Photon Expands Range of Gas Flow Metering Business

BURNABY, BC, Jan. 5 /CNW/ - Photon Control Inc. ("Photon") (TSX V: PHO), a leading developer of photonic sensors, is pleased to announce completion of the testing of its Focus Probe gas flow meters in larger pipe sizes at Colorado Engineering Experiment Station Inc. (CEESI).

In line with growing worldwide concerns on greenhouse gas emission and the just-completed UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen , Photon completed calibration of its Focus Probe flow meters at CEESI for pipe diameters of 8, 10, 16, 20 and 30 inches. With this larger calibrated range, Photon's meters will be able to cover all common pipes and stacks used for gas flaring, a major and growing market for the Focus Probe meter. Optical gas flow meters are particularly beneficial for measurement of flare gas as they cover a wide range of velocities independent of gas composition and CO2 concentration.

In addition to calibration in larger pipes, the Focus Probe meter was successfully tested at velocities of 150m/s, 50% higher than it was initially tested in 2005. At almost half the speed of sound, measurement of this velocity is required for gas flares during blow-out periods. Ultrasonic gas flow meters, major competitors to Photon's Focus Probe, are not able to measure gas flows at these velocities.

Following the request from a leading oil and gas producer, the Focus Probe was recently upgraded for use at higher operating pressures, up to 300 psi or twice as high as the base model.

The Company also reports positive results from the field trial of the Focus Probe on an offshore oil producing platform in Brazil . The worldwide offshore market includes thousands of platforms, while each platform is typically equipped with two flare pipes.

In addition to receiving 37 Focus Probe meters from Photon during 2009, Russian distributor, Innotech Ltd., has placed a new order for 9 meters. This order originated from the largest Russian oil producing company, and is scheduled for delivery in January 2010 . Photon's long term objectives for expansion into the gas flow metering market is an essential part of the Company's diversification program, aiming for further growth and sustainability.

Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the business and anticipated financial performance of the Company, which involve risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties may cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause or contribute to such differences include, among others, competitive pressures, competing technologies and the market acceptance of the Company's photonic-based products as a replacement to existing technologies and products. Readers are encouraged to consider the other risks and uncertainties discussed in and additional information contained in the Company's required financial statements and filings filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

    
    About Photon Control Inc.   www.photon-control.com
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Photon Control Inc. develops and manufactures opto-electronic products for measurement and control. All Photon's products have competitive advantages in both performance and cost. Markets for Photon's products include semiconductor capital equipment, oil and gas, power industry, life sciences and research.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For further information: Company Contact: Helena Rebec, Acting Investor Relations Manager, [phone] x 101, [email protected]