High-purity oxygen production apparatus

A high-purity oxygen production apparatus comprising:

• a heat exchanger configured to cool a feed air;
• a first rectification column comprising an introduction portion configured to introduce the feed air following cooling in the heat exchanger and a discharge portion configured to discharge an oxygen-containing liquid, the first rectification column causing a reduction in a concentration of high-boiling-point impurities having a higher boiling point than oxygen in the oxygen-containing liquid, as compared to the concentration of high-boiling-point impurities in the feed air;
• a vessel comprising a nitrogen condenser located in an upper portion inside the first rectification column;
• a second rectification column comprising an introduction portion configured to introduce the oxygen-containing liquid and a discharge portion configured to discharge high-purity oxygen, the second rectification column configured to cause a reduction in a concentration of low-boiling-point impurities having a lower boiling point than oxygen in the high-purity oxygen, as compared to the concentration of low-boiling-point impurities in the oxygen-containing liquid;
• a first piping configured to introduce, into the second rectification column, the oxygen-containing liquid discharged by the first rectification column, the first piping comprising a first valve;
• a second piping which branches from the first piping and comprises a second valve;
• and
• an extraction piping configured to extract an oxygen-rich liquid from a bottom of the first rectification column and introduce the oxygen-rich liquid into the vessel comprising the nitrogen condenser,
• wherein the first valve adjusts a flow rate of the oxygen-containing liquid introduced into the second rectification column,
• wherein the second piping is in fluid communication with the extraction piping.