Transportation News Releases

Air Products Opens New Specialty Amines Plant in China

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Air Products (NYSE: APD) today has opened its new specialty amines plant in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China. The facility complements its existing local capabilities to support customers in the growing polyurethane additives and epoxy markets.

Located in the Nanjing Chemical Industry Park (NCIP), the new state-of-the-art specialty amines plant is a multi-reactor, multi-purpose facility designed to manufacture many of the amine chemistries marketed by the business globally. Air Products has already built and operates two large air separation plants and a pipeline system to serve customers in the NCIP.

“China is a high growth region for the world and for Air Products. China’s growth and domestic development in key markets and industries, such as construction, coatings, and automobile production, make this an important place for us to be focused on for growth and new business. We are honored to build our new capability in the world-class Nanjing Chemical Industry Park and participate in the development of Jiangsu Province,” said John E. McGlade, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Air Products at the opening ceremony. “The new specialty amines plant is another strategic investment that Air Products has made in China to better serve our customers with the range of performance materials and technologies that meet global performance standards and enable local companies to continue to grow and support development of their industries.”

The new specialty amines plant has significantly strengthened the supply chain capabilities of Air Products’ Performance Materials business in China and throughout Asia. Other strategic capabilities that the company has built for its Performance Materials business include a technology center in Shanghai’s Zhangjiang Industrial Park; a triethylenediamine(TEDA) manufacturing facility for polyurethane additives in Changzhou; warehouses in Changzhou, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Nanjing; plus a strong local team to serve both China and Asian customers.

The plant has also enhanced Air Products’ ability to supply differentiated products which can be formulated locally to meet local needs. The initial focus will be on several performance-oriented products marketed by Air Products’ epoxy additive and polyurethane additive product lines, including the Polycat^® and Dabco^® series of amine catalysts, and Ancamine^® , Ancamide^® and Sunmide^® series of epoxy curing agents used in diverse industries, such as coatings, inks, adhesives, construction, appliance and automotive.

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.

Air Products Reaches Agreement to Sell Its Norwegian Inert Gas Generation Business

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Air Products announced today that it has reached an agreement to sell its assets relating to its Norwegian inert gas generation business to Boss Montasje AS and its subsidiary Maritime Protection AS. The terms of the transaction are not being disclosed.

Air Products will continue supplying nitrogen and hydrocarbon systems to the global shipping, offshore and process gas markets through its membrane business.

Per Floe, managing director at Air Products A/S, said: “The sale of our inert gas generation business in Norway to Maritime Protection AS enables us to concentrate on our core business – nitrogen and process gas membrane systems. We have been in the gas generation business for 40 years, and we pioneered and successfully developed a series of innovative solutions for the marine and land markets based on combustion and membrane gas-producing technologies. We will, from now, focus on our membrane business.”

Steinar Andersen, Managing Director at Maritime Protection AS, said: “The Air Products’ combustion gas generation assets we are acquiring today will enable us to continue serving the global shipping and offshore industry as one of the major suppliers in the years to come.”

Maritime Protection AS is a highly reputed name in the shipping industry. Boss Montasje AS has several years of experience as the manufacturer of steel structures for inert gas systems.

Steinar Andersen concludes: “Maritime Protection AS, joining forces with Boss Montasje, will be able to deliver state of the art systems at competitive conditions, and create new business opportunities with local companies serving the offshore industry and take advantage of synergies.”

Air Products founded its leading inert gas generation systems business in Norway in 1970. Today, the Norwegian generated gases team specialises in the supply of standard and engineered systems for the shipping, offshore, oil and petrochemical industries, including project management, order execution, and after sales support. Air Products’ range of inert gas generation products is supplied to ships and floating offshore production vessels and is recognized by the industry as being based on sound engineering principles and high quality execution. Over the years, the Air Products Norwegian team developed innovative products such as the dry inert gas generator system (DIGG) and the dual fuel inert gas generator system for LNG tankers and floating production, storage and offloading vessels (FPSOs), ensuring their safe, reliable, and low life-cycle cost operation. It has also been recognized for development of a combustion system that by design prevents oil from leaking into the sea in the case of a “mis-firing”.

Notes to the Editors:

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. Air Products has annual revenues of over $10 billion, operations in more than 40 countries, and 21,000 employees around the globe. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.

Press Contact:
Steinar Andersen
Maritime Protecion AS Managing Director
Tel: +47 +4791687902

Air Products and Samsung Engineering Secure ASU Win in Saudi Arabia

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Air Products (NYSE: APD), working with Samsung Engineering, announced today that it has secured a contract for an air separation unit (ASU) to supply National Industrial Gases Co. (NIGC), a subsidiary of Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC). The ASU will produce 3,550 tons per day (TPD) of oxygen, 3,600 TPD of nitrogen, and 150 TPD of argon. It will be located at NIGC’s facility in Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia, and is to be on-stream in 2011.

“We are very proud to have won this contract with Samsung Engineering. It demonstrates a novel approach, by combining Air Products’ ability to design large-scale ASUs, with the engineering and construction expertise of Samsung Engineering. This project is another milestone demonstrating our industrial gas facility capabilities, as the ASU will be the largest-ever cold box system designed, fabricated, and shipped by Air Products,” said David J. Taylor, vice president–Energy Businesses at Air Products. Taylor also noted the arrangement both strengthens Air Products’ existing relationship with NIGC and SABIC, and regionally as the Al Jubail Phase 8 ASU is the most recent in a series of Middle East projects for Air Products.

Air Products built the first ever ASU in the Middle East in the 1950s and has 50 years of experience satisfying industrial gas customers in the region. The company’s Middle East operation is headquartered in Doha, Qatar. Regional business activity has accelerated in recent years with multiple industries requiring ASUs and hydrogen production plants.

Additionally, Air Products continues to build on a long-standing relationship withAbdullah Hashim Group, most recently via joint ventures that brought on-stream new ASU and hydrogen production facilities for Emirates Float Glass Company in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The Abdullah Hashim Group and Air Products partnership is also building two new air separation units for Shadeed Iron & Steel’s production plant in the Sohar Industrial Port of Oman.

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. Air Products had fiscal 2008 revenues of $10.4 billion, operations in over 40 countries, and 21,000 employees around the globe. For more information, visit:
> www.airproducts.com

About Samsung Engineering
Samsung Engineering Co., Ltd. (SECL) is the first and largest Korean engineering company, specializing in engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) of hydrocarbon, industrial, environmental and infrastructure plants and/or facilities on a turn-key basis in worldwide markets.

Provides full range of engineering services including design, procurement, construction, facility operation, and management.
In the fields of petrochemical plants, refineries, gas plants, fertilizer plants, power plants, electronics/food/automobile plants, IT, steel mills, LNG, wastewater treatment, disposal of waste materials, railway and infrastructure.

With a total of 4,100 employees worldwide, we have an established presence in worldwide markets in the Middle East, Europe, Asia and the Americas.

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

Wasserstoff – idealer Energieträger für die Intralogistik

Wed, 13 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Die Globalisierung verändert viele Unternehmen. Das wird auch bei den Materialflüssen in Unternehmen, der sogenannten Intralogistik, deutlich. In Zeiten eines weltweit vernetzten Warenverkehrs müssen die Güter nicht nur auf Straßen oder Schienen termingenau transportiert werden. Auch in den Unternehmen selbst muss der Materialfluss so effektiv und reibungslos wie möglich funktionieren. Intralogistik ist ein Wachstumsmarkt. Nach Angaben des Forums Intralogistik im Verband Deutschen Maschinen- und Anlagenbau (VDMA) hat die Branche ihren Umsatz allein 2008 um neun Prozent auf 19, 4 Milliarden Euro erhöht. Wichtigster Exportmarkt für deutsche Intralogistik- Produkte sind dabei seit Jahren die USA – der Umsatz dort betrug im Jahr 2008 1,12 Milliarden Euro. Auch bei der Umsetzung von technischen Innovationen sind die USA führend. So setzen immer mehr Unternehmen in Nordamerika auf Wasserstoff als Energieträger, um Gabelstapler und Hubwagen anzutreiben. Als Partner bei vielen Projekten mit an Bord: der Industriegasehersteller Air Products, weltweit größter Produzent von industriellem Wasserstoff und führend bei Lösungen für die Wasserstoff-Betankung. Derzeit ist das Unternehmen an drei Projekten beteiligt.

Wasserstoff – idealer Energieträger für die Intralogistik

Ende März hat der US-amerikanische Lebensmittelgroßhändler Central Grocers in seinem neuen Zentrallager in Ilinois eine Flotte von mehr als 200 Flurförderfahrzeugen auf Brennstoffzellenantrieb umgerüstet. Angetrieben werden die Stapler und Hubwagen von einer Plug Power-Brennstoffzelle vom Typ GenDrive. Air Products hat die gesamte Wasserstoffinfrastruktur installiert und liefert auch den Wasserstoff. Seite 2 von 2 Central Grocers hat von der Umrüstung im Vergleich zu den zuvor genutzten, batteriebetriebenen Fahrzeugen deutliche Vorteile: Die Wasserstoff-Gabelstapler müssen in der Regel nur einmal am Tag neu betankt werden, zudem nimmt – anders als bei vielen batteriebetriebenen Gabelstaplern – ihre Leistungsfähigkeit nicht ab und bleibt bis zum Nachtanken konstant. Und schließlich werden die bleisäurehaltigen, die Umwelt belastenden Batterien bei den Wasserstoff- Fahrzeugen durch eine Brennstoffzelle ersetzt. In einem zweiten Projekt installiert Air Products derzeit die komplette Wasserstoff-Infrastruktur bei Nestlé Waters in Dallas. Der Tafelwasser-Produzent wird dort mehr als 30 Gabelstapler auf den Betrieb mit Wasserstoff umrüsten.

Studie vergleicht Batterie- und Wasserstoff-Fahrzeuge

Die Unterschiede von Batterie- und Wasserstoff-betriebenen Gabelstaplern untersucht derzeit das amerikanische Verteidigungsministerium im Rahmen eines Pilot-Projektes in einem seiner Waren-Depots in Pennsylvania. Auch hier hat Air Products Betankungs-Infrastruktur geliefert. Die Logistik-Experten des Ministeriums werden in den kommenden zwei Jahren insgesamt 20 Gabelstapler mit Wasserstoff-Brennstoffzellen-Antrieb in ihrer Leistungsfähigkeit und in Bezug auf die Kostenentwicklung mit zeitgleich genutzten batteriebetriebenen Modellen vergleichen. Darüber hinaus setzt das Ministerium außerhalb der Studie 20 weitere Brennstoffzellen-Stapler im Regelbetrieb ein.

Über Air Products

Air Products (Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.) bietet seinen Kunden in Industrie, Energiewirtschaft und Gesundheit ein weltweit einzigartiges Portfolio von Industrie-, Prozess- und Spezialgasen, Hochleistungsmaterialien sowie Anlagen und Dienstleistungen.
Seit seiner Gründung im Jahr 1940 hat sich Air Products eine führende Stellung in bedeutenden Wachstumsmärkten wie der Halbleiterindustrie, der Wasserstofferzeugung, der Erdgasverflüssigung und des Gesundheitswesens sowie moderner Schicht- und Klebstoffe erarbeitet. Im Mittelpunkt der Unternehmenskultur stehen Innovation, effiziente Prozesse und ein umfassendes Sicherheits- und Umweltbewusstsein. Air Products erzielt mit etwa 21.000 Mitarbeitern in mehr als 40 Ländern einen Jahresumsatz von mehr als zehn Milliarden US-Dollar.

Weitere Informationen finden Sie unter
> www.airproducts.com

Press Contact:
Sascha Stoltenow
Script Corporate+Public Communication,
Tel.: 06171/2847-280

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Air Products’ Hydrogen Fueling Technology to Power Nestlé Waters’ Warehouse Forklift Conversion

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Air Products (NYSE: APD), a global leader in hydrogen fueling and infrastructure, today announced the signing of a long-term agreement with NestléWaters North America, Inc. to supply hydrogen and hydrogen fueling station technology for Nestlé’s Dallas, Tex. facility, where it will be used to fuel a fleet of approximately 32 Class I hydrogen fuel cell powered forklifts to be used in daily operations. Nestlé Waters is in the process of expanding its bottling and warehousing operations in Dallas and is converting its materials handling equipment to hydrogen fuel cell forklifts. The fueling station is to be installed and operational during the second quarter of 2009.

“This is a leading edge decision made by NestléWaters to convert its materials handling system and use hydrogen as an energy carrier. It is a move that will provide operational, economic and environmental benefits for this bottling facility. Hydrogen fueling technology for materials handling applications is proven and cost-effective,” said Tom Joseph, business development manager for Hydrogen Energy Systems at Air Products. “This project also further strengthens our collaboration with Plug Power in providing alternative energy solutions.”

“This project is consistent with our commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable ‘green’ solutions for which Nestlé Waters North America, Inc. aspires. I continue to be encouraged by the enthusiastic support from the front lines to senior leadership to introduce this capability and explore the responsible alternative energy options,” said Christopher Lyon, process improvement manager for Nestlé Waters Fleet Services. “We look forward to this site proving the viability of future conversions.”

“The new hydrogen fueling association with Nestléis an extension of existing business relationships in supplying industrial gases and services to a familiar customer,” said Todd Geis, strategic account manager at Air Products. “We’ve been providing industrial gases and related services to Nestléat other locations around the United States for nearly 20 years. Hydrogen fueling, which is using our liquid hydrogen as its feed at this site, is an innovative offering that in the eyes of the customer sets us apart from our competition.”

Air Products’ fueling infrastructure at Nestléincludes an outdoor liquid hydrogen storage and compression system, along with multiple indoor fueling dispensers for operator refueling. Air Products’ will fuel the fleet of new lift trucks fitted with Plug Power’s (NASDAQ: PLUG) GenDriveTM hydrogen fuel cell power units. The GenDrive systems can be quickly refueled by the lift truck operator in less than five minutes, completely eliminating the need to change, store, charge and maintain multiple lead acid batteries per lift truck.

There are many advantages to using hydrogen powered forklifts and other materials handling equipment. Hydrogen fuel cell-powered equipment needs refueling once or twice daily, depending on use. In contrast, traditional battery-powered equipment must be placed temporarily out of operation for battery replacement and required battery recharging approximately every four to six hours. Hydrogen fuel cell-powered equipment provides consistent power strength during use and do not experience decreased performance or wear down as traditional lead-acid battery units do as they near a required battery change out or recharge time. Additionally, hydrogen fuel cell forklifts are not adversely impacted by temperature or by operating in coolers and freezers, in comparison to traditional battery performance. Further, hydrogen-powered fuel cell equipment is moreenvironmentally friendly because they do not involve lead-acid battery storage and disposal issues.

This announcement follows closely Air Products’ recent news of its hydrogen fueling project at the Defense Distribution Depot Susquehanna Pennsylvania (DDSP) in New Cumberland, Pa., where it is powering a fleet of 40 of Plug Power’s GenDrive hydrogen fuel cell powered forklifts used in daily warehouse operations. Additional related materials handling projects powered by Air Products’ hydrogen technology include installation of indoor hydrogen fueling infrastructure to fill a fleet of over 200 fuel cell powered lift trucks, working with Plug Power and Yale Equipment Services, which will operate at Central Grocers’ new distribution center in Joliet, Illinois in 2009, and similar work at a grocery chain warehouse in Texas since 2007, and manufacturing and assembly plants in Tennessee and South Carolina since 2006.

Air Products, the leading hydrogen supplier to refineries to assist in making cleaner burning transportation fuels, has completed over 85,000 hydrogen fills and has placed over 90 hydrogen fueling stations in the United States and 16 countries worldwide. Cars, trucks, vans, buses, scooters, forklifts and other materials handling equipment, and even submarines, have been fueled with this trend-setting technology that involves Air Products’ know-how, equipment, and hydrogen, and use of the technology is increasing at over 2,500 hydrogen fills per month. Air Products provides liquid and gaseous hydrogen, and HCNG (hydrogen/compressed natural gas) fueling, and has developed a variety of enabling devices and protocols for fuel dispensing at varied pressures. Hydrogen for these stations is delivered to a site via truck, by on-site natural gas reformation, and by electrolysis, including electrolysis that is solar and wind driven.

Air Products has more than 50 years of hydrogen experience and is on the forefront of hydrogen energy technology development. Air Products has an extensive patent portfolio with over 50 patents in hydrogen dispensing technology. For more information on Air Products’ hydrogen fueling station technologies go to www.airproducts.com/h2energy.

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. Air Products has annual revenues of over $10 billion, operations in over 40 countries, and 21,000 employees around the globe. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.

About Plug Power
Plug Power Inc. (NASDAQ: PLUG), an established leader in the development and deployment of clean, reliable energy solutions, integrates fuel cell technology into motive, continuous and backup power products. The Company is actively engaged with private and public customers in targeted markets throughout the world. For more information about how to join Plug Power’s energy revolution as an investor, customer, supplier or strategic partner, please visit www.plugpower.com.

About Nestle Water North America
Central to the leadership of Nestle Waters North America Inc. is its 33-year experience and single-focus on producing bottled water products. The company’s dedication to product quality control, manufacturing expertise, employee development and environmental stewardship, especially in the areas of water use, energy and packaging, has led Nestle Waters to the number one bottled water position in the U.S. Simply said, to reach success the company follows its credo: Respect for each other, respect for the environment and respect for the community.

Founded in 1976, Nestle Waters North America is noted for having seven of the top ten bottled water brands sold in the U.S. The nation’s number one ranked bottled water brand is Nestlé® Pure Life® Purified Water which is available nationally. Other market-leading regional domestic brands include Poland Spring®, Arrowhead®, Ozarka®, Deer Park®, Zephyrhills®, and Ice Mountain®. Rounding out the company’s portfolio of bottled water brands are popular imports such as Perrier®, Contrex®, Acqua Panna® and S.Pellegrino®.

Nestle Waters North America Inc., with 8,400 employees, is based in Greenwich, Connecticut. It is a corporate affiliate of Nestlé S.A., of Switzerland. Please visit www.nestlewatersnorthamerica.com for more information.

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

Plug Power Contact:
Katrina Fritz Intwala
Tel: (518) 782-7700, ext. 1360

Cathy Yudzevich
Tel: (518) 782-7700, ext. 1448

Air Products’ Hydrogen Fueling Technology Powering Forklifts at Defense Distribution Depot in Pennsylvania

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Air Products (NYSE: APD), a global leader in hydrogen fueling and infrastructure, has installed its hydrogen fueling station technology at the Defense Distribution Depot Susquehanna Pennsylvania (DDSP) in New Cumberland, Pa. and today is powering an overall fleet of 40 hydrogen fuel cell powered forklifts being used in daily warehouse operations. Air Products is the lead contractor for the two year Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) research and development demonstration pilot project.

In the pilot project, DDSP personnel will operate 20 fuel cell-powered forklifts alongside lead-acid battery forklifts, outside the scope pilot project, in daily operations. In addition, the fueling station will be used to support an additional 20 fuel cell-powered forklifts provided by DLA. Data to compare costs and operational characteristics will be collected and analyzed to support the development and commercialization of hydrogen fuel cell technologies for Department of Defense operations.

“We commend the DLA for taking this close look at the many positives, both operational and environmental, offered by the use of hydrogen powered forklifts. The program at this location provides for a side-by-side comparison during routine operations of the traditional lead-acid battery technology and the advanced hydrogen fuel-cell technology. We believe the performance of the hydrogen powered materials handling equipment will clearly demonstrate operational, economic and environmental benefits,” said Brian O’Neil, program manager for Hydrogen Energy Systems at Air Products.

“The DDSP project is the first in a series of three research and development pilots of fuel cell and associated hydrogen fueling technologies within the Defense Distribution Center,” said Leo Plonsky, DLA’s R&D program manager for hydrogen fuel cell technologies. “Not only does this technology reduce DLA’s dependence on imported oil, it reduces greenhouse gas emission that can contribute to climate change.”

There are many advantages to using hydrogen powered forklifts and other materials handling equipment. Hydrogen fuel cell-powered equipment needs refueling, which can be completed in minutes, only once or twice daily depending on use. In contrast, traditional battery-powered equipment must be placed temporarily out of operation for battery replacement and required battery recharging approximately every four to six hours. Hydrogen fuel cell-powered equipment provides consistent power during use and do not experience decreased performance or wear down as traditional lead-acid battery units do as they near a required battery change out or recharge time. Further, hydrogen-powered fuel cell equipment is more environmentally friendly, without associated lead-acid battery storage and disposal issues.

Air Products had previously announced a hydrogen fueling infrastructure project for the materials handling industry in late 2008. Air Products is installing indoor hydrogen fueling infrastructure to fill a fleet of over 200 fuel cell powered lift trucks that will operate at Central Grocers’ new distribution center in Joliet, Illinois. The distribution center fueling project will come on-stream in 2009. Air Products has also been involved with similar work at a grocery chain warehouse in Texas since 2007 and a manufacturing and assembly plant in Tennessee since 2006.

Air Products, the leading hydrogen supplier to refineries to assist in making cleaner burning transportation fuels, has completed over 85,000 hydrogen fills and has placed over 90 hydrogen fueling stations in the United States and 16 countries worldwide. Cars, trucks, vans, buses, scooters, forklifts and other materials handling equipment, and even submarines, have been fueled with this trend-setting technology that involves Air Products’ know-how, equipment, and hydrogen, and use of the technology is increasing at over 2,500 hydrogen fills per month. Air Products provides liquid and gaseous hydrogen, and HCNG (hydrogen/compressed natural gas) fueling, and has developed a variety of enabling devices and protocols for fuel dispensing at varied pressures. Hydrogen for these stations is delivered to a site via truck, by on-site natural gas reformation, and by electrolysis, including electrolysis that is solar and wind driven.

Air Products has more than 50 years of hydrogen experience and is on the forefront of hydrogen energy technology development. Air Products has an extensive patent portfolio with over 50 patents in hydrogen dispensing technology. For more information on Air Products’ hydrogen fueling station technologies go to www.airproducts.com/h2energy.

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. Air Products has annual revenues of over $10 billion, operations in over 40 countries, and 21,000 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.

El servicio CryoEase de Carburos Metalicos una solucion para el suministro de gases

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Carburos Metálicos, Grupo Air Products, cuenta con el servicio CryoEase® para el suministro de gases como el nitrógeno, oxígeno, argón o dióxido de carbono, entre otros. Gracias a este servicio se puede instalar un depósito compacto que proporciona el gas a la presión adecuada y de forma ininterrumpida, incluso durante la recarga de los depósitos.

Al utilizarse un solo depósito en vez de los habituales bloques de botellas, se consigue una reducción del espacio necesario. Por poner un ejemplo, un pequeño depósito de líquido puede contener el equivalente a 16 botellas a alta presión ocupando un espacio más reducido. Asimismo, al instalarse un sólo depósito se mejora la seguridad y eficacia, ya que el gas se canaliza directamente al punto de utilización, se evita el riesgo de contaminación cruzada al ser recipientes de uso exclusivo, y las entregas, que disminuyen respecto a las botellas, no requieren de la intervención ni manipulación por parte del cliente.

Otra de las ventajas del sistema CryoEase^® es su amplia gama de depósitos que van de los 25 a los 2.000 litros al igual que su fácil instalación. Para su ubicación normalmente no es necesaria ninguna cimentación especial, ni licencia de obra y no requiere de corriente eléctrica ni otros servicios.

Abastecimiento automático
Su abastecimiento se realiza de forma automática sin necesidad de realizar ningún pedido con un camión cisterna de Carburos Metálicos de dimensiones reducidas que acude cuando el nivel de gas en el depósito baja hasta un nivel preestablecido. Igualmente, los clientes cuentan con el asesoramiento de un profesional de la compañía en materia de selección de depósito, diseño del sistema de gas, instalación, revisión, mantenimiento y seguridad.

Sobre Carburos Metálicos
Carburos Metálicos se constituyó en 1897. Desde entonces ha registrado un crecimiento constante que le ha llevado a liderar el sector de gases industriales y de uso medicinal en España. La empresa cuenta con un equipo de más de 1.000 profesionales, 15 plantas de producción, 2 laboratorios de gases de alta pureza, 41 centros propios y más de 200 puntos de distribución y delegaciones repartidos por todo el territorio nacional. Carburos Metálicos forma parte del Grupo Air Products desde 1995.

Sobre Air Products
Air Products presta servicio a clientes en los mercados tecnológico, energético, sanitario e industrial de todo el mundo, proporcionándoles una oferta global de productos, servicios y soluciones en gases atmosféricos, especiales y de proceso, así como materiales de alto rendimiento e intermedios químicos. Fundada en 1940, Air Products es líder en mercados clave como semiconductores, producción de hidrógeno, servicios de asistencia sanitaria, licuefacción de gas natural y recubrimientos avanzados y adhesivos. La compañía es reconocida por su cultura innovadora, su excelencia operacional y su compromiso con la seguridad y el medioambiente. Air Products tiene unos ingresos anuales de más de 10 billones de dólares, opera en más de 40 países, y cuenta con 21.000 empleados en todo el mundo. Para más información, www.airproducts.com.

Air Products to Supply Hydrogen and Infrastructure to Fuel Fleet of Fuel Cell Lift Trucks at New Illinois Grocery Distribution Center

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Environmentally cleaner, more energy efficient, and providing enhanced operational performance on the job 24/7 is how users of hydrogen powered forklifts and materials handling equipment describe the new warehouse workhorse. The benefits of hydrogen powered vehicles over traditional units will be evidenced daily as Air Products (NYSE: APD), a global leader in hydrogen fueling infrastructure and technology, will install indoor hydrogen fueling infrastructure to fill a fleet of over 200 fuel cell powered lift trucks that will operate at Central Grocers’ new distribution center in Joliet, Illinois. Central Grocers’ new distribution center is expected to be operational by the end of the first quarter of 2009.

“The operational and environmental benefits of hydrogen powered materials handling management systems will be very evident from day one,” said Tom Joseph, business development manager for Hydrogen Energy Systems at Air Products. “Look no further than Joliet, Illinois for a true indication of the positive results of the hydrogen economy that many people have talked about. We are pleased to be collaborating with Plug Power at this site, and congratulate Central Grocers for its leadership in seeking alternative energy solutions.”

Air Products’ indoor hydrogen fueling dispenser and related infrastructure will fuel the fleet of new lift trucks supplied by Yale Equipment Services, located in Rosemont, Illinois and fitted with Plug Power’s (NASDAQ: PLUG) GenDriveTM hydrogen fuel cell power packs. Yale will service both the lift trucks and the GenDrive fuel cell units. Air Products’ fueling infrastructure will include outdoor liquid hydrogen storage and compression system, along with multiple indoor fueling dispensers for operator refueling. The GenDrive power units can be quickly refueled by the lift truck operator in less than two minutes. This completely eliminates the need to change, store, charge and maintain multiple lead acid batteries per lift truck.

“Central Grocers represents the first greenfield site to incorporate our GenDrive solution into its operations. Greenfield sites offer the potential for the greatest financial and operational benefits to our customers by eliminating the need for capital investments in batteries and the associated chargers, storage and changing systems,” said Andy Marsh, CEO of Plug Power. “This purchase also helps Central Grocers green their supply chain as well as their business operations.”

There are many advantages to using hydrogen powered forklifts and other materials handling equipment. Hydrogen fuel cell-powered equipment needs refueling only once or twice daily, depending on use. In contrast, traditional battery-powered equipment must be placed temporarily out of operation for battery replacement and required battery recharging usually every four to six hours. Hydrogen fuel cell-powered equipment provides consistent power strength during use and do not have decreased performance or wear down as required battery change out and recharge time nears for traditional units. Further, hydrogen-powered fuel cell equipment is more environmentally friendly, without associated lead-acid battery storage and disposal issues.

Air Products, the leading supplier of merchant hydrogen to refineries to assist in making cleaner burning transportation fuels, has completed over 75,000 hydrogen fills and has placed over 90 hydrogen fueling stations in the United States and 15 countries worldwide. Cars, trucks, vans, buses, scooters, forklifts and other materials handling equipment, and even submarines, have been fueled as this trend-setting technology involving Air Products know-how, equipment, and hydrogen is being used increasingly at over 2,000 hydrogen fills per month. Air Products provides liquid and gaseous hydrogen, and HCNG (hydrogen/compressed natural gas) fueling at varied pressures and was the first company to provide 700 bar (10,000 psi) fueling. Hydrogen for these stations is delivered to a site via truck, by on-site natural gas reformation, and by electrolysis, wind and solar means.

Air Products has more than 50 years of hydrogen experience and is on the forefront of hydrogen energy technology development. Air Products has an extensive patent portfolio with over 50 patents in hydrogen dispensing technology. For more information on Air Products’ hydrogen fueling station technologies go to www.airproducts.com/h2energy.

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. Air Products has annual revenues of over $10 billion, operations in more than 40 countries, and 21,000 employees around the globe. Formore information, visit www.airproducts.com.

About Plug Power

Plug Power Inc. (NASDAQ: PLUG), an established leader in the development and deployment of clean, reliable on-site energy solutions, integrates fuel cell technology into motive, continuous and backup power products. The Company is actively engaged with private and public customers in targeted markets throughout the world. For more information about how to join Plug Power’s energy revolution as an investor, customer, supplier or strategic partner, please visit www.plugpower.com.

About Yale Materials Handling Corporation

Yale Materials Handling Corporation markets a full line of energy efficient materials handling lift truck products and services, including electric, gas, LP-gas and diesel powered lift trucks; narrow aisle, very narrow aisle and motorized hand trucks. All Yale® trucks are manufactured in plants meeting ISO 14000 environmental standards. Company engineers are researching and investing in new technologies to help make lift trucks more energy efficient. Yale is a market leader in the development of electric trucks designed to duplicate the performance of ICE trucks. Yale is also a market leader in the introduction of regenerative technology on electric trucks to help conserve energy. Yale® trucks are manufactured in ISO 9001:2000 registered facilities and range in capacity from 2,000 to 36,000 pounds. For more information, or to find the authorized Yale® lift truck dealer nearest you, call 1-800-233-YALE or visit www.yale.com.

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

Plug Power Contact:
Katrina Fritz Intwala
Tel: (518) 782-7700, ext. 1360

Plug Power Investor Contact:
Cathy Yudzevich
Tel: (518) 782-7700, ext. 1448

Air Products to Build New Production Facility for Industry-Leading PRISM® Membrane Products

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Air Products (NYSE: APD), the worldwide leader in production of gas separation and purification membranes, today announced plans to construct a new production facility in St. Charles, Missouri to increase manufacturing capacity of its full line of PRISM® membrane products. The new facility will increase Air Products' membrane output by over 50 percent. It will provide for state-of-the-art hollow fiber production and module assembly technology across the full range of multiple PRISM membrane offerings. The new plant is to be on-stream in early 2010.

"This new facility will ensure our ability to meet the strong demand for high performance membranes. Membrane technology is being used increasingly in new and growing applications, and we will be positioned to meet that need with facilities capable of producing multiple size membrane product offerings," said George Lewis, global business manager, Equipment Sales at Air Products. Air Products will continue to operate its current PRISM® membrane production plant in St. Louis, which opened in 1984 and was expanded several times, most recently in 2007. "Locating near our existing facility will allow us to leverage our skilled workforce and know-how to bring the facility into full production more quickly and efficiently. We appreciate the support of both the City of St. Charles and the Missouri Department of Economic Development in helping to make this project a reality," Lewis added.

Membrane technology is used to separate and purify gases. Membrane modules contain thousands of hollow fibers to provide high processing capacity in a compact unit. Membranes are often used to produce nitrogen from compressed air; for hydrogen recovery and purification; for ratio adjustment to balance a mix of gases; air and gas dehydration to remove water, which can impact compressed gas performance; and natural gas treatment for removal of impurities. "The ability for membranes to separate gases by taking advantage of the differing permeability and solubility rates in feed gases, and do so in a highly reliable lightweight system, with few moving parts and to be able to operate in constrained spaces, makes membrane technology attractive for many applications," said Lewis.

Nitrogen membrane demand is driven by product needs from the chemical production, food processing, liquefied natural gas, oil and gas, transportation and mining industries. Hydrogen membranes are used in chemical, refining, and biofuels processes. Dehydration membranes are used in compressed air systems and for high pressure requirements such as for natural gas dehydration. Air Products' PRISM membranes have been used to produce gases to inert fuel tanks aboard aircraft, for use in coal mine methane recovery operations in China, to enrich oxygen for passengers on the world's longest and highest highland railway, the Qinghai-Tibet railway, and to produce nitrogen for blanketing chemical, methanol and liquefied gas shipments around the globe.

Air Products' PRISM line of gas generation systems supplied generated nitrogen and oxygen to more than 1,500 customers in over 30 countries worldwide. More information on PRISM membrane systems can be found at: www.airproducts.com/membranes.

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. Air Products has annual revenues of $10 billion, operations in over 40 countries, and 22,000 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.

Air Products to Design and Build NASA's New $16.8 Million Liquid Nitrogen Plant

Thu, 04 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0400

Air Products (NYSE: APD) today joined NASA at Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va. in a groundbreaking ceremony for a new $16.8 million liquid nitrogen plant for NASA’s National Transonic Facility (NTF). The new plant, designed and supplied by Air Products, is scheduled for a 2008 start-up. It will be owned by NASA and operated by NASA’s on-site support contractor. Air Products won the competitive procurement for a turn-key, fixed price contract, based on a "best value to the government" evaluation completed in September 2006.

NASA’s National Transonic Facility contains several high-tech operations, including the largest cryogenic wind tunnel in the world. NTF uses liquid nitrogen to produce a high-quality, high-altitude test environment for aircraft development and refinement. The new dedicated plant will provide NASA with a secure, long-term supply of liquid nitrogen, substantially reducing the cost of research and testing at the facility. NTF performs research and development testing for government and non-government applications, including aerospace and commercial customers.

"We have actively participated in the competitive process since NASA’s initial market surveys for product supply. This liquid nitrogen plant groundbreaking represents a significant milestone for everyone. We are expecting a successful project completion, and we are targeting to do so ahead of the required contract completion date. The combined efforts of our dedicated project teams at both Air Products and NASA will make this a safe and successful project," said Steve Meholic, business manager, Air Separation Equipment at Air Products.

Air Products has had a working relationship with NASA for 50 years. Beginning in 1957 with the commissioning of an industrial gas plant in Ohio, Air Products has been supplying NASA with liquid hydrogen and other industrial gases for advancing the U.S. Space Program. In fact, Air Products has supplied all the liquid hydrogen used for every Space Shuttle launch and prior Mercury and Apollo missions. In addition to product supply to the space launches at Kennedy Space Center in Fla., Air Products has also had a long-term relationship with NASA’s engine testing program at Stennis Space Center in Miss., as well as Marshall Space Flight Center in Ala., and Johnson Space Center in Tex.

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. Air Products has annual revenues of $9 billion, operations in over 40 countries, and over 20,000 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.

Air Products Announces North American Price Increase For Several Liquid and Bulk Industrial Gas Products

Mon, 17 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0400

Effective October 1, 2007, or as contracts permit, Air Products (NYSE:APD) will increase schedule pricing on bulk helium by 30 percent, liquid oxygen and liquid nitrogen by eight percent, liquid and bulk hydrogen by 12 percent, and liquid argon by 12 percent for merchant and government customers in North America.

The pricing initiatives are needed to address continued cost pressures and the need for ongoing investment in infrastructure to increase operating rates. These cost pressures include escalating material, labor, and energy costs associated with the production and distribution of its merchantgas products, and to support capital investment required to meet current and future demand.

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

Air Products to Lead DLA Hydrogen Powered Forklift Demonstration Program

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0400

Air Products (NYSE: APD) today announced it has signed an agreement with the Defense Logistics Agency’s (DLA) Research and Development Program as lead contractor for a two-year demonstration program to develop an indoor hydrogen fueling station technology infrastructure to fuel 20 hydrogen fuel cell-powered forklifts for daily warehouse operations at the Defense Distribution Depot Susquehanna Pennsylvania (DDSP).

Air Products will collaborate with General Hydrogen, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Plug Power Inc. (NASDAQ: PLUG), to retrofit 20 battery-powered Class 1 forklifts with General Hydrogen’s fuel cell power packs and provide Air Products’ hydrogen fueling station technology infrastructure for the pilot program. DDSP personnel will operate the fuel cell-powered forklifts alongside lead-acid battery forklifts in daily operations. Data to compare costs and operational characteristics will be collected and analyzed to support the development and commercialization of hydrogen fuel cell technologies for Department of Defense (DoD) operations.

“The DLA is to be commended for commencing this demonstration program. Hydrogen-powered forklifts provide an excellent opportunity to continue to grow the potential applications for the use of hydrogen as an energy carrier. We believe the program will demonstrate that hydrogen-powered forklifts will show productivity improvements during active warehouse operations, and also show economic and environmental benefits at the same time,” said Tom Joseph, business development manager for Hydrogen Energy Systems at Air Products.

Hydrogen fuel cell-powered forklifts need refueling, which typically can be completed in less than five minutes, only once or twice daily, depending on use. In contrast, traditional battery-powered forklifts must be placed temporarily out of operation for battery replacement and required battery recharging usually every four to six hours. Hydrogen fuel cell-powered forklifts provide consistent power strength during use and do not have decreased performance or wear down as required battery changeout and recharge time nears. Further, hydrogen-powered fuel cell forklifts are more environmentally friendly, without associated lead-acid battery storage and disposal issues.

This demonstration program is a continuation of Air Products’ work in the hydrogen-powered forklift market. Air Products has been participating in similar work at a manufacturing and assembly plant in Tennessee since January 2006 and a grocery chain warehouse in Texas since March 2007. The projects include providing indoor hydrogen fueling station infrastructure for fueling hydrogen-powered forklifts and automated guided vehicles powered by hydrogen.

Air Products has more than 50 years of hydrogen experience and is on the forefront of hydrogen energy technology development. As the world’s largest supplier of merchant hydrogen, Air Products is a leader in the development of the hydrogen infrastructure necessary to fuel hydrogen fuel cell and hydrogen internal combustion engine automobiles, HCNG (hydrogen/ compressed natural gas) vehicles, and indoordispensing stations for forklift applications in manufacturing facilities and warehouses. Air Products has placed over 70 hydrogen fueling stations on stream in 12 countries, including stations in Beijing, China that will fuel buses shuttling athletes and visitors for the 2008 Olympic Games. Over 36,000 vehicle fuelings worldwide have already taken place using Air Products’ technology. The company has an extensive patent portfolio, with more than 50 patents in hydrogen dispensing technology.

More information on Air Products’ hydrogen fueling station technologies and activities can be found at www.airproducts.com/h2energy.

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 and is listed in the Dow Jones Sustainability and FTSE4Good Indices. The company has annual revenues of $9 billion, operations in over 40 countries, and over 20,000 employees around the globe. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.

About Plug Power

Plug Power Inc. (NASDAQ: PLUG), an established leader in the development and deployment of clean, reliable on-site energy products, integrates fuel cell technology into backup and primary power products for telecommunications, material handling, utility and uninterruptible power supply applications. In March and April 2007, Plug Power acquired Cellex Power Products, Inc. and General Hydrogen Corporation, respectively, both leaders in the development and commercialization of fuel cell solutions for electric lift trucks. The Company is actively engaged with private and public customers in targeted markets throughout the world, including North America, Europe, the Middle East, Russia, South Africa and South America. For more information about how to join Plug Power’s energy revolution as an investor, customer, supplier or strategic partner, please visit www.plugpower.com.

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

Air Products Reaches Microbulk Solutions Milestone with 10,000th Installation

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0400

Air Products (NYSE: APD) achieved a milestone in May with the 10,000th customer installation of its innovative Microbulk Solutions for small volume industrial gas customers. The installation of Microbulk Solutions at a customer manufacturing facility located in Georgia marked the achievement of the global product offering first introduced in the United States in 2005, and offered in Europe prior to 1990. Microbulk Solutions is a novel gas supply and services option that provides the most technically-advanced and cost-effective alternative to traditional cylinder gas packaging in the marketplace.

“Microbulk delivery service and on-site storage and blending systems are very popular and have reached the 10,000th installation because the offering brings the advantages of bulk supply to operations with less than traditional bulk delivery volumes. At the 10,000th installation, Microbulk was the answer for our customer’s argon needs for vacuum furnaces. Whether it is argon or nitrogen for heat-treating furnace atmospheres, nitrogen or oxygen for laser-assist gases, or argon and argon blends for weld shielding, Microbulk supply can mean efficient, economical and reliable supply for small-volume users,” said John Tapley, Microbulk business development manager at Air Products.

Air Products’ Microbulk Solutions has had an impact for several markets including metals processing, biotechnology, foods, electronics and healthcare industries, and for applications with relatively small volume gas requirements. The service appeals to small-volume customers by virtually eliminating cylinder handling and reducing the number of product deliveries.

Microbulk tank trucks provide fast fills into storage tanks that are designed to offer customers a range of flexible supply options. They feature automatic fill shut-off devices; computer telemetry that remotely monitors tank levels, or programmable digital liquid level gauges to help customers monitor their inventory; and tanks with enhanced thermal qualities to limit product loss during periods of little or no use. Microbulk Solutions provide a much simplified supply chain option over the former gas supply practice of many industries’ processing operations that historically relied on high-pressure cylinders and dewars―a labor-intensive approach often resulting in wasted residual gas and the potential for interrupted supply, cross-contamination and safety issues.

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 and is listed in the Dow Jones Sustainability and FTSE4Good Indices. The company has annual revenues of $9 billion, operations in over 40 countries, and over 20,000 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.

Air Products Forms Joint Venture with CNOOC Oil Base Group Ltd. to Serve China's Fast-Growing Fujian Province

Tue, 22 May 2007 00:00:00 -0400

Air Products (NYSE: APD) today announced that it has formed a joint venture with CNOOC Oil Base Group Ltd., which is a wholly owned subsidiary of China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), one of the largest state-owned oil companies and the leading offshore oil and gas producer in the country.

The joint venture will build and operate an air separation unit (ASU) and liquefier in Putian, Fujian Province, to produce liquid oxygen, nitrogen and argon by using cold energy from liquefied natural gas (LNG). It is the first application of LNG cold energy at an ASU plant in China.

Air Products will also build and operate the associated storage and distribution operations at the ASU plant to supply the liquid products to the local market in Fujian Province, a fast growing marketplace for industrial gases.

"This is the first use of cold energy to make industrial gas products in China. We find Air Products is the best partner for this effort because it is a leader in the LNG industry and has a proven track record in ASU plant design and in reliable and safe operation," said Mr. Meng Liming, general manager of CNOOC Oil Base Group Ltd. "Air Products also has the capabilities and expertise to market the products from this venture," added Mr. Meng.

Fujian Province plays a significant role in the dynamic pan-Pearl River Delta economic region. In 2006, it ranked ninth in the country for its industrial output. The electronics and petrochemical industries have become emerging pillars of Fujian's economy, and contributed nearly half of the total production value of Fujian's industry.

"We are deeply honored to partner with CNOOC and to be able to participate in this environmentally-beneficial project. The use of cold energy will significantly reduce power consumption in the industrial gas production process which helps protect the environment. We look forward to the successful partnership this venture will bring," said Bob Dixon, vice president and general manager of Global Merchant Gases at Air Products. "Our partnership with CNOOC and investment in Fujian Province will strengthen our supply position in this fast-growing industrial market in China."

The ASU plant in Putian, Fujian Province is expected to come on-stream in 2009.

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 and is listed in the Dow Jones Sustainability and FTSE4Good Indices. The company has annual revenues of US$9 billion, operations in over 40 countries, and over 20,000 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.

Air Products Announces Pricing Actions for North American Merchant Gas Customers

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0400

Effective May 1, 2007, or as contracts permit, Air Products (NYSE:APD) will increase schedule pricing for liquid argon by 15 to 25 percent, liquid helium by 30 to 40 percent, and liquid-bulk oxygen and nitrogen by 10 to 15 percent for merchant customers in North America. Additionally, the company will increase its monthly service charge schedule pricing by 15 percent.

The pricing initiatives are being implemented to cover the continued escalating production costs of helium, argon, oxygen and nitrogen, as well as rising equipment replacement and maintenance costs for customer storage and supply systems.

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

Air Products Supplies PRISM® Membrane Separators to Produce Enriched Oxygen for Qinghai-Tibet Train in China, Enabling a Pleasant Ride on Top of the World

Mon, 17 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0400

Air Products (NYSE: APD)—a globally diversified gases and chemicals company—has supplied through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Permea China Limited, PRISM® membrane separators in the equipment used to produce enriched oxygen for the passenger compartments on China's Qinghai-Tibet Railway, enabling a breathe-easy train journey on the world's highest highland track.

Opened to the public on July 1, the Qinghai-Tibet Railway is the world's longest and highest highland railway. The journey from Golmud in Qinghai Province to Lhasa in the Tibet Autonomous Region is over a 700 mile long track, of which nearly 600 miles (or four-fifths of the track) are situated over 13,000 feet above sea level, with the highest point at over 16,500 feet.

At a high altitude, the available oxygen in air is decreased and can cause breathing difficulties. Air Products has supplied its PRISM membrane separators to produce oxygen enriched air that goes into the train passenger compartments and mixes with the air inside, resulting in an overall oxygen content of about 23 percent and enabling passengers' easier breathing at the high altitude.

The Qinghai-Tibet Railway is the first, and currently the only, railway in the world to use this application to overcome the breathing problem at the high altitude over the long journey.

"Air Products is proud to be able to participate in the Qinghai-Tibet Railway project, which is a landmark project in China that bridges Tibet, once not easily reachable, with the rest of the world," said Wilbur Mok, president of Air Products China. "We have leveraged our expertise and technology to overcome one of the main challenges—sufficiency of oxygen—when traveling through the Tibetan Plateau, dubbed the roof of the world."

The Qinghai-Tibet Railway is a landmark project in China to develop its western region. With the opening of this track, about 3,000 people can travel to Tibet by train daily, and it will contribute enormously to the region's economic growth.

"Our PRISM membrane separators are selected for this project because they are reliable, simple to use and light weight," added Peter Fung, general manager of Permea China.

Air Products' PRISM membranes are robust and reliable membrane separators that separate gases by permeation to produce purified oxygen and nitrogen. The PRISM line of gas generation systems supplies generated nitrogen and oxygen to more than 1,500 customers in over 30 countries worldwide and currently serves such global markets as electronics and semiconductors, food, metals processing, chemicals and energy processing.

Air Products (NYSE:APD) serves customers in technology, energy, healthcare and industrial markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of products, services and solutions, providing atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials and chemical intermediates. 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 and is listed in the Dow Jones Sustainability and FTSE4Good Indices. The company has annual revenues of US$8.1 billion, operations in over 30 countries, and more than 20,000 employees around the globe. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com or www.airproducts.com.cn.

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

European Coatings Show 2005: Air Products Erschließt Neue Einsatzgebiete Für Die Fluortechnologie

Thu, 28 Apr 2005 00:00:00 -0400

Mit einer international ausgerichteten Entwicklungsoffensive will Air Products neue Einsatzgebiete für die Fluortechnologie erschließen. Plan ist, Fluorierungen in Bereichen zu etablieren, die bislang auf Beflämmung, Koronabehandlung und Plasmaverfahren setzen. Potenzielle Einsatzgebiete sind zunächst alle kunststoff-verarbeitenden Branchen, in denen spezifische Oberflächen-eigenschaften gefordert sind. Air Products ist weltweit am Betrieb von rund 30 Fluorierungsanlagen beteiligt. Derzeit wichtigster Anwendungsbereich ist die Fluorierung von Kraftstofftanks.

Um schnelle und unbürokratische Tests in Deutschland anbieten zu können, hat Air Products kürzlich eine eigene Fluorierungskammer in Hattingen in Betrieb genommen. Interessierte Unternehmen können hier binnen kurzer Zeit feststellen lassen, ob das Verfahren gewinnbringend in der eigenen Produktion eingesetzt werden kann. Erste Kooperationen lassen bereits erkennen, dass Fluorierungen auch jenseits der traditionellen Einsatzgebiete großes Innovationspotenzial haben. Erste erfolgreiche Tests richten sich auf die Haltbarkeit von Automobilinnenteilen, die Haptik von Kunststoffmöbeln, die Leistungsfähigkeit von Kunststofffiltern oder auch den Aromaschutz von Fruchtsaftbehältern. Ein weiteres Projekt richtet sich auf Funktionstextilien, die via Fluorierung dauerhaft imprägniert werden.

Bei der Fluorierung werden Kunststoffe mit gasförmigem Fluor in Verbindung gebracht. Entsprechend der Fluorkonzentration lassen sich zwei Reaktionsmuster unterscheiden: Bei der Oberflächenaktivierung wird die Hafteigenschaft des Materials erhöht, so dass beispielsweise Lacke oder Klebstoffe auf das Trägermaterial aufgetragen werden können. Bei der Barrierefluorierung wird die Oberfläche versiegelt, um beispielsweise die Strapazierfähigkeit von Tanks zu steigern.

Air Products to Provide A.O. Smith with High Purity Nitrogen On-Site Generator

Fri, 17 Sep 2004 00:00:00 -0400

Air Products has commissioned a PRISM high purity nitrogen (HPN) System for A.O. Smith Corporation, one of the world's largest suppliers to the electrical motor industry. The new HPN series plant replaces A.O. Smith's existing natural gas exothermic generators, and brings with it the capacity to produce 48,000 standard cubic feet per hour of gaseous nitrogen product.

Air Products' PRISM HPN system is an efficient and cost-effective way to produce one of the industry's most pure grades of nitrogen. The on-site generators offer customers a fully automatic and highly flexible on-site nitrogen supply system. A.O. Smith will incorporate the system in its Mt. Sterling, Ky. location, where the company manufactures steel laminations for use in electrical motors. The system will feed nitrogen to existing furnaces that help to anneal, decarburize and steam blue the laminations.

Additionally, the HPN nitrogen is being combined with hydrogen from a liquid hydrogen storage and delivery system already supplied by Air Products. This blended and humidified end product will provide the required atmosphere—the gas composition within the furnaces—for A.O. Smith's motor lamination annealing process.

"We selected Air Products because its nitrogen-hydrogen offering produces a furnace atmosphere that leads to superior product quality and consistency," explained Jerry Shrout, A.O. Smith plant manager. "It's simply the most reliable and cost-effective solution for us."

"Our PRISM systems produce thousands of tons of nitrogen every day without interruption to our customers' processes," added John Bakey, Air Products' commercial manager, Generated Gases. "That commitment to service is our greatest asset, and one that we look forward to sharing with A.O. Smith."

In addition to the HPN system, Air Products has supplied the Milwaukee, Wis.-based company with two liquid hydrogen systems, custom designed flow control equipment and technical services. Further details of the long-term contract were not disclosed.

The PRISM line of gas generation systems supplies generated nitrogen and oxygen to more than 1,500 customers in over 30 countries worldwide. Aside from offering HPN at a desirable cost, other benefits include customer-specific technical support teams, highly-skidded and modular generator designs, and the ability to remotely operate the system. The PRISM gas generation systems currently service such global markets as electronics/semiconductor, food, metals processing, chemicals and energy processing.

Air Products (NYSE:APD) serves customers in technology, energy, healthcare and industrial markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of products, services and solutions, providing atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials and chemical intermediates. 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. With annual revenues of $6.3 billion and operations in over 30 countries, the company's 18,500 employees build lasting relationships with their customers and communities based on understanding, integrity and passion. 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.