FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                       CONTACT:  Lauren Blais

                                                                                                                 Catalyst, Inc.

                                                                                                                 (401) 732-1886

StoneL Introduces Foundation Fieldbus and Modbus VCT's      StoneL ValvePoint™ Communication Terminals Now Available with Foundation Fieldbus and Modbus Protocols

FERGUS FALLS, MN (March 4, 2002) – The latest generation of StoneL's ValvePoint™ communication and control product line now supports both Modbus RS485 and Foundation Fieldbus communication protocols. As a result, each communication terminal in the ValvePoint line, including the Eclipse, Quartz, Onyx and SolaR series, enables effective integration of discrete automated valves with contemporary bus network control systems utilizing these protocols.   

Wally Stommes, president of StoneL said, "While the interest in Foundation Fieldbus networks has increased dramatically during the past 18 months, very few valve communication terminals support the protocol. The ValvePoint line answers the requirements of control system designers, installers and users with a reliable, field-proven solution that supports Foundation Fieldbus. Having Modbus RS485 directly implemented into field devices also offers users additional flexibility when interfacing with installed control systems not yet offering the Foundation protocol."   

In addition to being fully compliant with these communications protocols, ValvePoint products are also available with AS-Interface and DeviceNet protocols. StoneL ValvePoint products feature a dual module system that integrates solid-state discrete proximity sensors and communication electronics into a fully epoxy sealed cartridge. As a result, the ValvePoint communication terminals offer incredible corrosion resistance, unlimited cycle life, mission critical reliability and a space efficient design. Valve communication terminals are FM approved for use in Class I & II, Division 1 and 2 hazardous environments and are rated NEMA 4, 4X and 6.
  
ValvePoint™ products are available in a variety of platforms suitable for any process application in a wide range of industries including chemical, petrochemical, food & beverage, pulp & paper, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.   

For more information contact StoneL, One StoneL Drive, 26271 US Highway 59, 
Fergus Falls, MN 56537. Toll-free: 800-843-7866. Phone: 218-739-5774. 
Fax: 218-739-5776. 

                                                    www.stonel.com 
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StoneL is the leader in bus networking solutions and valve communication and control for the process industries, including chemical, petrochemical, pulp & paper, pharmaceutical, and food & beverage manufacturing. 
  
StoneL's FieldLink™ series of network products and support services permit field devices to communicate with a plant's control architecture using standardized field-proven communication protocols. These cost-effective bus network solutions are designed to perform reliably in the most severe hazardous and corrosive process environments.  

 
StoneL's ValvePoint communication and control systems feature a broad array of product platforms utilizing solid-state sensor systems and standardized, field-proven communication protocols for your general purpose as well as your most restrictive hazardous areas.