Patent ID: 6521003
Filing Date: 2003-02-18
Classification: B01J,C01B,C10B,C10J

Abstract:
A process for treating solid carbonaceous material, which process comprisesgenerating a non-transfer arc plasma flame by means of a non-transfer arc plasma generator or torch located in a high temperature reaction zone and comprising an anode and a cathode between which an arc is generated while a gaseous medium passes between the cathode and the anode, with the gaseous medium being heated by the arc to a temperature such that molecules of the gas split into atoms which become ionized and electrically conducting, with the non-transfer arc generated plasma flame thus comprising the hot ionized gaseous medium or plasma and an elongate electric arc inside the plasma; heating, in the reaction zone, the solid carbonaceous material to a temperature of from about 1800Â° C. to 4000Â° C., thereby causing components of the carbonaceous material to be gasified; separating, as a hot gas phase, the gasified components from any residual solid material; and withdrawing said any residual solid material from the reaction zone.