WaterBriefs: Ciba Specialty Chemicals chooses GE Fanuc's Proficy software

In other news below:
-- CDM welcomes Clabaugh to Industrial Services Group
-- Met-Pro Corp.'s Duall Division receives largest order ever for odor control equipment
-- Samsung SDI chooses MKS' LIQUOZON dissolved ozone system
-- ARCADIS acquires U.S. program/project management firm
-- American Water introduces In-Home Plumbing Emergency Program
-- Mississauga's eMaps Interactive Online Mapping named top project
-- ASHRAE releases next Advanced Energy Design Guide
-- Concrete Washout Systems receives patents for pollution control, recycling bins
-- 'Desalting Water' premiers on Nov. 9 in Calif.
-- Frost & Sullivan to host water webinar on municipal markets in Singapore, Hong Kong
-- Poseidon wins international award for Carlsbad power generation-desalination plant

• Ciba Specialty Chemicals chooses GE Fanuc's Proficy Plant Applications Batch Execution software -- FOXBORO, MA, & ECHTERNACH, Luxembourg, Nov. 1, 2006 -- GE Fanuc Automation, a unit of GE Industrial, announced today that Ciba Specialty Chemicals chose GE Fanuc's Proficy™ Plant Applications Batch Execution software, running on a Proficy HMI/SCADA - iFIX^® platform, for two main pigment manufacturing processes at its Paisley, Scotland plant. Key factors in the decision were the recipe consistency, the flexibility and the ease-of-use offered by the software, part of the Proficy Production Management solution suite.

The Ciba Specialty Chemicals plant produces pigments that are used for coloring in a wide range of applications, including inks, paints, plastics and textiles. Each of two key manufacturing units has its own central operator area with twin-head displays of their respective Batch Execution and iFIX operations. There are 10 process lines in total, each with its own batch server, and 15 iFIX client displays on the shop floor.

Alan Sanderson, Control Engineering Manager at Ciba Specialty Chemicals, explained: "The legacy recipe system was developed in-house and the control system used commercial software that was no longer supported, so we needed to choose a supplier who we were confident would continue to provide support in the long term. GE Fanuc's Proficy Batch Execution ensures the vital, repeatable recipe consistency, with a multiple batch server front-end enabling us to control the individual operations all from a central control room. It offered us flexibility and, by working in a graphical environment, ensured ease of development. It also minimized our database as we can interrogate the current readings of any piece of process hardware by clicking on its icon: the software automatically accesses the real-time data via a remote OPC server, without it being captured on the database."

The critical traits manufacturers are looking for in batch management applications are security, flexibility, and ease of use. Proficy Plant Applications Batch Execution addresses these CTQs as well as cost reduction, increased quality and added profitability. An easy to use graphical interface is combined with powerful monitoring and control functions to address specific FDA regulations such as 21 CFR Part 11.

George Walker, Sales Director at Kerrco Automation, a GE Fanuc Automation Solutions distributor in Scotland and Ireland, added: "The installation is one of the largest Batch Execution sites in Europe. The system is far more flexible than the legacy system it replaced, provides important batch records and reports, and offers excellent capabilities for future development."

GE Fanuc Automation Corp. (www.gefanuc.com), a joint venture between GE and FANUC Ltd. of Japan, delivers automation hardware and software designed to help users reduce costs, increase efficiency and enhance profitability. With solutions and services catering to virtually every industrial segment, GE Fanuc Automation provides a diverse array of capabilities and products, including controllers, embedded systems, advanced software, motion control, CNCs, operator interfaces, industrial computers, and lasers. Headquartered in Charlottesville, VA, GE Fanuc Automation is a part of GE Industrial and combines the diverse global strengths of the GE family with the local presence customers need to design, develop and maintain their automation investments.

Also see:
-- "Ciba Specialty Chemicals launches novel website for unique visual effects in industrial design"
-- "Ciba Specialty Chemicals and FreshPoint present time-temperature indicators at Emballage trade fair"

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Among other recent headlines:

• CDM welcomes Clabaugh to Industrial Services Group -- BELLEVUE, WA, Nov. 3, 2006 -- CDM is pleased to announce that Don Clabaugh, P.E., has joined the Industrial Services Group as a principal engineer and client service manager. Clabaugh will support transportation, manufacturing, and energy clients to increase environmental accountability through remediation and risk management. He has over 22 years experience conducting environmental site investigations, risk assessments, remediation design and cleanup, and regulatory compliance. He has managed or provided senior technical review for more than 100 complex site investigations and cleanups for sites with a broad range of chemicals, including metals, chlorinated solvents, and petroleum hydrocarbons. A registered professional civil engineer in Alaska, Idaho, Kansas, Oregon, and Washington, Clabaugh is an expert in quantitative analysis of groundwater flow, chemical transport, and hydraulic engineering...

• Met-Pro Corp.'s Duall Division receives equipment order totaling $3.3 million -- Largest single order in Duall's history -- HARLEYSVILLE, PA, Nov. 2, 2006 -- Raymond J. De Hont, chairman and CEO of Met-Pro Corp., announced today that the company's Duall Division, in Owosso, MI, has received an order totaling approximately $3.3 million to supply 16 odor control systems to a national environmental services company. Six of the odor control systems, about a third of the total order, are expected to be shipped in the fourth quarter of the company's current fiscal year ending Jan. 31. The remainder of the order will ship during its next fiscal year. The order includes Duall F Series chemical scrubbers with Fybroc 5530 recirculation pumps and Duall model NH exhaust fans. The systems are designed to treat a variety of process odors. All equipment will be fabricated in Duall's Owosso facility.

• Samsung SDI Chooses LIQUOZON dissolved ozone system for OLED manufacturing -- WILMINGTON, MA, Nov. 2, 2006 -- MKS Instruments Inc., a leading provider of process control technologies for improving productivity in semiconductor and other advanced manufacturing processes, is pleased to announce that Samsung SDI, the world leader in OLED technology, has selected MKS' LIQUOZON^® dissolved ozone systems for its next generation Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) flat panel display TV production, which faces challenges similar to those of the semiconductor industry. The MKS generators were chosen because of their compact size, modular design and unique ability to precisely deliver ultrapure ozonated water for cleaning processes...

• ARCADIS acquires U.S. program/project management firm -- ARNHEM, The Netherlands, Nov. 2, 2006 ARCADIS, an international consulting and engineering firm, has acquired PinnacleOne Inc., a Phoenix, AZ-based company that operates nationally with a focus in the southwestern and northeastern United States. The company has about 230 employees and estimated gross revenues of $35 million for 2006. Further financial details of the transaction were not disclosed. PinnacleOne provides program, project and construction management services as well as dispute avoidance and resolution and strategic consulting for large construction programs. The company serves both public and private clients concerning complex capital investment projects including buildings, water systems, ground transportation and airports. Combined with ARCADIS, PinnacleOne will benefit from access to Fortune 500 industrial clients, expanded market presence, and financial strength that will assist them with broadening their services and competitive position...
Also see:
-- "ARCADIS acquires two Belgian companies"
-- "ARCADIS launches worldwide project consulting initiative"

• American Water introduces In-Home Plumbing Emergency Program -- Company launches complementary offering to successful water, sewer line protection programs -- VOORHEES, NJ, Nov. 2, 2006 -- American Water, the largest water services provider in North America, has introduced the In-Home Plumbing Emergency Program (IHPP), covering plumbing emergency repairs for leaks or breaks to the water line and clogs or blockages to the sewer line that occur within the home and are caused by normal wear and tear. The program is available to existing American Water customers and those enrolled in the company's water and sewer line protection programs, which cover leaks and breaks in water lines, as well as clogs or blockages in sewer lines running from a home to the street, respectively. Sudden in-home water related leaks and blockages can be extremely costly, and most homeowners' insurance policies do not cover such repairs. The new IHPP covers common repairs, including a variety of plumbing emergencies such as a clogged sink, an overflowing toilet, a leaking hot water valve or a leaking washing machine valve...

• City of Mississauga's eMaps Interactive Online Mapping named top project -- Wins BE Award of Excellence from Bentley Systems in "Geospatial: Web Publishing" category -- EXTON, PA, Nov. 2, 2006 -- Mississauga, Canada's sixth-largest city, has won a 2006 BE Award for its eMaps project. The award category was "Geospatial: Web Publishing." In 2003 Mississauga launched its eCity portal -- with a goal of making all major city services available online. The portal offers residents, businesses, and visitors better customer service while realizing savings for the city through a cost-avoidance model. The award will be presented at the BE Conference 2007, taking place April 29-May 3 in Los Angeles...

• ASHRAE releases next Advanced Energy Design Guide -- ATLANTA, Nov. 2, 2006 -- Buildings designers are one step closer to a net-zero energy building. Published by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), the Advanced Energy Design Guide for Small Retail Buildings is the second in a series of publications that cover various types of building construction. Intended for use by builders, contractors and architects, the guide covers energy-efficient design for retail buildings up to 20,000 square feet...
Also see: "ASHRAE '07 in Dallas: ASHRAE Winter Meeting to center on energy efficiency"

• Concrete Washout Systems receives patents for pollution control, recycling bins -- Three patents have been awarded for ramped and rampless versions of Concrete Washout Systems bins -- ELK GROVE, CA, Nov. 1, 2006 -- Concrete Washout Systems, Inc. (CWS), announced today that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued three patents to Concrete Washout Systems, recognizing and protecting its industry-innovating solution for the safe containment and recycling of concrete washout wastewater and solids. The issued patents cover both ramped and rampless bins, which are portable, self-contained, and watertight units that permit concrete trucks and pumps to safely wash out after pouring concrete. The watertight containers can be moved throughout the worksite as needed...

• 'Desalting Water' premiers on Nov. 9 -- Eighth episode of "California's Water" PBS Series set for airing -- SACRAMENTO, CA, Nov. 1, 2006 -- "Desalting Water," the eighth episode of the "California's Water" public television series produced by Huell Howser, is set to air Nov. 9 at 6 p.m. on KCET and on Nov. 15 at 2 p.m. on KQED. It will then be available to air statewide on PBS stations. This segment of "California's Water" focuses on ocean desalination and the potential role it may play in the state's water portfolio. Viewers will tour a desalination plant to understand how removing salt from seawater is increasingly seen as a viable way to "drought-proof" communities and reduce their dependence on imported water...

• Frost & Sullivan to host water webinar on municipal markets in Singapore, Hong Kong -- Water quality concerns boost growth opportunities for treatment equipment -- SINGAPORE, Nov. 1, 2006 -- Frost & Sullivan's Environment and Building Technologies in Asia Pacific will host an analyst briefing webinar on the Municipal Water and Wastewater Treatment Market in Singapore and Hong Kong on Nov. 16 at 11:00 hrs (GMT+ 08:00hrs) Singapore time. With a growing health concern related to quality of water supplied from municipalities, the market for water and wastewater treatment equipment is at its most invigorating mood. With an increasing population and urbanization and a steady growth in industrialization and the subsequent environmental and water quality control measures, the regional governments are expected to allocate substantial funds for water and wastewater treatment equipment. The growing demand for potable water with increasing population and urbanization, the high influx of FDI in manufacturing sector and increasing demand for pure water in Semiconductor, Food and Beverage industries is driving the Municipal water and wastewater treatment equipment market in Singapore and Hong Kong...

• Poseidon wins international award for Carlsbad pilot plant -- Company accepts award for number one water research project in the world, a power generation-desalination plant co-location project in Carlsbad, CA -- CARLSBAD, CA, Nov. 1, 2006 -- On Sept. 12, 2006 the International Water Association (IWA) awarded Poseidon Resources the 2006 Global Grand Prize in the Applied Research category for the work completed at our desalination demonstration facility in Carlsbad, CA. In January 2003, the seawater desalination demonstration facility began operating on site, providing a unique opportunity to undertake a comprehensive research agenda to demonstrate the desalination process and showcase the important balance of environmental protections inherent in the proposed full-scale project, including protection of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon and offshore marine environment. The highly successful demonstration facility currently produces 40,000-gpd of high-quality potable water that exceeds the most stringent environmental and regulatory standards. More than 2,500 community leaders, decision-makers and stakeholders have toured the facility and sampled the product water. This IWA prize is one the five Project Innovation Awards given biannually for outstanding achievements in the field of water, wastewater and environmental engineering. The prize was presented to Poseidon at the IWA World Congress in Beijing, China...

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