WaterBriefs: Vortex Corp. wins Homeland Security contract for chemical-free water treatment

In other news below:
-- Pittcon 2007 announces move from New Orleans to Chicago
-- Malcolm Pirnie director to discuss Stage 2 DBPR in AWWA webcast
-- Thompson Pump primed for 2006 with new top management
-- Nanoforce acquires unique package of fundamental nanotechnology intellectual property
-- GL&V will supply $13M in process equipment to new alumina refinery in China
-- Engineering students bring safe water supply to Latin American countries
-- Baker's GIT director honored with Oracle Spatial Developer Award
-- Flowserve restates results, releases 4Q 2005 bookings, backlog and debt reduction
-- Research & Markets reports on beverage sales in Israel, Chile, Italy

Vortex wins $750,000 Phase Two SBIR contract from Homeland Security Department -- Arizona company to develop chemical-free water purification technology for municipal use -- PRESCOTT, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 13, 2006--Vortex Corporation, a global innovator of chemical-free water purification products for consumer and commercial use, today announced it has been awarded a Phase Two $750,000 Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency Small Business Innovation Research (HSARPA SBIR) contract. This contract to develop chlorine-free water purification systems for municipal use leverages Vortex's patented and scalable photo-oxidation technology which is the underpinning of its consumer Vortex^® Water Machine and its rugged Vortex Voyager unit which can be used for emergency preparedness and homeland security.

The Interactive UV/Ozone System as a Chlorine Alternative project is spearheaded by Vortex Corporation - with support from the University of Arizona's Water Quality Center. Under this contract, the company will design a large-scale device sustained by photo-oxidation technology - mimicking the natural water purification phenomenon that occurs in the environment. Through an innovative application of ultraviolet light and ozone - both proven technologies - the system has the potential to significantly reduce (or eliminate) our nation's dependency on chlorine as a primary disinfectant in water treatment.

"This project demonstrates the feasibility of a natural alternative to chlorine disinfection for public water systems," said Vortex Corporation Chief Executive Officer Ray Denkewicz. "Further, it lays the groundwork for bringing the next generation of water purification technology - already incorporated in our consumer and commercial products - to widespread industrial and large-scale use."

Presently chlorine is the main product used by municipal water treatment facilities nationwide, presenting a unique challenge to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. EPA. In recent studies, the storage and transportation of chlorine has been identified as a potential terrorism risk. Further, chlorinated byproducts have been linked to cancer. To offset these domestic risks, Vortex successfully constructed a laboratory prototype in a Phase One project which was capable of purifying water without the use of chlorine- thus demonstrating that drinking water could be produced to meet EPA standards without chlorine (or a similar agent) in both municipal and commercial applications. The project, which began in late 2005, will continue through the end of 2007.

The HSARPA SBIR program funds early stage research and development aimed at enhancing the safety and security of American citizens, institutions and culture. To that end, the program actively solicits small businesses to provide innovative solutions for homeland security needs. All projects funded have commercialization potential in both government and civilian markets. Grantees retain all proprietary rights to resulting technologies.

Vortex Corp. (www.vortexpurewater.com) is a global innovator of chemical-free water purification products for consumer and commercial use. Its product portfolio is based on a patented technology platform that reproduces the photo-oxidation process naturally occurring in the environment. The Vortex purification system goes beyond simple filtration to catalyze ozone by ultra-violet light, destroying contaminates while infusing the water with fresh oxygen. The Company offers its Vortex Water Machine to consumers who want to ensure they are drinking the most pure and healthy water available. Its rugged Vortex Voyager portable unit delivers this same pristine quality drinking water from standing, unsanitary sources for remote use, whether in a recreational or emergency preparedness/disaster relief situation.

---

Among other recent headlines:

• Pittcon 2007 announces move from New Orleans to Chicago -- Pittcon committee reaffirms commitment to New Orleans for Pittcon 2008 -- PITTSBURGH, PA, Feb. 13, 2006 -- The Pittsburgh Conference announced Pittcon 2007 will be moved from New Orleans to Chicago; dates of the event are Feb. 25-March 1, 2007. At the same time, the committee confirmed its commitment to return the conference to New Orleans in 2008 as planned. With over 20,000 attendees and 1,100 Exhibitors, Pittcon is the largest annual scientific meeting focusing on analytical systems, technology and services for laboratory sciences...

• Malcolm Pirnie director to discuss Stage 2 DBPR in AWWA webcast -- WHITE PLAINS, NY, Feb. 13, 2006 -- Doug Owen, managing director of Malcolm Pirnie's Municipal Water Environment business unit will be a panelist on an American Water Works Association (AWWA) webcast to further assist public water systems in complying with the complex requirements of the Stage 2 DBPR. The Feb. 15 webcast focuses on the "who, what and when" issues of the Stage 2 DBPR...

• Thompson Pump primed for 2006 with new top management
PORT ORANGE, FL, Feb. 13, 2006 -- Thompson Pump & Manufacturing Co. Inc., of Port Orange, FL, announces three management promotions for 2006. Doug French takes over as vice president of business development and asset management, while Chris Thompson, son of company president Bill Thompson, takes the reigns as vice president of branch operations. Longtime Thompson Pump crew member, Del Ritz, is now the Florida region manager...

• Nanoforce acquires unique package of fundamental nanotechnology intellectual property -- EL PASO, Texas, Feb. 13, 2006 -- Nanoforce Inc. has acquired all right, title, and interest to a unique bundle of intellectual property assets including 24 issued or pending patents relating to "nanomaterials" and their "uses". The acquisition of the nanotechnology package follows the recent merger with petroleum technology company, Refinery Science Corp. Nanoforce CEO David Rendina reports that one key objective for the company is to license the technology to companies strategically poised for growth in industries such as petroleum extraction and refining, air and water purification, electricity generation, and agriculture...
Also see: "Industrial Nanotech's Nansulate Coatings Pass High Level Corrosion Test"

• GL&V will supply nearly $13 million in process equipment worth to new alumina refinery in China -- MONTREAL, Canada, Feb. 13, 2006 -- Management of Groupe LaPerriere & Verreault Inc.(GL&V) announced that its Process Group (Dorr-Oliver Eimco) has recently obtained orders totalling close to CAD $15 million [US$12,998,000] in the expanding aluminum production sector in China. By the end of 2006, Dorr-Oliver Eimco will provide various filtration, thickening and washing process equipment to a new alumina refinery located in GuangXi Province, China. These facilities belong to China Aluminium International Trading Co. (CHALCO), one of the most important alumina producers worldwide and the largest in China, where it operates numerous alumina and aluminum production facilities across the country. GL&V has served this major customer for several years, having notably finalized in recent quarters two other large-scale contracts for its alumina refineries located in Zhengzhou and Shanxi, China...

• Engineering students bring safe water supply to Latin American countries -- HOUSTON, Feb. 13, 2006 -- Some 750 people in San Jose Villanueva, a village in El Salvador, have safe and accessible drinking water thanks to 15 engineering student members of Engineers Without Borders-USA. They are among a growing number of engineering students using their skills to improve the quality of life in developing countries, one village at a time. There are 3,300 active members of Engineers Without Borders-USA (EWB-USA), who are currently working on more than 100 projects in 40 countries. More than half of the EWB-USA members are engineering students. Team leaders from Tufts, Utah State and Rice Universities will report on their projects at the 2006 Engineers Without Borders-USA Conference being held at the Shell Conference Center at Rice University, Feb. 16-18...

• Baker's Joe Seppi honored with Oracle Spatial Developer Award
CHARLESTON, WV, Feb. 13, 2006 -- Michael Baker Jr. Inc., an engineering unit of Michael Baker Corp., announced today that Joseph R. Seppi, strategic projects director for the company's Geospatial Information Technology (GIT) practice, has been named 2005 Oracle Spatial Developer of the Year by Oracle Magazine as part of its Editors' Choice Awards. Now in its fourth year, winners of the Editors' Choice Awards represent some of the most visionary, engaging, and forward-thinking people working with Oracle technologies in every region of the world...
Also see:
-- "Baker receives three MMS Gulf of Mexico District Safety Awards for excellence; is national finalist"
-- "Baker names Watkins to lead Gulf Coast initiative"

• Flowserve to file 2004 Form 10-K, announce 2004 and restatement results, and 4Q 2005 bookings, backlog and debt reduction -- DALLAS, Feb. 13, 2006 -- Flowserve Corp. said it plans to file today its 2004 Form 10-K Annual Report with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and announce financial results for 2004, restatement results, and bookings, backlog and debt reduction for 2005 after the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange...
Also see:
-- "Flowserve Files 2004 Form 10-K; Announces Financial Results for 2004 and Prior Years"
--"Flowserve's Bookings Increase 21 Percent In Fourth Quarter 2005; Reports Record Bookings For Full Year 2005; Repays Debt And Effectively Reduces Other Financing Obligations By $78 Million In 2005"

• Rise in sales of bottled water, functional drinks contribute to growth in Israeli soft drinks market -- DUBLIN, Ireland, Feb. 13, 2006 -- Research and Markets has announced the addition of "Bottled Water in Israel" to its offering of market reports. Soft drinks sales in Israel continued their growth in 2004 to reach sales of about 1,142 million liters and NIS 7328 million [US$1.55 billion]. The growing popularity towards healthy products such as bottled water, fruit/vegetable juice, and functional drinks, were major factors that stimulated sales in 2004. The growing health awareness of Israelis along with the desire to adopt healthier lifestyles increased demand for related products among consumers. In addition, the improvement in Israel's economic situation and the increase in disposable income strengthened consumption of several products, including soft drinks in 2004. The report includes forecasts to 2009...
[US$1=NIS 4.721]
Also see:
-- "Sales in the Soft Drinks Market in Chile Were Driven by Fruit/Vegetable Juice and Functional Drinks"
-- "Understand the Competitive Environment, the Market's Major Players and Leading Brands in the Bottled Water Market in Italy"
-- "Current and Future Market Information for the Functional Drinks Market in Israel"
-- "Take a Look at the Whys, Whens and Hows of Environmental Self-Auditing"

***

In earlier newsbriefs, see: "WaterBriefs: Dow divests Superabsorbent Products business" -- Also in this report (Feb. 10, 2006): Hunt Technologies, Milsoft first utility vendors to pass MultiSpeak3 certification; FPL, Biscayne National Park, S. Fla. Water District mark land transfer; Emergency watershed program repairing 4 storm-damaged sites in N. Calif.; Praxair exec appointed to Aspen Aerogels board; Spiroflow Systems appoints new sales VP; Pa. announces record $34 million investment for Saxonburg Area Authority Sewer Project; NASA preparing oxygen generation, water recycling systems for space station; Penetron approved for Coors Sanitary Sewer Vacuum Station; Key challenges for science identified by USGS to support western water management; High utility bills cause planst to consider recycling waste oil for heat, says Abanaki survey; NSF standard accepts new stainless steel materials in drinking water applications; Villa Park Water Main Master Plan to be conducted by RJN Group; 'Water for the Poor' critical to global development, national security, law's sponsor claims; Canadian pharmaceutical expansion requires USP purified water system; Thompson Pump's Blue Crew primed to pump up the industry; Storm Water Services joins StormwaterAuthority.org as water affiliate; Essential Innovations Technology signs letter of intent to acquire Geotech Drilling; New procurement website for water, wastewater industries...

###