WaterBriefs: GE Energy provides Smallworld technology for Brazil's SABESP

July 21, 2006
Also in this report: HI fall event registration open; Produce Safety & Security eases E. coli concern; UC Hub Group buys Int'l Wastewater Systems; Metso offers total solids measurement; KORE, CriticalWireless partner; Senate heeds Katrina flood lessons; Suntec wins patent; Headworks screens survive Katrina; Delta Mutual adds distributor; AmWater lands national awards; Flowserve digital positioner certified; Ag alliance calls on Congress; FDA to use Whatman screen for produce parasites...

In other news below:
-- Registration now open for Hydraulic Institute fall conference
-- Produce Safety & Security Int'l eases produce industry concern over E. coli
-- UC Hub Group to acquire assets of International Wastewater Systems
-- Metso Automation offers wastewater solution for total solids measurement
-- KORE Wireless, CriticalWireless partner for M2M efficiency, success
-- Senate heeds Katrina flooding lessons in Corps of Engineers vote
-- Suntec Pure Water Technologies Inc. announces patent success
-- Headworks Mahr bar screens a survivor in New Orleans
-- Delta Mutual announces expansion of product line
-- American Water receives national awards for water quality excellence
-- Flowserve Logix 3200IQ digital positioner certified
-- Ag alliance calls on Congress to reaffirm farms aren't toxic waste sites
-- Whatman to screen for parasites in produce, water supply
-- GE Money's AquaVantage to finance water treatment products
-- Life Cycle Engineering names Sr. VP of Applied Technologies Group
-- ShawCor to provide coating services for Saudi's Khurais pipeline project

GE Energy provides Smallworld technology for Brazilian water, wastewater utility -- ATLANTA, GA, July 19, 2006 -- GE Energy has supplied Sabesp - Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo (Sabesp) of Sao Paulo, Brazil with its Smallworld geospatial technology. This technology forms the core of the SIGNOS integrated water management system, improving water delivery to households and response time to service outages. Sabesp is the largest water and wastewater company in Latin America.

The new GIS application has allowed Sabesp to standardize network information graphically. The installation of the system has also permitted data integration and integrated analysis, which has led to broader access and more uniform data consistency for the entire company.
"Our Smallworld platform enables Sabesp to develop plans accordingly based on the available parcel data and allows them to locate leakages and higher pressures in the network rapidly," said Dan Heintzelman, president of energy services for GE Energy.

"We expect that by implementing these programs we can realize a complete return on our investment in less than three years," said Silvana Franco, GIS manager at Sabesp. The Sabesp implementation covers 34 cities and approximately 20 million people as well as a 28,000-kilometer water network, a 20,000-kilometer wastewater network in a 1,600 square kilometer urban area.

Edinfor, a Logica CMG company, implemented the project. Since the implementation of the SIGNOS system, a number of benefits have been realized. Calculation time and data analysis time have been decreased. Automated thematic maps, which can identify features like water pipelines, are also being generated, defined and executed monthly by system end-users. They also allow business results to be checked and compared periodically.

Recently, the Geospatial Information & Technology Association (GITA) presented Sabesp with an Excellence Award at its 2006 conference, recognizing the implementation of the SIGNOS geographic information system (GIS).

GE Energy (www.ge.com/energy) is one of the world's leading suppliers of power generation and energy delivery technologies, with 2005 revenue of $16.5 billion. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, GE Energy works in all areas of the energy industry including coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear energy; renewable resources such as water, wind, solar and biogas; and other alternative fuels. Numerous GE Energy products are certified under ecomagination, GE's corporate-wide initiative to aggressively bring to market new technologies that will help customers meet pressing environmental challenges.

Also see:
-- "Cia Nitro Quimica Brasileira receives 2006 GE ecomagination award"
-- "GE Energy opens new optimization and control customer application center in Singapore"
-- "GE's first LMS100 enters commercial operation at South Dakota plant"

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Among other recent headlines:

Registration now open for HI 2006 Fall Management Conference -- PARSIPPANY, NJ, July 18, 2006 -- The Hydraulic Institute (HI) announces that registration for its 2006 Fall Management Conference and Technical Meeting is now open. The 2006 Fall Management Conference will be held at the Marriott Dallas/Plano at Legacy Town Center in Dallas from Oct. 12-15. This year's theme, "Creating Business Excellence: Economic Value, Teams, & Technology," features various educational sessions for CEOs and their direct reports. Additionally, members of twenty-five different technical committees will meet to address industry standards, guidelines, electronic data exchange protocols, and more. Members of the Institute work together with users in developing comprehensive standards and guidelines using an ANSI-approved consensus process...

Produce Safety & Security International responds to fresh produce industry's concern over E. coli H157 presence -- Produce Safety's ozone food safety process proves effective against food borne virus E.coli H157 -- PRESCOTT, AZ, July 19, 2006 -- Produce Safety and Security International Inc., (PDSC), an ozone and chemical sanitation disinfectant process supplier to the food and medical industries, responds to the fresh produce industry's concern over recent outbreaks of E. coli H157 virus. The FDA has directed the fresh produce industry to take preventative measures to prevent these outbreaks from occurring...
Also see:
-- "Produce Safety & Security International Inc. announces its various stages of sales negotiations concerning its solutions"
-- "Produce Safety & Security International Inc. new division proceeds with extended shelf-life and sanitation for the seafood industry"
-- "Produce Safety & Security International Inc. announces Seattle private label distribution operation for clean ozone generators and profit center"
-- "Produce Safety & Security International Inc. signs definitive agreement to acquire Innovative Food Systems Inc."
-- "Produce Safety & Security International Inc. announces new generation food safe ozone process for fresh produce industry's concern of food borne illness"

UC Hub Group signs agreement to acquire assets of International Wastewater Systems -- LOS ANGELES, July 19, 2006 -- UC Hub Group Inc. signed a binding Memorandum of Understanding to acquire the assets of International Wastewater Systems (IWS), an operating private wastewater treatment system company in exchange for shares of common stock. UC Hub will form a subsidiary that will continue to expand the municipal infrastructure applications of a Digital City. IWS has been operating in Montana and Idaho for nearly 10 years and has over 20 systems working today and has spent several million dollars developing and implementing this critical service to society. IWS is a profitable company as of 2006 is approved by the EPA. IWS has also completed the testing in February 2006 for expansion across the U.S. by the EPA and NSF...

Metso Automation's kajaaniTS provides reliable total solids measurement in wastewater treatment process -- NORCROSS, GA, July 19, 2006 -- kajaaniTS from Metso Automation, developed from third-generation microwave density transmitters, combines cost efficiency with the extreme accuracy associated with microwave technology to measure wastewater biosolids (sludge). Microwave technology has been used to measure density in process industries for well over a decade. By using microwave technology, the kajaaniTS transmitter meets the needs of wastewater treatment plants, with no compromises in accuracy. The kajaaniTS can be used on low to high solids measurement including primary sludge, dewatering, and dewatered cake applications. One wastewater reclamation facility in Michigan, treating 28 million gallons per day, half from industrial users, is using the kajaaniTS transmitter in an "activated sludge" wastewater process. The facility has six primary settling tanks and seven secondary clarifiers as well as four belt filter presses for solids handling. Since adding the kajaaniTS transmitter to their primary sludge application they have benefited from pumping optimization...
Also see:
-- "Wet End analyzers help stabile machine operation, improve product quality, at Weyerhaeuser, Albany"
-- "Metso and Paprican join forces to deliver advanced refiner control technology"
-- "Metso's automation to Nynas refinery in Scotland"

KORE Wireless, CriticalWireless business partnership produces M2M efficiency, success -- Companies' specialized capabilities create a perfect fit -- HERNDON, VA, July 19, 2006 -- KORE Wireless Group Inc., a leading specialized provider of wholesale digital wireless services for the M2M market, and CriticalWireless Corp., a Texas-based leader in developing web-enabled M2M communications technology, are achieving notable successes through a business partnership which began a year ago. Machine-to-machine applications are those requiring real-time data connectivity with remote devices, such as remote oil well equipment monitoring, collecting vehicle traffic data, or blood pressure monitoring of home-based patients, among other applications. KORE Wireless, a provider of wireless access services, enables CriticalWireless' remote monitoring, control and data acquisition solutions for such applications as emergency standby power systems, water/wastewater facilities, data centers, agricultural equipment, and public safety installations...

Senate heeds Katrina flooding lessons in Corps of Engineers vote -- Outside review of projects would protect people, environment -- WASHINGTON, DC, July 19, 2006 -- The U.S. Senate today took an important step toward fixing weaknesses in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers exposed by Hurricane Katrina, amending the Water Resources Development Act to require outside, independent review of all Corps projects over $40 million. The winning amendment was offered by Senator Russell Feingold (D-WI) and Senator John McCain (R-AZ). "Today the Senate recognized that bringing in independent experts before the bulldozers roll could have saved lives in New Orleans. This amendment, if passed into law, will protect people and help preserve natural systems like wetlands that can buffer some of nature's extremes," said Rebecca Wodder, president of American Rivers...
Also see:
-- "Overdue Water Bill clears Senate, restoration projects head for conference"
-- "Audubon president urges passage of Senate Water Bill, says Army Corps reform overdue"

Suntec Pure Water Technologies Inc. announces patent success -- CALGARY, AB, Canada, July 19, 2006 -- Suntec Pure Water Technologies Inc. is pleased to announce the U.S. Patent Office has issued to Suntec patent number 7036463 entitled "Heat Exchanger for Liquid Vaporization." Suntec and its corporate predecessor Western Symbiotics Ltd. have developed a high efficiency boiler which utilizes the technology in this Patent. Suntec's high efficiency boiler is designed for use in high volume, energy intensive steam applications, such as steam assisted gravity drainage operations in Alberta's oilsands. Suntec intends on continuing work on this technology with a view to commercializing the high efficiency boiler within the next two years...

Headworks Mahr bar screens a survivor in New Orleans -- HOUSTON, July 18, 2006 -- The Headworks Mahr bar screens have been the vanguard of the East Bank Sewage Treatment Plant -- New Orleans' main wastewater plant -- during the flooding crisis last summer following Hurricane Katrina. Six bar screens began operation at East Bank WWTP in 2001. Remarkably, the bar screens sustained no damage from the hurricane other than a few motors that submerged and had to be replaced. The endurance of the screens is a testament of the strength and durability of the Headworks brand...
Also see: "Lindsborg wastewater treatment plant brushed up by a Spiralman"

Delta Mutual announces expansion of product line -- Subsidiary signs distribution agreement for Nigeria, Mid-East, India and Korea -- SELLERSVILLE, PA, July 18, 2006 -- Delta Mutual Inc. specializing in energy recovery and construction services through environmentally-friendly technologies and products, announced that it's subsidiary, Delta-Envirotech, has signed a master distribution agreement with Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery LLC (MEOR) to provide organic tank cleaning and well enhancement products. The agreement covers territories located in the Middle East, Nigeria, Korea and India. These products apply to oil storage tank cleaning by significantly reducing the amount of time the storage tank remains off line and enhancing oil well production. The potential for these products extends to thousands of oil tanks and wells located in the areas covered by the agreement...
Also see: "Delta announces start of revenue from Indramayu facility"

American Water receives national awards for excellence in water quality -- 14 water treatment plants honored in 2006 -- VOORHEES, NJ, July 18, 2006 -- American Water is proud to announce that it has earned Five-Year Directors Awards of Recognition from the Partnership for Safe Water this year for maintaining Phase III certification at 14 facilities. The Partnership is a national voluntary initiative developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and other water organizations to recognize water suppliers that consistently achieve water treatment standards that surpass EPA regulatory requirements...

Flowserve Logix 3200IQ digital positioner certified -- International Electrotechnical Commission certifies Logix 3200IQ digital positioner for use in hazardous locations -- DALLAS, TX, July 18, 2006 -- Flowserve Corp., a global provider of fluid motion and control products and services, announces that the Flowserve Logix 3200IQ has received two new IECEx Certificates of Conformity, enabling the digital positioner to be used in hazardous locations. In addition, the Logix 3200IQ has received acceptance by the Korean Occupational Safety and Health Administration (KOSHA). With the new IECEx certifications, customers in the Australia and Asia Pacific regions can take advantage of the reliability and excellent positioning performance of the 3200IQ. The certificates verify the positioner complies with standards set by the International Electrotechincal Commission (IEC) for electrical equipment operating in explosive atmospheres. This eliminates the need for certifications from individual countries and makes international trade quicker, easier and more cost effective...
Also see: "Innovations lead to Flowserve's smallest pump ever"

Major agriculture alliance calls on Congress to reaffirm farms aren't toxic waste sites -- WASHINGTON, DC, July 18, 2006 -- Farmers for Clean Air & Water, a broad coalition of the nation's leading farm and agriculture organizations today applauded introduction of bipartisan legislation in the Senate to clarify that laws designed to clean up industrial waste sites like Love Canal should not be used to penalize the nation's farmers for the animal manure on their farms. Four Democratic and 19 Republican Senators sponsored the bill to amend the so-called Superfund laws passed in the 1980s to reaffirm that they do not - and should not -- apply to natural animal waste on farms. Republicans Pete Domenici (NM) and Larry Craig (ID) and Democrat Blanche Lincoln (AR) are lead sponsors of the clarifying legislation. A similar bill in the House of Representatives already has gained 174 cosponsors from 40 states...
Also see: "Senate Bill: Superfund does not apply to livestock"

Whatman to screen for parasites in produce, water supply -- FTA Concentrator-PS will enable FDA and laboratories to accomplish timely, accurate safety analysis of fresh produce and water contamination -- FLORHAM PARK, NJ, July 18, 2006 -- Whatman plc, a global leader in separations technology, successfully completed its two-year Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This collaboration has produced the FTA Concentrator-PS, a portable two-stage filter that can detect dangerous parasites in fresh produce and water supplies. Before, the FDA used standard, time-intensive concentration methods to determine if produce or water was dangerous for consumption...

GE Money's AquaVantage to finance GE Water treatment products -- Consumer finance unit supports GE manufacturing unit -- ST. PAUL, MN, July 18, 2006 -- GE Money's Retail Sales Finance unit today announced a multi-year agreement to provide revolving consumer credit to retailers who sell water treatment products manufactured by GE Water & Process Technologies. The financing will be offered through GE Money's industry-wide AquaVantage program. GE Water & Process Technologies manufactures water treatment systems for commercial and residential use. Its products are designed to provide better water while protecting customer water systems from corrosion, fouling and scaling...

Life Cycle Engineering promotes Bill Guin to senior vice president of Applied Technologies Group -- CHARLESTON, SC, July 18, 2006 -- Life Cycle Engineering (LCE), a leading provider of reliability consulting, engineering services, and applied technology solutions for government and private enterprise, is pleased to announce the promotion of Bill Guin to senior vice president of LCE's Applied Technologies Group (ATG). Guin will be responsible for managing the activities of ATG, which specializes in C4I systems development, integration, and information assurance for the Department of Defense and federal customers. ATG supports SPAWAR Systems Center, Charleston programs that ultimately impact the efforts of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and Department of Defense (DoD). Guin and his group support SPAWAR on many leading-edge government initiatives such as the OASD/NII's Horizontal Fusion; Defense Information Systems Agency's (DISA) Net Centric Enterprise Services (NCES) and Net Enabled Command Capability (NECC); and the Joint Explosive Ordnance Disposal (JEOD) Decision Support System. Engineers and other ATG professionals are working to develop internet-based capabilities that enhance information exchange while ensuring that the information is only available to authorized users...

ShawCor contract to provide pipeline coating services for Saudi's Khurais pipeline project -- TORONTO, ON, Canada, July 18, 2006 -- ShawCor Ltd. today announced that its joint venture affiliate Arabian Pipecoating Company Ltd. (APCO) has received a contract with a total value in excess of US$60 million to provide anti-corrosion and internal flow efficiency coatings and double jointing for the Saudi Aramco Khurais Pipeline Project. The pipe will be coated with Fusion Bonded Epoxy (FBE) Powder and a FBE internal anticorrosion coating at the APCO pipe coating facility located at Al Jubail in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Over 2,200 km of pipe in various sizes from 8" through 60" diameter will be used for crude oil production and to carry salt water from the Arabian Gulf to the Khurais field where it will be used to provide enhanced oil recovery. APCO provides external FBE coatings and internal linings, external multilayer polyethylene and polypropylene coatings, double jointing, field joint protection and custom coating services to serve the oil, gas and water industries in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Arabian Gulf region...
Also see: "ShawCor announces contracts to provide pipeline coating services for two Kinder Morgan pipeline projects and the purchase of additional land in Camrose, Alberta"

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