(Archived) Praxair's CoJet^® System Increases Productivity at Baosteel EAF

DANBURY, Conn., May 6, 2005 — Praxair, Inc. (NYSE: PX) today announced its recent success in applying the CoJet® gas injection system to Baosteel's electric arc furnace (EAF) in Shanghai, China. The first results from use of the patented coherent jet technology showed an increase in productivity of over 25% with decreases in electrical energy consumption, electrode consumption and other cost factors for the plant.

The CoJet system was installed at Baosteel in November 2004 on the two shells of a 150 ton Direct Current (DC) twin shell EAF. This project also featured the first application of Praxair's Intelligent Refining System, a dynamic computer control system to improve furnace operation. The use of the Intelligent Refining System in an EAF can help to minimize human error while maximizing heat to heat consistency resulting in lower operating costs and improved quality.

The CoJet system is the premiere gas injection system that delivers a laser-like, supersonic jet of oxygen into the molten steel bath of an EAF. Oxygen is a critical component of steel making and its accurate injection into the furnace to control the amounts of carbon in the steel, provide additional energy for improved melting of scrap metal, and enhance the removal of phosphorus from the melted metal bath, results in higher quality steel.

Praxair and Baosteel are presenting a paper entitled "Results of CoJet Technology on Hot Metal Operation at Baosteel, China," on May 9, 2005 at the Association of Iron and Steelmaking Technology (AIST) Conference in Charlottesville, NC. Details on the measured results will be provided at the 2005 AISTech conference.

Baosteel is part of Baosteel Group which is the largest steel maker in China and the third largest in the world producing 20 million tons of commercial steel slabs and products in 2004. The company makes a wide range of steel products including steel formed as billets, tubes, pipes, bars, and plates, as well as iron and tin products. Its markets include the appliance, auto, construction, oil, and shipbuilding industries, both in China and abroad.

Praxair is the largest industrial gases company in North and South America, and one of the largest worldwide, with 2004 sales of $6.6 billion. The company produces, sells and distributes atmospheric and process gases, and high-performance surface coatings. Praxair products, services and technology bring productivity and environmental benefits to a wide variety of industries, including aerospace, food and beverage, healthcare, semiconductor materials, steel, chemicals and refining, metal fabrication, water treatment, glass and others. For more information, visit Praxair on the Internet at www.praxair.com.