Abstract: An apparatus for providing activated carbon that has a reactor vessel for containing carbon based feedstock and a processor that encloses the reactor vessel. An insulating barrier is disposed between the reactor vessel and the processor for defining generally vertical outer and inner pathways that are communicably interconnected. The reactor vessel has a gas receiving intake port in communication with the inner pathway. First and second inlet conduits are formed through the processor and into the reactor for respectively introducing a first ignition gas into the reactor to ignite the feedstock and a second gas into the first pathway. The second gas circulates through the outer and inner pathways and enters the reactor vessel through the gas receiving intake port. The exhaust gas is circulated through a catalyst chamber/cartridge/bed. At least one exhaust port discharges gas from the vessel exteriorly of the processor.