the present invention relates to a process for the production of kryton and xenon by using an oxygen - free vapor stream to strip a liquid stream containing oxygen , krypton , methane , and xenon of methane and oxygen . this is accomplished by properly controlling the liquid to vapor flow ratio in the distillation column so that such ratio is less than 0 . 15 . a suitable reflux liquid is used to decrease the loss of krypton and xenon in the methane and oxygen laden vapor stream leaving the distillation system .