Abstract: A decomposition reactor for installation in connection with a thermal decomposition chamber for hydrocarbon gases, especially a plasma torch, is designed in the form of a defined, insulated chamber, with an inlet for admixtures/gases in the walls of the reactor space. In order to improve the control of the products produced, the supply channels in the walls of the reactor are provided with channels for introducing hydrocarbon gases of the same kind as the main medium introduced at a temperature of between 1,000 and 2,000.degree. C. in the upper region of the space. Hydrocarbon gas of a lower temperature is introduced at one or more points further down in the reactor. A method for the operation of such a decomposition reactor for the production of carbon black with defined physical properties, is also described.

Abstract: In a method for decomposition of hydrocarbons for the production of hydrogen and carbon black, the feed stock is passed through a plasma torch, which causes a pyrolytic decomposition of the feed stock. The feed stock is transported through the plasma torch (A) in a cooled lead-in tube (1) and undergoes a first heating in an area in the immediate vicinity of the plasma flame. The material thereby produced is passed on to one or more subsequent stages where the final and complete decomposition of the hydrocarbons to carbon black and hydrogen occurs. In this area further raw material may be added which causes quenching and reacts with the already produced carbon black. An increase is thereby caused in particle size, density and amount produced without further energy supply, whereafter the products produced are expelled and separated and hot gas may be transported in a return pipe to the torch, in order to further increase the energy yield.

Abstract: A heat exchanger has been developed with a helical insert (9) permanently mounted in a housing (2). Between the windings in the insert (9) there is formed a helical channel (20) for one heat exchange medium. The insert (9) is designed with a channel (10) for the second heat exchange medium. The heat exchanger is designed with a central tube (13) which is axially movable and rotatable. The central tube (13) is designed with scraper elements for removal of deposits in the channel (20). In one embodiment the scraper element is formed by a helical insert (15) of the same design as the insert (9). The insert (15) is designed with a channel (16) for the second heat exchange medium. In a further embodiment the central tube (13) is designed with one or more scraper arms (23) which may be liquid-cooled. Deposits are often formed on the heat transfer surfaces.

Abstract: Provided is a method for the reduction of electrode consumption in plasma torches during the processing and decomposition of hydrocarbons for the production of carbon black and hydrogen where hydrogen is supplied to the plasma torch as a plasma forming gas.

Abstract: In order to enrich natural gas or other hydrocarbon gases with hydrogen, thus reducing the carbon content and thereby achieving a reduction or elimination of the discharge of carbon dioxide during combustion of the gases, a pyrolytic process is conducted in the feed stream for the natural gases or hydrocarbon gases which are to be burned. The gas is passed through a reactor in which it is decomposed at least partially into a carbon constituent and a hydrogen constituent. The carbon constituent is removed to a desired level. Any remaining constituent together with the hydrogen constituent is conveyed to the combustion process while the removed carbon constituent is conveyed out of the process for separate application. The pyrolytic process can be carried out on the entire stream or only a partial stream.

Abstract: A plasma torch includes an arc having a generator for producing an axial field in the arc's area of operation in which one or more bodies of ferromagnetic material are placed along the torches central axis; the body is in the form of an element incorporated in the torch and is cooled by the provision of channels for a cooling medium wherein the ferromagnetic body is located near the arc's area of operation to reinforce the magnetic field with the body being moveable in an axial direction to adjust the operation parameters of the arc.