Emerson to Digitally Automate Several New Biodiesel Refineries
Nova Biosource Fuels, Inc. selects Emerson's PlantWeb® architecture and engineering support for fast startup and high availability
AUSTIN, Texas (October 19, 2006) - Emerson Process Management, a business of Emerson (NYSE:EMR), announced that the company has been awarded a contract to provide PlantWeb® digital plant architecture and engineering support for the construction of multi-feedstock biodiesel refineries by BioSource America, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nova Biosource Fuels, Inc. (OTC: NVAO).
Nova Biosource Fuels, Inc. synthesizes and distributes renewable fuel products. BioSource America is Nova's design/build subsidiary manufacturing multi-feedstock biodiesel production facilities internationally.
Biodiesel is currently the fastest growing alternative fuel market in the world. Current biodiesel production is approximately 75 million gallons per year in the United States. U.S. Department of Agriculture studies project that demand for biodiesel fuel in the U.S. will reach 800 million gallons by 2010, accounting for approximately 2 percent of the 60 billion gallon per year total fuel market.
Emerson will provide instrument specifications, system design and engineering support, and will supply its proven PlantWeb digital plant and engineering support capabilities for the multiple projects under contract. The three currently active projects have an estimated $2,100,000 worth of Emerson content.
"The first plant is a 10 MGPY plant that will start up within a few weeks," says Dick Talley, P.E., president of BioSource. "There are two 20 MGPY plants currently under construction, and two 60 MGPY plants planned in the next year. Emerson's proven technologies and strong engineering know-how provide powerful support for our time-to-market strategy and improved plant availability for maximum production."
"The production of alternative fuels from domestic, renewable resources is an important ecological initiative, and we are pleased that we were selected by BioDiesel technology leader Nova to digitally automate its refineries," said John Berra, president of Emerson Process Management. "Emerson is proud to play a part in the development and production of an energy source that will have a distinct impact on meeting the energy needs of the United States."
About PlantWeb
Emerson's PlantWeb is an innovative digital automation approach that networks operations, maintenance, and management stations with computers and intelligent instruments, valves, and equipment throughout facilities. Communications between these components, and with personnel, enable facilities that provide high throughput and reliability. The built-in intelligence continuously monitors processes and the equipment itself, providing predictive reports and alerts that enable personnel to operate at highest capacity and resolve maintenance issues before they impact production.
Emerson's intelligent digital automation systems, field devices, and equipment monitors cover the plant to power PlantWeb; included are the DeltaV(TM) automation system, Smart Rosemount® transmitters, Micro Motion® Coriolis flowmeters, Rosemount Analytical sensors and analyzers, Fisher® FIELDVUE® digital valve controllers and Fisher valves, and Machinery Health(TM) Management technologies.
About Nova Biosource Fuels, Inc.
Nova is an energy company in the business of synthesizing and distributing renewable fuel products and related co-products. Nova's initial focus is to construct and operate two to four biodiesel refineries with production capacity of between 120 to 240 million gallons of biodiesel fuel on an annual basis. Nova's business strategy for the next three years includes the construction of up to seven biodiesel refineries with production capacities ranging from 20 to 60 million gallons per year. All of Nova's refineries will use its proprietary, patented process technology, which enables the use of a broader range of lower cost feed stocks. More information on Nova can be found at www.novabiosource.com
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, life sciences 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®, Bristol®, Daniel®, DeltaV(TM), Ovation®, and AMS(TM) Suite.
About Emerson
Emerson (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 2005 were $17.3 billion. For more information, visit www.GoToEmerson.com
