Honeywell launches world’s first online paper formation analyzer

MONTREAL, Feb 07, 2006 -- Today, Honeywell (NYSE:HON) announced the launch of Precision FotoForm Formation Sensor, a new on-line measurement of paper formation based on image analysis technology. The solution gives paper manufacturers a groundbreaking new method of analyzing paper formation which will speed up the quality control process and reduce paper process troubleshooting time.

Paper formation is one of the key quality parameters for most paper grades. Fibre mixture, refining degree, jet/wire, wires, water removal, pressing process and felts are just some of the factors which leave a contributing ‘fingerprint’ to the formation. Until now, existing single point and scanning on-line measurement solutions provide only a single index to describe paper formation. A single index indicates that the formation has changed, but it does not indicate what factors have changed in within it.

The Honeywell Precision FotoForm Formation Sensor provides a wide range of information on a number of features that influence the formation of paper including variability, light and dark spots, MD floc size, CD floc size and MD/CD floc shape. It is based on advanced illumination and image capture technology that allows a simultaneous measurement of multiple formation characters. These characters are independent of each other and form the basis for an accurate and adaptable formation analysis provided by the sensor. The formation sensor also adjusts automatically to a wide range of speeds and basis weights, ensuring reliable measurement results.

The formation sensor is designed for on-line use in a hostile paper machine environment. A fast image capture allows machine speeds up to 2,200 m/min without any reduction in the analysis accuracy. The sensor automatically adjusts the illumination for varying basis weights. This enables a reliable sensor operation up to 600 gsm sheet weights. The sensor’s intelligent algorithm removes the effect of uneven illumination, ambient light and dirt and dust build-up.

The sensor can be linked up to Honeywell’s DaVinci® system server and once the scan captures the characters and a set of images, operators can then transfer the information back to the server. The DaVinci system displays the latest captured formation image for operator inspection and stores an image representing the reel’s average formation for later study on a dedicated operator display.

Paul Orzeske, vice president and general manager of Honeywell Process Solutions EMEA, commented: “This new solution is a major progression within Honeywell’s DaVinci family of technology solutions for our pulp and paper clients. It is the only sensor on the market that provides multiple analysis and it enables a far quicker and more accurate quality control of paper formation, giving users a real competitive edge by making its processes more efficient.”

Honeywell International is a $26 billion diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; automotive products; turbochargers; and specialty materials. Based in Morris Township, N.J., Honeywell’s shares are traded on the New York, London, Chicago and Pacific Stock Exchanges. It is one of the 30 stocks that make up the Dow Jones Industrial Average and is also a component of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index. For additional information, please visit www.honeywell.com. Honeywell Process Solutions is part of Honeywell’s Automation and Control Solutions group, a global leader in providing product and service solutions that improve efficiency and profitability, support regulatory compliance, and maintain safe, comfortable environments in homes, buildings and industry. For more information about Process Solutions, access www.honeywell.com/ps.

This release contains forward-looking statements as defined in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements about future business operations, financial performance and market conditions. Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties inherent in business forecasts as further described in our filings under the Securities Exchange Act.

Da Vinci® is a registered trademark of Honeywell International Inc.