Recap: The Big Ten and Friends Utility Conference 2024

The annual Big Ten and Friends Utility Conference hosted by Penn State at University Park once again proved to be a valuable gathering for facility owners, operators, engineers, and professionals in higher education, alongside their respected business partners. Held to enhance the sustainability, efficiency, and maintainability of campus and university infrastructure, the 2024 event exceeded expectations.

The conference, recognized for its informative programs and robust networking opportunities, featured a jam-packed schedule of events. Attendees were treated to a wealth of insights, covering the latest industry developments and current best practices, along with unique networking events, including a tour of Beaver Stadium.

VIM was grateful for the opportunity to support the event as a leader in Environmental Compliance Software and Services. We value our time with existing partners and are excited to grow the new relationships established at this event.

Thank you Big Ten and Friends along with Penn State University for hosting and organizing such a well-run event. We look forward to participating again in the future.

2024 EPRI Conference Recap

VIM Technologies (VIM) was thrilled to participate in the 32nd annual EPRI Continuous Emission Monitoring User Group (CEMUG) Conference, which took place in Scottsdale, Arizona, on May 21–22, 2024. This year’s conference proved to be exceptionally informative, with a variety of session topics that captured the latest advancements and best practices in the field.

The conference agenda was packed with sessions on recent regulatory developments, offering attendees a comprehensive understanding of new policies and how they impact emission monitoring. Updates on ECMPS 2.0 were particularly timely, given the platform’s significance in the industry. The new Appendix D desk audit procedures were another highlight, providing crucial insights into compliance and operational efficiency.

Discussions also covered the challenges associated with PM CEMS (Particulate Matter Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems) installation, an area of growing importance as facilities strive to meet stringent air quality standards. The best practices for CEMS programs were shared, emphasizing operational excellence and innovation. Field experiences with co-firing hydrogen in combustion turbines offered practical insights into this emerging area, highlighting the challenges and opportunities of integrating hydrogen into energy production.

Representing VIM at the EPRI conference were Matt Caldwell, President; Rudi Muenster, VP of Environmental Products; Larry Fisher, NE Regional Sales Manager; and Dru Sanders, Senior Air Compliance Specialist. Each team member engaged actively in the sessions, contributing to discussions and bringing valuable insights to the company. Dru Sanders also contributed significantly by delivering an engaging presentation titled “Diagnostic/Recertification Requirements & Lessons Learned,” which the attendees received well. For those interested, a copy of Dru’s presentation is available here.

Beyond the formal sessions, the conference provided numerous opportunities for networking and professional growth. The VIM team connected with industry leaders, exchanged ideas with peers and explored new collaborations. These interactions are crucial for fostering innovation and staying ahead in the rapidly evolving field of emission monitoring.

The VIM team found the conference an invaluable opportunity to stay updated on industry trends, network with peers, and gather knowledge that will help them continue providing top-tier solutions to their clients. The insights gained, and the connections made at the EPRI CEMUG Conference reinforce VIM’s commitment to excellence and leadership in environmental compliance and emission monitoring technologies.

66th Annual IEEE-IAS/PCA Cement Conference Recap

The 66th annual IEEE-IAS/PCA Cement Conference, held from April 28th to May 2nd at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Colorado, was a cornerstone event for professionals in the cement industry. This year’s conference brought together experts and vendors, providing an enriching platform for networking, learning, and industry advancement.

The conference featured an array of technical sessions and workshops. The event also featured speakers who provided strategic insights into trends and regulatory changes, helping attendees better prepare for the evolving landscape. VIM Technologies showcased their latest technology and solutions. Professionals from all over exchanged ideas, forged new connections, shared their experiences and best practices and a great time was had by all!

The 2024 IEEE-IAS/PCA Cement Conference was a resounding success. It served not only as a platform for presenting current research and technology but also as a catalyst for fostering collaborations for the future. We look forward to next year’s event!

If you would like to learn more about the Portland Cement Association PCA and their technical workshops, please visit https://www.cement.org/. 

VIM Technologies Attended CAPCA Spring 2024

On April 10-12, VIM Technologies participated in the CAPCA Spring Meeting held at the prestigious Omni Grove Park in Asheville, NC. We were thrilled to engage with attendees and share insights on the latest in environmental monitoring and compliance technologies that we offer. It was an incredible event that proved to be a hub of knowledge-sharing and networking.

The event kicked off with a workshop on the “Hazards and Control of Combustible Dust.” Over the next three days, several technical and regulatory topics were discussed, including stack testing methodologies, fenceline monitoring basics, and the latest updates on environmental regulations from both the EPA and state agencies.

Andrew Rothenberger, our National Sales Manager, exhibited during the conference. It was wonderful to see friends and colleagues in the industry and get up to speed on the latest insights and trends. We are grateful to the organizers of CAPCA for a well-organized and highly informative event. Our team looks forward to returning next year.

VIM Technologies Attended the 2024 4C HSE Marketplace Conference

Last week’s 2024 4C HSE Marketplace Conference in Austin, Texas, was a wonderful event! VIM Technologies has been a dedicated supporter and participant of this conference for several years, contributing this year with both a technical presentation and an exhibition. The event saw the participation of 350 attendees and more than 50 sponsors from a diverse array of industries and companies. It was delightful to reconnect with numerous clients and customers face-to-face at this annual gathering.

The conference is renowned for addressing key industry topics related to environmental compliance and Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE). Its goal is to advance the adoption of the newest emissions reduction technologies and to disseminate best practices aimed at improving environmental outcomes.

It assembled industry experts and professionals from various regions to network and deliberate on prominent subjects concerning environmental compliance and testing. A variety of papers and technical presentations provided attendees with the latest trends and updates on regulatory changes impacting compliance. The conference placed significant emphasis on the use of AI and advanced spectroscopy for real-time Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPS) analysis, highlighting these as critical areas of focus.

VIM’s Senior Air Compliance Specialist, Eric Wiley, who boasts over twenty years of experience in air quality, delivered a paper titled “Common CEMS Program Audit Findings.” His presentation attracted a large audience. Eric shared best practices for adhering to the specifications of Part 60 and Part 75 CEMS. Both Eric Wiley and Lawrence Fisher, our Regional Sales Manager, were excited to engage with many existing users of VIM DAS and welcomed the opportunity to meet new customers, offering support with their data reporting and Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS) program auditing.

VIM Technologies Attended the North American Energy Services (NAES) Annual Environmental Conference

VIM was grateful for the opportunity to participate at the North American Energy Services (NAES) Annual Environmental Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona! It was incredible to reconnect with familiar faces and forge new connections within the NAES organization.

Our very own Rudi Muenster provided an update to the group on the reengineering of the EPA’s Emission Collection and Monitoring Plan System (ECMPS). His update was well received and stimulated insightful discussions on the innovative solutions addressing these changes. The conference truly showcased the commitment of NAES and its partners to environmental sustainably through compliance.

Thank you NAES for the opportunity to support your organization and the fine people working hard to assure environmental compliance – we are excited about the potential collaborations ahead.

84th Glass Problems Conference Recap

VIM Technologies (VIM) thoroughly enjoyed attending the 84th Conference on Glass Problems at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio. It was a remarkable event that brought together the best minds in the glass manufacturing industry.

The primary goal of the conference was to equip participants with insights into the existing factors influencing glass manufacturing, available technology options, and upcoming trends. This event was collaboratively organized by the Glass Manufacturing Industry Council and Alfred University, earning an endorsement from The American Ceramic Society.

Participating as an exhibitor afforded our company an exclusive perspective to observe the event’s key moments and interact with its attendees. The conference served as a hub of innovation, featuring diverse sessions, symposiums, and discussions. Notably, the focal point was the symposium entitled “The Future of Glass Manufacturing,” which delved into various technologies for energy and carbon savings, as well as advancements in furnace and refractory design.

It was great to connect with industry leaders, potential clients, and fellow exhibitors, all sharing a common passion for the glass manufacturing industry. We look forward to the next conference.

AREGC 2023

VIM Technologies (VIM) participated in the 72nd annual AREGC Exhibit and Conference held in Park City, Utah.  The theme of the meeting was Bridging the Future of Power Generation, and it certainly delivered on this theme.  Odette Alsen, West Regional Sales Manager, represented VIM Technologies as we participated in this conference as a sponsor for the first time.Read more »

65th Annual IEEE-IAS/PCA Cement Conference Recap

VIM was thrilled to continue support of the PCA by participating in the 65th annual IEEE-IAS/PCA Cement Conference, April 23-27 at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas. The event had an excellent technical lineup covering all aspects of the industry, including hot topics like AI, carbon sequestration, sustainability, and an economic outlook. Brian Shul provided a very inspiring and motivating keynote, thank you Brian for your service and sharing your story. It was also great to see and have time with so many partners, customers, and friends at the receptions and have the opportunity to meet a number of new individuals during the networking events. We look forward to seeing everyone next year in Denver!

If you would like to learn more about the Portland Cement Association PCA and their technical workshops, please visit https://www.cement.org/

We sadly learned that Brian Shul passed away shortly after this event on May 20th, 2023. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. You can learn more about Brian Shul here https://sleddriver.square.site/

 

EPRI 2023 Recap

VIM Technologies (VIM) thoroughly enjoyed attending the 31st annual EPRI Continuous Emission Monitoring User Group (CEMUG) Conference held in Louisville, Kentucky.  There was definitely a regulatory buzz about the 2023 EPRI Conference with the transition to ECMPS 2.0 in full swing, the final Good Neighbor Plan (GNP) Rule recently signed and proposed revisions to the MATS Rule (Subpart UUUUU to 40 CFR Part 63) published in the Federal Register.  Larry Fisher, NE Regional Sales Manager, Rudi Muenster, Manager of Environmental Products, Andy Rothenberger, National Sales Director, and Dru Sanders, Senior Air Compliance Specialist, represented VIM at the conference.  Rudi also delivered a presentation on Low Mass Emission EDR Solutions for ECMPS 2.0.  Following the submittal deadline for the 2023-Q4 electronic data reports (EDRs), ECMPS 2.0 will not support the generation of low mass emission (LME) unit EDRs.  A copy of Rudi’s presentation is available here.Read more »