File:Ilanz - Military Air Separation Facility (Intro) (49433595866).jpg

This air separation plant of the army is the last of its kind that still exists. It produced oxygen and nitrogen from 1969 to 2005. The high-purity oxygen was used for the military hospitals and the air force. With the nitrogen there were gun barrels blown out. The resulting noble gases, such as argon, were not used and released into the air. The facility is above ground and was never secret. It was taken over by an association and can be visited now by interested parties on certain days within the framework of guided tours. However, the continued existence is not secured and there is a risk of demolition at some point. Out of respect for the association, which depends on visitors, the photos in this series only give an overview. During the tour you will learn from former employees how the air is cooled to minus 184°C, liquefied and separated into the components. In the basement you can see the cooling system and in a separate room the diesel generator for the electricity production. If possible, this engine will be put into operation for demonstration purposes. The work was not without danger, because pure oxygen that settles in clothes acts like a fire accelerant, and in contact with oil and fat it can explode. In the event of an emergency that someone catches fire, there is a big emergency shower with a chain hoist.