Use of Emerson asset management software is projected to save more than $500,000 in startup costs plus deliver ongoing operations returns

AUSTIN, Texas (20 November 2001) - SINCOR has selected Emerson Process Management for a $12 million application of PlantWeb(r) field-based architecture and its Asset Management Solutions (AMS) software plus services for use in automation of the SINCOR Downstream Project in Venezuela. SINCOR is a consortium of companies engaged in a $4.5 billion, 35-year project to produce and upgrade heavy crude from fields in the Orinoco Belt. Members of the consortium include Total-Fina-Elf, Statoil, and PDVSA, the state-owned oil company in Venezuela. Emerson Process Management is a business of Emerson (NYSE:EMR).

"With the demands that we face in both the startup and operation of our new heavy oil upgrader, we were definitely looking for the best support services, and current, proven technology available," said Pablo Gonzalez of SINCOR. "We chose Emerson's PlantWeb architecture with AMS software and intelligent field devices because it is leading technology, and it has proven its ability to deliver significant savings at startup and long term."

 SINCOR's new upgrader is in Jose, Venezuela. It will produce 180,000 barrels of synthetic crude petroleum per day. Various contractors are involved in construction at the SINCOR site, which has employed as many as 13,000 people. Installed PlantWeb components are valued at more than $12 million, while the portion corresponding to AMS hardware and software amounts to just under $1 million.

The AMS software will operate in conjunction with the upgrader's automation system, accessing diagnostic data generated by the intelligent field devices and presenting that information on a desktop or laptop computer for use by engineers and technicians. By being able to communicate with each individual device, members of the instrument commissioning team can quickly verify and document device configuration and calibration, assure the integrity of wiring, and confirm the operational capability of every control loop - all from one central location.

With AMS, the cost of commissioning and startup is reduced by approximately 40 percent, delivering an overall savings at startup of about $500,000 for this project. In addition, advanced information provided by the intelligent devices will enable improved operating efficiencies, generating an additional savings of about $475,000 each year after the SINCOR upgrader goes on stream.

PlantWeb components being installed at the upgrader include eight AMS servers, 2000 HART compatible Fisher valves and Fisher FIELDVUE(r) digital valve controllers, and 4600 HART instruments including Rosemount pressure and temperature transmitters, Rosemount vortex and Micro Motion Coriolis flow meters, and analyzers from Rosemount Analytical. Moreover, given the observed success, the large installed base and distribution of systems throughout the upgrader, SINCOR has requested Emerson Process Management to provide two AMS ServerPlus systems to integrate all existing stand-alone systems.

Once the upgrader is in full operation next year, the diagnostics of the smart field devices will be monitored for signs of trouble, so repairs can be made before an unexpected shutdown occurs. The software maintains a device-oriented database enabling technicians to save time on routine functions such as calibrating instruments periodically and documenting maintenance activities. According to Leo Rodriguez, Emerson Process Management Latin American Region president, "SINCOR managers have placed a high priority on carefully managing the assets in this massive project. We were able to demonstrate to them the value of AMS, not only in reducing short-term commissioning and startup costs, but also for the longer-term cost benefits of improved plant maintenance. The anticipated benefits were too good to pass up, and SINCOR has enthusiastically embraced the AMS technology. Some 25 SINCOR personnel are being trained in the use of the software."

To design the right solution for the facility, Emerson teams in France, Venezuela, and the U.S. worked with SINCOR engineers and management personnel as well as the engineering and construction contractors involved with the project.

About Emerson Process Management

Emerson Process Management, an Emerson business, is a leader in helping businesses automate their production, processing and distribution components in the chemical, oil and gas, pulp and paper, power, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, semiconductor, and other industries. The company combines superior products and technology with industry-specific engineering, consulting, and project management and maintenance services. Its brands include AMS, PlantWeb; DeltaV™; Fisher; Rosemount; Daniel; Intellution; Micro Motion; Performance Solutions; Westinghouse Process Control; MDC; and CSI.

About Emerson

St. Louis-based Emerson is a global leader in bringing technology and engineering together to provide innovative solutions to customers in process control; electronics and telecommunications; industrial automation; heating, ventilating and air conditioning; and appliances and tools. Sales in fiscal 2001 were $15.5 billion.

PlantWeb, FIELDVUE, and DeltaV are marks of one of the Emerson Process Management family of companies. Other marks are the property of their respective owners.