high percentage of bacteria, including E. coli and other fecal coliform. First cleaning of the 275 catch basins also yielded over 7.4 tons of trash, debris, leaves, sediment, and sand. Much of the project cost -- over $500,000 -- resulted from legislation sponsored by Lieberman and provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency...

• SecureWave helps Novell Enterprises eliminate desktop risks to ensure standard operating environments -- Customers gain greater control over user applications and devices to preserve IT security, reduce IT support costs and assure compliance with regulations -- DURHAM, NC, June 19, 2006 -- SecureWave today announced a working relationship with Novell to help enterprises develop and enforce security policies for the acceptable use of removable storage devices and applications by end users. Unapproved applications can create a security threat or erode user productivity; malware and spyware waste precious network management resources; and plug-in storage devices can be the means to remove intellectual property or confidential information. With the combined Novell and SecureWave solution, customers can ensure compliance with privacy regulations, enforce and audit application and device usage policies and improve security at the network's most risk-prone point - the desktop. Under the agreement, Novell will resell the SecureWave Sanctuary(r) suite globally alongside Novell ZENworks...
Also see: "SecureWave passes 1.5 million license mark"

• Engelhard technology purifies drinking water from Cuba to Zambia -- ISELIN, NJ, June 19, 2006 -- Engelhard is helping provide emergency drinking water to inhabitants in developing countries. The BASF unit has donated over a million water purification tablets using its Aseptrol release agent to Heart to Heart International, which provides them to various medical groups serving communities including in Cuba, Guatemala, Haiti, Indonesia, Peru, Tajikistan and Zambia. Aseptrol technology releases chlorine dioxide, a powerful biocide, at precise rates and in controlled concentrations...
Also see:
-- "BASF completes acquisition of Engelhard Corp."
-- "Ashland, Engelhard team to reduce waste going to Texas landfills"

• Global water treatment equipment, supplies market analyzed to 2010 in latest report -- DUBLIN, Ireland, June 19, 2006 -- Research and Markets has announced the addition of "Water Treatment Equipment and Supplies - Global Strategic Business Report" to its offerings. This report analyzes the worldwide markets for water treatment equipment and supplies in millions of dollars. The specific end-use segments discussed are Industrial, Municipal, Residential, and Commercial. The report provides separate comprehensive analytics for the U.S., Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. Annual forecasts are provided for each region for the period of 2000 through 2010. The report profiles 114 companies including many key and niche players worldwide...
Also see: "Filtration products designed to purify tap water, remove contaminants analyzed in 'Water Filtration and Purification Products in the United States'"

• Preservation Sciences presents Navy test results of its environmentally safe anti-rust product at MegaRust 2006 -- NORFOLK, VA, June 19, 2006 -- Preservation Sciences Inc., a company that develops and manufactures industrial coatings and preservative technologies, presented a technical white paper on Flash OFF at MegaRust 2006 in Norfolk, VA, last week. Emery Ellinger, COO of Preservation Sciences, presented the results from Corrpro Companies Inc. on testing completed for the U.S. Navy on Flash OFF used in conjunction with Sherwin-Williams coatings. Flash OFF is a patented product developed by Preservation Sciences to take advantage of the trends toward more effective, easier to use products to fight corrosion. The completion of the non-skid coatings shows that Flash OFF did not affect the adhesion of Sherwin-Williams non-skid coatings...

• Forum highlights industry need for science education and skills -- BOC led forum brings industry and education partners together to explore the UK's promotion of essential skills and careers -- GUILDFORD, UK, June 19, 2006 -- The importance of science, engineering and on-going development of occupational skills to Britain's long-term prosperity was the focus of a major forum involving 200 leading industrialists, educationalists and government departments held recently at St James's Palace, London, in the presence of HRH, the Duke of Kent. Organized and sponsored by industrial gases company, BOC, with support from The Science, Engineering, Technology and Mathematics Network (SETNET), The Industry and Education Partnership Forum brought together some of the UK's leading educational sponsors and thinkers to explore how young people in the UK can be encouraged to follow manufacturing industry careers...
Also see:
-- "BOC Edwards begins second phase of pipeline network in Taiwan's Hsinchu Science Park"
-- "BOC and MORE expand energy injection system product offering to steel recycling industry"
-- "European Commission approves acquisition of The BOC Group by Linde AG"

• Intelligent pump systems emerge as driving force for mature European pump industry -- LONDON, United Kingdom, June 19, 2006 -- With the European pump industry approaching maturity, novel technologies such as intelligent pump systems will be the main driver for future growth. Demand for these 'smart' pumps is increasing across a range of end-user segments such as water and wastewater treatment, building automation, and food and beverages. New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, "European Intelligent Pump Systems Markets," reveals the market generated revenues of $68.5 million in 2005, which is likely to reach $230.3 million in 2012...
Also see:
-- "Mobile device vendors turn to growth opportunities in emerging markets to combat fall in average price per unit"
-- "Possible infringement by WiMax threatening Wi-Fi's penetration"
-- "Evolution of security, surveillance systems into service industry likely to hike revenues"
-- "Convergence of IT, Smart Cards expected to develop immense potential of 'Smart' market"

• YSI water quality instruments chosen for WEFTEC's Operations Challenge -- Ready, Set, Operate! -- YELLOW SPRINGS, OH, June 19, 2006 -- The "Operations Challenge" is one of the most spirited, interactive portions of regional and national wastewater exhibitions. Each year, wastewater operators from member organizations form teams to compete at the Water Environment Federation's WEFTEC trade show -- this year Oct. 21-25 in Dallas, TX -- in an event that tests their speed, skill, and safety in operating equipment. Winners don't take home the gold, but they do receive impressive trophies and plaques. For this year's WEFTEC.06 Operations Challenge, YSI has been chosen to supply a variety of handheld instruments, including the YSI pH 100 and 5000 Dissolved Oxygen meters, for the laboratory event of the 5-part test. During the laboratory event, judges will scrutinize and score the teams as they perform -- from memory -- all steps of a BOD analysis using YSI equipment. Although the competition is a friendly one, some teams spend ample time practicing for the event. Be sure to catch the action Oct. 22-25 during WEFTEC.06 in Dallas, TX, the hometown of the "Operations Challenge" defending champion team. For more on WEF or WEFTEC.06, see: www.wef.org or www.weftec.org...
Also see: "Teruya to lead YSI's environmental monitoring systems development in Asia Pacific"

• Reedy Creek Improvement District selects ArcFM -- Central Florida utility to use Multispeak-compliant facilities management solution -- FORT COLLINS, CO, June 19, 2006 -- Reedy Creek Improvement District has decided to implement ArcFM as the solution for facilities management of their electric network. Reedy Creek encompasses 25,000 acres in the heart of Central Florida and is the home of Walt Disney World. The District provides electric, water, wastewater, reclaimed water, and natural gas services to its customers. Reedy Creek currently uses a legacy system combination based on CAD and ESRI shapefiles for electric network management. Reedy Creek opted to move to ArcFM because they recognized migration to a modern, off-the-shelf utility product would improve operations. The Multispeak-compliant solution offers the utility an economical approach since the application comes pre-configured with some basic services for data conversion, training, and deployment. The project will also include a Network Adapter interface with Advantica's SynerGEE^®. The integration will allow all data updates to occur within the GIS and then be passed into the electric analysis application. This convenient exchange of information will speed up productivity by eliminating the redundant work of data maintenance. Miner & Miner, a Telvent company is currently assisting with the data conversion process and is partnering with Advantica to complete the SynerGEE interface. Reedy Creek is projected to go into production with their new solution in August 2006...
Also see: "Kissimmee Utility Authority successfully upgrades to ArcFM Solution 9.1.2"

• ISCO Industries announces opening of first international location in Canada -- LOUISVILLE, KY, June 19, 2006 -- ISCO Industries, one of the nation's largest distributors and suppliers of polyethylene (HDPE) piping products, has announced the opening of a distribution site in Canada. The new location in Crossfield, Alberta, lies 25 miles north of Calgary. The 5,000 square foot facility inventories a large selection of McElroy parts, and McElroy fusion machines for sale and rent, including the TracStar^® models...
Also see:
-- "ISCO becomes 'Premier Distributor' for Hancor HDPE pipe"
-- "HDPE pipe yard 'open for business' in Illinois"

• NanoLogix Inc. files six patent applications for improvements in hydrogen bioreactors -- (click on 'News') -- SHARON, PA, June 19, 2006 -- NanoLogix Inc., a nanobiotechnology company engaged in the research, development and commercialization of hydrogen bioreactors announced today that it has filed six patent applications for greatly improving the efficacy for hydrogen production of hydrogen bioreactors. The patent applications concern improvements in both the methodology and apparatus involving hydrogen bioreactors. Among NanoLogix technologies are production of high value hydrogen from agricultural feedstock, industrial waste water and municipal waste streams -- and bio-remediation of air, water and soils of harmful contaminants...

• ADA Technologies in running for $1 million prize -- DENVER, June 15, 2006 -- A novel arsenic removal technology developed by ADA Technologies, Inc. has been selected as a finalist in the Grainger Challenge Prize for Sustainability. The prize will award $1 million for a simple, inexpensive method of effectively reducing arsenic levels in drinking water in developing countries. ADA's arsenic removal technology is one of 15 technologies (out of more than 70 entries) selected to compete in the final/testing stage of the competition, which will begin in early July. The winners will be announced in early 2007. First, second and third place prizes are $1 million, $200,000 and $100,000. The winners will use the prize money to implement the technologies in areas of the world where it is most needed such as Bangladesh, Nepal and India...
Also see:
-- "ADA Technologies named one of '25 Best Companies to Work For in Colorado 2006'"
-- "ADA Technologies receives $400K in research grants"

• New Middle East order adds to Alfa Laval's success in liquid natural gas -- STOCKHOLM, Sweden, June 15, 2006 -- Alfa Laval, a world leader in heat transfer, centrifugal separation and fluid handling, has received an order for the supply of plate heat exchangers to a liquid natural gas (LNG) plant in the Middle East processing LNG for the U.S. market. The order is valued at around SEK 80 million [US$10.82 million] and final delivery will take place during 2007. It consists of about 50 all stainless steel process plate heat exchangers of different capacities. The heat exchangers enable cooling of fresh water by means of seawater. They'll be used on the process side in one of the world's largest LNG facilities. In the past 10 months Alfa Laval has received major contracts to the LNG market worth more than SEK 500 million [US$67.61 million], for delivery between 2006 and 2008. Among others Alfa Laval heat exchangers are used in gas treatment processes as well as for central cooling of fresh water by means of seawater...
Also see: "Chinese power order to Alfa Laval"

• More Teflon chemical found in N.J. drinking water -- Steelworkers Union calls for investigation -- PITTSBURGH, June 15, 2006 -- Samples of tap water from two homes, the public library, and a local business in Parlin, N.J., were found to contain trace levels of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a chemical used to make Teflon and other products. PFOS, a related perfluorochemical, was found in tap water and stream samples. Representatives of the United Steelworkers Union (USW) took the samples in May as part of its ongoing investigation into PFOA contaminated sites around the country. The union believes the PFOA emissions are from DuPont's Parlin plant where PFOA was used in the manufacturing process. The USW has discovered elevated levels of PFOA in the blood of its members and other workers at DuPont plants. The USW is calling on the New Jersey Department of Environmental Quality and the U.S. EPA to conduct a full investigation at the site in Parlin, including the monitoring of groundwater and wastewater discharges. PFOA was labeled a "likely" human carcinogen by EPA's Science Advisory Board in January 2006. In April, a lawsuit was filed against DuPont due to PFOA contamination from its plant in Deepwater, NJ...
Also see: "Steelworkers Union says DuPont's response to 'Teflon' chemical contamination in Va. innadequate: Unpermitted discharge to James River confirmed by Va. state agency"

• Arkansas utility places initial order with Nighthawk Systems -- SAN ANTONIO, TX, June 14, 2006 -- Nighthawk Systems Inc., a leading provider of intelligent wireless power control and emergency notification products, announced today that it has received an initial order for its CEO700 meter-based whole house disconnect units from Conway Corp., which operates the electric, water, wastewater and cable television utility services for the city of Conway, AR. The CEO700's will be used to wirelessly disconnect and reconnect power to electric customers, including local college students who frequently move into and out of houses and housing complexes. The sale was made with the assistance of the Stuart C. Irby Company of Jackson, Mississippi, one of the nation's leading electrical wholesalers. The system saves significant time and money over the traditional manual method that typically requires multiple truck rolls and field personnel...

• Altair Nanotechnologies CEO testifies to Senate Commerce Committee that nanotechnology holds key to U.S. alternative energy goals -- Automotive, stationary power and military applications are focus of testimony -- RENO, NV, June 14, 2006 -- Altair Nanotechnologies Inc. CEO and president Alan J. Gotcher, PhD, was to brief the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee on today on the important role Altairnano could play in the deployment of alternative energy sources, including those that could be used to power electric automobiles, critical facilities and installations, and a diverse range of military applications. Although Altairnano is operating on a variety of promising fronts, Dr. Gotcher said the company's work on nano lithium ion battery materials appears to embody the greatest near-term potential for significant real world applications...
Also see:
-- "Altair Nanotechnologies, Spectrum Pharmaceuticals agree to settlement, look forward to continued partnership"
-- "Altair Nanotechnologies appoints new board member, chief technology officer"

• Ind. company receives $270K in small business contracts for environmental projects -- CHICAGO, June 13, 2006 -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 recently announced that Scientific Methods Inc. of Granger, IN, has been awarded $270,000 in contracts for two 2006 EPA Small Business Innovation Research program projects. Ten companies in Region 5 states received more than $1 million in total funding. Scientific Methods will develop:
-- A simple, rapid, highly automated water sample collection system to detect waterborne pathogens, including those resulting from biological weapon attacks. The device would be capable of handling a variety of water types ranging from drinking water to wastewater.
-- A synthesized, low-cost silica bead that can detect viruses and determine their concentrations. The innovative device also could be incorporated into personal water purification systems...
Also see: "EPA cites Lanxess for violations"

• JohnsonDiversey Inc. announces product development plan to remove APEOs -- WASHINGTON, DC, June 12, 2006 -- JohnsonDiversey Inc. today announced its commitment to cease formulating and manufacturing products with alkylphenol ethoxydates (APEOs) after Dec. 31. This action further establishes JohnsonDiversey's environmental leadership in the cleaning and hygiene products industry for industrial and institutional markets, and aligns with the company's legacy of commitment to sustainability. The announcement was made in conjunction with the launch of the EPA's Safer Detergents Stewardship Initiative. SDSI is designed to protect aquatic life, according to Clive Davies, director of EPA's Design for the Environment (DfE) program, which organized the initiative. SDSI will recognize companies, facilities, and others who voluntarily phase out or commit to phasing out the manufacture or use of nonylphenol ethoxylate surfactants (a subset of APEOs), commonly referred to as NPEs. Both nonylphenol ethoxylates and their breakdown products, such as nonylphenol, can harm aquatic life. JohnsonDiversey played a prominent role in the conception and design of the SDSI program with DfE and through its leadership in the National Pollution Prevention and Toxics Advisory Council (NPPTAC)...

• BSI2000 engages transition partners, announces homeland security sale -- DENVER, June 12, 2006 -- BSI2000 Inc., a developer of high-end security systems for commercial and governmental use, today announced that it has engaged Transition Partners Ltd., of Boulder, CO, to provide analysis and advice to its board of directors regarding possible financing or other strategic alternatives that may include sale or merger of the company. In addition, BSI2000 is happy to announce that it sold and delivered a VERUS2000™ Green Card Authentication System to a western state Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This was the first sale of the VERUS2000 product. The base ideas that drive the system were developed by Kevin Wilson, Ph.D., BSI2000 technology director, and are part of the company's homeland security program to enhance detection of counterfeit ID cards and secure entry/exit pathways into critical infrastructure. Related products include the MAXXNET2000™ Entry/Exit Access Control System; AQUA2000™ Water Treatment Facility Monitoring, Intrusion Detection, and Access Control System; CLEARID2000™ Electronic Fingerprint Scanning System; CIVILITAS2000™ Government Identification System; and MICROBANKER2000™ Optical Bank Card System...

• Jordan Valley secures multi-million dollar order for new semiconductor X-Ray metrology systems -- Marketech wins order, will provide service and applications support; Signs distribution agreement with Jordan Valley for Taiwan, China and Singapore -- AUSTIN, TX, June 8, 2006 -- Jordan Valley has secured a multi-million dollar, multi system order for its new JVX 6200 X-ray metrology system from an Asian memory manufacturer. This second-generation platform from Jordan Valley offers three metrology channels on the system, XRR (X-Ray Reflectivity), XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence) and SAXS (Small Angle X-Ray Scattering) for high-speed, non-destructive characterization of all film types. The systems, which will be delivered throughout Q3 this year, will be used for copper seed barrier and metal films metrology applications. In related news, Taipei, Taiwan-based Marketech has signed a distribution agreement with Jordan Valley to supply sales support, service, applications and spare parts for Taiwan, China and Singapore...
Also see: "Jordan Valley to introduce Fast Wide Angle Micro-XRD Metrology Tool in SEA-NET's MUXT Consortium"

• TTCM China business update outlines six projects worth $25.5M -- NEW YORK, June 8, 2006 -- TTCM China Inc., a leading producer and supplier of glass-reinforced plastic pipes, today issued an updated list of projects valued at about $25.5 million for which they have signed contracts and which are under construction. Some of these projects were previously reported but range from the $6.2 million Fuo Shan Sewer Treatment Project to the $1.1 million Le Qing City, ZheJiang Province Sewer Treatment Project...
Also see:
-- "TTCM China awarded Fangleyuan pipeline project"
-- "TTCM China awarded YiTong pipeline contract"
-- "TTCM China furthers international expansion into Russia"
-- "TTCM China to supply water pipelines to China Forestry Administration"
-- "TTCM China acquires industry-leading utility infrastructure supplier"

• Higgins announces $2 million for NanoDynamics in Buffalo -- BUFFALO, NY, June 8, 2006 -- Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) announced May 30 that he secured $2,000,000 in federal funding for NanoDynamics Inc, a leading company in the rapidly growing field of nanotechnology, located along Buffalo's Outer Harbor. The funding will be used for the design and construction of a fuel cell system operating through the use of methane gas, a by-product of many water treatment facilities. The technology can be used to ensure that water treatment facilities can operate without grid power in an emergency situation or due to terrorism. The funding was included in the Energy & Water Appropriations bill in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy's Biomass and Biorefinery Systems Research and Development program passed by the U.S. House of Representatives last night. The Energy & Water Appropriations bill will now proceed to the Senate...
Also see:
-- "NanoDynamics CEO keynotes GAP Forum on Clean Water via Nanotechnology"
-- "NSTI announces dates for 10th Annual Nanotech Conference after record-breaking 2006 event"

• JMAR receives BioSentry order from Princess Cruise Lines -- Successful six-month test period proves system's value to the cruise ship industry -- SAN DIEGO, June 6, 2006 -- JMAR Technologies Inc., a leading developer of advanced laser technology, through its exclusive cruise ship distributor, Hyde Marine, has received a purchase order for its BioSentry™ water-monitoring system from Princess Cruises. The BioSentry System recently completed a successful six-month test run on two separate Princess Cruise ships. The system was being tested as a security monitor for the presence of high levels of bacterial contaminants that could result from deliberate or inadvertent contamination of the ship's water supply. The two ships had distinctly different destinations, Alaska and the Mexican Riviera, thus testing the BioSentry in two very different climates...
Also see:
-- "JMAR successfully completes water-monitoring test program for the city of Anaheim; Test program validates BioSentry's value to homeland security market"
-- "Mexican beverage maker orders two BioSentry unts for final phase of test program"

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In earlier newsbriefs, see: "WaterBriefs: Siemens, Israel's largest national water company to develop new technology" -- Also in this report (June 16, 2006): Aqua Innovations sets parameters for in-situ electrolytic oxygenation; Chinese pollution will ensure maximum U.S. air pollution expenditures; Aqua America chairman decries short-term ownership of regulated water utilities; MTL appoints Fieldbus expert Verhappen industrial networking director; 'Struggle to manage scarce natural resource' topic of DC webcast; Rohm & Haas hikes resin prices; wins $1.93M Calif. contract for perchlorate removal; Hydroxyl Systems licenses ActiveCell technology to Infilco Degremont, AquaPoint; Suez wins $188M contract for wastewater transfer, treatment system in Qatar; Cellnet lands Geneseo, Ill., metering contract; Foster Wheeler awarded boiler for SRP's Springerville expansion; MDS wireless network helps secure Puerto Rico aqueduct, sewer facilities; Metoc report out on UK impact of Revised EU Bathing Waters Directive; Bentley buys Corporate Montage, GEF-RIS AG software; Carlsbad, CA, desalination plant wins early approval; Wilo EMU USA names VP of industrial sales...

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