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Praxair, Inc. was an American worldwide industrial gases company. Founded in 1907, Praxair was the largest industrial gases company in North and South America, and the third-largest worldwide by revenue. In 2018 it merged with Linde AG to form Linde plc. The Praxair name was discontinued on September 1, 2020 in the US.[3]

Key Information

History

[edit]
Stock certificate of the Linde Air Products Company, issued on December 13, 1911, registered to Dr. Carl von Linde and endorsed by him in his own hand on the reverse side
Stock certificate of the Linde Air Products Company, issued on December 13, 1911, registered to Dr. Carl von Linde and endorsed by him in his own hand on the reverse side

The company was founded by Carl von Linde as Linde Air Products Company in 1907. During the First World War, however, it was confiscated and in 1917, it joined with 4 other chemical companies under the name Union Carbide and Carbon Corporation, while maintaining a separate identity.[4] Its degree of independence waxed and waned over the years, and in 1992, it was spun off as a subsidiary, Union Carbide Industrial Gases Inc., and renamed to Praxair when it became a formally independent company three years later.[5] The name is derived from a combination of the Greek word "praxis", or practical application, and "air", the company's primary raw material.[6]

In August 2016 it was publicly announced that the American Praxair was in official negotiations to merge with the German Linde Group, which would form the world's largest gas supplier.[7][8][9][10] The following month in September negotiations were halted and suspended indefinitely.[11][12][13][14] By mid December 2016 Praxair had resumed negotiations with Linde for a potential merger.[15][16][17][18][19] In late December 2016 an official announcement was made that Praxair had reached an agreement to merge with Linde in a deal valued at $35 billion[20] with an overall merger value of $65 billion.[21] In April, 2017 Linde again rejected a request, from German private-investor association DSW, for a shareholder vote at its annual general meeting in May.[21] Nonetheless in May 2017, both companies reached a deal, in principle, for an all-share merger of equals valued at $75 billion,[22] to form a new holding company.[23] In early June 2017, both companies agreed to the merger.[24] US regulatory approval was obtained in October 2018,[25] after which the financial transaction was completed. As part of this merger, Praxair's European business was sold to Taiyo Nippon Sanso and rebranded Nippon Gases Europe. Upon completion of merger, it formed a new American German company Linde plc domiciled in Ireland and headquartered in Surrey for tax purposes.[26][27][28]

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Praxair

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Praxair, Inc. was an American multinational industrial gases company founded in 1907 as the Linde Air Products Company, the first in North America to commercialize the cryogenic production of oxygen. Headquartered in Danbury, Connecticut, it became an independent public company in 1992 after being spun off from Union Carbide, and it grew into one of the largest industrial gases providers worldwide, particularly leading in North and South America. The company specialized in manufacturing and distributing atmospheric gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, and argon, as well as process gases including carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and helium, serving key sectors like healthcare, energy, manufacturing, and electronics until its merger with Linde AG in 2018 to form Linde plc, the world's largest industrial gases company. Praxair's origins trace back to the early when it pioneered cryogenic technology under the Linde name, initially as a of following a 1917 acquisition. Over the decades, it expanded through strategic acquisitions, including Liquid Carbonic in 1995 to enter the market, Air Liquide's German business in 2004, NuCO2 in 2013 for beverage , and Yara International's European CO2 operations in 2016, which bolstered its global footprint and product diversification. By 2017, Praxair operated over 400 production facilities worldwide, with more than 260 in , international sales accounting for 57% of its $11.4 billion in revenue, and it employed approximately 26,500 people across more than 50 countries. In addition to its core gases business, Praxair developed a surface technologies segment that provided coatings and treatments for components in , , and automotive industries to enhance durability and performance. The company was recognized as the third-largest industrial gases supplier globally before the merger, which combined it with Linde—the second-largest—to create a with over $30 billion in annual revenue, 80,000 employees, and operations in more than 100 countries. Post-merger, Praxair's legacy continues within , contributing to innovations in sustainable gases solutions and decarbonization technologies.

Overview

Company Profile

Praxair, Inc. traces its origins to 1907, when it was founded as the Linde Air Products Company by German engineer in , , initially focusing on the production of oxygen through for oxy-acetylene applications. This marked the establishment of the first U.S. firm dedicated to commercial oxygen production from ambient air, laying the groundwork for the industrial gases sector. Over the subsequent decades, Praxair evolved into a prominent global leader in the industrial gases industry, classified within the chemicals sector and specializing in the supply of atmospheric gases such as oxygen, , and , as well as process gases for diverse applications. Headquartered in , from 1992 until the 2018 merger, the company expanded its operations to become one of the largest providers of industrial gases, emphasizing innovation in gas production, distribution, and end-use technologies. Post-merger, Praxair's operations were integrated into , with its Danbury headquarters serving as Linde's operational base, continuing contributions to industrial gases innovation as of 2025. In October 2018, Praxair completed a merger of equals with Linde AG, forming and positioning Praxair as a key within the world's largest industrial gases company by . The Praxair brand was discontinued in the United States effective September 1, 2020, although it continued in select international markets initially before full integration under the Linde name. As historical benchmarks of its pre-merger stature, Praxair generated $11.437 billion in sales in 2017 and employed 26,461 people worldwide as of December 31, 2017.

Leadership and Governance

Stephen F. Angel served as Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Praxair from 2007 until the completion of the merger with Linde AG in October 2018. Under his leadership, Praxair focused on strategic growth in industrial gases, emphasizing operational efficiency and global expansion. Angel's tenure was marked by his prior experience at , where he held various management roles for 22 years before joining Praxair. Key executives supporting Angel included Matthew J. White, who served as Senior Vice President and from January 2014 until the merger. White oversaw Praxair's financial strategy, including capital allocation and , drawing from his earlier roles as President of Praxair and in various positions within the company since 2004. The executive team reported to Angel and collaborated on and compliance in the highly regulated industrial gases sector. Praxair's board of directors consisted of nine members as of , with eight independent directors to ensure objective oversight. Notable board members included Nance K. Dicciani, former President and CEO of Specialty Materials; Edward G. Galante, former Senior Vice President of ; and Martin H. Richenhagen, Chairman, President, and CEO of , among others such as Oscar Bernardes, Raymond W. LeBoeuf, Larry D. McVay, Wayne T. Smith, and Robert L. Wood. The board adhered to guidelines that promoted majority voting for directors, annual evaluations, and independence standards aligned with NYSE requirements. Governance practices placed strong emphasis on ethics and compliance, with a comprehensive Code of Ethics applicable to all directors and employees, overseen by the to address risks in the chemicals and industrial materials industry. Following the merger's completion on October 31, 2018, Praxair's leadership integrated into , with Steve Angel assuming the role of and joining the board. The U.S. approved the transaction on October 22, 2018, conditional on divestitures of assets in nine industrial gases markets to maintain competition, including sales to buyers such as and Matheson Tri-Gas. This regulatory measure shaped the post-merger governance structure, ensuring compliance with antitrust standards while transitioning Praxair's operations under Linde's unified leadership framework.

History

Origins and Early Development

Praxair traces its origins to 1907, when German engineer founded the Linde Air Products Company in , as the first U.S. firm to produce oxygen from air through cryogenic . The company initially concentrated on manufacturing oxygen and acetylene gases, which were essential for oxy-acetylene welding and cutting applications in emerging industrial sectors like and . This innovation built on von Linde's earlier liquefaction patents, enabling the commercial production of high-purity gases at scale and establishing a foundation for the American industrial gases market. In 1917, amid disruptions, the U.S. government confiscated Linde Air Products' assets due to its German ownership, leading to its integration into the newly formed and Carbon Corporation on 1. As the Linde division of , the company expanded its portfolio beyond oxygen and to include synthetic and other industrial gases, supporting chemical manufacturing and agricultural applications. This merger provided resources for technological advancement, positioning the division as a key player in the growing demand for compressed and liquefied gases. During the 1920s, the Linde division pioneered the development of "tonnage" oxygen plants—large-scale facilities capable of producing hundreds of tons of oxygen daily—which revolutionized production by enabling oxygen enrichment in blast furnaces and open-hearth processes. By the end of the decade, Linde had become the world's largest oxygen producer, with plants strategically located near mills to supply this vital resource. World War II accelerated demand for Linde's products, as the division supplied oxygen for military in shipyards and aircraft assembly, as well as medical-grade oxygen for field hospitals and support. Post-war reconstruction and industrial boom in the late and drove further growth, with the division expanding into rare gases such as for inert atmospheres and for and lighter-than-air applications. This diversification strengthened Union Carbide's Linde operations, laying the groundwork for broader innovations by mid-century.

Spin-off from Union Carbide

In 1992, Union Carbide Corporation spun off its industrial gases business as an independent entity named , distributing shares to Union Carbide shareholders on a one-for-one basis to separate the gases operations from the company's core chemicals and basic materials segments. This move allowed the new company to operate autonomously, focusing on the production and distribution of atmospheric and process gases while leveraging Union Carbide's established technology in . The company adopted the name Praxair Inc. at the time of the spin-off, derived from the Greek word "praxis," meaning practical application, combined with "air" to symbolize the efficient separation and utilization of atmospheric gases in . As an independent entity, Praxair pursued technology-driven growth strategies, emphasizing innovations in cryogenic , including patents for systems that improved efficiency in oxygen and production, such as dual-temperature turboexpansion processes. Under CEO H. William Lichtenberger, early efforts included reducing debt, cutting overhead through workforce reductions, and forming joint ventures for global expansion. Praxair began trading publicly on the (NYSE: PX) in June 1992 at an initial of approximately $16.75 per share. The stock experienced significant growth through the , with notable gains including a 64% increase in and a 43% rise in 1999, culminating in a closing of $44.38 by the end of , reflecting strong market confidence in its operational improvements and expansion. A pivotal acquisition in the mid-1990s was the $2.2 billion purchase of CBI Industries in early 1996, which included its Liquid Carbonic subsidiary and significantly enhanced Praxair's presence in production and markets across , , and . This deal supported Praxair's strategy of inorganic growth to diversify its geographic footprint and product offerings beyond .

Expansion and Pre-Merger Growth

During the , Praxair pursued aggressive international expansion, particularly in , where it established key s to capitalize on emerging markets in chemicals, , and metals. In , the company formed a 50-50 with to develop and hydrogen-carbon monoxide production facilities at the Chemical Industry Park in , supporting the region's rapid industrialization and projected sales growth exceeding 30% annually over the following years. This initiative contributed to a 20% increase in Praxair's sales to $389 million in , driven by strong volume growth in , Korea, India, and Thailand, with investments totaling $40 million that year alone. By the mid-, Praxair had expanded its footprint through six wholly-owned companies and seven s across , further solidifying its position in high-growth sectors. In 2004, Praxair acquired Air Liquide's German business, including two pipelines and other assets serving large customers in refining, chemicals, and steel industries, for €498 million ($612 million), which strengthened its European pipeline network and on-site supply capabilities. To enhance its European operations, Praxair completed multiple acquisitions of local industrial gases distributors throughout the , including the purchase of ASA's European CO2 business in 2016, which bolstered its capabilities in food, beverage, and other resilient markets following an earlier formed in 2007. In 2008, Praxair finalized 15 acquisitions with combined sales of nearly $90 million. These were part of over 26 acquisitions since 2007 with combined sales exceeding $350 million, strengthening its production and distribution networks across and beyond. These moves helped Praxair integrate tonnage and bulk gas operations, improving its competitive edge in the region. In 2013, Praxair acquired NuCO2, a leading provider of beverage services, for $1.1 billion, expanding its market share primarily in and enhancing service to the food and beverage sector. Praxair also advanced its technological capabilities by developing on-site gas generation systems tailored for high-demand industries like and healthcare. In the early , the company invested in design and installation of advanced bulk and on-site production systems, including high-flow specialty gas delivery for semiconductor manufacturing and medical applications, enabling customers to produce , , and other gases reliably at their facilities. These innovations reduced dependency on external supply chains and supported Praxair's growth in precision sectors. Financially, Praxair experienced steady expansion in the lead-up to the merger announcement, rising from $5.0 billion in to $11.4 billion in , reflecting successful scaling in global markets and operational efficiencies. Complementing this growth, the company emphasized , implementing technologies like regenerative systems in 2015 that reduced furnace fuel consumption by up to 30% and lowered emissions in gas production processes. Additionally, Praxair launched a plant in in 2015 using refinery byproducts as feedstock, further minimizing environmental impact while aligning with broader goals to cut .

Operations

Global Reach

Prior to its merger with Linde AG, Praxair maintained a significant global presence, operating in over 50 countries across , , South America, and Asia, where these regions accounted for 95% of its 2017 sales. The company's major operational hubs were concentrated in the United States and in , several European nations including , , and the , key South American markets such as , , and , and Asian countries like and . This footprint enabled Praxair to serve diverse industries while leveraging local sourcing and initiatives that benefited over 355,000 people worldwide in 2017. Praxair held a leading position in the North American industrial gases market, particularly , where it operated in 48 states, of Columbia, and , supported by approximately 260 cryogenic, , and plants along with five major complexes. In the U.S., the company established a stronghold in the sector through long-term supply agreements for oxygen and other gases essential to production, as well as in healthcare, where it provided gases and equipment to hospitals and clinics nationwide. In , Praxair pursued aggressive expansion during the , including investments in joint ventures and new facilities in ; for instance, in , it acquired a stake in a major Chinese industrial gases producer, and by 2015, it secured a long-term supply contract with (CNOOC) to support refinery expansions with oxygen and nitrogen production. These efforts positioned Praxair as the leading industrial gases supplier in , with 18 wholly-owned companies and multiple joint ventures by the mid-. Praxair's supply chain was underpinned by a vast network of over 400 production facilities globally, including numerous units (ASUs) that produced high-purity oxygen, , and for industrial applications. In , it managed around 70 cryogenic and CO2 plants with three complexes; in , more than 60 such facilities and one major ; and in , about 70 plants, contributing to its role as one of the world's largest industrial gases providers with $11 billion in annual sales by 2017. Following the 2018 merger completion, Praxair's assets were integrated into the new entity, which operates in over 80 countries, though some divestitures occurred to address regulatory concerns, such as the sale of the majority of Praxair's European business to Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation in December 2018.

Production and Distribution

Praxair's production of atmospheric gases relied on cryogenic in units (), where air was purified, compressed, cooled to cryogenic temperatures, and distilled to yield high-purity oxygen, , and as primary products, with rare gases as by-products. Non-cryogenic alternatives, such as vacuum and membrane separation, supplemented ASU output for certain applications requiring lower purity levels. Hydrogen production employed chemical processes like steam methane reforming of natural gas, which generated synthesis gas followed by purification, or recovery from petrochemical by-products such as ethylene cracking. Carbon dioxide was obtained through chemical recovery from industrial sources, including fermentation in beverage production, limestone calcination, and exhaust streams from ammonia or hydrogen plants, often involving compression and purification to meet commercial grades. The company maintained a network of facility types to optimize output, including large-scale ASUs for high-volume bulk production—such as the 2,400-ton-per-day plant commissioned in Burns Harbor, , in 2017—and smaller, modular on-site plants installed at customer locations for dedicated, just-in-time supply of specific gases. Overall, Praxair operated around 260 in , 70 in , over 60 in , and about 70 in , enabling flexible scaling to regional demands. Distribution logistics were tailored to gas volume, purity, and delivery distance, with approximately 30% of sales delivered on-site through dedicated networks connecting production facilities to large industrial consumers under long-term contracts. Bulk liquid via insulated trucks and rail tankers handled 34% of sales, transferring cryogenic liquids like or directly into customer storage vessels for vaporization on demand. The remaining 27% involved high-pressure cylinder packaging for portable, smaller-scale applications, distributed through a global network of filling centers and depots. Safety and operational efficiency were prioritized through compliance with occupational health regulations and investments in monitoring technologies, achieving a 10% reduction in significant safety events in 2016 and a recordable injury rate eight times below the OSHA industrial average. Praxair aligned its management systems with ISO 45001 for occupational health and safety, alongside ISO 14001 for environmental management, to standardize risk mitigation across facilities. These measures, including advanced process controls, helped minimize downtime and supported reliable supply. Prior to the 2018 merger, Praxair's production capacity underpinned annual sales exceeding $11 billion in 2017, driven by over 400 facilities worldwide that collectively generated substantial volumes of industrial gases.

Products and Services

Core Offerings

Praxair's core offerings centered on a portfolio of industrial gases, encompassing atmospheric, process, and specialty varieties, alongside complementary services for supply and management. These products were supplied in various forms, including bulk liquids, compressed gases in cylinders, and on-site generation systems, tailored to meet diverse industrial needs prior to the 2018 merger with Linde. Atmospheric gases formed the backbone of Praxair's product line, produced primarily through cryogenic processes. Key offerings included oxygen, used for combustion enhancement and medical applications; , applied in inerting atmospheres and cryogenic cooling; and , essential for welding and shielding. Rare gases such as , , and were also provided, often for specialized and insulation uses. These gases were available in high volumes to support large-scale industrial operations. Process gases complemented the atmospheric lineup, addressing chemical and energy sector demands. Hydrogen was supplied for refining processes and emerging fuel cell technologies; carbon dioxide for beverage carbonation and food preservation; helium for cryogenic applications and semiconductor manufacturing; and acetylene for cutting and welding. These gases were sourced from natural deposits, by-products, or synthesis methods to ensure reliable availability. Specialty gases represented Praxair's high-precision segment, featuring ultra-high-purity mixtures designed for electronics fabrication and standards. These included electronic gases like high-purity and for production, as well as custom mixtures certified to exacting tolerances for analytical instruments. Purity levels reached 99.999% (5.0 grade) or higher for semiconductor-grade offerings, ensuring minimal impurities critical for advanced . In addition to gases, Praxair provided to optimize customer operations. Gas management systems encompassed on-site plants under long-term contracts (typically 10-20 years), bulk liquid delivery for medium-scale needs, and packaged supplies with shorter 1-3 year agreements. leasing and supported gas handling, including cylinders, regulators, and installation systems. Supply contracts often featured minimum volume commitments and price adjustment mechanisms to align with market conditions.

Industry Applications

Praxair's industrial gases found extensive applications in the healthcare sector, where oxygen was essential for and supporting patients with difficulties in hospitals and clinics. served as a key agent, facilitating safer induction and faster recovery during surgical procedures. In manufacturing, Praxair supplied as a for processes, particularly in the for joining metals like aluminum and in frames and components. was widely used to displace oxygen in , preventing oxidation and extending for products such as snacks and meats through modified atmosphere techniques. The sector relied on Praxair's for refining operations, where it supported hydrocracking and desulfurization to produce cleaner fuels. Additionally, contributed to emerging clean solutions, including storage systems for renewable power integration and technologies. In , Praxair provided ultra-pure gases critical for fabrication, enabling precise etching, deposition, and cleaning processes in chip production to meet the demands of advanced and devices. By 2017, Praxair's distribution reflected these applications, with accounting for 22% of total revenue, chemicals and energy combined for 22%, and for 9%. Healthcare represented 8% of , underscoring the diversified impact of its gas offerings across key industries.

Merger with Linde

Negotiations and Agreement

In August 2016, Praxair Inc. and Linde AG initiated early-stage discussions regarding a potential merger that would combine their industrial gases operations into a global leader. These talks aimed to create synergies in production, distribution, and market presence but stalled in September 2016 over disagreements on valuation and corporate governance structures, leading both companies to terminate negotiations. Praxair reapproached Linde in late November 2016 to revive the discussions, and by early December, the companies had resumed formal talks. On December 20, 2016, the boards of both firms announced an agreement in principle for Praxair to acquire Linde in a merger-of-equals transaction valued at approximately €33.9 billion ($35.2 billion), structured as an all-stock deal to form a new entity headquartered in the United Kingdom. The proposed combination was expected to generate annual cost savings of about $1 billion through operational efficiencies and enhanced scale in the industrial gases sector. Negotiations continued into 2017, culminating in revised terms finalized on June 1, 2017, under a binding business combination agreement that valued the overall transaction at around $73 billion. In this all-stock arrangement, Praxair shareholders would receive one share in the new , Linde plc, for each Praxair share held, while Linde shareholders would receive 1.54 shares per Linde share, maintaining an approximately equal ownership split. The strategic rationale emphasized creating the world's largest industrial gases company with annual revenues exceeding $27 billion, enabling greater innovation, , and market leadership across key industries like healthcare, energy, and . Throughout the negotiation period, the merger faced significant regulatory scrutiny, including antitrust reviews by the and the U.S. (FTC), which required commitments to divestitures in overlapping markets to address competition concerns. These hurdles extended the approval process but did not derail the agreement, as both companies worked to satisfy conditions for assets in regions where their combined market shares posed risks.

Completion and Integration

The merger between Praxair Inc. and Linde AG closed on October 31, 2018, following the satisfaction of all customary conditions, including approvals from both companies—Praxair's stockholders had approved the transaction on September 27, 2017—and regulatory clearances from authorities such as the U.S. and the , which were finalized on October 22, 2018. This completion marked the culmination of negotiations initiated in 2016, enabling the formation of a combined entity positioned as the world's largest industrial gases company by . Linde plc was established as the new parent holding company, incorporated in Ireland to facilitate the merger structure, with its ordinary shares dual-listed on the under the ticker LIN and on the under LIN. Praxair shareholders received one ordinary share of for each Praxair share held, while Linde AG shareholders who tendered their shares under the exchange offer received 1.54 shares of Linde plc per Linde AG share. To comply with antitrust requirements, the companies executed required divestitures of overlapping assets, notably the sale of the majority of Praxair's European industrial gases business to Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation for approximately €5 billion ($5.9 billion) in 2018; this included operations in countries such as , , , , the , and the , which generated about €1.3 billion in annual sales. The acquired assets were rebranded as Nippon Gases , preserving local operations and while integrating into Taiyo Nippon Sanso's global network. The integration process included a gradual phase-out of legacy branding, with Praxair Inc. officially renamed Linde Inc. on September 1, 2020, aligning the fully under the Linde name following the merger's operational unification. Early post-merger efforts emphasized cost synergies, targeting $1.2 billion in annual savings at full run-rate through measures such as optimizations, efficiencies, and facility consolidations, with substantial realization by 2020 contributing to operating profit growth across regions like the (up 8%) and EMEA (up 7%).

Legacy and Impact

Environmental and Sustainability Efforts

Praxair established its global Program in the early 2000s, emphasizing , , and compliance with regulations to minimize ecological impacts across operations. This initiative integrated into business strategy, driving targets for energy efficiency and emissions reductions, including a goal to reduce (GHG) intensity by 15% by 2020 from a 2015 baseline through process optimizations. By 2017, Praxair had achieved cumulative energy savings of 5.5 million MWh and avoided 3.4 million metric tons of CO₂ equivalent emissions since 2009, largely via efficient units (ASUs) and fleet improvements that lowered trucking GHG intensity by 1.7% year-over-year (contributing to a cumulative 5% reduction since 2016). In sustainability innovations, the company developed recovery and recycling processes for rare gases like and , including on-site reclamation and off-site purification to reduce waste and enhance resource circularity in and sectors. Following the 2018 merger with Linde, Praxair's operations integrated into Linde plc's broader framework, aligning with the company's ambition for net-zero emissions by 2050, with near-term targets validated by the . Praxair assets have contributed to projects, such as expanding green hydrogen facilities—including a 35 MW electrolyzer in , now operational as of September 2025—and sourcing 18 TWh of in 2023 to power atmospheric gas production. Praxair's pre-merger and post-merger efforts are documented in annual sustainability reports, which disclose metrics on usage and to promote transparency and continuous improvement. For instance, in 2017, Praxair reported withdrawing 407.7 million cubic meters of , with 98.1% recycled through cooling systems, and generating 132,200 metric tons of , of which 89% was recycled or diverted from . These reports, continued under Linde, track progress toward goals like 100% management plans at high-stress sites by 2028 and to at 450 sites by the same year.

Acquisitions and Innovations

Praxair expanded its portfolio through strategic acquisitions that strengthened its position in specialty gases and distribution. In 1996, the company acquired CBI Industries for $2.2 billion, incorporating the Liquid Carbonic subsidiary, a leading provider of and beverage gases, which enhanced Praxair's capabilities in packaged gases and merchant markets. This deal added significant production assets and customer bases in , contributing to Praxair's growth in applications. In 2013, Praxair purchased NuCO2 for $1.1 billion, the largest U.S. supplier of beverage systems to the food service industry, bolstering its offerings in bulk CO2 delivery and expanding in the sector. Technological innovation was a cornerstone of Praxair's strategy, particularly in gas separation processes. During the 1990s, Praxair developed ion transport membrane (ITM) technology, which uses ceramic membranes to enable cost-effective, high-purity oxygen production by separating oxygen ions from air at high temperatures. This breakthrough, supported by early patents such as those filed in the late 1990s for mixed-conducting membranes, reduced energy requirements for oxygen generation compared to traditional cryogenic methods and opened applications in syngas production and oxy-fuel combustion. Praxair's ITM advancements positioned it as a leader in membrane-based air separation, with ongoing refinements leading to DOE-funded projects by the 2000s. Praxair committed substantial resources to , focusing on sustainable gas technologies. Annual R&D expenditures averaged approximately $93 million from to 2017, supporting innovations in clean energy gases such as and purification for applications. These investments emphasized energy-efficient processes, including advancements in hydrogen reforming and reactors to lower emissions in industrial uses. Following the 2018 merger with Linde AG to form , Praxair's technological assets were integrated into the combined entity, enhancing global capabilities in and carbon management, including advancements in production via powered by sources for low-carbon supply in refining and . Praxair's expertise in units (ASUs), including single-column designs for flexible oxygen supply, contributed to Linde's projects in carbon capture, such as oxy-fuel systems that enable efficient CO2 sequestration by providing high-purity oxygen. This integration amplified the application of Praxair's innovations in low-carbon technologies, supporting Linde's on-site ASU deployments for sustainable and production. By 2018, Praxair's independent operations had amassed an extensive portfolio exceeding 1,000 active patents worldwide, with a strong emphasis on energy-efficient gas production and separation technologies that improved operational and reduced environmental impact. These intellectual properties underscored Praxair's legacy in driving industry advancements toward lower-energy, cleaner processes.

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  37. https://www.linde.com/news-and-media/2018/linde-plc-completes-divestiture-of-praxair-s-european-businesses
  38. https://assets.linde.com/-/media/global/corporate/corporate/documents/sustainable-development/climate-change/praxair-co2-emissions-reduction-capture-white-paper-w-disclaimer-r1.pdf
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  40. https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/gas-processing/18042017/praxair-commissions-air-separation-plant/
  41. https://www.praxair.co.in/what-we-offer/supply-modes/bulk-supply
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  43. https://assets.linde.com/-/media/global/corporate/corporate/documents/sustainable-development/linde-rba-code-of-conduct-policy-conformance-2021.pdf
  44. https://abcnews.go.com/Business/story?id=879600&page=1
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  50. https://www.lindeus.com/what-we-offer/gases/argon-t
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  52. https://www.power-eng.com/hydrogen/praxair-to-build-hydrogen-plants/
  53. https://www.praxair.co.in/what-we-offer/gases/hydrogen
  54. https://www.praxair.co.in/industries/electronics/semiconductor
  55. https://www.reuters.com/article/business/gas-suppliers-praxair-linde-hold-merger-talks-idUSKCN10Q2AW/
  56. https://www.marketwatch.com/story/praxair-linde-call-a-halt-to-merger-talks-2016-09-12
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  71. https://www.encyclopedia.com/social-sciences-and-law/economics-business-and-labor/businesses-and-occupations/praxair-inc
  72. https://www.reuters.com/article/business/praxair-adds-fizz-with-11-billion-nuco2-buy-idUSBRE9140I6/
  73. https://www.netl.doe.gov/carbon-management/gasification/air_separation
  74. https://data.epo.org/publication-server/rest/v1.2/patents/EP0887099NWA2/document.html
  75. https://www.gasworld.com/story/praxair-wins-doe-grant-for-ceramic-membrane-development/2070930.article/
  76. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0196890421009493
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