Patent GB-392643-A (GB)
Title: Process of and apparatus for the thermal decomposition of hydrocarbons
IPC: C07C4/02
Filed: 1931-12-19
Abstract: In the thermal decomposition of hydrocarbon gases, such as natural gas, oil refinery waste gases, or coke-oven gas, to produce small amounts of ethane, ethylene, and acetylene, by passage through a converter filled with previously heated refractory material, the refractory material is heated by downwardly moving combustion products produced by a number of burners, the hydrocarbon gas being passed in an upward direction. Prior to the introduction of the hydrocarbon, the products of combustion are removed by an upward current of steam or gas such as nitrogen.  In the <PICT:0392643/IV/1> apparatus shown, the refractory filling 2 of a converter 1 is heated by burners 3 supplied with liquid or gaseous fuel by a pipe 4 and with air by a blower 8 and a manifold 7, atomization being effected, if necessary, by air or steam from a pipe 19. Combustion gases pass down the converter and up a stack 10, the valve 11 of which is open. When the desired temperature, 1,800-2,600 DEG  F., is attained, the heating is stopped, the valve 11 closed, a valve 16 at the top of the converter opened and purging gas admitted to the stack by a pipe 14 and to the delivery pipe 17 by a pipe 21.  The valve 16 is closed and gaseous hydrocarbons are injected by a pipe 12, the products passing by the pipe 17, to a wash-box 18 where the carbon is collected, When the minimum temperature is reached. the pipe 12 is closed and purging gas admitted by the pipe 14 after which the heating step is repeated. Specification 158,633, [Class 55 (ii), Gas manufacture &c.], is referred to.  The Specification as open to inspection under Sect. 91 states also that steam or air may be introduced with the gaseous hydrocarbons. This subject-matter does not appear in the Specification as accepted.ALSO:<PICT:0392643/III/1> In the thermal decomposition of hydrocarbon gases, such as natural gas, oil refinery waste gases, coke-oven gas, &c., to produce carbon, hydrogen and small amounts of ethane, ethylene, acetylene, &c., by passage through a converter filled with previously heated refractory material, the refractory material is heated by downwardly moving combustion products produced by a number of burners, the hydrocarbon gas being passed in an upward direction. Prior to the introduction of the hydrocarbon, the products of combustion are removed by an upward current of steam or gas such as nitrogen.  In the apparatus shown, the refractory filling 2 of a converter 1 is heated by burners 3 supplied with liquid or gaseous fuel by a pipe 4 and with air by a blower 8 and a manifold 7, atomization being effected, if necessary, by air or steam from a pipe 19.  Combustion gases pass down the converter and up a stack 10, the valve 11 of which is open.  When the desired temperature, 1800-2600 DEG  F., is attained, the heating is stopped, the valve 11 closed, a valve 16 at the top of the converter opened, and purging gas admitted to the stack by a pipe 14 and to the delivery pipe 17 by a pipe 21.  The valve 16 is closed and gaseous hydrocarbons are injected by a pipe 12, the products passing by the pipe 17 to a wash box 18 where the carbon is collected.  When the minimum temperature is reached, the pipe 12 is closed and purging gas admitted by the pipe 14, after which the heating step is repeated. Specification 158,633, [Class 90, Non-metallic elements], is referred to.  The Specification as open to inspection under Sect. 91 states also that steam or air may be introduced with the gaseous hydrocarbons. This subject-matter does not appear in the Specification as accepted.