Air Liquide (Paris, France; www.airliquide.com) recently entered into a new joint venture with Sinopec (China Petroleum & Chemical Corp.) in Beijing, for the takeover and optimization of three existing ASUs (Air Separation Units) and the building of a new nitrogen production unit, for a total investment of €40 million. In the third quarter 2017, Air Liquide also commissioned a new state-of-the art ASU for the supply of oxygen and nitrogen to Sinopec in South China.
The new joint venture, Air Liquide-BYPC Gases, is located in Beijing and will supply oxygen and nitrogen to Sinopec Beijing Yanshan Co. with a total capacity of 340 metric tons (m.t.) of oxygen and 1,110 m.t. of nitrogen per day.
In South China, located in Maoming City of Guangdong Province, the newly commissioned ASU supports the new ethylene oxide plant of Sinopec’s subsidiary, Maoming Petrochemical (MPCC), by supplying oxygen (850 m.t. per day) and nitrogen (840 m.t. per day).
Sinopec is one of the largest integrated energy and chemical companies in China. Cooperation between Air Liquide and Sinopec dates back to 2007. The two parties have established three joint ventures so far.
François Abrial, member of the Air Liquide Group’s Executive Committee supervising Asia Pacific, said: “The continuous expansion of our partnership with Sinopec showcases their confidence in Air Liquide’s ability to provide state-of-the-art technologies and competitive solutions. We are proud to provide our expertise to Sinopec, in support of their expansion in China.”