A method for manufacturing carbon nanotubes with an integrally attached outer graphitic layer is disclosed. With the system, a set of instructions is stored on a machine-readable medium. Methods for creating and using the materials are disclosed. The recess of each plate surrounds a locating peg projecting centrally from the base of the recess and is bounded by an annular rim, such that the annular rims of the plates are arranged to contact one another at a predetermined limit of sliding movement of the plates over the core. At least one inlet spiral is associated with a flow guide guiding the fluid into the hydrodynamic circuit with at least one axial component.