Method and apparatus for producing carbon black

Abstract

A reactor and method for producing carbon black which involves arranging the combustion fuel conduits in a circumferential arrangement within the forward wall of the combustion chamber and providing an impact surface on the opposite side of the combustion chamber. The impact surface forms part of a forward wall of a constricting section which has a tapering passageway with a large opening in fluid communication with the combustion chamber and a smaller opening downstream. A throat passageway or restricting ring is provided at the downstream end of the tapering passageway and the throat passageway opens into an expansion chamber which, in turn, opens into a quenching chamber. Carbon black feedstock is injected into either the tapering passageway, the throat section, or both. The injection of the feedstock is achieved through the use of an axially extending lance and/or one or more radially extending injectors. Combustion oxidant is input through the same apertures formed in the forward wall of the combustion section. The resultant combustion products are impacted against the impact surface so as to create a highly turbulent flow of combustion gases which passes through the tapering passageway, throat passageway, expansion chamber, and quenching chamber.