Danbury, Conn.—Praxair Inc. said April 19 that it has signed a long-term agreement to purchase by-product carbon dioxide from U.S. Nitrogen LLC, a subsidiary of Austin Powder Co., a leading provider of industrial blasting products and services. Praxair will build, own, and operate a carbon dioxide purification and liquefaction facility at USN’s recently constructed ammonia plant in Tennessee, which is part of a larger vertical integration project. Praxair’s facility will purify by-product carbon dioxide and produce beverage-quality liquid carbon dioxide for distribution and use by customers throughout the Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. “Praxair’s carbon dioxide liquefaction facility is a welcome addition to our site,” said USN Plant Manager Andy Velo. “Praxair’s presence will capitalize on the substantial investment in local infrastructure made by U.S. Nitrogen over the last several years with the support of both Austin Powder and state and local economic development agencies.” USN told Green Markets April 21 that construction of its complex in western Greene County is nearly complete, and the company is continuing to conduct a phased startup testing of its systems. Production is anticipated to begin by mid-2016. Yara International ASA told Green Markets last week that it continues its discussions with USN on building a small plant at the complex (GM Dec. 16, 2013).
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