Air Products to Feature PolarFit™ Cryogenic Solutions to Help Processors Lower Operating Costs and Increase Productivity at PTXi 2012 Expo

LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa., April 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Air Products (NYSE: APD) will feature its PolarFit™ cryogenic solutions for cryogenic grinding, cryogenic deflashing, process cooling and inerting applications at PTXi 2012 Expo in Rosemont (Chicago), Ill., from May 8-10. The company's portfolio of industrial-gas based technologies and process improvement solutions can help processors maximize production rates; minimize costs; improve product quality, safety and efficiency; and achieve finer, more uniform particles.

Air Products' range of offerings includes the PolarFit™ ultra-fine-grinding mill, which cost-effectively reduces hard-to-grind materials to smaller particle sizes than can be achieved with conventional impact mills. This unique grinding system uses a combination of size reduction mechanisms—including impact, attrition and particle-particle collision—to generate consistent yields of particles between 45 and 240 microns, and in some cases as small as 10 microns. Through its efficient use of liquid nitrogen to remove heat from the grinding process, the Air Products mill provides ultra-fine to coarse particle sizes, more uniform particle distribution, higher yields of particles in target range, improved product quality due to minimal or no heat damage, less recycling, and lower production costs. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com/ultrafine.

With a state-of-the-art lab in Allentown, Pa., Air Products can test a manufacturer's product on production-scale equipment to help determine the feasibility of using cryogenics in their process, as well as to help quantify the benefits versus cost. For manufacturers who want to evaluate their cryogenic deflashing or grinding processes, the lab provides access to the latest in testing equipment and services that can help them improve throughput, enhance quality, and reduce capital and operating expenditures.

Air Products researchers also will present a Particle Technology In-Practice Workshop, "Fundamentals of Grinding Polymers," on May 8 from 2–4 p.m. Processors attending the workshop will discover the range of utility when grinding at cryogenic temperatures as presenters discuss the physical properties of polymers, the pulverizing machines used to grind polymers, and the prediction of their performance.

To learn more about Air Products' reliable industrial gas supply options for small and large volume users and other gas-based solutions for the processing industry, call 800-654-4567 (mention code 898); visit us online at www.airproducts.com/plastics; or stop by Air Products' Booth #2845 at PTXi 2012 Expo to speak with one of the company's knowledgeable representatives.

Air Products (NYSE: APD) provides atmospheric, process and specialty gases; performance materials; equipment; and technology. For over 70 years, the company has enabled customers to become more productive, energy efficient and sustainable. More than 18,000 employees in over 40 countries supply innovative solutions to the energy, environment and emerging markets. These include semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, coal gasification, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives. In fiscal 2011, Air Products had sales of approximately $10 billion. 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, 2011.

SOURCE Air Products