Invensys Rolls Out New Simulation and Modeling Capabilities for Heavy Oils

- WORLD HEAVY OILS CONGRESS BOOTH 2117 -- Invensys Process Systems is demonstrating the enhanced SimSci-Esscor PRO/II 8.1.2 software solution at the World Heavy Oils Congress March 10 - 12 in Edmonton. New capabilities apply the precision of conventional oil simulation software to the unique and specialized processing and modeling requirements of heavy oils.

PRO/II solution enhancements include a new petroleum characterization procedure specifically designed for heavy oils. This new procedure is used to extrapolate critical properties and molecular weights with normal boiling points well beyond 1000 degrees K. With PRO/II software, Invensys is helping heavy oils industry clients solve refining problems that result from inaccurate or incomplete simulation inherent in heavy oils processing.

"We recognize the importance of heavy oils in the worldwide market, and are developing solutions that bridge the gap between simulation software that is used to model conventional oils and the special requirements for accurately modeling heavy oils," said Joseph McMullen, PRO/II Product Manager. "We've taken the first of many development steps to address the growing needs for simulation of bottom-of-the-barrel refining."

Invensys Process Systems is continuing to develop and implement additional methodologies that can accurately simulate very high viscosity, low API gravity, numerous impurities such as sulphur and heavy metals, and other heavy oil properties, to predict the range of heavy oil physical properties. Invensys' advanced applications business has established a heavy oils consortium, the goal of which is to provide industrial guidance on development of SimSci-Esscor solutions that serve industry needs. The consortium will also foster the sharing of information and experience that will help validate Invensys solutions. Invensys will implement advanced solutions for heavy oils with each major release of PRO/II simulation software.

Supplementing SimSci-Esscor simulation and modeling capabilities for heavy oils are solutions from several other Invensys Process Systems' business units. The Field Devices segment, for example, is working on a Coriolis meter that measures 2-phase flow, eliminating the serious problems caused by entrained gas in heavy oils. The Manufacturing and Business Operations Management segment provides a variety of solutions such as production forecasting & scheduling and energy management, which deliver advanced analytical and optimization capability well-suited to the intricacies of heavy oils processing. When combined with its comprehensive process control and automation offerings, Invensys Process Systems can deliver a complete portfolio of solutions for the heavy oils market.

About Invensys Process Systems

Invensys Process Systems ( www.ips.invensys.com ), headquartered in Plano, Texas, is the world leader in industrial asset performance management, a strategy designed to help today's industrial enterprises to effectively balance the availability and utilization of their production assets to match changing business requirements. Invensys Process Systems encompasses industry-leading brands such as InFusion, Foxboro®, Triconex®, SimSci- Esscor® and Avantis® and provides advanced products, services, and solutions to industrial facilities around the world. These range from small hybrid and batch plants to include many of the world's largest upstream operations, refineries, chemical plants, pharmaceutical and biotechnology plants, gas plants, LNG plants, power plants, mineral processing plants, and pulp and paper mills.

The Invensys Group ( www.invensys.com ) is headquartered in London and is listed on the London Stock Exchange (ISYS.L), with approximately 25,000 employees working in 60 countries.

Invensys, InFusion, Foxboro, Triconex, SimSci-Esscor, and Avantis are trademarks of Invensys plc, its subsidiaries, or affiliates. All other brands and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

CONTACTS: Kathy Beckman 949-455-8146 ( Email Contact ) John Nero 781-793-9380 ( Email Contact )