GB275281A - Improved process of and apparatus for splitting fluid hydrocarbons - Google Patents

Abstract

275,281. Longhi, C. March 1, 1926. Electrode furnaces.-An apparatus for decomposing liquid hydrocarbons by means of an arc, the latter by reason of the rotation of the electrode, is caused to elongate, and is then quenched, a second arc being struck at the point where the first arc was formed. The products particularly aimed at are acetylene and carbon black, but light and easily condensible hydrocarbons may also be produced. As shown in Fig. 1, the body of oil b is contained in a casing B, in the walls of which are mounted insulated electrodes i, while through the base of the casing passes a shaft m attached to a synchronous eightpole motor M, and carrying at its upper end a member r fitted with a number of electrodes e; as shown, there are sixteen moving electrodes, that is a number twice the number of the poles of the motor, the intermediate electrodes serving to short-circuit the arc struck from the preceding electrode, but it is possible to use other arrangements or even a plain rotating disc, in the latter case the arrangement preferably comprising a pair of discs placed edge to edge and driven in opposite directions. The oil being put in circulation by the rotating electrodes serves to draw out the arcs. In the modification shown in Figs. 3 and 4, there are employed two pairs of discs electrodes 2, 2<1>, one pair being mounted on insulated shafts and the other pair on a common shaft 8 which is earthed and mounted in eccentric bearings 4 so that the width of the gap may be adjusted; the pairs of electrodes are driven in opposite directions as by a crossed belt 6 running on insulated pulleys, and their direction of rotation is such that the electrodes are moving upwardly at the points at which the arc is struck. Gases collect in the upper part of the casing and are removed as by a pipe o, Fig. 1, a slight pressure being maintained in the casing to prevent the entry of air. The upper part B, Figs. 3 and 4, of the casing may be cooled, or the oil may be circulated through a cooler and a filter. Carbon black collects in the lower part of the casing, and is also carried away by the gases from which it is separated. Specification 248,830 is referred to.