Water & Wastewater Asia November/December 2022

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2022

www.waterwastewaterasia.com

BOOMING OPPORTUNITIES IN VIETNAM WATER MARKET

www.waterwastewaterexpo.com

14-16 SEP 2023

VENUE : WTC BINH DUONG NEW CITY EXPO

Binh Duong, Vietnam

CHANGING

THE FUTURE

OF WATER

Jointly organised by:

WATER & WASTEWATER ASIA

VIETNAM

ENVIRONMENT INDUSTRIAL

ASSOCIATION

WORLD TRADE CENTER BINH DUONG NEW CITY

SUBSIDIARY OF BECAMEX IDC

Contact us:

PABLO PUBLISHING & EXHIBITION PTE LTD

3 Ang Mo Kio Street 62 #01-23 Link@AMK, Singapore 569139

sales@pabloasia.com

+65 62665512

Solutions for a

Sustainable Future

Bringing sustainability to wastewater

management with Energy Recovery

From the industry-leading PX Q300 and Ultra PX to our line of pumps and

turbochargers, we’ve been a leader in the desalination industry for 30 years.

energy with little to no scheduled maintenance, our proven technologies can help

emerging markets with wastewater management as they transform into global

manufacturing leaders.

Find out how countries like India that are seeking to balance economic ambition

with rising water needs can utilize our technologies to help meet discharge

regulations and maximize water reuse while minimizing brine discharge in a

recent article by Satish Shaligram, Sales Manager, Asia Pacific.

Ultra PX

Scan the code or read the article

on our LinkedIn page:

bit.ly/energyrecoveryiww

Currently seeking manufacturer representatives and distributors in Asia.

For more information, email IWW@energyrecovery.com.

@tsurumiavant

CONTENTS

06 18

16

CONTENTS

04 Editor’s Note

06 News

53 SWA Newsletter

63 What’s Next?

64 Advertisers’ Index

SINGAPORE FOCUS

16 Cleanedge Water covers all bases

IN CONVERSATION WITH

18 SUEZ embarks on 2027 goals

20

22

The collective call for sustainable action

“Good for business, good for community”:

What sustainability could look like in

South East Asia

IN THE FIELD

24 Reducing leaks in Jakarta’s water

networks

26 Fits like a glove: Veolia supports

Mölnlycke’s sustainable network

FOCUS

29

The future for pumps, IIoT and Industry

4.0

32 Wastewater treatment: A deep dive into

new technologies

35 Basics of drinking water hygiene

2 WATER & WASTEWATER ASIA | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

CONTENTS

60

38

38

Digitalisation as a critical enabler for

water sustainability

40 Cutting energy consumption through

remote leak detection

42

How Asian governments can reduce

physical and commercial water losses

44 How India can balance manufacturing

and access to clean water

46 GoDigital Water: The digital

transformation of a local water

authority

HOTSEAT

49 Water-energy-food-material nexus:

The next frontier

ON OUR RADAR

57 Tsurumi’s AVANT MQC slices away

inefficient wastewater treatment

58

59

Energy Recovery launches PX Q400

Pressure Exchanger

Yokogawa releases new magnetic

flow series

60 The smart RTU dedicated to the

water industry

61 Bridging big to small dimensions:

The new COOL-FIT 2.0 Push System

SNEAK PEEK & SHOW REVIEW

62 IndoWater Expo & Forum sets the

stage for 2023

52

Water technologies company Solenis

chooses Delaware state for US$40m

expansion

WATER & WASTEWATER ASIA | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022 3

FROM THE EDITOR

IS THE GLASS HALF

EMPTY OR HALF FULL?

The answer: the glass is always full. It is filled

half with water, and half with air. Similarly, as

individual players in the water industry might

not be sufficient to solving the most immediate

issues of this day and age, organisations

from the private, public, and academia

sector should come together to create a

comprehensive plan for the rocky years ahead.

Where one falls short in certain aspects,

others must step forward to fill in possible

shortcoming.

It goes without saying that 2022 has seen

significant highs and lows for the water

industry. From recording-breaking heatwaves

and extended droughts, to the emergence

of a new normal in a post-pandemic realm,

companies, utilities and governments around

the world have dipped their toes into the

uncharted waters of dealing with a rapidly

changing world. While we continue to navigate

this unpredictable realm, it has become

evident that working together towards a

common goal is the only way forward.

Take Veolia Water Technologies, for example:

in collaboration with Mölnlycke, a medical

products provider, the company has

formulated sustainable wastewater treatment

solutions for their recently inaugurated plant

in Kulim, Malaysia. By taking stock of the

demands in medical glove manufacturing

and keeping abreast of sustainable goals in

the country, Veolia was able to integrate a

treatment designed to further the company’s

green targets.

Similarly, Grundfos recently signed a

memorandum of understanding with

Singapore Polytechnic to develop water and

energy efficient solutions across various

industries. The former will utilise its experience

in smart technology to bring sustainable

savings, while the latter will draw relevant

networks between academia and industry.

Altogether, this partnership will enhance the

grid of sustainable models, allowing more

companies in Singapore to benefit from a

green transformation.

Elsewhere, India must juggle the needs of

rising manufacturing industry and ensure

its people have access to clean, unpolluted

water. Enter Energy Recovery, whose, as

their names suggests, have enabled the

country to reap the benefits of industrial

wastewater treatment at low cost. With this,

India is one step closer to reducing water

pollution and enhancing the quality of life of

her people.

Regardless of nation, regardless of

industry, everyone plays an important

role in securing the future of our water

resources. As ice caps are melting at an

unprecedented pace in the most extreme

corners of the globe, while lakes are

shrinking in others, the path towards a

more sustainable road is paved by all

parties involved. And here at Water &

Wastewater Asia, we will continue to bring

you provoking stories from all corners of

the industry, in hopes that it can inspire our

readers to take the charge forward towards

a better, greener future.

In the final issue of this year, let us reflect

on the progress we made this past year,

and look boldly into the future ahead. The

glass is, after all, always full.

Agatha Wong

Assistant Editor

Published by

PABLO PUBLISHING & EXHIBITION PTE LTD

3 Ang Mo Kio Street 62,

#01-23 Link@AMK Singapore 569139

Tel: (65) 6266 5512

E-mail: info@pabloasia.com

Company Registration No: 200001473N

Singapore MICA (P) No: 102/12/2021

REGIONAL OFFICES (CHINA)

PABLO BEIJING

Tel: +86 10 6509 7728

Email: pablobeijing@163.com

PABLO SHANGHAI

Tel: +86 21 5238 9737

Email: pabloshanghai@163.net

All rights reserved. Views of writers do not necessarily reflect the views

of the Publisher and the Singapore Water Association. No part of this

publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, without prior

permission in writing from the Publisher and copyright owner. Whilst every

care is taken to ensure accuracy of the information in this publication, the

Publisher accepts no liability for damages caused by misinterpretation

of information, expressed or implied, within the pages of the magazine.

All advertisements are accepted on the understanding that the Advertiser

is authorised to publish the contents of the advertisements, and in this

respect, the Advertiser shall indemnify the Publisher against all claims or

suits for libel, violation of right of privacy and copyright infringements.

Water & Wastewater Asia is a controlled-circulation bi-monthly magazine.

It is mailed free-of-charge to readers who meet a set of criteria. Paid

subscription is available to those who do not fit our terms of control. Please

refer to subscription form provided in the publication for more details.

Printed by Times Printers Pte Ltd

PABLO SINGAPORE

William Pang • Publisher

williampang@pabloasia.com

Agatha Wong • Assistant Editor

agatha@pabloasia.com

Kimberly Liew • Assistant Editor

kimberly@pabloasia.com

Pang YanJun • Business Development Manager

yanjun@pabloasia.com

let's connect!

Goh Meng Yong • Graphic Designer

mengyong@pabloasia.com

Shu Ai Ling • Circulation Manager

circulation@pabloasia.com

PABLO BEIJING

Ellen Gao • General Manager

pablobeijing@163.com

PABLO SHANGHAI

Daisy Wang • Editor

pabloshanghai@163.net

@waterwastewaterasia

Water & Wastewater Asia

incorporates the official newsletter

of Singapore Water Association


Elektra

Connecting you to your chemical

dosing pumps, wherever you are

The Elektra digital dosing pump controller from SEKO allows

you to monitor and manage your dosing equipment 24/7

via smartphone for a new standard in operational efficiency

and accessibility in water-treatment applications.

www.seko.com

SekoWeb

Data on demand

• Access data and system status via

smartphone or PC

• Adjust programming instantly

• Discover the true cost of your application

• Identify anomalies and prevent

unplanned downtime

Find out more

Find out more

NEWS

XYLEM SINGAPORE AND GROSS-WEN TECHNOLOGIES TO

COLLABORATE ON BOOSTING SUSTAINABILITY AND EFFICIENCY

OF ALGAE-BASED WASTEWATER TREATMENT TECH

process to help Singapore and water

utilities achieve net zero emissions.”

Gross said: “Our partnership with

Xylem in Singapore is an exciting step

forward in the global deployment of

GWT’s RAB treatment technology. Our

R&D project with PUB will serve as

a showcase for how algae treatment

can be leveraged to decarbonise the

wastewater treatment industry.”

The project was one of the Proposal

Phase winners of PUB’s Carbon

Zero Grand Challenge, which seeks

to incentivise innovative solutions

that can help PUB achieve net-zero

emissions by 2050 and scale to

water facilities around the globe.

If successful in the proof-of-

GWT’s algae-based

treatment uses

algae to capture

atmospheric CO2

and will be later

used to make

various sustainable

products like

fertilisers, bioplastics

and biofuels

(Image: Gross-Wen

Technologies)

Xylem Water Solutions Singapore

and Gross-Wen Technologies (GWT)

have announced a memorandum of

understanding (MoU) for a new joint

R&D project to deploy algae-based

wastewater treatment solutions in

Singapore. The project will focus

on the development of GWT’s

existing revolving algal biofilm

(RAB) technology, an algae-based

wastewater treatment solution that

promotes nutrient recovery while

reducing the carbon footprint of water

utilities.

The project will feature GWT’s algaebased

treatment of anaerobic digestor

(AD) effluent for carbon footprint

reduction and nutrient recovery. This

includes atmospheric CO2 capture

by algae, low-energy nitrogen and

phosphorus recovery, and reduced

nitrous oxide emissions from the

concentrated AD effluent. The algae

produced during the process will

be harvested and used to make

fertilisers, bioplastics and biofuels.

As part of the project, the R&D

team led by Luo Rongmo, senior

development engineer at Xylem

Singapore Technology Hub, and

Martin Gross, president and CEO of

GWT, was awarded up to S$247,000

to implement a small-scale RAB

system at Xylem’s Singapore

facility during the proof-of-concept

phase of the Carbon Zero Grand

Challenge. If successful, this will

be piloted in a full-scale system for

PUB, Singapore’s National Water

Agency.

Luo said: “We are pleased to

be partnering with Gross-Wen

Technologies and combining our

strengths in the industry to develop

a sustainable wastewater treatment

concept phase, Xylem Singapore

could be awarded a further $2.5m

to demonstrate an approximate

one kilotonne-scale version of

their solution at a PUB facility in

Singapore.

If the small-scale RAB system at Xylem

Singapore’s facility is successful, it will be

launched for a full system pilot for PUB

(Image: Gross-Wen Technologies)


NEWS

NX FILTRATION TO BE PART OF ACCIONA-

LED INITIATIVE TO ELIMINATE EMERGING

POLLUTANTS FROM WATER SOURCES

NX Filtration, a provider of direct water

nanofiltration technology, has announced

its participation in the European innovation

project LIFE PRISTINE. The project’s

objective is to eliminate emerging

contaminants in the integral water cycle,

which is one measure to promote alternative

water resources in the face of water scarcity.

The LIFE PRISTINE project has a budget

of €4m and is coordinated by Acciona, the

Spanish sustainable infrastructure solutions

group. Other project partners include Eurecat,

Xylem Services, the Regional Entity for

Wastewater Sanitation and Treatment of the

Murcia Region (ESAMUR) and the water utility

provider Bilbao Bizkaia Water Consortium

(CABB). The project hopes to combine water

treatment processes, such as NX Filtration’s

hollow fibre nanofiltration membranes, with

artificial intelligence (AI)-based digital tools to

develop a solution that removes the emerging

pollutants.

The project was launched in light of various

forums being alerted to the urgent need to

take steps in protecting water resources.

Such an outcome can be achieved through

reducing water consumption, but also by

promoting alternative resources and reuse.

One key issue that has been raised in efforts

to encourage water reuse is the presence

of pollutants and microplastics in water

supplies. These substances of anthropogenic

origin are difficult to eliminate when using

existing treatment systems and they may end

up in seas and rivers, or even enter the food

chain. Their presence may create hazards.

There is thus an increasing emphasis on

regulating the use of these substances and

developing solutions to remove them from the

environment.

LIFE PRISTINE thus aims to eliminate up to

80% of emerging pollutants in the endto-end

water cycle, particularly per and

polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances. These

are typically found in flame retardants,

pesticides, pharmaceutical and personal

care products, toxins microplastics and

genes of microorganisms that are resistant

to antibiotics. The project aims to strengthen

the existing legislation and promote the reuse

of water with the highest possible quality and

safety standards.

The PRISTINE solution involves the

processes of adsorption, nanofiltration and

advanced oxidation using virtual sensors,

process modelling and decision-making

support tools. The machine is said to be

capable of reducing emerging pollutants from

water sources and wastewater effluent. The

PRISTINE project is set to be demonstrated

in a representative operating environment:

namely, the secondary effluent of a treatment

plant in Murcia, Spain, and supporting

drinking water pre-treatment in the Bilbao

Bizkaia Advanced Water Treatment Centre

(CATABB).

WAVIN ACQUIRES DUTCH START-UP METROPOLDER

Wavin has acquired Dutch start-up

MetroPolder, against the backdrop of

increasingly extreme weather events and long

periods of drought that have been affecting

the liveability of cities around the world.

With the acquisition, Wavin is expected to

incorporate MetroPolder’s knowledge to

close the water cycle in cities and make cities

“future-proof”.

MetroPolder has developed a technology

to capture water on roofs and reuse it for

cooling, irrigation and recycling. The bluegreen

roofs are equipped with a buffer

system, an internet-connected valve and

an online dashboard. The valves sensors

and rain radars control the water level and

discharge real-time. This smart connection

enables dynamic water storage. The

technology has been implemented in projects

over several locations worldwide, including

the Netherlands, Guatemala, France the UK

and US.

Friso Klapwijk, CEO of MetroPolder said:

“Wavin sees rainwater as a resource, not a

problem. That’s where we found each other.

We want to make cities future-proof, by

applying smart water management. Think

of reusing rainwater for for cooling cities to

combat heat stress. We are pleased and

proud to be part of the Wavin family from now

on.”

Maarten Roef, CEO of Wavin, said: “The

green/blue roof solution of MetroPolder

is a proven successful, international,

application that puts Wavin as a company in

an even better position to make cities more

climate resilient. Supplemented with the

knowledge and expertise of MetroPolder,

we are convinced that we will succeed in

getting more and more cities to look at the

applications of water differently. Because the

opportunities are plentiful.”


NEWS

PERISTALTIC PUMPS GAIN IMPROVED COVERAGE IN WIMES

Watson Marlow Fluid Technology Solutions

(WMFTS) has helped with a revision of the

Water Industry Mechanical & Electrical

Specifications (WIMES), opening up

peristaltic pumps to more potential

customers in the UK water industry.

Peristaltic pumps, such as WMFTS’ range

of Qdos chemical metering pumps for water

and wastewater treatment applications,

had not previously had the benefits of their

technology explained in the specifications.

The revised WIMES now contains

comprehensive dosing pump specifications,

with a number of the benefits of peristaltic

pumps now more apparent and explicitly

covered in the latest version.

WIMES is a collaborative project managed

by the Pump Centre, aimed at providing

common mechanical and electrical

specifications for the UK water industry.

Seventeen of the UK’s largest water

companies are involved in WIMES, which

enables them to procure equipment which

is fit for purpose and provides the lowest

lifecycle costs at a competitive purchase

price.

The intention of WIMES is that the

specifications should be unambiguous and

allow individual suppliers to compete on

an equal footing, so buyers can accurately

compare and contrast suppliers.

Dale Kavanagh, industrial sales & business

development manager at WMFTS UK, said:

“The specification has been rewritten so

there is more detail about peristaltic pumps,

and their benefits compared to other pump

types. It is a huge result and has helped

develop the business this year.

“For the last two years Watson Marlow have

been working hard to ensure that the latest

version of the specifications would have a

fairer balance, showing the advantages of

WMFTS Qdos 60 and

30 peristaltic pumps

are now included in

the Water Industry

Mechanical & Electrical

Specifications (WIMES)

peristaltic pump technology. This ongoing

work has resulted in large orders from several

water companies in England.

“Watson-Marlow were able to get a seat at the

table and collaborated with water regulators,

putting the case forward on why peristaltic

pumps are beneficial. The success was a

result of a lot of hard work, in particular from

sales skills training manager Bruce Quilter

and former UK industrial sales engineer Eddie

Smeaton.”

GREATER RELIABILITY

WMFTS’ Qdos range of peristaltic pumps can

handle flow rates from 0.1 to 2,000 megalitres

a minute at pressures up to 7 bar as well

as offering repeatable chemical metering

accuracy of ±1%.

With a Qdos pump, the flow remains the same

at any pressure, providing greater dosing

control and leading to measurable chemical

and energy savings — a key difference to

other equipment on the market. The low

maintenance design also means process

uptime is maximised with no-tools, and quick

and easy pumphead replacement in situ.

A reverse function enables the operator to

drain the line before maintenance and, once

in operation, there is an integral leak detector

to eliminate the risk of exposure to chemicals.

Integration of the Qdos pump range is easier

than traditional dosing pump types as they

eliminate the need for foot valves, strainers,

degassing valves and loading valves, along

with all the relevant joints, simplifying

maintenance and enabling dosing skid

manufacturers to reduce the size of their

skids.

Roger Marlow, principal consultant at the

Pump Centre, commented on the more

comprehensive dosing pump specification

in the updated WIMES: “Water managers

and engineers of large water infrastructure

projects are looking to alternative pumping

technologies for many reasons. The

landscape of chemical metering pump

manufacturing and innovation in the water

industry is changing and it is important for

WIMES documents to reflect that.

“It has been a very positive experience

working with Watson-Marlow and we will

continue the collaboration between all parties

in the future.”

Reflecting on the current landscape of

chemical dosing equipment, Kavanagh

said: “The scale of the rollout of new

equipment makes now an ideal time for

utilities to consider the whole-life benefit of

the chemical dosing equipment they select.

As such, it is believed that Qdos pumps an

ideal solution to meet companies’ water

management challenges.”


NEWS

renews Grundfos’ profound commitment to

the UN Sustainability Development Goals, a

commitment that underpins its core business

strategy.

GRUNDFOS CHANGES BUT THEIR

STORY CONTINUES

Grundfos has announced its upcoming vision

for the world’s water, energy and climate

challenges, with a new brand promise that

reaffirms and strengthens its commitment to

pioneering solutions to the worlds water and

climate challenges and improve quality of life

for people.

Underpinned by the endline “Possibility in

every drop”, Grundfos’ new promise is to

“respect, protect and advance the flow of

water” in these following strategies:

• To respect and take responsibility for water

for the benefit of everybody on the planet

• To protect water wherever it exists from

waste, shortage and inaccessibility

• To advance water through relentless

innovation for the sake of efficiency,

energy and the future

Grundfos’ new endline,

which is meant to

symbolise the infinite

possibilities of using

water to change the world

The new brand promise encapsulates

Grundfos’ duty and responsibility to people

and the planet, committing the organisation

to apply its expertise in identifying new

possibilities for innovations and solutions

that are more efficient, save more energy,

save more water and help make the world

a better place for future generations. It also

The new endline “Possibility in every drop”

expresses Grundfos’ belief in the infinite

power of water to change the world; that

possibilities exist to heat or cool a home

without warming the planet, to give access

to clean and safe water wherever needed,

and that people’s quality of life can still be

improved with solutions that save energy and

are more efficient.

Poul Due Jensen, CEO of Grundfos, said:

“Our services go beyond water, but our

credibility is rooted in it. Through the flow

of water, Grundfos products and services

touch millions and millions of people every

day without most of them even knowing it.

Water is and has always been at the heart

and soul of Grundfos, and we want to make

a positive difference and help solve the

world’s water and climate challenges and

improve the quality of life for people. That is

why we give this promise to the world: We

respect, protect, and advance the flow of

water.”

FADY JUEZ ELECTED PRESIDENT OF THE

INTERNATIONAL DESALINATION ASSOCIATION

FOR 2022 – 2024 TERM

The International Desalination Association

(IDA) announced that Fady Juez, managing

director of Metito Overseas, has been

elected president by the Term 20 IDA board.

Shannon McCarthy has been re-appointed

as the secretary general of the association.

“I aim to ensure IDA continues the

tremendous global recognition and financial

turnaround accomplished in term 19, under

the leadership of Shannon McCarthy and

Carlos Cosin, with the board’s full support.

The IDA will celebrate its 50th anniversary

in 2023, and it is my honour to lead the

board of directors in this important term.

Considering the growing need for nonconventional

water solutions to offset the

effects of climate change, population growth,

and industry needs, the board and I will

continue the work to engage with the global

stakeholder community to bring solutions

to meet UN SDG6 water for all. The special

imitative to ensure a water-positive world,”

stated Juez.

Juez has been an active member serving the

International Desalination Association board

of directors for the last 20 years.

Fady Juez was

elected president

of the International

Desalination

Association after 20

years of being on its

board of directors

In addition to Juez serving as president,

Alejandro Sturniolo, global head of water reuse

& strategic partnerships, H20 Innovations, has

been named 1st vice president, and Jantje

Johnson, CEO, Orangeboat, has been named

2nd vice president.

The full slate of officers and committee chairs

will be finalised during the 2022 World Congress,

“Charting Resilient Water Solutions.”


NEWS

ANAERGIA ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF LEADERSHIP

TEAM TO “SUPPORT AND ACCELERATE GLOBAL GROWTH”

Anaergia Inc. Has announced the

appointments of Paula Myson as chief

financial officer (CFO), and Hani Kaissi

as chief development officer (CDO), both

effective Oct 17 2022.

Myson has over 25 years of senior

leadership experience in financing and

operating businesses in the energy,

natural resources, and financial services

industries. Most recently, she was the

CFO of a renewable energy company with

an international portfolio of projects and

operations. Prior to that, she was the CFO of

a public-listed gold producer. In addition to

providing financial leadership, she has been

responsible for corporate development,

investor relations, risk management, and

information technology. She holds a Master

of Business Administration degree from

the University of Alberta, is a Chartered

Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder, and

holds a Certified Professional in Investor

Relations (CPIR) designation.

Kaissi joined Anaergia in 2010 and had been

CFO of Anaergia since 2019. He has over

25 years of experience in the water and

waste industries. He started his career in

the engineering and project management

of large-scale infrastructure projects

and has since held senior operations,

strategy, product management, corporate

development, M&A, and finance positions at

ZENON Environmental and General Electric

(GE Water & Process Technologies). Kaissi

has a Bachelor of Engineering degree from

the American University of Beirut and holds

a Master of Business Administration degree

from McGill University.

“We are very excited to announce these

appointments which enhance Anaergia’s

team,” said Andrew Benedek, Chief

Executive Officer of Anaergia. “Paula

Myson’s CFO experience and wide-ranging

business expertise with publicly traded

companies and companies that engage

in international development projects will

be a huge asset to Anaergia. Furthermore,

with Hani Kaissi in the newly created CDO

position, Anaergia is now better positioned

to capitalize on growth opportunities around

the world,” added Dr Benedek.

SUCCESSFUL HANDOVER OF THE ANAEROBIC

BIODIGAT SB SYSTEM TO DEVELEY IN GERMANY

Develey Senf & Feinkost, an international

manufacturer of mustard, sauces and

dressings, commissioned Wehrle in March

2021 with the design and implementation

of a wastewater treatment plant with biogas

generation. Just one year later, in the summer

of 2022, the biological commissioning of the

industrial water treatment plant took place

at 100% capacity at the company’s largest

German production site in Dingolfing.

The Wehrle plant reduces the wastewater

pollution load in such a way that the discharge

values fixed by local authorities for indirect

discharge into the downstream municipal

sewage treatment plant are safely fulfilled.

The industrial wastewater treatment plant is

also an example for the synergetic integration

of modern environmental technology and

supports the customer’s overall sustainability

initiative by reducing production emissions.

Wehrle worked together with their customer

to develop an overall concept, including

sophisticated wastewater treatment and

reliable purification of the water during peak

loads in accordance with official requirements.

Furthermore, the integrated biogas generation

of the wastewater treatment plant together

with a modern combined heat and power

plant allows the direct conversion of the

generated biogas into electricity, which can

be used on site. The used technology is the

anaerobic high-performance BIODIGAT SB

process. With its three-phase separation

system incorporating highly efficient biogas

utilisation as well as heat pump technology

with maximised overall energy efficiencies, the

process meets all customer requirements.

The successful commissioning of the new

wastewater treatment plant was completed

almost on time, despite the difficult conditions

caused by the pandemic. The capacity was

reportedly at 100%, four weeks after inoculation

of the plant with biomass. The cleaning

result and the gas yield showed an increase

of approximately 20-30% compared to the

expected values. Intelligent control technology

enables continuous operation of the biology

and the combined heat and power plant 24/7.

Mr Reiter, technical director of Develey in

Dingolfing, was satisfied: “The robustness of

the biological process has clearly exceeded our

expectations. The high-performance system

reliably purifies our wastewater, which varies

greatly in quantity and quality, in continuous

operation. In fact, the biogas production is

so good that we are considering another

combined heat and power plant for electricity

generation.”

With this project, Wehrle claims that it has

expanded its references for anaerobic

wastewater treatment and showed its reliability

as partner in the field of environmental

technology. “We are proud to be part of this

innovative and future-oriented project as an

important system supplier and to be able to

support the customer in its long-standing

claim to sustainable operation with innovative

products, clever engineering, drive and on-time

implementation,” said Frank Natau, business

development, water processes at Wehrle.


NEWS

SOFTWARE ASSET FOR WATER

INVESTMENT PLANNING LAUNCHES

The latest version of Probit’s asset

investment manager (AIM) software aims

to help water companies in England and

Wales save time and cost in planning

works to optimise geographical synergies.

AIM4 also makes web service interfacing

and more localised analysis available to

water companies and other organisations

managing large asset bases.

AIM4 is said to have set a precedent for

analysing water and wastewater assets

together. Historically, water companies

that manage both water and wastewater

infrastructure were unable to do so, as

software with the capacity to process such

vast numbers of assets was not available.

This meant work stream management

teams were not working collaboratively and

modelling was siloed.

Increasing demand for cost efficiencies

in investment programmes means asset

management challenges are being given

greater strategic importance and becoming

more complex. Ageing infrastructure,

climate change, increasing regulation, and a

growing population can all impact on asset

life.

IMPROVED FUNCTIONALITY

Reflecting on the advances of AIM4, Philip

Jonkergouw, managing director at Probit,

said: “The biggest improvements have

been to functionality, optimisation set-up

capability, and adaptability. AIM4’s greatest

strength lies in its ability to respond to the

unknown and develop accordingly.

“AIM4 has a high level of adaptability and

flexibility when clients are facing new

requirements, especially during water

utility price reviews or asset management

modelling transitions. As a result, it can

now be used to answer more and more

complicated questions for clients.”

Using the AIM software, asset intensive

organisations in water and other sectors

can model the complete lifecycle of assets,

anticipating changes and how they will

impact on services. This results in better

business decision-making that helps make

assets more resilient and reduces service

disruption and the risk of regulatory fines.

AIM4 also delivers improvements in

software functionality, such as the ability

to analyse risk per region and per asset

base. This allows users to examine factors

such as planning constraints, along with

the associated risks of not commencing

work at specific points in the future, at a

granular level.

In addition, AIM4 introduces the option of

web services, meaning AIM is no longer a

standalone piece of software with limited

client interaction. Third party systems

can now connect directly to AIM to enter,

extract, and link up data, creating an allround

tool.

AMP7 PLANNING

The regulatory asset management

period 2020-2025, AMP7, requires water

companies in England and Wales to

calculate investment needs and provide

evidence on expenditure over a five-year

period. By allowing asset managers to

explicitly model what happens to assets

under various conditions, certain questions

can be asked such as how assets will

deteriorate with how much risk and the

associated costs due to failures in the

network.

Reflecting on the growth of the AIM

software, Jonkergouw said: “Initially, AIM

was used for underground linear assets

such as sewer and water pipes, water

mains and trunk mains. Then, clients

wanted to do more types of modelling to

Probit’s asset investment manager (AIM) software is

helping water companies in England and Wales save

time and cost in planning works

include above-ground assets, such as

wastewater treatment plants and pump

stations.

“Now it can be used to synchronise works

across the whole water and wastewater

asset base, and potentially with other

sectors too. This is a perfect example of

the adaptability and flexibility of the AIM

software to meet new client requirements

and we hope to continue these strong

working relationships with AIM4 and

beyond.”

FUTURE OF AIM

AIM software also delivers digital

solutions and asset management across

other infrastructure intensive sectors

including power and transportation. The

next step is to bring other utilities into

the cross-sector optimisation work. For

example, synchronising gas works to

be done at the same location and at the

same time as planned roadworks.

“There has been ambition for this in the

past,” said Jonkergouw, “but until now

the tools, technology and processing

power were not available nor did the

sectors have the datasets needed. Now

that asset management streams have

the potential to come together in a single

optimisation investment framework in

AIM, this could start to drive cross-sector

collaboration and trials.”


NEWS

BENTLEY’S DR DRU CRAWLEY

RECEIVES IBPSA-USA AWARD

Bentley Systems has announced that Dr

Dru Crawley, Bentley fellow and director of

building performance research, has received

the IBPSA-USA Award for Distinguished

Achievement in Building Simulation. It will

be presented at the IBPSA-USA SimBuild

conference.

IBPSA-USA is the United States regional

affiliate of the International Building

Performance Simulation Association (IBPSA).

It advances and promotes the science of

building simulation to improve the design,

construction, operation, and maintenance

of new and existing buildings in the United

States. IBPSA was founded to advance and

promote the science of building performance

simulation to improve the design,

construction, operation, and maintenance of

new and existing buildings worldwide. IBPSA

has more than 5,000 members worldwide in

34 affiliates representing 42 countries.

Dr Crawley was elected president of IBPSA

on 10 Sept 2022. He is the previous president

of IBPSA-USA and has been part of the

organisation since 1987. Dr Crawley has

published more than 125 papers and articles,

testified before the US Congress on zeroenergy

and green buildings, lectured at more

than 30 universities, and made more than 500

presentations on building energy efficiency,

sustainability, and renewable energy

throughout the world.

“Presented every two years, this award

recognises an individual who has a

distinguished record in the field of building

performance simulation for 15 or more years,”

said Carrie Brown, president of IBPSA-USA.

“With an exemplary record of software

development, high calibre research, and

educational efforts, Dr Crawley has been an

extremely influential champion of BPS. The

breadth and depth of Dru’s expertise has

made him an industry leader throughout his

career, and our field is categorically better

due to his contributions.”

Dr Dru Crawley was

awarded the IBPSA-

USA Award for his

achievements in the

industry after 35

years of experience

SMART WATER NETWORK MANAGEMENT

Optimize resOurces - ensure water quality - reduce cOsts

SOFREL DL4W

4G LTE-M/NB-IoT

Data logger

Flow and pressure monitoring

Night flow analysis

Flow rate alerts

Leak detection

CSO monitoring & detection

learn mOre:

SOFREL ChlorIN

Autonomous chlorine

level measurements

Real-time monitoring

Easy to install

Immediate notification in

case of threshhold breach

learn mOre:

www.lacroix-environment.com


NEWS

RESEARCH FROM ABB SHOWS HOW

CITIES CAN TACKLE WATER STRESS

BY REDUCING CARBON EMISSIONS

AND COST OF WASTEWATER

TREATMENT FOR REUSE

ABB published the first in a series

of new reports for the energy and

wastewater sectors to highlight the

impact that technology can have

in enabling industrial customers to

reduce carbon emissions and manage

the energy transition for a more

sustainable future.

With the United Nations predicting a

40% water deficit by 2040, ABB has

conducted research to reveal how

better use of wastewater could relieve

pressure on water supplies.

When treated effectively, wastewater

can be returned to the water cycle for

reuse, proving a valuable but often

untapped resource in tackling water

scarcity. Importantly, it also lowers the

levels of untreated sewage pumped

into rivers and oceans, which have

hugely negative impacts on public

health, the environment and marine life.

“Global data shows that only half of

our wastewater is properly treated,”

said Brandon Spencer, president,

ABB Energy Industries. “Allowing

untreated wastewater back into

our water courses not only has a

disastrous effect on fisheries, animals,

marine biodiversity, and public health,

but it is also a terrible ‘waste’ of this

commodity. We need to be doing

more.”

Treating wastewater, however, requires

a lot of power, with the industry at large

consuming up to 3% of the world’s

total energy output and contributing

over 1.5% to global greenhouse gas

emissions.

Seeking to redress this balance, ABB

has conducted nine months of research

and modelling with an independent

economist, to demonstrate how greater

adoption and integration of process

automation technologies, can deliver

both carbon and cost savings to enable

more efficient treatment of wastewater.

The findings reveal that in wastewater

sites, utilities could reduce carbon

emissions by up to 2,000 tonnes per

annum, the equivalent volume of CO2

responsible for 30,000 tonnes of glacier

mass lost every year. With over 50,000

existing wastewater plants worldwide,

the opportunity, if scaled, is upwards of

100 million tonnes of CO2 saved.

Furthermore, in applying a robust

package of process control and digital

solutions, water companies could reap

annual operational savings of up to

US$1.2m (9.5%) per plant, opening

revenue streams to ensure higher

volumes of wastewater are treated and

less is discarded in our rivers and seas.

“ABB is committed to leading with

technology to preserve precious

resources such as water and energy,

and ultimately enable a low-carbon

society and a more sustainable world.

In 2021, we have reduced our own CO2

emissions by 39%, compared with the

baseline year of 2019, and as part of

our Sustainability Strategy 2030, we

are working with our customers with

the aim of reducing their annual CO2

emissions by at least 100 megatons by

2030,” said Spencer.

The global wastewater market, driven

by the need for more freshwater,

population increase, and stringent

environmental regulations, is projected

to grow from $300bn in 2022 to $490bn

by 2029.

The reports’ economic modelling

was undertaken by independent

economist Steve Lucas of Development

Economics in conjunction with ABB

Energy Industries and supported with

desktop research of academic and

industry sources. ABB will publish

further economic reports focused on

the offshore, power and chemicals

markets across 2022 and 2023.

ABB’s infographic

detailing their

findings in their

newest report


SINGAPORE FOCUS

CLEANEDGE WATER

covers all bases

With operations in the region, CleanEdge

offers a comprehensive water treatment

experience centered on sustainability and

waste minimisation.

optimises overall plant cost. This system is a

suitable solution for areas facing acute shortage

of water.

Sewage treatment plants

As pre-fabricated plug-and-play systems for

sewage treatment, Lars offer these ready-to-use

containerised plants for a range of capacities.

Minimal to zero work onsite with a short lead

time remains the main attraction of this product

Zero liquid discharge and multi-effect

evaporator

Understanding the industries’ need for a

complete ZLD solution to meet voluntary

environmental or statutory standards, Lars

completes the full ZLD cycle by incorporating

different type of evaporators and drying

system further to their high recovery

membrane solutions. Here, the capex and

opex are optimised by providing MVR and TVR

technologies.

The National Dairy Development Board in India worked together with Lars to provide better

management of dairy wastewater

CleanEdge Water offers technologies for

treating industrial wastewater, focusing

on resource recovery and sustainability.

Headquartered in Singapore, and founded

and managed by a group of professionals

dedicated to the environment, development

and sustainability, the company aims to solve

complex problems and design integrated

solutions to increase recovery, sustainability

and profitability, with a focus on technical

upgrades with disruptive technologies.

CleanEdge Water’s group company, Lars

Enviro, is an environmental engineering

organisation in India with more than 25

years in the field of water, raw water and

wastewater, with emphasis on industrial

wastewater, recycling systems, sewage

treatment and waste to energy.

LARS ENVIRO

Biogas/Bio-methanation through effluent

treatment plants

Via generating energy from the feed-stock

such as press mud and cow manure, the

biogas generation of anaerobic digestion

can manage energy supply and waste

management issues. This solution avoids

contaminating groundwater and the emission

of greenhouse gases, while also recovering

energy in the form of steam, biogas, power,

CBG, and more. The generated digestate can

sustainably substitute synthetic or chemical

fertilisers and strengthen the farm ecosystem.

Wastewater recycling plants

Lars aims towards simplifying industrial

wastewater recycling. The company’s

WWRP solution use available resources and

Condensate polishing units

Distillery condensate is generated as a byproduct

of multi-effect evaporation of spent

wash, while grain wash generated as wastewater

stream from alcohol production process. The

effluent contains organic load and can have

a detrimental effect on the environment. Lars

has developed technologies considering PCB

stringent norms and implementation of ZLD.

Together with the recycling plant, the CPU treats

condensate and makes it reusable by offering a

combination of anaerobic, aerobic technologies

along with tertiary (sand filters, UF, RO) and

disinfection (UV) treatment. This recycled water

reduces fresh water demand.

WTE plants

Solid waste management through anaerobic

digestion can provide customers with renewable

energy and address waste management

issues. Energy can be recovered in the form of

steam, biogas, power, bio CNG, and more. The

digestate can substitute synthetic fertilisers and

strengthen the farm ecosystem.

The decentralised WTE Plants can minimise

solid waste at the source. Lars’ technology-


SINGAPORE FOCUS

based solutions can strengthen solid waste

management. manage health risks and

environmental pollution through plug-and-play

digesters.

Biogas to renewable energy

Lars Enviro’s anaerobic digestion can handle

different organic substrates from food waste

to sewage sludge, to produce renewable

energy. This can be used as an alternative,

renewable automotive fuel through gas

grid/cascades and also to replace LPG for

industrial needs.

From pre-treatment techniques required

ahead of anaerobic fermentation, right up

to the required post-treatment of digestate,

composting and biogas upgrading, Lars

possesses one of the highest design and

operating experience of biogas plants,

producing about 1000MT CBG per day,

or 226MWH equivalent of potential power

generation.

CLEANEDGE WATER

CleanEdge also offers a range of water

treatment systems, ranging from raw water

treatment plants, UF and RO plants, DM

plants, and desalination solutions.

LESMAT

LESMAT is an anaerobic solution for

seasonal industries generating high strength

wastewater. It is an optimal solution

when footprint is a constraint. Here, a bio

film of desired bacteria is attached to a

structural media to facilitate reduction and

better treatment. CleanEdge has so far

commissioned 56 LEMSAT units.

LESBAR

LESBAR is a biodigester for the treatment of

low- and medium- strength wastewater across

breweries, and sugar and food processing,

etc. Equipped with an in-house design offering

a three-tier GLSS (gas liquid solid separator)

system, LESBAR comes in different materials

like stainless steel, mild steel with epoxy/FRP,

complete FRP, and more. Thus far, 164 units

of LESBAR have been commissioned.

CleanEdge offers

raw water treatment

plants, UF and RO

plants, DM plants, and

desalination solutions

LESAR

A better engineered version of the

conventional continuously stirred tank

reactor, LESAR is an optimal solution for

biogas recovery or treatment of highstrength

industrial wastewater. With over

100 installations across industries and

continents, LESAR can be applied a wide

range of industries, from distilleries to

manure and sludge digestion. Till date, 106

units of LESAR have been commissioned.

KOOLL COMPANY, THE PHILIPPINES

Lars Enviro was contacted to design,

supply, and commission a fermented wash

(raw spent wash) biogas plant for the Kooll

Company, in Talisay City, The Philippines.

The company is one of the largest

producers of alcohol- and beverage-grade

liquid carbon dioxide, supplying to major oil

and beverage companies in the country with

a flow of 980m 3 /day at a COD of 120,000mg

per litre. The plant Lars constructed thus

generated about 34,500m 3 of biogas per

day, which was utilised as fuel in boiler.

With the plant, Lars enabled the reduction

of highly pollutant wastewater and the

ability to handle shock loads. With one

seeding and commissioning required,

there was no need for specialised culture

and nutrients for further operations, and

no need for chemicals once the plant had

stabilised

The plant was also capable of handling

a higher volume of wastewater and can

restart rapidly after a shutdown. The

biogas produced can be utilised in boilers,

canteens, furnaces, CBG, for electricity

generation. The treated wastewater, which

contains high nutrient, can be used as

organic compost to improve soil fertility,

reducing water demand and the economic

burden (inorganic fertilisers) of farmers.

THE NATIONAL DAIRY DEVELOPMENT

BOARD

The National Dairy Development Board was

set up by the Parliament of India. With its

main office located in Anand, Gujarat, with

regional offices throughout the country, the

board was created to finance, support and

support producer-owned and controlled

organisations. Its programmes and activities

seek to strengthen farmer cooperatives and

support national policies that are favourable to

the growth of such institutions.

The dairy industry is the most polluting food

industry in terms of water use during the

production of milk and milk products. The

wastewater contains dissolved sugars, proteins

and fats, which is organic and biodegradable.

Dairy wastewater is thus considered as

possessing high concentrations of organic

matter and BOD. It is estimated that dairy

industries generate 2.5-3 litres of wastewater

per litre of milk processed.

If left untreated, dairy wastewater will pollute

land and river systems. Hence, proper

treatment of dairy wastewater is necessary

before disposal in the environment, as per the

Maharashtra pollution control board (MPCB)

standards.

With experience in managing dairy waste from

companies such as Etika Dairy from Malaysia,

and Hatsun Agro Products from India, LARS

had supplied preliminary, anaerobic, aerobic

treatment, alongside tertiary treatment like

MGF and ACF. Lars provided a single point

solution to treat liquid waste water generated

from the plant, and treated water was used for

irrigation purposes.



SUEZ EMBARKS

on 2027 goals

As the water industry is poised for significant

changes in climate, smart solutions, and more,

Agatha Wong speaks with Sabrina Soussan, chairman

and CEO of SUEZ, to find out more about the

company’s strategy in the years to come.

To begin with, can you share with us your

experience as CEO of SUEZ since your

appointment earlier this year?

Soussan: The first months have been filled

with much listening, interacting and getting

to know as many colleagues, from across 40

countries we operate in, as possible. I have

been particularly impressed by our Chinese

Team which has been working under very

difficult conditions due to lockdowns

imposed as countermeasures to COVID-19.

Over that period, we have also achieved a

number of significant milestones. We have

completed three acquisitions: hazardous

waste in France; EnviroServ, the leader in

waste treatment in Southern Africa; and

our former recycling and recovery (R&R)

assets in the UK. These moves highlight

the optimism and confidence of our

shareholders in SUEZ’s future. Once the

acquisitions are finalised, the SUEZ global

team would have grown from 35,000 to

44,000 employees and our annual revenue

risen from €7.5 to €9bn.

Can you comment on SUEZ’s new

strategy? What are some of the changes

that customers can expect from it moving

forward?

Soussan: Our plan is an ambitious one,

in line with the increasingly important

environmental challenges facing our world.

My ambition for SUEZ is that we become the

trusted partner of industrial companies and

local authorities for circular solutions in water

and waste. This strategy will progress SUEZ

towards its goals through three pillars: focus,

differentiation and enhanced value creation.

• We will focus on our core business: the

complete waste and water value chains,

including related services, and concentrate

our efforts on certain particularly buoyant

markets, such as Asia, the United

Kingdom, Italy, India, Australia, the Middle

East and Africa.

• We will differentiate by offering a unique

value proposition to our customers, built on

our proven infrastructure, on our expertise

with a recognised leadership in smart and

digital solutions, on end user experience,

and on innovation.

• We will offer enhanced value creation by

being more selective with our projects,

making digitalisation and service

excellence our drivers for competitiveness.

By 2027, this strategy will enable us to be

a benchmark in our industry, recognised

for our agility, capacity to create value, and

innovation.

SUEZ will invest an additional €860m

compared to the previous period to

address new environmental and energy

challenges. What do you think are the most

pressing issues in the industry, and how

will SUEZ continue to create differentiated

solutions to meet these needs?

Soussan: Our industry currently faces

historic challenges, characterised by

strong momentum for green transition from

governments, industries and customers.

SUEZ has been part of this evolution by taking

the lead in action and expanding its expertise.

We will continue to devote our efforts in

addressing environmental challenges

regionally in this fast-changing world. True

to our partnership culture, we will double

our investments, alongside our customers,

mobilising an additional €860m compared to

the previous period for the digitalisation of

water networks, decarbonisation and energy

efficiency, for example. We will also increase

our innovation capacity, with a 50% increase

in our R&D budget by 2027 to develop

differentiated solutions for preserving water

resources, combating pollutants, recycling,

producing green energy from waste; and

reducing our own carbon footprint, as well

as that of our customers. Digital technology

is also an important lever for improving

performance and agility and for developing

new solutions. We will continue to invest

in this area, with the goal of doubling our

revenues from these activities in five years.



How will SUEZ work towards its strategic

objectives and maintain its position for the

future?

Soussan: As we grow strategically and

reposition ourselves to be a leading, fullservice

provider across the entire water

and waste value chains, we will have to be

selective with where we invest our resources

and which projects we undertake. Pursuing

strategic opportunities requires efficient

decisions and strong capital support. We

are fortunate to have a strong backing from

our consortium of shareholders, with ample

capital and strategic alignment.

Second, we will also need to maintain our

leadership in sustainable development.

By the end of 2022, SUEZ will unveil its

sustainable development roadmap, outlining

our contribution, ambitions, and quantified

targets for climate, nature conservation, and

social matters.

Third, we need to engage all stakeholders.

We have made a commitment for employees

to hold 10% of the capital within the next

five to seven years through an employee

shareholding plan. We are promoting diversity

and equal opportunity, and we are renewing

our social commitments through inclusion

initiatives, notably through our social inclusion

subsidiaries, such as Rebond in France.

SUEZ will also be focusing on both mature

and emerging markets. On that vein,

what are your goals for South East Asia in

particular? What unique opportunities for

growth and investment do you see in this

region?

Soussan: South East Asia is an important

region for SUEZ because of our historic

presence in this region and the rising demand

for environmental improvements and the

need to supply top class water and waste

services to the growing populations. As part

of our desire to focus our activities, we will

keep concentrating our efforts, notably in the

Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand,

as well as others. We have numerous projects

in these nations, managed by strong local

SUEZ’s plan for 2027

will see the company

leveraging its knowledge

of the water industry to

serve more customers

(Image: SUEZ/Antoine

Meyssonnier)

teams. Additionally, we provide them with

technical and financial support from our

worldwide SUEZ organisation. Our goal

is to expand further by working with our

partners and clients. By 2027, SUEZ aims at

generating approximately 40% of its revenue

in international markets.

Can you share with us more on the

new, simplified, and customer-focused

organisation that will be structured

around water and waste? How will this

organisation further benefit SUEZ’s

customers and deliver a more robust

commercial and operational experience?

Soussan: We plan to become a more

agile and customer-focused organisation

structured around our two core businesses,

water and waste. Globally, we will organise

our businesses as one “Water” and one

“Waste” division. Our new structure and

operating model will enable us to better

put the customer at the forefront of our

activities.

What are your hopes and visions for

SUEZ as it works towards its strategic

plans? What are you most excited about

for SUEZ’s journey in the next five years?

Soussan: I’m looking forward to seeing

this ambitious, yet realistic, strategic plan,

which is rooted in a purpose of making key

contributions to society, progressing step

by step. I’m convinced that SUEZ, through

its water and waste activities, has been

playing and will play a vital role everywhere

it operates in improving people’s quality of

life on a day-to-day basis.



THE COLLECTIVE CALL

for sustainable action

Cooperation with government bodies, private

companies, and academic institutions will be vital

in ensuring the longevity of green strategies.

By Agatha Wong

The announcement of the Environmental

Sustainability & Energy Efficient Centre (ESEE)

by Singapore Polytechnic (SP) at the “Values-

Based Green Transition – For Singapore

Businesses” event brought together key

players ranging from government agencies,

private companies, trade associations and

chambers, demonstrating a united resolve in

supporting the green transition of companies

across various sectors.

Serving as a one-stop provider of services and

counsel for sustainable practices, companies

can expect the knowledge and expertise

of participating members as they tackle

common teething issues such as operational

costs and administrative process. Similarly,

companies like Grundfos will be tapping

into their portfolios to support firms across

various industries. The end result: a symbiotic

arrangement where all parties benefit mutually

from the expansion of greener strategies.

“The MOU with SP will allow us tap into higher

learning institutions, where Grundfos comes in

with vast knowledge and applications; as well

as experience in bringing about sustainability

solutions. SP will also provide us a platform

to also enter more ecosystems and connect

with more industries, policy makers and

higher-learning institutions, and get things off

the ground,” said Eric Lai, regional managing

director of Industry – APAC, and country

director for Singapore, at Grundfos.

On that front, Grundfos will be able to offer its

portfolio of services and products, designed

for water and energy efficiency, to a wider

audience. Humphrey Lau, former

group senior vice-president of global

industry business at Grundfos, shared

at the conference the six projects

which the company has planned,

drawing from the reduction of Grundfos’

carbon footprint by energy consumption

and the electricity bill as per prior

feasibility studies on solar panels and PV

installations. Bearing its past experience

and expertise, the ESEE will thus provide

Grundfos the context needed to support local

companies:

“In order to bring collaborations like this to

life, it is important to have a relevant context,

and that is why it is so important for us to

have collaboration with local institutions

like SP, else we’d be coming up with global

concepts that are too far away,” added Lau.

RACE TO 2030

The need for sustainable action has never

been clearer. As the 2030 deadline set out by

the United Nations Agenda for Sustainable

Development swiftly approaches, with the

organisation stating that the world is nowhere

near said goals, there is a strong call for more

to be done, and quickly. In that regard, it will

be vital for key players to help as many firms,

both large and small, as possible. On a local

level, this also means reaching out to small

and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs), which

form a critical part of Singapore business

landscape.

“Local companies have a big role to play,

because they are part of the larger industry

From left to right: Eric Lai, regional managing director

of Industry – APAC, and country director for Singapore

at Grundfos, and Humphrey Lau, former group senior

vice-president of global industry business at Grundfos

that consumes most of the electricity in

Singapore. For us, coming in as a global

company, it is important to engage at the

right-levels regarding using less to produce

more — both from the water and energy

aspect. Another aspect would be bringing

along digitalising technologies, having sensors



in place; getting more shove in terms of the

consumption and demand requirements. To

regulate the energy and water consumption

on a needs-based system rather than the

previous time-based and experience-based

systems can allow us to get heart of the

issue, which is increasing sustainability and

using less for more,” said Lai.

While Singapore delivers a conducive

environment for the implementation of

sustainable initiatives, it is also necessary

for global companies such as Grundfos

to reach out to other countries around the

world. Crucially, there is also a protracted

call for enabling sustainable change in the

region. South East Asia, in particular, can

benefit from a fortification of their water

infrastructures alongside greener strategies,

killing two birds with one stone. In that

regard, the region presents a reservoir

of untapped potential and business

opportunities for water companies to lead

the change.

“For the region, we see a lot of potential to

cover the market, especially in South East

Asia. There are many cities and industry here

that can escalate their water reductions,

water efficiency and quality levels. Through

this network, we can also drive the trend in

terms of sustainability for the goodwill of

climate change. It can also bring about a

sustainable business model. This can really

fund and produce good not just for the

company, but for the environment in the long

run,” shared Lai.

Lau shared a similar sentiment: “Asia

represents an industrial hub, not just in

Singapore but across South East Asia, and

even Japan and Australia, China and India.

This will only in the coming years continue

to intensify in terms of water, energy, and

resource consumption. You can think of it

as a huge pilot plan where there is a need

for solutions. We see a huge opportunity

for Grundfos to co-develop solutions with

industry players in this part of the world.”

HAND-IN-HAND

As a global company, Grundfos has had a

front-row seat in witnessing the changes

necessary for the sustainable transformation

of the world’s industrial ecosystems. More

than that, as providers of solutions in water

and energy management, the company

has a keen awareness in the importance

of collaboration for fruitful changes to take

place.

The ESEE serves as an instance where multifaceted

cooperation across different sectors,

be it private or public, can work together

towards a common goal. This is testament to

the enormity of the climate challenge at hand,

where it is not sufficient for a single player

to contribute to the fight. For pronounced

change to take effect, it will be vital for

agencies and companies to come together in

a common goal.

With input across public

and private sectors, and

academic institutions,

the conference and

ESEE served as proof

of the need for greater

collaboration in enacting

sustainable change

Lau remarked: “There are issues and

challenges in this world which are so big that

not one company nor sector can handle by

themselves. The COVID pandemic had been

a great example showcasing how private

pharmaceutical companies can work hand-inhand

with governments to develop vaccines in

an unprecedented short amount of time.

“Climate change, I think, is another major

issue that not just one sector can work alone

on. I believe that Grundfos holds a small

number of keys and tools that can add onto

this larger equation, and we’d very much like

to invite everyone on the value chain to work

together with us.”

Quoting Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of

State for Sustainability and the Environment,

and Transport, who graced the event as the

guest-of-honour, and stressed the need to be

bold in the sustainability journey, Lai added

that the issue of sustainable transformation

no longer lies in the “why”, but rather the

“how”. Concrete measures demonstrating the

commitment and collaboration between all

parties will be vital to setting the path for the

sustainability agenda moving forward.

“The event demonstrates that there is a lot

of commitment from commercial and higher

learning institutions, as well as government

bodies who want to support this. Therefore, it

really is time for us to take action into our own

hands and take a step forward.”

Dr Amy Khor, Senior

Minister of State for

Sustainability and

the Environment, and

Transport, graced

the event as the

guest-of-honour



“GOOD FOR BUSINESS,

GOOD FOR COMMUNITY”:

What corporate sustainability

could look like in South East Asia

As the need to fight climate change increases, companies have to re-consider

their corporate priorities to ensure sustainability across all areas of production

and their industries as a whole. By Kimberly Liew

(COP26) held in Glasgow last year revealed

that organisations should reduce emissions

to keep temperature rises within 1.5°C, to

prevent climate catastrophe. Companies thus

need to be strategic in their plans for water

sustainability. They need to innovate solutions

to these pre-existing issues, while also

ensuring their own practices are sustainable

themselves.

This includes where they source their water

supplies. Agnihotri stated that LANXESS

regularly assesses current and future water

stress to ensure the human and ecological

demand for water is sustainable. Over 90%

of their water withdrawal are in areas with

low water stress. They have also identified

four water risk sites and have initiated

measures to reduce water withdrawal.

For companies working in South East Asia,

water sustainability is an issue that needs

to be seriously considered. Despite being

home to 60% of the world’s population, the

region only has access to 36% of the world’s

water resources, making the per capita water

availability the lowest in the world.

These challenges are only furthered by

climate change causing extreme weather

fluctuations and rapid urbanisation. The

United Nations Climate Change Conference

LANXESS: SOLUTIONS AND STRATEGY

LANXESS, a specialty chemicals developer

with solutions in water purification, is one of

the many companies which has re-oriented

itself towards sustainability. In their efforts

to be more environmentally minded, the

company has to consider their every action

and its impact on the larger ecosystem.

“Our motto is ‘Good for business, good for

community’. This is based on the conviction

that with our products and our expertise in

the field of sustainable development, we can

make important contributions: supporting our

customers, protecting the environment and

improving the quality of life for all people. In

this way, we create sustainable value for all

stakeholders. And we remain a sustainable

company,” said Vinod Agnihotri, vicepresident

and head of materials protection

products business unit, Asia-Pacific,

LANXESS.

The company has also launched a global

water programme in 2020, designed to

promote sustainable water management

and continuously improve the ways

they use water. The programme has

three primary goals: ensure global

water management, foster local water

stewardship and to ensure the company

is connected to communities “beyond

the gates”. The company hopes to

achieve each goal through enacting

these methods, respectively: transparent

reporting on water management and use,

addressing issues in local water systems,

and safeguarding the drinking water

supply of the communities they operate

in. Ultimately, LANXESS’ global target is

to reduce annual water consumption by

2% despite organic growth, while reducing

water withdrawal from locally identified

water risk sites at an absolute of 15% until

2023.



Water is not the only form of sustainability

LANXESS is committed to. Since 2021, the

company’s sustainability committee has

been deemed the “top decision-making

body”. Since the company’s re-structuring,

it has learnt that clear and specific goals

are the best way to enact sustainability. To

that end, it has implemented three pillars

to ensure climate neutrality: purchasing

sustainable raw materials, ensuring green

logistics, and expanding its range of climate

neutral products with the “Scopeblue” brand

label.

The company has also reportedly halved

their direct emissions, from 6.5 million

tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e)

to 3.2 million tonnes. This was achieved

through minimising emissions from their

production and external energy resources.

LANXESS is now hoping to eliminate their

indirect emissions in the upstream and

downstream value chain by 2050. The

company has also contributed to causes like

the OneMillionTrees movement in Singapore,

planting 50 trees across the Kranji-

Woodlands Nature Way to revive the streets

with lush greenery and reduce greenhouse

gases through carbon sequestration.

WATER COMPANIES, WATER

STEWARDSHIP AND COLLECTIVE

RESPONSIBILITY

Water companies play an important role

in resolving the water crisis in South East

Asia. “With population, pollution, and water

shortages growing unabatedly, collaboration

between the public sector and water

companies must be established to turn

water-scarce cities into high-tech hydro

hubs,” Agnihotri stated.

This schema has already been implemented

in Singapore for decades, through the Public

Utilities Board (PUB)’s role in implementing

and expanding the NEWater water filtration

system, which was used to reclaim

wastewater into clean and usable water

for Singaporeans. The project’s success is

evident from 40% of Singapore’s water supply

stemming from recycled sewage, which is

expected to rise to 55% by 2060. Agnihotri

thus encouraged water companies to work

closely with the public sector and provide

insight into technologies that can expedite the

process.

But this is only one part of the solution.

Agnihotri believes that water companies

should also work with other industries like

the chemical industry to create innovative

solutions for water treatments. He cited the

example of LANXESS’ Lewatit ion exchange

resins, which were used to treat and process

wastewater across various industries.

As he explained: “We have produced ion

exchange resins that can remove undesirable

substances from groundwater to turn it into

drinking water. The principle of ion exchange

has also found a wide variety of applications

in the household. When used in water filter

pitchers, Lewatit products remove water

hardness because many people much prefer

the taste of tea and coffee made with soft

drinking water.”

Development and quality

control of monodisperse

ion exchange resins at

Jhagadia site, India, used

for water treatment

Water sustainability cannot be achieved

through the efforts of water companies alone,

however. Water stewardship on the part of

companies outside the water industry is also

just as important. Agnihotri emphasised that

companies should understand their collective

responsibility “in water usage, catchment

context and shared risk in terms of water

governance”. It is only by understanding

and collaborating with others that share the

same knowledge that meaningful change

can take place.

THE FUTURE OF WATER

SUSTAINABILITY IN SOUTH EAST ASIA

Currently, the two most critical issues facing

the region are securing an adequate water

supply and ensuring water contamination

is addressed at its source. Most water

technologies are currently focused on

recycling wastewater and water recovery.

While these measures are effective, it

is likely not enough to guarantee water

security and sustainability.

One key issue in water security is preventing

and responding to future health crises,

in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and

its effects on water management. Water

services should thus begin considering

sustainability and long-term resilience as

part of their infrastructure.

For instance, Agnihotri suggested the

industry can empower water service

providers with digital innovations that

are increasingly available to manage

uncertainty and enhance the experiences

of service providers and their customers.

Green recovery strategies should also be

implemented, which includes investments

in water and sanitation that will deliver

accelerated economic growth, while also

being sustainable for people and the

planet.

“Water plays a significant role ecologically

and socially beyond its role as an economic

resource. Access to water and sanitary

facilities is a fundamental human right. Its

availability and quality are global challenges

that must be addressed at a local and

regional level. Similarly, we believe that the

sparing use of water is crucial. Scarce water

resources need to be handled consciously

and carefully and viewed as an investment

in the future,” concluded Agnihotri.


IN THE FIELD

REDUCING

LEAKS IN

Jakarta’s water

networks

Jakarta’s water network

before the installation of

Cla-Val pipes

In 2005, Jakarta, the capital city of

Indonesia, was losing nearly 50% of

its produced water from leakages

in their water network. At the time,

management of the network had

been privatised into two separate

concessions, with one section

being managed by Palyja. Palyja,

a SUEZ company, is the water

distribution company responsible for

disseminating water in the western and

southern areas of central Jakarta.

The section of the network managed

by Palyja extended for over 3,000km

and consisted of mainly non-metallic

piping in sizes 25mm through


IN THE FIELD

1,200mm, with unit pressure of at most 15m.

At the end of many zones, the pressure

could typically be recorded as zero for most

of the day, as the traffic appeared to be

permanently grid-locked like most cities. The

systems ranged from newly built to old and

abandoned. Non-revenue water (NRW) was

recorded to be typically 75%.

An example of the Cla-Val pressure system

used in Jakarta

The 90-series control valve by Cla-Val

One key to permanent leakage control is

to not only reduce the leakage, but to also

maintain a low leakage level. The approach

developed for the water networks in Jakarta

was successful in identifying leaks, but not

controlling them. It became apparent that as

soon as a leak had been located and repaired,

another broke elsewhere.

According to Cla-Val, the benefits of lowering

pressure has been utilised across the world,

but these applications were typically with

higher pressures. What was less known

was the effectiveness of pressure control at

mitigating leakage rates with low pressures,

which was the main issue in Jakarta.

High leakage creates high flow, which in turn

increases head loss and reduces pressure.

When the leaks were repaired, the reverse

occurred. The resulting higher pressures

increased water loss through small leaks, as

well as the increase in new leaks. It became

clear that the solution to the problem was

pressure control. However, it was unknown if

a pressure control system could be effective

with pressures as low as 10m.

Kurita

Water & Environment

Event

2022.12.07Wed - 09 Fri

ASEAN

Creating Shared Value

with KURITA latest technologies

At Kurita, we approach each water and energy saving opportunity from our

customer’s perspective. Whether your goals are driven by environmental stewardship,

tightening regulation or operational efficiency, Kurita has the expertise and experience to

provide valuable solutions to your unique challenges.

● Webinar

1. Dropwise condensation Technology

: Realize optimal use of water and heat

2. Water Reclamation Technology

: Providing the value of water reclamation and recycling

3. Waste Reduction Technology

: Creating resource-recycling society

● Virtual Booth

Why not experience our technology and

solutions on a virtual tour booth?

A trial was undertaken in a pilot area of

around 20km 2 where Cla-Val valves were

installed. During the trial, the valves not only

maintained a constant downstream pressure,

but it also reduced the rates of leakage.

Over 500 90-series control valves were

installed, with many having a time- or flowbased

controller. Palyja claims that the valves

have generally experienced a “fault-free

performance” thus far, justifying the often

initial higher capital costs for “high-quality

and well-engineered” products.

Webinar Schedule

AM

PM

Time

GMT (+7)

7 th Dec 2022 8 th Dec 2022 9 th Dec 2022

10:00〜10:30 Waste Reduction

technology

DW Technology

10:30〜11:00 Q&A Q&A

14:00〜14:30 Keynote Speech

Water Reclamation

Technology

14:30〜15:00 DW Technology Q&A

The first 50 participants of each webinar will be given a GREEN Door Gift.

Company information

Singapore Kurita (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. Tel: +65 6861 2622 Email: KSP_Inquiry@kurita-water.com

Malaysia Kurita Water (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd Tel: +603 6157 3166 Email: KWM_Inquiry@kurita-water.com

Thailand Kurita-GK Chemical Co., Ltd Tel: +662 315 2300 Email: KGC_ho@kurita-water.com

Vietnam Kurita-GK Vietnam Co., Ltd Tel: +84 24 3959 0352 Email: KGC_ho@kurita-water.com

Indonesia PT Kurita Indonesia Tel: +62 21 8936245 Email: contact@kurita.co.id

Please register

our webinar

by this code


IN THE FIELD

FITS LIKE A GLOVE:

Veolia supports Mölnlycke’s

sustainable network

Tucked in the industrial heart of Kedah, Mölnlycke’s newest glove factory

will not only support regional demand for medical supplies,

but also the company’s sustainable goals.

At a glance, the plant is equipped with the following technologies:

• Process Water Treatment Plant

° Multimedia filtration

° UV sterilisation

° Hydrex chemical dosing

• Wastewater Treatment Plant

° Primary treatment/clarification – Multiflo Pack

° Biological treatment – AnoxKaldnes Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR)

° Secondary treatment/solid separation –Idraflot Dissolved Air Flotation

° Sludge treatment – Sludge thickening and dewatering

• Hubgrade Digital Monitoring System

shared Olivier Estienne, country director for

Malaysia at Veolia Water Technologies.

Inaugurated in Sep 2022, the new Mölnlycke

plant in Kulim, Malaysia, will enable the

medical product manufacturer to expand

their glove manufacturing capacity by 60%,

allowing the company to meet current and

future demand for surgical gloves. Mölnlycke

also hopes to meet its goal for reducing water

consumption by up to 50%, using Veolia’s

digitalised systems 1 .

In partnership with Veolia Water Technologies

and Engie, Mölnlycke has also implemented

sustainable energy and water/wastewater

treatment facilities at the new plant, despite

the manufacturing process for surgical

gloves being a resource-intensive one. Jean-

Christophe Guillou, vice-president of global

Mölnlycke’s latest plant

in Kulim, Malaysia, spans

across 29,164m 2

operations for gloves at Mölnlycke, had

approached Veolia for the project.

Veolia’s solutions for the plant will enable

the company to achieve a circular economy

and reduce waste in their manufacturing

processes, as well as recycle and reuse

process water both on-site and/or via third

parties.

“What is difficult when it comes to wastewater

treatment for industrial use is understanding

what is being manufactured and what kind

of wastewater is generated. Our process

included visiting the existing team and the

facility, to see what was the best sustainable

design that Veolia could bring for the plant,”

“Sustainability at Veolia entails enabling our

customers to conserve resources. This can

be water, power, or chemical resources.

Glove manufacturing requires a lot of

chemicals, similar to wastewater treatment.

At each step of glove production, water is

needed, and wastewater is generated. The

idea was to find the best possible way to

segregate wastewater such that we didn’t

have to apply the full process to each

part of the stream. In this way, energy and

chemical consumption is reduced to what

is needed for treatment. If we start diluting

polluted water, for example, we’d need to

treat a higher volume of water. However,

if we treat only a small, concentrated

amount of water, we will only need to bring

in the chemicals needed for that volume,”

explained Estienne.

Another aspect of Veolia’s sustainable

model was embedded in Mölnlycke’s


IN THE FIELD

schema for the Kulim plant itself. As the site

will be built in stages, Veolia will match their

services to its corresponding phases. The

first stage saw Veolia helping Mölnlycke

comply with discharge standards, while

the second will aim at improving water

reuse and striving towards the goal of

zero water discharge. Altogether, these

implementations will support Mölnlycke

in their efforts towards reducing carbon

footprint.

A DIVE INTO THE KULIM PLANT

Water and wastewater treatment begins

in the Process Water Treatment Plant,

which includes multimedia filtration and

UV sterilisation. Within this process, raw

water from Syarikat Air Darul Aman (SADA)

is treated chemically before it flows into

the multimedia filter (MMF), at a flow rate

of 100m 3 /h with more than 2mg per litre of

chlorine. To comply with stringent bacterial

count requirements, UV disinfection is

deployed as the last treatment step prior to

consumption at the glove production line.

The objective of this stage is the reduction

of total suspended solids and bacteria

count.

Meanwhile, the wastewater treatment

plant has been distinguished into three

different stages and objectives. In the

primary treatment and clarification stage,

wastewater from the surgical glove

production line flows into the Multiflo

unit. Sedimentation begins here where

suspended solids and specific minerals

are blended with coagulants to form large,

easily settled flocs. These flocs accumulate

at the bottom of the equipment while

clarified water flows to the next phase for

further treatment. Here, total suspended

solids and zinc are reduced, and the

accumulated sludge in the bottom of

the tank is regularly removed either via a

suction draw-off or scraper mechanism.

After sedimentation, the clarified

wastewater flows into the biological

MBBR tank for biodegradation. In this

1

2

biological treatment stage, Veolia’s biofilm

carriers move freely by aeration, while

microorganisms feed on contaminants

and further purifies the water as part of its

biological activity. Ammonia, nitrogen, and

BOD/COD are removed as a result.

The wastewater stream is then preconditioned

with coagulant and flocculant.

This is where suspended solids are brought

to the surface of water via microbubbles as

part of the enhanced separation, through the

Idraflot dissolved air flotation. Floated sludge

is then scraped off from the water surface.

Thereafter, sludge from the Idraflot and

Multiflo is then chemically conditioned for

further thickening before being pumped into

the filter press for dewatering. The aim is to

achieve 20% dryness of dewatered sludge.

THE WIDER AGENDA

Mölnlycke’s wastewater treatment

processes forms part of a greater plan for

resource conservation in Malaysia. The

recent 12th Malaysia Plan highlighted the

government’s plans for comprehensive

water transformation, with integrated

wastewater treatment plants to be

constructed for the management and control

of effluent discharge in industrial areas, and

encouraging a circular economy in the water

sector.

“What the government wants is closely

aligned to what multinationals have set

as their KPIs; it is also similar to what the

people want. Reducing consumption and

addressing water scarcity constraints

are the most pressing factors — though

Malaysia receives a lot of rain, water is

distributed unequally across the country.

Klang and Kuantan, for example, face water

scarcity issues annually. Similarly, with more

1 Clarified wastewater is further purified as it enters

the MBBR tank, where biofilm carriers remove

BOD, ammonia, and nitrogen

2 The Idraflot removes suspended solids, oils and

greases, and insoluble COD

industrial facilities being built in Kluang and

Penang, water resources are expected grow

tighter.

“The target, then, is to ensure that we do not

overuse water reserves. Veolia provides its

clients with access to the water they need by

preserving and replenishing them. With that,

we’re pushing wastewater reuse, which can

be applied across a variety of applications,

be it landscaping, flushing, or drinking.”

With the government leading the way forth,

and multinationals such as Mölnlycke

setting the tone for a greener future, the

Kulim plant was a success for all involved

across the board. Estienne also attributed

this to the planning team’s adherence to its

sustainability targets and its criterion-based

decision making hastened the construction

process. As the plant begins the first phase

of its operations, Veolia is keen on working

with the company further to get a stronger

grasp on what will be needed in the years

moving forward.

“Our on-site team will continue to work

with Mölnlycke to monitor and study their

wastewater streams over the coming years

— especially if there are changes to the

composition of the wastewater produced.

This way, we can provide solutions to

address Mölnlycke’s needs and achieve their

long-term sustainability targets.”

Reference

1 https://www.molnlycke.com/news/molnlycke-news/molnlycke-

inaugurates-new-plant-and-accelerates-to-meet-future-demand-

for-supply-and-sustainability/


LET US DEVELOP, MARKET

AND MANAGE YOUR

NEXT WEBINAR

WEBINAR SERIES DEVELOPMENT

• Content development

• Pre and post webinar email marketing

• Be supported by WWA print and digital advertising

• Graphics and video support

• Hosting

• Software provision

• Professional moderation

• Turnkey management

• Speaker support

• Documentation support

• Audience interaction

• Feedback gathering & analysis

• Monitoring and reportage

For more information, contact us at

sales@pabloasia.com

www.waterwastewaterasia.com

FOCUS

THE FUTURE FOR PUMPS,

IIoT and Industry 4.0

Elektra is an IoT-enabled

digital controller produced

by Seko which allows

operators to programme their

equipment, as well as access

live and historic dosing pump

data on demand from any

location via smartphone

Outside of the consumer sector, a branch

of IoT has emerged within industries,

including manufacturing, healthcare and

water treatment. Known as Industry 4.0 or

the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), the

integration of technology in physical devices

can help managers make improvements to

operational efficiency, energy consumption

and environmental impact.

This technology is changing what is possible

in traditional motor-driven, solenoid and

peristaltic pump applications, including liquid

transfer and chemical dosing in processes

as varied as swimming pool, wastewater and

cooling water treatment.

From flocculation and coagulation to pH

correction and other water-treatment

applications, operators seeking to improve

efficiency and sustainability are increasingly

specifying for web-enabled pump systems.

For example, the capacity for “live” document

sharing creates the potential for equipment

manufacturers to update digital installation

guides and operating manuals to reflect

changes in design or software, before

immediately uploading the latest revisions to

the cloud.

As the fourth industrial revolution approaches

its second decade, we are witnessing a swift

development that began within the consumer

market and is now progressing into the

manufacturing and industrial automation

sectors.

This technological growth, commonly

referred to as the Internet of Things (IoT), is

a meeting between smart device technology

and data generation, processing and

accessibility. Within the consumer sector,

this has resulted in the creation of the smart

home, where users benefit from the ability

to remotely control a multitude of household

appliances — from lighting and heating to

kitchen appliances, security devices and

entertainment systems — via computers,

smartphones and tablets.

And there is no sign of this boom slowing

any time soon, as Statistica estimates that

the worldwide installed base of internetconnected

devices will increase from 10

billion today to more than 25 billion by the end

of the decade 1 .

This allows potentially unlimited changes to

be made, saving on printing costs. Engineers

and operators can thus have access to upto-date

literature. In addition to accelerating

installation, set-up and commissioning,

managers can reduce associated time and

costs, while helping to ensure a smoother

user experience.

During equipment operation, IoT systems

receive information from pump sensors which

are constantly harvesting data on multiple

values — including cycle status, chemical


FOCUS

consumption and vibration monitoring. With

both historical and real-time data at their

fingertips 24/7, users can make informed

decisions relating to system performance and

perform adjustments to formulas, flow rate,

unit of measure and other parameters, as well

as altering pump operating modes such as

manual, batch and timed.

In addition to making efficiency

improvements, operators are able to budget

with greater accuracy and confidence while

streamlining stored chemical volume, which

is useful on small sites where space is at a

premium.

Moreover, web-connected pump systems

have the capacity to convert chemical

consumption volume into the equivalent

financial value, which allows projected

savings to be precisely calculated when

considering dosing adjustments. These

figures may also be presented to senior

management to justify programme changes

or to demonstrate performance improvement

in monetary terms.

Many pre-Industry 4.0 dosing pump systems

incorporate some form of a fault-logging

system, with the drawback being that these

are not always checked regularly, let alone

actioned. This is often a consequence of

the reactive “if it is not broken, do not fix

it” philosophy, where apart from minimal

maintenance, equipment may be left to run if

there are no visible issues and processes are

operational.

Now, IIoT-based systems enable users to

receive smartphone notifications as soon

as faults occur, meaning defects can be

quickly identified and remedial action can

be scheduled to take place outside normal

operating hours, when disruption can be

minimised. This yields an improvement in the

efficiency of equipment maintenance, repair

and upgrade planning, while avoiding costly,

inconvenient and unplanned downtime.

As well as overall system health, IIoT

technology allows for the performance and

status of specific pump components such

as bearings, couplings and belts to be

assessed. This means that the operator can

be alerted quickly should a part be due for

replacement, facilitating maintenance while

also driving aftermarket sales for suppliers.

Meanwhile, this component and system

data allows manufacturers themselves to

benefit from IIoT by monitoring trends, user

preferences and common problems, all to

refine equipment and continuously improve

their product offering.

It is not only the efficiency of equipment

and utilities that can be improved. For

businesses running across multiple sites in

different countries or even continents, IIoT

and the leveraging of real-time data means

operations management can be carried

out anywhere in the world and still be as

effective as they would be while standing in

front of the machine’s controller.

An example of how this technology could

be implemented can be seen in Elektra.

Elektra is an IoT-enabled digital controller

produced by Seko, a manufacturer of

chemical dosing systems for multiple

industry sectors, including the design,

production and supply of equipment

for processes such as potable water,

swimming pool water and cooling

tower water treatment. Elektra allows

operators of water treatment processes

to programme their equipment, as

well as access live and historic dosing

pump data on demand from any

location via smartphone. This allows

managers working remotely to analyse

pump performance and make instant

programming adjustments to save energy,

water and chemicals, while reducing the

environmental impact of their application.

The ability for one operator to remotely

manage pump systems across multiple

sites may also be useful for addressing the

water treatment sector’s well-reported lack

of skilled technical personnel caused by

retirements in an ageing workforce 2 .

This is especially true for water treatment

systems in smaller communities, where

lone, long-serving operators may possess

extensive knowledge of idiosyncratic

systems that may not be recorded or

documented. In those situations, a sudden

retirement, illness, or period of extended

leave has the potential to impair system

operations.

Additionally, wasted journeys by technicians

— who may travel a considerable distance to

assess a pump’s condition as part of routine

maintenance, only to find it in perfect working

order — can be minimised, as engineers need

only be deployed when required.

This is particularly timely post-COVID, where

the trend of remote working established

during the pandemic has seen many

operators continue to work at least partially

from home. The integration of IIoT is thus

starting to be seen as an expectation, rather

than a bonus.

The influence of IIoT on the pump industry

is positive and as technology advances, will

seemingly make life easier for operators.

However, as with most devices, connecting

pump systems to the internet immediately

makes them vulnerable to cyber-attacks,

where just one security breach can have a

potentially devastating impact on safety, cost

and reputation.

It is therefore vital that equipment

manufacturers employ robust processes

when designing secure products and back

them up with training and ongoing support for

operatives.

At a time when 5G is opening yet more

possibilities for high-speed, reliable IoT, the

global pump industry is primed to see where

technology will take Industry 4.0 in 2022 and

beyond.

References:

1 Statista: Number of Internet of Things (IoT) connected devices

worldwide from 2019 to 2030, by vertical

2 AP News: Aging workforce hits water plants especially hard


FOCUS

WASTEWATER TREATMENT:

A deep dive into new technologies

A vulnerable climate and growing population

will call for stronger water infrastructure.

Precise

measurements

using data collection

and high sample

volumes displayed

on the Valmet Bridge

control unit.

Global warming and a changing

climate will continue to have disruptive

and unpredictable effects on both

our drinking water sources and

communities. Some places will

experience increased frequency and

intensity of rain, floods, and sewer

overflows while other areas will face

severe droughts, water scarcity and

increased fire risks.

Climate change brings severe consequences

or countries across the

globe, ranging from damage to water

supply and sewerage infrastructure,

to the degradation of catchments

and contamination of water supplies.

In Asia, climate models indicate that

rising temperatures will increase heavy

rainfall during the rainy seasons and

extend the dry durations during dry

seasons.

Equally concerning are storm surges

and high tides that could combine with

rising sea levels and land subsidence

to further increase flooding in many

regions and overwhelm the design

capacity of municipal stormwater

management systems. Stormwater

runoff, which often includes pollutants

like heavy metals, pesticides, and

nitrogen, can end up in rivers, streams

and bays.

“This contamination can be detrimental

to human health and the aquatic

ecosystem, and it will become more

expensive to clean water and bring it to

safe, acceptable drinking standards,”

cautioned Nalin Amunugama, general

manager of BOGE Kompressoren Asia

Pacific.

The global water consumption rate

has been increasing by 100% every

20 years, reported Business Wire.

The rising scarcity of potable water,


FOCUS

coupled with the growing population

and increasing water demand is a major

factor driving the demand. Asia-Pacific

currently accounts for the largest

share of the water and wastewater

treatment technologies market. The

high market growth is attributed

to rapid growth in population and

urbanisation, increased environmental

deterioration, increased demand

for water treatment technologies to

provide clean and potable water, and

the rise in the number of investments

in water infrastructure by public sector

organisations in the region.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also reinvigorated

the critical value of resilient,

sustainable and reliable water and

wastewater infrastructure. Municipalities

and industries around the world

are investing more in research and

chemicals that manufacturers use in

wastewater treatment. Using the data,

the operator can adjust mechanisms

and treatment processes to stay

in compliance and achieve great

of 0-50%. Regardless of flow rate or

sludge quality variations, it delivers

exceptionally precise measurements

using rapid data collection and high

sample volumes.

Klabin Puma pulp

mill relies on the

Valmet TS for precise

measurements at

their wastewater

treatment plant in

Brazil

development, and ramping up efforts to

efficiencies. The platform also can

adopt sustainable water treatment and

build what-if scenarios and make

The data collected is displayed on

wastewater reuse initiatives. Industrial

automated operational control and

the Valmet Bridge control unit, a

manufacturers are turning to AI, ma-

management choices using historical

touchscreen terminal that provides

chine learning, and industrial internet

and real-time data.

real-time trend visualisations and

of things (IoT) technologies to meet the

challenge.

AI-POWERED INTELLIGENCE

PRECISE, REAL-TIME

MEASUREMENTS

Measurement of solids in wastewater

running intelligent diagnostics. As it

continuously measures all solids in the

process flow, the TS enables better

control for more efficient industrial and

In Australia, start-up Streamwise

treatment has always been a

municipal wastewater processes: from

D.I. has developed an AI-powered

difficult proposition. Limitations

reducing water content in dry cake, to

intelligence platform to provide

in measurement accuracy along

optimising polymer dosage in biogas

industrial-grade digitisation for

with long term reliability has been

production, running at better pumping

wastewater treatment. The platform

a concern to plant operators and

capacity, and saving on transportation

collects real-time information from

engineers. In addition, the solids

costs.

cameras, IoT-based sensors, and other

instruments installed on machinery

treatment and disposal that makes

for over 30% of the wastewater

ELIMINATING HARMFUL ALGAE

at the customer’s facilities. The data

treatment costs remains one of the

Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria)

becomes a “digital twin” that feeds

biggest challenges.

that are naturally present in surface

into a cloud-based dashboard, where

water can become abundant in warm,

it is analysed and shared as action

With a long history of delivering

shallow, undisturbed, nutrient-rich

items with designated team members.

measurement and optimisation

surface waters that receive a lot of

Information is available right away with

applications for sludge dewatering

sunlight. When this occurs, the algae

the use of a mobile device or a web

processes, Finnish company

can form blooms that discolour the

browser.

Valmet developed the Valmet TS

water, or produce floating mats or

that utilises microwave technology

scums on the water’s surface, which

Among the biggest regulatory

to determine total organic and

are harmful to human health and the

mandates is the volume and type of

inorganic solids content in the range

surrounding environment.


FOCUS

Compressed air has an important role

in clean water supply and wastewater

treatment where different pressures

and degrees of purity are required. In

a collaboration with Belgium’s Waterlink,

BOGE equipped the Spaarbekken

Eckhoven reservoir with an aeration

system.

The plug-and-play container,

constructed at the BOGE facility in

the Netherlands, was fitted with two

frequency-regulated 22kW BOGE screw

compressors with a control range

of 1.47–4.58m³/min and a maximum

system pressure of five bar, placed at

an outdoor location. The compressed

air passes through the refrigerant dryer

to dry the air to a pressure dew of +3

degrees, and then through BOGE’s

Bluekat converter to provide oil-free

compressed air which is pumped into

the water through five-point aerators.

The aeration ensures good mixing,

leading to increased oxygen content,

reduced release of nutrients by the soil

and elimination of dead zones. This,

in turn, limits the possibility of floating

layer-forming cyanobacteria and

assures safe drinking water.

SUSTAINABLE WATER TREATMENT

Producing everyday goods generates

wastewater, which needs to be

treated before being discharged into

rivers and lakes. Not only does this

use a lot of energy and chemicals,

the process is costly. In Norway,

EffiSludge for LIFE (EFL) has found

a way to clean industrial wastewater

with environmental and climate

benefits. EFL developed an integrated

wastewater treatment method that

takes an “industrial symbiosis”

approach where the waste from one

sector becomes a resource for another.

They set up a demonstration plant

in the Norske Skog Skogn paper mill

north of Trondheim where the existing

industrial wastewater treatment facility

was integrated into a biogas plant. It

now cleans wastewater from the paper

mill while biogas is generated from

both the wastewater and waste from

the fishing industry. The approach

requires less energy than traditional

cleaning methods. The waste sludge

generated can also be reused to

produce biomethane instead of being

burned or sent to a landfill. Chemicals

and energy use are reduced, providing

a cost-effective and greener

wastewater treatment solution. The

emissions reduction of up to 9,000

tonnes is equivalent to the amount of

carbon dioxide that one million pine

trees absorb each year.

KEEPING CLEAN WATER SAFE

The availability of safe and sufficient

water supplies is linked to how

wastewater is managed. Increasing

amounts of untreated sewage, combined

with agricultural runoff and

industrial discharge, have degraded

water quality and contaminated water

resources around the world. According

to the World Bank, globally, 80%

of wastewater flows back into the

ecosystem without being treated or

reused, and by 2025, two-thirds of the

world’s population are likely to be water

strained.

In recent years, societal and

environmental pressures have led to

a growing movement for the industry

to reduce its wastewater and to treat

it before discharge. Wastewater is

now regarded as a potential resource,

and its use or recycling after suitable

treatment, can provide economic and

financial benefits. The growth of urban

demand for water will require new

approaches to wastewater collection

and management.

“A transformative approach is

key to reversing the flow of water

contamination, with more awareness,

enhanced prevention, and wise

investments in new technologies,”

Amunugama said.

New technologies for climate-risk

analysis are coming into the market that

can deliver insights at scale, assess

climate impacts on businesses and

support effective board-level decisionmaking.

These are useful both for water

management and the facilitation of

accurate and timely water-risk reporting

for businesses.

BOGE’s screw

compressors

provided the

Spaarbekken

Eckhoven reservoir

with an aeration

system to ensure

clean water supply.


FOCUS

BASICS OF

drinking water

hygiene

above 25°C and below 55°C, but in particular

30-42°C, must be avoided. The cold water

systems can often be overlooked and heat

transfer from the ambient air to the cold

water pipes can result in regular and longlasting

temperatures above 20°C. In the

German DVGW water information 90*, only

a temperature of below 20°C is considered

to be a safe temperature, which also

corresponds with many other international

standards, such as BS 8558* and HTM 04-

01*. In addition to avoiding stagnation and

limiting the food supply, it is necessary to

avoid the optimal temperature ranges which

positively condition the microbiome for the

growth of OPPPs.

By Chris Rhodes, associate director, Kemper UK & Ireland;

Frank Schmidt, market development engineer, Kemper

Group; Timo Kirchhoff, head of product management,

Kemper Group

Stagnation is probably the most critical

factor in the propagation of opportunistic

pathogens. National and international

regulation bodies such as the World Health

Organization (WHO), the European Centre for

Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the

ISSO, widely agree that the primary factor in

the deterioration of water quality in buildings

is directly attributable to stagnation. Recent

studies from microbiome research show that

just 12 hours of stagnation is sufficient to

cause an increase in bacterial numbers*.

During periods of stagnation, prolonged

contact of drinking water with the piping

system materials such as the pipe, valves,

and fittings can lead to a concentration of

nutrients via migration from the material

components into the water itself. A

combination of poor material quality — such

as material that does not conform to BS EN

16421* or WRAS regulations* — stagnation,

and unfavourable water quality can promote

a strong biofilm development*, in which

opportunistic pathogens — characteristically

called opportunistic premise plumbing

pathogens (OPPPs) in international

literature — can multiply. Stagnation creates

propagation advantages for these OPPPs, as

there is no dilution or removal of the nutrients

or planktonic micro-organisms entering the

water body. Nutrient discharge from materials

in contact with drinking water must thus be

reduced as much as technically possible. It

is thus the responsibility of the designer and

installer that all materials have been checked

and approved for their “microbial suitability”

for the water installation.

In addition, the effects of environmental

temperature should be considered. During

stagnation phases, the temperature of the

water will adapt to the temperature of the

ambient air surrounding it, even with standard

insulation of the pipes. This becomes a

problem when the surrounding ambient

temperatures are in the optimal propagation

range of the pathogens. Low temperatures

provide the pathogens with poor or no

growing conditions. Temperatures close to

the growth optimum allow for rapid growth.

In legionella, atypical mycobacteria, but

also in P. aeruginosa, temperature ranges

INFLUENCE OF INTERNAL

HEAT LOADS

In installation areas, heat from hot water

pipes, heating circuits and other heat sources

such as electrical and ventilation technology

and the improvements in building thermal

performance, provide for air temperatures

which are significantly higher than 20°C. The

water content of a cold water pipe installed

here, even with insulation in accordance with

BS 5422, is heated to ambient temperature in

a short stagnation phase. With the installation

standards common today, it is expected that

after a period of stagnation, overheated cold

water with temperatures much higher than

20°C will flow from the tap for a significant

period of time. In accordance with BS 8558,

the cold water must be less than 20°C within

two minutes of running an outlet. If the

temperature of cold water is not below 20°C

within two minutes, the usability of the cold

water installation, according this regulation,

is no longer given. In addition to the abovementioned

internal heat loads and the impact

of improved building thermal performance,

incoming mains temperatures above 25°C

are expected to be more of a problem during

summer, due to higher temperatures from

climate change*.

To provide the consumer with compliant

cold water temperatures in the future,

conventional installation habits should first


FOCUS

be fundamentally reviewed. So-called

passive measures should be taken

in the first step. There should be

measures for a consistent thermal

decoupling of the cold water pipes

from heat sources whenever possible.

Planning measures should be taken

to reduce or interrupt heat transfer

through radiation, conduction, or

convection, from heat sources to

cold water pipes. However, thermal

decoupling of the cold drinking

water pipes from potential heat

sources is not always easy to realise,

particularly with horizontal distribution

pipework in temperature critical

ceiling voids. Already in this case,

if water consumption is too low,

heat absorbed from the cold water

from the ambient air can no longer

be dissipated. This may lead to an

increase in the temperature of the cold

water to ambient air temperature and

can only be avoided by implementing

active measures, such as periodic

cold water flushing or a cold water

non-air-conditioned buildings, the

air temperatures in the installation

rooms also approach the prevailing

outdoor air temperatures. Model

temperature, such as 25°C, can

therefore only be prevented with

an active process, by temperaturecontrolled

rinsing or by cooling.

Fig. 1: A

demonstration

of how Kemper’s

CoolFlow technology

can be switched

circulation with cooling.

INFLUENCE OF EXTERNAL HEAT

LOADS

calculations show that in winter, when

an installation shaft with heating and

hot water pipes is fully encased, the

average ambient air temperature

ACTIVE MEASURES FOR

COMPLIANT COLD WATER

TEMPERATURE

It is often neglected that in addition to

of 26.2°C. On a warm summer day,

Comparative simulation calculations

the internal heat loads listed above,

with heating switched off and room

show that after intensive manual

external heat loads can also have an

air temperatures of 27°C, an average

or automatic water exchange

influence on the heating of the cold

ambient air temperature in the air

measures, cold water temperatures

drinking water.

composite shaft or pretext of 28.2°C is

can rise again to ambient air

calculated.

temperature after a relatively short

In winter, the room air temperatures,

period of time. These measures are

which affect the air temperatures in

From these initial calculations, it

only ecologically and economically

pre-wall installations, shafts or ceiling

can be inferred, in principle, that

sensible if the cold water can be

voids, are largely constant and range

the temperature of cold drinking

supplied into the building at low

from 22-24°C. External heat loads

water reaches critical limits during

temperatures, such as below 15°C.

do not occur in the winter months,

summer rather than winter. All the

During summer, however, this is

as the room air temperatures are

above-described passive thermal

often not possible, particularly if

usually higher than the outdoor air

decoupling measures, which are

the water supply is coming from

temperatures.

effective during winter, largely lose

surface water sources. In such

importance in the summer months

circumstances, only active cooling

During summer, conditions are

with high room-air temperatures.

of the cold water in the distribution

reversed. The outdoor air temperatures

Unacceptable temperature increases

pipework can ensure compliance

are usually higher than the room air

in cold drinking water during winter

with the required temperatures — at

temperatures during this period. In

and summer above a pre-determined

any time during the year.


FOCUS

From left to right:

Fig. 2: KHS CoolFlow Cold water cooler

Fig. 3: KHS Coolflow Chiller

Fig. 4: KHS CoolFlow Cold water

regulating valve

Cold water circulation was first

realised in the main distribution

lines of cruise ships. In Germany,

numerous pilot projects have

delivered positive results in terms of

functionality and cost-effectiveness,

while achieving a mostly permanent

circulated temperature for cold

drinking water below 20°C.

For a cold water circulation

system to be implemented in

conventional plumbing installations,

an additional piping system must

be set up. This is not necessary in

installations that contain flowsplitters,

as the loop piping system

already available for the forced

flow water exchange can be used

for the water circulation. Existing

Kemper KHS systems can often be

switched from flushing technology

to cold water circulation with little

effort, as shown in Figure 1.

In contrast to conventional single

pipe cold water installations, flowsplitter

installations enable good

temperature control in all parts of

the pipe, right up to the connections

of the outlets.

Calculations with German insulation

standards taken into account show

that due to the small temperature

differences between the ambient air

and the cold water, the heat input

— and thus also the performance of

the required refrigeration unit — is

relatively low, only up to 3W/m pipe.

The KHS Coolflow cold water cooler

from Kemper, as shown in Figure 2,

removes the heat from the heated

cold water and dissipates it.

The pre-assembled compact unit with

integrated pump contains the required

components for cold water circulation

and cooling, in addition to being

diffusion-tightly insulated and preconfigured.

It can be connected to

existing cooling systems in buildings,

or connected to a KHS CoolFlow

Chiller, as depicted in Figure 3.

In hot water circulation, the

temperature differences between

the water temperature and the

ambient temperature are high. A

higher circulating flow rate is thus

required to maintain the required

temperatures. By contrast, the

temperature difference between cold

water temperature and the ambient

temperature is much lower. Volume

flows required for temperature control

in cold water circulation systems are

therefore rather low. For this reason,

the regulating valves required for

hydraulic balancing have a very low

kV value. In addition, the increasing

concentration of water constituents

must be counteracted by a targeted

water exchange during prolonged

circulation operation without water

withdrawal. Kemper has developed a

special valve in which the functions of

flushing, regulating and shut-off are

combined, as shown in Figure 4.

CONCLUSION

To reduce the ambient heat transfer to

cold water systems, passive thermal

decoupling measures should first

be used. Even with good thermal

decoupling measures, during

summer months with incoming water

temperatures above 20°C and room

air temperatures above 25°C, the

temperature of cold water is expected to

rise above 25°C. DVGW water information

90, BS 8558, HTM04-01 and other

international regulations agree that a safe

temperature for cold water is considered

to only be below 20°C. Passive measures

alone are not sufficient to achieve this.

An active process is therefore required

to ensure that a temperature limit for

cold water is met by the operator at

any time. Cold water circulation and

cooling combined with a flow-splitter

installation is recommended as an

optimal and cost-effective solution.

With products like the Kemper CoolFlow

system, a pre-determined temperature

of cold water of below 20 °C can be

mostly ensured at any time, right up

to each tapping point, even during

summer and without water losses, due

to temperature-based flushing. Together

with solutions for the circulation of the

hot water, water hygiene can be ensured

in both cold and hot water services.

Such solutions can be considered a

part of a proactive, preventive regime

that avoids hygienic deficiencies within

these water services. It is recommended

that planners and manufacturers

agree clearly with the client on which

temperature requirements for cold

drinking water should be met. On the

basis of this agreement, appropriate

passive and active measures have

to be planned and implemented in a

structural manner. If water installations

are built without active processes for

temperature monitoring and control, it

can be assumed that valid temperature

requirements from relevant regulations

can no longer be met in the future.

* References are available on request


FOCUS

DIGITALISATION AS

a critical enabler for


By Shanmugavel Subramaniam, water segment leader, East Asia, Schneider Electric

be done to stop leaks and faults in

tracks, and to support industries

in curbing water loss, so that more

water can be treated, desalinated and

conserved. Digital technology can thus

be leveraged to ensure sustainability

efforts in this sector.

MEETING WATER CHALLENGES

THROUGH DIGITALISATION

With digital technology, we have an

opportunity to ensure that all needs

can be covered by managing water

sources efficiently, be it groundwater,

freshwater or recycled water. For

example, data derived from digital

technologies such as the Internet of

Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI)

and cloud systems can help predict

water demand, ensure the quality of

supply, help manage adverse events

and respond proactively to challenges.

Today’s digital solutions could help

ensure the quality, quantity and

impact of water are made visible by

ensuring the infrastructure works

for us, not against us. When we can

extract performance data from water’s

physical infrastructure, we can plug

As the need for


grows, digital

solutions are playing

an increasingly

important role in

meeting those needs

As national governments and

businesses set climate change goals

to curb carbon emissions and strive for

a greener future, water sustainability

must not be overlooked and tackled

alongside net-zero objectives. With

water supply infrastructure. These

problems, however, are particularly

acute in Asia. Even though Asia is

home to more than half the world’s

population, it has less freshwater —

3,920m 3 per person per year — than

gaps, whether that means using IoT

sensor technologies to detect water

leaks in real time or using AI to make

sustainable power management

decisions based on large data sets.

water covering 70% of the Earth’s

any continent other than Antarctica.

It is encouraging to see how

surface, one may assume that there is

About 2.5 billion people are slated

digitalisation is already enabling

plenty of water to go around. However,

to live in Asia’s urban areas by 2030,

water utilities to produce meaningful

the reality is that only 3% of it is

projecting water demand to increase

insights for more informed and

fresh — suitable for consumption and

by about 55%.

better decision-making. Since 2018,

industrial use. Furthermore, only 0.5-

Singapore’s national water agency, the

1% of this seemingly minute figure is

Hence, as the demand for water

Public Utilities Board (PUB), has been

readily available for use, not locked in

continues to grow, it is clear that this

using low-cost vibration sensors in its

ice caps, the atmosphere or soil.

resource can no longer be used in

pump sets to test the effectiveness

an unsustainable manner. Take the

at monitoring and predicting the

On a global level, we continue to face

issue of non-revenue water (NRW)

condition of the pump sets. The

a crisis of water scarcity, poor water

— water that is produced but “lost”

sensors take readings on a regular

quality and climate change related

before reaching the customer, due

basis and generate alerts via SMS to

constraints and failures within the

to leaks and main bursts. More must

engineers when vibration threshold


FOCUS

to conserving resources, while

generating revenues and profitability

— a challenge that a company cannot

overcome on its own.

Hence, it is important to grow an

ecosystem of strong partners through

greater industry collaboration. This

could mean identifying partners

who share the same passion for

sustainable operations and support

for cloud-based digitisation solutions.

By harnessing cross-sector data

and sharing knowledge and

insights, more can come together to

innovate and set new standards for

sustainable water supplies.

Ultimately, embracing innovative

Digital technology

can be used to

monitor physical

infrastructures for

water and ensure

gaps can be plugged

values are exceeded. These are then

further analysed and used to predict

any impending infrastructure failure,

thereby reducing NRW levels.

Electric’s partnership with AVEVA, a

provider of industrial software, EW

aims to implement an Integrated

Command and Control Centre (ICCC)

to manage network operations,

digital solutions for the management

of the water cycle can accelerate

data-driven sustainability

strategies. By working together

with water and wastewater industry

Similarly, Air Selangor, one of

maintenance activities and energy on

energy management specialists,

Malaysia’s water operators that

the same platform. The move aims

stakeholders can uncover new

serves over 8 million consumers, has

to reduce water loss level to 1%,

digital tools that can lead to more

embraced digital transformation to

decrease energy cost for pumping to

sustainable operations, lower

maximise operational assets and data

4-12% and increase overall operational

energy consumption and less waste.

to optimise overall operations, while

efficiency by up to 7%. Such digitally

Just like water, time is a precious

enhancing customer experience. For

enabled asset management solutions

resource, and stakeholders must act

instance, it has commissioned an

could not only reduce wastewater

now to not let it slip away.

intelligent command centre (ICC) in

in the context of increasing water

early 2021 to integrate key strategic

scarcity, but also provide opportunities

asset parameters, such as flow

to improve the efficiency of water

and reservoir level with supervisory

infrastructure and reduce carbon

control and data acquisition (SCADA)

emissions.

capabilities. The ICC also features an

online hydraulic model, an end-to-end

integration system for monitoring,

COLLABORATION FOR A MORE

SUSTAINABLE VISION OF WATER

analysing, and modelling distribution

In realising a more sustainable vision

systems in real time. This ensures

of water in our future, partnerships

optimal and continuous operations of

and strategic alliances are also

assets.

success factors. Managing water

resources can be an overwhelming

Over in Thailand, East Water (EW),

task for any company or organisation,

a supplier of untreated water in the

given that it deals with developing,

country, has embarked on building a

planning, distributing, and managing

smart water network for sustainability

and resilience. By utilising Schneider

optimal water resources. It is also

often a balancing act when it comes

Shanmugavel Subramaniam, water segment

leader, East Asia, Schneider Electric


FOCUS

CUTTING ENERGY

CONSUMPTION THROUGH

remote leak detection

With leakage reduction likely to be imperative to water companies’

net zero carbon strategies, Tom Cork, channel sales director at Ovarro,

explains why smarter detection can support the drive to protect

resources and use less energy

strategies, along with other methods

of water loss management and water

efficiency programmes. If a municipality

is able to reduce the amount of water

being treated and put into supply,

it will reduce the amount of energy

being consumed, leading to a drop in

operational carbon emissions.

In addition, leaking pipework can also

mean lower pressure and customer

impact of loss of supplies, whilst the

distribution network has issues with

pumps working harder, consuming

more power.

WHAT NEW SOLUTIONS

SHOULD MUNICIPALITIES BE

CONSIDERING?

The 2021 Drinking Water infrastructure

report from The American Society

of Civil Engineers states that a water

main break occurs in the US every

two minutes, resulting in the loss of an

Ovarro’s Enigma

portfolio utilises

a mathematical

correlation technique

alongside its

acoustic detection

system for swift and

accurate pinpointing

of leaks

WHY CAN LEAKING PIPES LEAD

TO AN INCREASE IN CARBON

EMISSIONS?

The water sector has a major role

to play in the US meeting, with its

goals to halve the greenhouse gas

emissions by 2030 and reach net

use and the global sector is currently

estimated to contribute up to 5% of

greenhouse gas emissions. The link

between leakage and carbon should

not be underestimated.

The pumping of treated water is

estimated six billion gallons of water

each day.

As customer expectations mount,

both for leak management and wider

carbon reduction and environmental

protection, it is clear municipalities in

every state must find smarter ways

zero by 2050. Water and wastewater

particularly energy-intensive, so

to address leakage on the nation’s

operations typically contribute 30-

leakage reduction should be a key

ageing and historically under-

40% to a municipality’s total energy

feature of water companies’ carbon

funded water supply networks. A


FOCUS

commitment to unprecedented

levels of investment into water

infrastructure made by US

President Joe Biden should set

the stage for the adoption of new

technological solutions.

To address leaking pipes, tools

that enable local and remote

detection will perhaps present the

most interest to water companies

– and the good news is the

increased availability and falling

cost of real-time leak detection

technology.

Acoustic loggers that can

pinpoint leaks remotely by

measuring the sound generated

by water escaping the network

are front-of-field in the digital

revolution. These include Ovarro’s

Enigma range, developed

under the brand Primayer in

collaboration with UK water

companies, which are seeing

significant results for utilities in

the UK, Europe, Middle East and

Asia regions. Primayer rebranded

to become Ovarro in Mar 2020.

HOW CAN CLOUD-BASED,

DATA-LED SOLUTIONS

ADVANCE TRADITIONAL

LEAK DETECTION EFFORTS?

Ovarro has cloud-based analytics

platform, PrimeWeb, where

clients are given GPS imagery

which accurately pin-points

points of interest, in most cases

within 5m of the leak. This

UK-patented mathematical

correlation technique is key to the

operation of the Enigma portfolio.

In the event of a leak between

two loggers, the noise emitted

takes a measurable amount of

time to reach each logger. A

set of digital signal processing

algorithms correlates the two

recordings to determine the time

difference between the sounds.

The speed that the sound travels

through the pipe, which differs

depending on pipe material,

and the distance between the

loggers, is processed through an

algorithm that computes the leak

location, and, crucially, speeding

up the repairs and reducing the

amount of water lost. This level

of accuracy was not possible via

traditional acoustic detection,

bringing this technology to

forefront of fixed network

solutions.

The sensors are also effective

in finding leaks over long

distances and inside plastic

pipes. Historically, one of the

industry’s biggest challenges

was detecting leaks on plastic

pipes as they do not transmit

high levels of noise when they

leak.

WHAT OTHER BENEFITS CAN

BE GAINED?

Having the ability to precisely

pinpoint leaks enables utilities to

monitor networks continuously

and in real-time. Operational field

detection costs will be saved as

leakage teams can be utilised

better, with greater success and

less above-ground disruption.

This will see the technology

play a key role in the creation

of smart water networks,

helping companies become

more proactive in their

operations and less reactive.

Faster, more streamlined

adoption by utilities would

accelerate tangible benefits in

consumption, cost efficiency and

energy reduction.

REFLECT

Next Level Radar

Providing the highest confidence in level

measurement in the most challenging conditions.

For more information or to arrange a demonstration,

contact asiapacific@pulsarmeasurement.com.

PULSARMEASUREMENT.COM

Tom Cork serves as

the channel sales

director of Ovarro


FOCUS

HOW ASIAN GOVERNMENTS

can reduce physical and

commercial water losses

The loss of water in public infrastructure can create financial and social

challenges for any government in the world. Infrastructure Asia

proposes an approach to this critical issue.

By Lavan Thiru, executive director, Infrastructure Asia

If left unmitigated, NRW can result in financial losses and distruption of clean and safe water supply

Before it reaches citizens, some potable development. Utility authorities find

water is lost in public infrastructure through difficulty in maintaining water tariff

pipe leakages, theft, and unbilled water. This affordability and enacting effective water

water that is lost and unaccounted for is production cost recovery. This limits the

known as non-revenue water (NRW).

surplus needed to rehabilitate ageing water

infrastructure, which in itself causes high

If left unmitigated, NRW can accumulate NRW and also slows down improvements

significant financial losses. On a global to tariff collection systems and operational

scale, 346 million m 3 of drinking water — efficiencies.

the equivalent of 140,000 Olympic-sized

swimming pools — is lost daily through NRW. High NRW can also impact a population’s

This adds up to a cost of US$39bn per year. social well-being by undermining the

In Indonesia (which has a 2019 NRW rate of provision of undisrupted potable water

32%), this can contribute to economic losses access. Prolonged substandard water

of around $579m per year.

infrastructure can cause intermittent to

no water supply or cause contaminated

At the national level, high NRW also

groundwater to enter distribution pipes

disrupts the financing of local infrastructure during supply interruptions and highpressure

periods. With increased water

scarcity due to climate change, this social

impact cannot be overlooked.

Inaction on reducing NRW will only

compound to higher costs, and it is

imperative that governments prioritise

sustainable long-term NRW reduction plans.

Through Infrastructure Asia and the World

Bank Group’s regular capacity-building

programmes and identification of suitable

financing and technology solutions to

address regional NRW, we have identified a

three-enabler approach that governments

can adopt to guide their NRW programmes.

A FORWARD-LOOKING STRATEGY

Firstly, top-level management support is

crucial to set clear strategic targets and

advocate NRW reduction programmes

to all stakeholders. NRW reduction is a

long-term commitment, and a combined

effort from stakeholders at different levels

is needed.

Utility authorities should then establish

a dedicated and permanent team to

develop future-ready NRW reduction

roadmaps. This team will sustain progress

by prioritising implementation efforts

and deploying suitable investments. To

ensure the programme reaps maximum

benefits, this team should be entrusted to

monitor success and appropriately adjust

investments where necessary.


FOCUS

Given these responsibilities, the programme

needs a team that has the capabilities to

oversee the entire water infrastructure

lifecycle. Utility authorities should aim to

build capacity in the areas of law, regulatory

frameworks, project planning, technology and

technical capabilities. Regular collaboration

and investment co-sharing across public

utilities will also be beneficial in building these

capabilities.

SECURING THE RIGHT RESOURCES

Selecting the right mechanisms to resource

this strategy can also strengthen NRW

reduction outcomes and programme

management. Utility authorities should make

informed decisions on financing tools based

on project requirements, public-private

partnerships and risks. Facilitators like

Infrastructure Asia can intervene by bringing

together experts from relevant domains to

help bridge financing gaps.

Developmental financing is a useful

foundational tool to consider. Development

finance institutions (DFIs) such as the World

Bank Group and the Asian Development

Bank provide helpful mechanisms such

as equity participation, guarantees and

technical assistance to fund NRW reduction

programmes with high risk.

To further plug the financing gaps, utility

authorities with strong public-private

partnerships can explore private sector

financing to form a blended finance model.

By tapping on high liquid international private

capital such as the Climate Invest Two (CI2)

fund, utility authorities can appropriately fund

activities along the water infrastructure value

chain.

Another mechanism is performance-based

contracting (PBC), which incentivises private

companies to deliver NRW outcomes more

efficiently and innovatively by granting

contractors more flexibility in implementing

solutions. Through this option, contractors

are reimbursed based on their NRW

programme performance. This option was

utilised successfully in Ho Chi Minh City’s

NRW reduction efforts, with the city saving an

impressive 122 million litres of water daily.

EMBRACING BEST FIT TECHNOLOGIES

Utility authorities can also explore applying

technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI)

or machine learning to water production and

distribution. Utility authorities should evaluate

current processes and identify digitalisation

opportunities, as doing so can improve NRW

programme outcomes such as operational

efficiency, monitoring accuracy and cost

management.

There are many exciting potential

applications. For example, digital control

systems and AI can improve the productivity

of monitoring teams by identifying big leakage

points and prioritising pipe rehabilitation

efforts. Commercial losses can also be

reduced by using digital water meters and

online data monitoring services to monitor

meter performance and functionality more

closely. Finally, sensors could be used to

improve pressure management by modulating

water supply and ensuring maximum asset

lifetimes.

THE NRW SUCCESS OF MALANG CITY

To demonstrate the strength of this approach,

utility authorities can learn from Indonesia’s

Malang City. In exemplifying the three-enabler

approach, the East Javan city was able to

reduce NRW by 30%. This amounted to

savings of more than 70 million m 3 of water

and about $24m in revenue in 10 years,

improving citizens’ access to potable water.

Malang City’s utility authorities, known as

Perusahaan Darah Air Minum (PDAM) Tugu

Tirta, first received strong management

support to formulate a 10-year plan and

roadmap. The PDAM secured more than

5bn rupiah (US$4m) to begin the

transformation of the city’s water

infrastructure and facilities.

A team with relevant capabilities was also

created. With experience in deploying

infrastructure digital solutions, they worked

with private sector partners to set up virtual

distributed meter areas (DMA) in critical

zones. This allowed them to digitalise their

assets, enabling real-time monitoring of water

leakages to prioritise leak repair efforts with

minimal manpower.

Following its initial success, the PDAM

Tugu Tirta further optimised its operational

efficiency by setting up a 24/7 command

centre and deploying sensor technologies

to better manage water pressure

management and detect active leaks. On

top of contributing to a lower NRW rate,

these digital capabilities enabled the PDAM

to decrease overall commercial losses by

speeding up water leakage fixes to just one

day.

COMING TOGETHER

For many developing societies, water is

a crucial resource that needs to reach all

segments of society safely and sustainably.

Ideally, it should also deliver optimum results

for a country’s economy and infrastructure.

Reducing NRW is key to these outcomes.

Moving forward, it is important that utility

authorities around the world share knowledge

to address NRW and similar challenges.

Malang City’s has shown that there are many

valuable lessons to be shared with other

Asian cities, who can adapt them to solve

similar local issues. With that, Infrastructure

Asia and the World Bank Group will be

working closely together with more cities to

scale similar non-revenue water successes in

the region.

Lavan Thiru is the

executive director at

Infrastructure Asia


FOCUS

HOW INDIA CAN BALANCE

manufacturing and access

to clean water

As one of the fastest developing nations, India needs to navigate the

challenges between industry and wastewater management

Byline: Satish Shaligram, sales manager, Asia Pacific for Energy Recovery, Inc.

wastewater being the major contributor

to this problem. The industrial sector is

India’s largest non-agricultural consumer

of water and a 2019 study found that

industrial demand is growing faster than

any other sector. Thus, if left unchecked,

India’s manufacturing sector will continue to

compound India’s water problems.

The seriousness of these issues can clearly

be seen in one of India’s largest cities:

Chennai.

Energy recovery devices, including the PX Pressure Exchanger and Ultra PX, can reduce the

energy costs of UHPRO processes

UNESCO’s 2017 World Water Development

Report has declared that “[i]n a world where

demands for freshwater are ever growing, and

where limited water resources are increasingly

stressed by over-abstraction, pollution and

climate change, neglecting the opportunities

arising from improved wastewater

management is nothing less than unthinkable.”

Since that report five years ago, wastewater

management and treatment have only become

more critical. In fact, it could prove to be the

solution for countries like India seeking to

balance industrial growth with rising water

needs.

In 2014, India launched the “Make in India”

programme, with the goal of transforming the

country into a global manufacturing leader.

Before the pandemic, India’s manufacturing

sector accounted for about 17% of GDP.

Through efforts such as this and other

investments, India aims to increase industry’s

share of GDP to 25% by 2025.

Driving growth at this scale presents many

challenges, the chief among them being the

need for water.

India already grapples with challenges in

meeting water demand. The World Resources

Institute lists India as the 13th most water

stressed country in the world. The numbers

are stark: 600 million Indians face high to

extreme water stress, and about 200,000 die

every year from inadequate access to safe

water.

Current estimates find about 70% of surface

water in India is unfit for consumption, with

Despite sitting between three major rivers,

Chennai increasingly relies on desalination

and water piped in from distant areas to meet

local demand. This is because the majority

of local water is contaminated, often due

to inadequate or non-existent wastewater

treatment.

Currently, the vast majority of wastewater

goes untreated, with the goal is to implement

new solutions to improve the freshwater

supply and reduce pollution.

The chronic water shortage became a crisis

in 2019 when Chennai’s reservoirs ran dry

and city officials had to truck in 10 million

litres of water each day. This is hardly an ideal

situation for meeting the needs of everyday

citizens, nor is it supportive of ambitious

industrial growth targets.

However, there are new solutions available,

namely next-generation water treatment


FOCUS

technologies that can increase fresh water

supply while addressing pollution. Chennai

illustrated this through the adoption of

new regulations aimed at cleaning up

waterways and protecting groundwater

through greater use of minimal liquid

discharge or zero liquid discharge (MLZ/

ZLD) wastewater treatment.

MLD/ZLD technologies have advanced

significantly in recent years. However,

there has long been a major hurdle to

widespread adoption: the energy intensive

and costly nature of ultra-high pressure

reverse osmosis (UHPRO), which is at the

heart of many processes that meet MLD/

ZLD requirements.

New technologies like the Ultra PX are

changing this. The application of pressure

exchanger technologies can reduce the

energy needs of UHPRO processes, delivering

cost savings. For example, a lithium-ion

battery facility in China was able to reduce

energy consumption in the high-pressure and

ultra-high pressure treatment processes by

51% by utilising the Ultra PX and PX Pressure

Exchanger.

The same technology drove major decreases

in the cost of high-pressure reverse osmosis in

desalination, lowering the cost of freshwater in

water scarce regions around the world over the

last several decades. It can do the same for

wastewater. Higher water treatment standards,

starting with MLD or ZLD requirements for

industrial wastewater, can be not only an

affordable option, but also a game-changing

one. Indian cities like Nagpur have begun to reap

the benefits of industrial wastewater treatment:

a public-private partnership that embraced

industrial wastewater treatment for a power plant

reduced net freshwater extractions by the power

sector, freeing up freshwater resources for other

uses by around 47Mm 3 per annum.

Through greater adoption of these standards

and the technologies available to achieve them,

India can meet its economic ambitions, all

while reducing pollution, increasing access to

freshwater, and improving the quality of life of its

citizens.


FOCUS

GODIGITAL WATER:

The digital transformation of a

local water authority

By Lee Cher Hau, business consultant at YNY Technology

The water industry continues to face

challenges in serving its customers.

Some of these challenges relate to

droughts and floods which affect

many regions around the world and

represent the industry’s biggest

challenges.

But there are other pressing issues as

well, ranging from water scarcity, high

energy costs, water quality, water

cuts and more. Take a look at nonrevenue

water — water produced and

lost before it reaches the customer.

There can be significant losses

through leaks or apparent losses

through metering inaccuracies.

CAN WE ANTICIPATE, PREDICT

AND MITIGATE?

Now, imagine that these challenges

could be anticipated and mitigated

against with a range of viable

solutions. What would this present

to us? This is where Industry 4.0

comes in, with a promise of increased

visibility and performance, all driven

by data.

The revolution is here, and it is present

in the ways that some companies are

running their businesses, in how they

create and deliver products and services

and make improvements throughout

their enterprise and their supply chain.

Progressive companies are integrating

and embedding new technologies such

as asset performance management,

edge computing, cybersecurity, artificial

intelligence, machine learning and data

analytics, all of which are helping them

change how companies deliver, interact

and respond.

YNY GoDigital Water

Interactive Solutions


FOCUS

A typical water

supply network

(Image: Queensland

Environmental

Protection Agency

and Wide Bay

Water Corporation

(2004): Managing

and Reducing

Losses from Water

Distribution Systems.

A series of 10

manuals)

Industry 4.0 delivers this promise

through the creation and maintenance

of a robust and secure digital

command centre.

WHAT DOES A DIGITAL

COMMAND CENTRE DO?

Simply put, a command centre

provides a centralised command,

coordination and decision making hub

that supports day to day operations.

Centralisation helps the company to

perform numerous tasks quickly and

effectively.

Should circumstances shift, the

command centre is able to gather

insights and data to enable it to better

respond (predict and mitigate against)

small issues and major crises, using

a set of predefined objectives and

measures.

WHAT HAPPENS IN A DIGITAL

COMMAND CENTRE?

The command and control function

would involve management by

objectives and reliance on an incident

action plan. There would be a chain

of command, a common operating

picture developed, decisions

made and tasks assigned and the

prioritisation, deployment and tracking

of critical resources

Coordination and intelligence would

involve internal coordination between

executives, teams or departments

while external coordination may involve

local authorities or other bodies

Documentation management would

assist traceability and analysis and is

the basis for task assignment, incident

logging, response actions and creating

a timeline of activities.

A digital command centre can be

utilised in a number of settings and

across different sectors. It integrates

multiple systems to correlate and

contextualise data. A real-time

optimisation system could be used

to provide real-time monitoring of

KPIs in order to respond accurately

to various scenarios. It could even be

used for mobile applications, especially

in a maintenance environment. In a

manufacturing environment, it can be

used to ensure production compliance,

product traceability and job execution.

A LOCAL WATER AUTHORITY

EMBRACES GODIGITAL

Let us examine how one of our clients (a

local water authority in Malaysia) achieved

sustainable development through a digital

command centre solution.

As a local water authority, our client

focused on ensuring that water

extraction, treatment and distribution

were always running in optimal

conditions. Our client had a few

challenges to address along the way

— geographical limitations, increased

population growth and escalating

industrial water demand.

They were keen to minimise service

interruption and strove to consistently

plan and implement strategies and

upgrades to ensure the sustainability

of the water supply. However, they did


FOCUS

not have a command centre in place.

This meant little help in visualising and

PHASE ONE OF THE

IMPLEMENTATION

What did our client gain?

• Effective control and monitoring

monitoring the high-level water supply.

We implemented a predictive

of their water treatment plant

solution to help our client monitor

production across geographically

Some of our client’s challenges

and analyse water production inputs

diverse operations

included:

and outputs with more accuracy. A

• Increased awareness of their water

• No water demand data to indicate

forecasting system allowed assets

network before any issue/problem

either an oversupply/lack thereof in

to be monitored and issues such as

is raised

the region

pipe repairs and active leakages to

• Water losses minimised

• No clear information about their

be addressed quickly.

• Water quality and compliance

water network behaviour including

issues accurately monitored and

things like water pressure and water

The solution involved increasing

maintained

flow to consumers

visibility and control, providing a

• Improved coordination and

• The water network was

complete overview of their entire

communication overall

unpredictable should any issue arise

operations which thereafter led to

• Improved decision making backed

as a result of an asset or instrument

increased accuracy, better readings

by the right data at the right time

• There was no real-time simulation

and improved calibration.

meant optimised operations

available to assist with planning

for energy, chemicals and cost

maintenance or address any

A digital workflow solution was

reduction

unplanned maintenance that should

added which led to coordination

• Standardised KPIs across the

arise

efforts and inter-departmental

company

• There was a lack of information

communication as well as

• Improvements in maintenance

and internal awareness of the

communication with operators being

and scenario planning which also

appropriate triggers to alert

transformed.

extended to preventing critical

operators when issues arose.

FORECASTING WITH A

PROACTIVE AND PREDICTIVE

SOLUTION

PHASE TWO OF THE

IMPLEMENTATION

Once the fundamentals were

bedded down, we looked at

asset failures

• Digitisation of records and data for

improvements in speed, accuracy

and more

The digital command centre

Lee Cher Hau,

business consultant

at YNY Technology

As a result of YNY Technology’s

implementing a water network

represents the foundation

experience in the water industry, we

diagram. This would give consumers

of this performance

were approached to review our client’s

a better understanding of the

management system.

situation and offer suitable solutions.

trunk main network. A forecasting

Connecting production

We brought in the GoDigital water

dashboard was installed to clearly

automation and business

solution. Our goal was to provide

indicate water demand and to

processes with YNY’s

significantly more visibility and enable

track ageing of the entire water

GoDigital platform

our client to engage in more predictive

network. This was supplemented

improved coordination and

activities through a forecasting system.

by validation and field tests for the

operational efficiency while

We understood that driving digital

trunk main network.

reducing costs and siloed

transformation was key to achieving

decision making.

resilience and sustainability for the

These changes have been

water authority.

instrumental in the transformation

of the business. Our customer’s

This solution has enabled our client to

business goals included a strong

become more agile and responsive in

focus on sustainability by 2050.

managing their real-time operations,

This solution not only went beyond

achieving this through a centralised

an upgrade of their operational

view which brings together a wide

structure, the improvements to their

range of data in one strategic, robust

water management system were

application.

aligned to their sustainability goal.


HOTSEAT

WATER-ENERGY-FOOD-

MATERIAL NEXUS:

The next frontier

By Marcus Lim, co-founder and CEO, Ecosoftt,

and Ramakrishna Mallampati, senior manager,

design and innovation, Ecosoftt

which also have to be factored into

costs. In return, the climate affects

the generation of these elements.

Decision makers equipped with

a thorough understanding of

this nexus will be able to employ

the most suitable methods in

formulating optimal policies that

create competitive advantages.

Fig 1: Nexus

relationship between

water, energy, food

and materials

Water, energy, food and materials

are the basic building blocks for

human survival and progress. Since

the industrial revolution, these

raw materials have enabled mass

manufacturing, rapid urbanisation

and economic development. These

elements are closely linked to one

another and form a complex nexus

of relationships. For example, water

is used in the urban environment

for domestic, commercial, industrial

and urban farming activities. At the

same time, it is also used in energy

production, including a significant

amount in refineries. Often, how well

cities manage these resources has a

direct result on the city’s social and

economic well-being.

Fig 1 illustrates how each element is

involved with one another and how

the output generated from one can

be diverted into another. In many

cases, these four elements compete

for the same limited resources in

a city, including political attention,

policy priorities, land space and

budget allocations. Adding to the

complexity is the knowledge that

any decision made will affect the

climate and carbon emissions,

CLOSING THE WATER LOOP

Starting as a sustainability

solutions provider, Ecosoftt has

enabled buildings and industries

to become more water-secure by

conserving water and recycling

used water in a decentralised

manner. This is made possible

through its concept of managing

water “from source to source, at

source” and “fit-for-purpose reuse”.

In its basic form, water sources

are diversified and used water is

treated at its source and delivered

back for reuse to its most viable

extent.

For example, sewage and industrial

effluent can be recycled for

cleaning, irrigation, landscapes,

urban farming, toilet flushing,

cooling tower make-up and

industrial production uses. The

cost of treatment and safety factors

will be taken into consideration

when matching recycled water

for reuse applications. Heavy

capital investments within the long

pipeline of distribution can thus be

reduced or deferred, while the load

on municipal treatment plants is

reduced.


HOTSEAT

semiconductor plants, pharmaceutical plants

and food production plants.

SMART, CLOSED LOOP SUSTAINABLE

ESTATES FOR ENERGY, FOOD AND

MATERIAL

Ecosoftt is now extending this Water WISE

Buildings and Industries model to close multiple

resources loops, namely energy, food and

material within the built environment, as seen in

Fig 4.

Fig 2: Ecosoftt’s

Water WISE Buildings

and Industries.

CLOSING THE ENERGY LOOP

The inclusion of solar energy, along with other

renewable sources in the energy mix is now

commonplace. Initiatives are currently being

embarked on to develop hydrogen and other

cleaner sources of energy.

Besides finding more sustainable sources of

energy, there is potential to recycle energy by

tapping waste heat, which is plentiful in many

buildings and industries. For example, in many

factories, a lot of waste heat is generated

from cooling systems used. This waste heat

could be used to pre-heat water. There is also

potential in recovering energy from wastewater.

Improvements have been made to technologies

such as anaerobic processes, and they can

become commercially viable at smaller scales

in the future.

CLOSING THE FOOD LOOP

Buildings and industries are now capable of

becoming sites for smart urban farms and

locations for production of nutrients that can be

made from the waste they generate.

Fig 3: Ecosoftt’s

model for smart,

circular estates for

energy, food and

material

Fig 2 depicts Ecosoftt’s Water WISE Buildings

and Industries platform that aims to capture

every drop of water and used water to treat

and reuse. This is supported by a Smart

Water Management system that collects

critical data for monitoring, reporting and

decision making.

The solution can be scaled from a single

building to an estate, such as a residential,

industrial or mixed development estate. To

date, Ecosoftt’s solutions has been applied

in a range of residential, commercial and

industrial properties, including hotels,

office buildings, commercial laundries,

A smart urban farm like an urban hydroponics

farm can control for key crop growth factors,

including hydration, lighting, and nutrient

requirements. Using sensors to collect data,

operators can remotely control the facility’s

pumps, actuators, lights and other equipment

to make the appropriate changes to optimise

growth conditions.

Food waste management and reduction

represent another opportunity. The integration

of smart solutions enables audits and data


HOTSEAT

review to be conducted seamlessly.

Current technologies allow for the

accurate logging of food waste, based

on type and quantity. This allows

commercial kitchen operators to

access data for fine-tuning production

and tracking wasteful practices.

Any excess food waste can then be

converted to organic fertiliser for urban

farming, forming a symbiotic relation

between the two.

Fig 4: Ecosoftt’s

model for smart,

circular estates for

energy, food and

material.

CLOSING THE MATERIALS LOOP

Solid waste from buildings and

industries have conventionally been

left to municipal waste sorting stations,

incinerators or waste at energy

plants and landfills. None of these

are sustainable in supporting our

demand on natural resources.

Here, new technologies are offering

new ways to address this difficult

issue. Catalytic pyrolysis offers

a potential means to sustainably

reduce the accumulation of plastics

within landfills. Through this process,

recovery of valuable energy products

such as oil and gas can be achieved

as well. Recovered hydrocarbon gas

products can be recycled and put back

into the process, essentially creating

a net-zero energy system. A potential

drawback of using pyrolysis is the

need to pre-treat the plastic feed by

washing and shredding it, all of which

involves the additional consumption

of resources. However, with good

wastewater management solutions and

generation of energy on-site, these

drawbacks can be minimised.

Another option is having an on-site

incineration installation, allowing the

conversion of material inputs and

wastes into ash and heat. This reduces

the volume handled, allowing for more

efficient handling and management

of material waste as opposed to

conventional collection schemes.

CONCLUSION

These resource management

strategies demonstrate that there

is much room for us to move away

from the “once-through model” to a

more circular approach in buildings

and industries.

In many cases, the technologies are

already proven and viable, or will

become viable in the foreseeable

future. For other technologies,

there is scope for innovators and

facility owners to collaborate in

developing and test-bedding

initiatives. With the rising price of

resources and increasing attention

to environmental, social and

governance goals, there is now

considerable economic incentives

for players across the value chain

to embark on circular management

initiatives. We have been presented

with mankind’s greatest challenge,

as a result of our own doing. But

we are hopeful that we have the

ingenuity to solve this problem.

Charles Dickens’ famous

words may aptly describe the

circumstances that we are in: “It

was the worst of times, it was

the best of times, it was the age

of foolishness, it was the age of

wisdom.” May wisdom prevail and

the best of times continue.


HOTSEAT

WATER TECHNOLOGIES

COMPANY SOLENIS

The new CRISP facility will provide Solenis

chooses Delaware state

for US$40m expansion

Growth in Wilmington, Delaware, US is driven by

increasing market demand for the company’s

sustainability-focused products and specialty.

Delaware-based water technologies

company Solenis has chosen its hometown

of Wilmington as the site for a US$40m R&D

expansion.

In response to increasing market demand

for its sustainability-focused products and

specialty, and with an eye towards longterm

growth, Solenis will expand its R&D

operations, with a move to the 100,000sqft

Building 713 at Chestnut Run Innovation

and Science Park (CRISP). CRISP is a

former DuPont campus that Medical Realty

Advisors (MRA) Group is developing into a

hub for a range of life sciences and advanced

chemical companies. The MRA Group is

an advisory and developer company which

specialises in providing development facilities

for healthcare, higher education, and life

sciences industries.

Solenis plans to relocate

its R&D operation to a

new facility in Wilmington

“What the MRA Group has done for the

CRISP campus is transformative for our

county,” said Matt Meyer, New Castle

County Executive. “The redeveloped

campus gives our existing Delaware

companies that are expanding a home

to grow and thrive. New Castle County

is proud to continue to be the home of

Solenis, which provides great jobs in our

community producing innovative and

sustainable solutions for everyday life.”

Solenis specialises in supplying specialty

chemicals and services for process,

functional and water treatment applications

to consumer and industrial markets. The

company has 48 manufacturing facilities

and more than 6,400 employees around

the world, serving in a variety of industries

in 120 countries. Solenis is a part of

Delaware’s science and technology sector.

with 20,000sqft more lab space than the

company currently has at its existing R&D

centre on Ashland’s Wilmington campus. In

addition to more space, the larger, upgraded

site will allow Solenis to create 46 new jobs for

skilled workers — including lab technicians,

scientists, and R&D supervisors — within the

next three years.

Solenis officials presented an application to

Delaware’s Council on Development Finance

(CDF) for a Jobs Performance Grant of

$552,000 and a Delaware Lab Space Grant

of $3.5m from the Delaware Strategic Fund to

support the company’s investment of $40m.

Distribution of grants from the Delaware

Strategic Fund are dependent on the

company meeting commitments as outlined

to the CDF, which reviewed and approved the

Solenis team’s request for up to $4.052m in

total grant funding.

“Solenis chose to build their global water

technologies in Wilmington. This week’s

announcement shows their continued

commitment to our state and workforce,”

said John Carney, Governor of Delaware.

“Solenis will expand its R&D operations to a

100,000sqft building. Thank you to Solenis

for continuing to strengthen Delaware’s

workforce and science and technology

sector.”

“Solenis has deep roots in Delaware, so

we are pleased to announce our continued

commitment to growing in the state at CRISP,”

added John Panichella, CEO of Solenis.

“This investment of moving our Wilmington

research centre to a contemporary new

location, in combination with our recently

opened headquarters at Avenue North, allows

us to continue to attract, retain and recruit the

highest calibre of employees.”.


[Singapore Pavilion] Thaiwater 2022

14-16 Sep 2022, Bangkok, Thailand.

NEWSLETTER

OF THE

SINGAPORE

WATER

ASSOCIATION

BRINGING

A NEW VIBRANCY

TO SINGAPORE’S

GROWING

WATER INDUSTRY

Singapore Water Association participated in Thaiwater 2022 with

seven Singaporean companies, occupying a total expo area of

87m 2 at the Singapore Pavilion.

This was the first show held at the newly renovated Queen

Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC). Seven Singaporean

companies enjoyed an iMAP subsidy of up to 70% on booth

participating fees. Registration was closed with a 100% booth sign

up two months prior to the event.

[Singapore Pavilion] Smart

Nation Expo & Forum 2022

27-29 Sep 2022, MITEC, Kuala Lumpur

A landmark event that leapt into the next digital age with the

introduction of 5G, Big Data, Internet of Things (IoT), virtual

reality, artificial intelligence and mobile solutions and applications,

transforming the energy and water sector in the region. This is

SWA’s inaugural participation with four companies occupying

a total floor space of 45m 2 , and an IFM subsidy of up to 70%

on booth participating fees. Ministers and trade officers from

Cambodia, Philippines and Thailand visited the Singapore Pavilion

and SWA at the fair.

[Physical event] SWA 19th Annual

General Meeting

29 Sep 2022, PUB Water Hub

The 19th Annual General Meeting took place in-person after a

hiatus of three years. It was well-attended with SWA members

voting for the new 2022-2024 elected SWA council and ended with

a networking dinner for a close connection with members and

invited guests.

[Webinar]:

State of Water in Australia

Co-organised with Platinum Circle

27 Oct 2022, Webex

For the second time, Singapore Water Association (SWA) and

Platinum Circle have jointly co-organised a webinar, titled:

“State of Water in Australia”. Founder and CEO, Lionel Lee,

invited Australian water firms and utility leaders to speak on

the current status of the water business in Australia, from

design, planning, finance, ESG practices to execution works and

how it would affect the water ecosystem in Australia.

UPCOMING SWA ACTIVITIES

Sg-IL Connects: Sustainable Water

Resources for the Future

Co-organised with Foreign Trade Administration,

Embassy of Israel, Singapore

9 Nov 2022, Webex

Sustainable development of water resources involves reducing

the usage of water and recycling of wastewater for different

purposes such as cleaning, manufacturing, and agricultural

irrigation in such a way that water demands of future generations

are not hampered. It also means water supply will remain

consistent, despite climate change impacts, such as a lack of

rainfall and drought, or too much rain and being flood resilient.

The Singapore Water Association and the Israel Trade &

Economic Mission in Singapore invites interested parties to join

the "Sustainable Water" tech exchange webinar, where one will

learn about the two ecosystems, and be exposed to the latest

water reduction, recycling and reuse technologies from both

Singapore and Israel.

AsiaWater 2022

7 – 9 Dec 2022, MITEC, Kuala Lumpur

KL Mission 2022

5–7 Dec 2022, Kuala Lumpur

As part of SWA’s continuous efforts to enhance their members’

competitiveness through exploring new markets and business

opportunities in South East Asia, SWA, in conjunction with

The 12th edition of ASIAWATER 2022 Expo & Forum returns

from 7-9 Dec 2022 at KLCC. This will be one of the region’s

most comprehensive international water & wastewater event

for emerging Asia, showcasing the latest in high-tech, low-cost

products and solutions from around the globe in the fields of

water resources management, sewerage, industrial wastewater,

purification, irrigation, and many more. With a sturdy growth in

this industry, ASIAWATER 2022 has positioned itself as one of the

leading biennial water and wastewater exhibition and conference

in the region.

ASIAWATER 2022 Expo, will be organising a business mission to

Kuala Lumpur from 5-7 Dec 2022. This mission will focus on a

better understanding of post-COVID business opportunities and

challenges; as well as exploring and developing cross-border

business collaborations with key government authorities and

industry groups such as IWK, SPAN and MWA in Malaysia and

the region.

Participants can meet key government officials, agencies, industry

group and trade associations to understand the regulations in

Malaysia; learn about the latest market conditions, challenges

and gain insights to explore the opportunities in venturing into

Malaysia with site meetings and tours; and participate in B2B

meetings and Singapore Business Forum to establish business

opportunities, explore partnerships and collaborations with local

companies.

SWA WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS

(joined from Aug to Sep 2022)

ORDINARY

1. Hitachi Metals Singapore Pte Ltd

2. Climate Fund Advisers Pte Ltd

3. Intelligent Valve Applications Pte Ltd

ASSOCIATE

1. GPA Engineering Corporation Pte Ltd

2. SideStroem Water Technologies Pte Ltd

3. WRS Pte Ltd

INDIVIDUAL & YWP

1. Cedric Yon Xing Ye

2. Kunal Ghanisham

2023 EVENTS CALENDAR INTERESTED TO JOIN SWA?

2022 has been filled with ups and downs from the pandemic.

Nevertheless, we thank all our members for their support and

participation in our events — webinars, conferences, trade

fairs, missions and sharing sessions. We look forward to your

continuous support and to meeting you again in the upcoming

events in 2023!

For further queries, please contact SWA at 65150812 or

enquiry@swa.org.sg. To stay connected on the latest updates

on SWA, visit https://www.swa.org.sg, follow us on LinkedIn,

FaceBook, Telegram and Instagram

Download the SWA 2023 Events Calendar at

http://www.swa.org.sg/programmes/events-calendar/

To stay connected on the latest updates on SWA,

visit https://www.swa.org.sg, follow SWA on LinkedIn

or Telegram.

SWA welcomes all organisations who are actively involved

and interested in the water and wastewater industry to join

Singapore Water Association as either an Ordinary, Associate or

Institutional member.

Sign up at https://www.swa.org.sg/membership/sign-up-online

ON OUR RADAR

TSURUMI’S AVANT MQC

slices away inefficient

wastewater treatment

The AVANT MQC achieves smoother wastewater processes without primary treatment

Choppers pumps deliver smooth and

reliable wastewater treatment.

In wastewater treatment facilities, solid

waste frequently accumulates inside the

collection tanks, where they may clog

impellers and the pipelines. The clogging

of the pump becomes a major problem that

can cause overflowing and jeopardise the

effectiveness of the entire system.

Bar screens and filtering grids might not

be an effective option for all applications

as they require continuous monitoring and

periodic removal of accumulated solid

wastes. During cleaning, the system might

require a shutdown with a specialised

technician, increasing operating expenses.

Moreover, the varied properties of waste,

which range from fibrous long solids

and plastic, renders pumps with grinder

mechanism and low free passage size

unsuitable. Furthermore, the grinder

hydraulics have limited flow rates and can

often take a long time to empty the tank to

the safety threshold.

Tsurumi’s AVANT MQC series consists of

chopper hydraulics designed to handle

wastewater without primary treatment. The

system’s main component is a steel knife

with a sharp edge that skims the channel

impeller’s blades to cut solid objects of

any size and composition. This prevents

both the impeller from clogging and the

accumulation of residue in the pipe, ensuring

the system runs smoothly and reliably.

The blades provided on the open channel

impeller are constructed out of hard cast iron,

which, at between 450 and 500HB, is more

durable than grey cast iron. The material is

comprised of several different components:

chromium, molybdenum, nickel, manganese,

copper, etc. AISI 431 stainless steel, which

has a carbon content of less than 0.22%

and a hardness of around 300HB, is used

for the knife, making it strong against shear

forces. Furthermore, the design of the cutting

mechanism allows easy replacement of the

blade for severely fouled wastewater handling.

As the chopper pumps are equipped with

MQ motors, IE3 standard motor efficiency

is achieved to reduce power consumption.

Furthermore, as with all of the MQ-series, dry

installation of chopper pump is possible with

the option of DRY version MQ motors. DRY

MQ motors are cooled with a mixture of water

and glycol that circulates in a special closedcircuit

inside a special design of the doublelayer

stainless steel jacket. An axial impeller

is also provided in the coolant chamber

for effective re-circulation of the coolant,

ensuring continuous heat exchange between

the motor and the external environment. Even

in a partially submerged or dry installation in

a high-temperature environment, continuous

operation in the S1 service class is guaranteed.

MQC Chopper pumps can be used for a

wide range of applications, from municipal

wastewater treatment plants and sewerage

pumping systems, to livestock farms and meat

processing industries. It can also be installed

in pulp and paper mill lifting systems, and in

wastewater pumping systems for textiles and

tanning industries.

MQC-series

Discharge bore: 80-250 mm

Motor output 3-75 kW


ON OUR RADAR

ENERGY RECOVERY

LAUNCHES

PX Q400

Pressure

Exchanger

The latest evolution of Energy Recovery’s

PX Pressure Exchanger technology

delivers greater efficiency and low

projected life cycle cost.

Energy Recovery has announced

the launch of the PX Q400 Pressure

Exchanger. The PX Q400 is the next

evolution of Energy Recovery’s PX

Pressure Exchanger technology, and

will be the new flagship solution in

the PX family of products.

According to Energy Recovery, the

PX Q400 will be the company’s

“highest-performing and

highest-capability” PX available

for seawater reverse osmosis

(SWRO) desalination and industrial

wastewater facilities. The PX Q400

marks a continuation in the pursuit

of making SWRO desalination more

efficient and sustainable.

compared to the PX Q300

(depending on plant size)

• Less than 3% volumetric mixing

• The lowest projected life cycle

cost of any ERD for SWRO

desalination

“With the PX Q400, we’ve further

innovated and improved upon the

reliable, field-tested, and trusted

PX models that preceded it,”

said Rodney Clemente, senior

vice-president of water at Energy

Recovery. “The PX Q400 enhances

efficiency, capacity, and value to

ensure Energy Recovery remains

the most trusted manufacturer of

ERDs in desalination.”

The PX Q400 is said to offer:

• The highest average efficiency

compared to other PX

technology products

• The highest capacity PX yet, at

400 gallons per minute (gpm),

resulting in 25% fewer devices

Made with corrosion-proof

ceramic and designed with only

one moving part, the PX Q400

supports a 25-year design life

with no scheduled maintenance,

leading to low life cycle costs and

maximum uptime.

The PX Q400 is the new flagship solution in

Energy Recovery’s PX family of products.


ON OUR RADAR

YOKOGAWA

RELEASES NEW

The OpreX Magnetic Flowmeter CA Series,

as released by Yokogawa Electric Corporation.

magnetic flowmeter series

The Yokogawa Electric Corporation has

announced the release of the OpreX Magnetic

Flowmeter CA Series. This new product series

succeeds the ADMAG CA Series and is being

released as part of the OpreX Field

Instruments family. The products in this new

series are all capacitance-type magnetic

flowmeters that are capable of measuring

the flow of conductive fluids through a

measurement tube without the fluids coming

into contact with the device’s electrodes.

In addition to this non-wet electrode

construction, this series features new

functions that improve user-friendliness,

maintainability, and operational efficiency.

The new series is now available in most

major markets, such as Japan, South East

Asia, North and South America, Oceania,

the Middle East and Africa. It will also be

launched in Europe and China after qualifying

for CE marking and obtaining the relevant

certification for explosion-proof standards.

DEVELOPMENT BACKGROUND

In plants, inspection is required for

each instrument to maintain stable

operation and product quality, so the

efficiency of such inspections is an

ongoing issue for production sites. As

magnetic flowmeters have no structural

components that hinder the flow of

fluids and cause a loss in fluid pressure,

they are used in plants to measure

fluids with conductive properties. Large

chemical plants and other such facilities

can have hundreds of these instruments,

so it is important that the inspection

and replacement, as well as the

collection of the data from each of these

devices can be carried out efficiently.

In response to these needs, Yokogawa

has revamped the ADMAG CA line-up

of flowmeters and developed the OpreX

Magnetic Flowmeter CA Series. The

new series is equipped with features

to improve operational efficiency and

maintainability for release in a range

of regions. This will help reduce the

person-hours required for customer

instrument inspections and contribute to

improved plant operational efficiency.

FEATURES OF THE OPREX MAGNETIC

FLOWMETER CA SERIES

Capacitance-type magnetic flowmeters

utilise electrodes that are mounted

outside a ceramic measurement tube to

measure the electromotive force generated

by fluids passing through the tube,

reportedly minimising all direct contact

between the electrodes and the fluid. This

ensures a stable flow measurement of

fluids containing minerals that generate

electrical noise when they collide with an

electrode. Fluids used include latex for its

insulation properties, as well as fluids that

have low conductivity, such as deionised

water and mizuame, also known as millet

jelly. In addition to non-wet electrode

construction, the newly released OpreX

Magnetic Flowmeter CA Series has new

features such as support for Highway

Addressable Remote Transducer (HART)

communications protocol, a nine-language

user interface, device soundness analysis

functions to improve maintainability, and

easily replaceable measurement tubes to

suit a variety of purposes.


ON OUR RADAR

THE SMART RTU

dedicated to the

water industry

The Sofrel YDRIX

RTU, made by

Lacroix Environment

The Sofrel YDRIX is a remote terminal

unit (RTU) designed for water network

monitoring and automation in water

applications. The product is the

creation of Lacroix Environment, a

French-based technological company

specialising in creating smart products

for managing water and energy

networks.

The use of integrated input or output

(6DI/2AI and 4DO) and communication

interfaces (RS232/RS485, ethernet

and modem) make the product easier

to integrate into water applications.

The RTU’s compactness makes it

compatible for the following water

applications: pumping stations,

drilling stations, lifting stations and

water tanks. When needed, the

product’s modular architecture allows

users to add expansion modules

to fill requirements for wastewater

and drinking water treatment plant

applications.

The YDRIX RTU is also embedded

with water libraries, such as pumping

and lifting stations, to quicken

deployment and accelerate time to

market. The product natively integrates

a telecommunication modem to

allow usage on 2G, 3G or 4G telco

networks. This integrated modem

facilitates the deployment of the

system by having a single product to

deploy, instead of having an RTU with

an external modem. Maintenance

is also simplified through having a

single product to maintain and update.

YDRIX RTU is also compatible

with Sofrel dataloggers and allows

direct communication between both

products. This provides complete

dataloggers and RTU systems to

users.

COMMUNICATION WITH ALL

STANDARD SCADA SYSTEMS

YDRIX integrates a native

implementation of standards protocols.

This allows for inter-operability with the

transmission control protocol (TCP)/

internet protocol (IP) networks, as

well as to operator supervisors, by

using the standard DNP3 and IEC

60870-5-104 communication protocols

over TCP/IP networks. Integration

into existing networks is thus more

straightforward.

The product can also reportedly

interface directly to any supervisory

control and data acquisition

(SCADA) system, such as WinCC or

Wonderware, meaning that the RTU

can fit into a pre-existing telemetry and

SCADA network.

SECURE COMMUNICATION AND

INTEGRATED CYBERSECURITY

YDRIX RTUs are “full IP”, meaning

they can communicate via their 2G,

3G or 4G modems or their ethernet

links to the SCADA central station.

These multiple systems allow for

redundancy among the communication

media. In the event of failure on the

main telecommunications network, the

Sofrel YDRIX automatically switches

to secondary support and returns

to normal when the initial network

becomes operational again. Operators

can thus rely on this system to prevent

the loss of information and recover

network data in real time.

The Sofrel YDRIX can secure the

overall system with user management

implementation. This allows operators

to grant authorised access to the

product solely to approved users. The

user management system also allows

operators to provide different access

permissions, such as read-only,

configuration and administration.

The product is also embedded with

a VPN client. With this VPN client, it

can connect to a VPN server using,

for instance, Open-VPN protocols.

This connection allows for the data

exchanged between the two structures

to be fully encrypted, ensuring

infrastructure security.


ON OUR RADAR

BRIDGING BIG TO

SMALL DIMENSIONS

The new COOL-FIT 2.0

Push System

cover the last metre between COOL-

FIT 2.0 and the cooling unit.

The COOL-FIT 2.0 Push System

now bridges the gap by extending

the product range with smaller

dimensions. Designed for

temperatures between 5-60°C,

it includes sizes from d16 to d32.

Based on the iFIT range from GF

Piping Systems, the COOL-FIT 2.0

Push System offers a plug-and-play

installation through mechanical

connections, bendable pipes, and

modular adapter technology.

The COOL-FIT 2.0

Push System offers

a plug-and-play

installation thanks

to mechanical

connections,

bendable pipes, and

modular adapter

technology

The COOL-FIT 2.0 from GF Piping

Systems was said to have changed

how people planned, installed and

operated cooling applications. The

pre-insulated plastic piping system

is corrosion- and condensationfree

and can be installed in cooling

applications in commercial and

residential construction, data centres,

or process cooling. With the addition

of the COOL-FIT 2.0 Push System,

it has become a complete solution:

additional dimensions cover the last

metre between the main pipeline and

fancoil or air handling unit, leading to

higher energy efficiency and a more

reliable operation.

Air conditioning (AC) technology is

becoming increasingly important.

The new COOL-FIT 2.0 Push System bridges

the gap between the main pipeline and the

cooling unit by extending the COOL-FIT range

with smaller piping dimensions

The number of air conditioning units

in buildings is estimated to reach 5-6

billion by 2050, due to climate change

and rising population numbers. At the

same time, high-tech industries rely on

AC for process cooling applications,

such as data centres or manufacturing.

As a result, the need to reduce CO2

and greenhouse gas emissions is

greater than ever.

GF Piping Systems aimed to address

this challenge by developing a

pre-insulated three-in-one piping

system for chilled water, including

pipes, fittings, valves, and tools.

This complete system has seen use

in comfort cooling and a range of

commercial and industrial applications.

Customers have previously relied on

pressed and welded metal systems or

post-insulated polyethylene pipes to

Made of lightweight materials,

COOL-FIT 2.0 is a corrosion- and

maintenance-free alternative to

metal piping systems. Furthermore,

these material properties mean that

the system can operate for 25 years

without interruption. Its three-in-one

design, consisting of pipe, insulation,

and robust jacket, combined with

efficient and easy jointing technology,

can result in a 50% faster installation

time than post-insulated metal pipes.

Due to pre-insulation and the use of

plastic, COOL-FIT 2.0 also minimises

pressure losses and has low thermal

conductivity, making the system 30%

more energy-efficient.

“We have already shown that plastic

piping systems are a long-lasting,

easy-to-install, and high-performing

solution for a wide range of cooling

applications,” said Kevin Blumberg,

senior business development

manager cooling at GF Piping

Systems. “Introducing the COOL-

FIT 2.0 Push System is an important

step forward; we can now bridge

the gap to the cooling unit for our

customers. COOL-FIT is a complete

solution for confident and safe

insulation that makes commercial

and industrial cooling more energyefficient.”


SNEAK PEEK

INDO WATER

EXPO & FORUM

sets the stage

for 2023

Shortly after the end of their annual event in October

2022, Indo Water Expo & Forum has announced

they will be returning the following year.

Following the return of Indo Water

Expo & Forum to a physical format in

early Oct 2022, the organisers for the

annual water, wastewater and recycling

technology exhibition in Indonesia has

announced the event will be returning

next year from 5-7 July 2023.

Indo Water 2023 Expo & Forum

provides the stage for the gathering

of specialists in the water and

wastewater industry. Government

officials, regulators, water and

sewerage companies, manufacturers,

industrial users, consultants and

industry specialists can coordinate

their business plan by attending this

important event.

distributors, increase existing

market share in Indonesia, or simply

maintaining relationships with

key clients while looking for new

opportunities with foreign partners,

visitors have the potential to meet

their varied objectives at Indo Water

2023 Expo & Forum.

Together with Indo Waste, Indo

Renergy, Indo Security, Indo Firex,

this annual show will be gathered

as Integrated Technology Event (ITE)

2023. Indo Water Expo & Forum

2023 will also be held alongside the

Indonesia International Smart City

2023 Expo & Forum (IISMEX). The two

exhibitions will present technology,

information and communications

technology (ICT) and Internet of

Things (IoT) exhibitions and forums

to meet information and business

needs, related to smart city solutions

and providers.

Indo Water Expo & Forum has been

supported and attended by prominent

figures across many industries,

including governments, NGOs,

research institutes, water companies,

public utilities and more. The recently

concluded Indo Water 2022 Expo &

Forum was attended by more than

200 participants from 19 countries

such as the United States, Australia,

Austria, Netherlands, United

Kingdom, Denmark, India, Indonesia,

Italy, Japan, Germany, Canada,

South Korea, Malaysia, France, New

Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan and

China. Including several country

pavilions such as Netherlands,

Germany, South Korea, Singapore,

Taiwan and China.

Organised by Napindo Media

Ashatama, ITE 2023 will be held

at the Jakarta Convention Center

in Jakarta, Indonesia. Interested

parties can plan their participation

and visit Indo Water, Indo Waste,

Indo Renergy and IISMEX’s website

for more information.

Whether to conduct market feasibility

studies, seek local partners and


WHAT’S NEXT

EVENTS CALENDAR

2022

NOVEMBER

3 – 5 Nov

MyanWater 2022

Yangon, Myanmar

3 – 5 Nov

Pump+Valve Myanmar

Yangon, Myanmar

8 – 10 Nov

WaterLoss Asia

Virtual

9 – 11 Nov

VietWater

Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

16 - 18 Nov

CamWater 2022

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

29 Nov – 2 Dec

Digital Water Summit

Bilbao, Spain

DECEMBER

7 – 9 Dec

Asia Water 2022

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

2023

JANUARY

15 – 19 Jan

13th IWA International Conference

On Water Reclamation and Reuse

Chennai, India

16 – 18 Jan

World Future Energy Summit

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

FEBRUARY

1 – 3 Feb

Interaqua 2023

Tokyo, Japan

21 – 23 Feb

World Water-Tech Innovation

Summit

London, United Kingdom

MARCH

22 – 24 Mar

Water Philippines

Philippines

APRIL

18 – 20 Apr

WQA Convention & Exposition

Las Vegas, USA

MAY

10 – 12 May

Ozwater

Sydney, Australia

17 – 18 May

Trenchless Asia

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

JUNE

5 – 7 Jun

Aquatech China

Shanghai, China

JULY

5 – 7 Jul

IndoWater 2023

Jakarta, Indonesia

AUGUST

30 Aug – 1 Sep

ThaiWater

Bangkok, Thailand

30 Aug – 1 Sep

Pumps & Valves Asia

Bangkok, Thailand

SEPTEMBER

14 – 16 Sep

Water & Wastewater Expo

Binh Duong, Vietnam

NOVEMBER

6 – 9 Nov

Aquatech Amsterdam

Amsterdamn, The Netherlands

*Due to the COVID-19 pandemic which has resulted in

closed borders and travel restrictions, please check the

events’ websites for the latest updates and changes.


ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

ADVERTISER

PAGE

ADVERTISER

PAGE

ASIAWATER 9

PULSAR MEASUREMENT 41

ENERGY RECOVERY

GUANGDONG LIANSU TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD

IFC

OBC

SEKO UK LTD 5

TSURUMI MANUFACTURING CO., LTD 1

HARBIN FIRSTLINE ENVIRONMENT TECHNOLOGY CO.,LTD 45

VAUGHAN CO., INC

IBC

INDOWATER 2023 31

KURITA (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD 25

WATER & WASTEWATER ASIA’S HOUSE AD 28, 64

WATER & WASTEWATER EXPO FC, 15

LACROIX SOFREL 13

FOLLOW US

@waterwastewaterasia


For hydraulic mixing without headaches, choose the reliable Vaughan

Rotamix System. Blend lower operating and maintenance costs with

a more efficient breakdown of solids. Your digesters, sludge storage

tanks, and equalization basins won’t know what hit them.

Choose the unmatched reliability of Vaughan. Free sample CFD’s

upon request.

888-249-CHOP | ChopperPumps.com

GUARANTEED PERFORMANCE | NO MOVING PARTS IN THE TANK | FOCUSED MIXING

Water & Wastewater Asia November/December 2022

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?