A theoretical model used for selecting optimum experimental conditions was established by calculation of material and energy balance.Experimental conditions were determined according to this theoretical model.Pyrolysis of propane to acetylene was conducted in 1 MW plasma torch.Carbon hydrogen ratio and specific enthalpy of hydrogen were investigated

because they affected propane conversion efficiency

acetylene yield and specific energy of requirement; and the relationship among them were analyzed.The maximum input power in this experiment was 794.2 kW.The conversion efficiencies of propane were more than 99.8%

the highest concentration of acetylene was 12.65%.The best results of acetylene yield and specific energy of requirement could be found in this experimental range

when carbon hydrogen ratio changed.With the increase of specific enthalpy of hydrogen

there existed an optimum value of acetylene yield

while the value of specific energy of requirement increased.The highest acetylene yield obtained was 85.4% and the lowest specific energy of requirement was 8.85 kW·h·(kg C2H2)-1.The theoretical model could be used for optimizing experimental conditions according to these results.