Nitrogen is fed into a sealed container (18) to expel oxygen (step 1) and,
in such a state, the inside temperature of the container (18) is
incrementally raised step by a heater built into the container (18). In
sequential steps 2 through 5, Water content, chlorine, and high-molecular
gases are extracted. Reusable carbon and metal remain in the container
(18) in step 6, or when left standing for a prescribed time or more.
Gases extracted in steps 2 to 5 can be liquefied for recycling. No carbon
dioxide or dioxins are produced because heating is performed in an
oxygen-free atmosphere. A furnace is not required because the heater is
installed in the container (18), and treatment efficiency is high. A
space-saving, energy-efficient, and low-cost treatment system, by which
carbon (e.g., inert carbon), metals, and the like can be recovered in a
reusable state without producing carbon dioxide or dioxins, is obtained.
The obtained inert carbon can be subjected to an activation treatment to
continuously mass-produce carbon nanotubes and activated carbon.