Emerson awarded $7 million refinery automation project by Brazil's Petrobras

Emerson to engineer an upgrade and expansion using PlantWeb architecture with FOUNDATION fieldbus as new Petrobras standard

Emerson Process Management, a business of Emerson (NYSE: EMR), has been awarded a $7 million automation project by the Brazil-based energy company Petrobras.

The project will expand and upgrade all the instrumentation and controls at Petrobras's largest refinery, Replan. By selecting Emerson's PlantWeb digital plant architecture with FOUNDATION fieldbus technology as its new standard, Petrobras expects to increase production at the refinery by 7 percent above its current 352,000 barrels-per-day level. In addition, Emerson will upgrade instrumentation at the 151,000 barrels-per-day Regap refinery. The project also includes Emerson engineering and project management services. Both refineries are located in Brazil.

Petrobras selected Emerson's PlantWeb digital plant architecture with FOUNDATION fieldbus technology as its new standard. Petrobras's PlantWeb installation will include Emerson's DeltaV digital automation system with advanced control software and AMS predictive maintenance software. The combination of performance monitoring and predictive maintenance will help Petrobras avoid shutdowns and deliver improved process reliability. Emerson will also employ its new migration products and services to convert existing distributed control systems and programmable logic controllers manufactured by other companies.

"The refining business undergoes constant change, and we need to base our operations on the best automation today and for the future. With its PlantWeb digital plant approach, DeltaV digital system, and automation engineering services, including local support, Emerson's offerings are a perfect match for our needs," said Rogerio Daisson, Electrical and Instrumentation Maintenance Manager. "Emerson will play a vital role in our efforts to improve operations and business results at our refineries."

"Automation is a powerful tool for achieving operations excellence, and we look forward to continuing to help Petrobras achieve the full potential of their refinery operations," said John Berra, executive vice president of Emerson with responsibility for the process management business. "Our PlantWeb digital plant architecture and Asset Optimization services and technologies will deliver the rich predictive process and equipment data needed for their personnel to maximize process performance and return on assets."

About Petrobras

Petrobras (www.Petrobras.com) is among the world's largest integrated oil and gas companies, engaging in a broad range of activities, including exploration, development, and production of crude oil and natural gas; refining, transportation, and wholesale marketing of crude oil, natural gas, and oil products; and related activities. Petrobras began operations in Brazil in 1954.

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