AEA Technology Engineering Software Provides Capabilities For Improved MultiVariable Control Implementation.

CALGARY, Alberta--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 15, 1999--

ProtoPlant.MVC Streamlines Engineering Efforts

and Reduces the Cost of MultiVariable Control Projects

AEA Technology Engineering Software today announced ProtoPlant.MVC(TM) software and services to help operating companies reduce the total cost and engineering effort required for MultiVariable Control (MVC) implementations. ProtoPlant.MVC aims to fill a technology void, in which the benefits of MVC implementations are often diminished through disruptive, time consuming and costly implementation cycles. Plant step tests can account for a significant portion of the engineering cost and time involved in developing a MultiVariable Control algorithm. Moreover, plant step tests can lead to erroneous Model Predictive algorithms because of difficult to perform or impossible step tests on the actual operating plant.

Application of ProtoPlant.MVC will provide operating companies and MVC implementers a virtual environment where they can perform justification studies, design model predictive control algorithms, and characterize and tune MVC models prior to implementation with minimal disruption to the normal operation of their facilities.

"Plant upsets are often the hidden costs of an MVC implementation" comments Gerald Jacobs, Vice President, Strategic Partnerships at AEA Technology Engineering Software. "Avoiding unnecessary off-spec production can result in substantial savings."

The benefits of ProtoPlant.MVC include:

-- Reduced man hour requirements for MVC implementations -- Reduced project cycle times -- Reduction in off-spec product and plant downtime resulting from

plant step tests -- The ability to design, tune and test MVC algorithms before

commissioning -- A facility to establish a systematic approach

to MVC implementation

Steve Curl, Managing Director of AEA Technology Engineering Software adds, "This exciting new offering represents another example of how we are continually tailoring our products and services to provide innovative solutions in response to our customer's needs improving their profitability."

ProtoPlant.MVC includes the following products and services:

-- HYSYS.Plant(TM) software license -- Modeling services -- Project delivery -- Training

AEA Technology Engineering Software customers who have already benefited from this technology include:

-- SK Engineering & Construction and SK Chemicals -- Petrobras and the University of Sao Paulo -- Pertamina and University of Texas

For more information on the application of this technology visit http://www.hyprotech.com/hysys/dynamic/dyncase.htm

AEA Technology Engineering Software

AEA Technology Engineering Software is a leading supplier of engineering software for the process and manufacturing industries. Its wholly owned software companies; Hyprotech, CFX, EA Systems and nCode work from 17 offices in 9 countries, with subsidiaries in Canada, USA, Germany, Spain, France and Japan. Its range of software products include process simulation, separation process design, batch process design, heat transfer, plant design, computational fluid dynamics, plant operator training as well as fatigue and lifetime prediction solutions.

As part of AEA Technology plc, one of the world's leading innovation businesses, it supplies innovative 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 AEA Technology Engineering Software, visit www.software.aeat.com For further information on ProtoPlant.MVC, contact Peter Stanley at [phone] / [e-mail] or Marie Telepneff at [phone] / [e-mail].

All trademarks or registered trademarks herein are the property of their respective owners.