Praxair expands Gulf Coast hydrogen supply capabilities

DANBURY, US: Praxair Inc is expanding its hydrogen capacity in Texas and Louisiana and extending its Mississippi River corridor hydrogen pipeline system under long-term supply agreements for 270 million standard cubic feet per day with Valero Energy Corporation.

In Louisiana, Praxair is installing a new, world-class 135 million scfd hydrogen plant at Valero’s St. Charles refinery. Under a long-term agreement, Valero will consume 120 million scfd of hydrogen and approximately 400,000 pounds per hour of steam at its new 50,000 barrels-per-day hydrocracker. Start-up is expected in the fourth quarter of 2012. Praxair is extending its Louisiana pipeline by 50 miles. The pipeline extension is scheduled to be in operation by the second quarter of 2012.

“These projects represent a significant investment in supply for our customers in the lower Mississippi River corridor as they upgrade and expand their own production capabilities, They put the southern Louisiana region in a position similar to Texas in terms of competitive hydrogen supply alternatives.” said Mike Jordan, VP-South Region, North American Industrial Gases business unit, Praxair.

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