4 INDUSTRY NEWS
ENERGY SNAPSHOT EXPOSES WASTAGE IN BUILDINGS
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t the recent EMEX exhibition, ABB launched an updated energy assessment process, specifically targeting the financial community, energy managers and maintenance teams. The Energy Snapshot is a six-step process in which an ABB engineer, or one of its approved partners, visits a site and in half-a-day identifies up to five motor driven applications that are wasting the most energy. Typical applications examined include pumps, fans and compressors. The output from the Energy Snapshot is an Executive Summary, tailored to meet the specific needs of financial, energy or maintenance managers. The summary highlights which applications can benefit from retrofitting or upgrading variable speed drives (VSDs) and/or high efficiency motors, together with an estimate of the energy and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions saving potential.
Commenting on the launch, ABB’s Steve Hughes said: “Motor-driven applications are rarely seen or heard unless something goes wrong. To that end, VSDs are not generally at the front of many employees’ minds when it comes to energy saving initiatives. This lack of awareness means that companies could be missing out on the significant energy savings that VSDs can deliver. It is, therefore, important that energy managers can build a compelling business case so that others can understand the potential benefits.”
COMPACT LIFTING STATION SOLVES WATERSIDE CHALLENGE
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Saniflo Sanfos lifting station has been used to handle the wastewater at a challenging Norfolk building project. The build was at a riverside property, situated within the Norfolk Broads. Part of the project was a boathouse that included occasional accommodation which needed to be connected to the site’s wastewater system. However, its position on the water’s edge meant that the boathouse was some 4m below and 65m from the drainage level of the on-site sewage treatment plant. Because of this, discharging black and grey water waste would require a pump capable of lifting waste up and along soil pipes to meet the waste treatment plant. The project was further complicated by the waterside position, which meant that the ground was understandably damp. This meant that the
SPEAKERS INSPIRE WOMEN IN WATER CAMPAIGN
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elegates to the second Women in Water conference organised by British Water have embraced the trade association’s campaign to support women in the industry. The event took place at MWH Treatment’s Manchester headquarters on 16 October and speakers shared their career stories along with offering expert advice from direct experience. British Water chief executive Lila Thompson said, “One of the important things about Women in Water is that it’s not just an event, it’s now a campaign, and we’re building our resources and incorporating other organisations’ actions and events. We’ve already had some excellent feedback from delegates that will help determine our next steps as we build on this important initiative.” In the spirit of collaboration, Angie Needle, founder of the Women’s Utility Network, delivered a keynote on empowerment. Quarter 4 2019
smallest possible hole needed to be dug for the waste transfer solution, to keep it stable and minimise the cost of the works. The site’s contractors called in Saniflo, and a site visit confirmed that a Sanifos 110 would be the ideal size to lift the grey and black waste and discharge it via 40mm pipework up to the treatment plant. Being significantly smaller than alternative solutions, it met the criteria for the project. A hole just 1m deep and less than 500mm wide was all that was required. The Sanifos has been covered by a simple manhole cover which is flush with the ground so creates no obstruction. The outlet pipe is sited out of the way by the guttering of the boathouse. Access to the unit for maintenance is still very good.
Setting out the current gender imbalance in stark terms she said only 20% of the half-million people working in the utilities are women; only 23% of those in leadership positions in the water industry are women and only 1% of those in skilled trades. MWH Treatment human resources director, Hilary Tew, had practical advice for companies wishing to recruit and retain female employees. She said: “We asked whether our benefits are inclusive. We now offer an extra five days of holidays you can buy. It’s not just about women; men can share the benefits. If we can help with their family life, it’s a win-win.” Feedback from delegates during and after the event was overwhelmingly positive. www.bpma.org.uk
