Disclosed is a method of producing carbon black by subjecting to a separation step a hydrocarbon feedstock containing a meltable solid, clarifying the hydrocarbon of the meltable solid and thereby making a concentrate of hydrocarbon and the meltable solid, and whereas the clarified hydrocarbon is introduced into the oil furnace process reactor to be converted to carbon black. The improvement lies in introducing the concentrate into the reaction zone of the reactor at a point where the temperature is below the melting point of the meltable solid. Carbon black is produced from the clarified oil and the oil concentrated with the meltable solid without substantially depositing the melted solid on the interior walls of the reactor.
A non-cylindrical carbon black reactor for consistently and efficiently producing high tint carbon black. A plurality of flat sides defines the inner surface of the carbon black reactor. The flat sides provide a planar surface for the introduction of feedstock hydrocarbon into the reactor, thereby eliminating or substantially reducing impingement of the feedstock hydrocarbon on the inner surface of the reactor chamber and the consequent erosion of the inner surface. The flat sides of the inner surface of the reaction chamber also provide a hot gas flow with a cross-sectional area that substantially conforms to the spray pattern of the feedstock hydrocarbon, thereby providing a minimum flame length within the reactor and a more efficient use of hot gas.
