Water. desalination + reuse

SHOWCASE | 40 | Desalination & Water Reuse | February-March 2014 Optimal coupling solution for desalination projects Krausz Industries Ltd supplied over 80 hydraulic couplings ranging up to 72 in in diameter for the construction of a desalination plant in Israel. The hydraulic couplings are mainly being used to connect large diameter pipes for the intake of the 100 million m 3 /d of water. For the last 90 years, Krausz has been known for its innovative and unique coupling solutions. The company 's patented technology uses naturally occurring hydraulic energy – from the flow of water – for enhanced sealing and greater flexibility. With this enhanced flexibility, Krausz Hydraulic Couplings are better able to withstand ground shift movements. In large-scale infrastructure projects this becomes especially important as there may also be the added challenge of piping running through concrete or rigid structures, which can further elevate the risk of breakage due to ground shift movement. Taking this into account, it is critical for couplings used in large-scale infrastructure projects such as desalination plants, to be compliant with the AWWA N-45 standard. This standard deals directly with the issue of using flexible hydraulic couplings when exiting a concrete structure. "Krausz Hydraulic Couplings provide the best solution for desalination projects, where there is a need for flexibility when exiting from a concrete or rigid structure in order to absorb ground shifts movements and variations that are a result of the difference between the concrete and ground level", said Avi Chiproot, vice president developing and engineering, Krausz Industries. " The unique sealing gaskets in Krausz Hydraulic Couplings enable continuous dynamic angular deflection, which substantially reduces cracks and breaks from ground shift during and after installation". Another important characteristic of Krausz' Hydraulic Coupling devices is their versatility, allowing them to be used as both a coupling for joining pipes and a repair clamp for repairing pipe leakage. When used as a coupling, it features a stab-fit design that is easy to install. Once fitted, the coupling is secured with top-facing bolts. When used as a repair clamp, the same device is opened via the same bolts and fit around the affected area. Its durability and reliability come from its 100% stainless steel and monoblock design in addition to features such as Molecular Anti-Galling of all nuts and bolts. Krausz' worldwide experience of close to a century provides customers the level of confidence they need. Another Krausz' advantage is that they not only design and develop their solutions; they also manufacture them in house. Using only the highest quality materials, customers rely on the fact that Krausz is able to supply the couplings when needed and as per their exact specifications. RED-powERED powER pilot to staRt tRials in FEbRuaRy Salinity gradient power generation by reverse electrodialysis (RED) is making good progress, according to an announcement on 24 January 2014 by FujiFilm Manufacturing Europe BV and REDstack, a Dutch spinoff company from Wetsus. REDstack and Fujifilm are building the world's first pilot to generate 50 kW using RED technology. The infrastructure and building have been completed at the Afsluitdijk in the Netherlands. Currently assembly of the first RED stacks is in progress, and first test trials will start in February 2014. With RED technology, electricity can be generated directly from the membranes in one process step. The researchers claim this is advantageous by comparison with pressure-retarded osmosis technology, which has just been shelved by Norwegian power company Statwerk as being currently uneconomic. To generate energy with RED technology, no additional hydro-turbine process step is necessary after the membrane process. This avoids additional efficiency losses. Fujifilm Manufacturing Europe BV produces offset plates and photographic paper, but has its own research and development centre, which has been developing high- volume cost-effective ion-exchange membranes for the water industry. Krausz hydraulic couplings installed on 1,800 mm GRP pipes.

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