(9/12/2000) -- Pluspetrol Gas Processing Plant in Ramos, Argentina, has successfully refurbished its process control systems and remote acquisition units using Fisher-Rosemount's PlantWeb® field-based architecture and automation solution services of Emerson Performance Solutions.

The PlantWeb process automation solution, which includes integrated process and maintenance management, advanced device diagnostics, and FOUNDATION fieldbus technology, will fortify the Pluspetrol operation with increased uptime and consistent product quality. Emerson Performance Solutions provided total solution supply and contributed extensive fieldbus expertise and integration with ESD and plant networked systems. The new, state-of-the-art systems and equipment are expected to be up and running by late summer.

"We were sold on the PlantWeb solution's high performance and great total cost of ownership," said Ricardo Teja, Project Manager for Pluspetrol. "The PlantWeb architecture will save us money by optimizing maintenance and configuration resources. We will also enjoy improved operating security and maintenance of applications."

By standardizing on PlantWeb architecture's DeltaV™ automation system as a single-window interface to their process and equipment, Pluspetrol expects to receive considerable cost savings in configuration support, maintenance, operation, and production. These savings are possible through the use of the architecture's intelligent fieldbus devices and Asset Management Solutions software, which enable the plant administrators to configure, monitor, diagnose, and calibrate remote field devices, as well as perform online upgrades.

The Northern Argentinean company selected the PlantWeb solution for its leading-edge features and its open and flexible architecture, which enables easy integration with third-party devices and applications. The ability to access the control system and applications from different I/O's will improve the monitoring of the process and database. Complete system fault tolerant operation was also critical to the plant. Using PlantWeb's hot-swappable technology to maintain production schedules, Pluspetrol is able to incrementally modernize its operations around the latest in plant automation, without downtime or interruption of production schedules.

"Fisher-Rosemount's simple strategy for integrating this state-of-the-art technology in a cost effective way gives Pluspetrol a competitive advantage over others in the industry." said Leonardo Rodriguez, President of Fisher-Rosemount Latin America. "By adding 'control in the field' technology and on-line asset management capabilities, Pluspetrol is raising the value and efficiency of its operations without any risk."

Pluspetrol has installed DeltaV systems on each of its four gas processing units. The plant has also integrated its Emergency Shutdown System, deployed FOUNDATION fieldbus technology in selected loops of the units, and replaced conventional control valve positioners with Fisher FIELDVUE® Digital Valve Controllers using FOUNDATION fieldbus. Emerson Performance Solutions, the engineering, consulting, maintenance, and professional services arm of Emerson Electric drew from its MAC/MIV capabilities, consulting, and applications expertise to assist Pluspetrol with engineering, integration, and startup.

Emerson Performance Solutions, a part of Emerson Electric Co., is a total automation solutions provider dedicated to best end user process and business performance. Its Industry Centers and Performance Services Division comprise more than 2000 engineering and consulting professionals who deliver optimization and best cost producer results through total solutions activities including planning, design, integration, and maintenance of automation solutions. Fisher-Rosemount, part of Emerson Electric Co., is a world-leading supplier of control valves, regulators, transmitters, analyzers, process management systems, software, and related services. Its innovative, proven PlantWeb field-based architecture combines intelligent field devices, open standards and automation systems, and modular software to easily and significantly enhance process and business performance. St. Louis-based Emerson Electric Co. is a global leader in providing customers with innovative technologies and solutions in five business segments: industrial automation; process control; heating, ventilating and air conditioning; electronics and telecommunications; and appliance and tools. Sales in fiscal 1999 were $14.3 billion.