Air Products Introduces New PolarFit™ Ultra-Fine-Grinding Mill at PTX Canada

LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa., June 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Air Products (NYSE: APD), a recognized leader in cryogenic grinding, will introduce its new PolarFit™ ultra-fine-grinding mill at PTX Canada in Toronto from June 21-23.

Air Products' new PolarFit ultra-fine-grinding mill provides a cost-effective way to reduce hard-to-grind materials to smaller particle sizes than can be achieved with conventional impact mills. This flexible grinding system can generate consistent yields of particles between 45 and 250 microns (60 and 325 mesh), and in some cases as small as 10 microns. Now available globally in a range of sizes to match individual customer needs, the mill is ideal for cryogenic size reduction of a wide range of materials, including pigments, plastics, powder coatings, thermoplastic elastomers, waxes, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, spices and other food products.

"The PolarFit ultra-fine-grinding mill offers advanced technology to manufacturers who now may be able to grind product to finer particle sizes, with more uniform particle distribution and higher yields in their target range, than they could before with conventional grinding systems," said Kimberly King, principal industry engineer for North America Merchant Gases at Air Products. "This can open up opportunities for new applications in a variety of markets."

Air Products' ultra-fine-grinding mill uses a combination of size reduction mechanisms, including impact, attrition and particle-particle collision, to achieve much smaller particle sizes than other mills. The mill has an easily adjustable grinding gap, which allows the production of particle sizes from ultra-fine to coarse, eliminating the need for other types of grinding equipment. Through its efficient use of liquid nitrogen, the Air Products mill can produce ultra-fine particle sizes, more uniform particle distribution and higher yields of particles in target range; improve product quality due to minimal or no heat damage; reduce waste and recycling; and lower production costs.

"Air Products' ultra-fine-grinding mill uses the cooling power of liquid nitrogen to remove heat produced in the grinding process by controlling the temperature of the product or mill," explained King. "The mill's higher efficiency helps customers achieve a lower nitrogen-to-product ratio than can be achieved with other mills, further reducing their operating costs."

Air Products has over 40 years of experience in applying cryogenics to grinding applications. The company provides ongoing technical support from its experienced staff and a reliable gas supply in a variety of modes to meet each customer's requirements. With state-of-the-art trial facilities in Asia, Europe and the United States, Air Products can test a customer's product to help them determine the feasibility and benefits of using the ultra-fine-grinding mill. To speak with a knowledgeable representative, stop by Air Products Booth #462 at PTX Canada, or for more information call 800-654-4567 (outside the U.S. 610-706-4730) and mention code 869, or visit us online at www.airproducts.com/ultrafine.  

Air Products (NYSE: APD) serves customers in industrial, energy, technology and healthcare markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials, and equipment and services. Founded in 1940, Air Products has built leading positions in key growth markets such as semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, home healthcare services, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives. The company is recognized for its innovative culture, operational excellence and commitment to safety and the environment. In fiscal 2010, Air Products had revenues of $9 billion, operations in over 40 countries, and 18,300 employees around the globe. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.

***NOTE: This release may contain forward-looking statements within the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on management's reasonable expectations and assumptions as of the date of this release regarding important risk factors. Actual performance and financial results may differ materially from projections and estimates expressed in the forward-looking statements because of many factors not anticipated by management, including risk factors described in the Company's Form 10K for its fiscal year ended September 30, 2010.

EDITOR'S NOTE: A photo and short video of Air Products' PolarFit ultra-fine-grinding mill is available in the company's online News Center at www.airproducts.com/company/news-center/2011/0620-air-products-polarfit-ultra-fine-grinding-mill.aspx.

SOURCE Air Products