Airgas to construct liquid hydrogen facility in Kentucky

Industrial, medical and speciality gases supplier Airgas is planning to construct a liquid hydrogen facility in Calvert City, Kentucky, US.

 

The plant will be located adjacent to Airgas' new air separation unit (ASU), which is expected to go onstream in the spring of 2016.

 

Scheduled to commence operations in the summer of 2016, the hydrogen facility is designed to produce ten tonnes per day of liquid hydrogen.

 

The facility will supply gas for use in various applications, including electrical power generation; the production of metals, glass, chemicals, and food products; and emerging applications for hydrogen-powered fuel cells.

 

Airgas president and CEO Michael Molinini said: "We have many hydrogen customers, but our new, state-of-the-art, liquid hydrogen facility in Calvert City will be the first of its kind for Airgas and provide an opportunity for growth.

 

"The facility will enable us to bring innovative hydrogen solutions to customers in a variety of industries across much of the Southern United States and well into the Midwest."

 

The ASU will produce liquid oxygen, nitrogen, and argon for the domestic merchant bulk gas market, as well as supply oxygen and nitrogen to Westlake Chemical through a pipeline.

 

Airgas gases production division president Tom Thoman said: "Both our liquid hydrogen plant and our ASU in Calvert City will be operated by Airgas Merchant Gases.

 

"Our investments in expanded gas production and distribution capabilities in underserved markets reflect our commitment to meeting the growing needs of our gas customers as effectively and efficiently as possible."