The Material Acoustical Profile System (MAPS) uses sophisticated oceanographic mapping equipment combined with custom image enhancement software to process and display two and three dimensional images of bottom ash levels in water-filled hoppers!! Patented MAPS technology enables plant personnel to observe and visually identify the level and distribution of material in the hopper without water removal and its associated risks.

MAPS operates on a Windows 95 or Windows NT platform for easy integration with existing computer control systems.

BENEFITS OF THE MAPS SYSTEM INCLUDE:

• Better operational information... When to start and stop conveying?...Is the hopper full or empty?...Allows conveying based on volume instead of time.

• Advance warning of hopper bridging and potential forced outages.

• Provides a technical tool for personnel to resolve ash system design deficiencies.

• Allows conveying without lowering the hopper water levels, thus reducing expensive refractory maintenance.

• Immediate and significant reductions in auxiliary power consumption, costly overtime maintenance "call-outs" and component wear and tear.

• A much SAFER and CLEANER working climate...stop "dumping" hoppers and eliminate the potential safety and environmental liabilities.