WO2013185219A1

WO2013185219A1 - Processes for producing carbon black

Info

Publication number: WO2013185219A1
Application number: PCT/CA2013/000575
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rodney L. Taylor; Michael Owen Baker
Original assignee: Atlantic Hydrogen Inc.
Priority date: 2012-06-14
Filing date: 2013-06-14
Publication date: 2013-12-19

Abstract

There is provided a process for effecting production of carbon black material. In one aspect, the process includes modulating the supply of carbon black-yielding material. In another aspect, the process includes modulating the supply of carbon black-yielding material. In another aspect, the process includes supplying an aggregation inhibition agent to the reaction zone for effecting inhibition of carbon black material aggregation, while the reaction zone is disposed at a pressure of greater than 10 psig. In another aspect, the aggregation inhibition agent is supplied intermittently. In a further aspect, the reactive process is quenched with a quenching fluid including a combustible fuel.

Description

PROCESSES FOR PRODUCING CARBON BLACK

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefits of priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 (e) to U.S.

Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/659,955, filed on June 14, 2012, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/659,961, filed June 14, 2012, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/659,954, filed on June 14, 2012, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/659,952, filed on June 14, 2012, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/659,956, filed on June 14, 2012.

FIELD

[0002] This relates to processes for producing carbon black.

BACKGROUND

[0003] In the past, carbon black reactors have not been widely integrated with energy production technologies, so as to capture the energy value of gaseous products being exhausted from the reactor. It is desirable to efficiently integrate these technologies and produce a desirable carbon black product while generating energy.

SUMMARY

[0004] In one aspect, there is provided a process for effecting production of carbon black material comprising: intermittently supplying carbon black-yielding material to the reaction zone so as to define at least one suspended carbon black-yielding material supply time interval during which the supplying of the carbon black-yielding material to the reaction zone is suspended; and supplying an operative transformation agent to the reaction zone for effecting partial conversion of the carbon black-yielding material into a carbon black-comprising product material; wherein the intermittent supplying co-operates with the supplying of the operative transformational agent such that a temperature increase, within the reaction zone, is effected during the at least one suspended carbon black-yielding material supply time interval during which the supplying of the carbon black-yielding material to the reaction zone is suspended and while the supplying an operative transformation agent is being effected.

[0005] In another aspect, there is provided a process for effecting production of carbon black material comprising: supplying carbon black-yielding material to a reaction zone; supplying an operative transformation agent to the reaction zone; effecting contact, or communication, between the carbon black-yielding material and the operative transformation agent, such that at least partial conversion of the carbon black-yielding material is effected within the reaction zone; while the operative transformation agent is being supplied to the reaction zone, effecting a 2% reduction in the molar rate of supply of a carbon black-yielding material being supplied to the reaction zone such that a temperature increase, within the reaction zone, is effected while the reduced molar rate of supply of the carbon black-yielding material is being supplied to the reaction zone.

[0006] In another aspect, there is provided a process for effecting conversion of a carbon black-yielding material within a reactor, the reactor including a material supply compartment that includes both a high temperature zone and a reaction zone, wherein the high temperature zone is in heat transfer communication with the reaction zone, and wherein the material supply compartment is defined by a material supply compartment-defining wall, comprising: supplying carbon black-yielding material to the reaction zone with an injection lance, the injection lance extends from the wall, through the high temperature zone, and into the reaction zone, the injection lance defining a carbon black-yielding material supplying fluid passage for supplying the carbon black-yielding material to the reaction zone, the injection lance further including a carbon black-yielding material injection nozzle for effecting the discharge of the carbon black-yielding material into the reaction zone; supplying an operative transformation agent to the reaction zone, with effect that at least partial conversion of the carbon black-yielding material is effected and the reaction zone becomes disposed at a sufficiently high such that the high temperature zone becomes disposed at a temperature of at least 400 degrees Celsius by heat transfer from the reaction zone; wherein the lance further includes a fluid insulator supplying fluid passage for effecting thermal insulation of the carbon black-yielding material from the operative portion of the high temperature zone such that formation of coke within the carbon black-yielding material supplying fluid passage is mitigated, and further includes a fluid insulator injection nozzle for effecting discharge of the fluid insulator into the reaction zone, wherein the fluid insulator includes an oxidant.

[0007] In another aspect, there is provided a process for effecting production of carbon black material comprising, while effecting at least partial conversion of a carbon black-yielding material into a carbon black-comprising product material including carbon black-comprising aggregate material within a reaction zone at a pressure greater than 10 psig, supplying an aggregation inhibition agent to the reaction zone for effecting inhibition of carbon black material aggregation.

[0008] In another aspect, there is provided a process for effecting production of carbon black material comprising: while effecting at least partial conversion of a carbon black-yielding material into a carbon black-comprising product material including carbon black-comprising aggregate material, supplying an aggregation inhibition agent for effecting inhibition of carbon black material aggregation;

[0009] wherein the supplying of the aggregation inhibition agent is modulated over a plurality of successive time intervals defined by "N" time intervals: T_1; T₂, . . .. TN-I, and TN, wherein N is an integer greater than or equal to three (3).

[0010] In another aspect, there is provided a process for effecting production of carbon black material comprising: while effecting at least partial conversion of a carbon black-yielding material into a carbon black-comprising product material, intermittently supplying an aggregation inhibition agent for effecting inhibition of carbon black material aggregation.

[0011] In another aspect, there is provided a process for supplying a gaseous exhaust from a carbon black-producing process to a combustor, comprising: while effecting a reactive process that effects at least partial conversion of a carbon black-yielding material into a carbon black- comprising product material, quenching the reactive process with a quenching fluid, wherein the quenching fluid includes a combustible fuel, and, after the quenching, supplying gaseous exhaust from the reaction zone to another unit operation including a combustor.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] The system and process of the preferred embodiments will now be described with the following accompanying drawings:

[0013] Figure 1 is a process flow diagram of an embodiment of a system in which the processes may be effected;

[0014] Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a system in which the processes may be effected, specifically illustrating an injection lance;

[0015] Figure 3 is a process flow diagram of an embodiment of a plasma-based reactor system in which the processes may be effected; [0016] Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a plasma-based reactor system in which the process may be effected, in which the reactor is insulated such that thermal energy generated in an upstream plasma zone is utilized for reactive processes in a downstream zone; and

[0017] Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a plasma-based reaction system, in which the reactor is insulated such that thermal energy generated in an upstream plasma zone is utilized for reactive processes in a downstream zone, and is also used to pre-heat a secondary fluid being supplied to the downstream zone.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Referring to Figure 1, there is provided a process for effecting at least partial conversion of a carbon black- yielding material 12 into a carbon black-comprising product material within a reaction zone.

[0019] The process includes, within a reaction zone 10, effecting at least partial conversion of a carbon black-yielding material 12 into a reaction product material. The reaction product material includes a carbon black-comprising product material and a gaseous product material. In some embodiments, for example, the gaseous product material includes a combustible gas. In some embodiments, for example, the gaseous product material includes syngas (or "synthesis gas"). Syngas is a gaseous mixture that includes varying amounts of carbon monoxide and hydrogen. In some embodiments, for example, the reaction zone 10 is disposed within a reactor 20.

[0020] The carbon black-yielding material 12 can be any material which, upon contacting, or communication, with an operative transformation agent, effects a reactive process which effects production of carbon black. In some embodiments, for example, the carbon black-yielding material 12 includes one or more hydrocarbons. In some embodiments, for example, the carbon black-yielding material 12 may be a liquid material, a gaseous material, or a mixture of a liquid material and a gaseous material. In some embodiments, for example, the carbon black-yielding material 12 includes natural gas. In some embodiments for example, the carbon black-yielding material 12 is natural gas. In some embodiments, for example, the carbon black-yielding material 12 includes methane. In some embodiments for example, the carbon black-yielding material 12 is methane.

[0021] The operative transformation agent can be material, energy, or both material and energy. In some embodiments, for example, the operative transformation agent includes a heat transfer agent, such as a gaseous combustion product, disposed at a relatively high temperature, or an excited gaseous material whose production is effected by a plasma-based reactive process. In some embodiments, for example, the operative transformation agent includes a plasma generation initiator. Exemplary plasma generation initiators include electromagnetic energy and an electrical field.

[0022] The at least partial conversion is effected by at least one of partial oxidation and decomposition. In some embodiments, for example, the decomposition is effected by pyrolysis.

[0023] In some embodiments, for example, the at least partial conversion is effected at a temperature between 600 degrees Celsius and 2800 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, for example, the at least partial conversion is effected at a temperature between 800 degrees Celsius and 2200 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, for example, the at least partial conversion is effected at a temperature between 900 degrees Celsius and 1800 degrees Celsius.

[0024] In some embodiments, for example, the pressure within the reaction zone is between 0 and 400 psig. In some embodiments, for example, the pressure within the reaction zone is above 10 psig. In some embodiments, for example, the pressure within the reaction zone is above 80 psig.

[0025] In some embodiments, for example, the partial conversion is effected by contacting the carbon black-yielding material 12 with a gaseous combustion product in the reaction zone 10. In this respect, in some embodiments, for example, the operative transformation agent includes the gaseous combustion product. In some embodiments, for example, the gaseous combustion product is produced by effecting contacting between a fuel material 14 and an oxidant. The contacting of the carbon black-yielding material 12 with the gaseous combustion product effects production of an intermediate reaction zone material which includes the reaction product material. Production of the reaction product material is effected by heating of the carbon black-yielding material 12 to a temperature sufficient to effect decomposition of the carbon black-yielding material 12, such heating being effected by the contacting of the carbon black-yielding material 12 with the gaseous combustion product.

[0026] The fuel material 14 is any material which, upon its combustion, effects production of energy. In some embodiments, for example, the fuel material 14 is contacted with an oxidant within a combustion zone 15 of the reactor 20 to effect combustion of at least a fraction of the fuel material 14. In some embodiments, for example, the contacting between the fuel material 14 and the oxidant effects production of a pre-combustion reaction mixture, and the pre-combustion reaction mixture is ignited within the combustion zone 15 to effect production of the gaseous post-combustion material. The gaseous post-combustion material includes a gaseous combustion product that is produced by the combustion of the fuel material 14 (effected by the contacting of the fuel material 14 with the oxidant), and also includes any unreacted fuel material 14 and any unreacted oxidant. In some embodiments, for example, the contacting of the fuel material 14 with the oxidant is effected externally of the reactor 20, and the gaseous post-combustion material is then supplied to the reaction zone 10 for contacting with the carbon black-yielding material 12 with effect that the carbon black-yielding material is contacted with the gaseous combustion product of the gaseous post-combustion material. The ignition can be effected by an artificial ignition source. After the process has been continuously operating for a sufficient period of time, glow from the refractory material of the reactor 20 may serve as the ignition source.

[0027] The fuel material 14 may be a liquid material, or a gaseous material, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, for example, the fuel material 14 includes carbon- comprising material, such as one or more hydrocarbons. In some embodiments, for example, the fuel material 14 includes natural gas, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, methane, acetylene, alcohol, LPG (liquefied propane gas), aromatic hydrocarbons, or any combination thereof.

[0028] Exemplary oxidants includes air, oxygen, and mixtures of air and oxygen. [0029] In some embodiments, for example, the temperature of the gaseous combustion product is between 600 degrees Celsius and 2800 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, for example, the temperature of the gaseous combustion product is between 800 degrees Celsius and 2200 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, for example, the temperature of the gaseous combustion product is between 900 degrees Celsius and 1800 degrees Celsius.

[0030] In some embodiments, for example, either one of, or both of, the carbon black- yielding material 12 and the fuel material 14 includes methane.

[0031] In some embodiments, for example, either one of, or both of, the carbon black- yielding material 12 and the fuel material 14 includes natural gas.

[0032] In some embodiments, for example, the carbon black-yielding material 12 includes the same material as the fuel material 14. In some embodiments, for example, the carbon black- yielding material 12 derives from the same material as the fuel material 14.

[0033] In some embodiments, for example, the production of the gaseous post-combustion material, and the at least partial conversion of a carbon black-yielding material 12, is effected within the same reactor. It is understood that the combustion zone 15 and the reaction zone 10 need not be distinct physical sections of the reactor 20, and that portions of these zones 10, 15 may be co-located, if only intermittently. Reaction zone 10 and combustion zone 15 are, hereinafter, referred to as being "co-located", if at least portions of these zones 10, 15 are co- located within the reactor 20, even if only intermittently.

[0034] In some embodiments, for example, the carbon black-yielding material 12 and the fuel material 14 are supplied as a combined hydrocarbon material supply 30 to co-located reaction and combustion zones 10, 15 such that a hydrocarbon reactant material is disposed within the co- located reaction and combustion zones 10, 15. The hydrocarbon reactant material is contacted with the oxidant to effect production of a carbon black-yielding reactant mixture, and the carbon black-yielding reactant mixture is ignited to effect production of the gaseous post-combustion material which, in turn, contacts the carbon black-yielding material 12 to effect production of the reaction product material. In some embodiments, for example, the oxidant is supplied to co- located reaction and combustion zones 10, 15 by a reactor oxidant supply. In some embodiments, for example, the ratio of moles of carbon atoms to moles of oxygen atoms, within the carbon black-yielding reactant mixture, is greater than 0.5.

[0035] In some embodiments, for example, the carbon black-yielding material 12, the fuel material 14, and the oxidant are supplied as a carbon black-yielding reactant mixture supply to co- located reaction and combustion zones 10, 15 such that a carbon black-yielding reactant mixture is disposed within the co-located reaction and combustion zones 10, 15. The carbon black- yielding reactant mixture is reacted within the reaction zone to effect production of the gaseous post-combustion product which, in turn, contacts the carbon black-yielding material 12 to effect production of the reaction product material. In some embodiments, for example, the ratio of moles of carbon atoms to moles of oxygen atoms, within the carbon black-yielding reactant mixture supply, is greater than 0.5. In this respect, in some embodiments, for example, the ratio of moles of carbon atoms to moles of oxygen atoms, within the carbon black-yielding reactant mixture, is greater than 0.5.

[0036] In some embodiments, for example, the carbon black-yielding material 12 is supplied to the reaction zone 10 as a flow. In this respect, the at least partial conversion is effected while the carbon black-yielding material 12 is being flowed through the reaction zone and being contacted with the operative transformation agent.

[0037] In some embodiments, for example, intermediate reaction zone material includes unconverted carbon black-yielding material 12, gaseous post-combustion material, and any reaction product material whose production has been effected by that portion of the carbon black- yielding material 12 whose conversion has been effected within the reaction zone. The composition of the intermediate reaction zone material is variable throughout the reaction zone, owing to conversion that is effected by reactive processes effected within the reaction zone 10, including partial oxidation and/or decomposition of the carbon black-yielding material 12, and , in some embodiments, for example, combustion of the fuel material 14. The temperature within the reaction zone 10 is between 600 degrees Celsius and 2800 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, for example, the temperature of the reaction zone 10 is between 800 degrees Celsius and 2200 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, for example, the temperature of the reaction zone 10 is between 900 degrees Celsius and 1800 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, for example, intermediate reaction zone material is flowed through the reaction zone 10.

[0038] Referring to Figures 3 to 5, in some embodiments, for example, the at least partial conversion of the carbon black-yielding material 12 is effected by contacting the carbon black- yielding material 12 with an excited gaseous material reagent that is generated from flowing a gaseous material reagent-precursor through a plasma. In this respect, in some embodiments, for example, the operative transformation agent includes the excited gaseous material reagent.

[0039] In some embodiments, for example, the plasma is generated by a plasma generation initiator. Exemplary plasma generation initiators include electromagnetic energy and an electrical field. When the plasma generation initiator is electromagnetic energy, in some embodiments, for example, the electromagnetic energy is supplied for energizing gaseous material, with effect that at least a fraction of the gaseous material is excited into the plasma state. When the plasma generation initiator is an electric field, in some embodiments, for example, the electric field is applied through a gaseous material, with effect that at least a fraction of the gaseous material becomes excited into a plasma state.

[0040] The contacting of the carbon black-yielding material 12 with the excited gaseous material reagent effects production of an intermediate reaction zone material which includes the reaction product material. Production of the reaction product material is effected by heating of the carbon black-yielding material 12 to a temperature sufficient to effect decomposition of the carbon black-yielding material 12, such heating being effected by the contacting of the carbon black-yielding material 12 with the excited gaseous material reagent.

[0041] Referring to Figures 3 to 5, in some embodiments, for example, a reactor system

100 is provided including a reactor 112 for generating the plasma, wherein the reactor system effects generation of the plasma with electromagnetic energy. The reactor 1 12 includes a material processing zone 114. A primary gaseous material flow 116 is flowed through a plasma zone 118 disposed within the material processing zone 114. Electromagnetic energy, from an energy source 126, is supplied to the primary gaseous material flow 1 16, while the primary gaseous material flow 116 is flowing through the plasma zone 1 18, for energizing the primary gaseous material flow 116, with the effect that at least a fraction of the primary gaseous material flow 116 is excited by the supplied electromagnetic energy into a plasma 120 within the plasma zone 1 18, and at least a fraction of the primary gaseous material flow 116 is converted to a flow of plasma zone-conditioned product 122. In some embodiments, for example, the energy source 126 includes a magnetron or other controllable source of electromagnetic energy.

[0042] In some embodiments, for example, the conversion of the at least a fraction of the primary gaseous material flow 1 16 to the plasma zone-conditioned product 122 includes conversion effected by one or more reactive processes, with the effect that the conversion effects generation of a reaction product derived from at least a fraction of the primary gaseous material flow 116, such that at least a fraction of the plasma zone-conditioned product includes the reaction product. In some of these embodiments, for example, at least a fraction of the one or more reactive processes are being effected while the primary gaseous material flow 1 16 is being flowed through the plasma zone 1 18. In some of these embodiments, for example, at least a fraction of the one or more reactive processes are being effected downstream of the plasma zone 118.

[0043] In some embodiments, for example, the conversion of the at least a fraction of the primary gaseous material flow 116 to the plasma zone-conditioned product 122 includes conversion effected by heating, with the effect that the conversion effects generation of a heated primary gaseous material, such that at least a fraction of the plasma zone-conditioned product includes the heated primary gaseous material flow.

[0044] In some embodiments, for example, the electromagnetic energy is microwave frequency energy, radio frequency energy, high frequency energy, ultra high frequency energy, or acoustic energy. [0045] In some embodiments, for example, the reactor 1 12 includes a cylindrical, or substantially cylindrical first tube 128, for containing the primary gaseous material flow 116 and the plasma zone-conditioned product flow 122. However, the reactor 112 may alternatively include a first tube of some other geometric configuration, such as square or rectangular, or some other regular or irregular polygonal shape. In this respect, a fluid passage 130, which is effecting fluid communication between the first plasma zone 1 18 and the downstream contacting zone 124, is defined within the first tube 128. One or more gas inlet ports 127 are provided within the first tube 128 for supplying the flow of the primary gaseous material 116. The gas inlet ports 127 are oriented so as to effect supplying of the primary gaseous material flow 1 16 in either an axial or tangential trajectory, relative to the central axis of the first tube 128.

[0046] To effect the supply of the first electromagnetic energy, in some embodiments, for example, an electrode 132 is mounted so as to be at least partially disposed within the first tube 128 and thereby act as an antenna or other radiator of supplied electromagnetic energy into first tube 128. The electrode 132 may be excited with an electromagnetic energy source of sufficient electrical field intensity so that the electromagnetic energy radiated into the first tube 128 by the electrode 132 has a sufficiently large field intensity as to effect excitation of at least a fraction of the primary gaseous material flow 1 16 so as to maintain a plasma 120 within the plasma zone 1 18, also disposed within the first tube. In some embodiments, for example, the electrode 132 may be configured with a hollow cylindrical shape so as to provide an additional gas inlet port into the first tube 128 through the interior space defined by the hollow electrode 132. In other embodiments, however, the electrode 132 may be configured with a solid cylindrical shape.

[0047] The plasma zone-conditioned product 122 is contacted with a secondary fluid material 134 within a downstream contacting zone 124, also disposed within the material processing zone 1 14 and in fluid communication with the plasma zone 1 18.

[0048] In some of these embodiments, for example, the secondary fluid material 134 is a gaseous material. In some embodiments, for example, the secondary fluid material 134 is a flow of the secondary fluid material 134, and, in this respect, the secondary fluid material flow is conducted through a fluid passage 136, within the material processing zone 1 14, that effects fluid communication between the source of the secondary fluid material flow and the downstream contacting zone 124.

[0049] In some embodiments, for example, the reactor 112 is configured such that a cylindrical, or substantially cylindrical, second tube 138 is provided and includes one or more gas inlet ports 140 for supplying a gaseous material flow, which functions as the secondary fluid material 134, or from which the secondary fluid material is derived. The first tube 128 is co- axially located within the second tube 138, with the second tube extending beyond the downstream end of the first tube 128. In some embodiments, the second tube 138 may have a cross-sectional geometry matched to but larger than that of the first tube 128, such that the first tube 128 and the second tube 138 may be axially co-located.

[0050] In some embodiments, for example, the secondary fluid material 134 is combined with the plasma zone-conditioned product 122, within a combination zone 144, to generate a combined fluid material 146. The combining within the combination zone 144 does not necessarily effect admixing of the secondary fluid material 134 and the plasma zone-conditioned product 122. Contacting of the secondary fluid material 134 and the plasma zone-conditioned product 122 can be effected within a space of the combination zone 144, and, in such case, such space defines at least a portion of the contacting zone 124.

[0051] In some embodiments, for example, a geometry of a fluid passage 130, which is effecting fluid communication between the plasma zone 118 and the downstream contacting zone 124, is spatially configured, at least upstream of the downstream contacting zone 124, such that the supplied first electromagnetic energy supply is inhibited, or substantially inhibited, from propagating from the plasma zone 1 18 to the downstream contacting zone 124.

[0052] In some embodiments, for example, the spatial configuration of the fluid passage

130 is such that the plasma zone 118 is electromagnetically isolated, or substantially electromagnetically isolated, from the downstream contacting zone 124, with effect that electromagnetic energy radiated into reactor tube 120 in a vicinity of the plasma zone 118 is isolated, or substantially isolated, from the downstream contacting zone 124. In some embodiments, electromagnetic energy radiated in a vicinity of the first plasma zone 118 is substantially contained within the plasma zone 118 and cannot propagate a substantial distance there beyond down the reactor tube 112.

[0053] In some embodiments, for example, the spatial configuration of the fluid passage

130 is such that a cut-off frequency for transmission of electromagnetic wave energy is defined, and the frequency of the supplied energy is less than the cut-off frequency of the fluid passage 130.

[0054] In some embodiments, for example, the spatial configuration is such that an operative dimension, such as a radius or diameter (in the case of a circular geometry), or a height or width (in the case of a rectangular geometry), of the fluid passage 130, which is effecting fluid communication between the plasma zone 1 18 and the downstream contacting zone 124, is defined, wherein the operative dimension (e.g., radius, diameter, height, or width, as the case may be) is sufficiently small, relative to a wavelength of supplied electromagnetic energy, such that the plasma zone 118 is electromagnetically isolated, or substantially electromagnetically isolated, from the downstream contacting zone 124. In some of these embodiments, for example, the operative dimension defines a cut-off frequency for transmission of electromagnetic wave energy, and the frequency of the supplied energy is less than the cut-off frequency so as to ensure that the fluid passage 30 is operable as a cut-off waveguide.

[0055] Due to the cut-off condition of the fluid passage 130, the supplied electromagnetic energy is inhibited from propagating as wave energy any significant distance downstream of the plasma zone 118. In this respect, in those embodiments including the electrode 132, in some of these embodiments, for example, the spatial configuration is such that the plasma zone 118 is localized near the tip of the electrode.

[0056] In some embodiments, for example, the fluid passage 130, which is effecting fluid communication between the first plasma zone 118 and the downstream contacting zone 124, is defined within a conduit, and the material of the conduit is an electrical conductor. In some of these embodiments, for example, the conduit includes metallic material. In some embodiments, for example, the conduit is made from any one of steel, aluminium, copper, and alloys thereof. In some embodiments, for example, the conduit is made from alloys of steel including cobalt, nickel and chromium in proportions specifically designed to mitigate against carburization effects of high temperature operation.

[0057] By providing a geometry of the fluid passage 130, which is effecting fluid communication between the plasma zone 1 18 and the downstream contacting zone 124, that is spatially configured at least upstream of the downstream contacting zone such that the supplied electromagnetic energy supply is inhibited, or substantially inhibited, from propagating from the plasma zone to the downstream contacting zone, amongst other things, pre-selection of the distance between the plasma zone 118 and the downstream contacting zone 124, independently of the pre-selection of the supplied electromagnetic energy, is made possible.

[0058] In those embodiments where the contacting of the plasma zone-conditioned product flow 22 with the secondary fluid material 34 within the downstream contacting zone 24 effects the generation of a second reaction product flow (and includes the conversion of at least a fraction of the first plasma zone-conditioned product flow), in some of these embodiments, for example, the plasma zone 1 18 and the downstream contacting zone 24 are located in sufficient proximity to one another, such that thermal energy, generated within the plasma zone 118, is communicated to the contacting zone 124 through the plasma zone-conditioned product flow 122, for energizing the one or more reactive processes effected by contacting of the plasma zone- conditioned product flow 122 and the secondary fluid material 134. In this respect, in some embodiments, for example, the maximum distance between the plasma zone 118 and the downstream contacting zone 124, measured along the axis of the fluid passage 130 connecting the first plasma zone 20 and the downstream contacting zone 24, is less than 100 centimetres. In some of these embodiments, for example, the maximum distance between the plasma zone 1 18 and the downstream contacting zone 124, measured along the axis of the fluid passage 130 connecting the plasma zone 1 18 and the downstream contacting zone 124, is less than 50 centimetres. In another respect, in some embodiments, for example, the time duration for transport of the plasma zone-conditioned product flow 122 from the plasma zone 1 18 to the downstream contacting zone 124 is less than 2.5 seconds. In some embodiments, for example, the time duration for transport of the plasma zone-conditioned product flow 122 from the plasma zone 1 18 to the downstream contacting zone 124 is less than 1.0 seconds.

[0059] To mitigate loss of thermal energy, generated within the plasma zone 118, to the environment external to the material processing zone of the reactor 1 12, in some embodiments, for example, the reactor 1 12 is thermally insulated. In this respect, in some embodiments, for example, the reactor 1 12 includes a material processing zone-defining structure 146 (that defines the material processing zone 114), and an insulating material 148 is disposed about the external surface of the material processing zone-defining structure 146. In some embodiments, for example, the insulating material 148 includes ceramic paper products capable of withstanding operating temperatures of at least 1200 degrees Celsius. These materials are in sheet or blanket form and may be cut and formed around the reactor and associated pipe and fittings. These materials, typically built up in layers of approximately one (1) inch in thickness, are configured to prevent heat loss to the extent that the temperature within the downstream contacting zone 124 is above a predetermined minimum temperature.

[0060] In some embodiments, for example, it may be desirable to locate the downstream contacting zone 124 in sufficiently spaced-apart disposition relative to the plasma zone 1 18, so that the plasma zone-conditioned flow can experience sufficient heat loss prior to becoming disposed within the downstream contacting zone, with effect that the downstream contacting zone 124 does not become disposed at a sufficiently excessive temperature. In some embodiments, for example, it is desirable to maintain temperature of the downstream contacting zone 124 below a predetermined maximum temperature so as to mitigate against ionization of material within the downstream contacting zone 24, and generation of another plasma.

[0061] In some embodiments, for example, thermal energy, generated within the plasma zone 118, is indirectly communicated to the flow of secondary fluid material 134, prior to supplying the flow of the secondary fluid material 134 to the downstream contacting zone 124. In some of these embodiments, for example, the rate of transfer of thermal energy from the plasma zone 1 18 to the secondary fluid material flow 134, is with effect that, prior to supplying the flow of the secondary fluid material 134 to the downstream contacting zone 124, the temperature of the flow of the secondary fluid material 134 is above a predetermined minimum temperature, so as to facilitate reactive processes within the downstream contacting zone 124, but may also be below a predetermined maximum temperature, so as to mitigate against premature reactive processes, such as decomposition.

[0062] In some embodiments, for example, the secondary fluid material 124 is being supplied to the downstream contacting zone 124 for effecting thermal decomposition of at least a fraction of the secondary fluid material 134, but it is preferred not to sufficiently excite the secondary fluid material 134 such that the secondary fluid material 13 becomes ionized such that a plasma is generated.

[0063] In some embodiments, for example, the indirect communication of the thermal energy is effected by flowing the secondary fluid material 134 within a tubing coil wrapped around the external wall surface, of the reactor, in close proximity to the plasma zone 1 18, thereby effecting heat transfer from the reactor wall to the secondary fluid material 134.

[0064] In some embodiments, for example, and referring specifically to Figures 3, the secondary fluid material 134 is supplied to the combination zone 144 as a flow, such that a secondary fluid material flow is provided and is conducted through a fluid passage 156, defined by a fluid passage-defining conduit 158, to the combination zone 144. Upstream of the combination zone 144, at an upstream fluid passage portion 160, the secondary fluid material flow is characterized by a pressure of PSFI- Upstream of the combination zone, the plasma zone- conditioned product flow 122, with which the flowing secondary fluid material 134 is combined, is characterized by a pressure PFRP. The pressure PSFI of the secondary fluid material flow (upstream of the combination zone) is greater than the pressure PFR_P of the first plasma zone- conditioned product flow (upstream of the combination zone). Pressure of the secondary fluid material flow is reduced from PSFI, such that the secondary material fluid flow 34 becomes disposed at the pressure PSF2 at an intermediate downstream fluid passage portion 62, wherein the pressure PSF2 is less than PFRP. The reduction is effected by conducting the secondary fluid material flow from the upstream fluid passage portion 160 to the intermediate downstream fluid passage portion 162, wherein the intermediate downstream fluid passage portion is characterized by a smaller cross-sectional area relative to the cross-section area of the upstream fluid passage portion. By conducting the secondary fluid material flow from the upstream fluid passage portion to the intermediate downstream fluid passage portion, static pressure energy is converted to kinetic energy, and the pressure of the secondary fluid material flow is reduced from PSFI to PSF2- The secondary fluid material flow 134, characterized by the pressure P_SF2 and disposed at the intermediate downstream fluid passage portion 62, is disposed in fluid communication with the plasma zone-conditioned product flow through a port or passage 164 that extends through the fluid passage-defining conduit and into the intermediate downstream fluid passage portion 162, such that the plasma zone-conditioned product flow 122 is induced to flow (or "be conducted") into the intermediate downstream fluid passage portion 162 and combine with the flowing secondary gaseous material 134 within the combination zone 144, in response to the differential between the pressure PFRP of the flowing reaction product material and the pressure PSF2 of the secondary fluid material flow. In this respect, the intermediate downstream fluid passage portion 162 includes at least a fraction of the combination zone 144. The combining of the flowing reaction product material and the flowing secondary gaseous material effects generation of a combined fluid material flow.

[0065] Downstream of the combination zone 144, the pressure of the flowing combined fluid material 146 is increased to pressure PCFMI- In some embodiments, for example, the pressure PCFMI is greater than the pressure PFRP. The pressure increase is effected by flowing the combined material from the intermediate downstream fluid passage portion 162 to a "kinetic energy to static pressure energy conversion" downstream fluid passage portion 166. The cross- sectional area of the "kinetic energy to static pressure energy conversion" downstream fluid passage portion 166 is greater than the cross-sectional area of the intermediate downstream fluid passage portion 162, such that kinetic energy of the flowing combined fluid material 146 disposed within the intermediate downstream fluid passage portion 164 is converted into static pressure energy when the flowing combined fluid material 146 becomes disposed in the "kinetic energy to static pressure energy conversion" downstream fluid passage portion 166 by virtue of the fact that the flowing combined fluid material 146 has become conducted to a fluid passage portion with a larger cross-sectional area. [0066] The configuration described above, which enables the discussed fluid dynamics, will hereinafter be referred to as the "Venturi region", and the effected fluid dynamics will hereinafter be referred to as the "Venturi effect".

[0067] In some embodiments, for example, a converging nozzle portion of a fluid passage defines the upstream fluid passage portion 160 and a diverging nozzle portion of the fluid passage defines the "kinetic energy to static pressure energy conversion" downstream fluid passage portion 166, and the intermediate downstream fluid passage portion 164 is disposed intermediate of the converging and diverging nozzle portions. In some embodiments, for example, the combination of the upstream fluid passage portion 160 and the "kinetic energy to static pressure energy conversion" downstream fluid passage portion 166 is defined by a Venturi nozzle.

[0068] By configuring the fluid dynamics in this manner, amongst other things, conducting (or "flowing") of the secondary fluid material 134, to the plasma zone 1 18, is mitigated. Rather, conducting (or "flowing") of the secondary fluid material is directed towards the downstream contacting zone 124.

[0069] In those embodiments where the at least partial conversion of the carbon black- yielding material 12 is effected by contacting the carbon black-yielding material 12 with an excited gaseous material reagent that is generated from flowing a gaseous material reagent- precursor through a plasma, the secondary fluid material 134 includes carbon black-yielding material. In this respect, the process is designed such that contacting of the secondary fluid material 134 with the plasma zone-conditioned product 122 effects thermal decomposition of at least a fraction of the carbon black-yielding material of the secondary fluid material 134. The decomposition is with effect that the reaction product material includes carbon black material. In some embodiments, for example, the carbon black-yielding material includes methane. In this respect, in some of these embodiments, for example, the contacting zone 124 is disposed at a temperature of less than 1000 degrees Celsius, such as less than 700 degrees Celsius, so as to mitigate against ionization of methane. In those embodiments where thermal energy is being communicated from the plasma zone 118 to the secondary fluid material 134, by flowing the secondary fluid material 134 within a fluid passage disposed in thermal communication with the external wall surface, of the reactor, in close proximity to the plasma zone 1 18, in some of these embodiments, for example, the secondary fluid material within the fluid passage is disposed at a temperature of less than 700 degrees Celsius, such as less than 500 degrees Celsius, so as to mitigate against decomposition within the fluid passage (with resultant generation of carbon black particulate).

[0070] In some embodiments, for example, the at least partial conversion of the carbon black-yielding material 12 is effected by supplying a plasma generation initiator to the carbon black-yielding material 12, for energizing the carbon black-yielding material with the plasma generation initiator, with effect that at least a fraction of the carbon black-yielding material is sufficiently excited into a plasma state, and with effect that at least a fraction of the carbon black- yielding material is converted, by one or more reactive processes, into the reaction product material, including carbon black. Exemplary plasma generation initiators include electromagnetic energy and an electrical field. When the plasma generation initiator is electromagnetic energy, in some embodiments, for example, the electromagnetic energy is supplied for energizing gaseous material, with effect that at least a fraction of the gaseous material is excited into the plasma state. When the plasma generation initiator is an electric field, in some embodiments, for example, the electric field is applied through a gaseous material, with effect that at least a fraction of the gaseous material becomes excited into a plasma state. In this respect, and referring to the reactor system 100 illustrated in Figures 3 to 5, in such embodiments, the primary gaseous material flow 1 16 includes the carbon black-yielding material. In some of these embodiments, for example, at least a fraction of the one or more reactive processes is being effected while the primary gaseous material flow 116 is being flowed through the plasma zone 1 18. In some of these embodiments, for example, at least a fraction of the one or more reactive processes is being effected downstream of the plasma zone 1 18.

[0071] The at least partial conversion of the carbon black-yielding material 12 into the reaction product material is effected by reactive processes that are effected within the reaction zone 10. Prior to the discharging of the reaction product material from the reaction zone, the reactive processes are quenched. In some embodiments, for example, the reaction(s), or reactive process(es), of the at least partial conversion are at least partially quenched, for effecting termination of the reactions or the reactive processes, or at least a reduction of the rate of the reactions or the reactive processes. The quenching includes effecting cooling (including direct or indirect cooling) of the reaction zone material that is disposed within the reaction zone. In some embodiments, for example, the quenching is effected within the reactor. In some embodiments, for example, the quenching is effected by supplying a quenching fluid to the reaction zone to effect production of a quenched reaction zone material (that includes the quenching fluid). In those embodiments where the carbon black-yielding material 12 is being flowed through the reaction zone and being contacted with the conversion agent, the quenching fluid is introduced to a downstream portion of the reaction zone. In some embodiments, for example, minor amounts of the quenching fluid 16 is reacted with a fraction of the intermediate reaction zone material. In some embodiments, for example, the quenching effects a reduction in temperature of the reaction zone material by at least 100 degrees Celsius. The quenching fluid can be liquid or gaseous or both. In some embodiments, for example, the quenching fluid includes water.

[0072] Referring to Figures 3 to 5, in those embodiments where: (i) a plasma is generated to effect generation of an excited gaseous material reagent for contacting with the carbon black- yielding material and thereby effect at least partial conversion of the carbon black-yielding material so as to effect generation of the reaction product material, or (ii) a plasma generation initiator is supplied to the carbon black-yielding material 12, for energizing the carbon black- yielding material, with effect that at least a fraction of the carbon black-yielding material is sufficiently exited into a plasma state, and with effect that at least a fraction of the carbon black- yielding material is converted, by one or more reactive processes, into the reaction product material, the quenching fluid is provided within a portion of the reaction zone where the conversion of the carbon black-yielding material is being effected. In some embodiments, for example, the quenching fluid is combined with the reaction product material in a Venturi region, using the same or similar configuration to that described above.

[0073] In some embodiments, for example, and referring to Figure 1, the quenched reaction zone material is further indirectly cooled with cooling water 60 in a heat exchanger 70. Heat is indirectly transferred from the quenched reaction zone material to the cooling water (for example, within a shell and tube heat exchanger). In some embodiments, for example, the heat absorbed by the cooling water is sufficient to effect production of steam 80 which is supplied for use directly as a source of heat or motive force for powering blowers or compressors or in another unit operation, such as a steam turbine for the production of electricity.

[0074] The produced carbon black-comprising product material includes carbon black, and may also include other components such as one or more of unused fuel, oxidant, or combustion products, and can also include inorganic substances, metals, salts, and metal oxides. In some embodiments, for example, the other components, included within the carbon black- comprising material define a minor portion of the carbon black-comprising material, such as less than 10 weight % of the total weight of the carbon black-comprising product material.

[0075] The produced carbon black-comprising product material includes carbon black- comprising aggregate material. Carbon black-comprising aggregate material derives from the fusing of carbon black-comprising particulate material or "primary particles". Some of the carbon black-comprising aggregate material may join together to form agglomerates.

[0076] In some embodiments, for example, a recovered carbon black-comprising product material, defined by at least a fraction of the carbon black-comprising product material, is recovered for other uses. In some embodiments, for example, the recovering is effected after cooling of the carbon black-comprising product material. In some embodiments, for example, the recovering is effected after the at least partial quenching. In some of these embodiments, for example, further cooling of the carbon black-comprising material is effected after the quenching.

[0077] In some embodiments, for example, the recovery of the recovered carbon black- comprising material is effected by effecting separation of the collected carbon black-comprising material from the quenched reaction zone material 30 that is discharged from the reaction zone 10, within unit operation 90. In some of these embodiments, for example, the quenched reaction zone material 30 includes reaction product material, gaseous post-combustion material, any unreacted carbon black-yielding material 12, and quenching fluid.

[0078] In some of these embodiments, for example, the effected separation includes any conventional means such as by way of a precipitator, a cyclone separator or a bag filter. [0079] The effected separation of the collected carbon black-comprising material from the carbon black-comprising material entrained fluid also effects separation of a gaseous exhaust. In some embodiments, for example, the gaseous exhaust is supplied to another unit operation including a combustor, such as a gas turbine. In some embodiments, for example, the supplied gaseous exhaust is combusted to effect production of an operative combustion product, and a turbine is contacted by a flow of the operative combustion product so as to effect rotation of the turbine.

[0080] The produced carbon black-comprising product material includes carbon black, and may also include other components such as one or more of unused fuel, oxidant, or combustion products, and can also include inorganic substances, metals, salts, and metal oxides. In some embodiments, for example, the other components, included within the carbon black- comprising material includes, define a minor portion of the carbon black-comprising material, such as less than 10 weight % of the total weight of the carbon black-comprising product material.

[0081] The produced carbon black-comprising product material includes carbon black- comprising aggregate material. Carbon black-comprising aggregate material derives from the fusing of carbon black-comprising particulate material or "primary particles". Some of the carbon black-comprising aggregate material may join together to form agglomerates. Because the reaction zone is disposed at a pressure greater than 10 psig there is an increased frequency of collisions between individual carbon black material particulate materials, between individual carbon black-comprising particulate material and carbon black-comprising aggregate material, or between individual carbon black-comprising aggregate materials, relative to the circumstances where the reaction zone would be disposed at a lower pressure. Such increased frequency of collisions effects a faster rate of growth in size of the carbon black-comprising product aggregate material, relative to circumstances where the reaction zone would be disposed at a lower pressure.

[0082] In some embodiments, for example, a recovered carbon black-comprising product material, defined by at least a fraction of the carbon black-comprising product material, is recovered for other uses. In some embodiments, for example, the recovering is effected after cooling of the carbon black-comprising product material. In some embodiments, for example, the recovering is effected after the at least partial quenching. In some of these embodiments, for example, further cooling of the carbon black-comprising material is effected after the quenching.

[0083] In some embodiments, for example, the recovery of the recovered carbon black- comprising material is effected by effecting separation of the collected carbon black-comprising material from a reaction product material. In some of these embodiments, for example, the reaction product material includes any unreacted gaseous combustion product from a gaseous combustion product which is contacted with the carbon black-yielding material which is being supplied to the reaction zone as a flow, for effecting the at least partial conversion of a carbon black-yielding material, and also includes gaseous product material whose production is effected by the at least partial conversion of the supplied carbon black-yielding material. In some embodiments, for example, the gaseous product material is supplied to another unit operation including a combustor, such as a turbine. In some embodiments, for example, the gaseous product material is combusted to effect production of an operative combustion product, and a turbine is contacted with the operative combustion product so as to effect rotation of the turbine.

[0084] In some of these embodiments, for example, the effected separation includes any conventional means such as by way of a precipitator, a cyclone separator or a bag filter.

[0085] While the at least partial conversion of a carbon black-yielding material is being effected, an aggregation inhibition agent is supplied to the reaction zone for inhibiting carbon black material aggregation. Carbon black material aggregation means: (i) aggregation between independent carbon black-comprising particulate materials whose production is being effected by the at least partial conversion of the carbon black-yielding material, (ii) aggregation between carbon black-comprising particulate and a previously formed carbon black-comprising aggregate material, the formation of which being effected by the aggregation of carbon black comprising particulate materials whose production is being effected by the at least partial conversion of the carbon black yielding material, or (iii) aggregation between previously formed and independent carbon black-comprising aggregate materials, the formation of each of which being effected by the aggregation of carbon black comprising particulate materials whose production is being effected by the at least partial conversion of the carbon black yielding material, or (iv) any combination thereof.

[0086] In some embodiments, for example, the aggregation inhibition agent becomes associated with the carbon black-comprising particulate material or the carbon black-comprising aggregate material (resulting from the aggregation of the carbon black comprising particulate materials whose production is being effected by the at least partial conversion of the carbon black yielding material) while the at least partial conversion of the carbon black-yielding material is being effected. Once associated, the aggregation inhibition agent functions to inhibit: (i) aggregation between independent carbon black-comprising particulate materials whose production is being effected by the at least partial conversion of the carbon black-yielding material, (ii) aggregation between carbon black-comprising particulate and a previously formed carbon black-comprising aggregate material, the formation of which is being effected by the aggregation of carbon black comprising particulate materials whose production is being effected by the at least partial conversion of the carbon black yielding material, or (iii) aggregation between previously formed and independent carbon black-comprising aggregate materials, the formation of each of which is being effected by the aggregation of carbon black comprising particulate materials whose production is being effected by the at least partial conversion of the carbon black yielding material, or (iv) any combination thereof.

[0087] In some embodiments, for example, the aggregation inhibition agent includes at least one Group IA (or its ionic form) of the Periodic Table, or at least one Group IIA element (or its ionic form) of the Periodic Table, or any combination of at least one Group IA (or its ionic form) of the Periodic Table and at least one Group IIA element (or its ionic form) of the Periodic Table. In some embodiments, for example, the aggregating inhibition agent includes at least one alkali metal, or at least one alkali metal ion, or at least one alkaline earth metal, or at least one alkaline earth metal ion, or any combination thereof. Suitable aggregation inhibition agents include lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium, francium, calcium, barium, strontium, or radium, or their ionic forms, or any combination thereof. The aggregation inhibition agent may be a solid, liquid, or a gas, or any combination thereof. The aggregation inhibition agent may be supplied to the reaction zone, independently of any other material input (for example, the carbon black-yielding material, the fuel material, or the oxidant), or may be mixed in with the supply to the reaction zone of any one of the carbon black-yielding material, the fuel material, or the oxidant.

[0088] In some embodiments, for example, the aggregation inhibition agent becomes associated with the carbon black-comprising particulate material or the carbon black-comprising aggregate material as one or more metal ions, and the charge of the metal ions provides a repulsive force, inhibiting the aggregation between independent carbon black-comprising particulate materials, between carbon black-comprising particulate material and a previously formed carbon black-comprising aggregate material, or between previously formed and independent carbon black-comprising aggregate materials. By inhibiting this aggregation, characteristics of the produced carbon black-comprising product material may be tuned.

[0089] Referring to Figures 3 to 5, in those embodiments where: (i) a plasma is generated to effect generation of an excited gaseous material reagent for contacting with the carbon black- yielding material and thereby effect at least partial conversion of the carbon black-yielding material so as to effect generation of the reaction product material, or (ii) a plasma generation initiator is supplied to the carbon black-yielding material 12, for energizing the carbon black- yielding material, with effect that at least a fraction of the carbon black-yielding material is sufficiently exited into a plasma state, and with effect that at least a fraction of the carbon black- yielding material is converted, by one or more reactive processes, into the reaction product material, the aggregation inhibition agent is provided within at least a portion of the reaction zone where the conversion of the carbon black-yielding material is being effected. In some of these embodiments, for example, the aggregation inhibition agent is combined with the reaction product material in a Venturi region, using the same or similar configuration to that described above. In those embodiments where the primary gaseous material flow 116 includes the carbon black- yielding material, in some of these embodiments, for example, the aggregation inhibition agent can be introduced (or supplied) as the secondary fluid material 134, or at least a portion of the secondary fluid material 134. 1. MODULATING SUPPLY OF CARBON BLACK MATERIAL TO REACTION ZONE

[0090] Carbon black-yielding material is intermittently supplied to the reaction zone so as to define at least one suspended carbon black-yielding material supply time interval during which the supplying of the carbon black-yielding material to the reaction zone is suspended. The intermittent supplying co-operates with the supplying of the operative transformational agent (such as a gaseous combustion product, or plasma-based reaction product, or electromagnetic energy) such that a temperature increase, within the reaction zone, is effected during the at least one suspended carbon black-yielding material supply time interval during which the supplying of the carbon black-yielding material to the reaction zone is suspended. The rate of conversion of carbon black-yielding material increases with increasing temperature. In this respect, the temperature increase within the reaction zone provides for an increased rate of conversion of carbon black-yielding material, once supply of carbon black-yielding material is restarted, relative to the rate of conversion of carbon black-yielding material within the reaction zone while the reaction zone is disposed at a lower temperature.

[0091] In some embodiments, for example, the temperature increase is at least 2% above the temperature within the reaction zone immediately prior to the suspension of the supplying of the carbon black-yielding material to the reaction zone. In some embodiments, for example, the temperature increase is at least 5%. In some embodiments, the temperature increase is at least 10%.

[0092] In some embodiments, for example, the intermittent supplying of the carbon black- yielding material defines at least one suspended carbon black-yielding material supply time interval during which supplying of the carbon black-yielding material is suspended, and each one of the at least one suspended carbon black-yielding material supply time interval, independently, has a time duration that is sufficient so that the supplying of the gaseous combustion product is effective to effect a temperature increase of at least 2% above the temperature within the reaction zone immediately prior to the suspension of supplying of the carbon black-yielding material to the reaction zone. In some embodiments, for example, the temperature increase is at least 5%. In some embodiments, the temperature increase is at least 10%.

[0093] In some embodiments, for example, the intermittent supplying of the carbon black- yielding material defines at least one suspended carbon black-yielding material supply time interval during which supplying of the carbon black-yielding material is suspended, and each one of the at least one suspended carbon black-yielding material supply time interval, independently, has a time duration of at least 3 seconds. In some embodiments, for example, the time duration is at least 10 seconds. In some embodiments, for example, the time duration is between 3 and 30 seconds.

[0094] In some embodiments, for example, the intermittent supplying of the carbon black- yielding material defines at least one pair of successive, spaced-apart carbon black-yielding material supply time intervals. For each one of the at least one pair of successive, spaced-apart carbon black-yielding material supply time intervals, during the entirety, or substantially the entirety, of each one of the during spaced-apart carbon black-yielding material supply time intervals of the pair, independently, the carbon black-yielding material is supplied to the reaction zone. Between the carbon black-yielding material supply time intervals, of each pair of successive, spaced-apart carbon black-yielding material supply time intervals, is defined a suspended carbon black-yielding material supply time interval during which supplying of the carbon black-yielding material to the reaction zone is suspended or substantially suspended, such for each pair of successive, spaced-apart carbon black-yielding material supply time intervals, the completion of an earlier one of the pair of successive carbon black-yielding material supply time intervals merges with the commencement of the suspended carbon black-yielding material supply time interval, and the completion of the suspended carbon black-yielding material supply time interval merges with the commencement of the later one of the pair of successive carbon black- yielding material supply time intervals.

[0095] In some embodiments, for example, during the carbon black-yielding material supply time intervals the ratio of: (a) the molar rate of supply of carbon by to the reaction zone, to (b) the molar rate of supply of oxygen to the reaction zone, is at least 0.25. [0096] In some embodiments, for example, over the entirety of the carbon black-yielding material supply time interval, the supplying of carbon black-yielding material is continuous.

[0097] In another aspect, while the gaseous combustion product is being supplied to the reaction zone, effecting a 2% reduction in the molar rate of supply of the carbon black-yielding material being supplied to the reaction zone such that a temperature increase, within the reaction zone, is effected while the reduced molar rate of supply of the carbon black-yielding material is being supplied to the reaction zone. In some embodiments, for example, the reduction is such that the supplying of the carbon black-yielding material to the reaction zone becomes suspended. In some embodiments, for example, the effected reduction is 100%. In some embodiments, for example, after the effected reduction, the carbon black-yielding material continues to be supplied to the reaction zone, but at the reduced molar rate of supply.

[0098] By effecting the reduction in the molar rate of supply of the carbon black-yielding material being supplied to the reaction zone, rather than effecting conversion of the carbon black- yielding material, at least some of the energy of the operative transformation agent, such as gaseous combustion product, a plasma zone product, or electromagnetic radiation, which continues to be supplied to the reaction zone even after the effected reduction, effects an increase to the temperature within the reaction zone. The rate of conversion of carbon black-yielding material increases with increasing temperature. In this respect, upon resuming the molar rate of supply of carbon black-yielding material to the molar rate of supply prior to the effected reduction (by effecting an increase to the molar rate of supply of the carbon black-yielding material to the reaction zone), the rate of conversion of carbon black-yielding material is increased relative to the rate of conversion immediately prior to the effected reduction.

[0099] In some embodiments, for example, the temperature increase is at least 2% above the temperature within the reaction zone immediately prior to the effected reduction of at least 2% in the molar rate of supply of the carbon black-yielding material to the reaction zone. In some embodiments, for example, the temperature increase is at least 5%. In some embodiments, for example, the temperature increase is at least 10%. [00100] In some embodiments, for example, the combination of: (i) the effecting a reduction (for example, at least a 2% reduction, such as a 100% reduction) in the molar rate of supply of the carbon black-yielding material to the reaction zone is such that a temperature increase, within the reaction zone, is effected while the reduced molar rate of supply of the carbon black-yielding material is being supplied to the reaction zone, and, after the temperature increase is effected, (ii) the effecting an increase (for example, at least a 2% increase, such as a 100% increase) in the molar rate of supply of the carbon black-yielding material to the reaction zone, defines an operative carbon black-yielding material supply cycle. In some embodiments, for example, the operative carbon black-yielding material supply cycle is repeated at least once.

2. COOLING OF INJECTION LANCE USED FOR SUPPLYING OF CARBON BLACK- YIELDING MATERIAL

[00101] Referring to Figure 2, the reactor 20 includes a material supply compartment 22 including both of a high temperature zone 8 and the reaction zone 10. The material supply compartment 22 is defined by a material supply compartment-defining wall 24. The carbon black-yielding material 12 is supplied to the reaction zone 10 with an injection lance 40. The injection lance 40 extends from the wall 24, through the high temperature zone 8, into the reaction zone 10. The injection lance 40 defines a carbon black-yielding material supplying fluid passage 44 for supplying the carbon black-yielding material 12 to the reaction zone 10. The injection lance 40 includes a nozzle 42 for effecting the discharge of the carbon black-yielding material 12 into the reaction zone 10.

[00102] The high temperature zone 8 is disposed in thermal communication with the reaction zone 10 that is disposed at a sufficiently high temperature such that the high temperature zone is disposed at a temperature of at least 400 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, for example, the reaction zone 10 is disposed at a temperature of at least 700 degrees Celsius (such as 1400 degrees Celsius).

[00103] The lance 40 also includes a fluid insulator supplying fluid passage 46 for effecting thermal insulation of the carbon black-yielding material from the high temperature zone 8 such that formation of coke within the carbon black-yielding material supplying fluid passage 44 is mitigated. A fluid insulator injection nozzle 48 is also provided to effect discharge of the fluid insulator into the reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, for example, the effected thermal insulation is such that the temperature of the carbon black-yielding material 12 within the carbon black-yielding material supplying fluid passage 44 is maintained below 400 degrees Celsius when the temperature within the high temperature zone 8 is above 400 degrees Celsius.

[00104] The fluid insulator includes an oxidant. In some embodiments, for example, the fluid insulator is gaseous. In some embodiments, for example, the fluid insulator is air. In addition to effecting the above-described thermal insulation, the insulator fluid is discharged through the nozzle 48 and contacted with the carbon black-yielding material 12 so as to effect combustion with the insulator fluid-contacted carbon black-yielding material, and thereby effect production of a carbon black product that is distinct from one produced without providing for the contacting between the insulator fluid and the carbon black-yielding material 12.

[00105] In some embodiments, for example, the operative transformation agent includes gaseous combustion products. In this respect, fuel material 14 is supplied upstream of the reaction zone 10 and, while flowing downstream towards the reaction zone 10, is at least partially combusted within the combustion zone 15 to effect production of the gaseous post-combustion material (including the gaseous combustion products), that flows through the high temperature zone 8 and is then contacted with the carbon black-yielding material 12 within the reaction zone 10, such that the temperature within the reaction zone is at least 700 degrees Celsius (such as 1400 degrees Celsius). In some embodiments, for example, the combustion zone 15 includes the high temperature zone 8. In some embodiments, for example, the fuel material 14 is supplied upstream of the reaction zone 10 and, while flowing downstream towards the reaction zone, is at least partially combusted within the combustion zone 15 to effect production of the gaseous post- combustion material (including the gaseous combustion products, such that combustion zone 15 is disposed at a temperature of at least 400 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, for example, the fuel material 14 is tangentially supplied to the combustion zone 15. Axial entry, relative to the direction of flow within the reactor 20, is also acceptable. [00106] In some embodiments, for example, a restriction ring 60 is disposed upstream of the lance 40, for increasing the residence time of the fuel material 14 within the combustion zone 15, to effect increased conversion of the fuel material 14 into combustion products, thereby increasing the temperature within the reaction zone 10.

[00107] In some embodiments a second lance 400 is provided downstream of the restriction ring 60, for effecting a further supply of the carbon black-yielding material 12.

3. SUPPLYING AGGREGATION INHIBITION AGENT TO REACTION ZONE DISPOSED AT A PRESSURE OF GREATER THAN 10 PSIG

[00108] The supplying of the aggregation inhibition agent is particularly useful in circumstances where the pressure within the reaction zone is greater than 10 psig. Under these conditions, growth rate of the size of the carbon black-comprising aggregate materials is relatively faster than that at lower pressure conditions. Because growth rate of the size of carbon black- comprising aggregate materials is relatively faster at higher pressure conditions, controlling of the growth rate of the size of the carbon black-comprising aggregate materials, to recover a carbon black material product having a desired aggregate size, under these faster growing conditions, is more likely to be useful, thereby necessitating the supply of the aggregation inhibition agent.

4. INTERMITTENT SUPPLYING OF AGGREGATION INHIBITION AGENT

[00109] In some embodiments, for example, the supplying of the aggregation inhibition agent is occurring intermittently while the at least partial conversion of the carbon black-yielding material into a carbon black-comprising product material is being effected.

[00110] In some embodiments, for example, the intermittent supplying of the aggregation inhibition agent defines at least one pair of successive, spaced-apart aggregation inhibition agent supply time intervals. For each one of the at least one pair of successive, spaced-apart aggregation inhibition agent supply time intervals, during the entirety, or substantially the entirety, of each one of the aggregation inhibition agent supply time intervals of the pair, independently, the aggregation inhibition agent is supplied to the reaction zone. Between the aggregation inhibition agent supply time intervals, of each pair of successive, spaced-apart aggregation inhibition agent supply time intervals, is defined a suspended aggregation inhibition agent supply time interval during which supplying of the aggregation inhibition agent to the reaction zone is suspended or substantially suspended, such that for each pair of successive, spaced-apart aggregation inhibition agent supply time intervals, the completion of an earlier one of the pair of successive, spaced-apart aggregation inhibition agent supply time intervals merges with the commencement of the suspended aggregation inhibition agent supply time interval, and the completion of the suspended aggregation inhibition agent supply time interval merges with the commencement of the later one of the pair of successive, spaced-apart aggregation inhibition agent supply time intervals.

[00111] In some embodiments, for example, over the entirety of the aggregation inhibition agent supply time interval, the supplying of aggregation inhibition agent is continuous.

[00112] In some embodiments, for example, while the at least partial conversion of the carbon black-yielding material into a carbon black-comprising product material is being effected, the supplying of the aggregation inhibition agent is modulated over a plurality of successive time intervals defined by "N" time intervals: T_{L 5} T₂, . . .. TN-I, and T , wherein N is an integer greater than or equal to three (3).

[00113] In some embodiments, for example, the modulation of the supplying of the aggregation inhibition agent is such that the molar rate of supply of the aggregation inhibition agent during each one of time intervals T₂ to T_N-i is, independently, any value, including zero ("0"), and is also different than a respective molar rate of supply of the aggregation inhibition agent during each one of the preceding and succeeding time intervals.

[00114] In some embodiments, for example, the supplying of the aggregation inhibition agent is temporarily suspended during at least one of time intervals T₂ to T_N-i to thereby define at least one suspended supply time interval.

[00115] In some embodiments, for example, the supplying of the aggregation inhibition agent is periodic. 5. COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL-COMPRISING QUENCHING FLUID

[00116] In some embodiments for example, the quenching fluid 16 is a combustible material. In some embodiments, for example, the combustible material includes hydrocarbon material. In some embodiments, for example, the quenching fluid 16 includes at least one high BTU gas, such as natural gas In some embodiments, for example, the quenching fluid 16 is gaseous.

[00117] While this invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments and examples, the description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Thus, various modifications of the illustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the invention, will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to this description. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will cover any such modifications or embodiments. Further, all of the claims are hereby incorporated by reference into the description of the preferred embodiments.

Claims

1. A process for effecting production of carbon black material comprising: intermittently supplying carbon black-yielding material to the reaction zone so as to define at least one suspended carbon black-yielding material supply time interval during which the supplying of the carbon black-yielding material to the reaction zone is suspended; and supplying an operative transformation agent to the reaction zone for effecting partial conversion of the carbon black-yielding material into a carbon black-comprising product material; wherein the intermittent supplying co-operates with the supplying of the operative transformational agent such that a temperature increase, within the reaction zone, is effected during the at least one suspended carbon black-yielding material supply time interval during which the supplying of the carbon black-yielding material to the reaction zone is suspended and while the supplying an operative transformation agent is being effected.

2. The process as claimed in claim 1 ; wherein the temperature increase is at least 2% above the temperature within the reaction zone immediately prior to the suspension of the supplying of the carbon black-yielding material to the reaction zone.

3. The process as claimed in claim 1 or 2; wherein the intermittent supplying of the carbon black-yielding material defines at least one suspended carbon black-yielding material supply time interval during which supplying of the carbon black-yielding material is suspended, and each one of the at least one suspended carbon black-yielding material supply time interval, independently, has a time duration that is sufficient so that the supplying of the operative transformation agent is effective to effect a temperature increase of at least 2% above the temperature within the reaction zone immediately prior to the suspension of supplying of the carbon black-yielding material to the reaction zone.

4. The process as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3; wherein the intermittent supplying of the carbon black-yielding material defines at least one suspended carbon black-yielding material supply time interval during which supplying of the carbon black-yielding material is suspended, and each one of the at least one suspended carbon black-yielding material supply time interval, independently, has a time duration of at least 3 seconds.

5. The process as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4; wherein the intermittent supplying of the carbon black-yielding material defines a pair of successive, spaced-apart two carbon black-yielding material supply time intervals; and wherein for each one of the at least one pair of successive, spaced-apart carbon black-yielding material supply time intervals, during the entirety, or substantially the entirety, of each one of the carbon black-yielding material supply time intervals of the pair, independently, the carbon black- yielding material is supplied to the reaction zone; and wherein between the carbon black-yielding material supply time intervals, of each pair of successive, spaced-apart carbon black-yielding material supply time intervals, is defined a suspended carbon black-yielding material supply time interval during which supplying of the carbon black-yielding material to the reaction zone is suspended or substantially suspended, such that for each pair of successive, spaced-apart carbon black-yielding material supply time intervals, the completion of an earlier one of the pair of successive carbon black-yielding material supply time intervals merges with the commencement of the suspended carbon black-yielding material supply time interval, and the completion of the suspended carbon black-yielding material supply time interval merges with the commencement of the later one of the pair of successive carbon black-yielding material supply time intervals.

6. The process as claimed in claim 5; wherein, during each one of the carbon black-yielding material supply time intervals, the ratio of: (a) the molar rate of supply of carbon by the carbon black-yielding material being supplied to the reaction zone, to (b) the molar ratio of supply of oxygen to the reaction zone, is at least 0.25.

7. The process as claimed in claim 5; wherein each one of the carbon black-yielding material supply time intervals, independently, has a time duration of at least 3 seconds.

8. The process as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7; wherein the at least partial conversion is effected by at least one of partial oxidation and decomposition.

9. The process as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8; wherein the operative transformation agent includes a gaseous combustion product.

10. The process as claimed in claim 9; wherein production of the gaseous combustion product is effected by contacting a fuel material with an oxidant.

1 1. The process as claimed in claim 10; wherein the production of the gaseous combustion product and the at least partial conversion of a carbon black-yielding material is effected within the same reactor.

12. The process as claimed in claim 10 or 11 ; wherein the production of the gaseous combustion product is effected within a combustion zone disposed within the reactor.

13. The process as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12; wherein, while the at least partial conversion of a carbon black-yielding material is being effected, recovering a recovered carbon black-comprising product material defined by at least a fraction of the carbon black-comprising product material.

14. The process as claimed in claim 13; wherein the recovering of the recovered carbon black-comprising material is effected by effecting separation of the recovered carbon black-comprising material from a quenched reaction zone material.

15. The process as claimed in claim 14; wherein the separation is effected by mechanical filtration.

16. A process for effecting production of carbon black material comprising: supplying carbon black-yielding material to a reaction zone; supplying an operative transformation agent to the reaction zone; effecting contact, or communication, between the carbon black-yielding material and the operative transformation agent, such that at least partial conversion of the carbon black-yielding material is effected within the reaction zone; while the operative transformation agent is being supplied to the reaction zone, effecting a 2% reduction in the molar rate of supply of a carbon black-yielding material being supplied to the reaction zone such that a temperature increase, within the reaction zone, is effected while the reduced molar rate of supply of the carbon black-yielding material is being supplied to the reaction zone.

17. The process as claimed in claim 16; wherein the reduction is such that the supplying of the carbon black-yielding material to the reaction zone becomes suspended.

18. The process as claimed in claim 17; wherein, after the effected reduction, the carbon black-yielding material continues to be supplied to the reaction zone, but at the reduced molar rate of supply.

19. The process as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 18; wherein the temperature increase is at least 2% above the temperature within the reaction zone immediately prior to the effected reduction of at least 2% in the molar rate of supply of the carbon black-yielding material to the reaction zone.

20. The process as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 19; further comprising, after the temperature increase has been effected, effecting at least a 2% increase in the molar rate of supply of the carbon black-yielding material to the reaction zone.

21. The process as claimed in claim 20; wherein the combination of: (i) the effecting at least a 2% reduction in the molar rate of supply of the carbon black-yielding material to the reaction zone is such that a temperature increase, within the reaction zone, is effected while the reduced molar rate of supply of the carbon black-yielding material is being supplied to the reaction zone, and, after the temperature increase is effected, (ii) the effecting at least a 2% increase in the molar rate of supply of the carbon black-yielding material to the reaction zone, defines an operative carbon black-yielding material supply cycle.

22. The process as claimed in claim 21 ; wherein the operative carbon black-yielding material supply cycle is repeated at least once.

23. The process as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 22; wherein the at least partial conversion is effected by at least one of partial oxidation and decomposition.

24. The process as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 23; wherein the operative transformation agent is a heat transfer agent.

25. The process as claimed in claim 24; wherein the heat transfer agent includes a gaseous combustion product.

26. The process as claimed in claim 25; wherein production of the gaseous combustion product is effected by contacting a fuel material with an oxidant.

27. The process as claimed in claim 25 or 26; wherein the production of the gaseous combustion product and the at least partial conversion of a carbon black-yielding material is effected within the same reactor.

28. The process as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 27; wherein the production of the gaseous combustion product is effected within a combustion zone disposed within the reactor.

29. The process as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 28; wherein, while the at least partial conversion of a carbon black-yielding material is being effected, recovering a recovered carbon black-comprising product material defined by at least a fraction of the carbon black-comprising product material.

30. The process as claimed in claim 29; wherein the recovering of the recovered carbon black-comprising material is effected by effecting separation of the recovered carbon black-comprising material from a quenched reaction zone material.

31. The process as claimed in claim 30; wherein the separation is effected by mechanical filtration.

32. A process for effecting conversion of a carbon black-yielding material within a reactor, the reactor including a material supply compartment that includes both a high temperature zone and a reaction zone, wherein the high temperature zone is in heat transfer communication with the reaction zone, and wherein the material supply compartment is defined by a material supply compartment-defining wall, comprising: supplying carbon black-yielding material to the reaction zone with an injection lance, the injection lance extends from the wall, through the high temperature zone, and into the reaction zone, the injection lance defining a carbon black-yielding material supplying fluid passage for supplying the carbon black-yielding material to the reaction zone, the injection lance further including a carbon black-yielding material injection nozzle for effecting the discharge of the carbon black-yielding material into the reaction zone; supplying an operative transformation agent to the reaction zone, with effect that at least partial conversion of the carbon black-yielding material is effected and the reaction zone becomes disposed at a sufficiently high such that the high temperature zone becomes disposed at a temperature of at least 400 degrees Celsius by heat transfer from the reaction zone; wherein the lance further includes a fluid insulator supplying fluid passage for effecting thermal insulation of the carbon black-yielding material from the operative portion of the high temperature zone such that formation of coke within the carbon black-yielding material supplying fluid passage is mitigated, and further includes a fluid insulator injection nozzle for effecting discharge of the fluid insulator into the reaction zone, wherein the fluid insulator includes an oxidant.

33. The process as claimed in claim 32; wherein the operational transformation agent includes a gaseous combustion product.

34. The process as claimed in claim 33, further comprising: combusting a fuel material within the high temperature zone to effect production of the gaseous combustion product.

35. A process for effecting production of carbon black material comprising: while effecting at least partial conversion of a carbon black-yielding material into a carbon black- comprising product material, including carbon black-comprising aggregate material, within a reaction zone at a pressure greater than 10 psig, supplying an aggregation inhibition agent to the reaction zone for effecting inhibition of carbon black material aggregation.

36. The process as claimed in claim 35; wherein the at least partial conversion is effected by at least one of partial oxidation and decomposition.

37. The process as claimed in claim 35 or 36; wherein the at least partial conversion is effected within a reaction zone, and the supplied aggregation inhibition agent is supplied to the reaction zone.

38. The process as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 37; wherein the at least partial conversion is effected by contacting the carbon black-yielding material with a heat transfer agent.

39. The process as claimed in claim 38; wherein the heat transfer agent includes a gaseous combustion product.

40. The process as claimed in claim 39; wherein production of the gaseous combustion product is effected by contacting a fuel material with an oxidant.

41. The process as claimed in claim 40; wherein the production of the combustion gases and the at least partial conversion of a carbon black-yielding material is effected within the same reactor.

42. The process as claimed in claim 40 or 41 ; wherein the production of the combustion gases is effected within a combustion zone disposed within the reactor.

43. The process as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 42; wherein, while the at least partial conversion of a carbon black-yielding material is being effected, recovering a recovered carbon black-comprising product material defined by at least a fraction of the carbon black-comprising product material.

44. The process as claimed in claim 43; wherein the recovering of the recovered carbon black-comprising material is effected by effecting separation of the recovered carbon black-comprising material from a reaction product material.

45. The process as claimed in claim 43 or 44; wherein the separation is effected by mechanical filtration.

46. A process for effecting production of carbon black material comprising: while effecting at least partial conversion of a carbon black-yielding material into a carbon black- comprising product material including carbon black-comprising aggregate material, supplying an aggregation inhibition agent for effecting inhibition of carbon black material aggregation; wherein the supplying of the aggregation inhibition agent is modulated over a plurality of successive time intervals defined by "N" time intervals: T\, T₂, . . .. TN-I, and TN, wherein N is an integer greater than or equal to three (3).

47. The process as claimed in claim 46; wherein the modulation of the supplying of the aggregation inhibition agent is such that the molar rate of supply of the aggregation inhibition agent during any one of time intervals T₂ to T -I is, independently, any value, including zero ("0"), and is also different than a respective molar rate of supply of the aggregation inhibition agent during each one of the preceding and succeeding time intervals.

48. The process as claimed in claim 46; wherein the supplying of the aggregation inhibition agent is temporarily suspended during at least one of time intervals T₂ to T -I to thereby define at least one suspended supply time interval.

49. The process as claimed in claim 46; wherein the supplying of the aggregation inhibition agent is intermittent.

50. The process as claimed in claim 46; wherein the supplying of the aggregation inhibition agent is periodic.

51. The process as claimed in any one of claims 46 to 50; wherein the at least partial conversion is effected by at least one of partial oxidation and decomposition.

52. The process as claimed in any one of claims 46 to 51 ; wherein the at least partial conversion is effected within a reaction zone, and the supplied aggregation inhibition agent is supplied to the reaction zone.

53. The process as claimed in any one of claims 46 to 52; wherein the at least partial conversion is effected by contacting the carbon black-yielding material with a heat transfer agent.

54. The process as claimed in claim 53; wherein the heat transfer agent includes a gaseous combustion product.

55. The process as claimed in claim 54; wherein production of the gaseous combustion product is effected by contacting a fuel material with an oxidant.

56. The process as claimed in claim 55; wherein the production of the gaseous combustion product and the at least partial conversion of a carbon black-yielding material is effected within the same reactor.

57. The process as claimed in claim 55; wherein the production of the gaseous combustion product is effected within a combustion zone disposed within the reactor, and the at least partial conversion of a carbon black-yielding material is effected within a reaction zone disposed within the reactor.

58. The process as claimed in any one of claims 46 to 57; wherein, while the at least partial conversion of a carbon black-yielding material is being effected, recovering a recovered carbon black-comprising product material defined by at least a fraction of the carbon black-comprising product material.

59. The process as claimed in claim 58; wherein the recovering of the recovered carbon black-comprising material is effected by effecting separation of the recovered carbon black-comprising material from a quenched reaction zone material.

60. The process as claimed in claim 59; wherein the separation is effected by mechanical filtration.

61. A process for effecting production of carbon black material comprising: while effecting at least partial conversion of a carbon black-yielding material into a carbon black- comprising product material within a reaction zone, intermittently supplying an aggregation inhibition agent for effecting inhibition of carbon black material aggregation within the reaction zone.

62. The process as claimed in claim 61 ; wherein the intermittent supplying of the aggregation inhibition agent defines at least one pair of successive, spaced-apart aggregation inhibition agent supply time intervals; and wherein, for each one of the at least one pair of successive, spaced-apart aggregation inhibition agent supply time intervals, during the entirety, or substantially the entirety, of each one of the aggregation inhibition agent supply time intervals of the pair, independently, the aggregation inhibition agent is supplied to the reaction zone; and wherein, between the aggregation inhibition agent supply time intervals, of each pair of successive, spaced-apart aggregation inhibition agent supply time intervals, is defined a suspended aggregation inhibition agent supply time interval during which supplying of the aggregation inhibition agent to the reaction zone is suspended or substantially suspended, such that for each pair of successive, spaced-apart aggregation inhibition agent supply time intervals, the completion of an earlier one of the pair of successive, spaced-apart aggregation inhibition agent supply time intervals merges with the commencement of the suspended aggregation inhibition agent supply time interval, and the completion of the suspended aggregation inhibition agent supply time interval merges with the commencement of the later one of the pair of successive, spaced-apart aggregation inhibition agent supply time intervals.

63. The process as claimed in claim 62; wherein, over the entirety of the aggregation inhibition agent supply time interval, the supplying of aggregation inhibition agent is continuous.

64. A process for supplying a gaseous exhaust from a carbon black-producing process to a combustor, comprising: while effecting a reactive process that effects at least partial conversion of a carbon black-yielding material into a carbon black-comprising product material, quenching the reactive process with a quenching fluid, wherein the quenching fluid includes a combustible fuel, and, after the quenching, supplying gaseous exhaust from the reaction zone to another unit operation including a combustor.

65. The process as claimed in claim 64; wherein the supplied gaseous exhaust is combusted to effect production of an operative combustion product, and a turbine is contacted by a flow of the operative combustion product so as to effect rotation of the turbine.

66. The process as claimed in claim 64 or 65; wherein the at least partial conversion is effected by at least one of partial oxidation and decomposition.

67. The process as claimed in any one of claims 64 to 66; wherein the at least partial conversion is effected within a reaction zone.

68. The process as claimed in any one of claims 64 to 67; wherein the at least partial conversion is effected by contacting the carbon black-yielding material with a heat transfer agent.

69. The process as claimed in claim 68; wherein the heat transfer agent includes a gaseous combustion product.

70. The process as claimed in claim 69; wherein production of the gaseous combustion product is effected by contacting a fuel material with an oxidant.

71. The process as claimed in claim 70; wherein the production of the gaseous combustion product and the at least partial conversion of a carbon black-yielding material is effected within the same reactor.

72. The process as claimed in claim 70 or 71 ; wherein the production of the gaseous combustion product is effected within a combustion zone disposed within the reactor.

73. The process as claimed in any one of claims 64 to 72; wherein, while the at least partial conversion of a carbon black-yielding material is being effected, recovering a recovered carbon black-comprising product material defined by at least a fraction of the carbon black-comprising product material.

74. The process as claimed in claim 73; wherein the recovering of the recovered carbon black-comprising material is effected by effecting separation of the recovered carbon black-comprising material from a quenched reaction zone material. The process as claimed in claim 73 or 74, wherein the separation is effected by mechanical