Abstract: A method and apparatus for the continuous high temperature treatment of sulfur-containing carbonaceous particles in an electrothermally heated fluidized bed is disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, a fluidizing stream is passed through carbonaceous particles introduced into a fluidizing zone at a velocity sufficient to fluidize said carbonaceous particles. The carbonaceous particles are heated in a fluidized state, and controllably fed into and discharged from the fluidizing zone at a rate sufficient to assure that the sulfur content of the particles are reduced below 0.5%. In another aspect of the invention, at least a portion of the carbonaceous material is transformed from a relatively amorphous molecular state, into a graphite crystalline state.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the continuous high temperature treatment of sulfur-containing carbonaceous particles in an electrothermally heated fluidized bed is disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, a fluidizing stream is passed through carbonaceous particles introduced into a fluidizing zone at a velocity sufficient to fluidize said carbonaceous particles. The carbonaceous particles are heated in a fluidized state, and controllably fed into and discharged from the fluidizing zone at a rate sufficient to assure that the sulfur content of the particles are reduced below 0.5%. In another aspect of the invention, at least a portion of the carbonaceous material is transformed from a relatively amorphous molecular state, into a graphite crystalline state.

Abstract: A vertical pyrolysis furnace used in the carbonization or high temperature heat treatment of a continuous length of organic fibrous material is disclosed. The oven includes a central conduit or passage having a plurality of independently controlled heating zones disposed circumferentially therearound and spaced axially therealong. The conduit and heating elements are surrounded by suitable insulating material and a gas-tight shell. At the top of the furnace an exhaust manifold is provided which communicates with the central conduit. An environmental seal is provided at the upper end of the exhaust manifold and at the bottom of the conduit. Suitable gaseous inlets communicate with the furnace for an inert gaseous atmosphere which is controlled such that free convection causes the gaseous atmosphere to rise vertically through the central conduit to the exhaust chamber located at the upper end thereof.