As the African water utilities industry looks set to accelerate with an anticipated compound annual growth rate of over 9 percent, this lucrative sector is expected to be valued at $5.3 billion by the end of 2017.

This impressive growth is attracting foreign investment and, as a result, the internationally-recognised IFAT Environmental Technology Forum will be hosting its inaugural African event in September 2015.

The impact of mining on the environment and the consequences for local water resources will be the main focus of the event, with two sessions dedicated to water management in mining areas.

Specific subjects under examination are; ‘Groundwater and surface water’ and ‘Tools and concepts for river catchment management in the mining industry’.

Another presentation will be dedicated to ‘Water and energy efficiency: opportunities for municipalities and waste water treatment plants’.

South Africa in the spotlight

The South African water utilities industry had total revenues of $3.3 billion in 2012, representing a compound annual growth rate of 8.6% between 2008 and 2012, with more than $340-billion already invested for the implementation of infrastructure measures within the next 15 years.

Mining is a key waste contributor, with the South African mining sector producing approximately 315 million tonnes of waste that needs to be treated using innovative techniques.

Aerzen Airgas (formerly Airgas Compressors) is the Sub-Saharan branch of German-based Aerzener Maschinenfabrik (Aerzen), one of the world’s leading specialists in the design and manufacture of rotary air conveying equipment.

The Johannesburg-based company will be showcasing a unit of the Aerzen roots blower series, the Delta Blower Generation 5 and a presentation on the ultra-energy efficient Aerzen Delta Hybrid rotary lobe compressor at the IFAT Africa trade fair.

Making a difference

“Water treatment is an important industry in which we believe we can make a difference. Our aim is to consolidate on our current success in the industry by demonstrating new, energy saving technology like the Delta Hybrid and how such technology can save customers energy costs and reduce lifecycle costs,” says Andreas Stubel Aerzen Airgas marketing co-ordinator.

“Project engineering companies, plant managers and maintenance foremen will benefit from IFAT Africam, which serves as the ideal platform to highlight the advantages of the Delta Blower and Delta Hybrid. These products have already been utilised with tremendous success at water treatment plants,” he adds.

Aerzen Airgas will be exhibiting at Stand D26 in Hall 7 throughout the duration of the IFAT Africa event.