The Fluid Sealing Association
The Expansion Joints, Piping and Ducting Division is committed to elevating technical standards and knowledge in the industry. Over the next year, the division’s primary objectives include updating the Ducting Technical Handbook, creating educational content focused on piping and ducting expansion joints and ensuring compliance with evolving industry standards.
Industry trends
One notable trend is the increasing focus on hydrogen technology growth, accompanied by the challenges of sealing this material securely.
Top concern
The division expresses concern over potential per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) legislation, fearing it could limit the use of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) in the industry.
Regulatory changes
The division anticipates state and federal regulations on PFAS, emphasizing the need for differentiation between polymers and non-polymers.
Looking forward
The division eagerly anticipates the transformative impact of large-scale battery technology on the power industry, enabling the storage of wasted energy.
Message to end users
Highlighting advancements in emissions valve sealing technologies, the division emphasizes its commitment to contributing to the global reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Government Affairs Committee: Navigating PFAS Regulations
The Fluid Sealing Association’s Government Affairs Committee is strategically positioned to address upcoming challenges, notably those posed by PFAS regulations at the federal and state levels. The committee aims to engage with governmental organizations to ensure safety considerations, particularly in rotating equipment and flanged systems.
Industry trends
The committee is vigilant about the potential influence of PFAS regulations on the use of PTFE in sealing devices and expansion joints.
Top concern
Overreach of PFAS legislation and its potential impact on the industry’s ability to use PTFE is a primary concern.
Regulatory changes
The committee highlights the need for awareness regarding state and federal regulations on PFAS, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between polymers and non-polymers.
Looking forward
Proactive engagement with governmental organizations and a focus on safety considerations remain at the forefront of the committee’s priorities.
Message to end users
The committee underscores the need for industry-wide awareness of PFAS issues and advocates for a balanced approach to regulations that considers the specificities of polymers and non-polymers.
Mechanical Seal Division: Empowering the Future Workforce
With a surge of new professionals entering the industry, the Mechanical Seal Division recognizes the crucial need for educational materials that align with industry standards. The division’s goals for the next 12 months include the development of industry-leading training materials and educational content focusing on common seal support systems.
Industry trends
The division observes increased digitization, automation and the growing presence of artificial intelligence (AI) in the industry.
Top concern
The division expresses concern about raising awareness of PFAS issues among industry professionals and the general public.
Regulatory changes
Potential PFAS regulations in the European Union (EU) and their cascading effects on the industry are on the division’s radar.
Looking forward
The division looks forward to continued investment in maturing green energy technologies, such as hydrogen and nuclear.
Message to end users
The division assures end users of a revamped website for easier access and ongoing Sealing Sense articles, contributing to a well-informed industry.
As we step into 2024, the Fluid Sealing Association is addressing current challenges and shaping the future of its respective industries through innovation, education and a commitment to regulatory compliance. The year ahead promises to be one of evolution and resilience as these sectors navigate changes, embrace technological advancements and contribute to a sustainable and efficient future.
Hydraulic Institute
With federal investment in water infrastructure at an all-time high following the 2022 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which allocated over $55 billion to improve our nation’s drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, one thing we would like to see in 2024 would be more water-related projects starting up. The question is, will we?
One key to answering this question is understanding how the Build America, Buy America Act (BABA) will affect the project. The IIJA included the domestic requirements outlined in BABA, which state that if even one dollar of federal funding is used, 55% of the manufactured products need to have been made in the United States. This percentage is calculated by the dollar value of the components. While this is easy in principle, in practice it is more difficult, particularly for the pump industry. Many pumps have key, critical components that are not made in the U.S. The heavy iron or steel forged casings, for example, are typically not poured in the U.S., or at least not in the large quantities that would be needed to meet the significant market demand. Same for many of the large, electrical motors. Legacied “design” waivers that were passed helped for projects that were already designed and permitted with non-BABA equipment, but as new projects develop, more clarity is needed.
There is some hope. Since the passage of the IIJA, the newly created Made in America Office and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have been working to develop new guidelines that would help the transition. Following developments in 2023, we know pumps will be classified as manufactured products, so we now know which set of rules to follow. We also know the EPA is setting the example and will be working with many (but not all) federal agencies to try to align the rules moving forward. At the time this article is being written, the EPA has requested information that has set the stage for product specific waivers for pumps and pump motors, along with a list of other related equipment. These waivers would likely be short term, but would play an important part in keeping the federally funded water projects flowing. Since the rules could be updated any day, be sure to check epa.gov/cwsrf/build-america-buy-america-baba for the latest waivers and progress updates.
You can also count on the Hydraulic Institute to keep everyone on the same page.
Michael Michaud, Executive Director, Hydraulic Institute
The Submersible Wastewater Pump Association
Want to know what SWPA is looking forward to in the new year? Subscribe to the Pumps & Systems podcast to catch the upcoming episode with SWPA leadership detailing the concerns and things exciting its team in 2024. In the meantime, check out swpa.org to learn more about the organization, including its upcoming event:
SWPA Pumping Systems & Controls Training
April 16-17, Chicago, Illinois