Air Products Advances Cryogenic Grinding Capabilities Through Licensing Agreement for Fine Grinding System

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Apr 27, 2010, 10:58 ET

LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa., April 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Air Products (NYSE: APD), a recognized leader in cryogenic grinding, has expanded its portfolio of size reduction offerings with the addition of an ultra-fine grinding mill. This patented mill is capable of processing materials at throughputs ranging from just a few kilograms to over 1000 kilograms per hour. Licensed from Lehigh Technologies, Inc., the ultra-fine grinding mill can produce a high yield of micron-scaled powders with a narrow particle size distribution, while maximizing production rates and minimizing overall operational costs. Air Products will introduce the ultra-fine grinding mill to select markets.

The addition of this mill, together with ongoing technology and R&D efforts, continue to advance Air Products' expertise in applying cryogenics to grinding applications. Through this expertise, and the company's work with leading mill manufacturers developing differentiated technologies, Air Products is able to provide customers with the best overall solution for their size reduction needs.

"Air Products is pleased to strengthen our position in offering cryogenic grinding solutions to any market where size reduction is required," said Georges Decrop, Global Marketing director for Air Products. "Our 40 years of experience in applying cryogenics to grinding technologies, combined with our capability to test grind product samples at our commercial-scale laboratory, enables Air Products to recommend the most cost-effective size reduction processes to meet our customers' needs."

Lehigh Technologies was recently recognized as a 2010 Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum for this proprietary cryogenic grinding technology, which enables higher-value uses for end-of-life tires in a wide range of applications, such as tire manufacturing, plastics composites, building and construction, and asphalt.

"Lehigh is happy to team up with Air Products, a global technology leader that shares our drive for developing innovative and sustainable solutions," said Alan Barton, CEO of Lehigh Technologies. "We look forward to working with Air Products as they build a world-class manufacturing and supply chain capability that enables our unique, high performance technology to be used by customers around the globe."

For more information about Air Products' cryogenic grinding solutions, call 800-654-4567 or outside of the U.S. 610-706-4730 (mention code 802), or visit www.airproducts.com/Products/Equipment/cryogenics/chemicals/grinding.htm. In addition, Air Products representatives will be on hand to discuss your specific technology needs and assist with any process or developmental challenges at the upcoming POWTECH 2010 trade show (Hall 7, Stand #7-448) in Nurnberg, Germany, from April 27-29.

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.

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

SOURCE Air Products