Air separation is a process used to divide the components of air, primarily nitrogen, oxygen, and argon. This is typically achieved through methods like cryogenic distillation, where air is cooled to very low temperatures, causing the gases to liquefy and separate based on their boiling points. The separated gases have various applications. For instance, oxygen is essential in medical settings and industrial processes, while nitrogen is widely used in food packaging and chemical manufacturing. Argon is often utilized in welding and lighting. Air separation plays a crucial role in supporting these industries.