Process and apparatus for chemically converting flowing gaseous materials

摘要

Acetylene is synthesized from methane, or from atomized liquid hydrocarbons carried in methane, by introducing the latter via a tube 18 into convergent/divergent conduit 1, wherein it expands to attain a supersonic velocity, and a minimum pressure and a temperature near the liquefaction point, at the outlet 4, where a cold discharge is set up between electrode 10 and conduit 1, sufficient ionisation of the gas stream being maintained to promote a second, higher power discharge between electrode 13 and the conduit 5, whereby the reactor's yield is increased. Electrode 10 or 13 may be hollow to permit the introduction of an additional material into the gas stream; electrode 13 may be of graphite and allowed to run at a high temperature to contribute to the ionisation; and the gas stream is cooled by a water spray at the outlet of tube 14.