Praxair and Jiao Tong University Cooperate on Laser Welding Research for Shipbuilding Industry in China

Praxair and Jiao Tong University Cooperate on Laser Welding Research for Shipbuilding Industry in China

March 22, 2006

    SHANGHAI, March 22 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/  -- Praxair Asia
today announced that it has donated a lasing gases supply
system, valued at more than RMB80,000, to the Laser
Processing Lab of Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

    The laser-processing lab is a part of a joint research
program funded by the Chinese and German governments.  The
lab will develop advanced hybrid laser welding processes
for the shipbuilding industry in China.  

    Praxair, a proven leader of welding gases applications,
will supply high-purity and shielding gases and technical
support in process optimisation.  Distribution of lasing
gases requires advanced technology and high-purity piping
systems, and Praxair will provide the high-purity carbon
dioxide, nitrogen, helium, and ensure the gases will reach
the resonator without contamination from the atmosphere.

    "Praxair is very pleased to support research on
welding for shipbuilding, particularly at a top-quality
institution like Shanghai Jiao Tong University," said
Dr. Kevin Albaugh, director of Praxair Asia's R&D
Center. "Collaborating with universities is an
important part of our R&D approach.  SJTU has top
talents and facilities, and I believe we will have more
opportunities to cooperate in many fields."

    Douglas Steyer, applications and market development
director for Praxair Asia, commented, "Praxair's long
experience and knowledge in welding applications allows us
to help the research program to move quickly.  By providing
gases and gas systems engineered to the highest standards,
we ensure worry-free laser operation to this facility,
providing reliable solutions for the welding needs of the
shipbuilding customers."

    About Praxair Asia

    Praxair Asia's regional headquarters is located in
Shanghai, China.  With over 2000 employees across the Asia
region, Praxair has operations in China, India, South
Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan and Taiwan.  In
addition, Praxair Global Supply Systems, Praxair Asia
Distributions Group and the Praxair Asia R&D Centre are
all located in Shanghai.

    About Praxair

    With 27,000 employees and operations in 40 countries,
Praxair, Inc. (NYSE: PX) is a global, Fortune 500 company. 
Praxair is the largest industrial gases company in North and
South America, and one of the largest worldwide, with 2005
sales of $7.7 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 http://www.praxair.com .

    For more information, please contact:

     Ms Juno Chen
     Praxair Asia, Media 
     Tel:   [phone]
     Email: [e-mail]

SOURCE  Praxair, Inc.