U.S. patent application number 16/491353 was filed with the patent office on 2020-01-23 for superheated steam generation device and thermal decomposition system using same.
The applicant listed for this patent is JISSEN KANKYO KENKYUSHO CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Hisashi MIZUNO.
Application Number | 20200024522 16/491353 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63448232 |
Filed Date | 2020-01-23 |
![](/patent/app/20200024522/US20200024522A1-20200123-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20200024522/US20200024522A1-20200123-D00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20200024522/US20200024522A1-20200123-D00002.png)
![](/patent/app/20200024522/US20200024522A1-20200123-D00003.png)
![](/patent/app/20200024522/US20200024522A1-20200123-D00004.png)
![](/patent/app/20200024522/US20200024522A1-20200123-D00005.png)
![](/patent/app/20200024522/US20200024522A1-20200123-D00006.png)
![](/patent/app/20200024522/US20200024522A1-20200123-D00007.png)
![](/patent/app/20200024522/US20200024522A1-20200123-D00008.png)
![](/patent/app/20200024522/US20200024522A1-20200123-D00009.png)
United States Patent
Application |
20200024522 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MIZUNO; Hisashi |
January 23, 2020 |
SUPERHEATED STEAM GENERATION DEVICE AND THERMAL DECOMPOSITION
SYSTEM USING SAME
Abstract
A superheated steam generating apparatus (12) is made of a
material capable of generating heat upon energization. The
superheated steam generating apparatus (12) comprises a superheated
steam generating pipe (12) which includes a flow path (129) in
which steam can flow and transfers the heat to the steam in the
flow path (129) to generate superheated steam. In the superheated
steam generating apparatus (12), a length of a cross-sectional
shape of a wall forming the flow path (129) of the superheated
steam generating pipe (12) is longer than a length of a
circumference of an exact circle having a same sectional area as a
sectional area of the flow path (129).
Inventors: |
MIZUNO; Hisashi; (Nagoya,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
JISSEN KANKYO KENKYUSHO CO., LTD. |
Nagoya-city, Aichi |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
63448232 |
Appl. No.: |
16/491353 |
Filed: |
March 6, 2018 |
PCT Filed: |
March 6, 2018 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2018/008514 |
371 Date: |
September 5, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C10B 53/02 20130101;
C10K 1/32 20130101; F22G 1/165 20130101; C10B 47/00 20130101; C10B
47/44 20130101; F22G 5/00 20130101; F22G 1/16 20130101; C10B 23/00
20130101 |
International
Class: |
C10B 23/00 20060101
C10B023/00; F22G 1/16 20060101 F22G001/16; F22G 5/00 20060101
F22G005/00; C10B 47/44 20060101 C10B047/44; C10B 53/02 20060101
C10B053/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 7, 2017 |
JP |
2017-042705 |
Claims
1-12. (canceled)
13. A superheated steam generating apparatus comprising: a
superheated steam generating pipe (12, 13, 52, 62), which is made
of a material capable of generating heat upon energization, which
includes a flow path (129, 529, 629) in which steam can flow and
transfers the heat to the steam in the flow path to generate
superheated steam, wherein a length of a cross-sectional shape of a
wall forming the flow path of the superheated steam generating pipe
is longer than a length of a circumference of an exact circle
having a same sectional area as a sectional area of the flow
path.
14. The superheated steam generating apparatus according to claim
13, wherein the superheated steam generating pipe includes a
cylinder portion (120) which is cylindrically formed and which
makes an outline of the flow path and one or more protrusions (121,
122, 123, 124, 521, 522, 523, 524, 621, 622, 623, 624) which
protrudes in a radially inner direction from an inner wall surface
(125) of the cylinder portion.
15. The superheated steam generating apparatus according to claim
14, wherein a plurality of protrusions are provided.
16. The superheated steam generating apparatus according to claim
15, wherein each protrusion has different radial heights.
17. The superheated steam generating apparatus according to claim
14, wherein the protrusion is spirally formed on the inner wall
surface.
18. The superheated steam generating apparatus according to claim
13, further comprising a power control portion (18) which can
control an electric power for energization of the superheated steam
generating pipe, wherein the power control portion controls to make
a ratio of an electric current flowing in the superheated steam
generating pipe to a voltage to be applied to the superheated steam
generating pipe larger.
19. A pyrolysis system comprising: a superheated steam supply
portion (10) which includes a steam generating portion (11) capable
of generating steam and a superheated steam generating apparatus
(12, 13, 18, 52, 62) according to claim 13 which turns steam
generated by the steam generating portion into superheated steam,
and which can supply the superheated steam; and a pyrolysis portion
(20) capable of heating hydrocarbon inclusion containing a
hydrocarbon compound by superheated steam supplied by the
superheated steam supply portion to pyrolyze the hydrocarbon
inclusion.
20. The pyrolysis system according to claim 19, further comprising
a separating portion (30) which separates gas generated in the
pyrolysis portion into a plural kinds of combustible valuables
(VL1, VL2, VL3, VG2, VG3).
21. The pyrolysis system according to claim 20, further comprising
a purification portion (35, 55) which eliminates impurity included
at least one of the plural kinds of combustible variables separated
in the separating portion from the combustible valuables to purify
the combustible valuables.
22. The pyrolysis system according to claim 21, wherein the
purification portion includes an activated carbon (372) with a
material of Jatropha seed remainder.
23. The pyrolysis system according to claim 21, wherein the
purification portion includes an activated carbon (372) with a
material of Jatropha seed remainder and an apatite (582).
24. The pyrolysis system according to claim 19, further comprising
a solid collecting portion (25) which collects a solid generated in
the pyrolysis portion as a carbon valuable (VS1).
25. The superheated steam generating apparatus according to claim
15, wherein the protrusion is spirally formed on the inner wall
surface.
26. The superheated steam generating apparatus according to claim
16, wherein the protrusion is spirally formed on the inner wall
surface.
27. The superheated steam generating apparatus according to claim
14, further comprising a power control portion (18) capable of
controlling an electric power for energization of the superheated
steam generating pipe, wherein the power control portion controls
to make a ratio of an electric current flowing in the superheated
steam generating pipe to a voltage to be applied to the superheated
steam generating pipe larger.
28. The superheated steam generating apparatus according to claim
15, further comprising a power control portion (18) capable of
controlling an electric power for energization of the superheated
steam generating pipe, wherein the power control portion controls
to make a ratio of an electric current flowing in the superheated
steam generating pipe to a voltage to be applied to the superheated
steam generating pipe larger.
29. The superheated steam generating apparatus according to claim
16, further comprising a power control portion (18) capable of
controlling an electric power for energization of the superheated
steam generating pipe, wherein the power control portion controls
to make a ratio of an electric current flowing in the superheated
steam generating pipe to a voltage to be applied to the superheated
steam generating pipe larger.
30. The superheated steam generating apparatus according to claim
17, further comprising a power control portion (18) capable of
controlling an electric power for energization of the superheated
steam generating pipe, wherein the power control portion controls
to make a ratio of an electric current flowing in the superheated
steam generating pipe to a voltage to be applied to the superheated
steam generating pipe larger.
31. A pyrolysis system comprising: a superheated steam supply
portion (10) which includes a steam generating portion (11) capable
of generating steam and a superheated steam generating apparatus
(12, 13, 18, 52, 62) according to claim 14 which turns steam
generated by the steam generating portion into superheated steam,
and which can supply the superheated steam; and a pyrolysis portion
(20) capable of heating hydrocarbon inclusion containing a
hydrocarbon compound by superheated steam supplied by the
superheated steam supply portion to pyrolyze the hydrocarbon
inclusion.
32. A pyrolysis system comprising: a superheated steam supply
portion (10) which includes a steam generating portion (11) capable
of generating steam and a superheated steam generating apparatus
(12, 13, 18, 52, 62) according to claim 15 which turns steam
generated by the steam generating portion into superheated steam,
and which can supply the superheated steam; and a pyrolysis portion
(20) capable of heating hydrocarbon inclusion containing a
hydrocarbon compound by superheated steam supplied by the
superheated steam supply portion to pyrolyze the hydrocarbon
inclusion.
Description
CROSS REFERENCETO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No.
2017-042705, filed on Mar. 7, 2017, which is incorporated by
reference herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a superheated steam
generating apparatus and a pyrolysis system using the same.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] Conventionally, a biomass pyrolysis system which recovers
combustible valuables constituted by a hydrocarbon compound
generated by pyrolysis of biomass has been known. For example,
Patent Reference 1 discloses a biomass pyrolysis system which can
pyrolyze wood biomass using combustion heat ofpropertystable fuel
with stable property such as fossil fuel including coal, shale gas,
petroleum and heavy oil, or blast furnace gas generated in a blast
furnace, as a heat source.
REFERENCES OF PRIOR ARTS
Patent Reference
[Patent Reference 1]
[0004] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-205730
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0005] However, in the biomass pyrolysis system disclosed in Patent
Reference 1, pyrolysis is performed by indirectly transferring the
combustion heat to the wood biomass, so that a relatively much heat
is required to surely pyrolyze the wood biomass. Also, when the
combustion heat of the property stable fuel is directly transferred
to the wood biomass, since flue gas which includes the combustion
heat includes oxygen, there is a risk of incomplete pyrolysis of
the wood biomass.
[0006] The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a
superheated steam generating apparatus which can effectively
generate superheated steam.
[0007] The present disclosure relates to a superheated steam
generating apparatus which comprises a superheated steam generating
pipe. The superheated steam generating pipe is made of a material
capable of generating heat upon energization and includes a flow
path in which steam can flow and transfers the heat to the steam in
the flow path to generate superheated steam. The superheated steam
generating apparatusof the present disclosure, a length of a
cross-sectional shape of a wall forming the flow path of the
superheated steam generating pipe is longer than a length of a
circumference of an exact circle having a same sectional area as a
sectional area of the flow path.
[0008] The superheated steam generating apparatus of the present
disclosure includes the superheated steam generating pipe which
generates superheated steam which is high-temperature steam made by
further heating saturated steam to have a temperature of
100.degree. C. or more. The superheated steam generating pipe is
formed such as to make the length of the cross-sectional shape of
the wall forming the flow path longer than the length of the
circumference of an exact circle having the same sectional area as
the sectional area of the flow path. Because of this, an area in
which the steam flowing in the flow path contacts to a wall of the
superheated steam generating pipe becomes enlarged compared with a
case where a cross-sectional shape of the flow path is an exact
circle, so that the steam can be effectively turned into the
superheated steam.
[0009] Also, the present disclosure relates to a pyrolysis system,
which comprises a superheated steam supply portion and a pyrolysis
portion.
[0010] The superheated steam supply portion includes a steam
generating portion capable of generating steam and a superheated
steam generating apparatus which turns steam generated by the steam
generating portion into superheated steam, and can supply the
superheated steam.
[0011] The pyrolysis portion heats hydrocarbon inclusion containing
a hydrocarbon compound by superheated steam supplied by the
superheated steam supply portion and canpyrolyze the hydrocarbon
inclusion.
[0012] In the pyrolysis system of the present disclosure,
superheated steam is supplied to the pyrolysis portion which can
pyrolyze the hydrocarbon inclusion. The superheated steam has a
relatively large heat capacity and an excellent heat-transfer
property. Also, when the superheated steam is generated, dissolved
oxygen included in the steam is rarefied due to volume expansion,
so that an environment where the superheated steam exists is
substantially in an oxygen-free condition. Because of this, when
the superheated steam and the hydrocarbon inclusion are directly
contacted in the pyrolysis portion, heat can be directly and
effectively transferred to the hydrocarbon inclusion under an
oxygen-free environment. As a result, the hydrocarbon inclusion can
be effectively pyrolyzed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0013] The above purpose and the other purposes, characteristics or
advantages regarding this disclosure can be more clearly disclosed
by the following description of detailed technology with reference
to attached drawings.
[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a pyrolysis system to which
a superheated steam generating apparatus according to thefirst
embodiment is applied.
[0015] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of a superheated steam
generating pipe included by the superheated steam generating
apparatus according to the first embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line
IIB-IIB of FIG. 2A.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a filter portion
included by the pyrolysis system according to the first
embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of a superheated steam
generating pipe included by a superheated steam generating
apparatus according to the second embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line
IVB-IVB of FIG. 4A.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a filter portion
included by a pyrolysis system according to the second
embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of a superheated steam
generating pipe included by a superheated steam generating
apparatus according to the third embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line
VIB-VIB of FIG. 6A.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0023] Hereinafter, a plurality of embodiments will be explained
with reference to the drawings. Additionally, components which are
substantially the same in the plurality of embodiments are given
the same reference numeral, and an explanation thereof is omitted
except when explained for the first time.
First Embodiment
[0024] A superheated steam generating portion 1 as "a superheated
steam generating apparatus" according to the first embodiment is
applied to a biomass fuel manufacturing system 5 as "a pyrolysis
system" shown in FIG. 1. The biomass fuel manufacturing system 5
recovers fluid generated by heat treatment of biomass as biomass
fuel which are combustible valuables VL1, VL2, VL3, VG2 and VG3,
and recovers a solid remainder as a carbon valuable VS1. Here, as
the biomass, for example, botanical resources such as Jatropha
(Jatropha curcas), cottonseed, soybean, safflower, rapeseed, common
flax, castoroil plant, Japanese wax tree, olive, sesame, camellia,
peanut, African oil palm, oil palm, coconut palm, coffee and
sunflower, animal resources such as fish, jellyfish, and so on, and
waste including hydrocarbon compounds such as vegetable waste,
plastic waste and household waste are listed.
[0025] The biomass fuel manufacturing system 5 comprises a
superheated steam supply portion 10, a pyrolysis portion 20, a
carbide collecting portion 25 as "a solid collecting portion," a
separating portion 30, a purification portion 35 and a retaining
portion 40.
[0026] The superheated steam supply portion 10 includes a boiler 11
as "a steam generating portion" and the superheated steam
generating portion 1.
[0027] The boiler 11 is a combustion boiler using LNG as fuel and
is provided to be capable of generating steam. The steam generated
by the boiler 11 is sent to superheated steam generating pipes 12,
13 (a while arrow F11 in FIG. 1).
[0028] The superheated steam generating portion 1 includes the
superheated steam generating pipes 12, 13 and a power control
portion 18.
[0029] The superheated steam generating pipes 12, 13 turn the steam
sent from the boiler 11 into superheated steam. In the biomass fuel
manufacturing system 5, since biomass is heat-treated in two
different temperature regions, two superheated steam generating
pipes 12, 13 are provided such that superheated steam having two
different temperatures can be generated.
[0030] A detailed configuration of the superheated steam generating
pipes 12, 13 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B.
Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view of the superheated steam
generating pipe 12 in a steam flow direction (a direction shown by
white arrows F11 and F12 of FIG. 2A), and FIG. 2B is a
cross-sectional view of the superheated steam generating pipe 12 in
a direction orthogonal to the steam flow direction. While the
configuration of the superheated generating pipe 12 is explained
here, the superheated steam generating pipe 13 has the same
configuration.
[0031] The superheated steam generating pipe 12 includes a cylinder
portion 120 and four protrusions 121, 122, 123 and 124. The
cylinder portion 120 and the protrusions 121, 122, 123 and 124 are
integrally made of 70% nickel and 25% chrome-based metal which is a
material capable of generating heat upon energization, for example,
INCONEL (registered trademark) or HASTELLOY (registered
trademark).
[0032] As shown in FIG. 2B, the cylinder portion 120 is formed such
that a cross-sectional shape orthogonal to the steam flow direction
is annular. The cylinder portion 120 is electrically connected to
the power control portion 18.
[0033] The protrusions 121, 122, 123 and 124 are provided at the
inner wall surface 125 of the cylinder portion 120. The protrusions
121, 122, 123 and 124 are formed to protrude in a radially inner
direction of the cylinder portion 120 from the inner wall surface
125. In the first embodiment, each of the protrusions 121, 122, 123
and 124 is provided with even intervals at 90.degree. seen from a
center axis C120 of the cylinder portion 120.
[0034] The cylinder portion120 and the protrusions 121, 122, 123
and 124 form a flow path 129 in which steam sent from the boiler 11
flows. The cylinder portion 120 and the protrusions 121, 122, 123
and 124 are formed such that a length of a cross-sectional shape of
a wall forming the flow path 129 of the cylinder portion 120 and
the protrusions 121, 122, 123 and 124 is longer than a length of a
circumference of an exact circle having the same sectional area as
a sectional area of the flow path 129.
[0035] The power control portion 18 is provided such that electric
power to be supplied to the cylinder portion 120 and the
protrusions 121, 122, 123 and 124 can be controlled. When the power
control portion 18 supplies the electric power, the cylinder
portion 120 and the protrusions 121, 122, 123 and 124 generate
heat. The heat generated at the cylinder portion 120 and the
protrusions 121, 122, 123 and 124 is transferred to the steam
flowing in the flow path 129, whereby superheated steam is
generated.
[0036] The power control portion 18controlsto make a ratio of an
electric current flowing in the cylinder portion 120 and the
protrusions 121, 122, 123 and 124 to a voltage to be applied to the
cylinder portion 120 and the protrusions 121, 122, 123 and 124
relatively larger. More specifically, while the voltage applied to
the cylinder portion 120 and the protrusions 121, 122, 123 and 124
is set to be approximately one-fourth to one-tenth a voltage of
electric power supplied from the outside, the electric current
flowing in the cylinder portion 120 and the protrusions 121, 122,
123 and 124 is made larger by four times to ten times. For example,
when a rated voltage of the electric power supplied from the
outside is 220V, while the voltage applied to the cylinder portion
120 and the protrusions 121, 122, 123 and 124 is set to be
approximately 40V, the electric current flowing in the cylinder
portion 120 and the protrusions 121, 122, 123 and 124 is made
larger without changing the electric power.
[0037] The pyrolysis portion 20 includes a first heat-treating
furnace 21, a second heat-treating furnace 22 and a biomass inlet
23. The pyrolysis portion 20 can pyrolyzes by heating biomass.
[0038] The first heat-treating furnace 21 is connected to the
superheated steam generating pipe 12 and the biomass inlet 23. The
first heat-treating furnace 21 is a continuous heat-treating
furnace having a single screw in its inner portion, which can
transfer biomass Bm0 in a direction shown by a white arrow F21 in
FIG. 1 while stirring the biomass BmO. In the first heat-treating
furnace 21, by superheated steam sent as shown in a white arrow F12
in FIG. 1 from the superheated steam generating pipe 12, the
biomass is dried and pyrolyzed at a range of 250.degree. C. to
350.degree. C. , for example. Pyrolyzed gas generated by the
pyrolysis in the first heat-treating furnace 21 is sent to the
separating portion 30. A solid generated by the pyrolysis in the
first heat-treating furnace 21 is sent to the second heat-treating
furnace 22.
[0039] The second heat-treating furnace 22 is provided at a
position which can receive the solid discharged from the first
heat-treating furnace 21. The second heat-treating furnace 22 is a
continuous heat-treating furnace, having a single screw in its
inner portion, which can transfer the solid sent from the first
heat-treating furnace 21 in a direction shown by a white arrow F22
in FIG. 1 while stirring the solid. In the second heat-treating
furnace 22, by superheated steam sent as shown in a white arrow F13
in FIG. 1 from the superheated steam generating pipe 13, the solid
sent from the first heat-treating furnace 21 is pyrolyzed at a
range of 400.degree. C. to 700.degree. C. , for example. Pyrolyzed
gas generated by the pyrolysis in the second heat-treating furnace
22 is sent to the separating portion 30. A solid generated by the
pyrolysis in the second heat-treating furnace 22 is sent to the
carbide collecting portion 25.
[0040] The biomass inlet 23 is provided above the first
heat-treating furnace 21 in the direction of gravity. The biomass
inlet 23 includes two sliding doors (not shown) which can ensure
airtightness of the first heat-treating furnace 21 during heat
treatment.
[0041] The carbide collecting portion 25 includes a cooling portion
26 and a carbide retaining portion 27.
[0042] The cooling portion 26 is provided at a position which can
receive the solid discharged from the second heat-treating furnace
22. The cooling portion 26 is, for example, a water cooling
apparatus which cools the solid sent from the second heat-treating
furnace 22. The solid cooled in the cooling portion 26 is sent to
the carbide retaining portion 27.
[0043] The carbide retaining portion 27 retains the cooled solid
sent from the cooling portion 26 along a white arrow F26 in FIG. 1.
The solid retained in the carbide retaining portion 27 is carbide
whose major component is carbon and can be used as a carbon
valuable VS1.
[0044] The separating portion 30 includes a fractionating column
31, coolers 321, 322 and 323 and separators 332 and 333.
[0045] The fractionating column 31 is formed to be a hollow
cylinder, and a plurality of meshes is provided in its inner
portion. The pyrolyzed gas sent from the first heat-treating
furnace 21 and the second heat-treating furnace 22 is introduced to
an inner portion of the fractionating column 31 from a bottom side
of the fractionating column 31 in thedirection of gravity. In the
fractionating column 31, in accordance with the number or the
position of the meshes, a fractionating timing or the degree of
cooling of the pyrolyzed gas flowing in the inner portion of the
fractionating column 31 from the bottom side to a top side in the
direction of gravity can be set. The fractionated gas in the
fractionating column 31 is sent to the coolers 321, 322 and
323.
[0046] The coolers 321, 322 and 323 are a capacitor, for example,
which cool the fractionated gas in the fractionating column 31.
[0047] The cooler 321 is provided adjacent to an end at the bottom
side of the fractionating column 31 in the direction of gravity. In
the cooler 321, highboiling fluid with a relatively high boiling
point firstly separated from the pyrolyzed gas at the end at the
bottom side of the fractionating column 31 is cooled.
[0048] The cooler 322 is provided in a top direction of the cooler
321 in the fractionating column 31 in the direction of gravity. In
the cooler 322, mediumboiling fluid with a medium boiling point
separated from the pyrolyzed gas from which the high-boiling fluid
is separated is cooled.
[0049] The cooler 323 is provided adjacent to an end at the top
side of the fractionating column 31 in the direction of gravity. In
the cooler 323, lowboiling fluid with a relatively low boiling
point which is the pyrolyzed gas from which the highboiling fluid
and the mediumboiling fluid are separated is cooled.
[0050] In each of the coolers 322 and 323, the mediumboiling fluid
or the lowboiling fluid separated in the fractionating column 31 is
cooled, thereby generating combustible gas as a gas component and a
mixture of oil and water as liquid components. The combustible gas
generated in the coolers 322 and 323 is sent to the purification
portion 35 (white arrows F322 and F323 in FIG. 1. ) The mixture of
oil and water generated in the coolers 322 and 323 is sent to the
separators 332, 333 (white arrows F332, F333 in FIG. 1. )
[0051] The purification portion 35 includes two filter portions
352, 353. Each of two filter portions 352, 353 is provided to be
connected to the coolers 322, 323. Each of the filter portions 352,
353 includes a filter casing and a filter.
[0052] FIG. 3 shows a detailed configuration of the filter portion
352. The filter portion 352 includes a filter casing 36 and a
filter 37. While the configuration of the filter portion 352 is
explained here, the filter portion 353 has the same configuration
too.
[0053] The filter casing 36 is formed to be substantially
cylindrical to be capable of housing the filter 37.
[0054] The filter 37 is provided in the filter casing 36 to prevent
a flow of the combustible gas flowing in a direction shown by a
white arrow F322 in FIG. 3. The filter 37 houses granular activated
carbons 372 in an inner portion of a mesh 371 which makes an
outline of the filter 37.
[0055] The activated carbon 372 is made of Jatropha seed remainder,
which has a pore diameter in a range of 0. 5 to 1. 0 nm and a peak
of 0. 6 nm in a differential pore size distribution. The activated
carbon 372 has a property that the difference between the mass of
water absorbed by activated carbon per 1 gram at a relative steam
pressure of 0. 05 and the mass of water absorbed by the activated
carbon per 1 gram at a relative steam pressure of 0. 45 is 130 mg
or more, and the difference between the mass of water absorbed by
the activated carbon per 1 gram at a relative pressure of 0. 25 and
the mass of water absorbed by the activated carbon per 1 gram at a
relative pressure of 0. 45 is 101. 4 mg or more. Also, the
activated carbon 372 has a property that a steam adsorption
isotherm at a relative steam pressure of 0. 05 to 0. 45 forms a
curvature which is curved downward.
[0056] The activated carbon 372 absorbs environmental pollution gas
included in the combustible gas generated in the cooler 322, for
example, sulfur compound gas or nitrogen oxide gas and eliminates
them. The activated carbon included in the filter portion 353
absorbs environmental pollution gas included in the combustible gas
generated in the cooler 323 and eliminates them.
[0057] The separators 332, 333 separate the mixture of oil and
water generated in each of the coolers 322, 323 into oil and water.
The separators 332, 333 have the configuration that an oily water
tank retaining the mixture of oil and water is integrally formed.
In the separators 332, 333, the oil is separated from the water by
separating the mixture of oil and water into an upper oil layer and
a lower water layer due to the difference in specific gravity.
[0058] The retaining portion 40 includes three oil retaining tanks
411, 412 and 413 and two gas retaining tanks 422 and 423.
[0059] The oil retaining tank 411 is connected to the cooler 321.
The oil retaining tank 411 retains combustible liquid with a
relatively high boiling point sent from the cooler 321 along a
white arrow F321 in FIG. 1 as the combustible valuable VL1. The
combustible valuable VL1 retained in the oil retaining tank 411 can
be used outside the system.
[0060] The oil retaining tank 412 is connected to the separator
332. The oil retaining tank 412 retains combustible liquid with a
medium boiling point sent from the separator 332 along the white
arrow F332 in FIG. 1 as the combustible valuable VL2. The
combustible valuable VL2 retained in the oil retaining tank 412 can
be used outside the system.
[0061] The oil retaining tank 413 is connected to the separator
333. The oil retaining tank 413 retains combustible liquid with a
relatively low boiling point sent from the separator 333 along the
white arrow F333 in FIG. 1 as the combustible valuable VL3. The
combustible valuable VL3 retained in the oil retaining tank 413 can
be used outside the system.
[0062] The gas retaining tank 422 is connected to the filter
portion 352. The gas retaining tank 422 retains combustible gas
sent from the filter portion 352 along a white arrow F352 in FIG.
1. The combustible gas retained in the gas retaining tank 422 can
be used outside the system as the combustible valuable VG2.
[0063] The gas retaining tank 423 is connected to the filter
portion 353. The gas retaining tank 423 retains combustible gas
sent from the filter portion 353 along a white arrow F353 in FIG.
1. The combustible gas retained in the gas retaining tank 423 can
be used outside the system as a combustible valuable VG3.
[0064] Next, a method of manufacturing biomass fuel in the biomass
fuel manufacturing system 5 will be explained.
[0065] Firstly, by a belt conveyer or a bucket conveyer, or a
excavator or by hands, biomass is inserted into the first
heat-treating furnace 21 via the biomass inlet 23.
[0066] The biomass inserted into the first heat-treating furnace 21
is subjected to primary heating by superheated steam sent from the
superheated steam generating pipe 12. Because of this, oil having a
relatively low boiling point included in the biomass is evaporated
and water also evaporates, so that drying is performed. In other
words, heat treatment in the first heat-treating furnace 21
performs both evaporation of a low-boiling component and drying of
the biomass.
[0067] The biomass subjected to the primary heating in the first
heat-treating furnace 21 is transferred to the second heat-treating
furnace 22. In the second heat-treating furnace 22, the biomass is
subjected to secondary heating by superheated steam sent from the
superheated steam generating pipe 13. Because of this, almost all
components which have not evaporated in the first heat-treating
furnace 21 can be evaporated, and at the same time, the biomass is
carbonized. In other words, heat treatment in the second
heat-treating furnace 22 performs both evaporation of a component
with a middle boiling point or more and carbonization of the
biomass. When the temperature of the second heat-treating furnace
22 is raised as possible as it can be, the carbonized biomass can
be activated to some extent.
[0068] The carbide derived from the biomass carbonized in the
second heat-treating furnace 22 is sent to the cooling portion 26.
After cooling for a predetermined time in the cooling portion 26,
the carbide is sent to the carbide retaining portion 27. The
carbide retained in the carbide retaining portion 27 is reused as
absorbent, a catalyst and a molecular sieve etc.
[0069] The pyrolyzed gas generated in the first heat-treating
furnace 21 and the second heat-treating furnace 22 is sent to the
fractionating column 31 together with superheated steam for
heating. The mixture gas of the pyrolyzed gas and the superheated
steam sent to the fractionating gas 31 is gradually cooled passing
through the plurality of meshes during flowing from the bottom side
to the top side in the direction of gravity. Because of this, the
mixture gas of the pyrolyzed gas and the superheated steam is
fractionated into a plural kinds of fluid with different boiling
points. The plural kinds of fractionated fluid are respectively
retained in different retaining tanks.
[0070] For example, when gas at a temperature of approximate
350.degree. C. to 400.degree. C. is introduced to the fractionating
column 31 from the first heat-treating furnace 21 and the second
heat-treating furnace 22, firstly, at the end at the bottom side of
the fractionating column 31, oil corresponding to heavy oil with a
relatively high boiling point is separated from the mixture gas of
the pyrolyzed gas and the superheated steam. The separated oil is
retained in the oil retaining tank 411.
[0071] When the mixture gas of the pyrolyzed gas and the
superheated steam passing through the end at the bottom side of the
fractionating column 31 moves upward in the fractionating column 31
to be cooled to approximately 300.degree. C. , at a substantial
center portion of the fractionating column 31, gas with a middle
boiling point is separated. The gas with a middle boiling point is
separated into combustible gas, oil corresponding to light oil and
water by the cooler 322 and the separator 332. The separated
combustible gas is retained in the gas retaining tank 422 and the
separated oil is retained in the oil retaining tank 412.
[0072] The mixture gas of the pyrolyzed gas and the superheated
steam passing through the substantial center portion of the
fractionating column 31 is separated into combustible gas, oil
corresponding to gasoline and water by the cooler 323 and the
separator 333. The separated combustible gas is retained in the gas
retaining tank 423, and the separated oil is retained in the oil
retaining tank 413.
[0073] The superheated steam generating portion 1 according to the
first embodiment includes the superheated steam generating pipes
12, 13 which can generate superheated steam. A length of a
cross-sectional shape of a wall forming a flow path of the
superheated steam generating pipes 12, 13 is longer than the length
of the circumference of an exact circle having the same sectional
area as that of the flow path. Because of this, an area in which
the steam flowing in the flow path contacts to the cylinder portion
and the protrusions is enlarged compared with a case where the
cross-sectional shape of the flow path is an exact circle, so that
the superheated steam generating pipes 12, 13 can effectively
transfer heat generated by energization to the steam. Consequently,
in the first embodiment, superheated steam in a desired state can
be generated with a relatively small energy.
[0074] Also, the superheated steam generating pipes 12, 13 include
a plurality of protrusions at an inner wall of the cylinder
portion. Because of this, the area in which the steam flowing in
the flow path contacts to the cylinder portion and the protrusions
is further enlarged compared with a case where the cross-sectional
shape of the flow path is an exact circle. Consequently, the
superheated steam generating pipes 12, 13 can generate the
superheated steam in the desired state with a further smaller
energy.
[0075] Also, the power control portion 18 which supplies the
electric power to the superheated steam generating pipes 12,
13controlsto make the ratio of the electric current flowing in the
cylinder portion and the protrusions to the voltage to be applied
to the cylinder portion and the protrusions larger. Because of
this, compared to the same electric power, a calorific value at the
cylinder portion and the protrusions can be made larger.
Consequently, the superheated steam generating pipes 12, 13 can
generate the superheated steam in the desired state with a further
smaller energy.
[0076] In the biomass fuel manufacturing system 5 according to the
first embodiment, superheated steam with a relatively large heat
capacity and an excellent heat-transfer property is supplied to the
pyrolysis portion 20 as a heat source of pyrolysis of the biomass.
When the superheated steam is generated in the superheated steam
generating pipes 12, 13, dissolved oxygen included in the steam is
rarefied due to volume expansion, so that the environment where the
superheated steam exists is substantially the oxygen-free
condition. Because of this, when the superheated steam and the
biomass are directly contacted in the pyrolysis portion 20, heat
can be directly transferred to the biomass under the oxygen-free
environment. As a result, in the first embodiment, the biomass can
be effectively pyrolyzed.
[0077] Also, in the biomass fuel manufacturing system 5, the
activated carbon 372 with a material of Jatropha seed remainder is
provided at the purification portion 35. Since the activated carbon
372 with the material of Jatropha seed remainder has the
above-described property, it absorbs the environmental pollution
gas included in the combustible gas generated in the separators
332, 333 and eliminates them. This prevents discharge of the
environmental pollution gas to the outside of the system in the
pyrolysis of the biomass.
Second Embodiment
[0078] A superheated steam generating apparatus according to the
second embodiment will be explained with reference to FIGS. 4A, 4B
and 5. In the second embodiment, the shape of the superheated steam
generating pipe is different from that in the first embodiment.
[0079] The superheated steam generating portion according to the
second embodiment is applied to the biomass fuel manufacturing
system comprising the pyrolysis portion 20, the carbide collecting
portion 25, the separating portion 30, a purification portion 55
and the retaining portion 40.
[0080] FIGS. 4A, 4B show a cross-sectional view of a superheated
steam generating pipe 52 included by the superheated steam
generating portion according to the second embodiment.
[0081] The superheated steam generating pipe 52 includes the
cylinder potion 120 and four protrusions 521, 522, 523 and 524. The
cylinder portion 120 and the protrusions 521, 522, 523 and 524 are
integrally made of a material such as Inconel (registered
trademark) or HASTELLOY (registered trademark).
[0082] The protrusions 521, 522, 523 and 524 are formed to protrude
in the radially inner direction of the cylinder portion 120 from
the inner wall surface 125 of the cylinder portion 120. The
protrusions 521, 522, 523 and 524 are provided with even intervals
at 90.degree. seen from the center axis C120 of the cylinder
portion 120.
[0083] In the superheated steam generating pipe 52, radial heights
of the protrusions 521, 522, 523 and 524 are different. More
specifically, as shown in FIG. 4B, when the heights of the
protrusions 521, 522, 523 and 524 from the corresponding inner wall
surface 125 are compared, respective heights H522, H524 of the
protrusions 522, 524 are higher than respective heights H521, H523
of the protrusions 521, 523.
[0084] The cylinder portion 120 and the protrusions 521, 522, 523
and 524 form a flow path 529 through which steam sent from the
boiler 11 flows. The cylinder portion 120 and the protrusions 521,
522, 523 and 524 are formed such that a length of a cross-sectional
shape of a wall forming the flow path 529 of the cylinder portion
120 and the protrusions 521, 522, 523 and 524 is longer than a
length of a circumference of an exact circle having the same
sectional area as a sectional area of the flow path 529.
[0085] The power control portion 18 is provided such that electric
power to be supplied to the cylinder portion 120 and the
protrusions 521, 522, 523 and 524 can be controlled. When the power
control portion 18 supplies the electric power to the cylinder
portion 120 and the protrusions 521, 522, 523 and 524, the cylinder
portion 120 and the protrusions 521, 522, 523 and 524 generate
heat, and the generated heat is transferred to the steam flowing in
the flow path 529, whereby superheated steam is generated.
[0086] The purification portion 55 includes two filter portions.
Each of two filter portions is provided to be connected to the
coolers 322, 323. Each of two filter portions includes a filter
casing and a filter.
[0087] FIG. 5 shows a detailed configuration of the filter portions
included in the purification portion 55. Each filter portion
included in the purification portion 55 includes the filter casing
36, a first filter 57 and a second filter 58. The filter casing 36
houses the first filter 57 and the second filter 58.
[0088] The first filter 57 is formed to be columnar and provided at
an upstream side in the filter casing 36, that is, a side of the
cooler 322 or 323, to prevent a flow of fluid flowing in a
direction shown by a white arrow F322 in FIG. 5. The first filter
57 houses the granular activated carbon 372 in an inner portion of
a mesh 571 which makes an outline of the first filter 57.
[0089] The second filter 58 is formed to be columnar and provided
at a downstream side in the filter casing 36, that is, a side of
the gas retaining tank 422 or 423, to prevent a flow of the fluid
flowing in the filter casing 36. The second filter 58 houses
granular apatite 582 in an inner portion of a mesh 581 which makes
an outline of the second filter 58.
[0090] Here, a manufacturing method and property of the apatite 582
will be explained.
[0091] The apatite 582 is hydroxyapatite and has hydroxyl groups.
The apatite 582 is formed by a known method, for example, formed by
reacting calcium ions and phosphate ions in a neutral or alkaline
aqueous solution at room temperature. In the second embodiment, in
the second filter 58, the mesh 581 has an inner portion filled with
the granular apatite 582 with the diameter of 2.5 mm. However, the
diameter of the apatite 582 is not limited to this.
[0092] The apatite 582 eliminates acid fume which is steam
representing acidity included in the fluid sent from the separators
332, 333.
[0093] In the superheated steam generating pipe 52 included in the
superheated steam generating potion according to the second
embodiment, the radial heights of the protrusions 521, 522, 523 and
524 are different. Because of this, a flow of the steam passing
through the flow path 529 tends to be disturbed, so that a contact
time of the cylinder portion 120 and the protrusions 521, 522, 523
and 524 with the steam is made longer. As a result, in the second
embodiment, an effect of the first embodiment can be provided, and
at the same time, a desired superheated steam can be generated with
a further smaller energy.
[0094] Also, in the biomass fuel manufacturing system to which the
superheated steam generating portion according to the second
embodiment is applied, in the purification portion 55, the first
filter 57 including the activated carbon 372 and the second filter
58 including the apatite 582 are provided. Because of this, the
purification portion 55 can eliminate the acid fume included in the
fluid sent from the separators 332, 333 in addition to the sulfur
compound gas or the nitrogen oxide gas. This surely prevents the
discharge of the environmental pollution gas to the outside of the
system in the pyrolysis of the biomass.
Third Embodiment
[0095] A superheated steam generating apparatus according to the
third embodiment will be explained with reference to FIGS. 6A and
6B. In the third embodiment, the shape of the superheated steam
generating pipe is different from that in the first embodiment.
[0096] The superheated steam generating portion according to the
third embodiment is applied to the biomass fuel manufacturing
system comprising the pyrolysis portion 20, the carbide collecting
portion 25, the separating portion 30, the purification portion 35
and the retaining portion 40.
[0097] FIGS. 6A, 6B show a cross-sectional view of a superheated
steam generating pipe 62 included in the superheated steam
generating portion according to the third embodiment.
[0098] The superheated steam generating pipe 62 includes the
cylinder potion 120 and four protrusions 621, 622, 623 and 624. The
cylinder portion 120 and the protrusions 621, 622, 623 and 624 are
integrally made of a material such as Inconel (registered
trademark) or HASTELLOY (registered trademark).
[0099] The protrusions 621, 622, 623 and 624 are formed to protrude
in the radially inner direction of the cylinder portion 120 from
the inner wall surface 125 of the cylinder portion 120. The
protrusions 621, 622, 623 and 624 are provided with even intervals
at 90.degree. seen from the center axis C120 of the cylinder
portion 120.
[0100] In the superheated steam generating pipe 62, the protruding
portions 621, 622, 623 and 624 are spirally formed on the inner
wall surface 125.
[0101] The cylinder portion 120 and the protrusions 621, 622, 623
and 624 form a flow path 629 through which steam sent from the
boiler 11 flows. The cylinder portion 120 and the protrusions 621,
622, 623 and 624 are formed such that a length of a cross-sectional
shape of a wall forming the flow path 629 of the cylinder portion
120 and the protrusions 621, 622, 623 and 624 is longer than a
length of a circumference of an exact circle having the same
sectional area as a sectional area of the flow path 629.
[0102] The power control portion 18 is provided such that electric
power to be supplied to the cylinder portion 120 and the
protrusions 621, 622, 623 and 624 can be controlled. When the power
control portion 18 supplies the electric power to the cylinder
portion 120 and the protrusions 621, 622, 623 and 624, the cylinder
portion 120 and the protrusions 621, 622, 623 and 624 generate
heat, and the generated heat is transferred to the steam flowing in
the flow path 629, whereby superheated steam is generated.
[0103] In the superheated steam generating pipe 62 included in the
superheated steam generating potion according to the third
embodiment, the protrusions 621, 622, 623 and 624 are spirally
formed on the inner wall surface 125. Because of this, a flow of
the steam passing through the flow path 629 tends to be disturbed,
so that a contact time of the cylinder portion 120 and the
protrusions 621, 622, 623 and 624 with the steam is made longer. As
a result, in the third embodiment, the same effect as in the second
embodiment can be provided.
Other Embodiments
[0104] In the above embodiments, the superheated steam generating
pipe is formed by the cylinder portion and the protrusions which
protrude in the radially inner direction. However, the
configuration of the superheated steam generating pipe is not
limited to this. Any configuration may be applied as far as the
length of the cross-sectional shape of the wall forming the flow
path of the superheated steam generating pipe is longer than the
length of the circumference of an exact circle having the same
sectional area as the sectional area of the flow path.
[0105] In the above embodiments, the cylinder portion of the
superheated steam generating pipe is formed such that the
cross-sectional shape orthogonal to the steam flow direction is
annular. However, the cross-sectional shape of the cylinder portion
is not limited to this.
[0106] In the above embodiments, four protrusions are provided in
the superheated steam generating pipe. However, the number of
protrusions is not limited to this. Also, in the first and second
embodiments, the protrusions are provided with even intervals at
90.degree. . However, an arrangement of the protrusions is not
limited to this.
[0107] In the above embodiments, the power control portion included
by the superheated steam generating portioncontrolsto make the
ratio of the electric current flowing in the cylinder portion and
the protrusions to the voltage to be applied to the cylinder
portion and the protrusions relatively larger. However, the content
of controlling by the power control portion is not limited to
this.
[0108] In the above embodiments, the cylinder portion and the
protrusions of the superheated steam generating pipe are integrally
made of 70% nickel and 25% chrome-based metal. However, the
material forming the cylinder portion and the protrusions is not
limited to this. Any material may be applied as far as it is a
material capable of generating heat when the electric current
flows.
[0109] In the above embodiments, the superheated steam generating
pipe may not only be formed as linear, but also as a curve, as
shown in FIGS. 2A, 4A and 6A.
[0110] In the above embodiments, the pyrolysis portion includes two
heat-treating furnaces. However, the number of heat-treating
furnaces is not limited to this.
[0111] In the above embodiments, the first heat-treating furnace
and the second heat-treating furnace are the continuous
heat-treating furnace which can transfer the biomass in one
direction while stirring the biomass. Because of this, the biomass
can be evenly and continuously treated, and productivity is
improved. However, the first heat-treating furnace and the second
heat-treating furnace are not limited to this. They may be
batch-type heat-treating furnaces.
[0112] In the above embodiments, the first heat-treating furnace
and the second heat-treating furnace respectively have a single
screw in its inner portion. However, a form in which a two-axis
screw feeder is arranged in an axial direction may be applied, and
a rotary kiln form may be applied too.
[0113] In the above embodiments, "the steam generating portion" is
the combustion boiler using LNG as fuel, from a viewpoint of energy
costs and an environment etc. However, a combustion boiler using
fuel other than LNG as fuel or an electric boiler may be applied,
and any apparatus may be applied as far as it can generate
steam.
[0114] In the above embodiments, the filter of the purification
portion includes the activated carbon with a material of Jatropha
seed remainder or a combination of the activated carbon with the
material of Jatropha seed remainder and the apatite. However, the
kind of the filter is not limited to this.
[0115] In the above embodiments, the fractionating column performs
fractionation in three stages. However, the number of stages of
fractionation is not limited to this. The fractionation may be
performed in one stage for separation into one kind of combustible
gas and one kind of oil.
[0116] In the above embodiments, of the pyrolyzed gas fractioned in
the fractionating column, the high-boiling fluid separated at the
end at the bottom side of the fractionating column is retained in
the oil retaining tank, only via the cooler. However, the
configuration including the fractionating column and the retaining
tank is not limited to this.
[0117] The present disclosure is not limited to the above
embodiments and can be implemented in various forms without apart
the gist of the disclosure.
[0118] The present disclosure is described complying with the
embodiments. H owever, the present disclosure is not limited to
these embodiments and their configurations. The present disclosure
also includes various modified examples and modifications within
its equivalent range. Moreover, various combinations and forms, and
further, other combinations and forms which add only one or
moreelement to the various combinations and forms are included in
the scope of the present disclosure or a concept range thereof.
* * * * *