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December 29, 2005

Superfund at 25 Faces Funding Challenge: Enviro.BLR.com Poll Says Citizens Shouldn’t Pay

Enviro.BLR.com reports that a majority of environmental professionals don’t think it should be citizens’ responsibility to pay for Superfund cleanups.

Old Saybrook, CT (PRWEB) December 29, 2005 -- As EPA marks the 25th anniversary of Superfund, Enviro.BLR.com, the website that makes environmental compliance easier, reports that a majority of environmental professionals don’t think it should be citizens’ responsibility to pay for the program.

When asked the question “Should taxpayers’ money contribute to Superfund?” 72 percent of respondents said that it was not the responsibility of the average citizen. By way of comparison, 22 percent responded affirmatively, saying “the money has to come from somewhere,” and 6 percent were unsure. There were 173 respondents to the survey.

“The biggest challenge Superfund faces is funding,” said Steve Quilliam, managing editor of Enviro.BLR.com.

In 1995, Congress allowed the Superfund tax authority law to expire, meaning that fees and taxes on companies responsible for chemical releases were no longer collected to fund the cleanup program. In 2003, the Superfund Trust Fund finally ran out of money.

For the past 2 years, Congress has authorized $1.2 billion each year to pay for cleanups where the polluter was bankrupt, refused to pay, or could not be found.

“Based on the fact that environmental professionals themselves don’t believe the current structure is fair, and considering where funding is at this point, I think industry can count on an eventual return of some type of Superfund tax,” Quilliam said. “Time will tell what form that tax takes.”

In 1980, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) was signed into law. Commonly known as Superfund, CERCLA directed EPA to address abandoned, accidentally spilled, or illegally dumped hazardous waste that posed current or future threats to human health or the environment. Since its inception, construction work has been completed on 966 private and federal Superfund sites.

The compliance experts at Enviro.BLR.com are offering a download that gives practical advice on developing a management strategy when your company is designated as a responsible party in environmental remediations. Download the white paper here: http://www.blr.com/80502500/PRS712

About BLR
Old Saybrook, Conn.-based BLR produces plain-English compliance and training resources for HR, compensation, safety, and environmental managers. For more information, call 800-727-5257 or visit www.BLR.com.
Contact: Enviro.BLR.com Managing Editor Steve Quilliam
860-510-0100, x2148

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:49 AM | Comments (0)

Scott Schroeder Of AllTerraSkates Chosen for the ABC American Inventor Round Two

AllTerraSSkates Full Suspension Skates are ready to ride and annihiliate current skate lines. Scott Schreoeder has been auditioning for television with this unique frame. Round two eliminations are going on now and Scott has made it to the second round.

(PRWEB) December 29, 2005 -- Full Suspension Skating may leap ahead in the marketplace with Scott Schroeder's new entry into ABC and Disney's American Inventor.

Are they looking for an awesome product or the ultimate personality? asks Scott who has made it to the second round of eliminations. Please vote for me if I make the show he asks. Scott is bringing full suspension footgear to the table in the form of an off road full suspension skate. The skate is lighter stronger and goes more places than traditional in lines. Check out allterraskate.com for more info.

Scott also states that the skates perform better cost is competitive and the advantages are too many to list. Apparently the shocks come preloaded with energy from the factory and so the skates actually help the skater harnass the power of gravity through a mechanical swingarm in front and back. It's all about leverage says Schroeder.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:48 AM | Comments (0)

December 28, 2005

ETAP Intelligent Load Shedding Deployed at One of Indonesia’s Largest Copper-Gold Mines

PT Newmont Nusa Tenggara uses the ETAP enterprise solution to monitor, control and optimize its electrical power generation and transmission.

(PRWEB) December 28, 2005 -- Operation Technology, Inc. (OTI) has announced that PT Newmont Nusa Tenggara (PTNNT), operator of one of Indonesia’s largest copper-gold mines, has successfully deployed the ETAP Real-Time enterprise power system solution to reduce production losses due to faults caused by a variety of environmental disturbances. In addition, PTNNT is using ETAP Real-Time to monitor, control and optimize power generation and transmission at its facilities throughout Indonesia’s Sumbawa island.

PTNNT’s installation of ETAP Real-Time employs two primary products: ETAP Intelligent Load Shedding (ILS) and ETAP Power System Monitoring & Simulation (PSMS). Together, these products provide PTNNT with a fully integrated system to optimize electrical power management, resulting in lower generation cost and fewer process time losses due to unnecessary load tripping.

For this project, the heart of ETAP Real-Time is ILS, an advanced product that uses artificial intelligence to dynamically determine the optimal system response to a variety of system changes and disturbances. ILS evaluates electrical and physical parameters, network topology, control logics and system operating conditions (loading, generation, etc.) to determine the best load shedding priority, based on the type and location of the disturbances. ILS provides faster execution of load shedding, as compared to conventional frequency relays, further reducing the load relief requirements.

ETAP Real-Time has been operating at PTNNT for more than six months. According to Ilyas Yamin, GF Power and T&D Maintenance Engineer for PTNNT, ETAP ILS is the most intelligent load shedding system available compared with any other products on the market.

The development of ETAP ILS was a major defining milestone for OTI, stated Dr. Farrokh Shokooh, President and CEO of OTI. “We have developed many new state-of-the-art products in our 20-year history, but ETAP Intelligent Load Shedding stands out as one of our greatest achievements,” Shokooh adds. “ILS has broken new ground in power management technology by providing the intelligence and speed required to minimize the detrimental effects of system disturbances. We are extremely proud to see ETAP ILS in action.”

About Operation Technology, Inc.
Operation Technology, Inc. (OTI) is the developer of the ETAP enterprise solution for analyzing, simulating and optimizing power systems. OTI is ISO 9001 certified, covering all activities related to design, development, production and support of ETAP products. For more information, visit etap.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 10:31 PM | Comments (0)

Free Tri-MixTM Tungsten Samples Offer Increased Life & Weld Quality

For a limited time, “The Tungsten Electrode Experts” at Diamond Ground Products are proud to offer free samples of Tri-Mix Tungsten, a scientifically balanced blend of three oxides in one multi-purpose tungsten.

Newbury Park, CA (PRWEB) December 28, 2005 -- For a limited time, “The Tungsten Electrode Experts” at Diamond Ground Products are proud to offer FREE samples of Tri-Mix Tungsten, a scientifically balanced blend of three oxides in one multi-purpose tungsten.

Tri-Mix offers stability and consistency to increase weld quality and service life dramatically. It increases the number or arc starts and decreases the amount of misfires. Tri-Mix features a low work function, so it requires less energy to start and runs cooler than common 2% Thoriated Tungsten. Unlike 2% Thoriated, Tri-Mix is also a non-radioactive tungsten.

To get your sample today, contact Diamond Ground Products or visit our website at www.diamondground.com

Diamond Ground Products is dedicated to the improvement of weld quality & welder productivity, and maintains a reputation as the industry leader in tungsten and tungsten preparation. Our ongoing management philosophy is to provide quality product and receptive service that exceeds even the most stringent expectations. Contact DGP today to see how we can help with your current or future welding applications.

For more information, contact:
Jim Elizarraz
Diamond Ground Products
2550 Azurite Circle Newbury Park, CA 91320
Ph: (805) 498-3837
Fax (805) 498-9347
E-mail: e-mail protected from spam bots
Website: www.diamondground.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 10:29 PM | Comments (0)

BioPerformance Gas Pill Taking Root with Utah Families and One Utah Author

New gas additive, BioPerformance Fuel, gets endorsement from Utah Author, Bruce Goldwell

Salt Lake City (PRWEB) December 28, 2005 -- Since BioPerformance, Inc. based in Dallas, TX went LIVE on Thursday, December 8, 2005, over 1,800 people have enrolled, and well over 500 people have already received their first commission checks totaling over $300,000.00 in commissions.

A groundswell of people has already enrolled to purchase the gas pill to increase gas mileage and many of them for the purpose of creating an additional income stream for their family financial portfolio. A handful of these people are located in Salt Lake City and the surrounding area but this number is expected to grow rapidly as the people in Utah begin using the fuel additive and share their testimonials with their friends and neighbors.

This is an endorsement by Bruce Goldwell, a Utah resident and Author of “The Door to Super Achievement”.

“BioPerformance is one of those companies that have hit a major home run with the release of their new fuel additive. Just recently I heard a quote, ‘Successful people are willing to do what others won’t do.’ BioPerformance is going to prove to be one of the biggest WINNERS and most successful companies in our nation’s history and everyone that takes advantage of their product can win too. BioPerformance has done a great service for our country and for every individual that wishes to make our country strong. Because of their willingness to go out on a limb not only for our country but also for every individual throughout this land, I am inducting BioPerformance into the Super Achievers Hall of Fame TM.”

These are just a few of the reasons people are looking to get this amazing pill:

•Increase gas mileage as much as 35% or more
•Better performance and increased engine power
•Less emissions saving the air we breathe
•An additional income stream for the family financial portfolio

To participate in BioPerformance and/or purchase its product, you must contact an Independent Business Owner. For further information about BioPerformance Fuel and how to become a part of the rapidly growing line of Independent Business Owners, go to:

URL: http://UcanIncreaseYourGasMileage.com
IBO: Kimo Kalama
Phone: 801-735-6499

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 10:28 PM | Comments (0)

December 27, 2005

Granite Energy, Inc. Becomes Publicly Traded

• La Caille closed to public to host 'by invitation only' event for Granite Energy • Granite Energy plans to explore oil opportunities in Utah • Granite Energy becomes publicly traded company

Salt Lake City, UT (PRWEB via PR Web Direct) December 27, 2005 -- The internationally acclaimed La Caille restaurant (www.lacaille.com), located 20 minutes south of Salt Lake City, will be closed to the general public on Wednesday, December 28, 2005, in order to host an exclusive, by invitation only event for Granite Energy, Inc., a leading independent energy company headquartered in Texas, focused on oil and gas development, exploration and production.

Granite Energy has reserved the entire La Caille restaurant, staff and facilities to host its officers, directors, shareholders and VIP guests from across the country. According to La Caille event coordinator Sharon Camp, Granite Energy is throwing the biggest, most exquisite event ever hosted by the La Caille. Granite Energy plans to make important announcements at the event.

The event has some very unique attributes, such as a custom beverage and wet bar built and carved out of 2000 pounds of solid ice. In addition, Granite Energy has retained nationally acclaimed Las Vegas performer Jason Hewlitt to provide after dinner musical comedy, Joe Muscolino’s 11-piece band and vocalists to provide late evening musical and dancing entertainment, as well as a String Quartet for ambiance during dinner.

The event is hosted by Salt Lake City developers Mr. and Mrs. David and Joyce Halling, and by Norma J. Nichols of Ranchester, Wyoming.

Notable invitees include: Senior Economic Development Advisor, Chris Roybal from Governor Jon Huntsman’s office; Utah artist, Mr. Chad Hawkins, who has received commissions from Governor Huntsman’s office, the Utah State Legislature and other distinguished commissions; guests from the following organizations: Utah Geological Association, Society of Petroleum Engineers, American Association of Petroleum Geologists, Utah Petroleum Association and the Utah Division of Oil, Gas, Mining, Department of Natural Resources; and C-level officers from leading corporations.

Granite Energy, Inc. (OTC:GNGI) announced today that it is a publicly traded company and its shares trade under the ticker symbol GNGI. "As a public company, we are well-positioned to grow our core business, while leveraging our financial strength and powerful brand in higher growth adjacent market segments," said Mr. Benjamin Hoskins, President of Granite Energy, Inc.

Granite Energy participates in various joint ventures with other oil and gas companies, institutions and select individuals.

Granite Energy is currently pursuing Utah oil exploration opportunities in areas that follow similar trend lines and geology to the famous 2003 Wolverine oil discovery in Central Utah near Sigurd, known as the Covenant Field. The Covenant Field is now believed to hold as much as 200 million barrels of oil or more, which is the largest on-shore discovery in the contiguous United States in approximately 30 years.

Granite Energy has acquired options or contracts on various oil leases which show tremendous oil potential based on the reinterpretation of past geology, surface structure topography and drilling data. They have combined this historical data with new data available, in large part due to the Wolverine discovery. Extrapolation of the data and geology suggests possible volumetrics of 1 Billion barrels of oil, or more, possible in one particular area of interest to Granite Energy. Granite Energy believes that Utah will play a significant role in oil production in the future.

About Granite Energy

Granite Energy (“Granite”) (GNGI) is a leading independent energy company headquartered in Texas and focused on oil and gas development, exploration and production. With oil professionals in offices throughout North America, Granite executes on a proprietary business model that enhances the lifecycle for oil producing properties. Granite Energy has growing oil and gas holdings in Texas and Oklahoma. The combination of Granite’s methodologies, geological and technical expertise enables Granite to deliver the tangible economic benefits in the acquisition and development of oil and gas fields with both current production as well as exploration and development of new prospects. For more information visit http://www.GraniteEnergy.com.

Media Contact: Angelia Pinaga
Day Phone: (214) 608-7156
Night phone: (214) 608-7156
Event day: (214) 608-7156

Investor Relations Contact:
S. Matthew Schultz/Chairman
161 North Main
Bountiful, UT 84010
(801) 716-0510

Forward-looking statements

Assumptions Underlying Forward-Looking Statements And Factors That May Affect Future Results

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements that include the words "believes", "expects", "anticipates" or similar expressions. These include the failure of any of the conditions to closing stated above, completion of the acquisitions of the target businesses, attracting necessary management, a delay in the formal launch of the website, raising the necessary capital to fund business operations and potential market competition. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. (Such factors include, among others, the risk factors contained in the company's Annual Reports and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.) In addition, description of any past success, either financial or strategic, is no guarantee of future success. The Company will remain dependent upon future financing for its growth and development, and for it to successfully implement its business plan. No statement contained herein should be construed as indicating that such financing is or will be available, and if available, will be on terms favorable to the Company. This news release speaks as of the date first set forth above and the Company assumes no responsibility to update the information included herein for events occurring after the date hereof.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:29 AM | Comments (0)

Alternative Energy Store Announces New Internship Program

The Worcester, Mass., based Alternative Energy Store, providers of renewable energy products to customers around the globe via their website (www.altenergystore.com) and catalog, has recently announced the development of an internship program.

Worcester, Mass. (PRWEB) December 27, 2005 -- The Worcester, Mass., based Alternative Energy Store, providers of renewable energy products to customers around the globe via their website (www.altenergystore.com) and catalog, has recently announced the development of an internship program.

The Alternative Energy Store’s internship program is designed to prepare students and others for a career in renewable energy by educating them about a wide range of renewable energy systems and products. Interns will work alongside staff in the areas of customer service and tech support. Through the company’s internship program, plumbing and electrical apprentices or students will learn many of the techniques and details for sizing and recommending renewable energy systems which will help them to become professional installers of alternative energy systems such as solar thermal water heater or solar electrical systems. There are several schools and colleges in the Northeast that have already begun offering courses in the fast-growing field of renewable energy.

“The energy market is uncertain and cost and source of traditional energy such as natural gas, oil and electricity have become significant issues. The use of these energy sources may not always be an option. Natural resources, such as solar, wind and hydro power, are becoming more popular in the mass market,” explained Sascha Deri, founding partner and president of the Alternative Energy Store.

He continued, “Growth indicators in the alternative energy market include government rewards and incentives, on both federal and state level, designed to encourage individuals and businesses to use renewable energy sources. Alternative energy is moving to the forefront and the demand for people who are not only knowledgeable in this industry, but who can install these systems is growing very quickly.”

The Alternative Energy Store’s mission is to provide the best renewable energy products at affordable prices and to educate consumers about valuable renewable energy sources that are not only good for the environment but that enable people to become more “fuel independent” and rely less on expensive traditional fuel sources.

To learn more about the Alternative Energy Store’s internship program, contact (800) 320-9564.

Making Renewable Energy Affordable
Founded in 1999, the Alternative Energy Store, LLC has catered to customers on every continent of the globe. With a mission to make renewable energy affordable, the Alternative Energy Store has established long-standing relationships with manufacturers to pass along the cost savings to customers. These relationships coupled with the expertise of the purchasing department and exceptional promotions enable the Alternative Energy Store to offer the best prices over competitors.

Committed to benefiting societies and the environment, the Alternative Energy Store is dedicated to educating consumers and providing the best selection of solar, wind, micro-hydro and other alternative energy products worldwide.

Alternative Energy Store is located at 65 Water Street in Worcester, Mass. For more information visit their website at www.AltEnergyStore.com or contact Toll Free (800) 320-9564.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:28 AM | Comments (0)

December 23, 2005

El Paso Settlement Payment Two Years Late, Shell-Chevron Cause Delay

The last group of participants in the 2 year old El Paso Settlement finally received a portion of their money today. Two large energy companies, Shell and Chevron, also tried to collect money but were denied. Final distribution will be delayed pending resolution of energy company claims.

NEWPORT BEACH, CA (PRWEB) December 23, 2005 -- The last participants to be paid from the El Paso Energy Settlement finally received a partial payment today; nearly two years after the deal was approved in the San Diego Superior Court. Large industrial and commercial users of natural gas in California, the Non-Core class, will have to wait a little longer for the rest of their money while two large energy companies protest the denial of their claims.

The El Paso Settlement was a $1.8 billion deal reached in June 2003 between El Paso and attorneys representing several classes of energy consumers in an Anti-Trust conspiracy lawsuit against El Paso and Sempra (Natural Gas Anti-Trust Cases I, II, III, IV (JCCP)). In a statement issued last week, the law firm of Baker, Burton and Lundy, plaintiff attorneys, reported that Non-Core users are the last to be paid, while rate payers and other members of the settlement have already received hundreds of millions of dollars in benefits. According to the statement, the original lawsuit is still ongoing, "Baker, Burton and Lundy and its team is currently prosecuting its multi-billion dollar case against co-conspirator Sempra in a five month trial in San Diego."

Non-core users were the only class that had to prove their damages related to the energy crisis of 2000 – 2001. In documents filed with the court, the settlement administrator stated that over 3,100 companies were sent claim forms, but only 654 claims were received. Of that number, less than 70% were ultimately approved for payment. 10 of the rejected claims were filed by the energy companies identified as Chevron and Shell and various subsidiaries.

The administrator reported that Shell and Chevron actually made money during the crisis, if all of their business entities are considered together. "Chevron and Shell and the various partnerships do not want to be required to account for Chevron and Shell's natural gas sales and hedging as would be required if they file a single claim...Shell and Chevron's gains arise in part from their sale of natural gas to the other Claimants in this case," stated Gene Kennedy, Account Executive for Poorman-Douglas Corporation of Portland, Oregon, the settlement administrator. The court decided to pay all approved claims, but retain 26% of the total $140 million available until the Chevron/Shell rejected claims are finalized.

The timing of the distribution of funds is ironic considering the current cost of natural gas. Charles R. Toca of Utility Savings & Refund, LLC, in Newport Beach, CA, stated that natural gas is approaching the record high prices that caused such economic grief five years ago: "Our companies appreciate receiving these funds in time for their winter bills, even though it has been a long time coming." Utility Savings & Refund represents over 12% of the companies with approved claims, and they also procure natural gas and electricity for their customers.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:26 AM | Comments (0)

December 22, 2005

The Interstate Traveler Company of Michigan Announces Low Cost 'Pay Per Minute' Plan for Public Transit

Do you want affordable public transportation? How about a ticket to ride a magnetic levitation rail system across the countryside at a cheap five-cents-a-minute?

(PRWEB via PR Web Direct) December 22, 2005 -- The Interstate Traveler Company, the builders of the Hydrogen Super Highway, announce their plans to adopt a Pay-Per-Minute Plan (for 10 minute intervals, reduced by the percentage below full speed travel at 250 mph, to account for delays) for future travelers that will ride on their proposed self-sustaining inter-state maglev public transportation network.

"We can't think of a more efficient method for the public transit fair-box," said Founder and Chairman Justin Sutton. "After looking at cost-per-pound, cost-per-mile, or even a flat-fee day pass, it turns out that a simple fee-per-minute basis provides the best results. We believe that each 10 minutes, at full speed roughly 45-50 miles, we should be able to charge about $0.50, or a nickel a minute. Compared to a 23 mile per gallon automobile, that represents a saving of over $3.50 per 50 miles at today’s $2.00 a gallon of gasoline cost. On a trip of 1000 miles, that would probably cost as little as $20.00 on the Traveler and take about three and a half hours. By car on gasoline, it would take over eighteen hours at 50 MPH, and would cost over $80.00. Imagine the savings, as well as the reduction in wear and tear, since you take your car with you when you ride the Interstate Traveler: only it doesn’t wear out along the way! Heck, at a nickel a minute, we have John D. Rockefeller and the Telephone Company beat back in 1907, when a call was a Dime a minute. Look at pay phone calls and oil today!"

Mr. Ray Fullerton, who spent decades as a Mechanical Engineer, has come out of retirement to act as the Director of University Relations for the Interstate Traveler Company. “The key to success is simplicity of design,” he said. “This pay-per-minute plan is a perfect fit for this unique transportation technology and for the way people live their lives today. At our universities there is a tremendous need to economically serve the many thousands of students, faculty and alumni that live and work around university life,” he continued. “This system is perfect for all students working hard to finish their degrees and it makes it easier for more of our children to get to the school of their choice.”

Dr. Timm Finfrock, Chief Engineer for the Interstate Traveler Company, pointed out, "After looking at it from all practical angles, it boils down to a simple relationship where our energy costs are directly proportional to the amount of time you actually ride the Traveler." Dr. Finfrock has over twenty years of experience in automotive robotics and has his Ph.D. in the integration of dissimilar robotic systems to make modern manufacturing processes more efficient and fast. “The Traveler is as simple as a robot like the iRobot ‘Roomba’ Vacuum ™ Cleaner. It is much less complicated than you might think, since it operates analogous to the Internet: a proper design insuring maximum safety and speed. It offers an over-abundance of safety, in fact, and has redundancy after redundancy to insure passenger and bystander safety!” He continued, “As each transport moves along the rail, our electrical system reports the exact amount of time a traveler remains aboard a transport on the network. From this we price the Ride.”

Dr. Jack Shulman, the Chairman of the American Computer Science Association (ACSA), noted, “The basic architecture of the Hydrogen Super Highway lends itself perfectly to adopt a fee system that is based on usage.” The ACSA is an industry wide charitable research association of computer science professionals based in Crawford, New Jersey. ACSA boasts a representational membership measured in the millions, with decades of round-table discussions and consultation to government and consumer industries, as well as public advocacy of projects it believes worthy. “This public transit system will be easier to use than a Subway or a Commuter Plane and easier on the pocket book”, he continued. “The pay-per-minute plan will pamper the passengers, cater to the commuter, and at five-cents-per-minute... it's a better deal than the Oil or Telephone Company ever conceived of before… as a matter of fact: it’s The Deal of the Millennium!"

What America needs is a way to do what we do best, a way to do it better every time, and the ability to do it all without polluting the atmosphere or raising taxes. It looks like The Interstate Traveler Company has found a great way to do just that, one-minute-at-a-time.

For more information contact:
Justin Sutton
Interstate Traveler Company, LLC
www.InterstateTraveler.us
734-449-4480

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:13 AM | Comments (0)

New BM-SAVOIA Biodiesel Plant at Toledo City, Spain

This new facility started its 1000 L/h commercial production on November 1, 2005.

Buenos Aires (PRWEB) December 22, 2005 -- Abatec SA and BM Ingenieria SL, announce the start up and commissioning of the second BM-SAVOIA biodiesel plant, built this year at Toledo, Spain with a cost of EUR 1,2 million.

The plant delivers up to 6000 T/year of high quality methyl-ester made from any vegetable oil feedstock, up to acid number 10.

Its heart is an assembly of 4 BD2 pressurized modules working in parallel and performing the BD JET innovative protocol. The reaction is base-base type, with Methanol and HONa as catalyzer. No washing needed. None pollution effluent produced.

The 1000m2 facility includes 600m2 building, laboratory with chromatograph, inlet/outlet tanks, oil neutralizer by glycerol,heat exchanger,air compressor, settling tanks, pumps, piping and full automatized operation with MMI soft and a dedicated Siemens PLC.

Full details can be seen at: http://savoiapower.com

ABATEC SA

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:12 AM | Comments (0)

SunEdison and New Vision Technologies to Merge

Company to become the nation’s largest turnkey solar finance and installation company.

San Clemente, CA and Baltimore, MD (PRWEB) December 22, 2005 -- Sun Edison LLC and New Vision Technologies Inc., announced they have signed definitive agreements to merge, forming the nation’s largest solar finance and installation company. The combined company, named Sun Edison, LLC will continue its mission to support large commercial solar PV systems. The long term goal of the merged company is to be the largest owner/operator of solar systems in the US, providing competitively priced power to its customers.

“NVT brings deep experience as one of the nation’s largest solar contractors, having installed over 10MWs of solar electric systems and over 150 commercial solar projects to date.” says Brian Jacolick, CEO of New Vision Technologies.

“By integrating design, engineering and construction with our project finance capabilities and large pipeline of projects awaiting construction, SunEdison will now be able to more rapidly and more effectively meet our customer’s needs,” says Jigar Shah, CEO of Sun Edison LLC.

Transaction Highlights:

– Merger of equals to create a world class leader in financing, installation and operation of solar systems

– Company in a strong position to take advantage of growth in core solar markets of California and New Jersey and new markets in a broad set of states who have developed Renewable Portfolio Standards, solar incentive programs or performance based initiatives.

– The combined company will have a national contracting capability with operations in AZ, CA, CO, CT, HI, MD, NC, NJ, and NV.

– The company’s projects are supported by financing from SunE Solar Fund I, LLC, a $60mm fund formed by SunEdison, earlier this year. NVT will also bring its financing vehicles from its business, which includes its financing arm, Green Lease that will broaden the range of offerings

About SunEdison
Sun Edison, LLC, headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, is dedicated to providing financial and installation solutions for solar projects to the public, private, and municipal sectors, supported by the belief that solar energy is a critical way to fight global warming, clean the air, meet growing energy needs, and make America energy independent. Using available incentive programs, straightforward structured financing, and socially responsible investors, Sun Edison packages solar to “Host” customers in a way that provides competitively priced solar energy with none of the hassles or risks associated with system ownership. http://www.sunedison.com

About New Vision Technologies
New Vision Technologies, Inc., headquartered in San Clemente, CA, is one of the largest commercial & residential photovoltaic installers in the United States. New Vision is dedicated to providing its customers with renewable energy systems that create financial success. Through research and development NVT integrates the finest materials and technology to offer their customers a lasting investment. http://www.n-v-t.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:11 AM | Comments (0)

Largest Solar Energy Glass Canopy in United States to be Constructed at California Academy of Sciences

Barnabus Energy Inc. awarded contract to develop and install solar energy system that offsets the electric company’s power.

(PRWEB) December 21, 2005 -- The renowned California Academy of Science, the fourth largest Natural History Museum in the United States and home to the Steinhart Aquarium and Morrison Planetarium will soon also be the home to the largest photovoltaic (PV), solar energy glass canopy in the country. Barnabus Energy, Inc. (OTCBB: BBSE), a California-based company that specializes in renewable energy projects, has just been contracted by The Academy to develop and install the system as part of an extensive rebuilding project in Golden Gate Park. The new system will generate in excess of 213,000 kilowatts of electricity and will directly offset power that would have been supplied by the local electric company.

Designed by Pritzker Prize winning architect Renzo Piano of Genoa, Italy, the Natural History Museum’s new building will include a Barnabus Energy-designed PV canopy that will fully circumnavigate the building. Each of the 720 custom-built PV glass laminates is designed to have the highest conversion efficiency available at 20%. Once completed, the new Academy promises to be a symbol of environmental architecture and sustainable design.

Barnabus Energy’s President, David Saltman, said, “This is a great solar energy investment for The Academy. The photovoltaic (PV) system and other environmental features of the project will prevent the release of over 400,000 pounds of Co2, the equivalent of planting 340 trees.” The Company is providing a full scope of services on the project including PV module and system design, material manufacture and procurement, as well as system commissioning and documentation. The project will also utilize SolarSave roofing membranes supplied by sister company, Solar Roofing Systems.

With oil and gas prices hovering at near-record prices, recent energy stock investment articles in Fortune (12/26/05), USA Today (12/19/05), and CNN/Money (11/05/05) continue the discussion about the growing trend to invest in alternative energy to help lessen the world’s reliance on oil and gas.

Barnabus Energy, Inc. (BBSE) is currently acquiring projects within the renewable energy sector encompassing diverse aspects of the industry. The Company has closely aligned itself with key strategic partners that will move themselves forward towards future acquisitions and growth.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:10 AM | Comments (0)

Doe Run Announces Management Succession

ST. Louis (PRWEB via PR Web Direct) December 21, 2005 – The Doe Run Resources Corporation (aka The Doe Run Company) today announced the planned succession of three of its top management positions. Pursuant to that plan, Jeffrey L. Zelms, vice chairman, president and chief executive officer, will retire as president of The Doe Run Company effective January 1, 2006, and will retire as vice chairman and CEO on April 1, 2006.

According to the company’s succession plan, Bruce Neil, president of Doe Run Peru, will succeed Zelms as president of The Doe Run Company and will relocate to St. Louis. Upon Zelms’ retirement in April, Neil will assume the position of CEO. Until that time, Neil will also continue to fulfill his role as president of Doe Run Peru.

The company also announced the promotion of Dr. Juan Carlos Huyhua to the post of general manager of its subsidiary, Doe Run Peru. Huyhua, a Peruvian native, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering from Universidad Nacional de San Augustin de Arequipa, a master’s degree in metallurgy and a Ph.D. in metallurgy from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. He has served Doe Run Peru for eight years, as vice president and manager of operations. The succession plan calls for Huyhua to take over the role of president, Doe Run Peru, on April 1, 2006.

Finally, Marvin Kaiser, the company’s chief administrative officer is retiring effective Feb. 1, 2006.

Zelms, who led The Doe Run Company for two decades, spent his entire career in the mining and metallurgical industry. Zelms received his mining engineering degree from the University of Missouri at Rolla. He was also presented the professional degree of engineer of mines by the University of Missouri at Rolla in 1987 and an Alumni Merit Award for his outstanding professional and personal achievements in 1994. Prior to joining Doe Run, Zelms served as vice president of St. Joe Minerals Corporation. In addition to his work, Zelms serves on the board of directors for the National Mining Association, the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum and Phoenix Textiles Corporation. He was recognized by Mining World News as Man of the Year in 1993.

Credited with leading the company to a 400 percent increase in sales and through record-low metal prices, financial reorganization and record safety achievements, Zelms also oversaw Doe Run’s expansion to South America and the company’s foray into lead recycling in 1991.

“We are a company of people committed to making tomorrow better than today, and we embrace our role as the preferred global provider of lead and associated metals and services,” Zelms said. “I leave knowing the company has in place a leadership team that recognizes our strengths, our challenges and our capacity for continued growth.”
Neil, who will succeed Zelms, is a Canadian national and has served in the metals industry in three countries, most recently in Peru. Neil joined The Doe Run Company in 1998, serving as operations manager of the company’s smelter in Glover, Mo. Under his leadership, the Glover facility achieved the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for lead for 28 consecutive quarters (seven years). Neil was promoted to president, Doe Run Peru, in 2003 and is currently responsible for all Peruvian operations.

Prior to joining Doe Run, Neil held positions with ASARCO, where he was involved in custom lead refining, and with Noranda and Timminco smelters in Quebec, New Brunswick and Ontario, Canada.

Based in St. Louis, The Doe Run Company is a privately held natural resources company dedicated to environmentally responsible mineral production, metals fabrication, recycling and reclamation. The company and its subsidiaries deliver products and services needed to provide power, protection and convenience through premium products and associated metals including lead, zinc, copper, gold and silver. As the operator of one of the world’s only multi-metal facilities and the Americas’ largest integrated lead producer, Doe Run employs more than 4,000 people, with U.S. operations in Missouri, Washington and Arizona, and Peruvian operations in Cobriza and La Oroya. Committed to sustainable development, The Doe Run Company has helped bring electrical power, business training, educational opportunities and improved telecommunications to rural communities in Peru and the U.S. For more information, visit http://www.doerun.com.

This press release may be deemed to contain forward-looking statements, which are subject to change. These forward-looking statements may be significantly impacted, either positively or negatively by various factors, including without limitation, the Company’s ability to satisfy its debt and environmental obligations, regulatory compliance with local state and federal governmental agencies, financing sources, potential and actual litigation, weather, permits, raw materials cost, competition and business conditions in the mining and recyclable industries. The forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the statements herein.

“Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Statements in this press release regarding The Doe Run Resources Corporation business which are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements” that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see the risk factors set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the most recently ended fiscal year.

Contact:
Kristin Saunders
314-469-3500

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:09 AM | Comments (0)

Doe Run Peru Seeks Extension On Environmental Operating Agreement

Company Expects to Complete Eight of Nine Projects On Schedule.

St. Louis, MO (PRWEB via PR Web Direct) December 21, 2005 -- The Doe Run Company today announced that, as part of a program to prioritize health issues in the community around its La Oroya metallurgical complex, its subsidiary Doe Run Peru today formally submitted a request to extend its environmental operating agreement with the Peruvian government.

The submission of the request is the culmination of a year-long process of data gathering, independent research, public hearings and discussion on the company’s proposal to postpone one of nine projects so as to better address issues associated with lead in the community.

“Going through such a long and rigorous process has enabled us to develop a thorough plan that addresses the health priorities of the population,” said Bruce Neil, president of Doe Run Peru. “We greatly appreciate the input that we received along the way from independent scientists, local community groups and individuals. We look forward to continuing to work to improve the health and environment in the La Oroya community.”

The request seeks to extend until 2010 the deadline for completion of one remaining project to control sulfuric gas emissions. The other eight projects laid out in the existing environmental operating agreement -- known by its Spanish acronym, PAMA -- are expected to be completed on time by the end of 2006, along with three new projects to control fugitive heavy metals emissions. By the end of 2006, the facility is expected to be in compliance with all environmental requirements for solid wastes, liquid effluents and air emissions (with the exception of sulfur dioxide).

The company’s plans call for a total of nearly $200 million in investments in environmental projects through 2010, significantly greater than the $107 million required in the original PAMA.

A decision on the application is expected in early 2006.

Since purchasing the facility from the Peruvian government in 1997, Doe Run Peru has spent more than $140 million to modernize the 80-year-old facility and on projects to improve conditions in the community, including schools, community showers, a soup kitchen to feed needy children and planting of some 100,000 trees. The work has been described by Greenpeace co-founder Dr. Patrick Moore as an example of “responsible environmentalism.”

In addition, the company has made steady progress at reducing emissions and improving health conditions. Lead emissions are down more than 27 percent, average blood lead levels of exposed Doe Run Peru workers are down by more than 30 percent, and the Peruvian Ministry of Health has also reported improvements among children in the community.

More information on Doe Run Peru’s environmental progress can be found at: http://www.doerun.com/uploadfile/peruprogressupdate-env.pdf , and on its community programs at http://www.doerun.com/uploadfile/PeruProgressupdate-social.pdf.

Based in St. Louis, The Doe Run Company is a privately held natural resources company dedicated to environmentally responsible mineral production, metals fabrication, recycling and reclamation. The company and its subsidiaries deliver products and services needed to provide power, protection and convenience through premium products and associated metals including lead, zinc, copper, gold and silver. As the operator of one of the world’s only multi-metal facilities and the Americas’ largest integrated lead producer, Doe Run employs more than 4,000 people, with U.S. operations in Missouri, Washington and Arizona, and Peruvian operations in Cobriza and La Oroya. Committed to sustainable development, The Doe Run Company has helped bring electrical power, business training, educational opportunities and improved telecommunications to rural communities in Peru and the U.S. For more information, visit http://www.doerun.com.

Contact:
Tammy Stankey, (314) 469-3500
Kristin Saunders, (314) 469-3500
http://www.doerun.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:08 AM | Comments (0)

December 21, 2005

Get Even With Big Oil & George Clooney Too

The movie Syriana confirms what people think about big oil and the U.S. political process. FOIL is offering to pay new supporters to see Participant Productions “Syriana,” which depicts the human consequences of the partnership between government and Big Oil in the Persian Gulf.

Rancho Mirage, CA (PRWEB) December 21, 2005 -- The Foreign Oil Independence League (FOIL), the pioneer Internet-based citizens’ movement to free the US from its imported oil addiction, is offering to pay new supporters to see Participant Productions “Syriana,” which depicts the human consequences of the partnership between government and Big Oil in the Persian Gulf.

“Syriana is a terrific film and a wonderful dramatization of what is so terribly wrong with US energy policy,” states FOIL’s founder, Stan Cotton. “We want our new supporters to see it, and we want to reward those who have been motivated by its message to join FOIL.”

Cotton is including a check for $7.25 in each of the League’s new “Buy Back America” kits to compensate new members for their Syriana tickets.

“Buy Back America,” as described on the League’s website, www.joinfoil.org, is designed to give the average voter “all the essential tools necessary for you to start pushing the buttons of politicians who are supposed to be working for you…” Proceeds from the “Buy Back America” kit, priced at $25, will fund a national patriotic “in-your-face” billboard campaign promoting US-based energy and calling errant politicians to task for supporting Big Oil over constituent interests.

In addition to the Syriana check, the kit provides an “Inquiry” to House and Senate members to determine their views on basic questions such as whether or not foreign oil producing countries fund terrorism. It also includes and a personalized “Patriotic Deed” to one square foot of hard hitting US energy independence billboard. Q & A on how average citizens ages 12-90 can shake up the business as usual political crowd and reverse the trend of a dangerous and ever increasing lack of accountability from our representation in Congress.

Cotton sees FOIL as a “patriotically correct” people’s protest in the tradition of the Boston Tea Party, and a targeted political accountability campaign. His approach is very direct. One of FOIL’s planned billboards shows a field of white tombstones in Arlington National Cemetery with a gas pump nozzle attached to each. The headline reads “The High Price of Foreign Oil.”

©Copyright joinfoil.org, llc

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:51 AM | Comments (0)

New Service for Offshore Wind Projects by UK Environmental Engineers

A new service by UK environmental engineers Metoc plc identifies risks to marine cable installation and commissioning during worldwide offshore wind projects. Metoc is now organising ‘risk workshops’ for project managers, engineers, contractors and others engaged in offshore renewables projects: www.metoc.co.uk

(PRWEB) December 21, 2005 -- A new service by UK environmental engineers Metoc plc identifies specific risks to marine cable installation and commissioning during offshore wind projects. Site conditions, seasonality of operations and supply chain availability can all impact on the project, causing unexpected delays and costs - particularly in relation to third-party contract tenders and loss of cable protection arising from poor installation. Further information is available from www.metoc.co.uk.

Early assessment of risk during the project is essential, Metoc advises, to ensure that route engineering and consent applications are undertaken within an integrated programme of activity. This requires a detailed understanding of the dynamics and impact of marine and coastal conditions on the proposed cables – and also how they in turn will affect the local environment.

“Off-shore renewable projects are usually located in areas with conditions that are challenging for the engineered assets, to say the least, in addition to having to deal usually with a variegated geology when burying cables. Also, there are often particular environmental sensitivities – such as in relation to tourism and fisheries. These issues should be understood and evaluated at the earliest stage to avoid unpleasant surprises later on,” says Alistair Bird, director of energy at Metoc plc.

Metoc, based in Hampshire and Dundee, is now organising ‘risk workshops’ for project managers, engineers, contractors and others engaged in offshore renewables projects. Each event employs an audit protocol to review specific risks at each of the key project phases:-

· Consenting
· Progressing from consents to major contracts
· Major contract execution
· Operations and maintenance

Note to Editor:-

Metoc provides support to the water, energy, marine cable and renewables industry sectors on environmental and related regulatory issues. Services include: research, planning, risk management, contract negotiations, data gathering and site supervision, as well as predictive modelling, and environmental optimisation.

Clients of Metoc include asset owners and operators, their engineering consultants and contractors. The company defines and advises on the specific options and opportunities for senior management and engineers to enable project teams to protect assets and optimise their productive use and performance within the environmental context, whilst achieving full legislative compliance and minimising related risks and costs.

For further information:
Natalie Johnson
Metoc plc, Exchange House, Station Road
Liphook, GU30 7DW Tel: + 44 (0)1428 727800
http://www.metoc.co.uk

Media information:
Patrick Rea, Rea-TMA Marketing
Tel: +44 (0)20 8870 4976
www.rea-tma.co.uk

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:50 AM | Comments (0)

New Literature Provides In Depth Look At Rubber Lip Seals In The Process Industries. Includes: Life Cycles, Obsolescence, Power Consumption, and Alternatives

Brochure details the misapplication of lip seals and why they should not be installed on rotating equipment. Written for maintenance, repair and operations personnel at process plants, it goes on to provide information on the History Of Lip Seals, Lip Seals In The Mechanical Universe, Life Cycle Aspects, 100% Failure Rate, Misapplication, Real Costs, The Real World, Alternatives, Permanent Bearing Protection and much more, as well as charts, graphs and illustrations.

Rock Island, IL (PRWEB) December 21, 2005 -- Each year, in the United States, approximately 19,000,000 lip seals are misapplied and should never have been installed on rotating equipment in the first place. In fact, lip seals may already be functionally obsolete in the process industries, but hardly anyone realizes it. These statements are detailed by David C. Orlowski in his literature that explains the use of rubber lip seals for rotating equipment in the process industries.

Well Known Industry Expert
President and founder of Inpro/Seal Company, Orlowski has spent the last 41+ years inventing ways to enhance and extend the service life of rotating equipment. In 1977, he received patent protection (#4,022,479) for his bearing isolator, invented the term “bearing isolator” and founded Inpro/Seal in the process. With more than 40 related patents, Orlowski is well known for his knowledge of bearings, bearing protection, sealing, processes and tribology, has authored dozens of articles for industry trade journals and is in demand as a guest speaker and lecturer.

Valuable Literature
Entitled “Are Lip Seals Obsolete?”, the literature was written specifically for end users involved in the maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) of pumps and other types of rotating equipment used in industrial/process plants. Written in easy to understand language, it contains valuable information that highlights: History Of Lip Seals, Lip Seals In The Mechanical Universe, Life Cycle Aspects, 100% Failure Rate, Misapplication, Real Costs, The Real World, Alternatives, Permanent Bearing Protection and much more, as well as charts, graphs and illustrations.

Lip Seals And Life Cycles
When lip seals were first introduced over 70 years ago, they were the only kind of sealing device available. Convenient and inexpensive, when it came to sealing industrial rotating equipment, they captured a 99% market share.

Lip seal manufacturers state that at best, they have a median, average life cycle of 1,844 hours or 77 days of operation, though some may survive up to 3,000 hours. In the world of non-industrial equipment such as (auto wheel bearings, mowers, washing machines, tractors), this is acceptable, as it works out to equipment life of more than 3 years of use.

Lip Seal Usage In The Real World
Orlowski goes on to detail that with a 3,000 hour/ 4.1 month life cycle that in the world of continuous, heavy duty industrial machinery such as pumps, motors, gearboxes, etc, this is unacceptable. He explains that, in the real world, with this kind of life cycle, lip seals are not meant for the heavy duty, industrial applications where rotating equipment is designed to run, uninterrupted for five years. Industrial grade bearings are rated for a much longer period of time.

The Real Cost Of Lip Seals
Yet this equipment is doomed to premature failure by lip seals that will fail long before the equipment. Worse, when a lip seal quits sealing, very undesirable things are liable to happen without warning. Chances are, the lip seal has soon grooved the shaft or burned to a crisp at the point of contact. Lubricant is free to exit the bearing enclosure and as the equipment cycles, moisture in the environment is drawn into the enclosure where it condenses and contaminates the lubricant.

Lip seals are not as cheap as they are perceived to be. The cost of installation is as much as for a bearing isolator. A single pump failure after a lip seal burns out will cost as much as dozens of bearing isolators.

The literature also addresses power consumption, stating that lip seals consume, on average, 147 watts of power. To show how significant this is, a plant with 600 operating pumps, can run up annual costs in excess of $117,000 for energy to drive the lip seals. Lip seals may have a low initial price, but it represents only a small percentage of the total life cycle cost.

Contact Seal Alternatives
Other contact seals, such as spring or magnetically loaded face seals, have been used for bearing sealing, but with only limited success due to a 100% failure rate. Even the highly touted double face magnetic seal is projected to last no more than 18,000 hours, but is somehow expected to protect 200,000 hour bearings.

Fortunately There Is A Solution
In the 1970’s, the bearing isolator, a non-contacting labyrinth type seal was invented, giving end the choice of permanent bearing protection that eliminates the need for continual maintenance and repair, because they never wear out and can be used over and over for many years.

Orlowski concludes, “Rotating equipment is designed to operate for at least five years. Rolling element bearings have a design life of 150,000 hours (17 years) or more. With a finite life and a 100% failure rate, it simply does not make sense to lose time and money trying to make a contacting seal work.”

About Inpro/Seal
Inpro/Seal Company is the originator and the world’s number one manufacturer of bearing isolators, used to protect motor and pump bearings, machine tool spindles, turbines, fans, gear boxes, paper machine rolls and many other types of rotating equipment. Additional applications include the sealing, handling, processing, packing and storage of dry particulates, powders and bulk solids.

As the recognized global leader in bearing isolator technology, Inpro products are marketed to the aerospace, automotive, petroleum, refining, nuclear, power generation, metalworking, food processing, grain processing, chemical, water, wastewater treatment, metalworking, hydrocarbon processing, HVAC, pulp and paper, mining, mineral, ore processing and general industrial markets.

Interactive Package Available
To obtain a copy of “Are Lip Seals Obsolete?”, contact: Inpro/Seal Company, P.O. Box 3940, Rock Island, Illinois 61204. Phone numbers are: (800) 447-0524 or (309) 787-4971. Fax number is: (309) 787-6114. Website: www.inpro-seal.com or www.bearingisolators.com

A complete CD interactive package that includes the following is also available by request:

Power Point - Lip Seal Overview
PDF Literature: Lip Seals; Bearing Isolators
Article - What’s Protecting Your Bearings
Excel Module: Return On Investment
Excel Module: Lip Seal Power Consumption
Request for quote

Inpro/Seal®, the Inpro/Seal logo and other Inpro/Seal marks are registered® names owned by Inpro/Seal. Air Mizer™- PS; Air Mizer™- PS; Articulating Air Mizer™- PS; Motor Grounding Seal (MGS) ™: OM 32™; STS™; VBX™; VBXX ™; VBXX-D™; VBX-S™; VBX-H™; VBXX-D™ and other trademarks are the property of Inpro/Seal. For more information about Inpro/Seal and its products, visit the Company's web site at www.inpro-seal.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:49 AM | Comments (0)

Oklahomans Meet With FutureGen Texas Delegation

A teaming of Texas and Oklahoma in efforts to win $1 Billion U.S. Department of Energy FutureGen project could result in the world’s first near-zero-emissions fossil-fuel power plant.

(PRWEB) December 21, 2005 -- “Texas has reached out to Oklahomans to team up in its efforts of being awarded the $1 billion U.S. Department of Energy FutureGen project”, stated Mark A. Stansberry, president of The International Society of The Energy Advocates and chairman of The GTD Group. Stansberry along with former Oklahoma Secretary of Energy and former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Energy Mike Smith, and Dr. Bob Delano, president of Environmental Assessments Group coordinated today’s Texas delegation visit. The meeting was hosted by Dr. Charles Mankin, Director of Sarkeys Energy Center, University of Oklahoma.

Future Gen is a Federal Initiative of the U. S. Department of Energy to build a power facility that is capable of producing hydrogen and sequestering carbon dioxide. The $1 billion research project is intended to create the world’s first near-zero-emissions fossil-fuel power plant.

The Bureau of Economic Geology, under the direction of State Geologist Scott W. Tinker, has been charged with coordinating Texas’ site-selection process and the State’s response to the upcoming DOE Request for Proposals. FutureGen represents a new energy era, providing a bridge from the fossil-based energy economy of today to the hydrogen-based-energy economy of tomorrow.

FutureGen Texas is on the short-list of states for the awarded project.

“It is important that we support the FutureGen Texas effort. Oklahoma as a leader in research and development along with technological advancement has much to offer and to gain in this regional coalition,” Stansberry states.

“The mission of FutureGen Texas is to bring the DOE FutureGen project to Texas and partner with the region to ensure that similar facilities provide the power of the future. This opportunity provides Oklahoma a strong position for future energy project development.”

About FutureGen: FutureGen is an initiative to build the world's first integrated sequestration and hydrogen production research power plant. The $1 billion dollar project is intended to create the world's first zero-emissions fossil fuel plant. When operational, the prototype will be the cleanest fossil fuel fired power plant in the world.

For more information on the FutureGen Project, visit the Department of Energy's Website at: http://www.fossil.energy.gov/programs/powersystems/futuregen/ and also the FutureGen Texas Official Website at: http://www.beg.utexas.edu/futuregentexas/

About The Energy Advocates: Since 1974, The Energy Advocates, a national organization, has provided energy education nationally. The Energy Advocates strongly support all forms of energy. Its' primary mission is to inform the general public about our vital energy industry and energy policy issues. To learn more about energy issues, and The Energy Advocates, visit www.energyadvocates.org.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:48 AM | Comments (0)

Life Beyond PUHCA Live Interactive Audio Conference

What will the post-PUHCA world will be like? Wall to wall mergers? Incredible red tape and paperwork for FERC records? Has FERC's NOPR in the area shown promise or has it left the public scratching their heads? Will the FERC version attract big money into the grid?

(PRWEB) December 21, 2005 -- Restructuring Today's next live interactive audio conference, Life beyond PUHCA, is scheduled for Feb 17 from noon until 1:30 pm eastern time.

Call 1-800-486-8201 (202-298-8201) or click here to register for just $98 by January 5.

What will the post-PUHCA world will be like?

- Wall to wall mergers?

- Incredible red tape and paperwork for FERC records?

- Has FERC's NOPR in the area shown promise or has it left the public scratching their heads?

- Will the FERC version attract big money into the grid?

- Can large commercial concerns such as oil companies with their histories of capital-intensive jobs -- bring good management skills into this industry?

Find out from this panel of industry experts:

- John Moot, general counsel of FERC. Moot will answer your questions about what FERC wants the world to be like in the post-PUHCA world.

- William Massey, recently a commissioner and now partner with Covington & Burling. Massey was the merger specialist at the commission and has been watching the new PUHCA policy unfold.

- Add to that Steven Angle of Vincent & Elkins in Washington. His specialty is the restructuring of the energy industry with special focus on development of RTOs, access to the grid and for profit grid ownership. He had earlier supervised litigation at FERC and overseeing mergers of electric utilities.

- And Douglas Dunn, a partner in Milbank Tweed and a leading PUHCA specialist. He's confident that FERC understands the need to lure investment into America's grid.

IT'S EASY. Just dial a toll-free number, sit back, listen and learn what the experts think about what the post-PUHCA world will be like.

IT'S INTERACTIVE. The 90-minute audio conference will include 60 minutes of discussion by the presenters, followed by a 30 minute Q&A period when the participants can ask questions concerning their specific needs.

IT'S A BARGAIN. Everyone at one location is covered under the single low rate of just $98. Just gather everyone around a speaker phone, listen as a group and discuss the topic afterwards. Hurry though -- price goes up to $150 on January 5!

IT'S RISK-FREE. An audio CD of this event will be available for paid registrants that can't attend. Those participants that are not satisfied will receive a full refund.

Here's how it works

1. Register. Call 1-800-486-8201 (202-298-8201) or visit www.restructuringtoday.com/conferences/puhca-reg.html to register your entire team for just $98/location by January 5.

Since connecting other phones is prohibited, discounts are available for additional locations in your organization. Please call 1-800-486-8201 (202-298-8201) for more information.

2. Dial-in instructions. On February 10, the dial-in instructions and conference hand-outs (if the speakers provide hand-outs) will be emailed to participants.

3. Added value. Gather around a speakerphone on February 17 at noon eastern time, hear the presentations and ask the panelists questions during the Q&A.

4. Audio CD recording. Can't make it February 3? Order the CD instead. The shipping and handling is free and the CD will be shipped by UPS ground (domestic) or USPS Priority (international) within three business days after the live audio conference.

Registration cost

$98 Live audio conference participation
(Regularly $150 - save $52 by January 5!)

$150 Audio CD recording (of the full audio conference)

$225 COMBO: Live audio conference participation and audio CD recording

2 easy ways to register

1. Visit www.restructuringtoday.com/conferences/puhca-reg.html to order online

2. Call 1-800-486-8201 (202-298-8201)

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:47 AM | Comments (0)

December 20, 2005

Alsbridge Conducts Outsourcing Supplier Think-tank that Reveals that Traditional Procurement Processes are Leading to Sub-optimal BPO Deals

Alsbridge, the Independent Advisors on Outsourcing, Shared Services and Offshoring, today publishes the findings from a recently completed Supplier Think-tank focused on the industry’s mainstream procurement process. The think-tank, which took place in November 2005, drew together ten BPO experts from different Supplier companies to discuss the BPO sourcing process.

London, UK (PRWEB) December 20, 2005 -- Alsbridge, the Independent Advisors on Outsourcing, Shared Services and Offshoring, today publishes the findings from a recently completed Supplier Think-tank focused on the industry’s mainstream procurement process. The findings suggest there is something very wrong with the traditional buying and contracting process, particularly in the more complex world of Business Process Outsourcing (BPO).

The think-tank, which took place in November 2005, drew together ten BPO experts from different Supplier companies to discuss the BPO sourcing process. Facilitated by Alsbridge, the Suppliers met to discuss the matter and compiled a comprehensive list of what in their view is wrong with traditional procurement practices in the field of outsourcing. They were then asked to produce five key recommendations to overcome these problems and help achieve sustainable solutions for all parties involved.

Key conclusions drawn from the Supplier Think-tank include:

· Cumbersome and costly procurement processes are producing sub-optimal, price-based solutions framed by adversarial relationships

· Radical new approaches are needed in the engagement phase to produce the right solution supported by the right deal

· Advisory companies can play a key role in changing the market, but some have to significantly change their practices, which are currently creating and exacerbating the problem

To view the results of the Supplier Think-tank in full click here:
www.alsbridge.com/outsourcing_supplier_thinktank.shtml

Alsbridge Managing Partner, Tim Lloyd, comments, “We’ve seen time and time again that the expectations set at inception are not being met due to the way in which the supplier/client relationship is managed. Alsbridge has taken steps to formalize a more flexible, partnership approach we have been following for quite a while that utilizes Sourcing Alignment Sessions (SAS) which enable client and suppliers to work together in a collaborative manner. We believe this approach speeds the deal process, optimizes delivery solutions, and creates robust working relationships – therefore resulting in sustainable deals which deliver the results expected.”

Tim Lloyd, quoted above, is a Founding Partner of Alsbridge with highly acclaimed experience throughout the BPO industry. Prior to founding Alsbridge, Tim held several distinguished positions in the outsourcing industry to include: global BPO leader at Capgemini, founding partner of Ernst & Young’s BPO practice, and one of the founders of the PwC BPO business.

For details of Alsbridge’s upcoming “Intermediary” and “Client-side” Think-tank meetings as part of this series, contact Helen Ricardo at Tel: +44 (0) 20 7242 0666.

About Alsbridge

Alsbridge (www.Alsbridge.com) is the premier consulting firm providing unbiased advice on the use of Outsourcing, Shared Services and Offshoring for functions such as Information Technology (IT), Human Resources (HR), Finance & Accounting (F&A), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Procurement, and other business processes. With a global presence across North America, Europe and Asia Pacific, we provide clients with unmatched functional experience and in-depth industry knowledge. We help clients reduce costs, improve processes and maximize shareholder value through the use of both onshore and offshore Outsourcing and Shared Services.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:25 AM | Comments (0)

MRE Consulting Issues White Paper on Energy Trading, Transaction and Risk Management Software Selection and Implementation Best Practice

MRE Consulting (MRE) announces that it has issued a new white paper on energy trading, transaction and risk management (ETRM) software selection and implementation best practice on the heels of a successful on line seminar it recently conducted on the same topic with leading energy and utilities analyst firm UtiliPoint International, Inc.

Houston, TX (PRWEB) December 20, 2005 -- MRE Consulting (MRE) announces that it has issued a new white paper on energy trading, transaction and risk management (ETRM) software selection and implementation best practice on the heels of a successful on line seminar it recently conducted on the same topic with leading energy and utilities analyst firm UtiliPoint International, Inc. The new white paper is available for download at the firm’s website at www.mre-consulting.com and provides best practice based on its experience and expertise in assisting clients with both ETRM and other software selections and implementations over the last several years.

Amongst other topics, the paper includes how to define project success, common mistakes to avoid, contract negotiation tips and more. The paper is designed to help the growing number of utilities, producers, marketers and others that are currently seeking to select and implement ETRM software.

“Issues such as Sarbanes Oxley compliance requirements and recommendations from the Committee of Chief Risk Officers (CCRO) combined with a movement away from older platforms that no longer meet business requirements has driven a surge in demand for new ETRM systems this year,” reports Dr. GM Vasey, VP Trading & Risk Management and noted analysts in the space for UtiliPoint International, Inc. “This trend will continue strongly through next year.”

“Over the last several years, MRE has assisted many clients in examining their business needs, suitability of their existing solution as well as in software selection and implementations,” said Mr. Addam Alderete, SVP of Sales for MRE Consulting. “Additionally, many of our consultants have had prior experience of this class of software, with a variety of the products available. We have drawn upon this expertise in preparing the white paper in the belief that it will assist energy firms now facing selection and implementation projects.”

The new white paper, the presentation slides, and an audio of the online seminar are available for download at www.mre-consulting.com.

About MRE Consulting

MRE is a professional services firm that helps its clients by delivering flexible solutions using highly-trained and experienced professionals to successfully blend technology and business strategy to consistently achieve results. Through its’ three lines of business, outsourcing, consulting and strategic staffing, it delivers innovative solutions that fully meet its’ client’s business, technology and budgetary needs. Its’ clients rely its unique ability to offer seasoned and experienced consultants that have an immediate impact. Its’ clients expect success and MRE has delivered that success for a growing number of Fortune 1000 companies and across the energy industry. For more information, please visit www.mre-consulting.com or contact Ms. Becky Luby, at beckyl @ mre-consulting.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:24 AM | Comments (0)

Fuel Savings Now Available In Pill Form

BioPerformance Introduces New Fuel Saving Additive

Dallas, Texas (PRWEB via PR Web Direct) December 19, 2005 -- BioPerformance Inc. has more than just a revolutionary fuel saving product it also is on track to become a record setting network marketing company. BioPerformance Inc. based in Dallas, TX has just introduced their exclusive product, BioPerformance Fuel, it is available in both a pill and powder form. When this product is added to the fuel of gas or diesel vehicles it can improve fuel mileage up to 35% or more, saving consumers on fuel costs. This very safe product creates a more efficient fuel combustion process thereby improving performance and reducing exhaust emissions, it also cleans the fuel systems and combustion chambers. The mission of BioPerformance, Inc. is to reduce pollution, conserve fuel, reduce the price of fuel by reducing demand and create 1,000 millionaires through the marketing of its product. BioPerformance, Inc. has exclusive product rights in the USA. Their web site is www.mybpbiz.com. In accordance with American Legislation, this product is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency of the Federal Government of the United States of America, EPA 40-CFR 79.23 NO. 1932-0001. Registration of this product does not constitute endorsement, certification, or approval by any agency of the United States.

BioPerformance, Inc. anticipates doing over $1 million in business within their first 30 days. Consumers may purchase this fuel saving product by contacting a BioPerformance Independent Business Owner (IBO). Consumers can also contact an IBO if they have an interest in obtaining the product at wholesale prices by becoming an IBO themselves. An IBO may also choose to market the product and build their own part time or full time business by finding and establishing other IBO’s. Many effective marketing tools are available to assist IBO’s in building their business. Since BioPerformance, Inc. went LIVE at 8 PM (CST) on Dec. 8, 2005 over 1,400 IBO’s have enrolled, 412 IBO’s will be receiving their first commission check and $246,469.00 in commissions have already been earned. According to many industry professionals BioPerformance will set new sales records in the network marketing industry.

BioPerformance, Inc. does not in any way guarantee IBO’s any income, and it doesn't guarantee anyone any results when using the product. Motorists are encouraged to use the fuel saving product to see first-hand what results they will get with their vehicle(s). Any and all testimonies are not intended directly or indirectly to guarantee you in any way with similar savings or incomes. The product testimonies have not been proven in any way by BioPerformance, Inc. to be true, because they are simply people sharing their results from using BioPerformance Fuel. Each reply is believed to be true in its content. These stories are not backed by independent research, so you must evaluate them for yourself and then let BioPerformance hear your own story.

For information about BioPerformance, purchasing their product or becoming an IBO please contact:
Bill Irving (IBO # 9391923)
Tel: (916) 761-8868
Fax: (916) 481-2535
Website: www.FUELINCOME.COM

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:23 AM | Comments (0)

December 19, 2005

Used, Surplus and Second Hand Equipment Trading Website for the Utility Industry

Eutilia recently launched a new website enabling buyers and sellers in the utilities industry to trade used, surplus and second hand equipment more easily.

(PRWEB) December 19, 2005 -- On the 1st of November, Eutilia launched a new service dedicated to the buying and selling of used, second hand and surplus equipment used in the utility and power industry and other industrial sectors like railway, oil and gas, water and environment. The Global Equipment Market provides an easy to use tool for industry professionals to publish and find trade leads for equipment used in these industries.

The classified ads(Advertisements) can be searched and viewed for FREE and without registration, while access to additional features like Equipment Alerts, Contacting the buyers/sellers, Saving favourite ads, requires only a basic registration. WANTED ads can be placed for FREE, equipment FOR SALE ads can be placed 15 Days for free and after expiration a user can decide to renew an ad against a small fee. Brokers and other companies who regularly advertise equipment for sale we offer special subscription packages enabling a user to publish up to 100 ads for 6 months or a whole year. Bespoke packages tailored to suit a company's specific requirements are also available.

Eutilia stresses this portal does not compete directly with brokers and other sellers of equipment. "Eutilia is not directly involved in the buy or sell transaction. We offer a new sales channel and an easy to use marketing tool to promote equipment FOR SALE to buyers that would not be reached otherwise" says Jean Philippe Massin, CEO of Eutilia. "Eutilia's Global Equipment Market site already features several turbines, boilers, transformers and other industrial equipment currently available in the global used, surplus and second-hand market, and we are focused on increasing the visibility of the site and the daily traffic".

To access the Global Equipment market: http://www.globalequipmentmarket.com

About Eutilia N.V.
Eutilia is the leading Sourcing & Procurement marketplace for Europe. More than 1500 buyers from 150 buying-organizations (such as EDF, Electrabel, EnBW, Iberdrola, Nuon, Octel, Vattenfall etc...) and 9000 sell-side companies are using Eutilia's services and technology to meet online, find European tenders, complete electronic tendering or reverse auction products, in order to improve their buying or selling process efficiency and to unlock business and cost savings potentials.

Eutilia operates and covers the European market from its main office in Leiden in The Netherlands. Eutilia can be reached at +31 (0)71 5353100 or at www.eutilia.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:26 AM | Comments (0)

SPIK SZMA: TOSHIBA Electrical Equipment Will Assemble in Saint-Petersburg

The project of the First Russian Assembly facility for TOSHIBA custom drives and control systems was presented at the seminar "Toshiba Social Infrastructure" held for Toshiba Corporation’s 130th anniversary. The seminar was held on December 9th, 2005 in Moscow at the Radisson SAS Slavanskaya Hotel.

(PRWEB) December 18, 2005 -- The project of the First Russian Assembly facility for TOSHIBA custom drives and control systems was presented at the seminar "Toshiba Social Infrastructure" held for Toshiba Corporation’s 130th anniversary. The seminar was held on December 9th, 2005 in Moscow at the Radisson SAS Slavanskaya Hotel.

Toshiba International Corporation (USA) is a leading global division of TOSHIBA’S Industrial and Power Systems & Services Company (IPS).

The President of TIC, Mr. R. Nakata, formally declared that the new TOSMA project has been brought to fruition in partnership with SPIK SZMA (Saint-Petersburg).

The General Director of SPIK SZMA, Mr. Alexander Nozik in the presentation of the TOSMA project said, “Transferring manufacturing of TOSHIBA electrical equipment to Russia along with using Russian engineering resources will help reduce costs and time to deliver, as well as fully complying with the Customer’s requirements”.

At completion of the first stage of the project, in 2006, control systems and variable torque drives (200-1000 KVA) will be assembled for general purpose applications in mining, metallurgical, pulp-and-paper, power energy, oil-refining, machine building, pipelines transportation industries, and residential utilities. The manufacturing facility will further incorporate certified service and training centers.

The project of the joint venture assembly facility TOSMA was started in May, 2005.
The manufacturing facility will be ready by the end of the 1st Qtr. 2006.

TIC and SPIK SZMA have a long-term partnership and friendly cooperation for project design, manufacturing and implementation of process control systems for oil refineries within CIS.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:25 AM | Comments (0)

'Peak Oil' Subject of Kentucky Oil & Gas Meeting

Mammoth Resource Partners, Inc. President Roger L. Cory gave an information presentation on 'Peak Oil' at the Kentucky Oil & Gas Association quarterly meeting.

(PRWEB) December 18, 2005 -- Mammoth Resource Partners, Inc. President Dr. Roger L. Cory was the featured speaker at the November meeting of the Kentucky Oil & Gas Association. Dr. Cory gave a dynamic powerpoint presentation on Peak Oil, a subject that has experienced an exponential growth in media coverage since Dr. Cory first began publicly speaking of it in 2001.

The term ‘peak oil’ was first coined by Dr. M. King Hubbert, whose prediction in 1956 that the United States’ oil production would peak in the early 1970s branded him a heretic. Instead he was proven a seer when his prediction came true in 1971 the year that this country reached its highest production of 11.3 million barrels per day. By 2003 U.S. production had declined to 7.8 million barrels per day.

The decline is not limited to the U.S., however. A 2004 British Petroleum graph depicting world oil production clearly indicates that every oil producing country other than OPEC and the former Soviet Union has already passed its peak. “There are five major countries left in the world that are net oil exporters,” Dr. Cory stated. “Every other country has to import oil.”

Worldwide oil production is based on giant fields such as the Ghawar field in Saudi Arabia. At one time the Ghawar field held one eighth the world’s known supply of oil. “Now they are approaching 67% of water cut and the oil is sour and very heavy, good for only fertilizer, plastics, rubber and the like.”

National Geographic brought the issue square to the forefront with a frontpage headline: The End of Cheap Oil. The article explained that we’re not running out of oil. “What we’re running out of is easily accessible oil, the ‘low hanging fruit’. The higher crude prices are necessary, Dr. Cory believes, to fund the increased cost of extraction.

“The government has been giving us depletion allowances in oil and gas for a long time,” he continued. “What do you think a depletion allowance is? It’s an understanding that what you’re investing in is declining.”

Dr. Cory still sees great promise for oil and gas production in the Appalachian Basin, which stretches from New York into parts of Alabama. “The Appalachian Basin is prime territory for smaller companies because it is broken down into thousands of individual landowners. Major oil players are not going to go knocking door to door trying to lease mineral rights on just a few acres.”

“In my opinion,” Dr. Cory stated, “the largest opportunity currently in North America exists right in our area.” While the Basin has been in production since the early 1800s, much of it lies unexplored. According to a recent report by the Interstate Oil & Gas Compact Commission, the basin still contains as much oil and gas reserves as has already been extracted.

In addition, Dr. Cory believes that an astounding opportunity for drillers in the Basin is the reopening of abandoned wells. In many instances these wells were capped only because of the low profit potential of years past. With crude hovering around sixty dollars a barrel, “a well doing just one barrel a day is now worth twenty thousand dollars a year!”

Mammoth Resource Partners uses their web site, www.mammothresource.com, as a vehicle to educate both the public and their investors on oil and gas issues with both original articles and links to other sites. As evidence to the company philosophy that “our partners and their needs are the most important consideration in every project we undertake,” a separate password protected site allows investing partners to follow the progress of their drilling project while providing a copy of the drill permit, GPS coordinates and satellite image of each drill site.

Mammoth Resource Partners, Inc. welcomes all inquiries in the exciting world of oil and gas exploration.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:25 AM | Comments (0)

December 17, 2005

American's Can Cut Dependance on Foreign Oil by Increasing Gas Mileage

American's can cut dependance on foreign oil by as much as 25% or more by increasing their gas mileage per gallon.

New York (PRWEB) December 17, 2005 -- American's can exercise their free choice and help to decrease the nations dependancy on foreign oil. They can either decrease how much they drive or increase how many miles they get per gallon of gas. With all the new research and latest developments, American's have many choices of how they can do this. While buying a new car is one of them, a more affordable way of getting better gas mileage is through a product that is proving to save drivers as much as .25 to .50 and more per gallon.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that if American's were to increase their mileage by just 25% per tank full that America could reduce its demand on foreign oil by as much as 25% and possibly even more. The choice is truly up to each and every American driving a car or truck on our highways.

A new company in Texas will be launching in early 2006 that offers drivers the chance to save money on gas by increasing mileage as well as the environment by reducing emissions. Conscientious American's as well as environmentalist can take advantage of this company’s new product which comes in powder and pill form that has proven results in increasing gas mileage. An ad campaign many years ago once said that only big people would be driving big cars. Big cars are owned by various types of people and anyone driving a big car, truck or RV that uses a lot of gas should be the first to jump on board when it comes to increasing their mileage.

Finding ways to save on gas by increasing mileage, reducing the amount we drive and/or helping save the air we breathe should be a top priority for all American’s. It’s the American thing to do when it comes to saving our environment, cutting our dependence of foreign oil and extending our resources for generations to come.

To find out more about the company offering the gas pill and power visit: http://UcanSaveMoneyOnGas.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:37 AM | Comments (0)

Agri-Ethanol Products Announces $150 Million Ethanol Plant For Beaufort County, North Carolina

This will be the first ethanol plant in North Carolina and the first on the east coast.

Beaufort County, NC (PR WEB) December 16, 2005 -- Dave Brady, managing member of Agri-Ethanol Products, LLC (AEP) today announced the location of a $150 million ethanol plant to be located in Beaufort County, near Aurora, North Carolina. Mr. Brady thanked Governor Easley for the assistance that the state of North Carolina provided in making the plant possible. He also expressed his sincere appreciation to Secretary of Commerce, Jim Fain, Secretary of Revenue, Norris Tolson, Senator Marc Basnight, Representative Arthur Williams, Representative Joe Tolson, Larry Shirley and NC Department of Energy, the Northeast Partnership, Tom Thompson and the Beaufort County Economic Development Commission, the Town of Aurora and Roseview Capital.

The plant will produce 114 million gallons of ethanol per year as well as co-products consisting of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and CO2. This will be the first ethanol plant in North Carolina and the first on the East Coast of the United States.

The ethanol production will be delivered in each of two, 57 million gallon per year phases, with the co-products output doubling accordingly. Phase I ground breaking and construction start-up is expected during the first quarter of ’06. Approximately $2 million will be utilized through various grant sources from the State to facilitate rail improvements critical to the operation of the plant.

Mr. Brady stated that there will be 74 people involved in the ethanol and CO2 production at the site, with several hundred more jobs related to indirect employment such as delivery of grain, shipment of ethanol, the distribution of the DDGS and CO2.

AEP’s plant will consume in excess of 20 million bushels of grain per year for each phase and can use corn or grain sorghum interchangeably. An additional crop, hull-less barley, is expected to be integrated into the operation of the facility at some date in the future, as will bio-diesel production.

About Agri-Ethanol Products, LLC:
Agri-Ethanol Products, LLC, is an energy development group focused on bringing about positive use of renewable resources through the use of ethanol products. The Beaufort County facility is the first of three planned renewable fuel ethanol plants.

For further information, contact:
Terry Ruse, General Manager
www.aepnc.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:36 AM | Comments (0)

Unethical Business Practices Within Electric Utility Industry Costing Consumers Money--It’s Time for Reform Says Industry Expert

Unethical business practices of electric utility contributing to rising cost of electricity and harming residential and commercial users of electricity. It's time for reform.

Austin, Texas (PRWEB) December 16, 2005 -- Joe Seeber, founder and president of Tristem, Ltd, which has been auditing utilities for businesses, federal agencies, local and state governments as well as colleges and universities for more than twenty-five years, says that in light of the rising cost of electricity, it’s time to take a hard, critical look at how the electric utility industry operates. According to Seeber, utility cheating and manipulation has gone unchecked for decades, costing businesses as well as individuals countless dollars. “It’s time someone pulled the plug on the unethical behavior of the utility industry,” says Seeber.

In Wired For Greed: The Shocking Truth About America’s Electric Utilities (iUniverse.com, November 2005) written by Seeber together with New York Times best-selling author and journalist Jim Moore, the authors paint a damming portrait of the industry, describing it as monopolistic and operating with maximum focus on profits and minimum concern for customers. They allege that utilities get away with malfeasance, manipulation, fudged financials and even fraud because of the cozy relationships they enjoy with those who are charged with regulating them. Using real life stories drawn from Tristem’s work on behalf of its clients, Wired for Greed describes utilities that billed their customers for electricity they did not use, charged their customers the wrong rate for electricity they did use, manipulated their customers’ meters, manufactured meter readings out of whole cloth, and even sold the same electricity twice, among other things.

Seeber and Moore also present a prescription for industry reform in Wired For Greed. Among other things, they lay out a plan for true deregulation (or re-regulation) in order to force power companies to work on behalf of their customers, make them accountable for their behavior and motivate them to reduce their customers’ electric bills through technological innovation and increased use of renewable resources, among other changes.

Seeber is the founder and president of TriStem, Ltd, a Texas-based company that serves as an advocate for large users of electricity. Its services include auditing electric utility bills, recovering refunds, and negotiating (and renegotiating) contacts with utilities for its clients. TriStem’s clients have included the World Trade Center, Exxon, Texaco, General Electric, Hyatt, and Pfizer, the U.S. Coast Guard, General Services Administration, Postal Service and the Veteran’s Administration, the states of Arizona, Michigan, Oregon, and Texas, the cities of Dallas, New Orleans, Savannah, Pensacola, and West Harford, and such universities as Texas Tech and Louisiana State.

Jim Moore is the author of nine books, including his landmark study of the Kennedy assassination, Conspiracy of One and the first biography of then Governor Bill Clinton written in 1992. Moore has been mentioned in more than 30 books and has appeared on more than 700 television and radio programs including 48 Hours, The CBS Evening News and Larry King Live. He divides his time between London and Texas.

Wired for Greed: The Shocking Truth About America’s Utilities (iUniverse, ISBN: 0-595 -35744-X softcover, $13.95) is available at www.iuniverse.com, by calling 1-800-Authors (1-800-288-4677) and at traditional and online bookstores.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:35 AM | Comments (0)

Vulcan Minerals: $1,500,000 Financing and 2005 Drilling Program Completed

The company proposes to do a brokered $1.5 million dollar financing. The company also announces completion of its 2005 drilling program.

(PRWEB) December 16, 2005 -- The Company proposes to do a brokered $1.5 million dollar financing consisting of up to 1,428,570 common share units at a price of $0.35 each unit consisting of one common share and one-half common share purchase warrant. One whole warrant is exercisable in to one common share at a price of $0.50 per share for a period of eighteen months. Also, up to 2,500,000 flow-through units at a price of $0.40 per unit each flow-through consisting of one common share on a flow-through basis and one-half of a common share purchase warrant. One whole warrant is exercisable into one common share (non-flow-through) at a price of $0.60 per share for 18 months. Dominick and Dominick Securities Inc. will act as lead agent together with Jennings Capital Inc. and Acadian Securities Incorporated as co-agents on a best efforts basis. A cash commission of 7% plus broker warrants amounting to 10% of the total units sold is payable to the agents. The broker warrants will be exercisable at $0.50 for a period of 12 months. The proceeds are to be used for the Company’s ongoing exploration program and working capital. The financing is subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval.

2005 Drilling Program Completed

The Company also announces completion of its 2005 drilling program. The Company drilled four wells in the Bay St. George Basin, Western Newfoundland. The most recent well, Hurricane #2, has been drilled to total depth of 935m and logged. No commercial hydrocarbons were encountered, although numerous oil shows in the form of cut fluorescence in drill cuttings were encountered over several intervals totally 255 metres. Once again it demonstrates the presence of an active petroleum system in the area. The Hurricane #2 well location did not penetrate the evaporite cap rock encountered in Hurricane #1 rather it targeted a seismically anomalous package interpreted to contain a separate cap rock. The anomaly did not contain a cap rock which negated its trapping potential. This stratigraphic sequence of rocks was drilled for the first time and provides invaluable information for future exploration of the area.

Vulcan’s 2005 program in this new basin has demonstrated an active petroleum system extending at least 20 kilometres from the shallow Flat Bay oil discovery in the north to the Hurricane Structure in the south. The addition of new seismic data and airborne magnetic data will assist in the delineation of the Flat Bay oil deposit through the identification of natural fracturing and reservoir enhancement. Plans for 2006 will include further drilling at Flat Bay including identification of a gas discovery made by mining operations in the 1950’s (News Release, Oct. 28, 2005). As well, the Company has identified a series of deeper targets (beyond 1000 metres) that will require drill testing. It is the Company’s intent to solicit partners to assist in the drilling of these targets. Several shallow (less than 1000 metres) targets outside the Flat Bay deposit also remain to be tested.

The Company is proud of its accomplishments for 2005 as an operator and driller in a frontier area. The drilling rig and the local drilling crew performed very well, allowing the Company to complete its program in a timely fashion and on a cost effective basis.

Vulcan is a junior exploration company focussed on exploring for petroleum in Western Newfoundland both onshore and offshore. The Company also owns petroleum rights over an area prospective for coalbed methane in Western Newfoundland. As well, the Company owns mineral rights to a nickel/copper discovery in Labrador and a gold prospect in Central Newfoundland. Both mineral projects have been optioned out to Nortec Ventures Corp.

Stock Symbol: TSX: VUL
Shares issued: 28,610,884

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:34 AM | Comments (0)

December 15, 2005

Enertech Labs, Inc. Releases New BioFlow line of Biodiesel / Biofuel Additives

Enertech Labs, Inc. has released a line of additives for B100 and Bx or Bxx Blended Biofuels. Products using the latest technologies for cold flow improvement (antigel), water dispersion, and stabilization of BioDiesel Fuels.

(PRWEB) December 15, 2005 -- Enertech Labs, Inc. is pleased to announce the introduction of the BioFlow™ line of additives for the treatment of Biodiesel, Bio-Lubricating Oils, and Bio/Petro Diesel Blended Fuels derived from Vegetable Oils, Plant Oils, Seed Oils, Rendered Animal Fats, and Used Cooking Oils.

The BioFlow line includes BioFlow™ 100, BioFlow™ 1000, and BioFlow™ 107671A for the treatment of B100 BioFuels and Bio-Lubricants Oils, BioFlow™ 20 for the treatment of blended Biodiesel fuels such as B2, B5, B10, B20, etc.

Additionally there is our BioFlow™ Matrix products that can be custom blended to meet specific customer requirements.

The BioFlow™ products use the very latest technologies to improve the characteristics of B100 and Blended Biodiesel, Bio-Heating Oil, Bio-Lubricating Oils.

BioFlow 20™ combines the latest technologies for treatment of Biofuel and proven technologies for treatment of Petroleum Diesel Fuel. Treatment of the two major components of Blended BioDiesel offers the greatest improvement and most flexibility in Biodiesel fuels.

BioFlow™ 20, BioFlow™ 100, and BioFlow™ 1000 contain the Enertech Labs proprietary product Enerfuel which totally disperses water, provides fuel system cleaning, dissolving gum, varnish, and carbon buildup, inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi without the use of dangerous pesticides, and prevents corrosion. When combined with our proprietary cold flow improver components it provides the best cold weather product available anywhere.

For more information please contact the sales department at:

Enertech Labs, Inc.
714 Northland Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14211
1-800-759-2080
1-716-597-0217 fax
www.enertechlabs.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:56 AM | Comments (0)

KBC Awarded $11M Contract by SINOPEC

KBC Process Technology Ltd. (KBC) announces the recent award of one of its largest consulting contracts by SINOPEC, China’s largest refiner.

London, UK, and Houston, Texas, USA (PRWEB) December 15, 2005 -- KBC Process Technology Ltd. (KBC) announces the recent award of one of its largest consulting contracts by SINOPEC, China’s largest refiner.

SINOPEC awarded this contract for consulting in all operating areas, incorporating programs in yield and energy improvement, operations planning, as well as equipment reliability and maintenance. And, as an integral part of this project, SINOPEC licenses KBC’s proprietary simulation software, Petro-SIM™, and a full range of Profimatics™ process unit models for use at their Zhenhai and Yanshan refining and petrochemical facilities.

The contract is valued in excess of $11m over 30 months, with work commencing immediately. This agreement further strengthens KBC’s relationship with SINOPEC, and builds on another recent award of a contract for KBC’s proprietary Deepcut vacuum distillation technology for SINOPEC’s grassroots Qingdao refinery complex.

George Bright, KBC’s Chief Operating Officer, remarked, “We are delighted that SINOPEC has awarded this prestigious contract to KBC. We will be working in full partnership with SINOPEC, and both parties are looking forward to achieving significant operating improvement through the implementation of KBC’s best practices program.”

About SINOPEC:
China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation (“Sinopec Corp.”) is an integrated energy and chemical company with upstream, midstream and downstream operations, headquartered in Beijing. Its major physical assets are located in South East China (its principal market), an area that has experienced the highest economic growth in China. The principal operations of Sinopec Corp. and its subsidiaries include: exploring, developing, producing and trading crude oil and natural gas, processing crude oil into refined oil products: producing, trading, transporting distributing and marketing refined oil products and producing and distributing chemical products. Based on 2004 turnover, Sinopec Corp. is the largest listed company in China. The Company is one of the largest petroleum and petrochemical companies in China and Asia. It is also one of the largest gasoline, diesel and jet fuel and other major chemical product producers and distributors in China and Asia.

About KBC:
KBC Advanced Technologies plc, a leading independent process engineering consultancy, delivers improved profitability through consulting services and practical solutions to owners and operators in the oil refining, petrochemical and processing industries worldwide. KBC provides process consulting, strategic planning advice, petroleum and chemical price forecasting, economic studies, and capital project reviews to help clients find the most cost-effective way to achieve their short- and long-term objectives. KBC analyzes plant operations and management systems, recommends changes for material and measurable improvements in profitability, and provides implementation services to assist clients in realizing these improvements. In carrying out this work, KBC makes extensive use of its proprietary refinery-wide simulation and process modeling technology. Formed in 1979, KBC has principal offices in the UK, USA, Singapore, Japan, Russia, and the Netherlands. For more information, visit www.kbcat.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:55 AM | Comments (0)

Petroleum Equipment Institute Focused on Underground Storage Tank Issues

Rex Brown, director of information services at the Petroleum Equipment Institute, addressed attendees at the UST Management & Compliance Assistance Seminar held in Austin, Texas on December 15, 2005. He discussed three projects PEI has focused on in the last year. These include UST owner/operator checklist, a new technical manual covering dispensing equipment and the PEI Learning Center

TULSA, OK (PRWEB) December 15, 2005 -- Mr. Rex Brown, director of information services at the Petroleum Equipment Institute, addressed attendees at the UST Management & Compliance Assistance Seminar held in Austin, Texas on December 15, 2005. Brown described projects implemented over the last year by PEI on various subjects related to underground storage tanks (UST). These include a UST owner/operator checklist, a new technical manual covering dispensing equipment and the PEI Learning Center, an online training resource.

The intent of the new PEI checklists, developed by PEI’s Tank Installation Committee, is to minimize the risk of releases through proper and regular inspections and maintenance of underground storage tank (UST) equipment. The checklists were designed to be used by tank inspectors, tank owners and petroleum equipment service and installation companies. Regulators have been very accepting of the checklists and the checklists will appear in 30,000 copies of Florida’s new UST compliance handbook. Tank owners, inspectors and service companies have permission to distribute these checklists providing no changes are made to the content. The checklists can be found at www.pei.org/FRD/checklist.htm.

The just released PEI Recommended Pr