Reactor and process for partial oxidation

A process for the production of synthesis gas containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide through a step of partial oxidation of a gaseous hydrocarbon fuel, wherein:

• said step of partial oxidation is performed in a reactor including a vessel, a reaction chamber and at least one burner assembly;
• said burner assembly has a single oxidant nozzle;
• said reactor includes at least one fuel channel which is in communication with an inlet of said gaseous hydrocarbon fuel;
• said oxidant nozzle comprises an oxidant nozzle pipe and an oxidant nozzle outlet,
• said oxidant nozzle pipe is coaxially arranged inside the fuel channel;
• the oxidant nozzle pipe and the fuel channel are arranged to produce a diffusion flame;
• the oxidant nozzle outlet has a shape with two or more elongate lobes projecting from an axis of the oxidant nozzle pipe;
• the process includes:
• feeding an oxidant in the oxidant nozzle of the reactor;
• feeding an hydrocarbon fuel in the fuel channel of the reactor, forming a diffusion flame at the outlet of the fuel nozzle.