Abstract: In a process for the production of calcium carbide in a shaft furnace, a plasma arc (plasma torch) is generated by the introduction of electric energy with the help of a plasma burner device penetrating the upper cover of the shaft furnace. A counter electrode is provided in the bottom part of the shaft furnace. About the plasma arc or torch, a burden mixture of calcium-oxide and carbon-containing substances is concentrically introduced so as to form a protective mound of solid burden components on the inner wall of the furnace. In order to provide an operationally safe process by using plasma burners, with which both coarse and fine-grain burden components may be employed and with which calcium carbide is obtained in higher yields with an improved utilization of the energy consumed, the burden mixture is used separately as a coarse-grain fraction and as a fine-grain fraction.

Abstract: In a method for the production of synthesis or reduction gases from carbonaceous fuels and oxygen-containing gases endothermally reacting with the fuels, the starting products are reacted in a plasma reaction zone. In order to provide a method by which the production of reduction gases is feasible up to the highest flow rates in an operationally safe manner and by an optimum utilization of the energy supplied, the components to be reacted are commonly conducted through an elongate reaction chamber as a feed fluid. A central plasma jet is formed over the total longitudinal extension of the reaction chamber. The arrangement, i.e., the elongate reaction chamber, includes a plasma electrode (cathode) on one end and a counter electrode (anode) on the other end; supply ducts for the feed fluid and discharge ducts for the synthesis or reduction gases in the region of the plasma electrode end are provided.