Abstract: A cryogenic air separation process and apparatus in a distillation column having a top condenser. Air is compressed, purified and cooled to a temperature suitable for distillation. The air is separated in a distillation column so that an oxygen-enriched liquid and a nitrogen-enriched gas are produced within the column. A stream of cryogenic liquid is sent to the column and an oxygen-enriched liquid is sent from the column to the condenser. The flow rate of cryogenic liquid is regulated as a function of the level of oxygen-enriched liquid at the bottom of the column, and a product stream is withdrawn from the column.