May 1 2008
Linde, the leading gases and engineering company, will hold a grand opening celebration on May 1 for its new hydrogen plant, located in Saraland, Alabama, outside of Mobile.
Linde North America, a member of The Linde Group, is supplying Shell Chemical LP with hydrogen for upgrading heavy gas oil at its 80,000 barrel a day refinery. Linde commissioned the 10 million standard cubic feet a day plant in November 2007. Shell hydrotreats the gas oil for use as a feedstock in other Shell Chemical production plants.
“Linde is pleased to support Shell in its efforts to integrate its refining and chemical businesses to ensure a reliable, high quality feedstock for chemical production. Linde worked with Shell to develop a cost-effective and flexible solution that enables them to meet consumer demand for a range of plastic and plastic-derived products,” said Pat Murphy, head of Linde’s North American business.
Linde’s plant also has had an exemplary safety record, with no lost time incidents during commissioning and startup of the unit. “Safety and reliability are critical in this business. Our track record is a result of Linde’s decades of experience designing and delivering hydrogen supply systems around the world and is a reflection of our commitment to ensuring the safety of our employees, customers and neighbors,” Murphy said.
Linde also is pleased to extend its roots in southern Alabama. This is Linde’s fourth hydrogen plant in the state, with the closest located in McIntosh. Linde also has a 700 ton a day air separation plant in Birmingham, producing oxygen, nitrogen and argon. The gases are used in a range of processes, including steel making, food and beverage manufacturing, healthcare and chemicals. With the Mobile plant, Linde now has nearly 50 operations and distribution employees in Alabama.
The hydrogen plant was designed and delivered by Linde Engineering, based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Linde Engineering produces complex process plants for a variety of applications, including hydrogen, air separation and liquefied natural gas.
This hydrogen plant is the fifth Linde has commissioned in as many years to serve oil refiners in North America. The other plants are located in Lemont, Illinois; Lima and Toledo, Ohio and Salt Lake City, Utah. Their total output represents approximately 200 million standard cubic feet a day of hydrogen supplied for cleaner fuel production.
Posted May 1st,2008