It starts the largest plant of helium in the world
on July 11, 2013
Air Liquide just launch the largest plant purification and liquefaction of helium in the world, a turnkey project located in the Ras Laffan industrial zone, in Qatar. The production capacity of this new unit is approximately 38 million cubic meters of helium a year. The technologies used to purify and liquify helium at very low temperatures (- 269 ° C) are patented by Air Liquide technologies. This equipment that allows the liquefaction is the largest in the world, with 20 meters long and more than 8 meters high. This helium liquefier is operated by RasGas.
The total production capacity of this new unit and the other which is already in service is expected that reach 58 million cubic meters a year, which would make Qatar the second producer of helium in the world, with 25% of current world production.
Within the framework of a contract with RasGas and Qatargas long term, Air Liquide will buy 50% of the volume of helium produced by this new plant and the existing. Access to this important source of helium will position the group as one of the major players in the global market of helium.
Air Liquide has 600 employees in the Middle East.
The commissioning of this unit will lead to greater stability of the helium market. For ten years, global demand is strong while helium is weak worldwide. Helium plays an essential role in a large number of applications: magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) imaging, semiconductors, cables of optical fiber, space exploration, scientific research, the production of airbags and professional diving.
Hamad Rashid Mohannadi, CEO of RasGas and Deputy Chairman of Qatar Petroleum (QP), said: "East project (2 Helium), launched in May 2010, is the second project of helium in Qatar." We are pleased to announce that, with more than 5 million hours of work employed in its realization, we haven't had any accidents. This performance shows the will of RasGas ensure a safe working environment in the framework of a project of building complex which has mobilised thousands of contractors and collaborators."
François Darchis, director of the society and a member of the Committee Executive in the Group Air Liquide, said: "I want to thank RasGas their confidence, as well as to the numerous collaborators who have made it possible, thanks to their involvement, the technological capacity that this helium production project is based in Qatar." Air Liquide is proud to have contributed to this success that reinforces its position as global supplier of helium and the leader in the Middle East."
