Purolite announced in February that it will increase prices globally from 6.5 to 9 percent on the ion exchange resin, adsorbent and catalyst product families. The price increase will take effect immediately or as contracts allow. Although fluctuations in raw materials, logistics and manufacturing costs continue, Purolite is working to minimize their impact.
UV Pure welcomed Wescor Associates, Inc., as its Manufacturer’s Representative in the New England market. For the past 44 years, Wescor has been a leading provider of products, services and solutions for municipal and industrial water and wastewater applications.
North America
ClearWater Tech product launches announced
ClearWater Tech recently showcased a number of new products at events across the country. The company’s CD12AD Corona Discharge Ozone Generator was presented at the 32nd annual Atlantic City Pool & Spa Show in New Jersey, while three thousand miles away, company representatives promoted the CIP800 Clean-In-Place Ozone System at the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium in Sacramento, CA. ClearWater will continue product launches at WQA Aquatech USA in Indianapolis, IN in April at Booth #407 with the PRO400 compact, wall-mounted ozone circulation system solution that keeps potable water holding tanks fresh and ready for use, and its AirWaves™ air purifying system that eliminates household odor using ozone and UV light.
NSF news
NSF International announced two product certifications and the acquisition of another company. The agency has certified the first gasket and sealing materials used with push-fit fittings to both the chloramine resistance and tensile strength performance requirements of ASSE 1061 and ASTM F2854, and 3M’s commercial food service filtration systems to the Australian WaterMark Certification Scheme for plumbing, water treatment and distribution products. In addition, NSF now offers dual certification to ASTM 2831, the performance standard for epoxy coatings used to rehabilitate pressurized piping systems, as well as NSF/ANSI 61. Pipe rehabilitation using a certified epoxy coating saves municipalities, building operators, plumbers and homeowners the cost, time and disruption associated with pipe replacement. NSF also announced it has acquired the INASSA Group of Lima, Peru, which is comprised of three segments: technical analysis, laboratory and sanitation. The INASSA Group will now be known as NSF-INASSA, NSFEnvirolab and NSF-Servisanea.
EWB and MWH partnership announced
Engineers Without Borders USA (EWB-USA) and MWH Global launched a new partnership to improve the lives of people around the world. MWH Global announced a $100,000 (USD) donation to EWB-USA, which will support the organization’s community-driven development programs worldwide through the implementation of engineering projects that address challenges in water supply, sanitation, energy access, sustainable agriculture and more. In addition to the financial support, Joseph Adams, President of Energy & Industry for MWH Global, has joined EWB-USA’s Corporate Leadership Council. Involvement with the council indicates a current or intended sustainable partnership with the organization.
3M dealer support program launched
3M Purification has launched a robust Authorized Water Quality Dealer support program that will focus on three key benefits: outstanding brand power to the partnership; assistance with sophisticated marketing tools and 3M’s industry-leading technology and continuous innovation. Dealers can put these tools into practice to generate more attention and grow their businesses. Additional benefits include exclusive geographic territories, dedicated customer service for dealers and end-users, a dedicated landing page on the company website and ongoing training and development opportunities. The company has enlisted NASCAR star Greg Biffle to help get the word out at WQA Aquatech USA next month. Dealers need to pre-schedule their 3M session by March 29 to be entered into a drawing to win one of the three VIP meet-and-greet sessions with Biffle at booth #1115 on Wednesday, April 3 from 12 to 2 p.m. One-on-one slots with 3M are limited, so interested water quality dealers are encouraged to schedule in advance by calling 855-3M WATER.
Frost & Sullivan membrane report released
Membrane technology is emerging as an increasingly viable solution to water and wastewater treatment due to its production of high-quality effluent. Intense R&D efforts have improved membrane technology to make it more efficient, which, in turn, drives down costs and attracts investments. Analysis from Frost & Sullivan’s Membrane Technologies Market in Water and Wastewater Treatment in Southeast Asia research found the market earned revenues of $249.1 million (USD) in 2011 and expects this to reach $398 million by 2017. According to the analysis, “the improved efficiency of membranes means that water and wastewater treatment facilities can lower investments in technologies. While the effectiveness of membranes is unchallenged, their compact and scalable features make them ideal for water and wastewater treatment, especially in desalination.”
CIPH milestone celebrated
In February, the Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating (CIPH) marked its 80th anniversary of the incorporation of the organization as a national not-for-profit trade organization. In the 1930s, the founding fathers of CIPH recognized the need to lobby the government of Canada to amend the Dominion Housing Act to encourage renovation and housing starts. As individuals, they had little influence but collectively the voice of the industry could be heard. The institute has now grown to include nine regions across Canada, representing the interests of more than 260 companies employing over 20,000 employees, with total sales exceeding $5 billion (CDN) annually.
Asia
Anti-dumping order extended
Calgon Carbon Corporation reported that the US International Trade Commission (ITC) announced the anti-dumping order on imports of steam-activated carbon imported into the US from China will remain in effect for at least five years. Importers of Chinese activated carbon will be required to make cash deposits of estimated anti-dumping tariffs when the carbon enters the US. Tariff rates will be determined annually by the US Department of Commerce (DOC). At the end of the five-year period, the DOC and ITC will conduct a second ‘sunset’ review to determine if the anti-dumping order should be continued. The current average tariff rate that was announced by the DOC in November 2012 is $0.47 (USD) per pound and will remain in effect until November 2013.