More than 25,000 water industry professionals attended the 88^th annual Water Environment Federation Technical Exhibition and Conference (WEFTEC) in Chicago Sept. 26-30, breaking all previous attendance records.

The 2015 technical program included 135 technical sessions, 29 workshops, seven local facility tours, numerous events, and more than 1,000 exhibitors who displayed the latest developments, research, solutions, and cutting-edge technologies.

Hundreds of pump companies demonstrated innovative water technologies and new innovations. Clog-free solutions, ease of fluid transport and smart technology continue to be common themes for pump manufacturers responding to water and wastewater industry demands.

• BJM Pumps featured its SKG Series submersible pumps which offer a solution for flushable wipes and other difficult solids in wastewater applications. Featuring the patent-pending RAD-AX™ Dual Shredding Technology, 4-pole motor, and double mechanical seals for long life and trouble-free performance the robust construction includes 440C Hardened SS on all cutting elements.
• Boerger showcased its BLUEline rotary lobe pumps, which are self-priming, valveless, positive displacement pumps that are ideally suited for the wastewater industry. The BLUEline offers 21 pump models with flow rates up to 7,500 gpm. The screw rotor provides pulsation-free operation for the gentle conveyance of viscous and abrasive materials.
• KSB, Inc., demonstrated the KRT submersible motor pump, which combines all the features a flexible selection of materials and customized hydraulics to economically transport the most diverse range of fluids.
• Netzsch Pumps North America featured the NEMO^® progressive cavity pump, which joins the TORNADO^® T2 rotary lobe pump with its new FSIP (full service-in-place) version that is ideal for wear-intensive applications. The maintenance-friendly FSIP™ design has been re-engineered so that users can conveniently open the in-service pump housing, dismantle all rotating parts, and install them again without having to disconnect the pump from the piping or having to remove the motor.
• Schwing Bioset, Inc., displayed equipment such as a screw press and sliding frame, as well as interactive touch screens and literature. For more than 25 years, Schwing Bioset, Inc. has been helping wastewater treatment plants, mines, and power generation customers by engineering material handling solutions which include sludge, industrial, and tunnel piston pumps, screw presses, sliding frame and push floor silos, fluid bed drying products, container wagons, process equipment, and soil conditioners.
• SEEPEX displayed its Smart Conveying Technology, the patented split-stator PC pump design that offers lower lifecycle costs compared to traditional PC pumps. SEEPEX also featured the ALPHA Chemical Metering Systems, equipped with NSF-certified Intelligent Metering Pumps that use valveless flow control to meet precise dosing requirements. A highlight of the SEEPEX booth was the ability to see and operate the life-changing LifePump, which is providing water solutions to thousands of people in arid regions.
• Sims Pump Company had it’s signature Simsite® technology on display, which never corrodes in wastewater, chemicals, or chlorinated water. Sims also showcased products like its relentless sewage handling impellers, and all of the benefits of the complete Simsite® line.
• Crane Pumps & Systems launched its new SH32 pumps, which respond to the major concern of non-clogging in wastewater applications. These solids handling pumps range from 2 to 150 horsepower and are custom engineered and built-to-order at the Crane manufacturing facility in Ohio.

The motors and drives companies at WEFTEC continued to discuss the upcoming implementation of the DOE Small Motor Rule and ways they are preparing for it.

• Baldor Electric Company’s NEMA P-base motor is the ideal fit for vertical pumping applications with optimized performance to save weight and space while providing the same horsepower in a smaller frame. It provides a compact, yet powerful package.
• Danfoss introduced its VLT® AQUA Drive, which features innovative back-channel cooling that increases VFD life and reliability. The intelligent heat management of VLT® Drives removes up to 90 percent of heat losses via finned heat sinks. The back-channel can be ducted outside to reduce heat gain in control rooms which lowers operational costs.
• Dynamatic showcased its reliable Eddy Current adjustable speed drive technology, which is ideally suited for water and wastewater pumping applications. Rugged and reliable, Dynamatic drives and digital controls are simple to maintain and will dramatically reduce lifetime operating costs. Dynamatic offers a complete line of control upgrades for Dynamatic, Eaton, E.M. (Electric Machinery), US Motor/WER/Emerson, Ideal Electric and Sterling existing Eddy Current drives.
• Nidec Motor Company (U.S. Motors) featured the cast iron construction of it’s motors, which ensures less variation, consistent performance and the shortest lead time in the industry for high horsepower engineered-to-order motors.
• WEG showcased the BLACK and BLUE lines. The BLACK WEG rolled steel motors offer a robust and lightweight solution for a variety of general industrial and commercial applications. The BLUE WEG W22 cast iron severe duty motors are a solution for heavy industrial applications with demanding loads and harsh environments.

Seal companies continue to discuss solutions for fugitive emissions, among other industry topics.

• A.W. Chesterton Company has developed advanced split seals for large pumps that can eliminate wastewater and raw water leakage. Eliminating process leakage stops the problems created by premature bearing failure, collateral equipment damage, downtime and the need to disassemble the pump to install repair components. Sleeve wear associated with compression packing use is also eliminated.

Highly-engineered automation and instrumentation continue to be game-changers for the pump industry in solving severe wastewater application issues.

• Automation Products Group (APG) manufactures level and pressure sensors ideal for the water industry. APG featured its submersible pressure transducers, ultrasonic level sensors, float switches, and pressure transmitters that are built to last in tough application challenges, particularly for lift stations, water treatment plants, and storage tanks.
• LUDECA demonstrated its 5-Step Shaft Alignment Procedure, a simple and effective procedure for shaft alignment for rotating equipment.
• Proco Products presented its Series 700 ProFlex® Check Valves which provide “zero maintenance” with a simple design that allows effluent to force the two opposing rubber lips apart permitting flow, yet quickly closing preventing the return of tailings or slurries. ProFlex® 700 valves provide full port flow while standing ready for the first chance of return flow/back pressure.

Other WEFTEC 2015 highlights and topics of interest include:

• During a special utility executive session, the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), the Water Environment Federation (WEF), the Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF), and WateReuse — partnered to release the Water Resources Utility of the Future 2015 Annual Report. Written collaboratively with industry thought leaders, the Annual Report
 is an update on the water sector’s efforts to transform treatment into 
full resource recovery that includes sustainable, cost-effective management options that capture valuable and reusable products for society. Since the original Water Resources Utility of the Future (UOTF) efforts began in the summer of 2013, several utilities have successfully implemented new and creative programs to address local watershed-wide challenges. The report includes several notable case studies from across the country.
• On Tuesday, Paul Bowen was welcomed as the new president of the Water Environment Federation (WEF) in a celebration honoring the best and brightest in the water sector. In addition to the passing of the
gavel to Bowen from Past President Ed McCormick, the annual Awards and Presidential Celebration featured the recognition of a number of WEF members and Member Associations, as well as utilities, manufacturers, public officials, and advertisers. Bowen is currently the director of Sustainable Operations for the Coca-Cola Company, where he is responsible for delivering on company commitments in the water and energy/climate spaces.
• A small group of more than 110 WEFTEC volunteers built a rain garden at the Pershing East Magnet School in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood. “The Pershing Cultivation Project: Growing Green Gardens and Young Minds,” was the eighth annual community service event organized
by the Water Environment Federation (WEF) Students and Young Professionals Committee (SYPC). The rain garden is designed to capture and store stormwater while improving aesthetics. In addition to installing landscaping and native plants, volunteers helped construct a 700-ft2 outdoor classroom with permeable pavers and stormwater storage and two learning stations.
• The WEFTEC® 2015 Opening General Session featured a revolutionary atmosphere, from the Beatles’
hit “Revolution” playing as Water Environment Federation (WEF) President Ed McCormick took the stage, to a closing “drum call” for a commitment to “lead a water revolution.” McCormick opened his remarks by welcoming visitors to what he dubbed “the World Cup of the water world,” extending his thanks to the gracious host city of Chicago and all of the volunteers, sponsors, and staff who have made the event celebrating “One world, one water, one event,” possible.
• The Water Environment Federation (WEF) released a comprehensive report detailing the challenges, opportunities, and pathways to improving U.S. stormwater systems. The report, Rainfall to Results: The Future of Stormwater, coincided with the launch of the WEF Stormwater Institute, a new center of excellence and innovation to address stormwater issues that will be housed under the WEF umbrella. The report draws from the insights of top stormwater experts who met 
in July to examine the factors that
 will make the nation’s stormwater systems more resilient and sustainable over the long term.
• Direct and indirect potable reuse (DPR/IPR) applications continue to evolve and are recognized viable options as water shortages continue
to drive municipalities to focus on sustainability when looking at water sources. WEFTEC® 2015 offered multiple sessions to allow attendees to learn about planning and implementing DPR/IPR projects, DPR/IPR treatment processes, and regulatory developments and guidelines. Potable reuse has advanced rapidly in the last 5 years due to the application of emergency projects in drought- stricken communities in Big Spring and Wichita Falls, Texas. As planned, potable reuse has become a reality, and there are other communities considering how this practice can be implemented as part of a portfolio of water supply management tools to meet water resources needs.

For more information, visit weftec.org