Issue 07 - April 2008

In This Issue...

• Welcome from Advitech's Managing Director
• Achieving a better environmental future - process engineering solutions for Tomago Aluminium
• News from Novecom
• Carbon footprint, carbon trading, sustainability and energy prices
• Sustainability as a business goal - Dept of Environment and Climate Change
• Growing skills and experience - meet Advitech's new people
• Long service milestones at Advitech

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MD's Welcome

Welcome to our April 2008 newsletter. We are pleased to introduce you to a number of new staff members. We have been busy investing in the company's future through the recruitment of talented people from a variety of backgrounds. I'm sure you, our valued clients, will benefit from our expanding set of skills as the year progresses. Please also enjoy reading about some of the interesting projects we've been involved with recently.

Achieving a Better Environmental Future

Process engineering solutions for Tomago Aluminium

Hydrogen Fluoride (HF) emission is recognised as a significant environmental issue in the manufacture of aluminium. Advitech recently helped a client reduce fugitive release of HF, through its process engineering skills. Tomago Aluminium Company (TAC) is committed to minimising HF emissions where possible throughout the production of aluminium. One area where HF emissions are particularly difficult to capture is fugitive release from the pot lines when anode pot hoods are opened during the change out of anodes. It was recognised that improvements to the pot line ventilation system during anode change would positively assist in reducing emissions.

TAC and Advitech jointly identified process ventilation adjustments to improve ventilation during anode change. The proposed improvements were two-fold:

• A solution was needed to reduce a recognised gas flow bias between the short and long ventilation legs of the 1-East GTC (Gas Treatment Centre).
• The orifice plates that controlled pot gas flow could be removed to 'boost' flow during anode change, thereby reducing fugitive emissions.

Achievements

Advitech used its software Fluidflow to develop a computer model that reflected the existing GTC. The model was based on field measurements of GTC flow, pressure and temperature. The model successfully described the existing gas flow bias, and reassured TAC that the model properly reflected operational reality.

On the basis of its modelling, Advitech designed and specified a new set of anode pot orifice plates that would remove the gas flow bias in the GTC. Advitech then provided TAC with a modelling outcome of the proposed anode pot boosted flow during anode change. This model predicted the improvement in air flow after removal of anode pot orifice plates.

With the new orifice plates installed, TAC measured the new pot flows against its objectives - and the initial results are very promising. The orifice plate sizes specified by Advitech achieved a significant reduction in air flow bias (see figure). The comparison between the predicted and actual models of anode pot boosted flows during anode change is also positive.

Future Objectives

These achievements are just the first step. Advitech continues to work with TAC in strategic planning for future capital works, including continued improvements to its pot lines and bake ovens, and addressing other issues such as dust handling. The results of this project verify Advitech's capability to provide realistic process models, and work effectively with our clients to achieve environmental objectives. The ultimate accomplishment is an improvement in environmental outcomes for the community as a whole.

Please contact Dr Carl Fung on 02 4961 6544 for more information.

News from Novecom

SentineX Odour Monitor

Novecom recently embarked on the development of a SentineX odour monitoring system, to complement its current product line which includes noise, dust and meteorological monitors. Novecom integrated the E-Nose continuous odour monitor into the SentineX monitoring platform to produce the SentineX Odour unit.

E-Nose is an 'electronic nose' developed by scientists from the University of New South Wales for the measurement of odour and airborne chemicals. Each E-Nose device contains a sensor array which is pre-configured for the environment within which it will be installed.

Each unit is calibrated onsite to determine odour patterns and threshold levels. Once calibrated, the SentineX Odour system operates autonomously.

SentineX Odour provides customers with the opportunity to continuously monitor and alarm on odour events detected by E-Nose's sensor array. Information is accessible at near real-time via the SentineX online data repository. In addition, users receive 24 hour summary data via a daily email, and alarm notifications via SMS.

COMET Grant

Novecom was recently awarded an AusIndustry grant for the SentineX monitoring system. The Commercialising Emerging Technologies (COMET) grant will assist with the ongoing development and commercialisation of the SentineX product line, as well as support for the growth of Novecom's business. COMET is a merit-based assistance program which is awarded to Australian organisations who have developed innovative new products with commercial potential.

Novecom was awarded the grant after successfully demonstrating that SentineX is a unique and innovative product, which offers advantages over competitor products, has substantial market potential, and is supported by a company with suitable management capability.

For more info see www.novecom.com.au or contact Jeremy Pola on 4961 6544.

Carbon Footprint, Carbon Trading, Sustainability and Energy Prices

With 'Earth Hour' a recent memory, we are constantly bombarded in the media with terms like Carbon Footprint, Carbon or Emission Trading, Carbon Offset, Sustainability and Resource Efficiency - but what do all these terms really mean and how can businesses see the forest from the trees (what's left of them anyway)?

World energy prices - coal, oil, gas and electricity are all trending up regardless of what we do in Australia. State and Federal Governments already have a confusing number of mandatory programs (e.g. NSW DECC Energy Saving Action Plans, and Federal Energy Efficiency Opportunity Program) and voluntary programs (e.g. NSW DECC Sustainability Advantage and Federal Greenhouse Challenge Plus) for business. With the signing of the Kyoto Protocol, the pressure is on Australian Governments (both Federal and State) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions further. The favoured approach is an emission trading scheme which will effectively increase the price of fuels depending on their carbon emission.

There has also been a plethora of new companies taking advantage of the fear and uncertainty in the market, by advertising to determine your Carbon Footprint and/or buy Carbon Offsets to make you carbon neutral. Some of these organisations have dubious credentials and dubious methods of calculation.

Advitech are accredited by both the NSW DECC and the Commonwealth Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism to deliver sustainability and energy programs on their behalf. The NSW DECC Sustainability Advantage story on the following page illustrates how Advitech are already assisting business to reduce their carbon and resource use, save a lot of money, and apply for government subsidies to assist the process.

You may also be interested to note that following widespread summer rains, NSW electricity prices have come off the boil in the last 3 months so now is an excellent time to lock in a reasonable electricity contract prior to the popular June 30 deadline.

For further information on the above issues and the complete range of Advitech's energy management and procurement services, please contact Jim Kelty at Advitech on 02 4961 6544.

Sustainability as a Business Goal

The NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) is encouraging and actively facilitating companies to move beyond compliance and pursue environmental sustainability as a business goal. DECC offers financial and in-kind support for businesses to implement their environmental priorities and sustainability agenda in key areas, e.g.:

• Vision, commitment and planning
• Stakeholder engagement
• Resource efficiency
• Supply chain management
• Environmental risk and responsibility
• Climate change

Advitech has been working with DECC since 2000 to assist with the production and delivery of elements of the Cleaner Production and Sustainability Advantage programs. In fact, Advitech was engaged by DECC to prepare the current Resource Efficiency module, and is currently one of only four consultancies accredited to deliver the module on behalf of DECC. Advitech is currently delivering the Resource Efficiency module to a number of companies and clusters:

• The two NSW Building Products Clusters - participants include Austral Bricks, Boral Bricks, CSR Gyprock and Fibre Cement, Dunlop Flooring, Fletcher Insulation, Iplex Pipelines, James Hardie, Kingspan, Laminex, Ontera Modular Carpets, Otis Elevators, Readymix, Rondo, Schindler Elevators, Selleys, Tarkett, Vinidex and Vitrapanel.
• The Riverina Cluster - Bartter Enterprises, Casella Wines, Debortoli Wines, McWilliams Wines, National Foods, Murrumbidgee Irrigation, Orlando Wines, PHL Surveyors, Rockdale Beef, Real Juice, Rural Funds Management, Westend Wines.
• The Marrickville Council Cluster - Centacare, Choice Magazine, Fresh and Clean Uniforms, Marrickville Council Depot, Marrickville Council Property Group, Shaw Australia, Metropolitan Demolitions, Paesanella Cheese, Petersham and Newtown RSL Clubs, Salvation Army.
• The Newcastle/Lower Hunter Cluster - Fairfax Regional Press, Marquis Bathroom Products, Ultrafloor.
• The Sydney Food Cluster - Goodman Fielder, Foster's.
• The NSW Business Chamber.

Advitech is also working on a Sustainability Advantage training package for Local Government Officers and working with registered clubs within DECC's EcoClubs program.

Projected Outcomes

The table above shows conservative projected cost benefits to participants in clusters where Advitech is currently delivering the Resource Efficiency (RE) module.

Industrial Ecology Projects

In addition to the projected savings, companies are also benefiting from strategic intervention funding available from the DECC to assist with particular projects. A number of Building Products participants are receiving assistance with waste diversion/resource recovery projects aimed at developing recycling and reuse strategies and diverting waste from landfill. Participants generating significant volumes of waste (e.g. process, timber or plastic waste) will benefit substantially from these 'industrial ecology' seed projects. In some cases the additional economic and social benefits will greatly outweigh the estimated savings anticipated in the table.

Participant Eligibility

Participation within the Sustainability Advantage program is open to businesses within NSW. There is a small fee involved (approx $2,500 for most companies) but companies invariably benefit many times more than the cost of their participation.

"The Sustainability Advantage program is the most well conceived continuous improvement system I have seen. It balances systems with resources and strategic intervention to provide momentum and understanding to environmental programs. This concept should enable all areas of industry at any level of environmental management, to make real environmental progress.'
James Kelly, Innovations Manager, Rockdale Beef Pty Ltd, January 2008

'Partnerships are the pathway to sustainability and Sustainability Advantage promises to be a useful incubator program for new and extended partnerships and alliances at all levels of government, industry and community.'
Grant Williams, Technical Services Manager, Blue Circle Southern Cement

'Talent might help you achieve targets others can't however Sustainability Advantage helps you see targets others can't. Sustainability Advantage is helping Vinidex create its own preferred sustainable future whilst accelerating its environmental priorities. I fully expect Vinidex will strengthen its market position and competitive edge through this process'
George Macovaz, General Manager, Technical Services Group, Vinidex

See more info on the DECC website or by contacting DECC Business Partnerships Group on 02 8837 6000, or contact Colin Barker at Advitech on 02 4961 6544.

Growing Skills and Experience

Advitech is very pleased to report on its considerable growth since our last newsletter. We have employed a number of new staff in recent months.

Dr Damian Ogburn joined Advitech as a Senior Environmental Consultant, bringing 30 years experience in aquatic and catchment environmental issues, having worked in both industry and government organisations in Australia and South-East Asia.

Lindy Woodburn is a materials engineer with experience in manufacturing systems and process improvements. Lindy joined Advitech as a Senior Consultant and is involved in Advitech's sustainable development programs and a range of materials engineering projects.

Katherine Horn is an Environmental Science graduate, who joined Advitech in late 2007. Katherine provides assistance to a range of risk, environmental assessment and compliance projects.

Ali Jalayer is a Senior Process Engineer with over 25 years experience in process engineering and project management. He is currently involved in the management of a major design and construction project for one of Advitech's clients.

Steve Penniment joined Advitech as Design Specialist - Mechanical. Steve has considerable engineering experience in the defence arena, having spent many years working for the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) and BAE Systems in the UK and Australia.

Edward MacDonald recently completed his degree in Structural Engineering at the University of Newcastle. After undertaking industrial experience with Advitech during his studies, Edward is now employed as a Graduate Structural Engineer.

Paul Sutherland joined Advitech as a mechanical and structural drafter, having completed certificates in detailed drafting and 3D modelling. He previously worked as a boilermaker, with ten years experience in stainless steel fabrication.

Kurt Turner joined Advitechs - Engineering Division in a drafting role. He has made the move from architectural drafting to an industrial environment.

Ben Wall is Advitech's Systems Administrator, responsible for the day-to-day management of Advitech's computer systems and networks. Ben also provides technical IT support to Advitech's employees.

Nathan Ott is an Environmental Technician with a Diploma of Environmental Monitoring and Technology. He undertakes environmental monitoring field work and is involved in the maintenance of Novecom's SentineX monitoring systems.

Megan Thomson is an undergraduate Environmental Engineer who undertook industrial training at Advitech in Jan 08. She now provides assistance to Advitech's risk assessment facilitators on a casual basis.

Long Service

In addition to our many new employees, Advitech has recently celebrated a number of long service milestones. Ross Iles, a process engineer currently based onsite at Orica, and Rochelle Georgiou, our Office Administrator, both clocked up 20 years service at Advitech in late 2007. Also, Neil Tschirpig from our drafting group celebrated ten years with the company. Advitech is very proud of its long term employees and low staff turnover.