Name and Location
Free State helium and natural gasfield project, South Africa.

Client
African Oxygen (Afrox), a subsidiary of The Linde Group and Renergen, through its subsidiary Tetra 4, signed a historic agreement for the commercialisation of the Free State helium and natural gas field project in May.

Project Description
Even though helium is the second-most abundant gas in the universe, it is relatively scarce on earth and tends to be found trapped with natural gas in relatively low concentrations, typically up to 1% by volume of the gas released.

The Free State helium and natural gasfield, however, hosts concentrations of up to 3% to 4% by volume.
The 187 000 ha gasfield in Virginia, near Welkom, has proven reserves of 25-billion cubic feet of natural gas and helium, and is the first and only onshore petroleum and natural gas right in South Africa capable of supplying helium to numerous specialised and industrial markets.

The Helium plant will be designed and delivered by Linde Engineering.

High-tech extraction technology will separate helium from natural gas through a single system using a patented processing plant that purifies, compresses, liquefies and stores the helium, ready for distribution to customers.

Value
The project involves a €13-million investment.

Duration
The project is expected to start operations in 2018/19.

Latest Developments
None stated.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
Linde public relations manager – Linde gases division, Susan Brownlow, tel +44 7739-456292 or email susan.brownlow@linde.com.