Plasma reactor for the production of hydrogen-rich gas

Abstract

A plasma reactor () is provided. The plasma reactor () includes a reaction chamber () formed by a wall (). Proximate to the first end of the reaction chamber, the plasma reactor includes a feed gas inlet () for creating a reverse vortex gas flow () in the reaction chamber. The plasma reactor () also includes an anode and a cathode connected to a power source for generation of an electric arc for plasma generation in said reaction chamber. The plasma reactor () may optionally include a movable electrode adapted for movement from a first, ignition position to a second, operational position in the reaction chamber. Also provided is a method of converting light hydrocarbons to hydrogen-rich gas, using the plasma reactor of the invention.