Arthur D. Little Unveils Advanced Testing Device to Help Develop Safe Products, Prevent Industrial Accidents.

Business/Technology Editors

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 19, 2001

Arthur D. Little, Inc. today unveiled an advanced testing device - the NEW ARC(R)adiabatic calorimeter -- that provides a new level of reliability and accuracy in the prediction and prevention of industrial accidents.

"ADL's original version of the device - the ARC - is a trusted tool used by OSHA, the EPA and similar agencies around the world to determine industrial safety. Data gathered from the ARC has helped prevent numerous accidents in the chemical industry which could have led to loss of life, equipment damage, and the release of toxins into the environment." said Peter Ralbovsky, operations manager of the ADL design team. "This new advanced ARC will only improve those results. Based on 20 years customer experience, it is the most accurate and reliable adiabatic calorimeter available today."

Adiabatic calorimeters measure heat emitted from chemicals, batteries, capacitors and other portable energy-producing products to determine their thermodynamic and kinetic properties. They are used to simulate the conditions in various chemical reactions and then collect and interpret the data from these reactions.

Industries, such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and energy, as well as the military and government agencies and laboratories, use adiabatic calorimeters to study thermal hazards, chemical kinetics, storage and transportation issues, process interruptions, and chemical process design. Adiabatic calorimeters are also used to investigate accidents and develop air bags, rechargeable batteries, spacecraft and rocket propulsion.

Ralbovsky said 20 years of customer experience went into the newly designed ARC(R) System. This version, with its increased power base, is able to simulate reactions at higher temperatures and pressures. It can also more accurately mimic what happens in a chemical process and test a broader range of materials, including liquids, solids, and gases. Both large and small exothermic reactions are easier to measure and test in the NEW ARC(R) and the experiment and data collection stages are faster by a factor of ten. The new software system allows the user to set-up the system, then walk away.

Arthur D. Little, one of the world's premier management and technology consulting firms, will market the new ARC 2000 to its major clients in the pharmaceuticals, chemical, and energy industries, as well as to government agencies.

About Arthur D. Little

Arthur D. Little (www.adl.com) is one of the world's premier management and technology consulting firms, with offices and laboratories in more than 30 countries around the world. Founded in 1886, the company has continually set the standard for excellence in management consulting, technology & innovation, and environment & risk management. Working closely with its clients, Arthur D. Little uses innovation to help leading organizations achieve rapid growth and breakthrough results. The company offers an unparalleled breadth of expertise in creating strategy, developing innovative technologies, managing organizations to create lasting value, and helping companies implement e-business strategies to transform themselves in the new economy.