Neste Oil will replace its existing systems with Metso's modern automation and flow control technology at the Porvoo refinery sulfur plant in Finland. Today's technology solutions have advanced features that significantly improve field device upkeep and diagnostics, for example, as well as boost the safety of the whole process. With modern solutions, it is possible to more accurately control the process of transforming sulfur recovered from the refining processes into elementary sulfur. When the equipment and systems operate more reliably, availability and efficiency at the sulfur plant will improve, too.

"Reliable automation enables us to minimize sulfur emissions from the refinery. New systems and field devices provide operators and the maintenance staff not only with more information, but also information that is more processed," says Ari Aitolahti, Automation Development Manager, Neste Oil.

Metso's delivery to the sulfur plant includes a Metso DNA automation system, an information management system with history tools, operator work stations with monitors, a safety system, connections to Neste Oil's existing systems, automated on-off and ESD valves equipped with intelligent valve controllers, as well as control valves. Metso is also responsible for the project engineering, installation and commissioning of the automation system, as well as staff training.

The equipment will be delivered and handed over to the customer in 2015. The orders are included in the first and second quarter orders 2014 received by Metso's Automation segment. The values of the orders are not disclosed.

Metso and Neste Oil - long track record of developing demanding special applications

Neste Oil and Metso have a long track record of developing demanding special applications in cooperation to match the needs of refineries. Metso's technologies are used at Neste Oil's plants in Finland, Rotterdam and Singapore. In February, Metso announced an order for automation and valve technology for the new refinery unit under construction at Neste Oil's Porvoo refinery.

The Porvoo refinery is one of Europe's most advanced and versatile refineries. The refining capacity of crude oil at this highly automated, modern production facility is about 10.5 million tons per year. Neste Oil was the first to launch sulfur-free gasoline and sulfur-free new diesel on the Finnish market. Sulfur-free traffic fuels decrease unpleasant odors, as well as environmental and health hazards caused by exhaust gases. Being sulfur-free has also enabled the introduction of motor technology with lower fuel consumption.

About Neste Oil

Neste Oil Corporation is a refining and marketing company with a production focus on premium-quality, lower-emission traffic fuels. The company produces a comprehensive range of major petroleum products and is the world's leading supplier of renewable diesel. The company had net sales of EUR 17.5 billion in 2013 and employs around 5,000 people.

About Metso

Metso's automation solutions are designed to maximize the profitability of our customers' businesses by improving their production performance and their cost, material and energy efficiency. Our extensive range of flow control and process automation solutions and services is supported by a worldwide network of automation experts. The Automation business's biggest customer industries are oil & gas, and pulp and paper. We also have a strong growth focus in mining and construction and power generation.

Metso is a leading process performance provider, with customers in the mining, construction, and oil & gas industries. Our focus is on the continuous development of intelligent solutions that improve sustainability and profitability. Metso's shares are listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd. Metso employs around 16,000 professionals in 50 countries. Expect results.

See the site of Porvoo Refinery