Praxair Inc, one of the leading global suppliers of industrial gases, has signed a long-term agreement for the purchase of helium from Nacogdoches Oil & Gas (NOG), which operates a helium-bearing gas field in Apache County, Arizona. As per the agreement, NOG will supply up to 100 million scf per year of helium to Praxair, with the potential for further expansion.
“Developing this gas field with NOG demonstrates Praxair’s commitment to expanding and diversifying our helium supply so we can continue to reliably meet our customers’ growing demand for helium,” said Amer Akhras, general manager, Global Helium and Rare Gases at Praxair.
This unique field produces a gas made almost entirely of helium and nitrogen. Because helium is the primary product, this source provides Praxair with unique flexibility to respond to market conditions.
"After a comprehensive search, it became clear that Praxair was the right long-term partner to help develop this unique helium resource given their strong infrastructure and leadership in the helium industry,” said Taylor Mathews, president, Nacogdoches Oil & Gas.
Helium is used in many applications, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), fibre optic and semiconductor manufacturing, breathing atmospheres, lifting for blimps and balloons, automobile airbags and leak detection.
