A plasma torch assembly for use in a chemical reactor comprises an input system and at least one plasma torch. The plasma torch has a torch chamber with an open end for gas outflow, a first electrode disposed in the torch chamber, and a second electrode disposed in the torch chamber between the cathode and the open end. The input system has a plurality of gas feedstock inputs. Each of the plurality of gas feedstock inputs is associated with one or more specified input gases and is associated with one or more gas input positions in the torch chamber.

The embodiments disclosed herein are directed to systems, methods, and devices for pyrolysis of methane in a microwave plasma for hydrogen production and structured carbon powder. Some methods are directed to producing a structured carbon powder using a microwave generated plasma comprising injecting a plasma gas comprising methane (CH.sub.4) into a liner, the liner in communication with a microwave waveguide; propagating microwaves through the microwave waveguide, the microwaves generated using a microwave generator; and generating a microwave plasma by contacting the plasma gas with the microwaves.

A torch stinger apparatus may comprise one or more sets of plasma generating electrodes and at least one hydrocarbon injector contained within the electrodes. The electrodes may be concentric. The at least one hydrocarbon injector may be cooled. A method of making carbon particles using the apparatus is also described.

A method of cooling a liner in a plasma chamber. A recycle gas is contacted with or passed through the liner to cool the liner and pre-heat the recycle gas. The pre-heated gas is then recycled through the plasma chamber to become part of the plasma forming process. The method further comprises the liner is graphite, the recycle gas passes through at least one cooling channel present in the liner, at least one of the cooling channels are covered with at least one removable liner/channel cover, carbon deposits are formed from the presence of hydrocarbons in the recycle gas, at least one channel is formed in a spiral cooling channel pattern, at least one channel is formed in a substantially straight cooling channel pattern, and a plenum to aid in the production of an even distribution of cooling gas in the channels.

A torch stinger apparatus may comprise one or more sets of plasma generating electrodes and at least one hydrocarbon injector contained within the electrodes. The electrodes may be concentric. The at least one hydrocarbon injector may be cooled. A method of making carbon particles using the apparatus is also described.

Secondary heat may be added to a particle production process. The particles may be, for example, carbon particles. Among other things, the secondary heat addition may result in change in surface area of the carbon particle(s), change in structure of the carbon particle(s), reduced wall fouling, reduced energy consumption and/or increased throughput. Apparatus for performing the process is also described.

Particles with suitable properties may be generated. The particles may include carbon particles.

A method of making carbon black. A method of making carbon black is described including combusting feedstock with plasma in an apparatus having a series of unit operations with individual capacities. The individual capacities of the unit operations are substantially balanced by replacing at least part of the feedstock with a feedstock having a molecular weight heavier than methane. This results, among other things, in increased utilization of the individual capacities of the unit operations and increased overall throughput.

A method and apparatus for making carbon black having increased surface area, reduced grit and/or reduced extract levels. A plasma gas is flowed into a plasma forming region to form a plasma. The plasma then flows through a throat region which is narrower than the plasma forming section, which is connected to a separate carbon black forming region. This causes the plasma to accelerate and become turbulent prior to the exit point in the throat region. The carbon black forming feedstock is injected into the turbulence created by the throat region at a point above, at or near the exit point, resulting in the formation of a carbon black in the separate carbon black forming region. The throat region and/or injector region can be cooled, e.g., water plasma gas cooled.

A method of making carbon black. A method of making carbon black is described including combusting feedstock with plasma in an apparatus having a series of unit operations with individual capacities. The individual capacities of the unit operations are substantially balanced by replacing at least part of the feedstock with a feedstock having a molecular weight heavier than methane. This results, among other things, in increased utilization of the individual capacities of the unit operations and increased overall throughput.