Abstract: A process is set forth for producing a krypton/xenon enriched stream directly from the main air distillation column in a cryogenic air separation process. A column bypass is suggested in the bottom few trays of the low pressure column in order to concentrate krypton and xenon in the sump while rejecting the majority of methane in the gaseous oxygen product.

Abstract: A process is set forth for producing a krypton/xenon enriched stream from a cryogenic nitrogen generator. Distillation of the oxygen product stream at the top of the low pressure column is suggested in order to concentrate krypton and xenon while rejecting the majority of methane in the oxygen product stream.

Abstract: A process for making high purity argon is disclosed in which crude argon containing less than about 0.8 mol % oxygen is recovered from air in a cryogenic distillation system, the crude argon is purified by removing oxygen in a getter system, and other impurities are removed by cryogenic distillation to yield a high purity argon product. The crude argon purification system is heat integrated with the main cryogenic air separation system. High purity argon can be produced at argon recoveries greater than 90% by utilizing structured packing in at least a portion of the argon sidearm column.