As part of the PIA’s 50th anniversary celebrations in November 2014, the association hosted two informative seminars in Melbourne and Sydney, covering developments in new technology and energy efficiency. The PIA also held its Annual General Meeting following the Melbourne seminar.
The keynote speaker for the seminars was Steve Schofield, Director and Chief Executive of the British Pump Manufacturing Association. At both seminars Steve delivered two presentations, both of which focused on the work Steve and the BPMA have been doing in the area of energy efficiency.
One of Steve’s presentations covered the energy efficiency gains that can be made by assessing and improving already operating pump systems; while the other covered the work the BPMA has done in establishing the Certified Pump System Auditor (CPSA) scheme, which is a regulated means by which to act on the energy efficiency savings presented by pump systems. (For more on Steve’s presentations, see ‘Energy Efficiency: the business opportunity we must embrace‘).
Other speakers included Tony Kersten of Grundfos, who continued the energy efficiency theme with his presentation on pumps for building services. Tony also discussed the efficiencies that can be made through assessing pump systems and making better product selections. He confessed that it’s a topic close to his heart and one he feels very passionate about.
Attendees also enjoyed presentations on a range of new products. Michael White of Mono Pumps discussed their new InviziQ pressure sewerage pump; Jurgen Mrozek of Xylem Water Solutions also discussed wastewater pumping products.
Technical papers also made up the seminar program, with Malcolm Robertson of Robertson Technology discussing pump testing using the thermodynamic method, and Tim Cocking of AFH presenting a paper on metering pumps.
Gabriel Balan of John Crane Australia concluded proceedings with a presentation on a new seal design which has been used to solve problems in the field.
Both seminars involved some stimulating question and answer sessions, and were useful in providing background into issues and product solutions that are being developed to meet the specific needs of Australian pump users.
In Melbourne the seminar was followed by the PIA’s AGM. Members were welcomed by President Ron Astall, who noted it was a privilege to be in the President’s chair as the association celebrated its 50th anniversary.
Ron reflected on the previous 12 months for the association, noting that the three executive officers for the association have continued to play a considerable role in the association’s achievements. “Much of what we have achieved in the last few years would not have been possible without the hard work of these gentlemen,” he said.
Ron also used his address to emphasise the importance the association places on energy efficiency. “Energy conservation and efficiency looms large over us all,” said Ron. “We have been extremely proactive in our focus on pumping and system efficiency, and this will continue to be a focus.”
Board appointments were also made, with Ron Astall and John Inkster both re-elected to their respective positions of President and Vice President unopposed. Mike Bauer, Frankie Camilleri, Martin O’Connor, Alan Rowan, Keith Sanders and Ashley White were elected as councillors unopposed.
The AGM was followed by a cocktail party at the Hotham Room of Mercure Hotel. Steve Schofield was the distinguished guest, and this gave members who were not at the seminar the opportunity to chat with Steve.
BPMA has excellent contacts in Europe with Europump and in the US with the Hydraulic Institute. It is hoped that the PIA can continue to foster this relationship for the benefit of members in Australia, particularly at a technical level.
