Abstract: An apparatus for the activation or reactivation of a descending column of carbon in a tubular reactor that consists of two or more sequential sections, each section provided with an steam inlet, a graphite block positioned at its top, means to effect homogenization of the carbon granules, and a separate and independently controlled electric circuit, wherein the descending carbon in each section is channeled to a diameter that is about half of the diameter of the main portion of the vertical tubular reactor, the slope of the constricting channel being about 45.degree., the lower electrical terminal of the electric circuit serving said section being positioned above or at the upper portion of the homogenizing device.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for the activation or reactivation of carbon in a tubular reactor that consists of two or more sequential sections, each section containing a descending column of carbon, with the inlets to introduce steam into any one or more of the sections, wherein the the bottom of each section is provided with a hollow splitter box that is integral with the vertical reactor and and is furnished with interior pairs of alternately sloped perforated steel plates which direct the carbon in opposing patterns of descending motion to promote intermixing and homogenization.