IN FOCUS

Aquatech 2002 had 23,366 visitors and confirmed its position as the world’s largest water technology and water management exhibition. It attracted more international visitors than the previous edition. No fewer than 109 countries were represented. Moreover, the number of visitors able to decide on purchases rose by 20%. The International Aquatech Innovation Award was presented during Aquatech to the firm of Waterblock for its ‘Watershell’ underground water storage system.

The Board of Directors of the Hydraulic Institute (HI) endorsed the Premium Efficiency Electric Motor program NEMA Premium™. This designation is given to electric motors that meet an industry-defined standard for premium efficiency.

The Hydraulic Institute (HI) has just released a new CD-ROM of its latest pump industry standards, ANSI/HI Pump Standards, 2002 Release. Two new standards have been added: the American National Standards for Submersible Pump Tests (ANSI/HI 11.6-2001) and the American National Standards for Allowable Nozzle Loads on Centrifugal and Vertical Pumps (ANSI/HI 9.6.2-2001).

Following the retirement of Grundfos Group President, Niels Due Jensen, and Vice Group President, Poul Vesterbæk, which will take place according to Grundfos policies by the end of this year, new Group President will be present Group Exec. Vice President, Jens Jørgen Madsen, and new Vice Group President will be present Group Exec. Vice President, Carsten Bjerg. In addition, Segment Director, Søren Ø. Sørensen will be appointed Group Exec. Vice President as of 1 January 2003.

ALLWEILER AG, the oldest German pump manufacturer, presented at this years SMM in Hamburg the sectional view of a design-study for a completely new Anti-Heeling-Pump draft called ALLTRIMM.

The Pumps & Systems China 2003 will be held in Shanghai from 1-4 July. For the 5th time, this successful biennial event will gather key industry players and open doors to the latest and most complete range of new technologies, products and services in this region.

For the 4th time the Pumps & Systems Malaysia 2003 will be held from 7-10 October 2003 in in Kuala Lumpur.

VSX – VOGEL SOFTWARE presents the second generation of pump selection software, Spaix Classic. The new software, which is unique throughout the world in its functional diversity, also takes account of complex selection algorithms such as, for example, those for magnet drive pumps, vertical line shaft pumps or the curve correction according to the motor performance. Its simplified operation enables the software to deliver the optimum solution, not just for pump manufacturers, but equally as well for operators, planners and engineering offices.

IDEX Corporation announced that Mark F. McDonald has been named president of its Rheodyne business unit. McDonald, 52, succeeds James C. Noonan, whose plan to leave was announced in July when IDEX acquired Rheodyne. McDonald will report to Jeffrey L. Hohman, president – precision flow products.

IDEX Corporation announced James S. Dahlke has been named vice president – group executive for pumps. Dahlke succeeds Rodney L. Usher, who is retiring at the end of this year.