Apparatus for separation of air, apparatus integrated of separation of air and for the production of a metal and the start of such a device for separation of air

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(C2) for supplying compressed air via a cooler (LE) to a system of columns (MP, BP, CM) from which a product gas (O) is withdrawn.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.