LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa., Jul 10, 2002 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (NYSE: APD) and Acme Cryogenics, Inc. have jointly developed an ultra-high purity (UHP) GASGUARD(R) Gas Blending System as an economic alternative for semiconductor manufacturers currently using pre-blended UHP cylinders. The system will be introduced to the market at the SEMICON(R) West 2002 Exhibition in San Francisco, Calif. (July 22-24).

The device is a gas mixing apparatus capable of blending UHP nitrogen and hydrogen coming from independent sources into a single UHP gas stream. The system also is being evaluated for blending other UHP gases, including oxygen, argon, helium and/or carbon dioxide.

Designed to provide nominal flow rates up to 1000 standard cubic feet per hour and to maintain gas purity levels in the parts-per-billion range, the Gas Blending System incorporates an automatic pressure equalizing capability for maintaining a tight control of blend composition. UHP gas blends are stored in a 30-gallon electropolished stainless steel receiver, and an integrated gas analyzer constantly monitors product quality.

"We have worked closely with Acme Cryogenics to develop a gas blending technology that incorporates the latest in engineering, safety, fabrication and controls," said Alex Botelho, new products development manager, Air Products' Electronics Equipment. "As the technical leader in the production and distribution of industrial gases, specialty gases, high purity liquid chemicals and related equipment for electronics manufacturers, we are excited to introduce a cost-effective system that eliminates the hassles associated with managing large numbers of pre-mixed cylinders in customers' facilities."

Mike Olejar, Acme Cryogenics' product manager, Gas Blenders, added that by maintaining the purity of the feed gases and preventing contamination of the gas stream while mixing, the Gas Blending System delivers a truly reliable source of blended product. "The combination of our companies' blending systems design and development expertise in concert with Air Products' global infrastructure and strong customer relationships will be key to delivering the state-of-the-art blending technology to the market," he said.

About Acme Cryogenics, Inc.

Acme Cryogenics, with over 33 years of service to the gases industry, is located in the Lehigh Valley of Eastern Pennsylvania. It manufactures pre- engineered and custom designed products, supplying total solutions to customers worldwide. For more information call 800-422-2790 or visit www.acmecryo.com.

About Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.

Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (www.airproducts.com) is the world's only combined gases and chemicals company. Founded more than 60 years ago, the business has annual revenues of $5.7 billion and operations in 30 countries. Air Products is a market leader in the global electronics and chemical processing industries, and a longstanding innovator in many industrial markets, including coatings, adhesives and polyurethanes. The company distinguishes itself through its 18,000 employees around the world, who build lasting relationships with their customers and communities based on understanding, integrity and passion.

***NOTE: This release may contain forward-looking statements. Actual results could vary materially, due to changes in current expectations.

                     MAKE YOUR OPINION COUNT - Click Here
               http://tbutton.prnewswire.com/prn/11690X35217355

SOURCE Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.

CONTACT:          Media: Catherine E. McDonald, +1-610-481-3673, or
                  mcdonace@apci.com; or Investor: Alexander W. Masetti, +1-610-481-7461, or
                  masettaw@apci.com

URL:              http://www.acmecryo.com 
                  http://www.airproducts.com 
http://www.prnewswire.com

Copyright (C) 2002 PR Newswire.  All rights reserved.