Reactor and method for carrying out a chemical reaction

A method for steam cracking or steam reforming, comprising:

• providing a reactor comprising:
• a reactor vessel;
• reaction tubes;
• and
• means for the electrical heating of the reaction tubes;
• wherein:
• the reaction tubes are guided through the reactor with at least one U-bend or run through it without U-bends;
• the reactor vessel has one or more discharge orifices which are permanently open or are set up to open above a preset pressure level;
• an inerting gas is fed into the reactor vessel by a gas feed means whereby an inner space of the reactor vessel is charged with the inerting gas;
• and
• means are provided and configured to prevent reaction operation if an oxygen content and/or a pressure and/or a hydrocarbon content measured in the reactor vessel and/or in a discharge line downstream of the reactor vessel exceeds a respective preset value;
• and
• operating the reactor to carry out said steam cracking or steam reforming.