Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the manufacture of acetylene and other higher hydrocarbons from methane feed using a reverse-flow reactor system, wherein the reactor system includes (i) a first reactor and (ii) a second reactor, the first and second reactors oriented in a series relationship with respect to each other, the process comprising supplying each of first and second reactant through separate channels in the first reactor bed of a reverse-flow reactor such that both of the first and second reactants serve to quench the first reactor bed, without the first and second reactants substantially reacting with each other until reaching the core of the reactor system.

Abstract: A system and method for removal of a toxic gas from a powder contaminated with the toxic gas. The system comprises: a source of the contaminated powder; a stripper assembly for stripping at least part of the toxic gas from a batch load of the contaminated powder; connecting means for fluidly connecting the source with the stripper assembly for transporting the contaminated powder from the source to the stripper assembly. The stripper assembly may comprise two or more stripper vessels, and the connecting means is arranged to selectively connect the source to one or more of the stripper vessels. Gravity-driven transport of the contaminated powder from the source of the contaminated powder to the stripper assembly may be established. The source may comprise a gasifier and a depressurising chamber.