Name of the Project
Air Liquide air separation unit (ASU).

Location
Mpumalanga, South Africa.

Client
Petrochemicals group Sasol has signed a long-term agreement with French multinational Air Liquide for the supply of large quantities of industrial gases to Sasol Secunda.

Project Description
The project involves the construction of the largest ASU ever built. The ASU will have a total capacity of 5 000 t/d of oxygen, which will be used in the production of synthetic fuels.

The project will add a new source of oxygen and argon.

The ASU's design is based on Air Liquide's proprietary technologies, including several first-of-its-kind innovations in the air compression process, which allow for a yearly reduction in electricity consumption of more than 20%, contributing to the reduction of the operation’s carbon footprint.

Value
The deal will result in Air Liquide investing about €200-million in the ASU.

Duration
The ASU is expected to be commissioned by December 2017.

Latest Developments
Air Liquide has launched the ASU at Sasol's Secunda plant.

It is the first ASU that Sasol has chosen to outsource to a specialist of industrial gas production at this site.

The new ASU supplies Sasol with large quantities of oxygen that is used for the production of fuels and chemicals.

"The start-up of the ASU represents a new milestone in the partnership between Air Liquide and Sasol, which brings to 17 the number of ASUs delivered by Air Liquide over the last 40 years with a total oxygen production capacity greater than 45 000 t/d," Air Liquide has said.

This ASU also provides Air Liquide with a new source of liquid gases to supply the growing industrial gas market in South Africa.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.

On Budget and on Time?
The project was completed in less than three years from design to commissioning.

Contact Details for Project Information
Air Liquide South Africa communications, Elana Pienaar, tel +27 11 389 7012.