Emerson's PlantWebR to lower installed cost and ease configuration, helping fast track new construction at Inco processing plant.AUSTIN, TEXAS (July 25, 2005) - Emerson Process Management, a business of Emerson (NYSE:EMR), has been chosen by Inco Ltd., Toronto, the world's second largest producer of nickel, to automate a 1/100th scale demonstration processing plant currently under construction in Argentia, Newfoundland. The Argentia plant is being built to demonstrate the technical and economic validity of Inco's hydrometallurgy (hydromet) technology to process nickel concentrate. In the event the hydrometallurgical technology proves successful, a full-scale commercial plant using this technology will be built by the end of 2011.The Argentia demonstration plant will process nickel concentrate produced at a mine and concentrator located at Voisey's Bay in northern Labrador. Voisey's Bay Nickel Company Ltd (VBNC), a wholly owned subsidiary of Inco, is responsible for the development of the mine and concentrator, as well as processing facilities on the Island of Newfoundland. The project includes installing Emerson's PlantWebR digital plant architecture to automate the new demonstration plant. The company's digital approach uses an open, standards-based FOUNDATION fieldbus network to connect intelligent field devices and Emerson's DeltaVT digital automation system. PlantWeb diagnostics in the intelligent field devices will continuously monitor the health of the process, instruments, and equipment, and will inform personnel of any issues that need attention, plus will provide guidance for operators and maintenance staff to address potential problems before they diminish process performance or cause shutdowns. The PlantWeb architecture of the new demo plant has more than 100 pH measurement loops that are critical to plant throughput and performance. To achieve the required precise pH control, Emerson's advanced Rosemount Analytical Solu CompR Xmt transmitters with built-in digital diagnostics will continuously monitor device and process health. Emerson's rugged TUpH sensors with Silcore technology will be installed in critical loops to withstand the very harsh chemicalenvironments and deliver greatest reliability. The digital PlantWeb network also includes RosemountR pressure and temperature transmitters and magnetic flow meters, FisherR control valves with FIELDVUER digital valve controllers, and Rosemount Analytical conductivity instruments. The AMST Suite: Intelligent Device Manager asset optimization software will gather and utilize diagnostic information from the smart field devices. The AMS Device Manager also receives PlantWeb Alerts that are generated when issues arise. The Alerts inform of impending situations, and give guidance to operators and maintenance personnel to help them avoid interruptions and maintain a high level of plant availability. "The demonstration facility is the precursor of a commercial plant," said John Casson of VBNC. "In addition to using PlantWeb in the plant, we are using the DeltaV system at the mine and concentrator at Voisey's Bay. The PlantWeb architecture will allow us to save substantially in installation and commissioning costs while enhancing diagnostics and making the entire system easier to configure, commission, and maintain." "The demonstration facility is being built on an extremely fast track," continued Casson. "We are supported by substantial technical assistance from Lakeside Process Controls Ltd. in Toronto and Laurentide Controls Ltd., Montreal, Emerson's local business partners in eastern Canada. Two companies from Newfoundland and Labrador, Sea Systems Inc. and Avalon Controls & Instrumentation Ltd., are also providing key talent and services to the project. Lakeside serves as a single point of contract for VBNC and SGE Hatch, the process and automation consultant in St. John's. Laurentide, through Avalon Controls & Instrumentation, is managing the automation supply contracts for the demonstration plant and providing on-site liaison with SGE Hatch." Because this is a new process, built for research and to optimize the metals' yield, Inco is utilizing state-of-the-art tools, including PlantWeb with fieldbus digital instrumentation and the DeltaV system that offers such advanced control solutions as fuzzy logic, neural networks, and multivariable process control. "One of the key deliverables from the demonstration plant is a comprehensive and accurate record of all process and production parameters, including instrumentation performance data, as the plant moves through its operational phases," Casson said. "The DeltaV system, in conjunction with the PlantWeb, DeviceNet, Asi, and fieldbus technologies, reliably and cost effectively serves this need, while allowing integration with Level 2 and above systems.""We are gratified with Inco's selection of PlantWeb advanced functionality and technology to automate its valuable new mineral recovery technology," said John Berra, president of Emerson Process Management. "We're confident that the proven innovation and efficiency of PlantWeb will add value to the new hydromet minerals processing approach."About Inco LimitedInco Limited (NYSE: N), based in Toronto, is the world's second largest producer of nickel. Inco's world-class mineral reserve and resource base is among the best in the global nickel industry. Inco is also an important producer of copper, cobalt, and precious and platinum-group metals and a major producer of specialty nickel-based products.About Emerson Process ManagementEmerson Process Management (www.emersonprocess.com ), an Emerson business, is a leader in helping businesses automate their production, processing and distribution in the chemical, oil and gas, refining, mining and mineral processing, pulp & paper, power, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and other industries. The company combines superior products and technology with industry-specific engineering, consulting, and project management, and maintenance services to help customers achieve the potential of their operations. Emerson brands include PlantWebR, FisherR, RosemountR, Micro MotionR, DanielR, DeltaVT, OvationR, AMST Suite, and CSI.About EmersonEmerson (NYSE:EMR), based in St. Louis, is a global leader in bringing technology and engineering together to provide innovative solutions to customers through its network power, process management, industrial automation, climate technologies, and appliance and tools businesses. Sales in fiscal 2004 were $15.6 billion. For more information, visit www.GoToEmerson.com.
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