AIR-SEPARATION APPARATUS, INTEGRATED AIR-SEPARATION AND METAL-PRODUCTION APPARATUS AND METHOD OF STARTING ONE SUCH AIR-SEPARATION APPARATUS

摘要

Air separation apparatus comprises an air purifier (E) and a blower (C2) for supplying compressed air via a cooler (LE) to a system of columns (MP, BP, CM) from which a product gas (O) is withdrawn. A variable speed motor (M) with at least two nominal speeds to drive the blower. - Independent claims are also included for: - (1) integrated air separation and metal production apparatus comprising air separation apparatus as above, metal production apparatus (FM) and a compressor (S) for compressing the air supply to the air separation apparatus and metal production apparatus; and - (2) starting up air separation and metal production apparatus as above by operating the motor at higher speed during startup of the metal production apparatus than during steady-state operation of the apparatus.