Abstract: The thermal plasma process for converting coal to acetylene opens up a direct means for clean and effective utilization of coal，which has the potential of substituting the conventional calcium carbide method to produce acetylene. The research on the pyrolysis of coal in thermal plasma is reviewed，including the thermodynamics analysis，lab-scale and pilot-plant experimental studies，quenching techniques. Discussions are made on the key issues for commercialization of such a process. Further demand on fundamental research is proposed.

摘要： 热等离子体裂解煤制乙炔过程为煤的直接化工利用提供了一条有前景的、清洁的转化途径，有望成为替代传统的电石法乙炔生产工艺的新技术。本文对等离子体煤裂解制乙炔的实验室及工业中试研究进行了评述，综述了该过程在反应体系热力学分析、实验室和工业中试规模实验研究以及产物气急冷技术等方面的研究进展，分析了该过程在工业化进程中尚存在的关键性问题，提出有待深入开展的基础研究方向。