Cryogenic air separation processes are routinely used in medium to large scale plants to produce nitrogen and oxygen. Cryogenic air separation is the preferred technology for producing very high purity oxygen and nitrogen. It is most cost effective technology for high production rate plants.

Steps in Cryogenic Air Separation:

• Filtering and compressing air
• Removing the remaining water vapor and carbon dioxide
• Cooling air by heat exchanger
• Liquid air up to -185 degrees Celsius
• Use of distillation columns to separate the air into desired products