Waste + Water Management Australia V45.1 June/July 2018 by EPC Media Group

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY

WASTE + WATER MANAGEMENT AUSTRALIA JUNE/JULY 2018

V45.1

DEFENDING THE FUTURE OF HOUSEHOLD RECYCLING

ENVIRONMENT SUSTAINABILITY PUBLIC HEALTH SINCE 1973

PRINT POST APPROVED - 100001890

NWRIC CALLS ON STATE + LOCAL GOVERNMENT TO INVEST IN HOUSEHOLD RECYCLING AND FOR HOUSEHOLDERS TO ‘RECYCLE RIGHT’

The UrBin XTG High Capacity Medium Rear Loader

Combining all the features of the UrBin Large Rear Loader with a low body height and Extra Large Tailgate • Low body height – allowing easy access to loading docks and carparks with a 3.0m clearance • Large capacity tailgate – provides greater hopper clearance for improved productivity when emptying large volume bins • Large Payload in a low height body, 6x4 chassis provides greater GVM for improved payload • Available in 16m3 and 18m3 capacity body sizes Call today to book a demonstration Bucher Municipal – Simply Great Machines! 1800 BUCHER 1800 282 437 Customer Support Centre 65-73 Nantilla Road, Clayton North, Vic. 3168 Australia Phone +61 3 9271 6400 Fax +61 3 9271 6480

Customer Service Centre Southern Region (VIC/TAS) Unit 6, 80-84 Fairbank Road, Clayton South, Vic. 3169 Australia Phone +61 3 8558 3600 Fax +61 3 8558 3640

Customer Service Centre Central Region (NSW) Unit 2, 9 Enterprise Place, Wetherill Park, NSW 2164 Australia Phone +61 2 8787 9600 Fax +61 2 8787 9696

Customer Service Centre Western Region (WA,SA,NT) 76 Grey Street, Bassendean, WA 6054 Australia Phone +61 8 9370 7900 Fax +61 8 9370 7998

Customer Service Centre Northern Region (QLD) 50 Buchanan Road, Banyo, QLD 4014 Australia Phone +61 7 3363 6400 Fax +61 7 3363 6499

Customer Service Centre Western Victoria 35 Spencer Street, Sunshine, Vic. 3020 Australia Phone +61 3 9314 8928 Fax +61 3 9318 0938

Customer Service Centre Central Region (NSW) (Compactors) 35 Walker Street, South Windsor, NSW 2756 Australia Phone +61 2 4577 3099 Fax +61 2 4577 3022

Customer Service Centre South Australia 4 Newcastle Crescent, Cavan, SA 5094 Australia Phone +61 8 8168 2222 Fax +61 8 8168 2240

refuse@buchermunicipal.com.au www.buchermunicipal.com.au Quality ISO 9001

contents Published by:

Editorial and Publishing Consultants Pty Ltd

ABN 85 007 693 138 PO Box 510, Broadford Victoria 3658 Australia Phone: 1300 EPCGROUP (1300 372 476) Int’l: +61 3 5784 3438 Fax: +61 3 5784 2210 www.epcgroup.com Publisher and Managing Editor Anthony T Schmidt Phone: 1300 EPCGROUP (1300 372 476) Mobile: 0414 788 900 Email: ats@epcgroup.com Business Development Manager Lawrence Whiter Mobile: 0418 543 821 Email: lawrencewhiter@bigpond.com National Advertising Sales Manager Yuri Mamistvalov Phone: 1300 EPCGROUP (1300 372 476) Mobile: 0419 339 865 Email: yuri@epcgroup.com Advertising Sales - SA Jodie Gaffney - AmAgo Mobile: 0439 749 993 Email: jodie@amago.com.au Advertising Sales - WA Licia Salomone - OKeeffe Media Mobile: 0412 080 600 Email: licia@okm.com.au Graphic Design Annette Epifanidis Mobile: 0416 087 412

TERMS AND CONDITIONS This publication is published by Editorial and Publishing Consultants Pty Ltd (the “Publisher”). Materials in this publication have been created by a variety of different entities and, to the extent permitted by law, the Publisher accepts no liability for materials created by others. All materials should be considered protected by Australian and international intellectual property laws. Unless you are authorised by law or the copyright owner to do so, you may not copy any of the materials. The mention of a product or service, person or company in this publication does not indicate the Publisher’s endorsement. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Publisher, its agents, company officers or employees. Any use of the information contained in this publication is at the sole risk of the person using that information. The user should make independent enquiries as to the accuracy of the information before relying on that information. All express or implied terms, conditions, warranties, statements, assurances and representations in relation to the Publisher, its publications and its services are expressly excluded save for those conditions and warranties which must be implied under the laws of any State of Australia or the provisions of Division 2 of Part V of the Trade Practices Act 1974 and any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof. To the extent permitted by law, the Publisher will not be liable for any damages including special, exemplary, punitive or consequential damages (including but not limited to economic loss or loss of profit or revenue or loss of opportunity) or indirect loss or damage of any kind arising in contract, tort or otherwise, even if advised of the possibility of such loss of profits or damages. While we use our best endeavours to ensure accuracy of the materials we create, to the extent permitted by law, the Publisher excludes all liability for loss resulting from any inaccuracies or false or misleading statements that may appear in this publication.

Editor's Column

Industry News

Cover Feature: A message from

June/July 2018 Volume 45 Number 1

the NWRIC

16 Equipment Feature 22 Company Profile: Titan Australia 24 Innovative Solutions: Biodegradable Film

26 Renewable Energy 30 Climate Change 32 Waste to Energy 34 Focus on Water

38 Special Feature 42 National Precast Feature 44 ACA Corrosion Feature

CIRCULATION 6,215 Registered by Australia Post Publication No. 100001890

ISSN 1838-7098

About the Cover In light of the current ‘recycling crisis’, the National Waste and Recycling Industry Council (NWRIC), in collaboration with the Australian Local Government Association is calling on State Governments to invest more levy revenue into household recycling services, and for Australian householders to ‘Recycle Right’. Turn to Page 12 for the full story.

EDITORS COLUMN

Don’t Let Recycling go to Waste Dear Readers, While I’m not surprised by the ‘panic’ that seems to have spread in the wake of the Chinese ‘National Sword’ program where – and let’s be honest about this, China has basically put its foot down and said that it is no longer happy to import poorly separated recyclables containing what can only be described as extraordinary levels of contamination, which is than has to dispose of - I am more than a little surprised at some of the reactions this has garnered. More specifically, I am surprised that in this day and age, there are some that are attempting to use the current ‘recycling crisis’ as an excuse to call for an end to recycling altogether! Yes, there are still those that believe that recycling is a complete waste of time, effort and money. They also believe that it is environmentally irresponsible, and it shouldn’t be done! I had the pleasure of receiving a couple of emails and calls from some of these people following the publication of my previous editorial which called for an increase in investment for all forms of recycling (an editorial which I stand by, and a sentiment which I will continue to proudly espouse). Most alarmingly, the apparent key reasoning behind this complete disregard for recycling is often that “…Australia is an extremely large country, with an abundance of space and holes in the ground, into which we could quite easily continue to dispose of 2

Waste + Water Management Australia | June/July 2018

waste for many (presumably 100’s) of years to come, without any fear of running out of room.” I put that in quotations as this (and similar statements) have been made to me in person at more than one time! Now, while I feel quite certain that the majority of you are at this point shaking your head in disbelief at this line of thinking, there will also, no doubt, be some that agree with it – although I do believe that they will be in the minority. Importantly, while I respect anyone’s right to hold that opinion, I will also reserve my right to vehemently disagree with it. I can't help think that the ‘end all recycling’ school of thought is somewhat missing the point, viz: “…even if Australia had enough room and holes in the ground to continue throwing all of our waste away for another thousand years, wouldn’t we be better off ‘doing the right thing’ by trying to minimise our impact on the planet on which we all live?” In simpler terms: Just because we can do something, doesn’t mean we should! That is also precisely the point that I’d like to make in relation to the never-ending arguments about ‘climate science’ and exactly how quantifiable matters of cause and effect are between pollution and climate. I believe that the argument is a moot point. Most of us feel confident in the knowledge that pollution is a bad thing – regardless of whether that pollution is in the form of refuse, toxic waste or emissions.

With that in mind, does it really matter exactly how much damage CO2 emissions are doing to the atmosphere, or the effect that that is having on global warming and climate change? (Incidentally, for the record, I believe that there is clearly enough evidence to demonstrate a clear link between emissions and climate change… but that’s not the point). My point is that even if we could keep on polluting the way we do for the next 1,000 years without completely trashing the planet, why should we? Could we consider it in any way, shape or form to be ‘the right thing’ to do? Rather than arguing about how long we can carry on the way we are going before the damage is irreversible, why don’t we work together to find and implement economically viable, ecologically sustainable and practical solutions – including high quality recycling solutions across as many waste streams as possible. I feel certain that I am not alone in thinking that reducing our impact on the planet on which we live as much as possible is definitely ‘the right thing to do’ – and recycling can play a major role in achieving that goal.

Anthony T Schmidt Managing Editor

wastewaterexpo.com.au

wasteexpoaustralia.com.au

3 & 4 October 2018 Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre

FREE TO ATTEND

MULTI-STREAM CONFERENCE COVERING:

CONFRONTING THE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN WASTEWATER AND WASTE MANAGEMENT THROUGH TECHNOLOGY, STRATEGY & POLICY Co-located with

INDUSTRY NEWS

Innovative packaging made of sheep’s waste wool wins Queen’s seal of approval An eco-responsible insulated packaging product made in Australia and New Zealand of sheep’s waste wool has won the Queen’s seal of approval. Woolcool Australia and New Zealand, which is part of the UK based Woolcool group, now carries the Queen’s endorsement for its product with the parent company having won the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise: Innovation 2018. Woolcool is made from sheep’s wool combined with a recyclable food grade liner. The wool is sustainable, renewable, biodegradable, compostable, recyclable and reusable. Woolcool Australia and New Zealand CEO Joanne Howarth says the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise is one of the most prestigious business awards programs in the world. “We are obviously as thrilled as our parent company that our product has been recognised as one of the world’s most innovative. “This is real validation of Woolcool as a company, as a product and as a brand and it’s

a massive boost for us as a young company. We are overwhelmed by the awareness this award has promoted for our business and the resultant interest in Woolcool from clients eager to transition away from polystyrene. The more business we attract, the less polystyrene there is going to landfill and polluting our precious environment. “Our aim is to eliminate polystyrene from the supply chain altogether. An enormous challenge but achievable if everyone gets on board!” The product is proudly endorsed by Planet Ark for its range of environmental benefits. Planet Ark says the increasing use of expanded polystyrene (EPS) boxes for home grocery delivery services and pre-prepared meals is resulting in a range of negative environmental impacts. “Latest statistics indicate that only 29.4% of EPS is currently recycled(1) and the remainder either goes to landfill or ends up polluting our environment and waterways,” says Planet Ark Partner Relations Manager Kristie Baker. “This is a major environmental concern and why Planet Ark has recently partnered with Woolcool for their range of products.

“Woolcool offers a real alternative to traditional insulated packaging like EPS and we encourage businesses to shift their reliance from petrochemical based products like EPS to renewable alternatives like Woolcool.” This ingenious product outperforms synthetic packaging materials including polystyrene and is opening new markets for cool chain supply companies because it is allowing frozen and chilled products to be transported much greater distances and still arrive in the same fresh condition. The win enables Woolcool to display the esteemed Queen’s Award emblem for the next five years. Woolcool Australia and New Zealand was also recently awarded the Bronze Special Award at highly coveted WorldStar Packaging Global Save Food Award at the recent Australian Institute of Packaging National Conference at the Gold Coast. Woolcool is a proud partner of Planet Ark Environmental Foundation, an Australian notfor-profit organisation with a vision of a world where people live in balance with nature. For further information, please visit: www.woolcool.com.au

Evac to acquire leading marine and offshore equipment manufacturer Cathelco Evac, the world’s leading provider of integrated waste, wastewater, and water management systems for the marine, offshore, and building industries, is to acquire Cathelco, a leading global manufacturer of equipment for ships and offshore installations. Cathelco customers include Evac’s current marine and offshore customer groups, including ship owners, shipyards, fleet managers, rig owners and operators, oil companies, navies, and designers. The acquisition gives Evac the opportunity to further expand its cleantech solution portfolio to its customers with the addition of new systems, while also opening up new business opportunities in terms of ballast water treatment systems. It will extend 4

Waste + Water Management Australia | June/July 2018

Evac’s offering in three main areas: pipework anti-fouling systems, which prevent the build-up of bio-fouling in pipework and also suppress corrosion; hull corrosion protection systems, which prevent hull corrosion and therefore reduce vessel fuel consumption; and ballast water treatment systems, which remove organisms and pathogens from ballast water using UV and filtration technologies. Evac Group CEO and President Tomi Gardemeister sees clear advantages in the acquisition. “An extended cleantech system offering, together with an enlarged sales and service network, will allow us to offer a more comprehensive range of solutions and services to our customers.”

Justin Salisbury, Group Managing Director of Cathelco Group, says: “Our already broad geographic footprint and expertise in cleantech systems will be augmented considerably by Evac’s broad portfolio, which will enable our customers to meet all their needs from a single reliable partner.” “This acquisition provides a tremendous opportunity for Evac and Cathelco to work together to become a leader in the field of ballast water treatment systems,” adds Gardemeister. “Demand for these types of solutions is growing rapidly following the introduction of new IMO and US Coast Guard (USCG) regulations relating to ballast water treatment.” Terms of the acquisition are not being disclosed.

MADE IN AUSTRALIA

FOR TOUGH AUSTRALIAN CONDITIONS

www.mastec.com.au Head Office - Adelaide

6 Creswell Road, Largs North SA 5016 Ph: (08) 8259 9700 | Fax: (08) 8250 9108

Melbourne Branch

info@mastec.com.au

22 - 26 Ventura Place, Dandenong Vic 3175 Ph: (03) 9798 0888 | Fax: (03) 97987 0111

Perth Branch

3/6 Chullora Bend, Jandakot WA 6164 Ph: (08) 9414 1827 | Fax: (08) 9414 7508

INDUSTRY NEWS

Wastewater Expo Australia to run alongside Waste Expo Australia in Melbourne on 3-4 October Waste Expo Australia will return to Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on 3 & 4 October 2018. This year’s edition will be strengthened by the addition of Wastewater Expo Australia which alongside Waste Expo Australia and All Energy Australia forms the most comprehensive event for the waste, recycling, wastewater treatment, clean energy and energy efficiency industries in Australia. These three premium events will showcase over 300 suppliers, attract over 8,000 visitors and feature 10 concurrent conferences that are free to attend over the two days. Waste Expo Australia offers a number of unique opportunities for attendees, including an exhibition, networking events, live demonstrations and the highly acclaimed Waste Summit conference. Waste Summit is Australia’s largest freeto-attend waste management conference that will focus on four key themes including landfill & transfer stations, waste to energy, resource recovery and collections. These themes will address policy, legislation, circular economy and solid waste management, and will be where the industry tackles its most pressing issues. Mark Smith, Executive Officer, Victorian Waste Management Association, commented that few industry sectors experience the momentum of change that is currently being experienced in the waste industry. “The challenge of National Sword, consumer behaviour, politics, pollution and environmental protection, technology changes and increasing media scrutiny has a spotlight on the waste and resource 6

Waste + Water Management Australia | June/July 2018

recovery sector like never before. Waste Expo Australia is coming at the perfect time for us to come together to discuss the challenges and opportunities our essential service is dealing with now and into the future.” In direct response to the development and growth of Australia’s wastewater sector, Wastewater Expo Australia will showcase the opportunities in technology that will drive cost effective strategies and create new revenue streams through wastewater to energy development. Wastewater Expo Australia will feature a comprehensive free-to-attend conference and exhibition that will confront the challenges and opportunities in wastewater treatment through technology, strategy and compliance. The Wastewater Summit conference will focus on three key themes; growth, costs and compliance and will be where the industry converges to source new technology and gain insights from industry leading experts. Among the key sessions on the Wastewater Summit program is a case study presentation led by South East Water. This session titled “Internet of Sewers using IoT to improve efficiency and safety of wastewater assets” will share learnings on how they leveraged machine-to-machine technology to transmit real-time technology to control wastewater flows and identify faults in the network. This session stands among twelve others that will feature practical and innovative technology targeted at reducing operational costs and increasing efficiency. Wastewater Summit will also feature speakers from Arena, Unity Water,

Goulburn Valley Water, Sustainability Victoria, EPA, Melbourne Water, South East Water, Coliban Water, DELWP Victorian University and many more who will be addressing the key topics facing the sector. The program will provide unparalleled opportunity to all attendees to remain abreast of the key developments in a dynamic and ever-changing industry. These events, presented by Reed Exhibitions Australia, are free-to-attend and open to all industry stakeholders looking for products, services and solutions for the waste and wastewater sectors. For more information on Waste Expo Australia, please visit: www.wasteexpoaustralia.com.au and for further information on Wastewater Expo Australia, please visit: www.wastewaterexpo.com.au

“The challenge of National Sword, consumer behaviour, politics, pollution and environmental protection, technology changes and increasing media scrutiny has a spotlight on the waste and resource recovery sector like never before.”

Overseas model shown

Leaves the competition sitting on the curb. With so many unique features, it's a hard collection to beat. Purpose built for the Australian waste industry, no other truck offers the same operational and safety benefits. From high and low roof cabs, and low entry on single and dual control vehicles, to the panoramic bi-fold doors, every element of the Econic has been carefully designed to ensure optimal safety and service. To find out more, visit your nearest authorised Mercedes-Benz Dealer, or mercedes-benz.com.au/trucks

INDUSTRY NEWS

Battery industry leaders welcome fast-tracking a battery stewardship scheme The Chairman of the Battery Stewardship Council, Mr Gerry Morvell, has welcomed the recent announcement by Ministers of their support for fast tracking the development of a stewardship scheme that will eventually result in all types of batteries being recycled in Australia. “Batteries are an essential part of modern life. However, we have to stop the throw away mentality which wastes a fully recyclable resource and poses a long-term threat to human health and our environment” said Mr Morvell. “One of our key aims is to facilitate the building of a strong and effective battery recycling industry in Australia. We do not want a repetition of the go-stop issue that has emerged with plastics” said Mr Morvell.

Over 400 million batteries enter the Australian market each year and although there is an efficient recycling of lead acid (car batteries), less than 3% of all other batteries are recycled in Australia. Some batteries are exported at end of life to overseas markets for recycling, but the vast majority end up in landfill sites where they pose a long-term threat to human health and the environment from leaching of heavy metals. The Battery Stewardship Council (BSC) was formed earlier this year combining government and industry bodies that had undertaken important background work on understanding the markets and the barriers to recycling that need to be addressed in a stewardship scheme. The work of the Battery Stewardship Council is being supported by the Australian Battery Recycling Initiative (ABRI) with funding from the QLD Department of Environment and Science. There has been strong support for this new body to lead the design of a stewardship scheme. In the first month, over 37 leading companies and other organisations in the battery supply chain have joined the BSC.

The BSC has commenced works on design of an industry led stewardship scheme will be undertaking a range of consultations including a public consultation phase in the coming months to flesh out the details of a scheme. Libby Chaplin, CEO of the Australian Battery Recycling Initiative noted “we are now seeing a confluence of events paving the way for an industry lead scheme that could quickly solve this rapidly escalating problem waste. Australia has the capability and there is growing motivation to transform this waste management concern into a resource recovery success story”.

Solar Systems: Protecting Inverters from Hacker Attacks Additional checks recommended for manufacturers TÜV Rheinland experts have succeeded in hacking commercially available PV inverters within a few minutes. This is all the more critical since storage systems typically communicate with the inverter, too. The possible impact of an attack ranges from manipulating the power output of the PV system to harming the battery or adversely influence electricity grids and maybe paralyse them completely. “In times of millions of renewable energy sources and the necessity of intelligent grids and in view of more than 75,000 home storage systems now installed, it is even more important to check whether the system is vulnerable,” emphasizes Dr. Daniel Hamburg, Head of the Global Center of Excellence Testing and Certification at TÜV Rheinland. “Solar systems must be able to communicate with the provider securely and without errors so that feeding in the electricity takes place within the allowed operating states.” Inverters convert the direct current generated by PV modules into alternating 8

Waste + Water Management Australia | June/July 2018

current that they feed into the distribution grid. By hacking the inverters, it is possible to gain access to the battery management system, too. In doing so, it is possible to trick the battery into an unsafe status and, on a wider scale, to attack the entire electricity grid by specifically causing massive power fluctuations. “We were able to re-parametrize commercially available inverters without any problems,” said Roman-Alexander Brück, Laboratory Head for Solar Components at TÜV Rheinland, summarizing the tests. His colleagues had successfully penetrated inverters deploying several approaches among them a brute force attack or stealing passwords.

Inspection of Cyber Security Recommended Cyber security and protection against hacker attacks is not included in the standard functional safety inspection of solar system components designed to ensure smooth operation.

“Therefore, we recommend that manufacturers have their systems inspected and eliminate potential vulnerabilities,” explains Brück. “We use specifically developed securityby-design solutions and provide support to make the systems robust and protect them against unwanted interference,” adds Dr. Hamburg. “The aim is to ensure that the system cannot be driven into a dangerous state and that the communication with the grid operator takes place safely as planned.”

AWRESOME BACKING AUSTRALIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S WASTE AND RECYCLING INDUSTRY

A vital time in Australian waste and recycling demands a dynamic industry event. AWRE 2018 delivers new connections, solutions and strategies for a more stable, sustainable and profitable economy. Invigorating and involving, AWRE 2018 is set to be the most important waste management expo ever. AWRE 2018 AWRESOME OPPORTUNITIES NOT TO BE WASTED!

Want to visit? Register free awre.com.au Want to exhibit? Book a stand 03 9261 4514

EXCLUSIVE TO SYDNEY #AWRE18

Supporters

Principal media partner

Supporting media partners

INDUSTRY NEWS

High School Student’s ‘Shrimp Bioplasitc’ Making a Big Splash in USA When 15-year-old Angelina Arora started investigating bioplastics almost two years ago, she never imagined her investigations would earn her world-wide attention. Angelina and her shrimp bioplastic recently represented Australia at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania alongside over 1,800 high school students from 75 countries, regions, and territories. After becoming a finalist in the 2017 BHP Billiton Foundation Science and Engineering Awards for her research into the commercial viability of bioplastics, she decided to refine her research and worked with a CSIRO mentor to develop a completely biodegradable plastic made from prawn shell and sticky protein from the silk of silkworms. It was this research that won her the Innovator to Market Award in the 2018 BHP Billiton Foundation Science and Engineering Awards, a partnership between the BHP Billiton Foundation, CSIRO and the Australian Science Teachers Association. Angelina said her project was inspired by being asked to pay for a plastic bag at a shop

which prompted her to think of a way people could still have the convenience of plastic, without the harmful environmental effects. "I'm driven by wanting to help – whether it's people, the environment or animals. It was amazing after months of research that I found a plastic that was suitable," she said. "I was always a curious child asking why things work and this developed into a love of science. I believe science is the key to all the worlds' mysteries. "I couldn't imagine a future where it isn't part of my life. I think I'd like to go into medicine as it is all about helping people." Angelina was in good company at ISEF with 2018 BHP Billiton Foundation Science and Engineering Awards student finalists Caitlin Roberts, Kavinya Welikala, Ella Cuthbert, Cassandra Dods, Ashley Cain and teacher winner Adele Hudson also representing Australia at the fair. All of their projects were on show at the competition. CSIRO Education and Outreach Director Mary Mulcahy said showcasing Australia's brilliant science, technology, engineering and

mathematics projects on the world stage was a key part in enabling Australia to adapt for a rapidly changing future. "The world is changing faster than many of us can keep up with, but science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) can guide that future through innovation," Ms Mulcahy said. "These students are showing on a world stage that Australian students are prepared more than ever for the future." The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF), a program of Society for Science & the Public is the world's largest international pre-college science competition. Each year over 1800 high school students from more than 75 countries, regions, and territories are awarded the opportunity to showcase their independent research and compete for on average $4 million in prizes. The BHP Billiton Foundation and Intel Foundation provide support for the BHP Billiton Foundation Science and Engineering Awards Australian delegation attending the fair.

Biofuels – a forgotten solution to our national fuel reserve crisis Alarming reports have emerged from the Federal Government recently that Australia’s low emergency fuel reserves makes us “vulnerable” and creates a critical national security issue. Australia is languishing behind other nations in energy independence and security. A report from the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) revealed Australia now has the lowest reserves in the world. Overall, the country has just 49.6 days of net coverage which is well below the 90-day supply Australia and other nations agreed to store under an agreement with the International Energy Agency. Disruption to trade through natural disaster, war or other geopolitical tension would result in uncertainty about Australia’s ability to maintaining commercial, public or private transport, and unable to maintain business and industry beyond a handful of weeks. Both Chair of the PJCIS, Liberal MP Andrew Hastie and Deputy Chair, Labor’s Anthony 10

Waste + Water Management Australia | June/July 2018

Byrne, have been quoted as saying critical fuel assets should be considered as subjects of the Security of Critical Infrastructure Bill 2017. The production of Biofuels in Australia can help diversify the sources of transportation fuels and decrease Australia’s reliance on petroleum imports. The risks associated with transportation fuel security were first rung by Air Vice-Marshal John Blackburn AO (Ret’d) in his reports for the NRMA in 2013 and 2014. In addition, in 2015 a Senate Inquiry showed Australia was desperately short of its 90-day emergency fuel reserve supplies, required as a member of the International Energy Association (IEA). Biofuels are created from waste organic matter and can be blended with petroleum, diesel and jet fuel with significant positive impacts on the environment, reduced health impacts through reducing air particulate matter, increased jobs through regional development and enhanced fuel security through reduced reliance on imported fuels.

“Currently Australia lags well behind other nations in production of biofuels and the receipt of its knock-on benefits. A local biofuels industry could create over 8000 direct and indirect jobs, contribute over 1.1 Billion annually to regional communities, reduce particulate matter in our air by 26% and reduce our reliance on important fuel by 18%”[1], says Bioenergy Australia’s CEO Shahana McKenzie. Bioenergy Australia is the Industry association representing the Bioenergy sector and its members represent some of the country’s largest companies, as well as Government Departments, Industry groups and universities. Bioenergy Australia is calling for a bipartisan approach to developing a strong and stable Biofuels industry.

No-one in Australia goes further in recycling rubber. Every year, thousands of tonnes of tyres are dumped illegally. This is a major environmental and public health concern; but it neednâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be. In Australia, Tyrecycle is the market leader in tyre recycling, with a national network of collection and processing facilities. Our recycled rubber is used for sporting and playground surfaces, tile adhesives, brake pads and much more. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just another way of working towards our own goal of zero waste to landfill. To learn more about us visit tyrecycle.com.au call 1300 4 TYRECYCLE (1300 489 732) or email sales@tyrecycle.com.au

COVER FEATURE

A MESSAGE FROM THE NWRIC

NOW IS THE TIME FOR STATES TO INVEST IN HOUSEHOLD RECYCLING 12

Waste + Water Management Australia | June/July 2018

COVER FEATURE

Support this call through your Local Government Association, or by directly lobbying your State or Federal parliamentarian. Industry and Local Government must stand together to defend household recycling.

he National Waste and Recycling Industry Council, in collaboration with the Australian Local Government Association is calling on State Governments to invest more levy revenue into household recycling services.

THE CHINESE CHALLENGE WE CANNOT KEEP EXPORTING WASTE

Industry and Local Government are now collecting more than $1 billion per year in landfill levies on behalf of State Governments. Australians do not want our waste materials sent overseas to be recycled. The Chinese recycling crisis provides an opportunity to re-invest levy revenue to protect and advance our recycling capacity.

The Chinese ‘National Sword’ program means only material with less than 0.5% contamination can be sold to China. The Chinese have imposed these restrictions in order to protect their local environment. The Commonwealth Department of the Environment estimates that 1.25 million tonnes of material is currently sent to China - of which 920,000 tonnes is paper, 125,000 tonnes is mixed plastics and the remainder is metals. In terms of geography, experts Blue Environment estimate that 50% percent of the affected tonnes are in Victoria, 19% are in NSW and 21% are in Queensland. Thus, 90% of the problem is in the eastern and southern States which have existing or new levy revenue available. The remaining 10% is in SA and WA. Less than 1% is in the NT, the ACT and Tasmania. This is not a short term problem. Industry expects these new restrictions to be permanent. As a result, Australia must develop domestic solutions to its recycling problems - we cannot give up on recycling. Coupled with the loss of markets, there has been an average drop in the commodity price of clean recycled products of $50-$90 per tonne or more. Despite this sudden shock, we have the capacity and capital to respond to this crisis.

STATES COLLECT HUGE REVENUE FROM LANDFILL LEVIES Australian States are now collecting more than $1 billion in landfill levies per year, and the NWRIC estimates the States hold in excess of $600 million in levy funds. Luckily, the state most heavily affected by the Chinese crisis is also the State holding the largest reserve of levy revenue. The Municipal Association of Victoria estimates the Sustainability Fund, created by landfill levies paid by Victorian households and businesses, was at $466 million at 30 June 2016. In South Australia more than $100 million is being held in the State’s Green Industry Fund. Levies are rising in South Australia, up by 20% by 2020 to over $100 per tonne for metro waste. In Western Australia, levies are up by 27% this year, to approximately $70 per tonne. Queensland is expected to introduce a landfill levy, likely to be has high as $70 per tonne, by the middle of 2019. At this value, the levy will raise more than $200 million per year. Some States - including NSW, Victoria and South Australia - have committed to short term rescue packages following the China crisis. But this is a long term change to the industry, so these short term rescue packages aren’t enough. We need long term, consistent return of levy revenue back to the recycling sector to create domestic jobs and capacity.

WE CAN SOLVE THIS PROBLEM AT HOME Industry and Government need to work together to reduce contamination in kerbside recycling systems. All household recyclables reaching material recovery facilities should have contamination levels of less than 5%. Current averages of between 10% and 20% - but with some

Waste + Water Management Australia | June/July 2018

COVER FEATURE

TO DEVELOP SUSTAINABLE DOMESTIC RECYCLING, INDUSTRY IS CALLING FOR SUPPORT TO:

1 Call for States to spend levy revenue on new, high quality recycling education programs. Only States have the legal jurisdiction and funding to create Statewide education campaigns.

2 Create a national ‘Recycling

as much as 35% - are uncommercial and unsustainable. Then we need new technology and more labour in our material recovery facilities in order to sort materials down to the 0.5% contamination levels needed for local remanufacture or export. Irrespective of whether we export our recycling or remanufacture it domestically - materials produced by the Australian recycling industry now need to be clean. Local Governments have long supported household recycling through collection services, education campaigns

Waste + Water Management Australia | June/July 2018

Bank’ funded by levy revenue. This bank will give low or no interest loans to help businesses invest in new recycling infrastructure and also invest in research and technology to recover new resources.

3 Introduce new Product Stewardship Programs at State and Commonwealth levels to process problem waste such as lithium batteries, aerosol cans and nappies.

4 Encourage all purchasers to preference recycled products.

and advice to residents on how to minimise waste, upcycle goods and re-use materials, including through Local Government-supported arts projects. Further support can come by Councils actively procuring the recycled materials created in their region. Glass can be used as a high quality aggregate in pipe bedding and road construction. Mixed plastics can be turned into plastic lumber for public amenity projects, or be used in road surfacing. Governments at all levels can actively procure recycled paper. Local Government, industry is asking for your support. Another important aspect of reducing contamination in household recycling streams is to ensure that residences have access to product stewardship schemes which allow them to recycle problem products like e-waste, batteries, paint and other hazardous products. In order to create a regionally appropriate solution to this problem, industry is calling for a ‘recycling’ forum

in each State. One of these forums was recently held in Bundaberg, Queensland on April 26 and 27. At this forum, Stakeholders from State and Local Government, along with industry worked together to develop a consensus plan to respond to the export crisis. Agreed policy reforms from this forum addressed contracts, education, collection, procurement and regulation. Local Governments are encouraged to attend to these forums and make their voices heard. Keep an eye on Local Government newsletters for more details about upcoming workshops.

COVER FEATURE

CALLING ON HOUSEHOLDERS TO ‘RECYCLE RIGHT’ Our international trading partners have said they will no longer take dirty recycling. Now is the time to work with your Council and your recycling contractor to reduce contamination by adopting the following simple approach (see below). “Immediate action is required to respond to the current recycling crisis. Adoption of the ‘Recycle Right’ approach now and in the future, use of the new Australasian Recycling Label when it becomes available in coming months, will help get household recycling back on track,” said Max Spedding, CEO of the National Waste and Recycling Industry Council. This call from the NWRIC was joined by the Australian Council of Recycling (ACOR). “Contamination is a common challenge for all Councils and Shires,” said Pete Schmigel, CEO of the ACOR. “It is costly and it undermines the fundamental purpose of kerbside recycling.

“Technological improvement to address contamination levels is costly and takes time. This time is lacking to respond to the loss of Chinese markets. Education, on the other hand is immediately available and a solution for all players. We must work together to recycle right now.” One important new tool to help communities recycle right is the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL). This new packaging label is an evidence-based system that provides households with easy to understand recycling information when they need it most - in those few seconds when they are deciding what bin the package goes in. The ARL labels packaging as ‘recyclable’, ‘conditionally recyclable’ or ‘not recyclable’. The companies who have already adopted the ARL include Woolworths, Officeworks, Blackmores and Australia Post.

RECYCLING WORKS BETTER WHEN WE RECYCLE RIGHT

IN THE YELLOW RECYCLING BIN:

NO PLASTIC BAGS, FOOD, GARDEN MATERIAL, TEXTILES, AEROSOLS OR BATTERIES. YES PLASTIC, STEEL, GLASS & ALUMINIUM CONTAINERS; PAPER & CARDBOARD IF IN DOUBT, THROW IT OUT INTO THE RED BIN.

EQUIPMENT FEATURE

There's value in street sweepings Around the world, we see many nations becoming more and more astute to the effects of landfill on our environment. We see many economies, particularly the most developed ones, trying to minimise landfill by investing in new solutions and increasing barriers to burying waste away. Some of them have completely banned landfilling of many materials. Across Australia, economic and environmental pressure to reduce the amount of waste being sent to landfill, coupled with a substantial reduction in the number of landfills operating, and a significant increase in landfill charges and levies, is driving demand for alternative solutions to landfill across all waste streams. Encouragingly, it seems much of the population also wants to see more done with waste and a move away from landfill.

The circular model Improved environmental awareness has meant that we are no longer totally reliant on the linear model – extract, use, bury – in waste management. Instead, the concept of a circular economy is seen as a way to

Waste + Water Management Australia | June/July 2018

maximise resource use and minimise waste. Even the most unlikely of wastes often contain resources that can be reused.

There’s value in street sweepings One ‘unlikely waste’ that contains valuable resources is street sweepings. Recycling street sweepings has become common in many parts of the world in recent years thanks to the innovative technology being developed. With Australia’s increasing landfill levies and demands for improved environmental performance, recycling street sweepings is now another way in which councils can work towards their waste reduction targets.

Advanced technology The most advanced street sweepings recycling equipment will ensure significantly reduced contamination levels in outputs regardless of the feed input. When the street sweeping waste is separated effectively, the output products can include clean sand and stone, dewatered organics, washed glass (if present in the input feed) and other valuable materials.

The plants divert waste from landfill CM while cleaning and recycling the MY washing water within the system. CY

These by-products can be resold or reused across a variety of applications such as a road fill, landscaping and pipe-bedding. The dewatered organics can be used in anaerobic digestion or sent for incineration at a reduced cost.

An investment By investing in new technology to treat street sweepings waste, councils and contractors demonstrate their commitment to the environment. Many contractors around the world, including some in Australia are doing just that. By reducing their waste-to-landfill, these companies are not only reducing their transport costs and the money spent on waste disposal - some are also creating a new source of revenue with the clean output products from the treatment process. Legislation is set to only become more stringent when it comes to landfill. Now is the time to make a change. Now is the time to reduce the harmful effect we are having on our environment. CDEnviro technology is diverting up to 99.7% of street sweepings waste from landfill. For more information on landfill diversion solutions, please visit: www.cdenviro.com

CMY

Making the Invisible, Visible The identification and protection of underground assets not only prevents interruptions to vital services caused by accidental damage during excavation, it plays a critical role in helping to prevent serious incidents and injuries.

The VAC Group uses the latest technologies and innovations in locating underground utilities, as well as true non-destructive vacuum excavation. Australia's largest fleet of Vacuum Excavation trucks

2 Dimensional Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)

Computer Aided Radar Tomography (CART) - the only product in Australia that delivers underground video In house Australian-engineered and built equipment

EMI utility location services

The VAC Group offers industry-leading service, utilising the very latest suite of equipment and solutions to ensure all utilities are effectively located and where required, safely exposed.

VAC-U-DIGGA

EARTH SPY SOIL TRANSFER

Australia-Wide Service

T: 1300 822 834 (24 Hour Service) E: enquiries@vacgroup.com.au

www.vacgroup.com.au

EQUIPMENT FEATURE

Aussie jetter is space saver A new compact 5,000 psi drain cleaning jetter has been released by Australian Pump Industries. Called the King Cobra ‘Cube’, the machine is the latest evolution of the highly regarded Aussie Cobra Jetters, which are renowned for their outstanding performance and reliability. Designed and built in Australia, the new powerful ‘Cube’ jetter is 20% more space efficient than the trolley mounted version. It features a small footprint and a low profile. Aussie says drawings that make installation easy are available to plumbers and body builders. “The King Cobra Cube is designed specifically for drain cleaning specialists who permanently mount their jetter on a ute for use every day,” said Aussie Pumps Operations Manager, Hamish Lorenz. “The Cube minimises the amount of space needed to accommodate a jetter. It also features a specialised mounting kit, Aussie Cobra-Loc, which not only secures the jetter but allows easy removal for servicing,” he said. The heart of the system is a ‘Big Berty’ RAL series, heavy duty triplex pump with ceramic pistons. The pump features a huge flow of 20 litres per minute, which combined with the 5,000 psi pressure performance flushes out blockages fast. That performance makes it ideal for clearing drains of up to 8 inches in diameter. Power is provided by a 28 hp, 688cc Honda industrial twin cylinder petrol

Paul Rogers at IPCS installing the new space efficient King Cobra Cube for their latest customer.

engine with ‘low oil alert’, cut out system built in as standard. The engine is fitted with an emergency stop button in line with Australian high pressure jetting Safety Standards for Class B machines. The King Cobra Cube comes with its own integrated 5000 psi rated hose reel with locking mechanism. The reel is equipped with 60 metres of Aussie R8 flexible sewer hose with extraction metre markers for operator safety. “Most operators use these fixed jetters in conjunction with a portable hose reel like the Aussie Viper Mini Reel,” said Lorenz. “This extends the reach of the jetter to 120 metres and enables remote control of the pressure to the hose,” he added. The machine comes with an integrated unloader and Aussie ASP safety kit. The safety protection kit includes a safety valve built into the pump head to protect both the

machine and operator from high pressure spikes. The ‘Cube’ comes with a jetting nozzle toolbox. The Aussie Nozzle Box contains a selection of nozzles that assist with clearing a full range of obstructions. It includes the Aussie Turbo Root Mulcher for tackling tree roots, one of the hardest chokes to clear. The King Cobra doubles as a very effective hydro blaster suitable for even the most heavy duty pressure cleaning tasks. A full gun/lance kit for pressure cleaning is provided as standard equipment. Aussie Pumps makes a full range of petrol and diesel powered jetters up to 7,300 psi and with flows to 31 lpm. These can be trolley or trailer mounted. Further information is available from Australian Pump Industries (visit: www.aussiepumps.com.au) or Plumbing Supplies stores throughout Australia.

Powerful performance in a compact package Kaeser Compressors has just announced the launch of the CBS series of rotary screw blowers. Complimenting Kaeser’s existing range of energy efficient screw blowers, the new CBS series now brings all the advantages of screw blower technology to lower flow rate applications such as those found in the wastewater treatment sector. From bioreactors and flotation to the production of aeration air for municipal and 18

Waste + Water Management Australia | June/July 2018

industrial wastewater treatment plants, there are a number of applications where low pressure compressed air with low flow rates is required. To meet these needs, Kaeser has recently extended its compact and turnkey range of highly efficient rotary screw blowers. The new CBS series of screw blowers deliver compressed air with differential pressures up to 1000 mbar, power 7.5 to 22 kW and flow rates from 15.7 to 22.3 m³/min.

Up to 35 percent more efficient when compared to conventional rotary blowers, the CBS series screw blowers offer significant energy advantages in the two-digit range compared to other screw and turbo blowers on the market. In fact, one of these screw blowers is so powerful that it efficiently covers the control range of two or three rotary blowers. This impressive efficiency is achieved in part by the inclusion of Kaeser’s screw

EQUIPMENT FEATURE

compressor block which features the world renowned Sigma Profile rotors. This highly efficient screw compressor block includes a wide control range and ensures virtually constant specific power. Even at maximum speeds, these rotors ensure minimal transmission loss and lowest possible energy costs. In addition, the use of high-tech bearings and no need for ancillary equipment further minimises energy consumption, while also enhancing reliability. The energy efficiency of the CBS series, their low maintenance requirement and the ability to set up CBS screw blower units directly adjacent to one another, makes them especially advantageous for continuous operation. Delivered ready for immediate operation, these versatile turnkey blowers are equipped with star-delta starter (or frequency converter). As a result they save considerable costs associated with planning, installation, certification, documentation and commissioning.

For efficient blower control and system monitoring, all of the CBS series models come as standard with an integrated Sigma Control 2 compressor controller. Various interfaces enable rapid communication with control centres. Where multiple blowers exist, even further efficiencies and substantial cost savings can be made by integrating the Kaeser Sigma Air Manager 4.0 (SAM 4.0) master controller. A key technology for opening up access to the services that Industrie 4.0 has to offer, SAM 4.0 forms the core of a blower station. As the central mastermind, it controls the various machines in its network for optimum efficiency, precisely matching air delivery to the required airflow. Analysing the operating data within seconds, the SAM 4.0 simulates possible responses and selects the most efficient option. The result: a new level of energy efficiency is realised. For further information, please visit: www.kaeser.com.au

The powerful CBS series of rotary screw blowers from Kaeser are quiet in operation and save energy costs.

Waste + Water Management Australia | June/July 2018

Specifically designed to provide access into underground loading docks and car parks, the UrBin XTG combines all of the features of Bucher’s renowned UrBin range in a low-height unit.

EQUIPMENT FEATURE

Access All Areas New Bucher Municipal UrBin Rear Loader XTG delivers outstanding results for SUEZ When it comes to waste and recycling services, selecting the right collection vehicle for the job is of paramount importance. This is particularly true when it comes to providing waste and recycling collection services in inner-city, CBD and high-density commercial and residential environments. On the one hand, the vehicle has to be compact and manoeuvrable enough to navigate tight corners, laneways and other limited access sites, while also being low enough to access bins in underground loading bays and car parks. At the same time, the collection vehicle also needs to have a large enough capacity to allow the driver to focus on servicing bins, rather than having to spend the majority of the shift travelling to and from a transfer station or landfill to empty the vehicle. While developing a collection vehicle that combines a compact size with a large payload capacity may seem a contradiction in terms, it’s exactly what Bucher Municipal has achieved with its new UrBin XTG unit. Specifically designed to provide access into underground loading docks and car parks, the UrBin XTG combines all of the features of Bucher’s renowned UrBin (Universal Rear Loading Bin Lifter) range in a low-height unit. Needless to say, this blend of compact manoeuvrability and large collection 20

Waste + Water Management Australia | June/July 2018

capacity was exactly what leading waste and recycling company SUEZ was looking for when it came to providing services for its inner-city clients. SUEZ NSW Equipment Manager Ray Wilson explained: “We provide collection services for a lot of inner-city customers, many of whom have bins in difficult to access locations, including narrow lanes, loading bays and underground car parks.” “What’s more, as the CBD continues to grow and develop, in many cases, bins are getting even harder to access, with an ever-increasing number of buildings only having an underground area for their bins, meaning there is no access for any collection vehicle over 3 metres in height.” “We needed vehicles that were manoeuvrable and under the 3-metre height limit, while still having the capacity to ensure that the driver doesn’t spend most of the shift travelling to and from the transfer station because the truck is full after emptying only a couple of bins,” he said. “The Bucher Municipal UrBin Rear Loader XTG units have provided us with the ideal inner-city collection solution. The team from Bucher Municipal worked with us to ensure the new design met all of our needs – from manoeuvrability and size, through to collection capacity, compaction and operability.”

“We’re very pleased with the results. The two units that we have are working extremely well and are certainly proving both their performance and value in what can be an extremely challenging operating environment,” he added. Importantly, as well as reducing the amount of manual bin handling required (drivers no longer have to manually push bins from underground locations out into the open to empty them) the inclusion of other features such as the fast hopper clearing mechanism, is helping the UrBin Rear Loader XTG to set new benchmarks in terms of collection productivity. “From an OH&S perspective, there’s a lot less manual handling of bins required with the new UrBin XTG.” “Its low-height design means the driver can access underground loading docks and car parks with 3.0m clearance – taking the truck to the bin, rather than having to push bins out of underground areas because the truck doesn’t fit,” he said. “In addition, features such as the large capacity tailgate, fast hopper clearance mechanism and, of course, the large payload, also help to improve productivity when emptying large volume bins,” he added. For further information, please visit: www.buchermunicipal.com.au or contact your local Customer Service Centre on: 1800 BUCHER (1800 282 437).

See the video of the Reverse Smart AEB in action: www.reversesmart.com.au/how-does-it-work

The state-of-the-art Reverse Smart AEB system has been speciďŹ cally designed to reduce the incidents of large vehicles or mobile plant impacting workers or objects while reversing.

By providing an additional level of protection, including an engineering control that can stop the vehicle by automatically applying the brakes, the Reverse Smart system can signiďŹ cantly reduce the risk of impacts, injuries and workplace fatalities.

Step 1 : Object detected while reversing. Step 2 : Vehicle continues to reverse towards object. Step 3 : Reverse Smart AEB system automatically applies the brakes and stops the vehicle.

For further information, or to arrange a demonstration, please visit:

www.a1reversingsystems.com.au or contact Davin Hamnett Ph: 0419 177 199

or A1 Reversing Systems Pty Ltd Ph: 03 9765 9444

COMPANY PROFILE

Titan’s ‘One Stop Shop’ delivers major benefits for truck and equipment fleet owners With a company history tracing back to the establishment of the Electric Wheel Company in 1890 in the USA, Titan is the largest integrated provider and service specialist for tyres, wheels, tracks and axles in Australia. In fact, Titan Australia is the only company in Australia to manufacture and supply both tyres, wheels and undercarriage for tracked equipment. A far cry from its humble beginnings producing wheels for wagons and farm implements in Quincy, Illinois, the name Titan is now synonymous around the world with the manufacture and supply of high quality wheels, tyres and undercarriage for everything from 4WDs, recreational vehicles, buses and trucks through specialist mining equipment, agricultural equipment, and construction and earthmoving equipment of all sizes. Needless to say, this ‘One Stop Shop’ approach is delivering significant benefits for fleet and equipment owners across Australia. Adam Oakenful, Chief Operating Officer with Titan Australia, explained: “When it comes to the waste management and recycling sectors, a large majority of operators – including councils and private sector collection contractors and waste transporters, as well as MRF, transfer station and landfill operators – tend to have an extremely diverse fleet of vehicles and equipment.” 22

Waste + Water Management Australia | June/July 2018

“From small trucks, 4WDs and collection vehicles of all sizes and types, through to prime movers and trailers for the transfer and transport of waste and recyclables, as well as the wheeled and tracked equipment being used at transfer, processing and landfill facilities, the range of tyres, wheels, track and undercarriage components required for these fleets can be extensive to say the least.” “Needless to say, managing tyre, wheel and track repairs, replacements and other maintenance for such a diverse fleet can be an extremely onerous task, and in many instances, it can result in having to deal with multiple suppliers for different components,” he said. “By bringing everything together under one roof, we’re able to streamline the entire process for our clients,” Adam Oakenful added. “Whether it’s a wheel repair, new wheels, tyres, scheduled maintenance and repairs to undercarriage components, or replacement tracks, axles or other related parts, we’re able to provide our clients with a single point of contact and a fully-integrated, streamlined service.” Together with the obvious productivity benefits resulting from having one central supplier for all tyre, wheel and track needs, this unique ‘one stop shop’ capability also delivers a range of other benefits, including consistent quality control across all aspects of the manufacture / refurbishment / supply process.

“All of our tyres, wheels and tracks are manufactured by Titan, either locally or globally. And that means we have our own strict quality control over the entire supply chain from start to finish,” Adam Oakenful said. “What’s more, as a global leader and one of the world’s largest manufacturers of specialist tyres and wheels, Titan’s expertise and ‘knowledge base’ is truly second-tonone. This enables us to work proactively with our customers to develop maintenance and supply solutions that not only streamline operations and boost productivity, but also help to reduce operating costs and minimise equipment downtime,” he added. This focus on working with customers to help minimise downtime and operating costs is clearly evidenced by Titan’s refurbishment works. Forming a significant part of the company’s business, Titan provides a full refurbishment, repair and rebuild service for all manner of wheels and tracks. In many cases, refurbishing wheels and tracks can extend the life-cycle of these parts by up to 30%, and can be carried out for significantly less than the cost of new replacement parts - providing significant savings for customers, without any compromise in quality or performance when compared to a new replacement part. For further information on Titan’s full range of products and services, please call: 1300 791 672 or visit: www.titanaustralia.com

CMY

THE KEY TO QUALITY

BY SCHWARZE

INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS

Biodegradable film leads to big yield gains and a reduction in water use by Andrew Spence Developed initially for the cotton industry in Australia, OneCrop is also being used in the corn, soybean and industrial hemp industries in Australia and internationally. Comprised of low-density polymers, non-genetically modified starch and oxo-degradable compounds, the film is laid over the top of the seedbed as it is sown using the patent pending Norseman Techni-Plant FL – the world’s first High Speed Precision Planter with integrated Film Layer. The fully biodegradable film is designed to degrade after 90 days and be broken down completely by the time crops are harvested. The film has slits at 3-inch intervals (7.62cm) directly above the seed location and is held in place by a layer of soil on each side of the row. Based in Adelaide, South Australia, the company was founded in 2014 by former Irishman David McGrath and Chris Thomas. McGrath began talks with the CSIRO – the Australian Government agency responsible for scientific research – about developing film technology to improve the efficiency of the cotton industry in 2012. “I soon realised that cotton really took advantage of the microclimate, germinated and locked in moisture, which is incredibly sensitive here in Australia,” he said. “Once we had proven the concept it was pretty clear that what we were developing could represent a step-change in a $3 billion market here in Australia. “Really what we’re doing is putting a little greenhouse directly on top of the seedbed.” Cotton trials in Australia and the United States last year resulted in yield increases of 50 per cent in Queensland and 47 per cent on the Texas Panhandle. McGrath said OneCrop also reduced water usage by up to 2 megalitres per hectare, increased daytime soil temperatures by 7C and reduced the amount of seed required because of higher germination rates. He said the cost of the system was offset by the savings in water and the increases in yield “by a considerable margin”. “What we’re doing is tricking that seed into thinking it is already in a much warmer time of the year and that is where a lot of the benefit of the crop is being realised,” McGrath said. “Moisture is a massive part of the story. First of all it forms condensation underneath the film so it’s like it’s permanently raining on top of the seedbed.” Cotton is currently fetching about USD$450 (A$570) for a 500lb (227kg) bale, or US 88 cents per pound. “If you can improve yield by 50 per cent and you’re able to go from 10 bales to 15 bales per hectare and you’ve got 1,000 hectares then that is a significant increase in revenue,” McGrath said. 24

Waste + Water Management Australia | June/July 2018

A six-row Norseman Techni-Plant FL machine in action.

OneCrop has a partnership with fellow Australian company Norseman Machinery to incorporate its film into a specially designed planter. Two of the machines have been shipped to the United States to be used on commercial crops including cotton, industrial hemp, seed corn, sweet corn, soy beans and mung beans across 10 states including Texas, Louisiana, Illinois, Kentucky and California. The first 2018 rollout took place in January at a sweet corn farm in California with the bulk of the cotton planting done in April. “We wanted to have a number of seasons just where we knew that we could operate without any issues and the best way was for us to do it ourselves but now we are at the point where we have had actual growers in the driver’s seat and they’ve been operating our machinery in a kind of try before you buy scenario,” McGrath said. “Now the machinery and the system from end to end is commercially available for anybody who wants to buy machinery or film for contract or for their own properties – it’s ready.” One Crop will also have at least three machines being used by commercial cotton growers in Australia when their planting season begins in August. “We know who our customers are in Australia and within the next two years we’ll be able to identify exactly who are our potential growers. “The numbers we haven’t been able to tie down is the size of the opportunity in the United States – we’re in 10 states this year so if we ended up having 10 machines sold into every one of those states in the upcoming season then that might be interesting.” OneCrop is also conducting trials in China and has received inquiries from corn producers in Russia and the cotton industry in Uzbekistan. McGrath said the technology had the ability to open up more areas for cotton production that were previously too cold or did not have enough available water. “We’re starting to get genuine interest out of the far-flung corners of the world – it seems to be a global opportunity,” he said. The company was last week awarded the USD$100,000 Future Food Asia Award for its technology. It will also launch a fundraising campaign in a bid to raise a further A$2.5 million (USD$1.8 million) to build its production facility, and help fast-track the commercial rollout. “Every cent we have ever had has simply been reinvested back into the business,” McGrath added. “The opportunity out there is phenomenal so that money will help us grow that opportunity.”

CHANGING THE FACE OF

WASTE MANAGEMENT Whatever your waste management needs, GCM Enviro can provide you with the equipment and expertise that you need. From landfill compactors, shedders and compost windrow turners, through to state-of-the-art crushing and screening equipment, GCM Enviro has it all. Top quality equipment from world-renowned manufacturers.

Landfill Compactor • The most productive compactor on the market • A minimum of 10% better compaction than any other compactor • Extends the landfill’s life expectancy by several years • Increases revenue with better airspace management

Shark Shredder • • • •

Speak to us today!

The most versatile waste shredder on the market Applicable even for the most challenging materials Produce anything from 50 to 500mm particle size Mobile diesel and stationary electric models available

RENEWABLE ENERGY

HRS Unicus Series: patented heat exchanger is ideal for bioenergy challenges Heat exchangers have a number of uses in the bioenergy industry, including oil extraction for biodiesel production, biomass pre-treatment and thermal hydrolysis. As well as basic heating and cooling, they are used for other processes including fermentation, concentration and evaporation, where simple plate and tubular heat exchangers may be unsuitable. One way to overcome the challenges presented by complex materials or viscous fluids is to use a scraped surface heat exchanger, such as the HRS Unicus Series. The Unicus from HRS Heat Exchangers has been specifically designed to provide unrivalled heat transfer with a range of bioenergy applications including thermal and chemical pre-treatment of biomass feedstocks, thermal hydrolysis and oil extraction. A process of continual improvement means that Unicus heat exchangers are available with a wide range of scraper types, providing even more choice for bioenergy applications. The Unicus Series, which is ideal for industrial applications, is based on traditional shell and tube heat exchangers, with the addition of a patented stainless steel scraping mechanism which is hydraulically moved back and forth within each interior tube. This movement performs two key functions. Firstly, it minimises potential fouling of the product by keeping the tube wall clean. Secondly, the movement creates turbulence within the material. Both of these actions help to increase heat transfer rates and together, they create a highly efficient heat transfer process ideal for viscous and high fouling materials. Another benefit is the fact that the separate hydraulic action means that the speed of the scrapers (which are available in a number of different designs) is highly controllable and can be optimised for the product being processed. This means that materials which may be susceptible to shear stress or pressure damage can be handled gently to prevent such damage while still providing high levels of heat transfer. Matt Hale, International Sales & Marketing Director at HRS Heat Exchangers, commented: “The HRS Unicus series has proved particularly useful in handling materials which have a high fouling potential, as well as those which have specific handling requirements. For example, some viscous liquids may shear when subjected to too much pressure.” “The Unicus means that effective heat transfer can be carried out at low pressure overcoming such problems and preventing the buildup of fouling layers,” he said. Each Unicus heat exchanger consists of three elements: a hydraulic cylinder and power pack, a separation chamber to ensure hygiene and preserve product separation from the motor, and the heat exchanger itself. In smaller units a pneumatic cylinder can be 26

Waste + Water Management Australia | June/July 2018

The patented HRS UNICUS Series scrape surface heat exchanger handles difficult heat transfer applications efficiently.

supplied instead of a hydraulic unit. The heat exchanger consists of a number of tubes (depending on the specification), each of which contains a stainless steel rod to which the appropriate scraping elements are fitted. Using a range of food-safe materials including Teflon and PEEK (Polyarylethe-retherketone), these provide different internal geometry setups according to the application; such as 120o scrapers for large particulates and 360o scrapers for viscous fluids without particulates. The Unicus Series is scalable according to need, simply by increasing the shell diameter and adding more interior tubes as required, from one tube up to 80. A key feature of the unit is the specially designed seals which separate the inner tube from the separation chamber. With the exact seal design depending on the product application, this prevents leakage of the product and ensures internal and external hygiene. A standard range of models for industrial use provide heat transfer areas from 0.7 to 10 m2, while larger models up to 120 m2 can be made according to specific requirements. The prevention of fouling can be particularly important for evaporation applications, so HRS Heat Exchangers have developed a special version of the Unicus for evaporation systems where volume reduction is vital. The scraping action keeps the heat transfer surfaces clean, meaning that Unicus evaporators can concentrate materials to a level beyond that typically achieved with traditional technologies. The Unicus evaporators can be used in either multi-effect setup or in combination with mechanical vapour recompression. “Not only does the scraping action improve heat transfer, but it also allows continuous operation in many situations, increasing plant productivity,” adds Matt. “Over many years we have developed the design of the Unicus so that we have versions and specifications that are particularly suitable for various bioenergy applications.”

ABOUT HRS HEAT EXCHANGERS Headquartered in the UK, HRS Heat Exchangers Ltd operates at the forefront of thermal technology, offering innovative and effective heat transfer solutions worldwide, across a diverse range of industries. With over 35 years’ experience, HRS specialises in the design and manufacture of an extensive range of tubular, corrugated and scraped surface heat exchangers. All HRS products comply with the European PED. HRS has a network of offices throughout the world: Spain, USA, Malaysia, Australia and India; with manufacturing plants in the UK, India and Spain. For further information, please visit: www.hrs-heatexchangers.com

Solar rolling out in Northern Territory off-grid communities

5 GOOD REASONS

WHY YOU SHOULD USE SUPERIOR KOGA BLADES Higher Productivity Longer Lasting

Remote communities from the Tiwi Islands to the South Australian border are set to be connected to solar power as construction begins on the next phase of the $59 million Solar Energy Transformation Program (SETuP) project. On behalf of the Australian Government, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) previously announced $31.5 million in funding towards SETuP, jointly funded by the Northern Territory (NT) Government and managed by Power and Water Corporation (PWC). Tranche Two, which is commencing construction this month and is expected to be completed by November this year, will see 5.6 MW of solar PV rolled out to a further 17 communities across the Territory from Finke near the South Australian border to the Tiwi Islands. Solar PV will be integrated with diesel generators at 15 sites including a 1 MW solar system at the Tiwi Island community of Wurrumiyanga which will ultimately supply electricity to three communities on Bathurst and Melville Islands, via an interconnection project. On completion of Tranche Two, the SETuP program will provide 10 MW of solar photovoltaic power into the energy mix of 28 remote offgrid communities across the NT. Last year, Tranche One involved successfully integrating 3.325 MW of solar PV into diesel power systems in an initial 10 remote Indigenous communities. In April, alongside Tranche One, Daly River also became the first Northern Territory remote community to pilot be partially powered by solar and battery, as a 2MWh lithium-ion battery with a 0.8 MW peak output was installed alongside 3,200 solar panels. Daly River, with 50% of its energy from solar, is a demonstration of what is possible for the other communities to achieve in coming years. ARENA CEO Ivor Frischknecht said Tranche Two would complete the roll out of this ambitious project to bring renewable energy to off grid and off shore communities. “As the largest roll out of solar PV to remote communities, this is a significant achievement that is four years in the making and one that ARENA is extremely proud to be supporting,” Mr Frischknecht said. “This project will reduce the reliance on diesel which is costly and subject to price volatility, creates job opportunities in remote communities and provides renewable energy which can be expanded in the future. Each community will be operationally and technically ready to plug in more solar and storage as costs of renewable technologies fall. Over time, this could lead to very high percentage renewable power, driven by the lower cost of renewable energy,” he said. Power and Water Chief Executive Michael Thomson said: “This project demonstrates how delivery of cost-effective, renewable energy may be employed to provide reliable power to remote communities, where both energy demand and costs are high.” “Reducing our reliance on diesel fuel in remote locations makes economic and environmental sense. As these hybrid systems combine existing Power and Water assets with clean technologies, we are able to ensure service remains consistent while making a 15 per cent saving on diesel fuel.” For further information, please visit: www.arena.gov.au

Value for Money Improved Wear Proven Quality

Blades for all shredders and granulators. Erema, Weima, Lindner, Genox, Untha, Zerma, Eldan, Vecoplan and more!

Call Koga Recyclingtech Now

0419 558 600

Email: geofp@koga.com.au

A Cut Above The Rest

Waste + Water Management Australia | June/July 2018

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Heliatek cooperates with Engie on its Harmony advertising campaign Engie, the French energy group, recently launched the international advertising campaign 'Engie Harmony'. The campaign's first project is called 'Solar Graffiti' and features an installation on a sports field near Mexico City that combines the graffiti art of the local Street Artists N3O with Heliatek's solar films to power innovative and sustainable lighting. The project 'Solar Graffiti' and the resulting commercial are among the flagship projects of the Engie Harmony campaign and symbolize how technical progress can be realized in harmony with man and nature. 'Solar Graffiti' is a technological and social project where the 'Gomez Farias' sports ground is being revived and is improving the lives of local people with 100% green lighting. With the energy that is gained and stored during the day through the solar films, the sports field can be illuminated in the evening and brings a more sociable atmosphere to this neighbourhood. The inhabitants rediscover a place that was otherwise abandoned at nightfall. A total of 111 films of HeliaSol® were installed both on the wall elements and above in wave forms. HeliaSol® is Heliatek's readyto-use solar product solution that can be easily applied to flat and curved surfaces and stands out from conventional photovoltaic technology for its flexibility and light weight (1 kg/m²). Thibaud Le Séguillon, Heliatek CEO: "We are very proud to work with Engie on such an iconic campaign. Our HeliaSol®, organic solar films, are a perfect fit for this urban installation. Together we bring decentralized, decarbonized power generation to the city centres." Etienne Lerch, ENGIE Laborelec, Center of Research and Development ENGIE: "This project is a great premiere. The approach is unique and bold, because it brings a whole new technology together with the work of a street artist. A real solar art work, consisting of the organic solar films of Heliatek and enchanting art. Lightweight, flexible and easy to install, the solar films literally blend in with this art landscape to provide their residents with a lasting, powerful and therefore useful solution. And it's very exciting to immediately see the benefits for the neighbourhood’s residents." Convinced that harmonious progress is possible, ENGIE has decided to showcase its activities under the banner #ENGIEHarmonyProject. "We contribute to harmonious progress" is the main message of the campaign and describes exemplary actions and cooperation projects that deal with the energy transition, highlighting the positive impact on the environment and society. Engie´s aim is to work together to develop efficient, sustainable and low-carbon solutions that transform homes, buildings and cities into intelligent ecosystems.

Waste + Water Management Australia | June/July 2018

A total of 111 films of HeliaSol® were installed both on the wall elements and above in wave forms.

Solar Graffiti with HeliaSol® from Heliatek - sport area Gomez Farias near Mexico City.

Engie and Heliatek Since 2016, ENGIE has been an investor in the German company Heliatek and holds around 8% of the capital. As a manufacturer of large-area organic solar films, Heliatek focuses on B2B applications in the area of building-integrated photovoltaics. With the solar films HeliaFilm® and HeliaSol®, buildings can generate truly green energy. With approximately 20 grams of CO2 per kilowatt-hour, this technology provides the lowest carbon footprint of all energy generation types. The extra thin and lightweight solar films can either be applied directly to facades or roofs or integrated into building materials without the need for additional cooling or ventilation systems.

ABOUT ENGIE ENGIE is committed to take on the major challenges of the energy revolution, towards a world more decarbonized, decentralized and digitized. The Group aims at becoming the leader of this new energy world by focusing on three key activities for the future: low carbon generation in particular from natural gas and renewable energies, energy infrastructures and efficient solutions adapted to all its clients´ needs (individuals, businesses, territories, etc.). The customers´ satisfaction, innovation and digital are at the heart of ENGIE´s development. ENGIE is active in around 70 countries, employs 150,000 people worldwide and achieved revenues of €65 billion in 2017.

ABOUT HELIATEK As technology leader in organic electronics, Heliatek develops, produces and distributes large area Organic PV solar films. Its business model is to supply the custom-designed solar film HeliaFilm® to partners in the building and construction material industry for integration into façade or roofing system elements. The stand-alone version HeliaSol® targets the retrofit market and can be easily applied on existing building envelops. Today Heliatek maintains a total staff of 115 specialists at its facilities in Dresden and Ulm, Germany. Research and development work, as well as the installation of production technology, has been funded by the Free State of Saxony, the Federal Republic of Germany and the European Union.

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Tasmania could become the Battery of the Nation Tasmania has strengthened its case to become the Battery of the Nation as a new study released today by Hydro Tasmania confirms the state can play a significant role in the transformation of the National Electricity Market (NEM) over the next two decades. On behalf of the Australian Government, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) provided Hydro Tasmania $500,000 in funding to develop a blueprint of the role Tasmania could play in the context of the future NEM. The study was completed as part of the $2.5 million in funding made available for the Battery of the Nation Project. The Future State NEM analysis explored how the Tasmanian hydro system can support further on-island renewables development, such as wind, through augmentation of existing hydro-electric power plants, pumped hydro energy storage development and further interconnection

with the broader NEM. The analysis concludes Tasmania has potential to expand its role in the NEM and found the Battery of the Nation is a viable and cost-effective option for supporting Australia’s future energy needs. The study also identified that along with Tasmania’s cost competitive pumped hydro, Tasmania has a diverse wind resource which would generate electricity at different times from the mainland wind resources. The Battery of the Nation hydro projects and a second interconnector could unlock greater wind generation. ARENA and Hydro Tasmania also recently announced 14 ‘high potential’ sites for pumped hydro plants around existing reservoirs, representing a combined potential capacity of up to 4800 MW. Overall the estimated capital cost across the potential projects is in the region of $1.1-$2.3 million per MW, with most opportunities less than $1.5 million per MW.

ARENA has also committed $10 million in funding to support TasNetworks in preparing a technical and commercial feasibility study for a second interconnector from Tasmania.

CLIMATE CHANGE

Climate change accelerating rise in sea levels A new study from the University of Waterloo discovered that rising sea levels could be accelerated by vulnerable ice shelves in the Antarctic. The study, by an international team of polar scientists led by Canada Research Chair Christine Dow of Waterloo’s Faculty of Environment, discovered that the process of warmer ocean water destabilizing ice shelves from below is also cracking them apart from above, increasing the chance they’ll break off. “We are learning that ice shelves are more vulnerable to rising ocean and air temperatures than we thought,” said Dow. “There are dual processes going on here. One that is destabilizing from below, and another from above. This information could have an impact on our projected timelines for ice shelf collapse and resulting sea level rise due to climate change.”

The study, which was conducted over two years, applied methods similar to forensic science on ice shelves which had already calved. Using radar surveys and Landsat imagery, Dow reports direct evidence that a major 2016 calving event at Nansen Ice Shelf in the Ross Sea was the result of fracture driven by channels melted into the bottom of the ice shelf. The surveys also demonstrated that similar basal channel-driven transverse fractures occur elsewhere in Greenland and Antarctica. As warmer salt water erodes channels into the ice that attaches glaciers to stable land, it also generates massive vertical fractures splitting ice shelves from above

Bush technology to help world's poorest tackle climate change

Image Courtesy: The Nature Conservancy Australia. ©Ted Wood

New research by scientists from The Nature Conservancy has demonstrated how the deployment of Australia’s well-governed savanna fire management practices could be used around the world to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fight climate change. “We’ve quantified the extraordinary opportunity for countries across the world with tropical savannas, like ours, to fight climate change,” said Dr Geoff LipsettMoore, Climate Scientist at The Nature Conservancy and lead author of the study. 30

Waste + Water Management Australia | June/July 2018

“And, importantly, it can all be done while protecting biodiversity and improving economic opportunities for Indigenous land managers.” Each year around the world, savanna fires produce significant emissions but if managed effectively and in a manner more like the way savannas have been managed by Indigenous peoples for thousands of years, they can provide an important greenhouse gas emissions mitigation opportunity. “In total we found opportunities to

and below. Surface water melting on top of the ice shelves then pours into these cracks, accelerating the problem further. “This study is more evidence that the warming effects of climate change are impacting our planet in ways that are often more dangerous than we perhaps had thought,” said Dow. “There are many more vulnerable ice shelves in the Antarctic that, if they break up, will accelerate the processes of sea level rise.” The study, titled Basal channels drive active surface hydrology and transverse ice-shelf fracture, was recently published in AAAS Science Advances.

mitigate 89.3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents (MtCO2-e) which is comparable to installing 150 million solar panels. We found the potential is particularly high in African Least Developed Countries with mitigation of up to two thirds of that (60.2 MtCO2-e) possible per year,” said Dr Lipsett-Moore. “Our research quantifies the global opportunities for emissions reductions through early dry season burning across 37 countries including 29 countries in Africa, six countries in South America plus Australia and Papua New Guinea. “More than a million square kilometres of savanna-dominated protected areas in Africa could be used as pilot sites to test and advance a regional approach to mitigation efforts for savanna fires.” That’s an area about the size of NSW and Victoria combined! “There’s huge potential here for using what we’ve tried and documented in Australia to reduce greenhouse gas emissions cost effectively around the world,” concluded Dr Lipsett-Moore.

WASTE TO ENERGY An example of a GW&E RAPTOR™ organic waste-to-energy system in Puerto Rico. A similar system is being installed at Nicholas Meat to recover energy and water from waste products generated on-site.

Waste-to-energy plant turns meat processing residuals into an energy-generating resource Nicholas meats LLC of Pennsylvania in the US is installing award-winning Global Water Engineering (GWE) waste-to-energy technology to convert meat processing residuals into an energy-generating resource. The anaerobic waste-to-energy technologies, represented in Australasia by CST Wastewater Solutions, can be readily applied to local applications dealing with paunch, manure and other meat processing waste. GWE’s North American affiliate, Global Water & Energy (GW&E) will provide Nicholas Meats with both an industrial wastewater treatment facility utilising its cutting-edge MEMBROXTM aerobic membrane bioreactor technology, as well as a complete organic waste-to-energy facility to manage solid and concentrated wastes generated at the factory and wastewater treatment plant, using its award-winning RAPTOR® system. RAPTOR® stands for RAPid Transformation of Organic Residues, and is a pre-treatment-enhanced form of anaerobic digestion, designed to turn nearly any organic substance into valuable green energy in the form of biogas that is being used to replace fossil fuels at scores of food and beverage plants globally, including dairy, brewery and municipal waste-to energy plants in recent months. Nicholas Meat’s new facilities will be designed to recover both energy and water from waste products generated on site and significantly reduce the impact of the beef and veal processing plant on the local community. 32

Waste + Water Management Australia | June/July 2018

“You don’t need to be a big company to benefit from this technology. Paunch and manure are rich in biogas and are often just left for composting or land disposal in Australia and New Zealand, when that biogas could be a source of ongoing profits instead,” says Mr Michael Bambridge, Managing Director, CST Wastewater Solutions. Nicholas Meats new facilities, scheduled to be completed this year, are engineered to properly manage the factory wastewater on-site for water reuse and recover energy from by-products generated within both the production process and within the wastewater treatment operations themselves. They are aiming to significantly reduce the impact of the processing plant on the local community, including a major reduction of odours and truck traffic currently present and at the same time making the company more energy selfsufficient “These sorts of environmental benefits could also be genuinely beneficial to forward-thinking Australian meat companies looking to reduce their environmental impact, and generate energy from their wastes and by-products, both liquid and solid. The system also has the ability to accept organic wastes from other nearby facilities thus augmenting the production of green energy and reducing the local community’s disposal issues,” said Mr Bambridge. The RAPTOR® portion of the plant involves an innovative twist on traditional anaerobic digestion, designed to maximize the energy generation from specific wastes.

“This world-class technology – which can be applied globally by all communityminded companies with organic waste and wastewater streams – produces both green energy to supplant fossil fuel needs as well as delivering high quality treated wastewater to safeguard community water standards. The standards of environmental protection – and reduction of environmental footprint specified by Nicholas Meat – are a credit to the company as an efficient, sustainable and overall good corporate citizen,” said Global Water & Energy (GW&E) Vice President, Mr. Ian Page. RAPTOR® technology has won a global green energy award from the Institute of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), which represents more than 40,000 chemical, biochemical, and process engineers from around 100 countries. The IChemE Global Awards are known for their celebration of the excellence, innovation and achievement in the chemical, process and biochemical industries, making this recognition so significant and gratifying for GWE, the developer of the RAPTOR® technology and parent company of GW&E. “Utilising the residuals from production as a resource, rather than treating them as wastes, will generate significant value for the Nicolas Meat plant as well as the surrounding community, and will help to transform Nicholas Meat into a truly ‘green’ company and reduce their dependence on fossil fuels,” said Mr Bambridge. For further information, please visit: www.cstwastewater.com

A CONVENIENT SOLUTION TO AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH While in a perfect world, for many people, no one would smoke the truth of the matter is: many people still do smoke.

What's more, most people, now have to smoke the majority of their cigarettes outside and more often than not, that leads to one thing: cigarette butt litter! Butt-Out Smoke Zone has been leading the way in Australia's fight against cigarette butt litter since 1994.

From purpose designed, vandal-resistant outdoor ashbins and smoker's shelters, through to a range of affordable and effective regular cleaning, collection and servicing options, Butt-Out Smoke Zone can provide you with an extremely convenient solution to the 'inconvenience' of cigarette butt litter.

T: 1800 358 258

E: sales@buttoutaustralia.com.au

www.buttoutaustralia.com.au

FOCUS ON WATER

Helping sugarcane farmers improve fertiliser efficiency and protect the reef The Australian Government is continuing to support and work in partnership with Queensland sugarcane farmers to use fertiliser more efficiently, boosting their profitability and improving the quality of water flowing into the Great Barrier Reef. $3.28 million will be provided to 24 sugarcane farmers in the Wet Tropics and Burdekin regions to improve fertiliser management practices and complete accreditation under the sugar industry’s Smartcane Best Management Practice program. This funding is in addition to the more than $500 million recently announced by the Government – the largest ever single investment to protect the Reef.

The funding announcement brings the total amount provided to sugarcane farmers under three rounds of the Reef Trust Repeated Tenders project to $12.1 million. Due to the high level of interest from farmers, all funding under this project has now been allocated. Assistant Minister for the Environment, Melissa Price, said the program would achieve the dual benefit of protecting one of Australia’s most important natural treasures and assisting the agricultural industry to achieve greater efficiencies. “Excess nitrogen run-off from agricultural land in the Reef catchments is one of the biggest threats to the health of the Reef and

is linked to outbreaks of the coral-eating crown-of-thorns starfish,” Assistant Minister Price said. “Sugarcane growers across the Great Barrier Reef coastline have embraced new technologies and methods to ensure the environment is protected for generations to come. This investment is a win-win because it improves the quality of water entering the Reef, while also helping sugarcane farmers reduce their costs.” The third round of the tenders will result in approximately 500 tonnes less fertiliser being applied to sugarcane farms and 100 tonnes less nitrogen reaching the Great Barrier Reef. In total, the three rounds of tenders will reduce nitrogen pollution to the Great Barrier Reef by approximately 385 tonnes. Project delivery partners NQ Dry Tropics (Burdekin region) and Terrain NRM (Wet Tropics region) will continue to support the project and manage grant contracts with sugarcane growers. “The Government looks forward to working with farmers and land managers to implement further water quality improvement projects as part of its recently announced partnership with the Great Barrier Reef Foundation.” For more information on the Reef Trust Repeated Tenders, please visit: www. environment.gov.au/marine/gbr/reef-trust/ repeated-reverse-auctions

Don't let water research dry up With allegations of water theft dividing regional communities, now is the time for more monitoring and research into environmental water management, not less. That’s the view of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE) in its recent submission to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on the Environment and Energy. Professor Robert Vertessy FTSE, who chairs ATSE’s Water Forum, said that credible science, founded on good data that was clearly communicated, was a pre-requisite for industry and community support of bold public policy reforms such as the recovery of water for the environment. “High-quality research and development, and improved monitoring and evaluation, are essential to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of environmental water programs and optimise the protection and restoration of Australia’s environmental assets,” he said. “ATSE welcomes the Australian Government’s investment in the project but that program is due to end next year. 34

Waste + Water Management Australia | June/July 2018

“We urge the Government to commit to ongoing environmental water research. We don’t want the good work that has taken place so far to go to waste.” ATSE has also called for increased investment in hydrologic monitoring, analysis and reporting. Professor Vertessy said: “Transparent monitoring and evaluation of outcomes from the use of environmental water is critically important to the effectiveness of the Commonwealth’s investment. “It is essential that the CEWH and allied agencies such as the Murray Darling Basin Authority have adequate resources to undertake effective monitoring and evaluation activities incorporating the best available science and technology. “A long-term commitment to monitoring and evaluation is necessary as ecosystems respond in complex ways to variable cycles of climate and water use,” he said. Professor Vertessy is Enterprise Professor (Water Resources) at the University of Melbourne, former CEO of the Bureau of Meteorology (2011-2016) and the chair of a consortium of universities (led by the University of Canberra) which is proposing an environmental water research initiative.

Hach and Veolia announce a three-year partnership agreement Hach and Veolia has announced a three-year partnership agreement, establishing Hach as a primary supplier of water analysis solutions for Veolia’s water operations. From 2018-2020, Hach will be the only preferred provider of laboratory equipment and chemistry, and preferred supplier of process analyzers, samplers, and panel solutions for Veolia. This agreement continues a partnership between Hach and Veolia that has lasted more than 20 years. “Hach is proud to be expanding our partnership with Veolia, an organization that is widely considered to be a global leader in water operations, treatment and innovation,” said Kevin Klau, Hach’s President. “Our broad product offering, global service capabilities, applications insight and software capabilities will combine with Veolia’s operations, engineering and innovation experience to deliver reduced operating costs and improved environmental compliance.” “Veolia is thrilled to expand the partnership we have had for many years with Hach, who is global leader in water analytics instrumentation, software and service,” said Pascal Decary, SVP of Global Procurement and CPO. “This strategic collaboration will help us achieve important savings, streamline our procurement process and help improve operational performance, while keeping on delivering the best-in-class service to our customers.” In addition, as part of this agreement, Veolia and Hach have agreed on a global technical partnership, which will work to adapt and validate Hach’s software tools and solutions for use by Veolia. This premium partnership includes Hach’s Claros Instrument, Data and Process Management offerings.

ABOUT VEOLIA Veolia group is the global leader in optimized resource management. With nearly 169,000 employees worldwide, the Group designs and provides water, waste and energy management solutions which contribute to the sustainable development of communities and industries. Through its three complementary business activities, Veolia helps to develop access to resources, preserve available resources, and to replenish them. In 2017, the Veolia group supplied 96 million people with drinking water and 62 million people with wastewater service, produced nearly 55 million megawatt hours of energy and converted 47 million metric tons of waste into new materials and energy.

ABOUT HACH For more than 80 years, Hach® has provided innovations to support its customers. Hach, a wholly owned subsidiary of Danaher, gives customers confidence in their water analysis by delivering expert answers, outstanding support, and reliable, easy-to-use solutions. Hach analytical instruments, services, software, and reagents are used to ensure the quality of water in a variety of industries in more than 100 countries globally.

Waste + Water Management Australia | June/July 2018

FOCUS ON WATER

Coca-Cola Amatil focuses on water conservation in manufacturing Coca-Cola Amatil has released ten commitments to improve sustainability outcomes by the end of 2020, covering areas such as environmental protection, human rights, diversity, wellbeing and workplace safety. Group Managing Director Alison Watkins today highlighted progress towards one part of the Goals, noting that improved water management and water treatment at Coca-Cola Amatil facilities had reduced annual water consumption in manufacturing by 430 megalitres, or enough to fill 172 Olympic swimming pools. “Like other beverage makers we need water to rinse bottles and cans and to ensure our production lines are cleaned while switching products,” Ms Watkins said. “We also need water to wash the fruit and vegetables we get from local farmers

before it’s prepared and canned at SPC. It’s part of making sure we deliver highquality, delicious and nutritious products for families.” “These are essential manufacturing activities, but we want to make sure we’re doing them responsibly. So, we take every opportunity to cut our water use. “This year we’ve cut our internal water demand by 430 megalitres, or 172 Olympic swimming pools. That’s great news but there is more to be done and we will look for further savings over 2018.” The water savings were achieved by: • Stewardship: Water management plans for all food, brewing, bottling and distilling sites, also ensuring that water is only drawn from long-term sustainable sources; • Efficiency: Water efficiency workshops to educate employees on the true value

of water and further develop a life-cycle approach to sustainability; • Replenishment: All Coca-Cola Amatil sites treat their waste water either on-site or discharge to municipal systems, meeting the most stringent requirements of either local regulatory authorities or The Coca-Cola Company. Water replenishment projects to provide additional high-quality water returns to communities, waterways and habitats. Ms Watkins said three-quarters of the 2017 water savings – or around 320 megalitres – were at a single site – the SPC cannery in Shepparton, Australia. The next step for the Coca-Cola Amatil Group would be a 25 per cent improvement in water efficiency for the Alcohol & Coffee portfolio. The Coca-Cola Amatil 2017 Sustainability Report is available at: www.ccamatil.com/ en/our-contribution/reporting

Launch of SWAN Asia-Pacific Alliance to accelerate smart water and wastewater growth in the region In a first of its kind, the Smart Water Networks Forum (SWAN) has launched the SWAN Asia-Pacific Alliance, which will be free to join in its first year. The APAC Alliance, which includes progressive utilities and leading solution providers, seeks to advance the use of “smart”, data-driven water and wastewater solutions across the fast-growing region. George Theo, CEO of Unitywater and Chairman of the new SWAN APAC Alliance, commented: "This Alliance is a very important initiative, which will have a key role in sharing best regional smart water practices, generating cross-industry discussion, and encouraging cities to better understand and maximise their water data.” The Alliance’s first webinar, “Pioneering Utility Smart Water Innovation in AsiaPacific”, featured innovative utility speakers 36

Waste + Water Management Australia | June/July 2018

from Unitywater, Watercare, and PUB Singapore. In a joint effort with PUB, the SWAN APAC Alliance will also co-lead a Smart Water Forum at Singapore International Water Week on the morning of July 11th at the Marina Bay Sands Singapore. During this event, there will be a special meet-and-greet for Alliance members. APAC Alliance Partners now include regional smart water and wastewater leaders: AVEVA, Cairns Regional Council, Coliban Water, Derceto, Echologics, Evoqua, i2O Water, Jacobs, Metasphere, Optimatics, OSIsoft, PUB Singapore, Pure Technologies, Queensland Urban Utilities, Taiwan Water Corporation, Unitywater, and Xylem. To learn more about the Alliance and join for free, please visit: www.swan-forum.com

ABOUT THE SWAN FORUM & SWAN ASIA-PACIFIC ALLIANCE The Smart Water Networks Forum (SWAN) is the leading global hub for the smart water and wastewater sectors. A nonprofit organisation, SWAN brings together key industry players to accelerate the awareness and adoption of datadriven solutions in water and wastewater networks worldwide. The SWAN APAC Alliance focuses these efforts in the Asia-Pacific region by drawing from SWAN Forum’s collective industry expertise and collaborative partnerships. For further information, please visit: www.swan-forum.com

Powering a Sustainable Future

Industry recognised for saving billions of litres of water Western Australian Water Minister Dave Kelly recently recognised the top savers in the Water Corporation’s non-residential water saving programs. Together, the 316 participants in the Waterwise Business, Waterwise Office and Waterwise Development programs helped save 11 billion litres of water in 2016-17. “Through these programs more than 83 billion litres of water about 36,889 Olympic swimming pools - has been saved since 2007, when the first program began,” Minister Kelly said. The Waterwise Business Program assists non-residential customers, using more than 20 million litres of scheme water each year, to save water. The Carnamah Recreation Centre received top honours in the Waterwise Business Program, with a Platinum recognition for reducing its water use by more than 50 per cent since it joined the program a decade ago. The Waterwise Office Program is a partnership between the Water Corporation, Property Council of Australia and City of Perth, and helps office building owners and managers to save water. GDI Property Group, which operates 197 St Georges Terrace, achieved a Platinum recognition in the Waterwise Office Program. The Waterwise Development Program is a partnership between the Water Corporation and the Urban Development Institute of Australia (WA Division) EnviroDevelopment Program. This program recognises the importance of designing water sensitive and liveable homes and communities. Two newly endorsed LandCorp projects were recognised Shoreline in North Coogee and the Rockingham Industrial Zone, which is the first non-residential development to join the program. Initiatives implemented at Shoreline at North Coogee include establishing native plants and hydrozoning gardens, and installing waterwise fixtures and sub-meters at apartments to help residents track and save water. It is estimated tenants at the Rockingham Industry Zone will use 80 per cent less scheme water compared to standard industrial developments by using stormwater and rainwater tanks as a source of supply. “It is great to see such a wide variety of industries participate in these programs and their commitment to saving water. Some have been part of a water saving program for almost a decade, and it is encouraging to see them continue to explore new and innovative ways to save water,” the Minister said. “Ensuring the protection of our State’s most precious resource for the long term is the responsibility of everyone, particularly as climate change continues to impact our rainfall levels,” he added.

Did you know you can access the latest issue of Waste + Water Management Australia via Informit? The Informit Engineering Collection is an ever expanding resource covering aspects of waste and water management – recycling, greenwaste processing, waste minimisation, planning, safety, water treatment and water sensitive urban design. The database offers an extensive variety of resources including journals, trade publications, reports and conference proceedings.

The Collection guarantees quality through partnerships with peak professional bodies including Engineers Australia and the Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand, as well as Content Providers including EPC Media Group. The Informit Engineering Collection delivers hard to find content designed to complete and complement all your waste and water management requirements. Other key titles published by EPC Media include: Highway Engineering Australia Construction Engineering Australia

Request a quote or free trial via www.informit.org/trial-and-quote

Research for your global future

Waste + Water Management Australia | June/July 2018

SPECIAL FEATURE

Why Do We Waste Water? by Warwick Lorenz, Managing Director, Australian Pump Industries The story is contributed by Warwick Lorenz, Managing Director of Australian Pump Industries. Lorenz is a veteran of the water industry having been drafted out of an advertising and journalist’s career at what was the old Tutt Bryant Group into managing its water pump manufacturing division, Pacific Pump. He has lived through the destruction of Australia’s industrial manufacturing sector, experienced the challenges of the “recession we had to have” and tasted the temporary delights of the Australian mining boom. He has worked with farmers, miners, the construction industry, defence, marine and food processing. Warwick is passionate about Australian manufacturing, agriculture and industry and is a long-time advocate for major water reform.

Waste + Water Management Australia | June/July 2018

With suggestions of a “big dry” heading for Australia this winter, farmers are increasingly concerned about the impact on our wheat crop and ultimately our balance of payments. Everybody should be concerned. As agriculture accounts for $60 billion worth of production per year, of which at least around $40 billion is exported, any decrease ultimately has an impact on the balance of trade and the tax payer’s pocket somewhere along the line.

Are cyclone and floods opportunities? Northern and central Queensland is moving into a sustained drought program, with New South Wales and Victoria not looking great either. It’s a familiar pattern and yet it can be contrasted with the trillions of litres of water that fell in the Queensland coast and across northern Australia in the last few months. A huge amount of water was lost to the Coral Sea and the Arafurer, taking with it mountains of top soil that farmers desperately need to retain. Governments do a wonderful job of swinging into action when floods occur and yet the irony is there appears to be no coherent flood mitigation/water preservation program in operation. Back when Tony Abbott was leader of the opposition, he and his colleagues spruiked a program called the “100 Dams”. That idea was to drought proof the country, provide water security and was a reminder of ideas touted by the iconic Ion Idriess and later on by Luscombe with his book “Australia Replanned”. The idea: to preserve our rainfall in catchments, substantially adding to our reliably good agricultural land.

Asia shows the way

Looking a little further afield, we’ve seen what Modi has done in Gujarat, and what China has accomplished in the last 20 years, with the establishment of 20,000 dams. They are turning desert into productive farm land by intelligent landscaping on a grand scale. The Three Gorges dam is the largest in the world and produces sufficient electricity, as a by-product, for 450 million people. The same dam is spruiked as providing sufficient water for the needs of both agricultural, commercial and urban requirements of up to 500 million people! Desert to farm land. Sustainable population through the use of science to harness nature to the benefit of man! Sounds corny? It may do, but Asian nations are actually doing it.

It is about demographics Taking demographics of similar sized areas to Australia, we note that USA is about the same size (i.e. 7,769,964 square kilometres) and the same thing applies to China. They may be the same size, but their respective populations are: USA - 330 million; China - 1.4 billion. Here we are in the South Pacific, with the highest standard of living in the world. The richest country per capita, with only 25 million people. World population trends indicate the globe will be providing sustenance to 10+ billion people within 10 to 15 years! In Australia, 60% of the population is urbanised, located in 4 major cities. 80% of the population lives within 40 kilometres of the coast! In other words, the land is empty! Major cities keep getting bigger while country towns are dying.

How can this be sustainable? The problem is... it’s not. Rupert Murdock, love him or hate him, made some very good

The Three Gorges Dam on China’s Yangtze River

SPECIAL FEATURE

Dam location surveys

points in the Boyer Lecture that he delivered a decade or so ago. He spoke about freedom and education being the key factors of progress. He pointed out that Australians are the freest people in the world, but that is unfortunately balanced by South East Asian nations rapidly overtaking us up when it comes to education. We read about 25 million Chinese moving into the middle classes every year in China and an equivalent in India. Don’t think this isn’t happening in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and other major South East Asian nations including our nearest neighbours in Indonesia. We applaud their progress.

Overseas influences in Australia We hear about governments selling strategic locations off to overseas buyers. It may be

farmland, ports, may be even key strategic assets in the form of mines or major agricultural properties. Are we Australians oblivious, or do we just take it as normal that the country is for sale as long as we can have access to fast food and new cars? Why let others do what we should be doing ourselves? Fiona Simpson, President of the National Farmers Federation has a lofty aim to take us from 60 million dollars worth of agricultural production to 100 million dollars worth per annum within a relatively short time. Reading the NFF website is inspiring, but nowhere does it explain where the water is going to come from? On the other hand, she knows China will buy the entire production! Do we believe that it is a secret where those dams should go?

AWEC (The Australian Water Exploration Company) is a group of concerned citizens who put their money where their mouth is and spent a lot of money surveying the country to find the ideal spot for major water conservation areas. That information was passed to the government at the time who digested it, but did little. The locations are already nominated. Can the water be channelled effectively without evaporation? Sure. They do it in California with their “Unique Cone-Shaped” channel that reduces the amount of exposure of travelling water to the sun. All this really needs to move forward, is someone (or better still, a group) with the political will and determination to pick up the ball and really promote these ideas - despite what is sure to be strong opposition from some sectors.

Dams and channels... Can it be done? Hoover built the pipeline from Perth to Kalgoorlie in about 1904 when most people said it couldn't be done. The same Hoover went on to become President of the United States and was the

The Hoover Dam on the Colorado River, on the border between the U.S. states of Nevada and Arizona

Waste + Water Management Australia | June/July 2018

SPECIAL FEATURE

driving force behind the idea of the Hoover Dam in Boulder, Nevada. That dam takes the drainage of seven States and is the foundation of 18,000,000 Los Angelinos and a massive expanse of some of the most productive agricultural land in the world. They couldn’t do it without the water from the Hoover.

We have the capability Importantly, we have the expertise, equipment and capacity to deliver these projects. Turn some of our bigger contracting companies loose on a project like this and they will amaze us with how fast they could get it done. Tunnelling equipment is capable of working its way through Sydney sandstone. If it can handle that it should be able to handle tunnels through the mountains to feed and restore inland rivers. Dozers, scrapers up to 400 tonne and dump trucks can move mountains. Just take a look at the Kalgoorlie “big hole” or the development of the Ok Tedi mine in Tabubil in New Guinea and you will understand what modern gear can do. Not only do we have the equipment we also have the engineering expertise. Australian contracting companies are up there with the very best in the world!

Where is the money coming from? It seems that we need to borrow money from overseas for major projects like this. That seems odd considering Australian super funds currently have up to 2.5 trillion Australian dollars invested, much of it offshore. Why would we invest money in offshore money markets when we have major capital works to be done in Australia? This is puzzling, and I believe that it must have something to do with effective leadership, vision and the drive to make it happen. Since reading Luscombe’s book of 1944 called “Australia Replanned” I have been boring people to death on the subject all around the country. I talk to irrigators, dry land farmers, miners, politicians and construction companies - and all agree that this is something that we should do. The problem is, those people unfortunately don’t carry the weight they should in the parliaments of the land. What’s more, it seems that even wellintentioned folk - once they get into power - seem to get side tracked by urbanites who 40

Waste + Water Management Australia | June/July 2018

simply don’t share the vision or feel the pain of what it is to go through a serious drought. For city folk it means not being able to wash your car. For the farmer it means having to shoot your cattle or plough under your wheat crop.

It needs to be done Every day we are every day exposed to huge market requirements from S.E. Asia for clean food and water. We could ship double the amount of beef we do, double todays current agricultural production of wheat, cotton and grain - if only we could produce more. The benefits are obvious. We could decentralise from the overcrowded cities, reduce the cost of housing and improve much of the population’s lifestyle by moving into key regional centres to process the enormous volume of primary products that could be produced. Wow, wouldn’t that be a great idea! Rather the letting Sydney swell to 8,000,000. Imagine a greener, cleaner, more productive inland, instead of the huge expanses of wasted landscape!

“For city folk it means not being able to wash your car. For the farmer it means having to shoot your cattle or plough under your wheat crop.” 'Australia - Proposed Inland Sea and River System'

Illustration from Australia Replanned (1944) by L.H. Luscombe

No doubt there will be some that will vehemently oppose any progress. However, we have to realise that world population pressures are inevitably going to push us to develop our country. Growing the economy, its population and its wealth will happen anyway, with or without our acceptance of it.

Call to action I’ve always believed that if change is inevitable, you might as well go with it to get the best possible result, rather than fighting it. Instead of being victims, we should be key proactive players in turning our country into what it can and should be. Can we turn the Murray Darling into the Mississippi? Probably not. But we could sure do a lot better managing its flow if the flows were double or triple what they are today. Imagine the forests we could grow, the carbon impact we could bring about just by taking the decision to move progressively in the right direction. What’s more, investing in this ‘national scale’ water infrastructure will provide the long-term water security that is essential for the future of Australia. Thanks for taking the trouble to read this story. It is a personal perspective but some of it at least should make sense. Further information on ‘Drought Proofing Australia’ is available from Australian Pump Industries.

Cost-effective and environmentally responsible solutions for the management and the rehabilitation of dysfunctionnal lagoons

www.aquago.fr

GET 25 YEARS FREE ENERGY with every SUNGO AQUAGO FIXES THE PROBLEMS OF DYSFUNCTIONAL LAGOONS

We now are present and available in Australia !

• Duckweed • Odour Pollution • Purifying Yield • Purple Bacteria • Lagoon in under-load • Lagoon in over-load • Anoxia • Bacteriological thresholds exceeded Certified ISO 9001 / ISO 14001 /OHSAS 18001 / MASE

The AQUAGO® team has designed and developed the SUNGO® and SUBMIX® known as the most efficient and least costly solutions to treat and rectify lagoon dysfunctions while improving their purifying capabilities. M E D I A C R O B A T •B A R O U X • A B B A S • L TD / 2016

• Reduced maintenance • No connexion to the grid • Total autonomy in solar version • Low energy consumption in electrical version • Optimal mixing capacity • Easy to install on all sites • Robustness and durability • Non resuspension • Non additional mud production • Up to 50% COD / BOD treatment SUNGO is a vertical mixer which allows it to mobilize all of the water column as opposed to a conventional system which mobilizes portions thereof.

Operating principle : WITHOUT AQUAGO NO SURFACE LAMINAR STREAM

SURFACE LAMINAR STREAM

DEPTH

O2 + + +

O2 +

O2 + + +

+ O2 + +

OXYGEN DEPLETION

SUNGO S

Autonomous Solar Mixer

Electric Mixer

100% renewable energy

Energy efficient

AQUAGO is a TECHSUB INDUSTRIE ENVIRONNEMENT company O2

O2 - - -

SURFACE LAMINAR STREAM

+ +

TOROÏDAL VORTEX

DEEP LAMINAR STREAM

TOROÏDAL VORTEX

Xavier Delattre - Mobile: +61(0)449 851 971 australia@aquago.fr Melbourne - Australia

NATIONAL PRECAST FEATURE

NATIONAL PRECAST’S TENDER SERVICE: YOUR ONE-STOP SHOP FOR PRECAST

The Tender Service has been developed in conjunction with architects, builders, engineers, and precast manufactures, to help ensure a user-friendly process for all parties involved. Not only does this service allow for a smooth process for the client and precaster, but Ms Bachmann believes it also allows for professional relationships to evolve. “It has shown to be an incredibly time-saving service that also allows builders and developers to start cultivating relationships with our members,” Ms Bachmann says. “That has flow-on benefits too, as the precaster – when involved early in a project – will often be able to assist with efficiency and cost saving changes that can easily be implemented.” As a result, the client can be confident that they’re working with accredited and experienced precasters who have passed the Association’s strict membership criteria. Don’t spend all day chasing manufactures to find the best price. Instead, let them come to you. Ms Bachmann invites relevant businesses to supply National Precast with the details of their next job by filling out the required fields on the Association’s website, “then sit back, relax, and wait for the tenders to arrive”. National Precast’s Tender Service is available at: www.nationalprecast.com.au

The thought of using a tender process may seem like a winding trip down a precariously long road for some civil and infrastructure companies. However, this needn’t be the case when the process is handled the right way. National Precast’s Tender Service provides builders and developers with a userfriendly, trustworthy, and cost-effective tender process. National Precast’s Chief Executive Officer, Sarah Bachmann, says the Association’s online Tender Service has made their nation-wide network of accredited precast manufactures easily available to the construction industry. “We know that builders and developers are time-poor and often have limited capacity to screen precast manufacturers to work out whether they're suitable to supply a project,” Ms Bachmann admits. “We've made that easy for them, because all of our members have undergone thorough checks before being accepted into National Precast's membership.” The Association’s online Tender Service has been successfully operating since 2015 and Ms Bachmann says it is a go-to service suited to anyone in the infrastructure space. “Because several of our members manufacture precast for both civil and building projects, the beauty is that talking to just one or two of our members can be a one-stop-shop for an entire project,” Ms Bachmann explains.

Developed in conjunction with architects, builders, engineers, and precast manufactures, the National Precast online Tender Service provides a user-friendly process for all parties involved.

When it’s photography you need… There’s only one name you need to remember Specialising in: › Architecture › Infrastructure › Industrial

› Events › Portraits › Headshots

T: 03 9347 9156 42

Waste + Water Management Australia | June/July 2018

E: info@casamento.com.au

www.casamento.com.au

A Smarter Solutionâ&#x20AC;Ś Introducing the new Clean Cube solar-powered compacting smart bin from Smart City Solutions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the first bin of its kind to use a standard 120L or 240L MGB wheelie bin inside.

Available in a choice of two sizes, the Clean Cube uses solar powered compaction to hold up to eight times more waste than a standard bin, while its smart technology monitors the fill level in real time, notifying operational staff when the bin needs to be emptied. And thanks to the fact that the Clean Cube uses either a standard 120 or 240 litre wheelie bin, emptying the bins is quick and easy, with no heavy carrying or lifting required. The Clean Cube also looks like no other bin! With solar-powered backlit ad panels and LCD screens, the Clean Cube can provide audio and video community messages or advertising opportunities. It can even be set up as a WiFi Hot Spot.

Visit www.smartcitysolutions.com.au or call 0417 546 977 today and discover how we can deliver a smarter solution for your city.

www.smartcitysolutions.com.au

ACA CORROSION FEATURE

Learning to manage pipeline corrosion The pipelines that transport the oil, gas, water, sewage, or other utilities that our modern world produces and consumes represent major investments of time and money by industries and governments. Thousands of kilometres of pipes lie buried beneath our cities and across Australasia. The range of physical, climatic and chemical environments to which these pipes are exposed cause different types of corrosion. The owners of these high-value assets, as well as the staff operating and maintaining them, must understand the cost implications of ignoring the effects of corrosion. There are many advantages of planning for corrosion control and mitigation, two of which are that the life of an asset can be extended and the maintenance time and costs can be reduced. The Australasian Corrosion Association (ACA) is once again co-hosting a one-day technical event on pipeline corrosion in Brisbane on Thursday 26 July 2018 with the Australian Pipelines & Gas Association (APGA). The seminar is part of the ACA's annual technical event program and will discuss the challenges and solutions for preventing corrosion in the pipelines that form vital public and private infrastructure. It has been designed for all industry sectors involved with Pipeline Asset Management including asset owners, project and integrity 44

Waste + Water Management Australia | June/July 2018

engineers, operators, inspection and maintenance personnel, contractors, and suppliers. Sessions will focus on technologies such as materials selection, coatings and cathodic protection used to attain the desired design life of assets. Participants will have the opportunity to share their own case studies, work experiences, best practices, engineering guidelines and failure analysis in a technical exchange open forum, aiming to look at new technologies and methodologies to fill the gaps in these industries. Registration will be available via the events tab at www.apga.org.au from midJune. Also taking place in July in Brisbane will be the five-day NACE Pipeline Integrity Management Course. The ACA will present this training between 30 July – 3 August this year. The NACE course provides key training for industry professionals, focussing on the implementation and management of an integrity program for a pipeline system. Topics covered include up-to-date coverage of the various aspects of time-dependent deterioration threats to liquid and gas pipeline systems, interpreting integrity related data, performing overall integrity assessment, calculating and quantifying risk, and making recommendations about risk management issues.

To register, please visit: www.corrosion.com.au and click the ‘Training’ tab.

ABOUT THE AUSTRALASIAN CORROSION ASSOCIATION The Australasian Corrosion Association Incorporated (ACA) is a not-for-profit, membership association, that disseminates information on corrosion and its prevention through the provision of training courses, seminars, conferences, publications and other activities.  The vision of the ACA is that corrosion is managed sustainably and cost effectively to ensure the health and safety of the community and protection of the environment. For more information visit: www.corrosion.com.au For membership enquiries visit: www.membership.corrosion.com.au

ABOUT APGA The Australian Pipelines & Gas Association (APGA) is the peak national body representing Australasia’s pipeline infrastructure for gas, oil water, slurry and CO2. Its mission is to represent its members and provide them with services to foster strong and dynamic pipeline and gas industries. For more information visit: www.apga.org.au

ACA CORROSION FEATURE

Corrosion of Stainless Steel in Aggressive Water Environments By R. Jeffrey, Pacific Testing; and L. Boulton, Les Boulton & Associates. First published and presented at the C&P2016 conference in Auckland, New Zealand. Republished in WWM Magazine with permission.

1. Introduction

Stainless steels have found increased applications in marine environments in many countries around the world over recent decades. Successful service provided by stainless steels, such as in desalination plants, has led to increased confidence in the suitability of the alloys for applications in aggressive aqueous environments such as seawater. This success has been accompanied by the increased knowledge of how design, fabrication and operational practices can achieve the best performance when using appropriate stainless steel grades for marine applications. Designers and engineering specifiers ideally require a good knowledge of the stainless steel grades available and the service capabilities of the chosen alloys in order to ensure the successful application of stainless steels. Knowledge of stainless steel fabrication practices and post-fabrication cleaning procedures for stainless steel are most important to avoid premature failure. Good industry practice for the successful use of stainless steels during service in aggressive waters, including seawater, is now more prevalent in the design of marine structures (1). However, situations are encountered, from time to time, where a grade of stainless steel has been incorrectly specified for water service conditions when the stainless steel is continually exposed to a corrosive salt water environment. Problems have also been experienced where poor design or use of an out of specification alloy has contributed to premature failure of stainless steel components in marine service. A case study of premature failure of the so-called â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;marine gradeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; AISI Grade 316 stainless steel is discussed to illustrate how corrosion problems occurred using this grade of austenitic stainless steel.

2. Crevice Corrosion and Factors Influencing Crevice Corrosion 2.1 Crevice corrosion mechanism Crevice corrosion is a form of localised corrosion usually associated with a stagnant solution on the micro-environmental level (2, 3, 4). Such stagnant micro-environments tend to occur in crevices (fissures or shielded areas) such as those formed under gaskets, washers, insulation material, fastener heads, surface deposits, disbonded coatings, threads, lap joints and clamps. Crevice corrosion is initiated by changes in local chemistry within the fissure:

a) Depletion of a corrosion inhibitor in a crevice b) Depletion of oxygen in a crevice c) An increase in the acid conditions within a crevice d) Build-up of aggressive ionic species in a crevice, e.g. chlorides e) Development of differing potentials between active and passive stainless steel surfaces. As oxygen diffusion into the crevice is restricted, a differential aeration cell tends to be set up between crevice (microenvironment) and the external surface (bulk environment). The cathodic oxygen reduction reaction cannot be sustained in the crevice area, giving it an anodic character in the concentration cell. This imbalance can lead to the creation of highly corrosive micro environmental conditions in the crevice, conducive to further metal dissolution. This results in the formation of an acidic micro-environment from metal ion hydrolysis reactions, together with, in salt water, a high chloride ion concentration. All forms of differential and concentration cell corrosion on stainless steel can be very aggressive, and all result from environmental differences at the surface of the metal. Even the most benign atmospheric or immersed environments can become extremely aggressive. 2.2 Crevice Shape The geometry of the Stainless Steel (SS) crevice will influence its susceptibility to attack and the speed of progress (4). The narrower and deeper (relative to its width) a SS crevice, the worse corrosion attack will be. Metal to flexible plastic crevices tend to be narrower than rigid metal to metal gaps, so metal to plastic joints provide more aggressive crevices. 2.3 Environment The more aggressive the fluid outside the SS crevice, the more likely it is that the SS in the crevice will be attacked. If the electrical potential of the cathodic SS area outside the crevice is higher than the anodic SS area inside the crevice, then the anodic SS area in the fissure is more vulnerable to accelerated localised corrosion, because of a larger potential difference created on the SS surfaces. This is why crevice corrosion may be a more serious problem on SS fittings installed in a chlorinated salt water swimming pool, but crevice corrosion is not as serious on SS fittings in a chlorinated fresh water swimming pool.

Waste + Water Management Australia | June/July 2018

ACA CORROSION FEATURE

2.4 Temperature Once the Critical Crevice Temperature (CCT) is exceeded, then as with exceeding the Critical Pitting Temperature (CPT), higher temperatures mean corrosion on SS is more rapid. Based on the Arrhenius equation it can be expected that a 10° C rise in temperature can double the corrosion rate. At higher temperatures not only are SS crevices more likely to start corroding but, once corrosion initiates, the component will corrode faster. 2.5 Alloy corrosion resistance Using a more corrosion resistant SS produces less crevice corrosion attack (4, 5). For example, in seawater at ambient temperature, crevices will form on austenitic Grade 304 SS if there is less than a 0.9 mm gap, on Grade 316 SS if there is less than a 0.4 mm gap, and on Grade 904L SS (similar corrosion resistance to duplex grade 2205 SS) if there is less than a 0.15 mm gap. 2.6 Minimising the risk of crevice corrosion Good design, good fabrication and controlled operating practices will anticipate and help to minimise crevice corrosion on most of the SS grades. 2.7 Design to minimise corrosion It is good practice to design to minimise the presence of crevices in SS components and fittings for water immersion. If a crevice is a necessary part of a design, it is best practice to make the fissure as wide as possible to allow oxygen ingress into the fissure. Full penetration butt welds are best for joints in SS to minimise crevices. It is also good practice to seal lap joints in SS and to avoid gaps between SS pipes and SS fittings. 2.8 Pitting Resistance A factor that needs to be considered when choosing a SS grade for structures submerged in seawater is the Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number (PREN). The theoretical PREN-value for austenitic SS is calculated using the following formula: PREN = %Cr + 3.3 x %Mo + 16 x%N (w/w) In general, the higher the PREN-value the more corrosion resistant the SS grade. Grades of SS with PREN-values above 40 are considered to be corrosion resistant when submerged in seawater. The PREN-value for Grade 316 SS is in a range from 2329, depending upon the Mo content in the 316 SS alloy. There is a likelihood that a structure fabricated from Grade 316 SS immersed in seawater during service may be subject to localised corrosion attack. The PREN value is only a guide. There are cases where

Figure 1: Stainless steel pool steps showing rust under cup nuts.

Waste + Water Management Australia | June/July 2018

Grade 316 SS has performed well when submerged in seawater If crevices are present in an immersed Grade 316 SS structure the likelihood of crevice corrosion occurring is higher. Due to the likelihood of localised corrosion occurring it is advisable not to employ grade 316 SS for seawater immersion. In the tidal zone or above, seawater grade it can give reasonable performance. However, using the generic name “marine grade” for Grade 316 SS is misleading since designers can inadvertently assume it is sufficient for the task in hand which can result in unexpected failures of the alloy due to localised corrosion if it is subjected to seawater immersion.

3. Case Study: Corrosion in a Swimming Pool 3.1 Observations Premature corrosion occurred on Grade 316 stainless steel fittings in a private swimming pool. The initial cause of concern was the stainless steel pool steps where corrosion was noticed on welds and cap nuts holding the step treads (Figures 1 and 2). Corrosion was also observed on the inlet suction port fitting, the water outlet fitting (Figure 3) and in the skimmer box. An underwater light fitting showed evidence of minor corrosion, however when the cover was removed rust staining was evident on both the cover plate and on the plastic light casing (Figure 4). At one end of the swimming pool a spa pool was installed. Stainless steel fittings in the spa pool, including lights and vents, all showed rust staining (Figure 5). The stainless steel fittings that exhibited the most corrosion were the aerator jet covers (Figure 6). The pool was heated by a solar unit on the roof of the house and the treated pool water at times reached 40° C. Originally, the water pipes feeding and leaving the solar heater were stainless steel but the pipes had corroded and had been replaced with plastic pipes. A lamp cover-plate, cap nuts from the pool steps and screws from the pool lamp were removed for analysis and further investigation. 3.2 Laboratory Examination of Components 3.2.1 Microscopic examination A stainless steel (SS) screw, removed from a pool light was examined under an optical microscope. The examination of the SS screw shank revealed that extensive localised corrosion had occurred. The hole on the cover-plate where the fastener passed through to hold the plate in place also showed signs of localised corrosion. The corrosion observed where the fastener entered the pool light cover plate and the face of the nut was consistent with crevice corrosion occurring on the components.

Figure 2: Corrosion on inner weld of stainless steel step.

Figure 3: Corrosion on inner edge of pool water outlet vent.

ACA CORROSION FEATURE

3.2.2 Material analysis The metal fittings in the lap pool and spa pool were specified as being Grade 316 SS. The lamp cover-plate, a cover-plate screw and a ladder cup nut were analysed for elemental composition in a laboratory using optical emission spectroscopy (OES). Table 1 gives the OES analysis results (element weight %) and the specification for the composition of AISI Grade 316 SS. As with all measurement there is some degree of uncertainty. The OES calculates its uncertainty from the standard deviation of a number of readings, the uncertainty of precision of the machine and calibration uncertainty resulting in a combined expanded uncertainty (95% confidence interval). A typical combined expanded uncertainty for Grade 316 SS is included with the results shown in Table 1.

an algicide. It should be noted that a report by the Urban Water Research Association of Australia, (6) suggests chloramines at levels in drinking water have no effect on stainless steel. Higher chloride levels may however make the chloramines more aggressive, similar to chlorine and increasing chloride levels. In order to ascertain if any of the chemicals used in the pool maintenance contained ammonia-based species an audit was undertaken of the chemical products added to treat the pool water. A list of pool additions and their active ingredients is given in Table 2. Another source of ammonia-based compounds, mostly in public swimming pools, is human perspiration and urine. It was assumed that the lap pool had insufficient use to consider this factor as a source of ammonia.

Table 1: Analysis of Pool Fittings

Table 2: Active components of pool water treatment

Component

Ni %

Cr %

Mo %

Comment

Specification 316 SS

10.0 – 14.0

16.0 – 18.0

2.00 – 3.00

Cover plate

10.14

16.75

1.96

Cup Nut

10.49

17.13

2.04

Cover plate Screw

11.71

17.76

1.92

Combined Expanded Uncertainty

0.050

0.0664

0.0321

Mo slightly out of specification Mo slightly out of specification

The SS fittings analysed had close to the minimum, or below the minimum specification for the molybdenum (Mo) content of 316 SS. The correct Mo content is critical to provide the corrosion resistance expected of Grade 316 SS. Over recent years the composition of austenitic Grade 316 SS has tended toward the absolute minimum specification for Mo content and this is in part related to the high cost of molybdenum metal. The Mo content was at the bottom of the acceptable range. 3.2.3 Chemicals added to the Pool Water Chloramine, NH2Cl, forms by ammonia reacting with chlorine. Chloramine is very soluble in water and it can be used as a disinfectant in public swimming pools and water supplies. However, chloramine is known to increase the risk of corrosion occurring on stainless steels (2). The lap pool water was treated with a number of chemicals to maintain the correct water pH and chlorine level. The chlorine is added as a bacterial and viral disinfectant and as

Figure 4: Severe rust staining on stainless steel housing of pool light.

Pool Additive

Active Components

Pool Salt

Sea salt (sodium chloride)

Pool Acid

Hydrochloric acid

Balance Pak 100

Sodium hydrogen carbonate

Balance Pak 300

Calcium chloride

Salt Pool Sparkle

Sodium dichloroisocyanurate Sodium tetraborate pentahydrate

None of the pool water treatment chemicals contained ammoniabased compounds so it was unlikely that chloroamines had been formed to exacerbate corrosion on the Grade 316 SS fittings. However, the addition of sea salt (chlorides, Cl- ions) was of interest because chlorides can assist localised corrosion on Grade 316 SS if the SS fittings and other SS components are permanently immersed in salty pool water. In a salt water pool sodium chloride (NaCl) is added to facilitate electrolytically generate chlorine in the swimming pool and in the spa pool. Salt water pools typically have 3,000 to 5,000 mg/L chlorides added. 3.3 Discussion It was apparent that the premature corrosion on the swimming pool and spa pool Grade 316 SS fittings was due to crevice corrosion. Grade 316 SS is often called the ‘marine grade’ of stainless steel, but it is susceptible to crevice corrosion when immersed in salty water, particularly at temperatures greater than about 22° C. The Grade 316 SS used for the pool fittings contained very close to the minimum of the molybdenum composition which can diminish the corrosion resistance of the immersed fittings. Furthermore, the design of the pool steps with built-in crevices contributed to the initiation of crevice corrosion on the Grade 316 SS components.

Figure 5: Corrosion on stainless steel fittings in spa pool.

Figure 6: Corrosion on stainless steel spa pool aerator jet cover.

Waste + Water Management Australia | June/July 2018

ACA CORROSION FEATURE

3.4 Remediation A solution to the premature corrosion of the Grade 316 SS fittings was to extricate the pool fittings that could be unfastened and have the components electro-polished. The Grade 316 SS components that could not be removed from the pool needed to be thoroughly cleaned and well-polished in-situ with a water-resistant metal polishing agent to minimise future contact of the Grade 316 SS components with the pool and spa water. All crevices should then be sealed to prevent corrosion reoccurring unless they can be increased to be wider than the critical width (>0.4mm). In addition, the Grade 316 SS fittings in the pool need to be inspected regularly to ensure that crevice corrosion does not recur. Regular maintenance of the Grade 316 SS fittings is necessary to clean the 316 SS components and to remove any build-up of aggressive chemicals that might deposit in SS crevices.

4. Conclusions Although there have been successful applications of Grade 316 stainless steel in salty water and marine environments, the socalled “marine grade” 316 stainless steel has its limitations in aggressive service environments. It is preferred that austenitic Grade 316 stainless steel is not employed in full seawater immersion conditions due to the risk of localised corrosion occurring at joints and connections on marine structures where crevices exist.

Waste + Water Management Australia | June/July 2018

In applications where a marine structure is likely to experience full or intermittent immersion in salty water it is best to choose a higher grade of stainless steel such as a super-austenitic grade or a super-duplex grade. The selection of the stainless steel grade is very dependent upon the expected service environment. If unusually aggressive water environments are anticipated during service due to the location of a marine structure it is advisable not to select ‘marine grade’ Grade 316 stainless steel.

5. References [1.] L. H. Boulton, Service Experience with Stainless Steels in Corrosive Waters, Proceedings of 18th International Corrosion Congress, Paper No. 115, Perth, Australia, 2011. [2.] J. W. Oldfield & B. Todd, Room Temperature Stress Corrosion Cracking of Stainless Steels in Indoor Swimming Pool Atmospheres, British Corrosion Journal, Volume 26, No.3, 1991. [3.] A. J. Sedriks, Corrosion of Stainless Steels, 2nd Ed., Ch. 5, John Wiley & Sons, New York, USA, 1996. [4.] L.H. Boulton & A. J. Betts, Crevice Corrosion – Causes, Cases and Control, British Corrosion Journal, Vol.26, 1991. [5.] R. W. Ross & A. H. Tuthill, Practical Guide to Using Marine Fasteners, Nickel Institute, Technical Series No 10045, 1990. [6.] Effects of Chloramination of Potable Water on the Performance of Materials, (1998), Report UWRAA 141, Urban Water Research Association of Australia.

ACRS - The Australasian Certification Authority for Reinforcing and Structural Steels Ltd

When performance under pressure is critical, why take the risk?

When it comes to pipelines and pressure vessels, you need to be confident that your steel and bolts are up to the task. ACRS provides expert and independent certification of steel and bolts to: • AS/NZS 1252.1:2016 - High-strength steel fastener assemblies for structural engineering - Bolts, nuts and washers Technical requirements • AS/NZS 1594:2002 - Hot-rolled steel flat products • AS/NZS 3678:2016 - Structural steel - Hot-rolled plates, floor plates and slabs • AS/NZS 5100.6:2017 - Bridge design - Steel and composite construction • AS/NZS 5131:2016 - Structural steelwork - Fabrication and erection • AS 3597-2008 - Structural and pressure vessel steel - Quenched and tempered plate ACRS certification provides you with confidence that the steel and bolts you choose meet the Standards and are up to the task.

www.steelcertification.com Ph: (02) 9965 7216 | E: info@steelcertification.com ABN: 40 096 692 545 ACRS - Independent, Expert Third Party Certification & Verification of Reinforcing, Prestressing and Structural Steels for Compliance with Australian and New Zealand Standards