AEA Technology - Hyprotech Releases BDK 2000 Software; Batch Processing Lifecycle Software Can Reduce Process Development and Modeling Time and Cost by Up to 80%.

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ATLANTIC CITY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 27, 2000

AEA Technology - Hyprotech today announced the release of BDK 2000 at the World Batch Forum Meeting of the Minds Conference in Atlantic City.

BDK is a batch processing lifecycle solution designed to support the work process and information requirements of the specialty/fine chemical, agrochemical and pharmaceutical industries. By supporting the "information supply chain"(TM) of batch process development, BDK has enabled companies to increase development productivity, improve process robustness and enhance decision-making. The overall effect is up to an 80% reduction in development and modeling time and costs where BDK was used.

Hyprotech draws on the more than 20 years of batch processing industry experience of its parent company, AEA Technology plc. BDK 2000 combines advanced software technology with proven expertise in chemical synthesis, reaction engineering and key batch processing unit operations, such as crystallization, solid-liquid separation and drying. To continue to ensure that BDK will meet industry needs now and in the future, Hyprotech created the BDK Steering Group, which is a committee of leading batch processing companies that guide the technical direction of BDK.

According to James McGill, Batch Processing Business Manager at Hyprotech, "In addition to the substantial feedback from the BDK Steering Group, BDK 2000 continues to incorporate the proven batch industry experience and leading edge technology offered only by AEA Technology. This, combined with our alliances with GSE Systems (BatchCAD) and VisiMix, strongly underscores our continuing focus to provide a total solution for all stages of batch process development and design."

Some of the major capabilities of BDK 2000 are:

--  Process Development and Viability: Interactively screen alternate
    chemical routes using sensitivity analyses scenarios for costs,
    waste generation, etc.
--  Information Sharing/Technology Transfer: Share projects and
    project data amongst the team using an on-line repository while
    fully documenting the development process.
--  Extension Models/Model Layering: Incorporate custom models
    directly into BDK using spreadsheets, Visual Basic script or
    ActiveX components. Customize any of the more than 70 built-in BDK
    models to meet your specific needs.
--  Technology-based Modeling: Industry-leading technology from AEA
    Technology, such as rigorous crystallizer and dissolution
    extension models, will ship with BDK 2000. Other rigorous models,
    such as dryers, will be available in the future releases.
--  Custom Recipe Text: Fully customize recipe text to match corporate
    standards. Switch between different recipe types (R&D, Pilot
    Plant, etc.) and languages (French, etc.).
--  Custom Reporting: Automatically generate corporate reports using
    the Automation capabilities of BDK.
--  Component Properties: Create and track custom properties, such as
    efficacy or oxygen demand, to track the effects of a recipe
    change.
--  Services: Send process wastes to a specific waste treatment
    facilities (incinerator, etc.) to identify peak usage, trends,
    costs, etc.

BDK is a component of the BaSYS system of software and services for the batch processing industries. BaSYS combines advanced software tools, in-depth process knowledge and layered models to enhance overall business performance. BaSYS also includes BatchCAD (batch reaction kinetics and reactor modeling), VisiMix (mathematical modeling of laminar and turbulent mixing processes), the SPS Process Manuals (comprehensive knowledge bases on separation technologies) and Process Consultancy (specialists to provide in-depth process expertise).

About AEA Technology - Hyprotech

AEA Technology - Hyprotech is a leading supplier of engineering solutions for the continuous and batch processing industries. The business operates from a network of 20 offices worldwide, with subsidiaries in Canada, USA, Germany, Spain, France and Japan. Its range of software products includes continuous process simulation (HYSYS), batch processing solutions (BaSYS), and plant lifecycle data management (AXSYS). The business aims to provide an unequalled software environment for the management of knowledge and design throughout the engineering and operational lifecycle within its expanding customer base.

AEA Technology - Hyprotech is a business of AEA Technology plc, a leading innovation business supplying technical, safety and environmental solutions to a broad range of industries worldwide. AEA Technology plc (LSE: AAT) employs nearly 4,500 people in 26 locations around the world, bringing science to the marketplace through consultancy, technical services, hardware and software systems, research and development and technology transfer.

For more information on BDK or AEA Technology - Hyprotech, visit their website at www.software.aeat.com.

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