DANBURY, US: Praxair Inc said that it has signed a long-term agreement for refining and purchase of helium, with Castleton Commodities
International (CCI), involved in gas processing in the Four Corners region of the US and operating a gas processing facility and helium refinery in Utah.
Praxair has been actively developing helium-rich natural gas fields in the region, including helium associated with a recently announced purchase agreement with Nacogdoches Oil & Gas. With Praxair’s additional feedstock, CCI will restart its idled refinery, which can produce up to 150 million cubic feet per year of liquid helium.
“Praxair and CCI have worked together during the last few years to develop helium in the Four Corners region by leveraging CCI’s existing infrastructure to reduce both capital and operating costs,” said AmerAkhras, general manager, global helium and rare gases, Praxair.
“Praxair’s leadership in helium sourcing, operations, and distribution made it the clear choice to help us restart our helium plant safely and efficiently. This gives other producers in the region with access to our plant increased ability to develop their helium resources,” said Brad Burmaster, senior vice president, CCI.
Helium is used in many applications, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), fibre optic and semiconductor manufacturing, breathing atmospheres, lifting for blimps and balloons, automobile airbags and leak detection.
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