PRODUCT GAS SUPPLY QUANTITY ADJUSTMENT DEVICE AND AIR SEPARATION APPARATUS COMPRISING SAME

Abstract

A supply quantity adjustment device 500 comprises: a total demand quantity calculation unit 502 that calculates a total demand quantity used at a supply destination, based on plant information; an excess/deficit information setting unit 503 that compares the total demand quantity and a flow rate set value and sets a first calculated pressure value; a backup coefficient setting unit that sets a backup coefficient set value based on a reference gasholder pressure, the first calculated pressure value, a reference backup pressure set value, and a measured gasholder pressure value; and a production coefficient setting unit that compares a production pressure set value obtained by adding the reference gasholder pressure and a first pressure output value with the measured gasholder pressure value, and sets a production coefficient so as to modify a variation in the quantity of product gas produced by the air separation apparatus.

Claims

1. A supply quantity adjustment device, comprising: a total demand quantity calculation unit that calculates a total demand quantity used at the at least one supply destination, based on plant information acquired from the at least one supply destination; an excess/deficit information setting unit that compares the total demand quantity and a pre-set flow rate set value and sets a first calculated pressure value; a backup coefficient setting unit that sets a backup coefficient set value based on a pre-set supply-destination reference gasholder pressure, the first calculated pressure value, a pre-set reference backup pressure set value, and a measured gasholder pressure value, which is the measured pressure value of the supply-destination gasholder; and a production coefficient setting unit that compares a production pressure set value obtained by adding the pre-set supply-destination reference gasholder pressure and a first pressure output value with the measured gasholder pressure value, and sets a production coefficient so as to modify a variation in the quantity of product gas produced by the at least one air separation apparatus.

2. The supply quantity adjustment device according to claim 1, comprising: a first control/command unit that controls starting of supply, variation of supply quantity, and stopping of supply, of the product gas from the backup device based on the backup coefficient set value; and a second control/command unit that commands the at least one air separation apparatus to maintain or vary the quantity of product gas produced by the air separation apparatus based on the production coefficient set value.

3. An air separation apparatus comprising a supply quantity adjustment device according to claim 1.

4. A supply quantity adjustment method comprising the steps of: a) calculating the total demand quantity used by at least one supply destination, based on plant information acquired from the at least one supply destination; b) comparing the total demand quantity and a pre-set flow rate set value and setting a first calculated pressure value; c) setting a backup coefficient set value based on a pre-set supply-destination reference gasholder pressure, the first calculated pressure value, a pre-set reference backup pressure set value, and a measured gasholder pressure value, which is the measured pressure value of the supply-destination gasholder; and d) setting a production coefficient by comparing a production pressure set value obtained by adding the pre-set supply destination reference gasholder pressure and a first pressure output value with the measured gasholder pressure value, and setting a production coefficient so as to modify a variation in product gas production quantity by the at least one air separation apparatus.

5. The supply quantity adjustment method according to claim 0, further comprising the following steps of: e) a total production reference quantity acquisition unit that acquires the total computed supply quantity of product gas that can be supplied from at the least one air separation apparatus and at least one backup device, or computing a total computed supply quantity; f) commanding an outlet valve of the backup device or the gate valve or control valve installed on the piping connecting the backup device and the supply destination, based on the backup coefficient set value, to control starting of supply, variation of supply quantity, and stopping of supply, of the product gas from the backup device; and g) commanding the at least one air separation apparatus to maintain or vary the quantity of product gas produced by the air separation apparatus based on the production coefficient set value.

6. An information processing device including: at least one processor; and a memory for storing instructions executable by the processor, wherein the processor implements the supply quantity adjustment method according to claim 0 by executing executable instructions.

7. A program for implementing, by way of at least one processor, a supply quantity adjustment method according to claim 0.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] FIG. 1 shows an air separation apparatus and a supply quantity adjustment device of Mode of Embodiment 1.

[0043] FIG. 2 shows an example of a control element of the supply quantity adjustment device of Mode of Embodiment 1.

[0044] FIG. 3 shows an example of a calculation step in the supply quantity adjustment device of Mode of Embodiment 1.

[0045] FIG. 4 shows an example of a calculation step (starting backup supply) in the supply quantity adjustment device of Mode of Embodiment 1.

[0046] FIG. 5 shows an example of a calculation step (stopping backup supply) in the supply quantity adjustment device of Mode of Embodiment 1.

[0047] FIG. 6 shows an example of a calculation step (reducing the quantity produced by the air separation apparatus) in the supply quantity adjustment device of Mode of Embodiment 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0048] Several modes of embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The modes of embodiment described below are exemplary descriptions of the present invention. The present invention is in no way limited by the following modes of embodiment, and also includes a number of variant modes which are implemented within a scope that does not alter the gist of the present invention. It should be noted that the constituent elements described below are not all limited to being essential constituent elements of the present invention.

Mode of Embodiment 1

[0049] An air separation apparatus 100 of Mode of Embodiment 1 will be described using FIG. 1.

[0050] Raw air (Feed Air) passes through a filtration means 301 and a catalyst column 302 on a route (piping) L10, to remove foreign matter and solids in the air. Compressed feed air, which has been compressed by a compressor C1 installed on the route L10, is sent to a first refrigerator R1 to be cooled to a predetermined temperature. The cooled compressed feed air is sent to a pre-purification section 50. The pre-purification section 50 comprises, for example, a first adsorption column (not shown) and a second adsorption column (not shown) installed adjacent to the first adsorption column, for removing carbon dioxide and/or water. Adsorption processing is performed in one adsorption column and regeneration processing is performed in the other column, with the adsorption processing and the regeneration processing being performed alternately. Feed air that has been pre-purified in the first adsorption column or second adsorption column is introduced to a downstream main heat exchanger 1 via the route L10.

[0051] A flow rate measurement unit F1, which measures the flow rate of the feed air (introduction rate) is provided on the route L10, between the pre-purification section 50 and the main heat exchanger 1, and the processing flow rate is adjusted by an inlet guide vane (V1) of the compressor C1, based on flow rate data from the flow rate measurement unit F1. This measurement data is sent to the control unit 200 and stored as time series data in the second memory 205.

Configuration of the Purification Section

[0052] The air separation apparatus 100 comprises the main heat exchanger 1, a high-pressure column 2, into which feed air having passed through the main heat exchanger 1 is introduced via the piping L10, a condenser section (nitrogen condenser) 3 that condenses high-pressure column distillate output from the top section 23 of the high-pressure column 2, and a low-pressure column 4 into which an oxygen-enriched liquid output from the bottom section 21 of the high-pressure column 2 is introduced.

[0053] The high-pressure column 2 has: a bottom section 21 having a gas phase section into which feed air having passed through the main heat exchanger 1 is introduced and a liquid phase section in which oxygen-enriched liquid is stored; a purification section 22 provided above the bottom section 21; and a top section 23 provided above the purification section 22.

[0054] The top section 23 is provided with a pressure measurement unit P12, which measures the pressure in the top section 23. A liquid level measurement unit 211, which measures the liquid level height of the oxygen-enriched liquid, is provided for the bottom section 21 of the high-pressure column 2. This measurement data is sent to the control unit 200 and stored as time series data in the second memory 205.

[0055] The oxygen-enriched liquid, which is output from the bottom section 21, is introduced via piping L21 to a rectification level that is the same as, or vertically close to, a middle level in a rectification section 42 of the low-pressure column 4, after being subjected to heat exchange in a heat exchanger E5. A control valve V2 is provided on the piping L21, and the control valve V2 is controlled by the control unit 200, in accordance with measurement data from the liquid level measurement unit 211, so as to adjust the quantity of oxygen-enriched liquid introduced.

[0056] The high-pressure column distillate (reflux liquid), which is output from the top section 23 of the high-pressure column 2 via a route (piping) L23, is sent to the main heat exchanger 1.

[0057] The gas (gas-liquid mixture) output from the upper stage of the rectification section 22 of the high-pressure column 2 is sent to the top section 43 of the low-pressure column 4 via a route L22.

[0058] The condenser 3 has a liquid phase section 31, which stores the highly oxygen-enriched liquid (O.sub.2) output from the bottom section 41 of the low-pressure column 4, a refrigeration section 32, which cools the high-pressure column distillate output from the top section 23 of the high-pressure column 2, using the liquid phase section 31 as a cooling source, and a gas phase section 33 above the liquid phase section 31.

[0059] The high-pressure column distillate that has been cooled in the refrigeration section 32 returns to the top section 23 of the high-pressure column 2 and is sent to the purification section 22. Some of the highly oxygen-enriched liquid (O.sub.2) used for heat exchange in the refrigeration section 32 becomes gaseous and is sent from the gas phase section 33 to the lower part of the rectification section 42 of the low-pressure column 4 via piping L33.

[0060] Meanwhile, the highly oxygen-enriched liquid (O.sub.2) in the liquid phase section 31 is boosted by a pump P1 installed on the piping L31 and sent to the main heat exchanger 1 and, after being subject to gasification and heat exchange, is sent to the plant 400. Furthermore, the highly oxygen-enriched liquid (O.sub.2) in the liquid phase section 31 is sent to a product tank t1 via piping L102. The highly oxygen-enriched liquid (O.sub.2) is output from the product tank t1, boosted by a pump P2, and sent to a backup tank 101 to be used as backup oxygen. The oxygen concentration of the highly oxygen-enriched liquid (O.sub.2) is greater than the oxygen concentration of the oxygen-enriched liquid.

[0061] The low-pressure column 4 has a bottom section 41, which stores the highly oxygen-enriched liquid (O.sub.2), a purification section 42 provided above the bottom section 41, and a top section 43 provided above the purification section 42.

[0062] The top section 43 is provided with a pressure measurement unit P14, which measures the pressure in the top section 43. A liquid level measurement unit 212, which measures the liquid level height of the highly oxygen-enriched liquid (O.sub.2), is provided at the bottom section 41 of the low-pressure column 4. The measurement data is sent to the control unit 200 and stored as time series data in the second memory 205.

[0063] Waste gas (low-pressure column top distillate) which has been output from the top section 43 is sent to the main heat exchanger 1 via route L14, and is subsequently used as regeneration gas for the first adsorption column or the second adsorption column. Furthermore, the (pressure top distillate that has been output from the top section 43 is sent to the main heat exchanger 1, directly, or after being subjected to heat exchange in the heat exchanger E5, via the route L44. The gas that has been output from the gas phase section of the bottom section 41 merges into the route L33 and is sent to the main heat exchanger 1.

[0064] A vent 54, which releases waste gas, is provided between the pre-purification section 50 on the route L14 and the main heat exchanger 1.

[0065] A product gas supply line L33 supplies, to the plant 400, product gas (high-purity oxygen gas), which is output from the upper gas phase section 33 of the condenser section 3 and/or the lower part of the rectification section 42 or the upper part of the bottom section 41 of the low-pressure column 4 (between them), having been passed through the main heat exchanger 1 and subjected to heat exchange.

[0066] The product gas supply line L33 is provided with a product gas flow rate measurement unit F103, which measures the flow rate of the product gas (high-purity oxygen gas) and a control valve V103 that controls the supply quantity of the product gas based on the flow rate measured by the product gas flow rate measurement unit F103. This measurement data is sent to a supply quantity adjustment device 500 and stored as time series data in a first memory 509.

[0067] With the backup supply line L102, high-purity liquified oxygen, which is output from the backup tank 101, is evaporated in a heat exchange unit E102, and supplied to the plant 400 as high-purity oxygen gas.

[0068] The backup supply line L102 is provided with a backup gas flow rate measurement unit F102 that measures the flow rate of high-purity oxygen gas, and a control valve V102 that controls the supply quantity of backup gas, based on the flow rate measured by the backup gas flow rate measurement unit F102. This measurement data is sent to a supply quantity adjustment device 500 and stored as time-series data in a first memory 509.

[0069] The plant 400 is equipped with a line L401, resulting from merging the product gas supply line L33 and the backup supply line L102, which sends product gas to demand destinations, and a gasholder pressure measurement unit P401, which measures gasholder pressure, and which is provided on the line L401. This measurement data is sent to a supply quantity adjustment device 500 and stored as time-series data in a first memory 509.

[0070] The plant 400 is provided with demand destinations (usage destinations) A, B, C, and D.

Configuration of the Supply Quantity Adjustment Device

[0071] FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the supply quantity adjustment device 500. FIG. 3 shows an example of a calculation step in the supply quantity adjustment device.

[0072] A total production reference quantity acquisition unit 501 acquires the total computed supply quantity (CSV_ta) of high-purity oxygen gas that can be supplied from the air separation apparatus 100 and the backup tank 101. In the present mode of embodiment, the total computed supply quantity (CSV_ta) is obtained, for example, based on a total production reference quantity, a flow rate per unit time, the output of the feed air compressor C1 in operation (or the flow rate from the flow rate measurement unit F1), by way of multiplication with a calculation coefficient (a) (also referred to as the product gas generation capacity). The control unit that operates the air separation apparatus 100 may compute the total computed supply quantity (CSV_ta), and the supply quantity adjustment device 500 may acquire that result, or the supply quantity adjustment device 500 may compute the total computed supply quantity (CSV_ta).

[0073] A total demand quantity calculation unit 502 calculates a total demand quantity (CPV_1) that is used at the plant 400, based on: operation information, which is information on whether the plant 400 is operating or not, and is acquired from the plant 400, which is the supply destination; and the supply quantity of product gas sent to the plant 400. The total demand quantity (CPV_1) is calculated from, for example, the instantaneous value of the flow rate of the product gas sent (PV_f)) and/or a fixed value for the supply-destination plant 400 (for example, a supply destination-specific expected usage value; SV_i).

[0074] The total demand quantity (CPV_1) is also referred to as customer usage quantity (flow rate per unit time).

[0075] In FIG. 3, the total demand quantity (CPV_1) is obtained by adding the instantaneous values (PV_f) for supply destinations A, B, and C and the fixed value (SV_i) for supply destination D.

[0076] An excess/deficit information setting unit 503 compares the total demand quantity (CPV_1) with a flow rate set value (SV_1) which is set in advance (for example, the average value for planned quantity, the past actual average value or the like) and sets a first calculated pressure value (MV_1).

[0077] For example, when the total demand quantity (CPV_1) is greater than the flow rate set value (SV_1), the first calculated pressure value (MV_1) is set to a positive pressure value in a predetermined range (for example, 0.100 MPa to 0.500 MPa) and when the total demand quantity (CPV_1) is less than the flow rate set value (SV_1), the first calculated pressure value (MV_1) is set to a negative pressure value in a predetermined range (for example, −0.100 MPa to −0.500 MPa).

[0078] The first calculated pressure value (MV_1) may be set to a value proportional to the slope of the change in the total demand quantity (CPV_1), or the value may be set to a larger value proportional to the rate of change in the slope per unit time. When the rate of change in the slope is greater than a pre-set threshold, the first calculated pressure value (MV_1) may be set, for example, to 1.1 to 2.0 times the normal setting.

[0079] A backup coefficient setting unit 504 adds a pre-set supply-destination reference gasholder pressure (average target pressure value, for example, 2.400 MPa) and the first calculated pressure value (MV_1) to find a first computed value (CPV_2, 2.700 MPa). Next, the backup coefficient setting unit 504 compares the first computed value (CPV_2, 2.700 MPa) and the reference backup pressure set value (SV_bc, 2.350 MPa) of the product gas supplied from the backup tank 101 and sets the second calculated pressure value in a predetermined range (MV_11, for example, −0.100 MPa to −0.500 MPa).

[0080] For example, the second calculated pressure value (MV_11) is such that the second calculated pressure value (MV_11) is set to a high value when the first computed value (CPV_2) is higher than the reference backup pressure set value (SV_bc), and is set to a low value when the first computed value (CPV_2) is lower than the reference backup pressure set value (SV_bc).

[0081] The second calculated pressure value (MV_11) may be set to a value proportional to the slope of the change in the total demand quantity (CPV_1), and further, may be set to a larger value proportional to rate of change in the slope per unit time. When the rate of change in the slope is greater than a pre-set threshold, the second calculated pressure value (MV_11) may be set, for example, to 1.1 to 2.0 times the ordinary setting.

[0082] Next, the backup coefficient setting unit 504 adds the reference backup pressure set value (SV_bc, 2.350 MPa) and the second calculated pressure value (MV_11, −0.100 MPa) to calculate the backup start pressure set value (SV_sbc, 2.250 MPa). Here, the backup gas supply start timing can be made earlier by setting the backup start pressure set value (SV_sbc) to a lower value than the reference backup pressure set value (SV_bc).

[0083] Next, the backup coefficient setting unit 504 compares the backup start pressure set value (SV_sbc, 2.250 MPa) and the measured gasholder pressure value (PV_gh, 2.650 MPa) and sets the backup coefficient set value (MV_bc, 0% to 100%).

[0084] For example, when the backup start pressure set value (SV_sbc, 2.250 MPa) is less than the measured gasholder pressure value (PV_gh, 2.650 MPa) the backup coefficient set value (MV_bc) may be set to 0%, and when the backup start pressure set value (SV_sbc) is greater than the measured gasholder pressure value (PV_gh), the backup coefficient set value (MV_bc) may be set to 1 to 100%. Here, “0%” means that the backup supply stops, and “1% to 100%” means that supply is performed proportionally to the ratio of “1 to 100%” with the maximum possible supply at the current time being 100%.

[0085] When the usage quantity (demand) is a predetermined multiple (for example, 1.5 times or more) of the production quantity of the high-purity oxygen gas and the rate of decrease in the measured gasholder pressure value (PV_gh) is rapid (for example, a decrease rate of 1.5 times or more the average rate decrease) the backup coefficient set value (MV_bc) may be set to a higher value than in other cases.

[0086] The production coefficient setting unit 505 adds a pre-set plant 400 reference gasholder pressure (SV_gh, average target pressure value, for example, 2.400 MPa) and the first pressure output value (MV_1, 0.300 MPa) to calculate the production pressure set value (SV_a, 2.700 MPa). The production pressure set value (SV_a, 2.700 MPa) is the same as the first computed value (CPV_2) and therefore the first computed value (CPV_2) may be used as is.

[0087] The production coefficient setting unit 505 compares the production pressure set value (SV_a) and the measured gasholder pressure value (PV_gh, 2.650 MPa) and sets the production coefficient set value (MV_a, 0% to 100%) to modify the variation of the production quantity of the product gas by the air separation apparatus 100.

[0088] For example, when the measured gasholder pressure value (PV_gh, 2.650 MPa) is less than the production pressure set value (SV_a, 2.700 MPa), the production coefficient set value (MV_a) may be set to 100%, and when the measured gasholder pressure value (PV_gh) is greater than the production pressure set value (SV_a) the production coefficient set value (MV_a) may be set to 0 to 99%. Here, “100%” means maintaining the current production quantity of the air separation apparatus, and “1% to 99%” means reducing the production quantity to “1 to 99%”, with the current production quantity being 100%.

[0089] When the usage quantity (demand) is a predetermined multiple (for example, 1.5 times or more) of the production quantity of the high-purity oxygen gas and the rate of decrease in the gasholder pressure measurement value (PV_gh) is rapid (for example, a decrease of 1.5 times or more the average rate decrease) the manufacturing coefficient set value (MV_a) may be set to a higher value than in other cases.

[0090] A first control/command unit 506 controls the starting of supply of high-purity oxygen gas from the backup tank 101, the variation in the supply quantity, and the stopping of the supply, based on the backup coefficient set value (MV_bc).

[0091] The first control/command unit 506 commands the outlet valve of the backup tank 101 (not shown) and the control valve V102 provided in the backup supply line L101 connecting the backup tank 101 and the plant 400. The first control/command unit 506 drives the heat exchange unit E102. The first control/command unit 506 may command the control valve V102 to control the flow rate based on the data measured by the backup gas flow rate measurement unit F102.

[0092] High-purity liquified oxygen is taken from the backup tank 101 and evaporated by the heat exchange unit E102 to become high-pressure, high-purity oxygen gas, which is merged into the product gas piping L33 and supplied to the plant 400.

[0093] In the description in FIG. 3, because the backup coefficient set value (MV_bc) is “0%”, the first control/command unit 506 keeps the backup supply stopped.

[0094] The second control/command unit 507 commands the air separation apparatus 100 to maintain or vary the quantity of product gas produced by the air separation apparatus 100, based on the production coefficient set value (MV_a).

[0095] The second control/command unit 507 may command the control unit 200 of the air separation apparatus 100.

[0096] In the description in FIG. 3, because the production coefficient set value (MV_a) is “100%”, the second control/command unit 507 performs a command so as to maintain the current production quantity.

[0097] Next, using FIG. 3 as a starting point, an example of a case in which demand increases is shown in FIG. 4.

[0098] In FIG. 4, the measured gasholder pressure value (PV_gh) measured by the gasholder pressure measurement unit P401 decreases from “2.650” to “2.200” MPa. Due to this fluctuation, the measured gasholder pressure value (PV_gh) becomes less than the backup start pressure set value (SV_sbc, 2.250 MPa), such that it is necessary to supply backup gas, and the backup coefficient set value (MV_bc) is set to 100%. Since the backup coefficient set value (MV_bc) is now “100%”, the first control/command unit 506 commands the control elements so as to start backup supply.

[0099] Meanwhile, because the measured gasholder pressure value (PV_gh, 2.200 MPa) is less than the production pressure set value (SV_a, 2.700 MPa), and the production coefficient set value (MV_a) is still “100%”, the second control/command unit 507 performs a command so as to maintain the current production quantity.

[0100] Next, using FIG. 4 as a starting point, an example of a case in which demand has been reduced (stopping backup gas supply) is shown in FIG. 5.

[0101] In FIG. 5, the total demand quantity (CPV_1) has decreased to “3000” due to the supply destination D changing from “in operation” to “stopped”. Furthermore, the first calculated pressure value (MV_1) is set to “−0.100” because the total demand quantity (CPV_1) is much smaller than the flow rate set value (SV_1). Furthermore, the first computed value (CPV_2) is “2.300” and thus, the second calculated pressure value (MV_11) is changed from “−0.100” to “−0.400” and the backup start pressure set value (SV_sbc) is changed from “2.250” to “1.950”. Furthermore, since the measured gasholder pressure value (PV_gh) is greater than the backup start pressure set value (SV_sbc), there is no longer a need to supply backup gas, and the backup coefficient set value (MV_bc) is set to “0%”. The first control/command unit 506 commands the control elements so as to stop backup supply.

[0102] Meanwhile, because the measured gasholder pressure value (PV_gh, 2.200 MPa) is less than the production pressure set value (SV_a, 2.300 MPa), and the production coefficient set value (MV_a) is still “100%” the second control/command unit 507 performs a command so as to maintain the current production quantity.

[0103] Next, using FIG. 5 as a starting point, an example of a case in which demand has further decreased is shown in FIG. 6 (decrease in production quantity).

[0104] In FIG. 6, the measured gasholder pressure value (PV_gh) has increased from “2.200” to “2.500”. Since the measured gasholder pressure value (PV_gh) is still greater than the backup start pressure set value (SV_sbc), the backup coefficient set value (MV_bc) is still “0%”.

[0105] Meanwhile, because the gasholder pressure measurement value (PV_gh, 2.500 MPa) is greater than the production pressure set value (SV_a, 2.300 MPa), the production coefficient set value (MV_a) is changed from “100%” to “50%”. The second control/command unit 507 calculates the target total computed supply quantity (MV_ta) by multiplying the current production quantity (total computed supply quantity CSV_ta) by the production coefficient set value (MV_a, 50%), and commands the air separation apparatus 100 so as to reach the target total computed supply quantity (MV_ta).

Configuration of the Control Unit

[0106] The configuration of the control unit 200 is illustrated. The control unit 200 controls the supply quantity (introduction quantity) of feed air when the quantity of product gas (high-purity oxygen gas) produced is varied. The control unit 200 can receive commands from the first and second control/command units 506 and 507 and thereby control the air separation apparatus 100.

[0107] For example, the control unit 200 can control the quantity of product gas produced by controlling the degree of opening of the discharge valve of the compressor C1 so as to control the discharge quantity from the compressor C1. The discharge quantity can be monitored by the flow rate measurement unit F1.

[0108] The control unit 200 has a pressure setting unit 201, a liquid level setting unit 202, a pressure adjustment unit 280, and an output quantity control unit 290.

[0109] The pressure setting unit 201 determines the pressure set value on the top section 43 of the low-pressure column 4 in accordance with measurement data from the flow rate measurement unit F1, which measures the quantity of introduced feed air supplied to the high-pressure column 2.

[0110] The pressure adjustment unit 280 adjusts the pressure of the top section 43 of the low-pressure column 4 by controlling the discharge quantity of waste gas discharged into the atmosphere which is output from the top section 43 of the low-pressure column 4, by way of a vent 54, so that the pressure data measured by the pressure measurement unit P14 reaches this pressure set value.

[0111] The liquid level setting unit 202 determines the liquid level set values (range from an upper limit to a lower limit) of the oxygen-enriched liquid stored in the bottom section 21 of the high-pressure column 2, according to the measurement data from the flow rate measurement unit F1. By controlling the degree of opening of the control valve V2, the output quantity control unit 290 adjusts the output quantity of the oxygen-enriched liquid sent from the bottom section 21 of the high-pressure column 2 to the rectification section 42 of the low-pressure column 4 so that the measurement data from the liquid level measurement unit 211 reaches this liquid level set value.

Further Mode of Embodiment

[0112] In the supply quantity adjustment device of the present Mode of Embodiment 1, high-purity oxygen gas is described, but there is no limitation to this, and the supply quantity can be adjusted in the same way for high-purity nitrogen gas and for argon gas.

[0113] While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims. The present invention may suitably comprise, consist or consist essentially of the elements disclosed and may be practiced in the absence of an element not disclosed. Furthermore, if there is language referring to order, such as first and second, it should be understood in an exemplary sense and not in a limiting sense. For example, it can be recognized by those skilled in the art that certain steps can be combined into a single step.

[0114] The singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0115] “Comprising” in a claim is an open transitional term which means the subsequently identified claim elements are a nonexclusive listing (i.e., anything else may be additionally included and remain within the scope of “comprising”). “Comprising” as used herein may be replaced by the more limited transitional terms “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of” unless otherwise indicated herein.

[0116] “Providing” in a claim is defined to mean furnishing, supplying, making available, or preparing something. The step may be performed by any actor in the absence of express language in the claim to the contrary.

[0117] Optional or optionally means that the subsequently described event or circumstances may or may not occur. The description includes instances where the event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not occur.

[0118] Ranges may be expressed herein as from about one particular value, and/or to about another particular value. When such a range is expressed, it is to be understood that another embodiment is from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value, along with all combinations within said range.

[0119] All references identified herein are each hereby incorporated by reference into this application in their entireties, as well as for the specific information for which each is cited.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0120] 1 main heat exchanger [0121] 2 high-pressure column [0122] 21 bottom section [0123] 22 rectification section [0124] 23 top section [0125] 3 condenser [0126] 4 low-pressure column [0127] 41 bottom section [0128] 42 rectification section [0129] 44 top section [0130] 100 air separation apparatus [0131] 101 backup tank [0132] 400 plant [0133] 500 supply quantity adjustment device [0134] 501 total production reference quantity acquisition unit [0135] 502 total demand quantity calculation unit [0136] 503 excess/deficit information setting unit [0137] 504 backup coefficient setting unit [0138] 505 production coefficient setting unit [0139] 506 first control/command unit [0140] 507 second control/command unit [0141] C1 compressor [0142] P401 gasholder pressure measurement unit