Cold Storage Applications
Ammonia (NH3) is an important and widely used gas in many industrial and commercial applications, due to its low cost, availability, stability and non-toxicity. It is widely used in commercial cold storage facilities, providing efficient cooling capabilities at various temperatures. Its superior thermodynamic characteristics compared to other traditional refrigerants like CFCs and HCFCs make it an ideal substitute in this industry.
Industrial Uses
In industrial settings, ammonia gas is mainly used as a chemical feedstock for the production of a range of products such as fertilizer, plastic films and synthetic fibres. Due to its non-flammability at normal temperature and pressure (NTP), it has become the primary gas of choice for use in heat exchangers or chillers that require large volumes of compressed gases. It can also be used with absorption chillers to provide more efficient cooling systems with lower operating costs than traditional methods.
Wastewater Treatment
Ammonia also plays a vital role in wastewater treatment plants. When present as ammonium (NH4+), it acts as an electron acceptor in the oxidation process that occurs during wastewater treatment. This promotes microbial growth within waste streams where oxygen levels are low or absent, eventually breaking down organic pollutants into harmless by-products like carbon dioxide and water that can be safely discharged into the environment.
A Preferred Choice for Industries
Air Gas Specialties is a major distributor and supplier of industrial gases, including ammonia – one of its most popular products due to its unique properties that make it suitable for many industries ranging from food processing to energy production. With its non-flammability at NTP level, high thermodynamic efficiency and ability to act as an electron acceptor in wastewater treatment processes, ammonia is a preferred choice for countless industrial applications today.
About Airgas, Inc.
Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG), through its subsidiaries, is one of the nation's leading suppliers of industrial, medical and specialty gases, and hardgoods, such as welding equipment and related products. Airgas is a leading U.S. producer of atmospheric gases with 16 air separation plants, a leading producer of carbon dioxide, dry ice, and nitrous oxide, one of the largest U.S. suppliers of safety products, and a leading U.S. supplier of refrigerants, ammonia products, and process chemicals. Approximately 17,000 associates work in more than 1,100 locations, including branches, retail stores, gas fill plants, specialty gas labs, production facilities and distribution centers. Airgas also markets its products and services through e-Business, catalog and telesales channels. Its national scale and strong local presence offer a competitive edge to its diversified customer base. For more information, please visit www.airgas.com.
Investor Contact:
Joseph Marczely 610-263-8277
joseph.marczely@airgas.com
Media Contact:
Sarah Boxler 610-263-8260
sarah.boxler@airgas.com