GB865373A - Process and apparatus for carrying out chemical reactions at high temperatures - Google Patents

Abstract

<FORM:0865373/IV (b)/1> <FORM:0865373/IV (b)/2> <FORM:0865373/IV (b)/3> <FORM:0865373/IV (b)/4> <FORM:0865373/IV (b)/5> The process of the parent Specification, which comprises the formation of acetylene, ethylene and other unsaturated hydrocarbons by pyrolysis of more saturated hydrocarbons by contact with hot combustion gases which are formed by introducing finely divided fuel and oxygen into a combustion chamber, at least one being introduced tangentially at a velocity corresponding to Mach number at least o,8 and introducing the hydrocarbon to be pyrolysed into the combustion gas, is modified in that the fuel and oxidising gas may be introduced at lower velocities but in such a manner that they form atmospheres in coaxial spaces of different diameters. Alternate annular atmospheres preferably contrarotate, the total sum of angular momenta being zero, and adjacent atmospheres are preferably of fuel and oxidising gas. One form of apparatus is shown in Figs. 1 and 2 the fuel is introduced through one ring of inlets 2, 2a, 2b in one direction of rotation and oxidising gas through inlets 3a, and 3b and 3c in the opposite direction. One reactant is also introduced through axial inlet 11, preferably that not introduced at the uppermost inlets, i.e. fuel not oxidising gas. A secondary gas may be introduced by inlets 4a and 4b at a point where burning is complete to cool the walls, the direction of rotation being the same as at the adjacent inlets above. Alternative arrangements are shown in Figs. 3, 4 and 5.