AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GE Water & Process Technologies, a unit of General Electric Company (NYSE:GE), today presented DuPont with an ecomagination Leadership Award in recognition for its work to improve environmental sustainability in the Netherlands. Through innovative water reuse efforts and actively meeting environmental and industrial demands, DuPont's efforts produce positive results for its business and our environment -- saving €230,000 (USD $292,100) and conserving 265,000 cubic meters (70 million US gallons) of municipal water each year -- -- equivalent to the amount consumed by 5,000 Dutch residents in a year.
"Balancing business and environmental demands can be a challenge for industries, but it can also be an opportunity to benefit business, customers and society at large too," said Jeff Connelly, vice president & general manger of Operations, GE Water & Process Technologies. "GE is proud to award DuPont with an ecomagination Leadership Award -- its efforts are a positive example of how business and the environment can work hand-in-hand."
"We are delighted that our Dordrecht site's achievements have been acknowledged by such a global leader in solving environmental challenges as GE," said Jaap Mendel, country manager, DuPont Netherlands.
"Not only has this project provided us with considerable cost savings, but we have been able to reduce our environmental footprint by making minimal use of depletable raw materials - in this case, water - in our operations."
GE awarded DuPont with an ecomagination Leadership Award for its innovative approach in addressing water and wastewater treatment at its Dordrecht Fluoroproducts plant. The plant was using a large amount of municipal water -- equivalent to the amount consumed by 5,000 Dutch residents in a year. GE and DuPont strategically examined how to best conserve water used to cool heat exchangers during the production of Teflon™ and other fluoride-based materials at the plant. The examination resulted in the installation of an ecological cooling system that saves water by capturing purified groundwater that was being discharged into the nearby river.
In order to use the captured groundwater, which contained matter could harm equipment, could reduce the plant's cooling efficiency, and could require cumbersome cleaning, labor or even downtime, DuPont turned to GE's Pacesetter Platinum technology. The technology ensures that the water used in the plant's cooling process is the right quality needed in order to keep the plant productive.
GE's Pacesetter Platinum technology automatically measures the turbidity and conductivity of the groundwater purification system outflow and performs automatic chemical dosing. If the turbidity or conductivity levels exceed a safe threshold, the Pacesetter Platinum system will automatically divert the groundwater purification system outflow to a buffer tank and turn on the municipal water feed. In addition to providing automated control, the system also provides off-site monitoring capability, as well as chemical and corrosion control treatments and solutions by GE.
By installing GE ecomagination technology, DuPont is seeing a strong financial return while capturing the environmental benefit of reusing a water supply that would otherwise be wasted. The plant saved €170,000 (USD $215,900) in municipal water charges during 2005 and is expected to save €230,000 ($292,100) a year moving forward. In addition, DuPont now avoids purchasing 265,000 cubic meters (70 million US gallons) of municipal water each year.
"With our environmentally-friendly products, designed to help businesses meet their industrial and environmental demands, GE partners with companies, like DuPont -- reclaiming billions of cubic meters of water each year," said Connelly.
In May of 2005, GE launched its company-wide "ecomagination" campaign aimed at solving tough global problems, by bringing advanced technology that improve efficiency and reduce pollution in cost-effective ways to market. GE Water & Process Technologies works with corporations, like DuPont, to best address growing industrial and environmental demands, like water scarcity and water quality.
GE Water & Process Technologies
GE Water & Process Technologies, a unit of General Electric Company, is solving some of the world's most pressing water challenges by providing industrial, agricultural and potable water, while lessening our dependence on fresh water sources. Technologies to accomplish this include desalination, advanced membrane, separation solutions, water reuse, and wastewater management and process technologies. GE delivers value to customers by improving performance and product quality, reducing operating costs, and extending equipment life. For more information on GE Water & Process Technologies, visit www.gewater.com.
DuPont
DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.
Contacts
GE Water & Process Technologies
Ellen Mellody, Global Media Relations Manager
215-942-3307
or
Antoinette Schiller, PA Manager in the Netherlands
+31 78 630 1079