Patent GB-392644-A (GB)
Title: Process of and apparatus for the thermal decomposition of hydrocarbons
IPC: C07C4/02
Filed: 1931-12-19
Abstract: In the cracking of gaseous hydrocarbons, such as natural gas or residual gases from the heat treatment of liquid hydrocarbons, to form unsaturated hydrocarbons, e.g. ethylene and acetylene, by passage through a converter filled with refractory material previously heated by the combustion of hydrocarbon material, hot combustion gases are withdrawn from the stack-pipe and circulated through the converter, thereby effecting a more uniform heating and <PICT:0392644/IV/1> avoiding the absorption of air by the refractory material and the consequent formation of carbon monoxide during the cracking period.  In the apparatus shown, a converter 1 filled with refractory material 2 is provided with burners 3 supplied with hydrocarbon fuel by valved pipes 4 and with air by a blower 8 through a manifold 7.  A stack pipe 9 leading from the base of the converter is connected to the top thereof by a pipe 10 provided with a valve 12 and a fan 11.  In operation, hot gases from the burners 3 pass down the converter and up the stack-pipe 9, a valve 13 at the top of the stack being open and a valve 18 at the top of the converter and the valve 12 being closed.  After a time, the speed of the blower is decreased, the valve 12 opened and the fan 11 brought into operation to withdraw hot gases from the stack pipe and circulate them through the converter.  When the desired temperature is attained, the valves 12, 13 are closed and hydrocarbon gas is admitted by a pipe 16 and flows down the stack-pipe and up through the converter, the products being led off by a pipe 19 to a wash-box 20 where carbon is collected and hydrogen passes off by a pipe 21.  Steam for purging the converter may be introduced by a pipe 14.  The converter may be heated by upward passage of combustion gases.  The temperatures used range between 1,800 DEG  and 2,600 DEG  F.ALSO:<PICT:0392644/III/1> In the cracking of gaseous hydrocarbons, such as natural gas or residual gases from the heat treatment of liquid hydrocarbons, to form carbon, hydrogen and unsaturated hydrocarbons, e.g. ethylene and acetylene, by passage through a converter filled with refractory material previously heated by the combustion of hydrocarbon material, hot combustion gases are withdrawn from the stack pipe and circulated through the converter thereby effecting a more uniform heating and avoiding the absorption of air by the refractory material and the consequent formation of carbon monoxide during the cracking period. In the apparatus shown, a converter 1 filled with refractory material 2 is provided with burners 3 supplied with hydrocarbon fuel by valved pipes 4 and with air by a blower 8 through a manifold 7.  A stack pipe 9 leading from the base of the converter is connected to the top thereof by a pipe 10 provided with a valve 12 and a fan 11.  In operation, hot gases from the burners 3 pass down the converter and up the stack pipe 9, a valve 13 at the top of the stack being open and a valve 18 at the top of the converter and the valve 12 being closed.  After a time, the speed of the blower is decreased, the valve 12 opened and the fan 11 brought into operation to withdraw hot gases from the stack pipe and circulate them through the converter. When the desired temperature is attained, the valves 12, 13 are closed and hydrocarbon gas is admitted by a pipe 16 and flows down the stack pipe and up through the converter, the products being led off by a pipe 19 to a wash box 20 where carbon is collected and hydrogen passes off by a pipe 21.  Steam for purging the converter may be introduced by a pipe 14.  The converter may be heated by upward passage of combustion gases. The temperatures used range between 1800 DEG  and 2600 DEG  F.