Linde LLC, Bridgewater, N.J., announced plans to spend over $100 million to increase the production of its industrial gases plant in Claymont, Del. The expansion project includes installing a new air separation unit (ASU), which will produce gaseous products to serve Linde customers along the Delaware River via pipeline and liquid oxygen, nitrogen and argon.

“As a company, our top priority remains to safely and reliably deliver our products and services to meet customer needs and fuel their growth,” says Pat Murphy, president. “This new plant represents Linde’s continued commitment to investment in the Americas to meet demand for our essential products and services. With our unique portfolio, Linde remains confident in our capabilities to meet customer needs -- today and in the future.” 

When completed in 2019, the plant will become Linde’s largest liquid merchant plant in the United States. It will produce 1,200 tons per day of liquid oxygen, nitrogen and argon, as well as 400 tons per day of gaseous products.

“Linde has a long history in the Delaware Valley, serving customers in the food, metals, glass, chemical, healthcare, energy and manufacturing industries,” says Murphy. “We are very familiar with our customers’ operations, and we remain committed to meeting their future needs. Our new ASU will fill regional demand while substantially reducing our energy usage and our overall carbon footprint. It will be a win-win for our customers and for the environment.”

The new plant will incorporate state-of-the-art design technology from Linde Engineering, a unit of Linde LLC that provides ASU construction.