Release Details

Non-linear advanced control solution delivers 70% reduction in process variability and 50% reduction in grade transition times on multiple reactor polypropylene process in Shanghai, China

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 4, 2007--Aspen Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: AZPN) today announced that Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical Co. (SPC) has realized significant financial and operational benefits by using the aspenONE Advanced Process Control for Polymers solution. The solution, which enables polymers manufacturers to automate and optimize even their most complex transitions strategies, has allowed SPC to increase capacity, reduce product variability, and significantly cut transition times.

"We are very pleased with the improved operational performance delivered by the aspenONE Advanced Process Control for Polymers solution both for in-grade operation and during transitions," said Mr Guo Xiaojun, Director of Integrated Polyolefin Plant for Sinopec SPC. "With an average 70% reduction in process variability and full product quality control and optimization during transitions, the performance of the controller has been phenomenal. Automating our transitions has given SPC a significant competitive advantage."

The aspenONE Advanced Process Control for Polymers solution is based on AspenTech's innovative non-linear control technology coupled with recipe and transition management applications, providing a comprehensive polymer production control system that can optimize even the most challenging of product grade transitions. Since finishing implementation of the solution in 2006, SPC has realized significant performance benefits:

• Increased production capacity by 3.4%
• Decreased reactor variability by an average of 70%
• Reduced transition times by average of 50%.

The Sinopec SPC advanced control project was presented at the 2006 World Polypropylene Congress in Zurich where Mr. Guo of Sinopec SPC described how the aspenONE solution can uniquely:

• Automate and optimize even the most complex of transition strategies
• Provide reduced cost of ownership because the solution only needs one model for each controlled variable; the non-linear models are valid and accurate across different product grades, catalysts and different reactor configurations
• Perform full product quality control and optimization during in-grade operation and transitions; unlike other non-linear APC solutions, the AspenTech product quality controllers can remain active during transitions
• Model product qualities accurately with little or no reliance on laboratory feedback during transitions, resulting in faster transitions than with alternative technologies.

"By deploying this innovative advanced process control technology so successfully, Sinopec stands to positions itself as a true market leader in the growing polymer industry," said Antonio Pietri, Senior Vice President APAC, AspenTech. "The major financial and operational benefits delivered by aspenONE Advanced Process Control for Polymers are creating significant new demand for the application from polymer companies worldwide."

Sinopec is among China's largest integrated energy and chemical companies, and has developed a reputation for successfully utilizing the latest process optimization technologies. The company has deployed numerous AspenTech engineering, plant operations and supply chain management solutions in many of its core businesses across China.

About Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical Co.

Located at Jinshanwei in the Jinshan District of Shanghai, Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical Co. Ltd. (www.spc.com.cn) is one of Sinopec's largest petrochemical companies. SPC is one of the largest modern petrochemical enterprises in China with highly integrated operations producing petroleum products, petrochemicals, synthetic fibers and plastics. SPC is also an important contributor to the development of a modern petrochemical industry in China.

Sinopec Corp. is one of the largest integrated energy and chemical companies in China. The scope of its business mainly covers oil & gas exploration, development, production and marketing; oil refining; production and sales of petrochemicals, chemical fibers, chemical fertilizers and other chemical products; storage and pipeline transportation of crude oil and natural gas; import, export and import/export agency business of crude oil, natural gas, refined oil products, petrochemicals, chemicals, and other commodities and technologies; research, development and application of technology and information. It is China's largest producer and distributor of oil products (both wholesale and retail of gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel) and the No. 1 producer and supplier of major petrochemical products (including petrochemical intermediates, synthetic resin, synthetic fiber monomers and polymers, synthetic fiber and chemical fertilizer) as well as the 2nd largest crude oil producer. For more information, visit www.sinopec.com.

About AspenTech

AspenTech is a recognized expert and leading provider of award-winning process optimization software and services. AspenTech's integrated aspenONE solutions enable manufacturers to reduce costs, increase capacity, and optimize operational performance end-to-end throughout the engineering, plant operations, and supply chain management processes, resulting in millions of dollars in cost savings. For more information, visit www.aspentech.com.

(C) 2007 Aspen Technology, Inc. AspenTech, aspenONE and the Aspen leaf logo are trademarks of Aspen Technology, Inc. All rights reserved.

CONTACT: Aspen Technology, Inc.
AspenTech
Elisa Logan, +1 617-949-1398
elisa.logan@aspentech.com
or
North America
Lois Paul & Partners (for AspenTech)
Michael Parker, +1 781-782-5714
aspentech@lpp.com
SOURCE: Aspen Technology, Inc.