Air Products Supplying Multiple LNG Heat Exchangers for Gorgon Project

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Jan 21, 2010, 04:15 ET

LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa., Jan. 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Air Products (NYSE: APD) has signed an agreement with Chevron Australia Pty Ltd. to supply its proprietary liquefied natural gas (LNG) process technology and equipment for three process trains producing up to 15 million tons of LNG per annum at the Gorgon Project located offshore Western Australia. LNG production is scheduled to begin in 2014.

"Our LNG technology time and time again has provided the performance and reliability expected by our customers. Air Products' LNG capabilities and leadership is a great source of pride, and we are especially pleased to have this opportunity to work on this groundbreaking project at a time when natural gas usage is increasing in importance on a global basis as a source of clean energy," said Jim Solomon director–LNG at Air Products.

Under the agreement, Air Products will provide three separate units of its proprietary propane pre-cooled mixed refrigerant process using the SplitMR® machinery configuration. The LNG units will operate offshore Western Australia on Barrow Island.

Air Products' involvement in LNG projects in Australia dates back to the late 1980s and early 90s when it delivered process technology and MCR® cryogenic heat exchangers for the first three trains at the North West Shelf Venture LNG Project.

A majority of the total worldwide LNG is produced with Air Products' technology. Air Products has designed, manufactured and exported over 80 LNG heat exchangers from its Wilkes-Barre, Pa., United States facility over the last four decades. In support of the LNG industry, Air Products provides process technology and key equipment for the heart of the natural gas liquefaction process, and also nitrogen plants for the base-load LNG facility, as well as process technology and equipment for small and mid-sized LNG plants, floating LNG plants and LNG peak shavers. Upstream, Air Products provides both nitrogen and natural gas dehydration membrane systems for offshore platforms. Downstream, Air Products provides dry inert gas generators for LNG carriers, shipboard membrane nitrogen systems, and land-based membrane and cryogenic nitrogen systems for LNG import terminals.

About Air Products

Air Products (NYSE: APD) serves customers in industrial, energy, technology and healthcare markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials, and equipment and services. Founded in 1940, Air Products has built leading positions in key growth markets such as semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, home healthcare services, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives. The company is recognized for its innovative culture, operational excellence and commitment to safety and the environment. In fiscal 2009, Air Products had revenues of $8.3 billion, operations in over 40 countries, and 18,900 employees around the globe. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.

About the Gorgon Project

The Gorgon Project is operated by the Australian subsidiary of Chevron (approximately 47 percent) in joint venture with the Australian subsidiaries of ExxonMobil (25 percent) and Shell (25 percent), Osaka Gas (1.25 percent), Tokyo Gas (one percent) and Chubu Electric (0.417 percent). The Gorgon Project is developing the Greater Gorgon gas fields, located between 130km and 200km off the north-west coast of Western Australia. The Greater Gorgon gas fields are estimated to contain resources of about 40 trillion cubic feet of gas, Australia's largest-known gas resource. For more information visit www.chevronaustralia.com

***NOTE: This release may contain forward-looking statements. Actual results could vary materially, due to changes in current expectations.

SOURCE Air Products