August 2017 Vol. 72 No. 8
Rehabilitation
RehabZone 2018 Cutter Challenge
The 2018 RehabZone, held in conjunction with the annual Underground Construction Technology International Conference & Exhibition (UCT), is still months away, but planning has been underway since April. The RehabZone is a special “no-sell” area providing objective information about rehabilitation of sewer infrastructure.
“Planning got started a little earlier this year,” said Andy Rothenberg, RehabZone chairperson. “The floor space is the same as 2017, but we have changed the route that takes visitors past the various stations, and have added a safety section. We have improved the traffic flow, made more space for the demonstration area, and added a ‘Cutter Challenge’.”
Rothenberg said the Cutter Challenge invites attendees to see how quickly they can reinstate a lateral compared to their peers. The winner will receive a cash prize – and bragging rights, of course.
“We believe this will be interesting and fun for participants and those watching the competition,” said Rothenberg. Sponsoring the event are Michels Corporation and TryTek Machine Works Inc.
Skills challenge
“The Cutter Challenge is a test of skills,” he explained. “There will be an area designated in the RehabZone to try the TryTek T150 Lateral Reinstatement cutter. Two cutters will be set up and operational. The first cutter will be for trial purposes, for people to try out and get used to the controls, or for people who have never cut before.
“The second area will be for the competition. There, people will be able to compete against other attendees and qualify to win a cash prize. The entry fee is $5 and people can enter as many times as they choose. The fastest overall time will win. There may also be consolation prizes for things such as Prettiest or Most Complete Coupon,” Rothenberg said.
Educational stations will include the NASSCO Pipeline Assessment Certification Program (PACP) and Inspector Training Certification Program (ITCP), closed circuit television (CCTV), bypass pumping, sectional CIPP lining, joint and seal repairs, water main lining, lateral lining, grouting, root control, manhole linings and coatings, emerging technologies and safety.
Stations will be staffed at all times by industry professionals who present objective, generic information, without selling or promoting individual brands or products.
Demonstration
The 2018 RehabZone again will include the popular demonstration area, and LMK Technologies and TryTek already are committed to conducting demonstrations.
This no-sell approach is recognized as one of the keys to the continuing success of the RehabZone.
“We’re also going to make volunteers more easily identified, so visitors can readily find someone to answer questions,” said Rothenberg.
The RehabZone is sponsored by NASSCO (National Association of Sewer Service Companies) in cooperation with the Utility Engineering & Surveying Institute of the ASCE, the Water Environment Federation’s Collection System Committee, and Underground Construction magazine. The RehabZone is funded by sponsoring organizations and participating companies.
UCT, with the RehabZone, will be held Jan. 30 – Feb. 1, 2018 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans.
Rothenberg is president of Primeline Products Inc. He is completing his second year as chairperson of the RehabZone.
“We’re having really good participation of volunteers who are devoting many hours to planning, and I’m sure that will carry through to achieve another successful RehabZone,” said Rothenberg.
Information about the RehabZone is available on the RehabZone web site (rehabzone.org) and by contacting Heather Myers at NASSCO (heather@nassco.org) or (410) 442-7473.
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