AAI will provide the project management and engineering services necessary for the controls project including system design, Fisher-Provox SRX configuration and graphics. Included in the project is a simulator that will be used to train operators prior to start-up.

The PRC System, designed by AAI is based on 'consumed air' technology, measuring the oxygen consumed in the black liquor combustion process to infer Btu. Utilizing inferred Btu, the system automatically adjusts black liquor flow rate to reduce excess flue gas oxygen and stabilize the combustion process. Once the furnace is stabilized by the PRC system, the boiler load can be safely increased. The result of this strategy is reduced pluggage and longer run-time, increased black liquor throughput, increased efficiency, decreased SO2 emissions, increased high-pressure steam output, reduced excess oxygen, as well as automatic control when firing black liquor. Additionally, the PRC System automates the recovery boiler heat-up process as well as automates load changes into a 'single knob', altogether significantly improving efficiency and safety.

Northwood Pulp and Timber Limited is a major integrated forest products company owned equally by Noranda Forest Inc. and The Mead Corporation. Northwood operates five lumber mills; a pulp mill, a plywood mill and a treated wood plant, all located in the interior of northern British Columbia. The company also operates a forest center and nursery, which produces approximately 10 million seedlings a year. Northwood's forest operations, including harvesting and replanting, are conducted on 1,380,000 hectares of Crown land. With company headquarters located in Prince George, British Columbia, Northwood directly employs more than 2,500 people.