(Archived) Praxair Cryogenic Freezer Combination Debuts to Poultry Industry -- Two-In-One Cryogenic Equipment Design Captures Processor Interest

DANBURY, Conn., February 24, 2003 — Praxair, Inc. (NYSE: PX) today announced the successful introduction of an innovative cryogenic freezer system. The combination Nitroshield™ spiral with immersion freezing system, which debuted at the International Poultry Exposition in Atlanta, Georgia, increases production rates and provides cost savings when freezing poultry products.

As a result of the at-show promotion, Praxair is in discussion with a leading U.S. poultry processor to install the combination freezer in their facility. Understanding the production improvement that the freezing system could potentially deliver, the processor believes that the Praxair spiral with immersion will be the perfect fit for his growing business.

The Praxair system is the industry’s only cryogenic freezer that combines a spiral freezer with Praxair’s specially designed immersion technology. “This new patented design delivers a "step-change" increase in efficiency and productivity,” commented Frank Martin, market development manager - food refrigeration. “The Praxair spiral with immersion freezer improves throughput for the customer and is designed to provide more freezing capacity in its footprint compared to that of any other cryogenic freezer. Increased cryogen usage efficiency alone is key to the economic savings for many customers.”

Praxair’s focus on production flexibility in its designs is evident in this freezing system, as processors have the option to use the spiral with the immersion feature or to use the spiral alone, depending on the type of product produced. The spiral with immersion system is an excellent choice for producing difficult-to-handle and delicate products like marinated, boneless whole muscle and IQF (individually quick frozen) products, as well as breaded and formed products.

As with all Praxair refrigeration technology, food safety and clean operating conditions are paramount. The all-stainless steel enclosure of the system and quick clean-up design allow the customer to easily prepare the equipment for its next use.

Praxair's Food Technologies Laboratory (the only dedicated service of its kind in cryogenic applications for food) can properly size the new equipment based on the heat removal requirements of the customers' product. This allows for the proper operation with the exact amount of cryogen for reaching the desired target temperature.

Praxair is the largest industrial gases company in North and South America, and one of the largest worldwide, with 2002 sales of $5.1 billion. The company produces, sells and distributes atmospheric and process gases, and high-performance surface coatings. Praxair products, services and technologies bring productivity and environmental benefits to a wide variety of industries, including aerospace, chemicals, food and beverage, electronics, energy, healthcare, manufacturing, metals and others. More information on Praxair is available on the Internet at www.praxair.com.