Abstract: The arc heater of this invention is characterized by a pair of axially spaced substantially cylindrical electrodes which form a narrow gap between adjacent ends thereof. The gap communicates between a peripheral plenum chamber and the arc chamber formed by the electrodes, and the gap is included inwardly and downwardly toward the outlet end of the arc chamber in order to prevent solid particles from entering and clogging the gap as the particles travel through the arc chamber. The arc heater also includes a third cylindrical electrode disposed at the inlet end of the arc chamber.

Abstract: A process for converting naturally occurring hydrocarbon fuels into gaseous products characterized by the steps of introducing a hydrocarbon gas into the arc chamber of an arc heater having an operating temperature therein sufficiently high to produce free hydrocarbon radical ions from the hydrocarbon gas, and feeding into the arc chamber naturally occurring coal or oil to produce a stream of gaseous hydrocarbon fuel.