Get to Know Your Professional Organization

Waterjet Technology Association and Industrial & Municipal Cleaning Association

Published January 2017

 

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Brief History

 

The Waterjet Tech-nology Association was founded in 1983 at the second U.S. Waterjet Conference in Rolla, MO, by a small group of academics and researchers who saw a need for an association to serve the rapidly evolving technology of high- and ultra-high pressure waterjetting.

In 1985, the WJTA published the first orange book: Recommended Practices for the Use of Manually Operated High Pressure Waterjetting Equipment. Since 1985, the orange book has undergone a number of major revisions, with the most recent update released in November 2016 as the Industry Best Practices for the Use of High Pressure Waterjetting Equipment.

In 2007, the WJTA published another set of guidelines: Recommended Practices for the Use of Industrial Vacuum Equipment, which was updated in a second edition in 2014.

The association continued to expand and serve the maturing waterjet and waterblasting markets, and in 2009, the Industrial & Municipal Cleaning Association (IMCA) was added as a special interest group to serve contractors and other professionals involved with industrial/municipal cleaning and mobile vacuum equipment, commonly used alongside waterjets.

2010 marked the first tradeshow of the WJTA—IMCA, the WJTA—IMCA Expo at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, TX. The move from hotel venues to a convention center allowed for a greater range of large equipment to be displayed and demonstrated. In 2014, the Expo moved to New Orleans with an expanded exhibit hall.

WJTA—IMCA Goals For 2017

• Disseminate the new Industry Best Practices for the Use of High Pressure Waterjetting Equipment and continue to facilitate improvements in industry safety.
• Broaden the WJTA—IMCA membership and audience through social media and membership growth.
• Continue work to develop an entry-level hydroblaster training curriculum and updated safety video reflecting the changes to the WJTA—IMCA recommended practices.

Upcoming Challenges and Opportunities

Uncertainty in the oil and gas sector and the general economy could be a challenge for the industry into 2017. Increased domestic infrastructure spending could have a positive effect on contractors serving or entering these markets in 2017.

A major continuing trend is the evolution toward hands-free technology for high and ultra-high pressure cleaning and confined space entry, particularly in the refining and chemical sectors, but expanding in other sectors as well.

2017 Upcoming Events

WJTA-IMCA Conference & Expo—October 25–27 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans.

The WJTA—IMCA Conference & Expo is the association’s annual tradeshow and biennial technical conference. The Conference & Expo is a unique event with its focus specifically on high pressure applications, mobile vacuum, and industrial/municipal cleaning. The 2017 event features an expanded exhibit hall with a range of large equipment and hands-on displays, live outdoor demonstrations, educational sessions, and technical research paper presentations.

A 2017 feature is the day-long pre-conference Basics & Beyond Short Course, a popular program covering the basics of high pressure waterjetting and in-depth treatment of specific topics relevant to the industry. The Basics & Beyond course is great for those new to the high pressure industry, as well as experienced professionals looking to sharpen their knowledge.

Benefits of Membership

WJTA—IMCA membership is an incredibly valuable resource for contractors and suppliers of all sizes. Manufacturers and suppliers find value in reaching a focused, high-level audience of equipment users and decision makers through the Jet News and networking opportunities. Contractors and waterjet users gain access to important industry news and safety information. Small contractors in particular and contractors newly entering the high pressure waterblast market benefit in understanding industry trends and accessing information to improve safety and operational efficiency.

Membership in WJTA—IMCA is at the Corporate level or Individual level, both of which are open to companies of any size or category. Major benefits of membership at all levels include:

• Subscription to the Jet News
• Access to the Membership Directory in both print and searchable online formats
• Opportunity to serve on WJTA—IMCA committees and working groups
• Significant discounts on publications and events
• High quality industry-specific news and information
• Membership certificate and recognition for involvement in a leading global trade association

Corporate members receive additional benefits and exposure, such as a public listing on the WJTA—IMCA website, reduced advertising rates, and more.