Emerson launches 2.4 GHz Smart Wireless solutions for mainstream use in European manufacturing plants

Extends PlantWeb to previously unreachable data for improved availability and operational performance

Bologna, Italy (January 11, 2007) – Emerson Process Management, a business of Emerson (NYSE:EMR), has launched 2.4 GHz in-plant Smart Wireless solutions, enabling European mainstream manufacturing to move to the next level of reliability and operational performance. Emerson's 900 MHz Smart Wireless solutions are already shipping in North America.

By capturing information that was previously inaccessible, Emerson's Smart Wireless networks extend asset optimisation and predictive maintenance, helping manufacturers avoid costly, unexpected process interruptions and shutdowns; optimise performance and the lifetime of processing equipment; and maximize production output. Response to safety incidents can be improved, and emissions reduced.

Extending Emerson's PlantWeb® digital plant architecture, the company's Smart Wireless solutions are the industry's first to use self-organising network technology to deliver data at unprecedented levels of reliability from assets previously out of physical or economic reach. Field trials with several North American and Europe customers over the last three years have demonstrated greater than 99 percent network reliability and installed cost that is as much as 90 percent lower than a wired equivalent.

Emerson's Smart Wireless solutions combine innovative self-organising wireless network technology and gateways with wireless-enabled industry leading Rosemount^® measurement transmitters and AMS™ Suite: Intelligent Device Manager predictive maintenance software, all seamlessly integrated with DeltaV™ and Ovation^® automation systems or with legacy hosts.

Self-organising networks are highly reliable because they allow wireless devices to serve as alternate communication paths, providing redundancy that enables over 99% of field network messages to reach their destination- no easy task in the "canyons of metal" that make up today's manufacturing facilities. Networks using Emerson's technology are scaleable from 5 to 100,000 devices.

Installation of Emerson's Smart Wireless solutions requires no complex site surveys or special tools. The solutions are designed to support SP100 control and monitoring application classes 1 to 5 on the same network, and have been proven by customer use for classes 3 through 5. Emerson's SmartPower™ innovations enable battery life of 5 to 15 years depending on application.

Industrial grade security of Emerson's wireless networks has been validated in extensive field trials and through review by independent security experts. Encryption, authentication, verification, anti-jamming and key management techniques are used in a robust security approach.

"Manufacturers hate surprises in their facilities, and have long wanted to have eyes and ears on every asset to know what is really going on in their operation," said John Berra, president of Emerson Process Management. "Until now, there was no easy, reliable and economical way to reach all of the assets that needed monitoring. We've completed three years of customer field trials. In those trials, we've seen customers quickly discover and remedy problems that would otherwise have gone undetected."

Emerson's Smart Wireless solutions can be deployed in various process manufacturing segments, including refining, oil and gas, chemical, pulp and paper, and water and wastewater treatment. In addition, the technology can be applied to remote monitoring of oil and gas well-heads, pipeline stations, and production platforms.

Emerson's global SmartStart™ wireless service experts help customers realise the full potential benefits of Smart Wireless solutions. They help with first startup, including a full network health assessment to ensure robust communications plus verification of device functionality through the chosen output (Modbus, OPC, Ethernet, etc).

"Wireless measurement technology will help users see and control more of what happens in their plants," said Harry Forbes, an analyst with the ARC Advisory Group. "Besides huge savings in installation costs, this will drive fundamental process and automation improvements that are not possible with wired measurements."

"That's what makes this the most fundamental improvement in process automation in decades," continued Forbes. "ARC believes there is pent-up demand for wireless in both new and existing applications. Emerson's strong brand and leading market position validates that the era of wireless measurement has arrived."

Emerson is working with equipment vendors, customers, and industry associations, including the Wireless HART working group of the HART Communications Foundation and ISA SP-100, to develop wireless networking standards that meet the requirements of industrial monitoring and control, enabling the widespread adoption of wireless sensor networking technology. Emerson is guaranteeing an easy upgrade path for compliance to the industry standard when it is completed.

To make it even easier for customers to reach the next level of business improvement, Emerson is introducing the SmartPack™ starter kit, consisting of SmartStart™ services; from 5 to 100 wireless Rosemount flow, pressure, level, or temperature transmitters; a wireless gateway; and an AMS Intelligent Device Manager software application for predictive diagnostic information access through the wireless gateway. By following easy best practices, the completely assembled, configured, and tested starter kit network will establish itself right out of the box, with no additional user input or setup.

"We are excited about making the 2.4 GHz Smart Wireless solutions available in Europe, following the high level of interest in 900 MHz Smart Wireless solutions following our launch in North America," added Berra. "The experience and benefits demonstrated by field trials has created confidence and high interest in joining the age of wireless, and realizing the new level of performance it promises; we're thrilled to announce the technology for Europe."

More information about the newest additions to the Smart Wireless portfolio is available at  www.emersonprocess.com/SmartWireless.

Emerson's unique on-line PlantWeb University has added nineteen 15-minute courses that present a practical introduction to the technology and applications of in-plant wireless for operators, engineers and management; for access, go to www.PlantWebUniversity.com.

Also, within the next few months, Emerson will start an in-plant Smart Wireless design contest aimed at inspiring process engineers to unleash their imaginations and creative engineering spirit by submitting innovative applications they have found where wireless technology delivered new insight and business benefits. Their experiences, insights, and tips will form a foundation to speed wireless usage and benefits in the new age of wireless.

About Emerson Process Management

Emerson 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, pulp and paper, power, water and wastewater treatment, food and beverage, pharmaceutical and other industries. The company combines superior products and technology with industry-specific engineering, consulting, project management and maintenance services. Its brands include PlantWeb®, Fisher®, Micro Motion®, Rosemount®, Mobrey®, Daniel®, Bristol®, DeltaV™, Ovation®, and AMS™ Suite.

About Emerson

Emerson 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 2005 were $17.3 billion. For more information, visit www.GoToEmerson.com.

SmartStart, SmartPack, SmartPower, PlantWeb, Rosemount, Micro Motion, Fisher, Daniel, Bristol, DeltaV, Mobrey, Ovation, and AMS are marks of Emerson Process Management. All other marks are the property of their respective holders.

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Last Updated 04/21/08

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