Air Liquide has just signed an agreement with Oxea for the acquisition of its syngas plant based in Oberhausen (Rhine-Ruhr area). Anti-trust authorities have given their approval.

This large plant has a production capacity of approximately 83,000 Nm per hour of syngas - a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide - used in the production of oxo-intermediates and oxo-derivatives, which are used in high-quality coatings, lubricants and cosmetic and pharmaceutical products.

In close proximity to this syngas facility, Air Liquide is already operating three air separation units that have also delivered oxygen to Oxea for several years now.

Air Liquide is currently building a fourth air separation unit in Oberhausen, with a production capacity of 2,400 tonnes of oxygen per day (as announced on June 5, 2008).