AUSTIN, TX    (6/26/2000) -- As proof-positive of cost savings available with PlantWeb field-based architecture, Kemwater and Millennium Chemical Inc. have dramatically cut the expense and time associated with automating Millennium's relocated production unit, Ferriz-XL3, in the northeastern state of Bahia, Brazil. Since successfully deploying the PlantWeb process automation solution in December 1999, the chemical plant has reported a whopping 90% reduction on start-up time, a 30% reduction on engineering and project costs, and a 25% reduction on overall automation cost — installed, commissioned, and in operation.

"We are pleased to discover the PlantWeb solution has far surpassed our expectations for delivering significant cost savings," said Divaldo Franco, Automation Leader for Millennium Chemical Inc. "When it comes to reducing the overall costs associated with the relocation and plantwide automation, PlantWeb's open, integrated platform with its Asset Management Solutions software for cost-effectively managing plant assets gives us an edge over the competition."

Through the AMS software, it is possible to monitor and manage the well-being of field devices. AMS facilitates predictive maintenance practices and allows these strategies to be implemented even by operations personnel, delivering substantial savings on maintenance costs.

"The Kemwater and Millennium Chemical success story is a perfect example of how PlantWeb revolutionizes the economics of plant performance through reduced implementation, operations, and maintenance costs," said Fisher-Rosemount Latin America President Leonardo Rodriguez. "The industry will see that as the use of PlantWeb architecture and intelligent field devices becomes pervasive, reports of significant cost savings will be the norm, rather than the exception."

The PlantWeb solution consists of a DeltaV™ automation system with Asset Management Solutions (AMS) software; Rosemount pressure, temperature, pH, and radar level transmitters; Fisher control valves with FIELDVUE® digital valve controllers; and Micro Motion mass flow meters. The successful start-up took place under the supervision of the Fisher-Rosemount Brazil PlantWeb team with the support from Loopserv, Ltda., the local sales representative.

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.