Praxair to Supply Hydrogen to Exxon and Rubicon from Expanded Geismar, LA. Facility
GEISMAR, La., May 21, 1997 -- Praxair, Inc., (NYSE: PX) today opened a new hydrogen plant and pipeline at its industrial gas production and supply facility here.
The new expansion includes a 34-mile hydrogen pipeline from Geismar to Baton Rouge, La. to supply an Exxon Company, USA refinery, and a 70 million cu. ft./day steam methane reforming hydrogen plant to support the industrial gas needs of Exxon, Rubicon, Inc., and other Praxair customers. A 3 million cu. ft./day carbon monoxide purification plant also was added at the facility.
The expanded facility produces and supplies hydrogen, carbon monoxide and synthesis gas (a blend of hydrogen and carbon monoxide) via pipeline to customers for oil refining applications and the production of TDI and MDI, which are used to make polyurethane foams used in furniture seat cushions and other products. The facility also has carbon monoxide liquification and cryogenic on-site storage capabilities to provide uninterrupted supply to customers.
"The expansion of our capabilities at Geismar represents Praxair's commitment to the local community and our desire to help improve our customers' environmental controls and productivity," said Paul J. Bilek, Praxair president, North American Industrial Gases. "We are pleased to build on our reputation as a safe, reliable supplier of hydrogen and carbon monoxide to the chemical and refinery industries."
Bilek joined executives from Exxon and Rubicon, a joint venture between ICI Americas Corporation and Uniroyal Chemical Co., Inc. at dedication ceremonies here to mark the official opening of the new pipeline and expanded facility.
Exxon will use the hydrogen to more cost effectively manufacture clean burning fuels required by the U.S. Clean Air Act.
Praxair added eight new full-time positions at the Geismar facility, increasing total employment at the site above 80 people. More than 150 construction jobs were created in 1996 during the expansion.
The Geismar industrial gas facility began operation in 1971 and was integrated into Praxair's operations in 1996 following the company's acquisition of CBI Industries, Inc. Praxair supplies more than 400 million cubic feet of hydrogen each day to customers in North America and operates major hydrogen pipeline networks in the Texas Gulf Coast area; Ecorse, Mich.; and Edmonton, Alberta.
Praxair is the largest industrial gases company in North and South America, and one of the largest worldwide, with 1996 sales of $4.4 billion. The company produces, sells and distributes atmospheric, process and specialty gases. A subsidiary, Praxair Surface Technologies, supplies metallic and ceramic coatings and powders for high-performance applications. Praxair is a recognized leader in the commercialization of new technologies that bring productivity and environmental benefits to a diverse group of industries.
The new expansion includes a 34-mile hydrogen pipeline from Geismar to Baton Rouge, La. to supply an Exxon Company, USA refinery, and a 70 million cu. ft./day steam methane reforming hydrogen plant to support the industrial gas needs of Exxon, Rubicon, Inc., and other Praxair customers. A 3 million cu. ft./day carbon monoxide purification plant also was added at the facility.
The expanded facility produces and supplies hydrogen, carbon monoxide and synthesis gas (a blend of hydrogen and carbon monoxide) via pipeline to customers for oil refining applications and the production of TDI and MDI, which are used to make polyurethane foams used in furniture seat cushions and other products. The facility also has carbon monoxide liquification and cryogenic on-site storage capabilities to provide uninterrupted supply to customers.
"The expansion of our capabilities at Geismar represents Praxair's commitment to the local community and our desire to help improve our customers' environmental controls and productivity," said Paul J. Bilek, Praxair president, North American Industrial Gases. "We are pleased to build on our reputation as a safe, reliable supplier of hydrogen and carbon monoxide to the chemical and refinery industries."
Bilek joined executives from Exxon and Rubicon, a joint venture between ICI Americas Corporation and Uniroyal Chemical Co., Inc. at dedication ceremonies here to mark the official opening of the new pipeline and expanded facility.
Exxon will use the hydrogen to more cost effectively manufacture clean burning fuels required by the U.S. Clean Air Act.
Praxair added eight new full-time positions at the Geismar facility, increasing total employment at the site above 80 people. More than 150 construction jobs were created in 1996 during the expansion.
The Geismar industrial gas facility began operation in 1971 and was integrated into Praxair's operations in 1996 following the company's acquisition of CBI Industries, Inc. Praxair supplies more than 400 million cubic feet of hydrogen each day to customers in North America and operates major hydrogen pipeline networks in the Texas Gulf Coast area; Ecorse, Mich.; and Edmonton, Alberta.
Praxair is the largest industrial gases company in North and South America, and one of the largest worldwide, with 1996 sales of $4.4 billion. The company produces, sells and distributes atmospheric, process and specialty gases. A subsidiary, Praxair Surface Technologies, supplies metallic and ceramic coatings and powders for high-performance applications. Praxair is a recognized leader in the commercialization of new technologies that bring productivity and environmental benefits to a diverse group of industries.
