This month’s column addresses industry updates, including a forecast about the international pump market, as well the release of new directories.

The International Pump Market

World pump demand is projected to rise 4.8 percent per year through 2010 (including price increases) to $37 billion, according to a study conducted by The Freedonia Group Inc. This represents an improvement over the 2000-2005 period, reflecting accelerating economic growth in much of the developing world. Improving economic fundamentals will bolster most pump consuming sectors and strengthen underdeveloped infrastructures in these regions. As a result, primary energy consumption will increase, creating opportunities for pump suppliers in the key energy production sector. These and other trends are presented in “World Pumps,” from the leading industry market research firm.

The best prospects for pump suppliers will continue to be found in the developing regions, especially Asia. Latin America and the African/ Mideast region also will register growth above the world average. Prospects also are favorable in Eastern Europe, where manufacturing output is expected to post solid gains. Although the pumps markets in the United States, Japan and Western Europe all will register gains that will lag the global average through 2010, all three will also see an improvement in their respective markets over the performance of the 2000-2005 period.

Centrifugal pumps will continue to be the commonly used type, due to their varied pressure and load-handling capabilities and relatively low maintenance costs. Among the major pump types, diaphragm types will post the fastest gains due to rising investment in process manufacturing industries. Gains for turbine pumps will result from use in water pumping and sewage applications.

Among the major markets, utilities are expected to see the fastest growth, benefiting from rising construction expenditures by utilities providers. Aftermarket demand also will remain significant in developed regions, as infrastructure in many nations requires replacement due to age. The process manufacturing market is expected to remain the largest user of pump products due to the wide range of applications and significant fluid handling requirements in many of these industries. Growth will benefit from increasing output in most process industries. The resource extraction market is expected to see increases due to rising demand for oil and gas.

The complete study – 400 pages worth – is available for purchase. Visit www.freedoniagroup.com for further details.

It's a Rotary World Out There

A recent National Driller "Web Poll” asked visitors to www.thedriller.com which drilling method they used most often. The results:

• Auger – 18 percent
  
• Cable tool – 12 percent
  
• Hollow rod – 3 percent
  
• Jetting – 1 percent
  
• Rotary – 61 percent
  
• Sonic – 1 percent
  
• Other – 4 percent

AMTROL Reorganizes

A U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge has approved all of the first-day motions submitted by AMTROL Inc. as part of the company’s filing for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the federal bankruptcy code.

The approvals granted by judge Kevin Gross allow AMTROL, a West Warwick, R.I.-based maker of pressure tanks for water systems and other products, to maintain normal operations during the financial reorganization.

Among the motions approved was AMTROL’s request to continue payment of wages and benefits to employees and independent sales representatives, and to continue sales rebates and warranty claims.

The company also received approval to complete $115 million in debtor-in-possession financing with the investment banking division of Barclays Bank PLC to satisfy its continuing obligations, including payments to suppliers under normal terms for goods and services provided after the Chapter 11 filing.

Foundation Drilling Directory

The ADSC: The International Association of Foundation Drilling has published the latest edition of its membership directory. The directory is a 455-page compendium of extensive information about the services and products provided by ADSC’s corporate and individual members in the drilled foundation, anchored earth retention and micropile industries. It is designed as a handy cross-reference guide, listing specialty subcontractors, design engineers in private and public practice, testing companies, business service providers, and it includes a complete listing of the industry’s leading equipment manufacturers and suppliers.

To plance an order, e-mail adsc@adsc-iadf.com, or telephone 214-343-2091.

Water Treatment Suppliers Directory

In case you missed it in last month’s issue, or if your dog ate your copy or your partner stole it off your desk, we just uploaded the “2007 Water Treatment Buyers’ Guide” onto our Web site (for those of you who haven’t yet made it your home page, that address is www.thedriller.com). You’ll have instant access to the product offerings of more than 70 leading suppliers, organized by product type for easy navigation.