Environmental Expert Latest Articles & Case Studies

Water quality is key to the success of Cardiff Bay

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:49:52 GMT

Water quality has been a central theme in a redevelopment project that began with the creation of the Cardiff Bay Development Corporation in April 1987. This article will examine the role that water quality has played in the remarkable transformation that has taken place in Cardiff, Wales, and explain how monitoring technology has developed to the stage whereby any person, anywhere in the world, can view live water quality data at multiple locations in the Cardiff Bay via the YSI EcoNet web-b...

New vented oxygen sensor moves reliability, stability and performance to a new level

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:45:20 GMT

More than 95% of City’s oxygen sensors are installed in personal life safety equipment, giving security and peace of mind to individuals whose duties involve entering the potentially hazardous environments to be found in numerous diverse different industries. When working in the oil and gas industry, wastewater treatment, the marine sector, civil engineering, chemical manufacturing or any other industry where reduced oxygen content is a potential hazard, people must be provided with rel...

CEM 2011 – a meeting of experts

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:41:19 GMT

The 10th International conference CEM2011 was held in Prague, The Czech Republic from 5th to 7th October. CEM, the International Conference on Emissions Monitoring, has grown in strength and popularity. CEM 2011 continued this position as the major international conference and exhibition specifically designed to cover the subject of source emissions monitoring in its entirety.At CEM2011 there were 32 papers and presentations given over the two and half day conference, copies of th...

Applications of stationary photo Ionisation Detectors

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:35:31 GMT

PID (Photo - Ionisation - Detectors) are used to detect substances which are not detectable with other methods, like in solvents or fuels. These so – called VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are not only present in all chemical industries, but also in areas where one would not expect them. The food industry is using fast ink jet printers to print the best before date on food packages, for example; these printers use relatively little ink. One gallon of ink is enough to print 2 – 3...

Advanced gas detection technology supports arctic greenhouse gas research

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:26:17 GMT

Enormous quantities of greenhouse gases (GHG) exist within Arctic ice and frozen soils, so with the threat of global warming and increasing frequency of extreme weather phenomena, a clear understanding of the relationship between GHG in the atmosphere and in the ice/soil is vital because melting of permafrost could cause a dangerous climate tipping point. There can be few more challenging environments for monitoring gases, but PhD researcher Martin Brummell from the University of Saskatchewan...

ADSL router with GPRS back-up enables secure remote monitoring and control of critical assets at Thames Water sites

M.A.C Solutions and eWON — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:21:41 GMT

Thames Water is the UK’s largest water and wastewater services provider, with 14 million customers and 4,500 employees. Thames Water operates and maintains 100 water treatment works, 30 raw water reservoirs, 288 pumping stations and 235 clean water service reservoirs. On the sewerage side of the business, Thames Water operates and maintains 350 sewage treatment works and 2,530 pumping stations.Jim Grandison, Workstream Lead for the SCADA Delivery Program at Thames Water comm...

Real-time TOC tightens effluent control at greencore

Dr Patsy Rigby, Hach Lange — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:15:40 GMT

A food manufacturing facility in Selby, UK, has installed a new continuous TOC (Total Organic Carbon) monitor which has dramatically improved the site’s capability to refine and improve the plant’s wastewater treatment process. As a result the plant is better able to quickly respond to changes in the influent....

Integration: the future of emissions monitoring is here now

Bob Lane — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:12:05 GMT

As local authorities and the private sector seek solutions to society’s waste disposal needs, the development, construction and operation of waste to energy and biomass incineration plants is increasing. To help minimise risk and increase overall operational efficiency of these plants, operators should be examining the benefits of an integrated process control, gas emissions monitoring and reporting platform....

AirPass: a cutting-edge sampling technology for organic compounds in air

Christophe Devos,Bart Tienpont, Karine Jacq, Frank David, Pat Sandra — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:08:09 GMT

Monitoring organic compounds in air, including indoor air (domestic sampling), ambient air and exhaust gases is becoming increasingly important to properly address the impacts of biogenic and anthropogenic released species on humans and ecology. At present, our knowledge on emission and emission rates is limited. One of the main reasons is the relatively complex sampling procedure. Moreover, samples have to be taken by qualified technicians making air analysis expensive. One of the major obje...

Contenur Polska attends Poleko 2011 for the first time

Christophe Devos,Bart Tienpont, Karine Jacq, Frank David, Pat Sandra — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:01:27 GMT

Our company was presented for the first time to the Polish market by our Polish filial company Contenur Polska at the Poleko International Environmental Protection Show that was held on the 22nd, 23rd, 24th and 25th of November in the Polish city of Poznan. The Show was very well attended by exhibiters from the waste processing and town fittings, renewable energies and recycling sectors. In addition, dozens of professional conferences, semin...

Top Features of Gas Pressure Washers

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:24:18 GMT

Gas pressure washers are used for a large number of cleaning jobs, especially outdoor cleaning. These machines have high output power, mobility, and versatility, enabling them to be considered some of the most powerful cleaning machines available at present. This article deals with some of the most advanced features of such equipment. However, before going to the features, it would be better to provide a basic overview of these machines. What are Gas Pressure Washers...

Opportunities for energy innovators

Elisa Wood — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:37:34 GMT

For a long time ‘clean’ and ‘green’ marked the forward trend in the energy industry. Then came the quest for ‘smart’ energy. And now ‘innovation’ is the buzzword. It’s easy to see why. As Americans, we believe our ability to innovate sets us apart in today’s international market. Sure China can manufacture computers and cell phones more quickly and cheaply, but we came up with Google and IPhones in the...

On-Site TPH in Soil Measurements

Elisa Wood — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:50:39 GMT

On-site analysis of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) concentration levels in soil are easily handled using the InfraCal TOG/TPH Analyzers manufactured by Wilks Enterprise, Inc. The InfraCal TOG/TPH Analyzers are portable infrared (IR) analyzers that quickly determine TPH levels in less than 10-15 minutes, including the extraction. Concentrations as low as 10 ppm to well over 10,000 - 20,000 ppm can be easily and accurately measured. Models are available for use with various...

The Effect of Biodiesel Feedstocks on Infrared Blend Measurements

Elisa Wood — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:45:57 GMT

This White Paper addresses the common concern among biodiesel blenders and distributors as to whether or not biodiesel made from different feedstocks such as soy, waste vegetable oil or palm oil will affect the blend measurement. The data presented, as well as the chemistry, shows that infrared measurements offer a reliable analytical technique for checking biodiesel blend. Portable infrared analyzers such as the InfraCal Biodiesel Blend Analyzer offer a simple, accurate and low...

On-Site Ethanol in Gasoline Blend Analysis Saves Money and Eliminates Uncertainty in Fuel Blends

Elisa Wood — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:40:01 GMT

The use of ethanol as a gasoline additive has increased dramatically over the past few years and will likely continue to increase. For fuel blenders, this means an added challenge to avoid an incorrect blend that could lead to regulatory fines, loss of customer confidence and damage to equipment. A quick on-site analysis with a portable mid-infrared based analyzer, such as the Wilks InfraCal Ethanol Blend Analyzer can help fuel blenders quickly flag out-of-spec product and ensure ...

On-Site TPH in Soil Measurements in less than 15 Minutes with Portable IR Analyzers

Elisa Wood — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:23:25 GMT

IWRM and Water Efficiency Plans by 2005: Why, What and How? (GWP 2004)

Chloe Parker — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:59:25 GMT

This paper is targeted at senior managers in ministries and agencies responsible for addressing national water resources management issues, and its principal aim is to help stakeholders implement reform processes in water resources management and to guide development towards more integrated approaches. ...

Integrated Water Resources Management (GWP, 2000)

Chloe Parker — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:59:02 GMT

The paper is divided into two main parts. The first part puts forward a strong case for applying IWRM globally and defines the IWRM concept and process. The second part provides additional advice and guidance on how IWRM could be implemented in different conditions. Continue reading the full article...

Augmenting Water Supply Systems

Chloe Parker — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:58:00 GMT

Direct use of recycled water to augment urban water supply systems entails pumping water into the distribution system or blending with the conventional supply at the water treatment plant. The recycled water needs to be treated to drinking water standards or better, including advanced treatment processes to remove trace organics and chemicals. The City of Windhoek in Namibia has employed direct use of recycled water to supplement its limited surface and ...

Wastewater Reclamation

John Anderson — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:56:20 GMT

Reclaimed wastewater, sometimes called recycled water, is former wastewater (sewage) that has been treated to remove solids and certain impurities, and then allowed to recharge the aquifer rather than being discharged to surface water. This recharging is often done by using the treated wastewater for irrigation. In most locations, it is only intended to be used for nonpotab...

MBR Operation

Chloe Parker — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:54:20 GMT

Although membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology has grown up to become a state-of-the-art in municipal wastewater treatment during the last decade, design, construction and operation of MBRs has not yet become a routine function. An insight into the practice of MBR technology will be available as a report at IWA Publishing by October 2010. ‘Operating Large-Scale Membrane Bioreactors for Municipal Wastewater treatment’ provides hands-on information on ma...

Elimination of organic micropolluants in wastewater treatment plants

Chloe Parker — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:53:32 GMT

In recent years, organic micropollutants such as pharmaceutical residues, hormones and other endocrine disrupters, biocides, or other additives have been detected in various surface and ...

Source Catchments

Chloe Parker — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:51:43 GMT

Better Future for Catchment Managers Applying a whole-of-catchment approach to water management is now possible thanks to Source Catchments, the first component of eWater’s integrated water modelling suite, eWater Source to be publicly released. A water quality and quantity model, Source Catchments is designed to help natural resource managers and consultants develop targets, prioritise improvement programs and measure the effectiveness of ...

Heat recovery and energy efficiency, improves profitability and reduces CO footprint

Chloe Parker — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:13:33 GMT

Using latest technology in combustion of oil and gas can provide significant savings in overall energy consumption. Modern oxygen control that compensates changes in ambient temperature and fuel qualities can increase energy efficiency up to 3%. By adding the usage of hot combustion air another 2-3% can be saved. Modern burner technology without mechanical linkage, operating with accurate servomotors, can mean big savings in energy cost. Boilers normally require huge fans for combusti...

Solo flight tracks global Black Carbon

Chloe Parker — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:11:23 GMT

On 8th January 2012 a tiny ultra-light aircraft left Ljubljana in Slovenia on a mission to circumvent the globe using the smallest amount of fuel per distance flown whilst recording ambient levels of Black Carbon (BC) – one of the most important measures of air quality in terms of both human health and climate change. UK based particulate monitoring specialist Jim Mills from Air Monitors says the project, which is known as ‘GreenLight WorldFlight’, “is tremendously exc...