Air Liquide, a global leader in industrial gases, has acquired Krypton (Kr). We have started operating domestic refining facilities for xenon (Xe) and are working to stabilize the semiconductor supply chain.

Air Liquide successfully completed the construction of a new rare gas refinery in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, and began full-scale operations on the 25th.

The completion ceremony on this day was attended by officials from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, local governments, and executives and staff from major electronics and semiconductor customers, who confirmed the value of the local factory.

The newly completed plant is a rare gas purification facility that produces Krypton and Xenon, which are essential for the semiconductor manufacturing process. It guarantees ultra-high purity (over 99.999%) based on cutting-edge cryogenic separation technology and a proprietary purification process.

Through this, Air Liquide plans to reduce its dependence on overseas markets and strengthen the supply chain for key materials for the domestic semiconductor industry.

Cheonan is a strategic location close to the metropolitan area and major semiconductor clusters.

There are large-scale electronics and semiconductor production facilities concentrated near the factory, enabling stable transportation and quick delivery.

It is also expected to serve as an export logistics hub targeting the Asian market.

Air Liquide has over 50 years of expertise in cryogenics and membrane technology.

This plant is equipped with an automated monitoring system and smart sensor-based quality inspection equipment to simultaneously achieve real-time gas purity management and process optimization. This has enabled us to provide customized supplies that meet our customers’ needs.

Nicolas Poirien, CEO of Air Liquide Korea, said, “This refinery is the concretization of our promise to provide customers with rare gases of the quality they want, where they want them,” adding, “We will drive the continued growth of the semiconductor and display industries by prioritizing safety and supply stability.”

With the completion of the Cheonan plant, Air Liquide plans to expand its domestic investment and accelerate the development of new materials in conjunction with its R&D center.

The goal is to expand the product portfolio to future energy fields such as hydrogen and carbon capture and storage (CCUS) and contribute to domestic and international industries.

Meanwhile, Air Liquide is providing technical information and product information related to the Cheonan plant through its official website and is conducting customized consulting services for customers.