Linde upgrading two air separation units

MURRAY HILL and NEW PROVIDENCE, N.J., Jan. 20, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Linde North America has begun the process for a major overhaul of two of its air separation units (ASUs) after renewing long-term contracts with two of its major tonnage customers. The overhauls will assure continuity of supply throughout the length of the new supply agreements with a metallurgical operation in Trail, BC, Canada, and with a major steel manufacturer in Braddock, Pennsylvania.

Linde has been supplying oxygen and nitrogen to Teck Metals Trail Operations for its zinc and lead smelting and refinery complex since 1989. "With the new supply agreement that will run until 2036, Linde has completed a 'relife' of the ASU, an extensive upgrade that increases the efficiency and capacity of the plant, and extends its operating life," said Ray Carr, vice president, Tonnage Business, Americas, for Linde.

The plant overhaul included a cooling water project to create a more efficient system that will use considerably less water in the cooling process. It also included refurbishment or upgrading several compressors, an upgrade to the control system and installation of new instruments and analyzers, as well as other process equipment. "This plant upgrade will assure product to Teck for the life of the contract and beyond. It will also allow the plant to produce additional liquid argon which we'll deliver by truck to semiconductor customers in northwestern U.S.," Carr said.

Linde built a large ASU in Braddock, Pennsylvania, in 1997 to supply steel-making facilities for a major steel company. The plant will undergo its first complete overhaul to satisfy the contract that has been renewed for an additional 15 years. Carr said, "The overhaul of the plant will not only increase its efficiency and reliability to supply oxygen and nitrogen gas via pipeline to the steel plant; it will also increase our capacity to produce liquid oxygen, nitrogen and argon for the merchant markets in the northeast."

The facility will shut down in the spring of 2015 for 45 days to complete an extensive scope of work. The overhaul will refurbish or upgrade every system of the Braddock ASU, including compressors, heat exchangers, and distillation equipment. Linde will also modernize the entire control system. 

Linde North America is a member of The Linde Group. In the 2013 financial year, The Linde Group generated revenue of  $23.1 bn (EUR 16.655 bn), making it the largest gases and engineering company in the world with approximately 63,500 employees working in more than 100 countries worldwide. The strategy of The Linde Group is geared towards long-term profitable growth and focuses on the expansion of its international business with forward-looking products and services. Linde acts responsibly towards its shareholders, business partners, employees, society and the environment – in every one of its business areas, regions and locations across the globe. The company is committed to technologies and products that unite the goals of customer value and sustainable development.

For more information, see The Linde Group online at www.linde.com

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SOURCE Linde North America

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