Air Products unit to supply nitrogen for chips and build novel ASU
Thailand-based Air Products subsidiary BIG has picked up new business in air gases.
It is to supply low-carbon nitrogen to Analog Devices (Thailand) Co, a global semiconductor manufacturer, for use in its production and product testing processes.
The supply contract is notable for Thailand’s electronics and semiconductor industry in being the first to integrate low-carbon nitrogen directly into the manufacturing process.
Ramani Velu, Managing Director of BIG, said, “This delivery of low-carbon nitrogen not only reflects BIG’s innovation in climate technology but also proves that carbon reduction is achievable across all industries – even in highly sensitive and advanced sectors like semiconductors.”
Wirat Sri-amonkitkul, Managing Director of Analog Devices (Thailand) Co, said the deal would help improve its production processes across operations and its supply chain as it aims for carbon neutrality by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050.
© BIG / PTT
In a separate move, BIG has teamed up with energy company PTT to develop a new type of air separation unit, named MAP2. Construction should start in Q1 2026.
Located in Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate, Rayong Province, the facility will use cold energy from the liquefied natural gas regasification process in its industrial gas production.
The project builds upon the success of the MAP1 project.
Velu said the first project, which has delivered low-carbon nitrogen, oxygen and argon, enabled industries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and has been certified by the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organisation for delivering half the CO2 emissions of conventional industrial gas plants.
“This technology will be further enhanced in MAP2 for even greater efficiency,” he said, adding that the tech should enhance the competitiveness of Thai industries at international level.
The MAP2 ASU will serve various local industries, including petrochemicals, metals, automotive, electronics, and food.
At the TNCHE chemical engineering and technology show in May, BIG showcased its hydro-oxy burner, which combines the use of hydrogen with 100% pure oxygen combustion in a process that it claims “completely eliminates” CO2.
It also promoted cold energy recovery, an innovation for managing cold energy recovered from the phase change of liquid nitrogen, allowing it to be resused in other production processes or cooling systems which provides energy savings and reduced energy loss.
Entries for the inaugural gasworld Global Innovation Awards, recognising excellence in industrial gas and energy innovation, are now open. Entries close on 19 September and the awards dinner will be held at the Asia-Pacific Industrial Gas Conference in Bangkok on 3 December.
