Abstract: A method for designing a cryogenic air separation plant wherein a particular plant which fits into a certain classification is designed by first employing at least one predesigned subsystem for that classification to form a base system and then completing the design by adding to the base system at least one auxiliary subsystem designed specifically for that particular plant.

Abstract: A load lock system includes a first load lock defining a first chamber, a second load lock defining a second chamber, and a vacuum pumping system to vacuum pump the first and second chambers. The vacuum pumping system includes a high vacuum pump, a first valve to connect the first chamber to an inlet of the high vacuum pump in a first pumping mode, and a second valve to connect the second chamber to the inlet of the high vacuum pump in a second pumping mode. The high vacuum pump may be a turbomolecular pump. The vacuum pumping system may include a valve manifold block located between the first and second load locks. The first and second valves may be mounted in the valve manifold block. The vacuum pumping system may further include a shared water pump.