Sustainability Matters Dec 2011/Jan 2012

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contents

Dec 2011/Jan 2012

A

4 Leading the way

Adapting to a changing economy 6

Sharing energy efficiency

10

Case studies

18

Research & development

20

Pioneers within WEEE recycling

22

Products & services

28

Biomass for energy or biofuels

33

Resource centre

34

Legislation, governance, programs and industry links to help guide y our sustainability development.

In my opinion Missed opportunity for carbon abatement

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s the end of the year fast approaches, it is a good time to reflect our achievements and make some plans for the New Year. It’s been an interesting and extremely busy year for me. I’ve enjoyed putting the magazine together for you and at the same time have managed to see my daughter through her final year of school. Finally, I breathe, but now I suppose the real fun begins as she tries to work out what career she wants to pursue.

Next year should see some interesting changes and challenges with the carbon pricing mechanism set to be implemented in July. If they haven’t done so already, most businesses will be looking at ways to improve their energy efficiency in order to reduce the effects of this cost.

Businesses may need to look outside of the box to find new and innovative ways to improve efficiency and become more sustainable - a consultant could help with this process.

Research and development has forged ahead in 2011 with some promising new technologies on the way. Plastic solar cells and algae for carbon capture are some of the latest reports.

I hope the articles presented in the magazine have helped you in some way become more sustainable in 2011 and the years to come.

21 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Carolyn Jackson sm@westwick-farrow.com.au

Leading the way

Adapting to a changing economy From behind the eight ball to ahead of the game: how Latrobe City Council is leading the way in transitioning to a low carbon economy

leader stream

Julia Agostino, Manager Regional Partnerships Latrobe City Council.

Our actions centre around three underpinning themes: identifying and realising opportunities, working together and contingency planning.

T

he key to success when preparing for change is to be proactive; get ahead of the issues - don’t wait for them to arrive. At Latrobe City we did just that. In 2010 Council adopted its policy ‘Positioning the Latrobe City for a Low Carbon Emission Future’ which contains thirty actions designed to help transition not just Latrobe City Council, but the whole region to a carbon-constrained economy.

Latrobe City Council’s policy broke new ground as the first of its kind in Australia, a fact that has not gone unnoticed at the state and federal government levels. It has given us the credibility and confidence to engage with the other levels of government to ensure that the Latrobe Valley community is, and will continue to be, an active and important part of the low carbon transition debate. By showing other levels of government that we have been proactive, we have given them something to work with and have been able to direct the discussion about our community.

But it has been a long road to this point. Latrobe City Council realised that it was inevitable that some form of emissions trading scheme or carbon tax would be adopted by the federal government. As a region that was badly affected by the privatisation of electricity in the 1990s, and one that will be particularly affected by a carbon tax, we wanted to ensure our community was in the best possible position to cope with the changes coming our way.

Rather than waiting to see what would happen at a federal level, Latrobe City Council decided to develop a policy that could be implemented immediately.

Latrobe City Council took the step of engaging a consultant, MWH, to help develop the best-possible policy

This 44 Sustainability Matters - Dec 2011/Jan 2012

document. We found that working with MWH gave us a broader perspective on the issues and allowed us the freedom to direct drafting of the policy, while continuing with core business. Key to the success of this partnership was the positioning of an MWH consultant in our office one day each week. This gave us confidence that our consultant was getting to know us and our community and that the policy document would reflect that. As it turns out, the document does just that and continues to serve us well.

The result of this partnership has been an excellent, useable policy that has the potential to remain relevant despite changes to federal government policy and legislation. Our actions centre around three underpinning themes: identifying and realising opportunities, working together and contingency planning. We believe these themes are broad enough to be adopted by other organisations that may be seeking to prepare for a ‘clean energy future’ scheme.

Of course, like any policy document, it is a dynamic, living document that will need to be reviewed in the future.

At this stage, we anticipate that a review will take place in 2012-2013. The timing of the review will let us take into account the carbon tax legislation that is expected to pass.

Finally, here at Latrobe City we continue to invest time and resources in strategic and ongoing engagement with stakeholders, including government, industry and the community, about transition issues. We are actively pursuing opportunities, such as government funding, and keeping our community informed.

MWH Australia Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/P161

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Sharing energy efficiency This past year has seen great change and uncertainty in the energy and regulatory market for business.

From increases in energy costs due to network augmentations and more increases on this front expected, to the splitting of the Renewable Energy Target (RET) into two parts, to the introduction and/ or adjustments of a variety of state-based schemes, along with more stringent requirements for the commercial building disclosure scheme, and now, an expected carbon tax along with a plethora of grant and tax-break incentives to come with it. While my intent is not to discuss the specifics of what all these changes will mean, one thing is for certain, energy prices will increase and the effects on many businesses will be difficult to ignore.

Jennifer Baltatzidis*, Origin Energy

The planned Dandenong Precinct Energy Project is an example of a shared energy-efficiency development. Their plan is to install a centralised cogeneration plant that will provide electricity and heating to multiple businesses. This is just one example of the types of aggregated projects Jennifer is advocating for. This is an artist’s rendering of what it may look like.

This 66 Sustainability Matters - Dec 2011/Jan 2012

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Centralised energy

F

or decades, Australian businesses have benefited from cheap energy. As a result, generally only the most energy-intensive companies have focused on energy-efficient equipment and processes while most have not invested resources into understanding how they use energy and how they can reduce it. This is something that will have to change for various businesses to remain cost competitive. Nevertheless, this task is not insurmountable.

Despite the expected increases in electricity, our overall price of electricity should still be fairly cost competitive.

According to the International Energy Agencies’ 2010 statistics, Australia’s current industrial electricity prices are at the lower end when compared to other developed economies. This would mean that even with the expected increases over the next few years we should only move up more towards the mid-range of prices. This repositioning of our energy prices relative to our competitors does not have to spell the end of Australian business as some have reported. However, it does mean that many businesses will have to start considering energy efficiency as a vital part of maintaining their cost competitiveness. Rather than viewing this as a negative, I see it as one of the greatest growth opportunities Australian businesses have been presented in years.

The green future the government has planned offers the potential to create new technologies, new jobs and new opportunities. For building owners, research is demonstrating that green starrated buildings and those with elevated energy efficiency ratings deliver greater returns than less efficient buildings. For manufacturers, the growth in demand for green products and services is expected to be significant. Plus, energy efficiency in and of itself has the potential to save money regardless of any increases to revenue. That, combined with the price increases discussed above, implies that companies should be investing in costeffective, energy-saving technologies.

However, this hasn’t been the case even when financial incentives were strong.

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For building owners, research is demonstrating that green starrated buildings and those with elevated energy efficiency ratings deliver greater returns than less efficient buildings.

Companies historically have faced a formidable number of barriers to overcome before investing in energy conservation.

Some lack technical knowledge and capabilities. Others have reservations about the ability of energy-saving equipment to perform as promised. These technologies and systems can often be capital intensive, which can make financing an issue. For smaller businesses, initiatives can be impractical as their application is best suited to large-scale installations where they are both financially and/or technically more viable. So, what should we do differently to overcome these issues?

In the majority of scenarios, solutions have been isolated to an individual building scope. However, by using an aggregated approach, projects can often become more viable. This means shifting our singular focus on how we undertake energy-efficiency improvements to think about project implementation at a group level rather than at an individual building or business level. This can allow for economies of scale and greater project reliability, which can’t be achieved on an individual basis. Some examples of this include: Centralised trigeneration, where instead of each building containing its own chiller, boiler and cooling towers, they’re located centrally and heating and cooling water is delivered to local buildings along with electricity generated from the plant. A slight twist on this could be allowing only heating and cooling water to be delivered to one building, but sizing the plant such that it can produce excess electricity and feed it to local buildings which also helped purchase the trigeneration plant.

Another example may be aggregating energy performance contracts of multiple buildings into one to allow for purchasing power and reduced overhead costs associated with individual buildings. In addition, it may allow for small buildings that would otherwise not be considered to be included in the project.

by Barron

A final example is aggregating demandside management capabilities amongst many small users to allow for peak shaving or shifting occurring in a significant manner.

These are just a few illustrations of ways that business will need to start thinking and start looking beyond the boundaries of their own building and business, breaking from the traditional methods of receiving standard services (like hot water, heating, cooling, demand management) and embracing such services from unconventional sources or unusual contracting methods.

By placing greater emphasis on business alliances, there is the potential to garner the benefits from a shared service approach and make energy efficiency more accessible for more businesses.

Origin Energy Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/P210

*Jennifer Baltatzidis has a Bachelor of Science and Engineering in Bioengineering from Arizona State University. Her career in the power utility industry includes distribution design, power plant engineering and renewable energy, with an extensive background in power plant energyefficiency management.

www.barron.com.au Dec 2011/Jan 2012 - Sustainability Matters

77

case study

Place of sustainable building design

A

collaborative effort between Lend Lease and the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority (SHFA) has seen the completion of the $550 million Darling Quarter development in Sydney’s CBD. In the heart of the development is the new Commonwealth Bank flagship campus which has used CSR Gyprock’s EC08 plasterboard.

Commonwealth Bank Place (CBP), a low-rise, campus-style commercial development for up to 6000 CBA employees, has received a 6 Star Green Star - Office Design version 2 rating after achieving 84 credit points - the highest score for a building of its size, translating to world-class innovation in sustainability.

Officially opened at the end of September 2011, the CBP building’s passive and active design features save 2500 tonnes of carbon emissions per year and reduce main water consumption by 92%.

Approximately 12,000 m2 of Gyprock EC08 plasterboard in impact grade and partition grade was used to meet the strict conditions in the 58,000sqm fitout of CBP. Gyprock EC08 with reCore technology was launched in 2008 and is said to be the first Australian-made plasterboard to have been certified by Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA). The plasterboard used is produced with the highest level of recycled content and can be recycled rather than add to the growing waste problem.

The Gyprock range is now available in three grades - partition, fire rated and impact rated, in 13 mm thickness.

All three boards in the EC08 range are accredited to the latest GECA 04-2011 Panel Boards standard, which is compliant with the requirements of the GBCA’s Assessment Framework for product certification schemes.

It was important for Lend Lease to specify a Green Star-compliant product, but to also keep the choices open for

Officially opened at the end of September 2011, the CBP building’s passive and active design features save 2500 tonnes of carbon emissions per year and reduce main water consumption by 92%. ... The plasterboard used is produced with the highest level of recycled content and can be recycled rather than add to the growing waste problem.

the contractors in case they wanted to propose or use an alternative product.

Lend Lease was after an environmentally friendly plasterboard product that complied with Green Star - Office Interiors version 1.1 credit Mat-3 Walls and Partitions. In addition, the project needed a product which would be easy to work with on site.

Other GECA-certified products were trialled but found to be either too heavy or soaked up layers of paint. Gyprock EC08 was trialled by the contractors off site before they used it in the CBP fit-out.

CSR Gyprock National Product Manager Kylie Peterson says, “We were pleased to learn that it ticked all Lend Lease’s boxes for their sustainable and practical requirements.”

In addition to Gyprock installed on the interior walls, GECA-certified workstations, chairs, tables, storage and Grade E1 composite timber were among other design initiatives installed to target a

This 88 Sustainability Matters - Dec 2011/Jan 2012

minimum 5 Green Star - Office Interiors version 1.1 rating for CBP fit-out.

CBP was designed by a collaboration of architects; FJMT designed the base building, EGO Group and Davenport Campbell & Partners designed the interiors.

Kylie Peterson says, “It is a testament to Lend Lease and the Commonwealth Bank to see their initiation to install a number of products, fittings and fixtures that contribute to the building and fitout’s Green Star rating, with Gyprock EC08 being one of them.

“We have thoroughly tested EC08 internally and independently, and it is gratifying to confirm that it measures up to the high standards that Lend Lease expect and implement.”

In addition to CBP, Darling Quarter also encompasses a family and leisure precinct with 14 retail outlets and dining facilities, adjoining a new state-of-the-art 4000 m2 public park and car park for up to 600 cars.

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We make ideas flow

case studies index  Place of sustainable building design

 Green energy from

8

chicken waste

10

 Desalination in Israel

12

 Pilot plant study to improve

water recycling technology

14

 Sludge-level monitoring

16

 Powering ahead with recycling 16  Water treatment facility at pristine site

17

research & development index  Producing aluminium using less energy

 Processing algae at low cost  Starch gets a better rap from nuclear science

 Nanotechnology microscope boosts solar research

18 18 19 19

Green energy from chicken waste Technology to reduce retention times Food processing and other organic waste streams are often high in energy potential and produced in significant quantities.

Trade waste is an expense and green credentials are gaining importance in the eyes of the consumer.

Anaerobic digestion is an appropriate technology to recover water and energy, however, extended retention times, often as long as 24 days, can be a major problem where space is at a premium and storage of millions of litres of waste material simply not feasible. Disposal of sludge is a further cost.

Recognising not only the potential of energy and water recovery from organic waste but also the limitations of current technology, Active Research has introduced technology to reduce retention times to hours rather than days.

At the same time making the digestion of product, often regarded as difficult, suitable for digestion. For example, offal and wastewater produced as a by-product of poultry processing can be economically converted to biogas for further conversion to electrical and thermal energy in an environmentally sound manner.

Technology improvements include the use of ultrasound to lyses cells leading to reduced retention time,

reduced sludge generation and additional gas generation. Fixed-film technology minimises washout of methanogens from the reactor.

A trial recently undertaken over a period of six weeks using the Active Research pilot plant at a Melbourne-based chicken processing plant demonstrated the potential for the host company to become almost self sufficient in electrical and thermal energy requirements.

Potentially, the recovered energy may lead to the replacement of a propanefired boiler.

The pilot plant with an onboard high-rate, fixed-film anaerobic digester using ultrasound as part of the influent preparation process was used. The reactor is of 3000 L capacity, constant stir and heated.

Initial results clearly demonstrated the capability of the technology used to digest the influent - viscera, blood, fat, heads, feet and factory wash water to produce high-quality biogas (73% methane) and water for re-use. Retention time was 48 h on establishment and development of the microbial population.

This time lag will reduce further as the microbial population increases.

The trial demonstrated 2670 m 3 methane would be produced daily from an influent input of only 10 tonnes of byproduct and 120 kL factory wash water.

As an indicator of the dollar value of the gas, it would be sufficient to power a cogeneration plant producing 200 kW/h electricity plus 240 kW thermal energy 24 hours per day. Taken over 300 days per annum this equals 1440 MWh at roughly $120.00/MWh plus the value of RECs. Added to this is the value of the thermal energy produced and trade waste cost reduction, compared to no financial benefit as is currently the case. Suspended solids in discharge water were reduced from 2100 mg/L to <200 mg/L and BOD from 1900 mg/L to <300 mg/L. Payback on a full-scale facility is estimated at 2½-3 years.

Active Research Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/H054

10 Sustainability Matters - Dec 2011/Jan 2012 This 10

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THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT

SHAPING THE FUTURE OF RESOURCE RECOVERY AS AN AUSTRALIAN LEADER IN RESOURCE RECOVERY, RECYCLING AND WASTE MANAGEMENT, SITA AUSTRALIA HAS A DIRECT IMPACT ON THE DAILY LIVES OF OVER 3.7 MILLION INDIVIDUALS, 43,000 BUSINESSES AND 55 MUNICIPALITIES ACROSS AUSTRALIA. THROUGH OUR JOINT-VENTURE PARENT COMPANIES, SUEZ ENVIRONNEMENT AND SEMBCORP INDUSTRIES, WE ARE EXCITED TO INTRODUCE OUR NEW BRAND WHICH REFLECTS OUR INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE. COMBINING GLOBAL KNOWLEDGE WITH FIRM ROOTS IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES IS HOW WE CAN SHAPE THE FUTURE OF RESOURCE RECOVERY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND GENERATIONS OF AUSTRALIANS TO COME. SHARE THE FUTURE WITH US.

case studies Desalination in Israel Peristaltic pumps used at the site Increased water conservation and water use efficiency are a priority for countries worldwide. A vital process, in a number of countries, is to boost the supply of potable water by desalination.

H o w e v e r, l a r g e - s c a l e desalination typically requires large amounts of energy as well as specialised, expensive infrastructure, making it very costly compared to the use of fresh water from rivers or groundwater.

The large energy reserves of many Middle Eastern countries, along with their relative water scarcity, have led to extensive construction of desalination in this region. Saudi Arabia’s desalination plants account for about 24% of total world capacity.

Watson-Marlow has a long history of supplying pumps to conventional water and waste treatment plants for metering and dosing the chemicals which are used to remove suspended particles, minerals and contaminants and to maintain pH and disinfect the water. Similar metering and dosing applications are found in desalination processes and sales, to that market, are increasing both internationally and, more recently, in the UK. Israel has a number of desalination plants which provide about one third of the country’s annual demand of 2 billion cubic metres of fresh water. One of the most recent plants at Palmachim, 30 miles south of Tel Aviv, was designed with Watson-Marlow peristaltic pumps, specified for a range of chemical metering applications.

A total of 30 Watson-Marlow baseplate-mounted pumps are installed at the Palmachim plant, commissioned in 2007.

Its control system is based on the Profibus DP communication protocol which is used to operate sensors and actuators

(pumps) from a centralised control centre. The timing of the requirement at this site coincided with Leroy Somers’ introduction of the Profibus option for their Varmeca 2 0 d r i v e u n i t . Va r m e c a drives are frequently used on Watson-Marlow 500 and 600 series pumps and, in this instance, enabled the company to supply the sites’ requirements exactly.

The first stage in the process is pre-treatment of the raw seawater, which changes the consistency of the water and is similar to filtration in a water treatment plant. Next the filtered water is pumped through microfilters before it is pushed through reverse membrane filters, at pressures around 65 psi. This removes the salt from the seawater.

The water from the reverse osmosis stage is clean, safe and pleasant to drink. Typically around 50% of the feedwater becomes product water and the remaining 50% is returned to the sea.

A post-treatment stage of the product water involves adding some minerals, such as calcium, to improve the taste and stability of the soft processed water. In keeping with other treatment methods, chlorine is also added for cleansing and maintenance of the distribution system.

Since the original 30 Watson-Marlow pumps were installed at the Palmachim desalination plant, a further quantity have been ordered and this order will be fulfilled with pumps from the new Profibus cased pump range, providing easy installation, greater speed control and a smaller footprint.

Watson-Marlow Pty Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/L514

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case studies Pilot plant study to improve water recycling technology Unitywater has teamed up with the University of Queensland (UQ) and infrastructure services company Veolia Water Australia to optimise water recycling technology and investigate new methods of purifying treated wastewater.

As part of a project funded by Veolia, Seqwater and UQ, research undertaken by the university’s Advanced Water Management Centre (AWMC) evaluates the impact of water quality on the operation of reverse osmosis membranes for wastewater recycling with a purposebuilt pilot plant at Caboolture in South East Queensland.

The first stage of the study included characterisation of effluents from different full-scale wastewater treatment technologies to study variations in the water quality produced.

The second phase of the project involves evaluating the performance of the membrane filtration system on different sites and assessing the impact of the feed water quality on its operation at pilot scale.

The aim of the study is to ultimately optimise operational conditions of the reverse osmosis units COMPONENTS to maintain continuous, reliable production of high-quality recycled water while reducing operational costs.

CONTROL Unitywater CEO Jon Black said COMPONENTS this was the latest collaboration with the university’s AWMC, which had already undertaken a Control number of studies at the Caboolture Sewage Treatment Plant.

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In the photo, (l-r) Chrystelle Ayache (UQ PhD student), Paola Franco (UQ Occupational trainee), Marc Pidou (UQ research fellow) and Rhonda Bostock (Unitywater Sewage Treatment Plant Operator).

Black said Unitywater was committed to investigating, trialling and adopting sustainable technologies and being actively involved in industry research.

“Our customers are living in one of the fastest growing areas in the nation and we must ensure residents in the Moreton Bay and Sunshine Coast regions will continue to have access to safe, reliable, high-quality water supplies,” he said.

“It is clear we need to embrace environmentally friendly practices and the increased use of recycled water is essential to our future water security.”

Dr Marc Pidou from the AWMC said their work at the plant commenced in March and the project was scheduled for completion in December.

Dr Pidou said results to date have confirmed the high-quality water produced by the reverse osmosis system and the challenge tests are currently being performed.

“The trials we carried out on a previous site and now at the Caboolture plant have clearly demonstrated the stability of reverse osmosis membranes and their ability, independently of the feed water quality, to produce high-quality water suitable for a wide range of re-use applications.

“We are now challenging the system to evaluate the impact of the feed water quality on the operation and to determine optimum conditions.”

Yvan Poussade, R&D Manager of Veolia Water Australia, said the company currently operates treatment plants in Australia and plants and networks in New Zealand to provide drinking water, treat wastewater and produce recycled water for re-use.

Poussade said the company had agreed to fund the project because continuous improvement, innovation and development of sustainable technologies were core to Veolia Water’s business.

“We are designing, building and operating very advanced, stateof-the-art water recycling facilities around the world including in South East Queensland, delivering fit-for-purpose water in places where climate change, industrialisation and urban growth have put increasing pressure on water supply quality and quantity,” he said.

“We take a long-term perspective to R&D and we are always looking to drive change for a better future.”

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case studies Sludge-level monitoring Used for primary settlement pond

Pulsar Process Measurement provides solutions for sludge-level monitoring on primary tanks, secondary tanks and SBRs. The Pulsar Sludge Finder 2 is suitable for primary and secondary settlement tanks, clarifiers, stationary and travelling bridge applications, gravity thickeners, reactor clarifiers, DAF thickeners, sequential batch reaction tanks and industrial process thickeners.

Save chemicals Ideal for abrasive lime or PAC metering, or sludge removal.

Save time Jog-out, jog-in. One wearable part.

Save hassle Self priming, dry running, 9.5m lift.

Peace of mind Rugged 24/7 duty.

1300 WMBPUMPS enquiries@wmbpumps.com.au www.wmbpumps.com.au

Bintech Systems installed a trial sludge-level unit for one month in November 2010 in South East Queensland. After a successful trial period, two complete units were ordered in December 2010. The two units were installed in January 2011 to replace another manufacturer’s sludgelevel device.

The transducer is positioned on a retractable rod system off a gantry over primary settlement ponds.

The controllers are mounted in a switchboard in the middle of gantry walkway.

Pulsar’s Sludge Finder 2 is a versatile, accurate and reliable solution to the problem of accurately measuring interface levels in primary or secondary settlement tanks and SBR systems. Operating ultrasonically through liquid, the device uses echo-processing algorithms to identify the sludge interface level by digital echo-processing techniques available in this unit.

Bintech Products Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/P179

Powering ahead with recycling Providing away-from-home options Funded by the Packaging Stewardship Forum (PSF) of the Australian Food and Grocery Council and Brisbane Powerhouse, 20 new waste and recycling bins have been installed at the Brisbane Powerhouse venue.

The new systems will provide away-from-home recycling opportunities to over 690,000 people annually and divert up to 20 tonnes of recyclables from landfill each year - equivalent to almost 2800 household wheelie bins!

Through the PSF, Australia’s major beverage companies have supported the installation of new away-from-home recycling systems in 59 of Australia’s major sporting stadia and entertainment venues, servicing nearly 42.7 million patron visits annually.

Brisbane Powerhouse is one of 24 well-known Queensland venues participating in the PSF’s away-from-home recycling program, with installations already completed at other Queensland venues (some in partnership with the Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management).

Packaging Stewardship Forum Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/P181

16 Sustainability Matters - Dec 2011/Jan 2012 This 16

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case studies Water treatment facility at pristine site Community expected to double Identified as being in the top ten of the most desirable places to live in Australia, the picturesque Tweed Valley is watched over by the majesty of Mt Warning, surrounded by five world heritage national parks and just 15 minutes from the pristine beaches of the Tweed Coast. Combine all of these awe-inspiring elements and you have a community that is expected to double its population to between 120,000 and 160,000 by 2031.

Infrastructure and planning were of paramount importance when future water supply was considered for the region by the Tweed Shire Council. Water supply from the Bray Park Water Treatment Plant was at its capacity of 50 MLD and was taking water from the Bray Park Weir and discharging water into the Tweed River; aspects that were not part of a greener sustainable future.

The Council initiated an extensive campaign and obtained approval from the project under the NSW Environment and Assessment Act receiving ministerial approval.

Working closely with Reed Construction, Kaeser Compressors’ use of computer-aided design software enabled the partnership to address the various challenges of this project by providing technical solutions with medium pressure, screw compressors and air treatment, as well as low-pressure blower applications.

The ability to supply compressor equipment as water cooled, rather than air cooled, provided additional flexibility in the installation without sacrificing performance and reliability.

Following assessments of the expected harsh conditions of high ambient temperatures and high relative humidity, installing the compressors in the main plant room was the successful solution.

The Bray Park Water Treatment Plant was commissioned in April 2010 at a cost of $76M, now delivering 100 ML per day via an immersed ultrafiltration facility. This technology delivers high-quality drinking water for the needs of the Tweed Valley’s population today with capacity to deliver up to 150 MLD in the future.

This is said to be Australia’s largest microfiltration water treatment plant of its kind. The innovative design incorporates filters made up of millions of hollow spaghetti-like strands which, when placed under pressure, suck the water through their surface and, in the process, filter out unwanted organic and non-organic particles.

There are approximately 6.5 million filter fibres for the first stage of the plant which are spread throughout four filtration tanks.

Side-by-side blower installation was achievable with Kaeser’s unique front-access service design, enabling ease of delivery to the customer specification of a front-mounted switchboard, while being able to maintain a small clearance between each blower for positioning of the cable tray.

Kaeser Compressors Australia Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/P160

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research & development Processing algae at low cost

Algae Appliance from OriginOil, set for commercial release in early 2012, has been developed to help producers process algae at low cost and without chemicals.

The commercial entry-level, algae-harvesting system provides a low-energy, chemical-free, continuous-flow ‘wet harvest’ system, with the potential to remove up to 90% of the initial water volume. Field testing will begin soon with select partners who have current or near-term large volumes of algae for harvesting.

Larry Sirmans, Technical Director of OriginOil’s Australian partner MBD Energy, said: “This Algae Appliance should be

very beneficial to producers and researchers who are developing the most efficient processes for growing algae at commercial scale.”

“We are continuing to scale up our technology at MBD’s pilot site in Australia,” said Bill Charneski, OriginOil Senior Director of Product Engineering. “Now, everything we have learned is going into a standardised entry-level system to help the worldwide algae industry meet the high demand for sustainable, low-cost algae production.”

Algae Appliance was introduced at the 4th Algae World Asia conference in Beijing, China. It is modular and incorporates low-energy, chemical-free concentration and can ‘crack’ the microscopic algae cells for downstream processing needs.

Energy requirements are extremely low, at about 0.002 kWh to process 10 L/min, the Algae Appliance’s middle range of performance.

“Our Algae Appliance can process as little as 2 L/min, which is perfect for a small research installation,” said Ken Reynolds, OriginOil’s Vice President of Marketing. “But it is versatile enough to handle up to 10 times that rate, serving capacities of 100,000 L and more. And of course we’ll make it easy for our customers to upgrade all the way to production scale.”

“With algae-based fuels now being used in commercial aviation and in the military, there is tremendous pressure on our industry to deliver much lower-cost, high-volume algae products,” said Riggs Eckelberry, OriginOil CEO. “The Algae Appliance is expected to answer this demand, and drive the eventual licensing and distribution of our technology worldwide.”

For further information go to www.algaeappliance.com.

Producing aluminium using less energy

Australia is the fourth-largest producer of aluminium in the world, which is said to be worth more than $6 billion to the economy annually. The use of aluminium is growing in Australia, particularly in the

construction industry. The advantages of aluminium are that it is 100% recyclable, lightweight and corrosion resistant, however the downside of production is that it is energy intensive, accounting for 12% of the nation’s electricity use.

Electrochemist Dr Jean-Pierre Veder is on a mission to find an environmentally friendly way of producing aluminium.

The postdoctoral fellow with the Process Science and Engineering Division of CSIRO is developing ‘green’ solvents that can be used as an alternative to the hightemperature molten salts that are used as solvents currently.

His new range of solvents melt below 100°C and preliminary estimates suggest that potential energy savings could be around $250 million a year in Australia and much more globally.

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Dr Veder has received a prestigious 2011 Victoria Fellowship which will see him travel to the USA to take this research to the next stage. He is one of six young Victorian scientists to win a prestigious Victoria Fellowship, receiving the Fellowship on Tuesday 15 November at a gala function at Parliament House from Ms Louise Asher, Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business.

His Victoria Fellowship will enable him to attend a prestigious electrochemistry conference and also attend workshops in electrochemistry that will develop his understanding of ionic liquids.

For him, electrochemistry is the key to developing this new process and a greater understanding of it will go a long way to establishing the commercial viability of ‘green’ solvents for aluminium production.

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research & development Starch gets a better rap from nuclear science

An Australian invention which monitors the behaviour of starches as they are cooked could revolutionise foodmanufacturing processes. The neutron Rapid Visco Analyser or nRVA will allow manufacturers to establish the best way to cook and process starches.

Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr congratulated scientists at the Australian N u c l e a r S c i e n c e a n d Te c h n o l o g y Organisation (ANSTO) who worked

with manufacturer Perten Instruments to develop the nRVA. “This discovery could mean manufacturers will be able to make food more efficiently, with lower energy input.

It also gives manufacturers the power to consistently create starches with known health benefits, like those that have been proven to help counter bowel cancer. “ T h e n RVA u s e s n e u t r o n s f r o m ANSTO’s OPAL research reactor at Lucas

Heights to enable manufacturers to better understand food at the molecular level,” Senator Carr said.

“Scientists employing neutronscattering techniques have been able to see how starches change when they’re cooked.

“This is a great example of collaboration between scientists and industry resulting in a new technology with the potential to benefit Australia.”

Dr Elliot Gilbert, food science project leader at ANSTO, explained that the nRVA analyses small samples - often of starch under controlled test routines.

“This is not a question of irradiating food but of exploring the properties of starch down to the molecular level. The nRVA could radically improve food manufacturing processes like measuring flour and grain quality for breakfast cereals, snack and animal foods,” Dr Gilbert said.

Nanotechnology microscope boosts solar research Queensland University of Technology (QUT) is home to a powerful, new microscope being used to develop efficient and cheap plastic solar cells to charge laptops and mobile phones.

The $1.5 million German-engineered scanning probe microscope is the only one of its kind in Queensland, with four others in Australia located in New South Wales.

Lead researcher Associate Professor Nunzio Motta said the microscope was equipped with a tiny metallic tip to see individual atoms, allowing precision better than a hundredth of a nanometre.

“We will be the only university in Queensland with a microscope like this in operation,” he said.

“It will open up many exciting new research opportunities.”

Professor Motta, a principal research fellow with the Faculty of Built Environment and Engineering, said the microscope would accelerate QUT’s efforts to study new materials with atomic resolution.

QUT researchers have started using the microscope to improve plastic solar cells by mixing them with tiny tubes of highly conductive carbon, called nanotubes, which are 100 times smaller than a strand of human hair.

“At the moment the plastic solar cells are quite inefficient, but they are already used in niche markets for very-low-power portable applications,” Professor Motta said.

“We are aiming to improve the efficiency of these plastic solar cells by studying the microscopic structure of the material. If we can do that, the advantages would be enormous.

“Plastic solar cells could generate enough energy not only to recharge the batteries of laptops and mobiles, but even to obtain power from canopies on parking areas and on stadiums.”

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Professor Motta said the microscope was equipped with sensitive surface probes, including two kinds of atomic force microscopes, an X-ray electron spectrometer and an electron microscope.

Samples used in the microscope can be heated up to 1300°C and gases introduced through a special valve system to test how surface atoms react in different environments.

To keep surfaces clean and to observe their atomic composition, the microscope is enclosed in a stainless steel evacuated vessel, where the pressure is similar to that found in outer space.

QUT researchers will also be using the microscope to create a new class of solar-powered nanosensors capable of detecting pollution and monitoring the environment in remote areas.

The microscope, which received $800,000 in funding from the Australian Research Council, will be managed within the QUT-based Australian Microscopy and Microanalysis Research Facility Linked Laboratory.

Professor Motta said scientists from a consortium of universities that helped fund the microscope would use it for research, including Flinders University, the University of Queensland, Griffith University and Roma Tor Vergata University in Italy.

The microscope will be moved to QUT’s $230 million Science and Engineering Centre when it opens in 2012.

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Pioneers within WEEE In a scrap yard in Switzerland, right in the middle of the beautiful Alps, you can find one of Eldan Recyclingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s customers - Cablofer Recycling SA. The company is a scrapmetal processor dealing with ferrous and nonferrous scrap on a 40,000 m2 plot which has been collected from companies as well as from the general public.

I

n the beginning of the 1980s, Cablofer rethought the concept of having a scrap yard. Scrap does not have to be worthless just because it has already been used. At this time, national telecom companies started to change from electromechanical switchboards to computerised switchboards.

As the old switches were very big and contained a lot of metals such as steel, copper, aluminium, brass and precious metals, the company realised that this was going to turn into a gigantic pile of scrap with high value. The company had a large problem and an opportunity, but did not know how to solve it.

Eldan Recycling was also convinced that there was potential in this market, if it was possible to collect the valuable parts in the electronic equipment.

By first crushing the electromechanical equipment into little pieces and then separating them it would, at least in theory, be possible to sell the different materials at a higher price. To see if this was actually possible, Eldan contacted five interested companies to try out the idea. Cablofer was one of five companies which were contacted and, naturally, they wanted to be part of this adventure.

In 1982, Cablofer ordered a standard WEEE (waste electrical and electronic equipment) plant to take care of the telegraphic scrap that they had piled up in the yard. This standard WEEE plant included a ring shredder (Becker 4800), overband magnet, drum wind separa-

tor, granulator and separator, as well as conveyors and filter. The plant first shredded the input material into small pieces (<810 mm) in the ring shredder and granulator. It then separated the material into organic material, nonferrous material and precious metals.

For oversized input materials, Cablofer used an existing guillotine shear to cut down the electromechanical switchboards to a suitable size before feeding the WEEE line.

Three years later they purchased a super chopper (SC1412) in order to increase the capacity of its existing cable recycling plant. By reducing the size of input material before putting it into the cable plant it is possible to take in larger cables (which can only be shredded in the super chopper) and also process to a higher capacity in the cable plant.

From 1989 to 1990 the company added to its cable recycling deposit by acquiring a rasper (Rasper 1200) and a separator (C22). The rasper is suitable for preparing, for instance, cables for granulation.

It has adjustable knives and screens and different hole sizes are available. The separation table is a vital machine in cable (and other metal) recycling due to its well-balanced combination of air flow and oscillating movements which produce an effective separation of metal and insulation.

Over the next two years, two water separation tables (one for cables and one for WEEE) were purchased. The water

Eldan equipment at Cablofer 1982

WEEE standard plant

1985

Super chopper (SC1412) - cable

1989

Rasper (1200) - cable

1990

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Separation table (C22) Water separation table (WST) plant - cable

1991

Water separation table (WST) plant - WEEE

1992

Aluminium cable steel reinforced shear (ACSR shear M16-2)

1993

Heavy granulator (HG122) - WEEE

2001

WEEE plant (S1500 + HPG165 + 2 x HG + C26)

2005

Aluminium cable steel reinforced shear (ACSR shear M16-2)

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Resource recovery

recycling … we’ve had super choppers continuously running outdoors, hassle free for over 19 years.

separation tables are a good solution for the recovery of metal dust and fine wires from the plastic fraction after metal separation.

The two following years an aluminium cable steel reinforced (ACSR) shear (M162) was purchased for the cable recycling plant as well as a heavy granulator (HG122) for the WEEE recycling plant.

The ACSR shear (M16-2) is a good solution when processing aluminium cables with steel when this type of scrap is coming on reels or drums.

The heavy granulator is suited for granulation of pre-chopped cables. It has straight block knives in exchangeable cassettes and friction clutches protect the drive system from momentary overload.

In 2001, Cablofer decided to upgrade its recycling equipment and facilities and a new Eldan WEEE plant was purchased.

All together, one ring shredder (S1500), one heavy pre-granulator (HPG165), two heavy granulators (HG122) and a separation table (C26) were delivered.

“The reason Cablofer upgraded its equipment in 2001 was because they needed to increase their capacity and wanted to incorporate some new technologies (eddy current separators). The old equipment was sold on the secondhand market - almost 20 years after it first was purchased,” said Bertil Eklöv, Product Manager for WEEE and Cables at Eldan Recycling.

In 2006 Cablofer purchased yet another ACSR shear M16-2.

During 2006-2008, the company wanted to increase the capacity of the cable plant and acquired one fine granulator (FG952), a super chopper (SC1412), a heavy pre-granulator for cables (HPG165) and a heavy granulator, also for cables (HG129).

During the 30 years since the first contact between Eldan Recycling and

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Cablofer Recycling SA is active within nonferrous and ferrous metals, scraps (scrap shear 800 t) all over Switzerland and in western France. The factory, in Bex, Switzerland, has existed since 1972 on a site of about 40,000 m2, well connected to railways and highways. In 2008, the largest materials sold by trading at Cablofer Recycling SA were iron, copper, aluminium and lead.

Potential customers are: chemical, electromechanical, electronic, aluminium and building industries, all kinds of merchant (big to small) and privates, communities, electrical services and railway and transport companies.

Cablofer, equipment for both Cable and WEEE recycling equipment has been delivered by Eldan on a regular basis.

Cablofer is said to be one of the first companies in the world to process and recycle what is today known as WEEE. Since the first contact, the relationship between Eldan and Cablofer has flourished. This is demonstrated by the fact that Cablofer continues to install Eldan equipment for the processing of cable and WEEE scrap.

“We are very happy with the good relationship that Eldan Recycling has

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with Cablofer Recycling, it has been a rewarding and pleasing cooperation for both parties during all these years and we will do our best to maintain this in the future,” said Eklöv.

“The initial investment is perhaps bigger, but we’ve had super choppers continuously running outdoors hassle free for over 19 years,” said Theo Gertsch, Plant Manager at Cablofer Recycling.

Eldan Recycling Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/P167

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n products & services

Spill containment platform The Drumdock spill containment platform is used for the safe storage and dispensing of liquids. With a low overall height and a small footprint, the platform is suitable for service workshops and other industries where space is at a premium.

The platform has a bund capacity of up to 180 L and units can be clipped together to create larger work-platforms when required. An optional connector kit is available to provide a bund capacity for drums up to 205 L. The smooth interior of the platform makes identification and recovery of spills simple, and the top surface is suitable for batteries and packages as small as 1 L. Drumsafe Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/L504

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High-pressure volumetric analyser The HPVA100/HPVA 200 series gas adsorption analysers from Particulate Systems (a Micromeritics Brand) are designed to obtain highpressure adsorption isotherms using gases such as hydrogen, methane and carbon dioxide using the static volumetric method.

The volumetric technique consists of introducing (dosing) a known amount of gas (adsorptive) into the chamber containing the sample to be analysed. When the sample reaches equilibrium with the adsorbate gas, the final equilibrium pressure is recorded.

The data is then used to calculate the quantity of gas adsorbed by the sample.

This process is repeated at given pressure intervals until the maximum preselected pressure is reached. Each of the resulting equilibrium points (volume adsorbed and equilibrium pressure) is then plotted to provide an isotherm.

Good reproducibility and accuracy are obtained by using separate transducers for dosing the sample and for monitoring the pressure in the sample chamber.

Features include: pressure ranges from vacuum to 200 bar; temperatures from cryogenic to 500째C; fully automated analysis and sample evacuation; good data reproducibility; handles typical adsorbates such as nitrogen, hydrogen, methane, argon, oxygen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide; comprehensive data analysis package using Microsoft Excel macros for data processing and graphing; software includes NIST RefProp Database 23; and solid-state pressure transducers.

Particle & Surface Sciences Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/L502

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Energy management

Water analysis tools

The Carlo Gavazzi Energy Meters, the WM30 and WM40, along with their respective range of optional add-on modules, have been added to the NHP energy management range.

The meters feature modular communications options, including: BACnet IP, MODBUS TCP/IP, MODBUS-RTU and iFIX SCADA. The BACnet and MODBUS options are also available with or without onboard memory.

With a large LCD that can be user configured, all of the most critical parameters are available at a glance. Combined with the touchpad, navigation through the comprehensive parameter list including energy, currents, voltages, frequency, power, power factor and harmonic analysis is user friendly.

Complete with Class 0.5, kWh accuracy, phase asymmetry measurement, temperature input and harmonic analysis up to 32nd harmonics, the energy meters can also be easily integrated into Carlo Gavazzi’s ‘plug-and-play’ trending and analysis software - PowerSoft.

Hach Company has introduced four IntelliCal probes to its electrochemistry portfolio. The new parameters within the HQd family include ammonium, chloride, fluoride and nitrate.

The parameters were built for water testing and provide fast and stable measurement. The probes are said to last longer than traditional probes because there are no membranes to replace. The solid-state, membrane-free sensor eliminates the need to replace membranes and fill solution, so start-up conditioning is reduced. The electrode’s large reference junction provides more surface area for sample contact, so the sample is able to stabilise quickly.

The four parameters join the laboratory meter and ammonia ISE probe within the HQd family. The HQd family of meters and IntelliCal probes provides measurement flexibility in an electrochemistry solution specifically created for water testing.

NHP Electrical Engineering Products Pty Ltd

Hach Company

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/L503

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Don’t waste valuable components

• Car, truck and mining tyres’ • Scrap metal • Metro Waste

• Reclaim valuable components • Modular design • Over 50 years experience

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To see functioning demonstrations of Eldan equipment search ‘Eldan’ on Youtube To contact the Australian office: Jim Hole at Eldan-Westrup South Pacific Pty Ltd Email: jimh@eldan-sr.com or jamesfhole@hotmail.com Phone: (02) 9844 5430 Mobile: 0400 035 326 Web: www.eldan-recycling.com

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n products & services

Wireless infrared radiometer The CWS220A is a wireless version of the Campbell Scientific SI-111 infrared radiometer and is suitable for situations where it is desirable to make measurements in locations where the use of cabled sensors is problematic, including some applications where measurements need to be made at distances where long cables decrease the quality of the measurement or are too expensive.

The wireless sensor contains an internal 922 MHz spread spectrum radio that transmits data to a CWB100A wireless base station or to another wireless sensor. The frequency of the device’s internal radio is commonly used in Australia and New Zealand.

A wireless sensor can route its transmissions through up to three other wireless sensors. A data logger is connected to the CWB100A base station for processing and storing the CWS220A’s data.

The CWS220A provides a non-contact means of measuring the surface temperature of an object or surface by sensing the infrared radiation given off by the subject. It comprises a thermopile, which measures surface temperature, and a thermistor, which measures sensor body temperature. The two temperature probes are housed in a rugged aluminium body that contains a germanium window.

Nephelometer with backscatter measurements Backscatter measurements are now supplied standard for the Aurora 3000 integrating nephelometer.

These nephelometers are a series of instruments used for measuring the scattering of light (scattering coefficient) of aerosols in the atmosphere. This information is useful for determining the influence of atmospheric aerosols on the global radiation balance, its impact on global dimming and climate change.

The backscatter feature of the nephelometer is achieved through the use of a backscatter shutter mounted on the light-source housing inside the cell. This shutter moves between two locations in and out of the optical path of the light source (90 to 180°) within the light sources Lambertian distribution. The position of the backscatter shutter is controlled to within ±0.09° and can be adjusted to achieve other cutoff angles if required, for more advanced analysis of backscatter.

Several different configurations of integrating nephelometers are available, including a single wavelength, multiple wavelength and a PM2.5 correlating version for use in airquality monitoring networks.

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Diesel-driven pump The diesel-driven Prime Aire trash pump from Gorman-Rupp has a revolutionary impeller design which is said to be able to handle large solids while maintaining efficiency.

The pump is a 75 x 75 mm centrifugal unit which can deliver flows from 3 L/s through to 28 L/s, with heads to 40 m.

The pumps have a ‘stagger-wing’ vortex impeller which is designed to enable the pump to handle a 76 mm spherical solid along with stringy materials such as rags.

The difference between this impeller and other vortex impellers is its improved efficiency and head capabilities.

The pump’s priming capability comes from the company’s priming system which includes a compressor and venturi device ‘pulling’ a vacuum through Gorman-Rupp’s own air separation chamber. This, combined with an oversized, oil-lubricated mechanical seal, allows pumps to prime reliably and to run dry continuously without damage.

The PAV3B60C-3TNV70 is powered by a Yanmar liquid-cooled diesel engine that is USA EPA certified to meet interim Tier IV emission standards. Standard ‘auto-start’ control panels include safety shutdown switches for high liquid temperature and low oil pressure. They also include tachometer, voltmeter, hour meter, coolant temperature gauge, oil-pressure gauge, manual/stop/auto key switch, 10 A push-button circuit-breaker, start-up warning delay, muffler with weather cap and throttle control.

The units are available as open skid-mount units or with acoustically rated canopies and can also be fitted to road-registerable trailers.

Hydro Innovations Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/P191

Turbidity probe The OBS500 submersible turbidity probe with active antifouling capabilities is suitable for improved measurements in biologically active water with both high and low turbidity.

It outputs an SDI-12, digitally processed signal that many data loggers can measure.

Its features include: the dual backscatter and sidescatter sensors used to measure turbidity; ClearSensor antifouling method for better measurements in biologically active water; shutter/wiper mechanism keeps lenses clean; refillable biocide chamber prevents fouling; optional copper sleeve (especially for seawater) or disposable plastic sleeve facilitates easy clean-up.

Benefits of the device include the combination of a backscatter sensor (better at measuring high turbidity) with a second sidescatter sensor (better at measuring lower turbidity). It has a shutter that is opened only during measurements, which reduces the time that algae or other organisms can cling to its optics.

To prevent biofouling and provide better measurements, the probe’s ClearSensor Method uses a shutter/wiper mechanism to protect and clean the optics. With the ClearSensor method, a chamber is also filled with a biocide that continuously leaches out over the optics while the probe is in the closed position.

Campbell Scientific Aust Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/L904

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Hybrid regulator for renewable energy The Imark HR hybrid regulators are suitable for use with remote area power systems. They accept inputs from both wind turbines and photovoltaic arrays simultaneously, and are designed to charge and manage battery banks. They readily integrate with RAPS inverters.

The regulators are pulse width modulation shunt regulators for efficiency and use heavy-duty low-loss diodes and MOSFET power components. There are three models available for 48, 120 and 240 VDC (nominal) systems with nominal power capabilities of 6, 12 and 16 kW. A 160 A blocking diode is provided on the PV input and a 200 A three-phase rectifier is provided on the wind input.

The Imark SR solar regulators have LEDs to show system operational status and illuminated panel meters show battery voltage, charge current, battery temperature, wind input and photovoltaic input current. The battery overvoltage protection circuit and the heatsink overtemperature protection will both trip the heavy-duty PV input circuit breaker if the respective settings are exceeded.

Substantial surge protection is included on the PV inputs as well as the wind inputs, with status indication on the front panel. Heavy-duty binding posts on the rear panel allow easy wind, PV, battery, load dump and earth connections. Multiway interface connectors are also provided for easy connection of the battery temperature sensor or external interfacing with other equipment. Apart from activating the load dump con-

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tactors, as and when required, these regulators also provide an output (on the multiway connector) that can be used to control a PLC (or similar), which in turn may activate household air conditioners, heaters, water pumps and the like in an energy-efficient manner.

The solar regulators are housed in a 19â&#x20AC;? 6RU cabinet, which can be either wall or rack mounted. The cabinet design includes a fan-forced cooling chamber to provide efficient cooling. The float, charge or boost charge settings can be set from the front panel while the charging status is also displayed on the front panel. Internal link selection for flooded or gel batteries is provided.

Imark Communications Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/K754

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Biomass for energy or biofuels The Bioenergy Australia c o n fer ence which was held on the Gold Coast in November showcased some of the most advanced and innovative bioenergy technologies being developed from around the world.

T

he two day conference included over 100 presentations focused on policies, programs and commercial case studies across a variety of feedstocks and technologies used to convert biomass to energy or biofuels. Key topic streams this year included bioenergy production from waste, algae and biogas, as well as exploring issues such as supply logistics, water management and cogeneration.

Colin Stucley, CEO of the Renewable Oil Corporation (ROC), presented on the company’s work to develop a sustainable aviation biofuel as part of a consortium which includes Virgin Airlines, GE, Dynamotive Energy Systems Corporation and Future Farm Industries Co-operative Research Centre.

Claimed as a world first, the consortium plans to use innovative fast pyrolysis technology to process mallees, a eucalypt tree that can be grown sustainably in many parts of Australia. Suitable land for growing mallees extends across much of southern Australian. Already more than 1000 farmers have planted mallees in belts on their farms, mainly in Western Australia. The mallees have also been used over the past 15 years to help with dryland salinity management.

Mallees are favoured because they are highly effective at using nearly all the rain that falls and at drawing down groundwater, thus preventing salt rising to and accumulating at the land surface.

When the mallees are grown across crop and pasture paddocks other benefits can be achieved including: windbreaks to prevent soil erosion; food and shelter for native fauna resident in nearby trees and remnant bush; and carbon sequestration that helps offset greenhouse gas emissions.

Biofuels processed from mallee biomass are called ‘second-generation biofuels’ and are derived from the breakdown of lignins and cellulose which are not digestible by humans. This avoids the use of grain, corn, sugar and oilseed crops (first-generation biofuels).

Fast pyrolysis is an established process that converts many forms of biomass into

28 Sustainability Matters - Dec 2011/Jan 2012 This 28

a crude oil (bio-oil) along with char and gas. The char is a useful by-product, either as a reductant in metallurgical processing or for soil amelioration (called bio-char).

The bio-oil is upgraded in a second refining process to produce diesel, aviation fuel and petrol.

The sustainable aviation biofuel consortium brings together companies with special expertise in growing, harvesting and processing feedstock into aviation fuel. The team is currently finalising plans for a demonstration unit that will make bio-fuels for testing, certification and public trials. The pilot biofuel production unit will be built in 2012, followed by the construction of a commercial-scale plant, which could be operational as early as 2014.

A recent CSIRO report estimated that the aviation industry could cut greenhouse gas emissions by 17%, generate more than 12,000 jobs and reduce Australia’s reliance on aviation fuel imports by $2 billion per annum over the next 20 years through the adoption of biofuels.

Colin Stucley said: “This consortium has great potential. It offers world-class biofuel technology and a unique Australian feedstock. We are excited about supplying Virgin and GE with commercial quantities of the new biofuel and building this new business.”

The Bioenergy conference also conducted technical tours of operational bioenergy technologies within Queensland including: • The AGL bioelectricity plant that produces enough energy from macadamia nut shells to power its entire manufacturing and processing activity; • A fluidised bed combustor, providing process bioheat at a Nestlé coffee factory; • A n organic rankine cycle energy system at Gympie Timber Company’s timber mill; • BTOLA’s napier grass energy cropping; and • A pongamia plantation developing an alternative feedstock for biofuels’ production.

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n products & services

Thermal flow switch

Vortex pumps

The Series TDFS thermal flow switch indicates whether the flow rate is above or below a user set flow rate with NO and NC NPN outputs.

Setpoint is easily field set, just tap the included magnet on the setpoint target three times at the desired flow rate and it’s done. Incorporated into the unit are two LED status indicators on opposite sides of the unit providing visual switch indication, green when the flow is above setpoint, red when the flow is below setpoint.

The TDFS uses an impulse thermal dispersion measurement technique to measure the flow rate where the probe is heated above the process temperature and then is allowed to cool down to the process temperature. Empty pipe is not a problem with the TDFS unlike some competitor units that will overheat. Thermal flow switches can offer better long-term reliability and life expectancy than mechanical flow switches.

Benefits of the TDFS over mechanical flow switches include: no paddles or vanes to break off into the flow; no jams or material stopping the paddle movement; no seals on movement assembly to wear or leak; low pressure drop, only needs to be 10% into the flow (eg, 1/8″ for 3/4″ schedule 40 pipe).

Vortex pumps have been added to the Aquaplus SS Series range of submersible sewerage pumps. The range consists of grinder pumps, cutter pumps, nonclog pumps and aerators.

The vortex pumps are submersible and suitable for a wide range of sewerage or dewatering applications where solid particles may be present including residential, commercial or industrial sewage, effluent, wastewater, water circulation in fish ponds, mariculture and stormwater.

The pumps have undergone rigorous testing and are constructed from corrosive resistant materials including a durable stainless steel motor casing.

The vortex impeller design reduces the risk of clogging, especially in applications where the liquid has a high content of solid particles such as sand, and provides solids handling of up to 35 mm which minimises the likelihood of clogging.

The Aquaplus pump range also includes end suction centrifugal pumps (DIN and ISO), transfer pumps, in-line centrifugal pumps, submersible dewatering pumps, submersible sewerage pumps, aerators, slurry pumps, magnetic drive pumps, air-operated diaphragm pumps, hose pumps, progressive cavity pumps, flexible rising mains and mechanical seals.

Dwyer Instruments (Aust) Pty Ltd

Malcolm Thompson Pumps Pty Ltd

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n products & services

Water analyser/controller

Greenhouse gas analyser

The Cronos analyser/controller from Pi provides a sophisticated, multilingual controller, both simple to use and low in cost, which is suitable for water engineers.

The controller has up to three universal inputs and up to three universal analog outputs, up to four relays and options for Profibus, Modbus, LAN and other comms protocols. The user interface is intuitive and comes equipped in multiple languages and a set-up wizard for ease of use.

Each analyser/controller is built to user’s specification so that the user is only paying for the functionality they need and not for the functionality they don’t.

A multicolour backlight means that alarm conditions are clearly visible for up to 100 m. The unit is available as a residual chlorine analyser, a swimming pool controller, a DO meter, a pH meter, an ORP meter, a suspended solids meter, an ozone analyser and a chlorine dioxide analyser.

The customisable analyser also comes equipped with PID functionality to control chemical dosing in a variety of locations.

Li-Cor’s Greenhouse Gas Analyser (GHG) Packages provide simultaneous in-situ methane, carbon dioxide and water vapour data for eddy covariance applications and atmospheric flux monitoring.

The company has produced two packages, including the LI-7500A open path or LI-7200 closed path CO 2 and H 2O analysers, coupled with the LI-7700 CH 4 analyser and optional sonic anemometer. The two packages are designed for low-power applications in remote areas and can easily be powered from a solar panel and deep cycle battery.

The GHG-1 open-path package features the Li-Cor open path CO 2 and H 2O analyser that does not require any pumps or filters etc. The closed path GHG-2 package is suitable for environments with frequent rain, snow or fog, and includes the closed-path CO 2 and H 2O analyser and low-power flow module.

Bintech Products Pty Ltd

John Morris Scientific Pty Ltd

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/K026

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Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/P184

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Electronic temperature measurement The Noshok 800 Series Platinum Resistance Temperature Transmitter is suitable for immediate, accurate temperature measurement in applications including water systems, storage tanks, industrial machinery and machine tools, HVAC systems and refrigeration systems.

Features include: 100 Ω platinum-resistance sensor provides reliability, stability and performance; quick response time; standard temperature ranges from -40 to 538°C; wide variety of temperature ranges and connections; optional USB programmable output available; 316 stainless steel housing for corrosion resistance, durability; and burnout protected from 3.3 to 23 mA. The transmitter is also available with the 1800 Series Attachable Loop Digital Indicator for convenient local temperature indication. The attachable digital indicator uses the transmitter’s 4-20 mA output signal and the Hirschmann connector and is simply inserted between the transmitter body and the connector without the need for additional wiring or power source. The indicator is programmable to display a range of -1999 to 9999 and may be tilted for better viewing. It is also now available with an optional relay that is programmable through the front of the meter.

AMS Instrumentation & Calibration Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/H529

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Electrochemistry testing for drinking water and wastewater plants Hach Company has released the SensION+ family of meters and probes. The all-in-one system is available in both portable and benchtop configurations, and testing parameters include pH, conductivity, DO, TDS, ammonia, nitrate, fluoride and many more. The wide variety of testing parameters and easy set-up means fast, accurate results in both the lab and the field.

The SensION+ family is the next generation of the SensION family of meters and probes.

All kits come complete with everything needed to start testing, including meter, probe, carrying case (portable only) and all other required accessories. The extensive variety of probes for the SensION+ means that the user has their choice of the appropriate probe for nearly all testing environments.

Additionally, the guided navigation system allows the user to follow simple prompts to set up calibration and measurement, which can reduce the time necessary to start testing, and improve the overall quality of the measurements.

Hach Company Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/H058

HORIBA U-50 MULTI-PARAMETER WATER QUALITY METERS

pH Oxidation Reduction Potential Dissolved Oxygen Conductivity Salinity Total Dissolved Solids Seawater Specific Gravity Temperature Turbidity Water Depth GPS

AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIFIC Pty Ltd

PO Box 335 Kotara NSW 2289 - Ph 1800 021 083 - Fax 02 4956 2525 sales@austscientific.com.au - www.austscientific.com.au

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n products & services

Quiet wind turbine

Carbon monoxide meter

The Eco Whisper Turbine features an intuitive blade design that is virtually silent. The turbine stands at 21 m high and the blade measures 6.5 m. The 20 kW electricity-producing wind turbine has a unique cowl/ring that prevents air from spilling off the blades. The wind hub and blade are made from aluminium and are therefore resistant to rust.

If the turbine is placed in a good wind site it has the ability to generate 45,000 plus kWh per annum.

The device is said to have a number of advantages compared to comparable three-blade designs including: lower start-up speed; an advanced ability to collect wind, making it suitable for a large number of sites; Australian-made generator and inverter; no turn away losses; and blades contained in a central hub to minimise birdlife casualty.

Its silent operation and ability to operate in a range of wind conditions make it suitable for urban developments, commercial sites and agricultural applications. Suited to grid and non-grid connections, the turbine can be used for commercial sites, urban environments such as industrial parks, airports, community groups, universities, councils, ports and manufacturing facilities.

The Model 450A-1 digital pocket size carbon monoxide meter measures the ambient concentration of carbon monoxide (CO) in the environment and displays the measurement on the two-line digital LCD screen. Besides the measurement, the maximum recorded CO value since the last reset is shown. An audible carbon monoxide alarm gives warning of CO levels above 25 ppm.

For viewing in poorly lit environments, the built-in back light brightens the display.

The unit includes a soft carrying case with belt loop, wrist strap and three AAA batteries.

Renewable Energy Solutions Australia Holdings Ltd

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/J293

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/P192

Dwyer Instruments (Aust) Pty Ltd

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Resource centre Legislation, governance, programs and industry links to help guide your sustainability development.

Clean energy regulator

© iStockphoto.com/ Trout55

The new administrative body for the carbon-pricing mechanism, the Clean Energy Regulator, will begin operation from 2 April 2012. The Clean Energy Regulator will be responsible for administering the carbon-pricing mechanism, the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting System, the Renewable Energy Target and the Carbon Farming Initiative.

Until the establishment of the Regulator, the regulatory functions for the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Scheme, the Renewable Energy Target and the Carbon Farming Initiative will continue under existing arrangements. www.climatechange.gov.au www.cleanenergyfuture.gov.au

Business-friendly guide to Australia’s carbon market

The Carbon Market Institute has released Australia’s Clean Energy Legislative Package: A Guide for Business, a comprehensive guide which will inform and educate businesses about how the scheme operates and what it will mean for different scheme participants. www.carbonmarketinstitute.org.

Editor Carolyn Jackson email: sm@westwick-farrow.com.au Chief Editor Janette Woodhouse

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With the carbon tax legislation kicking in next July, businesses wanting to pass on carbon costs are being urged to review their contractual rights and obligations now to ensure they are not left carrying an unacceptable share of the cost burden, says a leading energy and resources lawyer.

According to Julian Mellick, senior associate in the energy and resources team at CBP Lawyers, companies which assume that their ability to pass on the costs of the carbon tax is protected by standard ‘change in law’ clauses in their existing contracts could be in for a nasty surprise.

Elements of an effective carbon pass-through clause: • Ensure there is an appropriate allocation of the risks and costs associated with the carbon tax/price between contracting parties.

• Consider the scope of costs that can be passed through such as whether direct and indirect costs are covered and how any fines or penalties are to be dealt with.

• Include incentives for suppliers to minimise their carbon costs through the adoption of emission reduction strategies or acquisition of well-priced permits.

• Ensure there is transparency, equity and accountability in how the pass-through costs are determined.

• Provide for a periodic evaluation of the carbon costs passthrough mechanism over the contract term.

• Incorporate a cost-effective and efficient dispute resolution process to sort out any disagreements.

For the full story, go to http://www.sustainabilitymatters.net. au/news/50063-Act-now-to-manage-carbon-tax-costshttp://www.cbp.com.au/Expertise/Energy,-Renewables-andResources-(ERR)

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In my opinion

Missed opportunity for carbon abatement The federal government’s carbon tax fails to acknowledge the carbon-positive values of the Australian forest and forest products industry, writes AFPA CEO David Pollard.

leader stream

Dr Pollard commenced a s C E O w i t h A F PA in 2011 after seven y e a r s a t Vi c F o r e s t s , the commercial timber corporation of the Victorian Government.

Prior, Dr Pollard held a number of senior management positions w i t h t h e Vi c t o r i a n and Commonwealth Governments in the areas of industry development, economic policy and finance.

Instead of recognising these homegrown carbon stores, Australia will import around 100 million tonnes of carbon credits from overseas by 2020 to meet our emissions-reduction target.

T

he forest and forest products industry was hopeful the government would recognise the carbon-positive nature of sustainable forestry by accounting for the carbon stored in standing trees, the carbon stored in wood products (and as low-emissions substitute materials) and for the renewable energy that can be created from the by-products of timber harvesting and processing.

However, the suite of legislation passed by the Senate recently ignores these benefits. Instead, the industry will be put at a disadvantage and much-needed plantation investment and renewable energy opportunities could be missed.

While the forest and forest products’ industry supports the concept of a carbon price if implemented appropriately, many Australian timber processors and paper manufacturers operate in a global marketplace and will face steep competition from producers in countries with no carbon tax. The assistance for trade-exposed industries (including pulp and paper manufacturers) in the form of permit allocations will decay over time at an arbitrary rate. The industry urged the government to link the assistance rate to the actions of competitor countries as they set comparable carbon policies.

Solid timber processors will receive no assistance but will still compete with imported products. These companies will be disadvantaged from day one of the carbon tax.

Further down the value chain, commercial tree-plantation growers were hoping that the carbon their trees absorb would be recognised in the Carbon Farming Initiative (CFI). The rules surrounding the CFI mean it will be very difficult to get involved because the constraints placed on for-harvest plantation projects are far stricter than on any other activity, which creates an uneven playing field among land-use sectors. This is despite Australia’s tree plantations already counted as contributing 20 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent towards Australia’s Kyoto target.

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The previously tabled Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) provided better scope for commercial growers to participate, as does the New Zealand scheme.

Instead of recognising these homegrown carbon stores, Australia will import around 100 million tonnes of carbon credits from overseas by 2020 to meet our emissionsreduction target.

The government has also proposed changes to regulations surrounding the use of native timber wood waste for renewable energy production. The changes are jeopardising renewable energy project proposals and appear to be driven more by an ideological opposition to harvesting native forests than scientific fact.

The Renewable Energy Target (RET) scheme was introduced in 2009 to ensure that 20% of Australia’s electricity supply will come from renewable sources by 2020.

This creates an extra incentive to invest in renewable energy projects.

Despite Australia having the highest area of forest per capita of the developed nations it lags behind in the use of bioenergy, representing just 0.8% of our energy production. In contrast, 13% of Finland’s and 6% of Denmark’s energy generation comes from bioenergy. Perhaps surprisingly, WWF International backs the use of wood waste from forestry in its report, A Biomass Blueprint to Meet 15% Of OECD Electricity Demand By 2020.

The only bright news in the ‘clean energy future’ is the provision of greater certainty and market access for ‘not-forharvest’ reforestation carbon offset projects, which are likely to become a more important component of a diversified forestry industry into the future.

The forest industry hasn’t given up.

The Multi-Party Climate Change Committee, including Rob Oakeshott MP, is still investigating the proposed changes to the rules surrounding the Renewable Energy Target Scheme. With respect to the carbon tax, linking the decay of permit allocations to trade-exposed industries to overseas progress in emissions trading, and crediting abatement in all growing forests, would be steps in the right direction.va

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