Afriwater 2009, the International Pump User Conference (IPUC) 2009 and the Water Institute of South Africa (WISA) 2009 Conference take place at the MTN Expo Centre, NASREC, from 8 -10 September, with a strong focus on leading-edge technological developments and solutions in these sectors.
Pump systems are at the heart of production. They are also the largest single user of electricity in industrial and commercial applications, consuming at least 1100 TWh or 15% of electricity world-wide. Unfortunately, these important components often operate at poor efficiency levels – anywhere between 15% and 40% inefficiency. Electricity wasted in the pumping process is often hidden or viewed as inevitable and unavoidable but in fact the average pump application could improve efficiency by between 20% and 40%. This situation is worsened by the global shortage of qualified engineers meaning there are fewer people able to implement essential energy reducing measures. According to progressive lifecycle cost models, electricity use during the lifetime of a pump accounts for up to 90% of the ownership cost, which means that increasing your pumps efficiency could result in considerable cost savings.
South Africa is already experiencing an electricity supply shortage and Eskom has been investigating ways in which to contain demand by increasing energy efficiency. Due to the large volumes of power they require, pumps are a prime target for increased energy efficiency in an attempt to contain industrial electricity demand.
Maximising water, sewage and effluent pump efficiency will take centre stage at this years' Afriwater 2009 exhibition. Pump software developer and consultants TAS Online has developed TAS PumpMonitor which gives over-stretched engineers in busy industrial settings the technical and financial data required to take action to cut excessive energy consumption in their pumping systems. It was developed in South Africa and is the only pre-emptive, cost-effective system enabling engineers and operators to accurately assess pump performance from their office or control room. TAS Online have the sole marketing rights to the system and supplement it with consultancy on remedial actions to improve pumping systems efficiency.
Watson-Marlow Bredel SA will also be showcasing their new pump at Afriwater 2009. The new Profibus IP66 rated 520Bp cased peristaltic pump will be the main attraction on the company’s stand at the show. Compared with non-networked pumps, Profibus-compatible units reduce engineering, hardware and installation costs, as well as offering remote diagnostics that help minimise plant downtime and maintenance expenses.
The new range has already received an order for 16 pumps from Rand Water to upgrade its polyelectrolyte dosing station at Zuikerbosch, Gauteng. Rand Water is set to standardise on the company's products and has already purchased 30 Watson-Marlow pumps and 71 Bredel pumps which are being used in a variety of applications – from silica dosing and milk of lime applications to ferric chloride dosing.
Another new innovation on show at Afriwater 2009 will be the new ISEmax CAS40 system for measuring ammonium and nitrate by Endress+Hauser. The ISEmax measures the concentration of ammonium and nitrate quickly and continuously in municipal wastewater treatment plants. The robust in-situ measurement allows measuring several parameters simultaneously with one sensor. Since ISEmax is immersed directly into the measuring solution, the measuring system responds very quickly to changes in the concentration. The rapid trend display supports the early control and regulation of the processes.
Typical applications in municipal wastewater treatment plants include measuring the concentration of ammonium and nitrate directly during sludge activation, measuring the ammonium (pH-compensated) load in the inlet to sludge activation, and load-dependent aeration control.
Afriwater 2009 is a truly international event with both local and international exhibitors. In addition three Israeli water technology companies will take part in a multisectoral delegation that will be visiting this years’ show. Mapal Green Energy involved in the reduction of operational and maintenance cost of municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants; C Valves of the Modgal group involved in fluid control; and Jonathan Kopelowitz Water Engineering – a water and wastewater design firm will all be visiting Afriwater 2009 to make contacts with players in the local industry and investigate the new products, processes and technologies available at the show.
South African young people are also taking water issues seriously and will be at Afriwater 2009 to explain how they plan to make a difference. The post-matric class at Treverton College is planning to travel from the source of the Tugela River to the mouth at the Indian Ocean later this year. Their aim is to meet and interact with the communities and schools along the river about water issues so as to share ideas and experiences with those directly reliant on the river. The objective of the expedition is to create awareness of the environmental issues surrounding water in South Africa. Treverton post-matric students will be exhibiting at Afriwater 2009 to raise awareness for their project.
‘Renew, Regenerate, Refurbish’ is the theme for this year’s Afriwater 2009 and for the high profile co-located conference, hosted by the Water Institute of South Africa (WISA). The Water Institute of South Africa focuses on issues pertaining to processes of water and wastewater as well as the distribution of water and collection of water waste effluent. The Afriwater and WISA conference platform is a unique opportunity to bring professionals in the water industry together to discuss latest developments and solutions within this arena.
Another top-level conference that will be co-located at this year’s Afriwater 2009 is the International Pump User Conference. IPUC 2009 is the leading pump conference in South Africa and is relevant to all industries where pumps are the vital heart of their operation including mining, petrochemical, industrial, bulk water and wastewater industries.
Afriwater 2009, IPUC 2009 and the WISA 2009 Conference take place at the MTN Expo Centre, NASREC, from 8 -10 September.
For more information, contact Zia Tomes, exhibition manager, at +27 (0)82 881 2174.
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