HOUSTON, July 21, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via PRWEB - Air Liquide announced today that it has been selected by Natgasoline LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of OCI N.V., as the supplier of oxygen for its new world-scale methanol plant in Beaumont, Texas. Air Liquide will invest around €90 million (more than 120 million USD) in this high growth area for the chemical industry.

Air Liquide has entered into a new long-term agreement to supply Natgasoline with 2,400 tonnes of oxygen per day. To meet the growing needs of OCI for the production of natural gas-based chemicals, Air Liquide will build a new, state-of-the-art, energy efficient Air Separation Unit (ASU) producing oxygen, nitrogen and argon. Connected to Air Liquide's extensive pipeline network along the Gulf Coast in Texas and Louisiana, allowing for high reliability of supply, the ASU is expected to be commissioned by the second half of 2016.

The new Natgasoline LLC methanol plant will produce approximately 5,000 tonnes of methanol per day, making it the largest methanol production facility in the U.S. based on capacity. Large quantities of pure oxygen are required for this method of large-scale methanol production.

Air Liquide, via its Engineering and Construction activity, also signed a contract with OCI for the supply of the Lurgi MegaMethanol® process technology to OCI's Natgasoline facility. The MegaMethanol® Technology which converts natural gas to methanol is part of Air Liquide's proprietary Lurgi technology portfolio.

The supply of oxygen, combined with this natural gas-to-methanol conversion technology, will provide this customer with an industry leading solution for large-scale methanol production. Through this combination of offerings, Air Liquide provides increased value for the customer.

Michael J. Graff, Air Liquide Executive Committee Member and Senior Vice-President for the Americas, commented: "Our recent agreements with OCI demonstrate Air Liquide's unique turnkey capabilities as a global technology provider and industrial gas supplier of choice. We are pleased to grow our relationship with OCI and create value for them with safe, reliable and high-quality solutions."

Air Liquide in the U.S.
Air Liquide employs more than 5,000 people in the U.S. in over 200 locations. The company offers industrial and medical gases, technologies and related services to customers in energy, industrial, electronics and healthcare markets. http://www.us.airliquide.com

The Large Industries business line of Air Liquide offers gas and energy solutions that improve process efficiency and help achieve greater respect for the environment, mainly in the refining and natural gas, chemicals, metals and energy markets. In 2013, revenues were €4,940 million.

The Engineering and Construction activity (Global E&C Solutions)

The Engineering and Construction activity (Global E&C Solutions) builds the Group's production units – mainly air separation units (ASUs) and hydrogen production units – and provides plants for third-party customers.

Air Liquide worldwide

World leader in gases, technologies and services for Industry and Health, Air Liquide is present in 80 countries with more than 50,000 employees and serves more than 2 million customers and patients. Air Liquide's ambition is to be the leader in its industry, delivering long-term performance and acting responsibly.

Air Liquide ideas create value over the long term. At the core of the company's development are the commitment and constant inventiveness of its people.

Air Liquide anticipates the challenges of its markets, invests locally and globally, and delivers high-quality solutions to its customers and patients, and the scientific community.

The company relies on competitiveness in its operations, targeted investments in growing markets and innovation to deliver profitable growth over the long-term.

Air Liquide's revenues amounted to € 15.2 billion in 2013, and its solutions that protect life and the environment represented around 40% of sales. Air Liquide is listed on the Paris Euronext stock exchange (compartment A) and is a member of the CAC 40 and Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50 indexes. http://www.airliquide.com

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