Abstract: Apparatus for gasification of carbon (C) in the form of carbon, hydrocarbons and/or hydrocarbon compounds, comprising a reactor (1) into which injection of carbon, oxygen gas and iron oxides takes place, beneath the surface of an iron melt, and in which carbon is injected in stoichiometric excess in relation to the amount of oxygen in the form of oxidic compounds contained in the melt, the reactor having a total inner pressure exceeding atmospheric pressure.According to the invention an exhaust gas pipe (6) from a reactor (1) makes a gas-tight connection with a cooler (8), which together with the reactor (1) forms a sealed unit; and a regulating valve (13) for adjusting and maintaining an overpressure in said unit is provided and placed on the cool side (12) of the cooler (8).