Carbonization furnace and its control method

Abstract

The present invention provides a carbonization furnace that can easily produce carbonized materials with a desired degree of carbonization, even when dealing with materials having different properties. [Solution] The carbonization furnace 1A comprises a combustion chamber 9 for burning fuel, a plurality of carbonization chambers 11 connected in parallel to the combustion chamber 9, in which the material to be carbonized W is carbonized by combustion gas introduced from the combustion chamber 9, and a control unit 20 that controls the carbonization state of the material to be carbonized W in each carbonization chamber 11 using the combustion gas. A gas inlet damper 17 is provided at the gas inlet section 15 through which the combustion gas flows into each carbonization chamber 11, and a gas outlet gate 26 is provided at the gas outlet section 22 through which the combustion gas flows out of each carbonization chamber 11. The control unit 20 controls the gas inlet damper 17 and the gas outlet gate 26.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present disclosure relates to a carbonization furnace and a control method thereof.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a carbonization treatment apparatus for carbonizing waste tires and the like. FIG. 5 of Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a plurality of heating tanks are provided for a burner chamber. By arbitrarily forming a plurality of heating tanks with partitions, the number of heating tanks used and the volume of each heating tank can be optimally set according to the amount and size of the processed material to be input.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, although the carbonization treatment apparatus shown in Patent Document 1 includes a plurality of heating tanks, the technical idea of how to control the carbonization in each heating tank is not disclosed. <00000​​​​​This disclosure has been made in view of these circumstances and aims to provide a carbonization furnace and a control method thereof that can easily obtain carbides with a desired degree of carbonization even when the materials to be carbonized have different properties. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A carbonization furnace according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a container, one or more combustion chambers provided within the container for burning fuel, a plurality of carbonization chambers provided within the container and connected in parallel to one of the combustion chambers, where the material to be carbonized is carbonized by combustion gases introduced from the combustion chamber, and a control unit for controlling the carbonization state of the material to be carbonized in each of the carbonization chambers with respect to the combustion gases, wherein the plurality of carbonization chambers are separated by partition walls. Each of the aforementioned carbonization chambers is considered an independent space. .

[0008] A control method for a carbonization furnace according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a container, one or more combustion chambers provided within the container for burning fuel, and a plurality of carbonization chambers provided within the container and connected in parallel to one of the combustion chambers, wherein the carbonization material is carbonized by combustion gases introduced from the combustion chamber, wherein the plurality of carbonization chambers are formed by partitions. Each of the aforementioned carbonization chambers is an independent space. The carbonization state of the material to be carbonized in each of the carbonization chambers is controlled by the combustion gas. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] Even with materials having different properties, it is possible to easily obtain carbides with a desired degree of carbonization. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1A] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a carbonization furnace according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 1B] This is a plan view of the carbonization furnace shown in Figure 1A, with the ceiling removed. [Figure 1C] This is a cross-sectional view along the cutting line III-III in Figure 1A. [Figure 2]It is a longitudinal sectional view showing a partial enlargement around the gas outlet. [Figure 3A] It is a longitudinal sectional view corresponding to FIG. 1A showing the state of charging the carbide using a hopper. [Figure 3B] It is a longitudinal sectional view corresponding to FIG. 1C showing the state of charging the carbide using a hopper. [Figure 4A] It is a longitudinal sectional view corresponding to FIG. 1A showing the state of charging the carbide using a lid. [Figure 4B] It is a longitudinal sectional view corresponding to FIG. 1C showing the state of charging the carbide using a lid. [Figure 5A] It is a longitudinal sectional view corresponding to FIG. 1A showing the state of discharging the carbide after carbonization using an opening and closing bed. [Figure 5B] It is a longitudinal sectional view corresponding to FIG. 1C showing the state of discharging the carbide after carbonization using an opening and closing bed. [Figure 6A] It is a longitudinal sectional view corresponding to FIG. 1A showing the state of discharging the carbide after carbonization using a belt conveyor. [Figure 6B] It is a longitudinal sectional view corresponding to FIG. 1C showing the state of discharging the carbide after carbonization using a belt conveyor. [Figure 7] It is a plan view showing a modified example in which three retort chambers are provided for each of the two combustion chambers. [Figure 8A] It is a figure showing a modified example showing a method of supplying the carbide by a basket. [Figure 8B] It is a figure showing a modified example showing a method of taking out the basket containing the carbide after carbonization. [[ID=3​​​​​​​​​​​​​ [Figure 11A] It is a plan view corresponding to FIG. 10A showing a modified example. [Figure 11B] It is a longitudinal sectional view of the carbonization furnace of FIG. 11A. [Figure 11C] It is a sectional view taken along the cutting line XI-XI of FIG. 11B. [Figure 12A] It is a plan view of the carbonization furnace with the ceiling surface removed and viewed from above, according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12B] It is a longitudinal sectional view of the carbonization furnace of FIG. 12A. [Figure 12C] It is a sectional view taken along the cutting line XII-XII of FIG. 12B. [Figure 13A] It is an enlarged sectional view of part G of FIG. 12B. [Figure 13B] It is an enlarged sectional view of part H of FIG. 12B.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. [First Embodiment] Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In FIGS. 1A to 1C, a carbonization furnace 1A of the present embodiment is shown. The carbonization furnace of the present disclosure includes not only a carbonization furnace for producing biochar from biomass raw materials but also a reactor for producing biofuel from biomass raw materials.

[0012] The carbonization furnace 1A is, for example, a vehicle-mounted carbonization furnace and is fixed to the loading platform of a vehicle (not shown). The carbonization furnace 1A may be removable from the loading platform. By using a vehicle-mounted carbonization furnace, carbonization treatment can be performed in the vicinity of the biomass raw material collection site, and the cost and CO2 emissions related to the transportation of the raw materials can be reduced.

[0013] The carbonization furnace 1A includes a container 5 that is capable of forming a sealed space. The container 5 is, for example, rectangular in shape and includes a rear surface 5a located behind the vehicle, a front surface 5b located in front of the vehicle, and sides 5c, a bottom surface 5d, and a top surface 5e connecting the rear surface 5a and the front surface 5b. The mounting direction of the carbonization furnace 1A on the vehicle (front / rear and left / right) is not limited to this disclosure.

[0014] The interior of the container 5 is divided into a combustion chamber 9 and a carbonization chamber 11 by a partition wall 7. Fuel is supplied into the combustion chamber 9, a flame FL is formed, and combustion gases are generated. As shown in Figure 1B, the combustion chamber 9 is provided along the entire width of the container 5 (vertical direction in the figure), forming a single space enclosed by the rear surface 5a and both sides 5c of the container 5 and the partition wall 7.

[0015] The carbonization chamber 11 is designed to be supplied with biomass raw material, which is the material to be carbonized W. For example, woody biomass such as timber or thinned wood can be used as the biomass raw material. As shown in Figure 1B, multiple carbonization chambers 11 are provided, separated by partition walls 13. The partition walls 13 extend between the partition wall 7 and the front surface 5b, and also extend from the bottom surface 5d to the ceiling surface 5e, as shown in Figure 1C. The partition walls 13 create independent spaces for each carbonization chamber 11. In this way, each carbonization chamber 11 is provided in parallel with one combustion chamber 9. Note that the number of carbonization chambers 11 is not limited to four as shown in Figure 1B; two or more are acceptable.

[0016] In each carbonization chamber 11, heat is supplied to the material to be carbonized W by the combustion gas generated in the combustion chamber 9, and carbonization of the material to be carbonized occurs. In addition, each carbonization chamber 11 may be provided with multiple air supply units (oxidizer supply units), although these are not shown. If air supply units are provided, each carbonization chamber 11 may also be provided with an ignition unit, which is not shown. A portion of the material to be carbonized W is ignited in the ignition unit and combusted, and the air ratio in the carbonization chamber 11 is adjusted by the air supplied from the air supply unit. Oxygen or other oxidizers may be used instead of air. The carbonization chamber 11 is kept in an oxygen-deficient state with an air ratio of, for example, about 0.6 to 0.7, and carbonization of the material to be carbonized occurs as a result.

[0017] As shown in Figures 1A and 1C, a gas inlet 15 is formed above the partition wall 7, connecting the combustion chamber 9 and the carbonization chamber 11. A gas inlet 15 is provided in each of the carbonization chambers 11. Combustion gas is guided from the combustion chamber 9 to each carbonization chamber 11 via the gas inlet 15.

[0018] Each gas inlet 15 is provided with a gas inlet damper 17. Each gas inlet damper 17 rotates around a pivot shaft 17a. The rotation angle around the pivot shaft 17a is controlled by a control unit 20 that drives the damper motor Md. Each gas inlet damper 17 functions as an inlet flow rate adjustment unit that adjusts the flow rate of combustion gas into each carbonization chamber 11.

[0019] A gas outlet 22 is provided at the lower part of the front surface 5b of the container 5. A gas outlet 22 is provided in each of the carbonization chambers 11. Combustion gas flows out of the carbonization chamber 11 through the gas outlet 22. As shown in Figure 2, which shows a magnified view of the area around the gas outlet 22, a perforated plate such as a wire mesh 24 is provided at the gas outlet 22. The wire mesh 24 prevents the outflow of the carbide material W while allowing the flow of combustion gas.

[0020] As shown in Figure 2, each gas outlet section 22 is provided with a gas outlet gate 26. The opening area of ​​the gas outlet section 22 is adjusted by the vertical movement of the plate-shaped gas outlet gate 26. For example, the gas outlet gate 26 is moved up and down by rotating a pinion 26b that meshes with a rack 26a fixed to the gas outlet gate 26 using a gate motor Mg. The operation of the gate motor Mg is controlled by the control unit 20. A gas seal 27 is provided between the gas outlet gate 26 and the front surface 5b of the container 5 to prevent the outflow of combustion gas. As each gas outlet gate 26 moves forward and backward, it functions as an outlet flow rate adjustment unit that adjusts the flow rate of combustion gas outflowing from each carbonization chamber 11.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1B, a chimney 28 is connected to the outlet side (downstream side of the combustion gas flow) of each carbonization chamber 11. The height of the chimney 28 is higher than the ceiling surface 5e of the container 5. As a result, the combustion gas that has passed through each carbonization chamber 11 flows through the chimney 28 and is discharged to the outside (atmosphere).

[0022] The control unit consists of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), and a computer-readable storage medium. A series of processes for realizing various functions are stored in the storage medium in the form of a program, for example. The CPU reads this program into the RAM and performs information processing and calculations to realize the various functions. The program may be pre-installed in ROM or other storage media, provided stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or distributed via wired or wireless communication. Computer-readable storage media include magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, and semiconductor memory.

[0023] <Control method for carbonization furnace 1A> Next, the control method for the carbonization furnace 1A with the above configuration will be explained. A vehicle equipped with the carbonization furnace 1A is driven to the site where the carbonized material W is collected. At the site, as shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the carbonized material W is fed into each carbonization chamber 11 via hoppers 30 installed on the ceiling surface 5e. As shown in Figure 3B, a hopper 30 is provided for each carbonization chamber 11. Depending on the collection conditions at the site, the carbonized material W is of different types, has different moisture content, and is of different quantities for each carbonization chamber 11.

[0024] For example, if four different types of carbide W are collected in equal amounts, one type may be evenly distributed into each carbonization chamber 11. If two different types of carbide W are collected in uneven amounts, the carbide W of the type with the larger amount may be added to three of the carbonization chambers 11, and the carbide W of the type with the smaller amount may be added to the remaining carbonization chamber 11.

[0025] Furthermore, it is not always necessary to wait for sufficient quantities of multiple types of carbide material W to be collected. For example, if a large quantity of one type of carbide material W is collected, and only a very small quantity of a different type of carbide material W is collected, then, for example, the carbide material of the type that was collected in large quantities may be introduced into all the carbonization chambers 11.

[0026] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B, a lid 32 that opens and closes on the top surface of each carbonization chamber 11 may be provided for the introduction of the carbonized material W into each carbonization chamber 11. The lid 32 is provided in each carbonization chamber 11 as shown in Figure 4B. The lid 32 is rotated to open it, and the carbonized material W is introduced into the carbonization chamber 11. When carbonization (carbonization) is performed, the lid 32 is closed.

[0027] After the carbonized material W is introduced into each carbonization chamber 11, fuel is supplied to the combustion chamber 9 to form a flame FL and generate combustion gas. The combustion gas is supplied to each carbonization chamber 11 via the gas inlet 15, for example, as shown in Figure 1A.

[0028] The combustion gas flows through the interior of each carbonization chamber 11. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1A, the combustion gas flows from the gas inlet 15 located at the top of the rear surface 5a of the carbonization chamber 11 toward the gas outlet 22 located on the front surface 5b of the carbonization chamber 11. In this way, the combustion gas flows throughout the entire carbonization chamber 11 before flowing out of the carbonization chamber 11 and being discharged to the outside via the chimney 28. In the carbonization chamber 11, carbonization is carried out under oxygen-deficient conditions, and the carbonization of the material to be carbonized W progresses.

[0029] The amount of combustion gas supplied to each carbonization chamber 11 is adjusted by the opening degree of the gas inlet damper 17, which is controlled by the control unit 20, and the amount of movement of the gas outlet gate 26, which is also controlled by the control unit 20. The gas inlet damper 17 and the gas outlet gate 26 are controlled independently for each carbonization chamber 11. For example, as shown in Figure 1C, if the carbonization time for the material W to be carbonized in the rightmost carbonization chamber 11 is longer than in the other carbonization chambers 11, the gas inlet damper 17 and the gas outlet gate 26 are adjusted to have a larger opening than in the other carbonization chambers 11. Note that "carbonization time" refers to the estimated carbonization time for each carbonization chamber 11 based on information such as the processing amount and moisture content.

[0030] The control of the gas inlet damper 17 and the gas outlet gate 26 depends on the type and composition of the material to be carbidized W, the amount collected, etc., and is performed based on the carbidized material production time. On the other hand, it also depends not only on the material to be carbidized W but also on the carbidized product itself. For example, it can also be adjusted based on information such as the composition of the carbidized material and the results of the product conformity assessment.

[0031] Once carbonization is complete, the carbonized material W is removed from each carbonization chamber 11. For example, as shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the floor of each carbonization chamber 11 is provided as an openable / closable floor 34, and the carbonized material W is removed by opening the openable / closable floor 34. As shown in Figure 5B, an openable / closable floor 34 is provided for each carbonization chamber 11. When carbonization (carbonization) is being performed, the openable / closable floor 34 is closed.

[0032] Furthermore, the discharge of the carbonized material W from each carbonization chamber 11 may be carried out using a belt conveyor 36, as shown in Figures 6A and 6B. As shown in Figure 6A, the belt conveyor 36 is installed at the bottom of the carbonization chamber 11, and its rear end extends below the chimney 28. The belt conveyor 36 is equipped with rollers 36a at its front and rear ends, and its drive is controlled by a command from the control unit. As shown in Figure 6B, a belt conveyor 36 is provided for each carbonization chamber 11. When carbonization (carbonization) is performed, the belt conveyor 36 is stopped, and is driven when the carbonized material W is to be discharged, opening an outlet door 38 located at the bottom of the chimney 28 to remove the carbonized material W.

[0033] When carbonizing the material to be carbonized W, the following feedforward control can be used. That is, the gas inlet damper 17 and gas outlet gate 26 are feedforward controlled according to the properties of the material to be carbonized W introduced into each carbonization chamber 11, or control factors predicted from these properties. The properties of the material to be carbonized W include the type and composition (including moisture content) of the material to be carbonized W, and the amount collected. A control factor predicted from these properties is the carbonization time.

[0034] As feedforward control, based on information obtained in advance at the site where the carbide material W is collected and knowledge obtained in advance by the person manufacturing the carbide, the amount of combustion gas predicted to be required to produce carbide from the carbide material W and the predicted manufacturing time required until the production of carbide from the carbide material W is completed are set in each carbonization chamber 11, and the control unit 20 controls the gas inlet damper 17 and the gas outlet gate 26.

[0035] Information obtained in advance at the site where the carbonized material W is collected includes, for example, information such as, "The tree species to be carbonized is a conifer, and different types of coniferous trees A, B, C, and D are collected at the site, with coniferous tree A being the most abundant, and how much of it," and "Coniferous tree A is collected in a humid area, and has more moisture attached to it than coniferous trees B, C, and D, and how much moisture is attached." Knowledge obtained in advance by the implementer who manufactures the carbonized material includes, for example, knowledge such as, "Based on previously acquired knowledge, as a component of the tree, coniferous tree A contains more moisture and fixed carbon than coniferous trees B, C, and D, and conversely, it contains less volatile matter."

[0036] Furthermore, the components of the carbide material W, such as moisture, fixed carbon, and volatile matter, can be identified, for example, based on "JIS M 8812:2004 (or 2006) Coal and coke - Industrial analytical methods." Information regarding the components of the carbide material W does not necessarily need to be obtained by the implementer as knowledge before producing carbide from the carbide material W; it can also be obtained by analyzing the carbide material actually collected at the site where the carbide is produced using the "same industrial analytical methods." Based on this information and knowledge, it can generally be predicted that coniferous tree A requires more energy and a longer production time to produce carbide compared to coniferous trees B, C, and D.

[0037] Based on this information and knowledge, implementers can obtain even more detailed insights. For example, they can gain knowledge that allows them to accurately predict the manufacturing time required to complete the production of carbides, not just as information limited to short or long periods, but within a certain range. That is, knowledge such as, "If the moisture and fixed carbon content is this high, how much combustion gas needs to be introduced and how long the manufacturing time needs to be to produce carbides."

[0038] If information and knowledge about the coniferous trees A, B, C, and D, which are the materials to be carbided W, are available in advance, the control unit 20 controls the opening of the gas inlet damper 17 and gas outlet gate 26 of the carbonization chamber 11 (the rightmost carbonization chamber 11 in Figure 1C), which is expected to require more energy and a longer manufacturing time, to be larger than the openings of the gas inlet damper 17 and gas outlet gate 26 of the other carbonization chambers 11 (feedforward control). The control unit then sets the amount of combustion gas and controls the openings of the gas inlet damper 17 and gas outlet gate 26 so that the manufacturing time until the carbide is produced is the same in each carbonization chamber 11.

[0039] To set the amount of combustion gas, the amount of combustion gas passing through each gas inlet 15 or the flow rate of combustion gas passing through each gas outlet 22 is measured using a flow meter (not shown), and based on these measurement results, the amount of combustion gas is adjusted to the desired set value. Alternatively, the combustion gas flow rate may be calculated based on, for example, the relationship between the opening degree of each gas inlet damper 17 or each gas outlet gate 26 and the resistance coefficient, the relationship with the resistance coefficient of each carbonization chamber 11, and the relationship with the resistance coefficient of the coniferous trees A, B, C, and D introduced into each carbonization chamber 11. When calculating the combustion gas flow rate based on resistance coefficients in this manner, numerical information such as the relationship between the opening degree of the gas inlet dampers 17 and gas outlet gates 26 and the resistance coefficient, and the resistance coefficients of each carbonization chamber 11 and each coniferous tree, is input into the control unit 20 in advance.

[0040] The effects and advantages of this embodiment, as described above, are as follows. Since multiple carbonization chambers 11 are arranged in parallel with respect to the combustion chamber 9, materials W to be carbonized, which have different processing volumes and properties (type, moisture content, etc.), can be separated and carbonized simultaneously. By controlling the carbonization state of the materials W to be carbonized in each carbonization chamber 11 by the flow of combustion gas introduced into each carbonization chamber 11, a desired degree of carbonization can be achieved in each carbonization chamber 11. For example, the production time of the carbonized materials in multiple carbonization chambers 11 can be made equivalent.

[0041] By controlling the flow rate of the combustion gas using the gas inlet damper 17 and the gas outlet gate 26, the carbonization state of the material to be carbonized in each carbonization chamber 11 can be controlled.

[0042] By performing feedforward control according to the properties of the material to be carbonized W, the degree of carbonization and the carbonization completion time in each carbonization chamber 11 can be controlled to desired values.

[0043] In this embodiment, the volumes of each carbonization chamber 11 are made equal, but this is not limited to this, and carbonization chambers 11 with different volumes may be used.

[0044] Furthermore, although control is performed using the gas inlet damper 17 and the gas outlet gate 26, it is also possible to control the combustion gas flow rate by installing either one of them.

[0045] The means for driving the gas inlet damper 17 and the gas outlet gate 26 do not necessarily have to be electric motors Md and Mg; they may be driven by other means, such as pneumatic drive with actuators.

[0046] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 7, multiple (two in this figure) combustion chambers 9 may be provided, and multiple (three in this figure) carbonization chambers 11 may be provided for each combustion chamber 9.

[0047] Furthermore, the method is not limited to directly introducing the material to be carbonized W into each carbonization chamber 11; as shown in Figure 8A, the material to be carbonized W may also be supplied by cages 40 corresponding to each carbonization chamber 11. The cages 40 are made of a heat-resistant and permeable material such as wire mesh. The material to be carbonized W is placed in each cage 40 at the collection point, and then the material to be carbonized W is placed in each carbonization chamber 11 (see, for example, Figure 1B) along with the cages 40.

[0048] The carbonized carbide W' is removed from each carbonization chamber 11 along with the basket 40, as shown in Figure 8B.

[0049] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it provides feedback control of the combustion gas flow rate, but is otherwise similar. Therefore, the following will mainly describe the differences, and identical components will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0050] As shown in Figures 9A and 9B, the carbonization furnace 1B of this embodiment is equipped with a sample seat AT in each carbonization chamber 11. A sample of the material to be carbonized W is extracted from the sample seat AT to obtain information during the manufacturing process. The information obtained using the sample seat AT is transmitted to the control unit 20.

[0051] In feedback control, the control of the gas inlet damper 17 and / or gas outlet gate 26 is performed based on information derived from the carbonized material W, namely the composition of the carbonized material W, the pass / fail judgment result for conforming to product specifications, the length of the manufacturing time, or the manufacturing time that can be predicted from the state of the carbonized material W during the manufacturing process.

[0052] In the feedback control, the combustion gas flow rate is controlled by the gas inlet damper 17 and the gas outlet gate 26 so that, in principle, the production time until the production of carbide from the material to be carbide W is completed is the same in each carbonization chamber 11, based on information obtained as a result of the production of carbide from the material to be carbide W, or based on information obtained during the process of producing carbide from the material to be carbide W. In addition, as shown in Figure 9A, a gas thermometer Tg may be installed in each carbonization chamber 11 and used as feedback information. Furthermore, gas component analysis of the carbonization chamber 11 may be performed using a sample tray AT and used as feedback information.

[0053] The information obtained as a result of producing carbide from the material to be carbidized W includes, for example, "the amount of carbon in the components of the carbide removed from the container 5 is not sufficient to satisfy the required specifications for the carbide produced in a certain carbonization chamber 11, and as a result of the acceptance / rejection judgment, it does not conform to the product standard. Conversely, for the carbide produced in other carbonization chambers 11, the amount is sufficient to satisfy the required specifications, and as a result of the acceptance / rejection judgment, it conforms to the product standard," and "the production time of the carbide is long only in a certain carbonization chamber 11, and uniformly shorter in the other carbonization chambers 11."

[0054] Furthermore, information obtained during the process of producing carbide from the material to be carbidized W includes, for example, "In the process of producing carbide from the material to be carbidized W, samples of the material to be carbidized W in the production process are extracted from each carbonization chamber 11 at the sample seat AT. The amount of carbon in the components of these samples is expected to not satisfy the required specifications for the carbide that should be the final product for the sample extracted from a certain carbonization chamber 11, and is also expected to not conform to the product standard in the acceptance / rejection judgment. Conversely, samples extracted from other carbonization chambers 11 are expected to satisfy the required specifications and are also expected to conform to the product standard in the acceptance / rejection judgment," and "The expected production time until the final production of carbide is completed is expected to be long only in a certain carbonization chamber 11, and uniformly shorter in the other carbonization chambers 11."

[0055] Furthermore, to obtain information as a result of the production of carbide from the material to be carbidized W, information can be obtained directly by analyzing the components of the carbide after production is complete. On the other hand, to obtain information about the process of producing carbide from the material to be carbidized W, information can be obtained at various stages of the production process using sample seats AT provided in each of the carbonization chambers 11. The sample seats AT are, for example, located near the gas outlet 22 of each carbonization chamber 11.

[0056] Then, based on information obtained as a result of producing carbide from the material to be carbidized W, or based on information obtained during the process of producing carbide from the material to be carbidized W, the control unit 20 performs feedback control to make the opening of the gas inlet damper 17 and / or gas outlet gate 26 larger than the opening of the gas inlet damper 17 and / or gas outlet gate 26 of the other carbonization chambers 11, so that a larger amount of combustion gas flows into the predetermined carbonization chamber 11 that requires a longer production time or is expected to require a longer production time. In the feedback control, the amount of combustion gas is controlled by the gas inlet damper 17 and / or gas outlet gate 26 so that the production time until the end of carbonization, or the expected production time until the end of carbonization, is, in principle the same for each carbonization chamber 11.

[0057] This embodiment provides the following effects and advantages. By performing feedback control according to the state of the material being carbonized W (or the carbonized material after carbonization), the degree of carbonization and the carbonization completion time in each carbonization chamber 11 can be controlled to desired values.

[0058] [Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the way the material to be carbide W is placed in the carbonization chamber 11, but is otherwise the same. Therefore, the differences will be mainly described below, and identical components will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0059] As shown in Figures 10A to 10C, the carbonization furnace 1C of this embodiment has carbonization boxes 42 installed inside each carbonization chamber 11. Each carbonization box 42 is roughly rectangular in shape and, like the cage 40 shown in Figure 8A, is made of a heat-resistant and permeable material such as wire mesh that allows combustion gases to pass through.

[0060] One carbonization chamber 42 is provided in each carbonization chamber 11 in the front-to-back direction (Figure 10A), and multiple chambers are provided in the vertical direction (three in Figures 10B and 10C). Each carbonization chamber 42 in each carbonization chamber 11 is installed with space between them. The carbonization chambers 42 are detachably fixed to the walls of the carbonization chamber 11 via support parts (not shown), such as brackets.

[0061] As shown in Figures 10B and 10C, the upper carbonization chamber 42 has a larger storage volume than the lower carbonization chamber 42. This is because the temperature of the combustion gas is higher closer to the gas inlet 15, and therefore the carbonization of the material W progresses faster in the carbonization chamber 42 closer to the gas inlet 15.

[0062] As shown in Figure 10B, the distance Y1 between the rear (left) side of each carbonization chamber 42 and the partition wall 7 is greater than the distance Y2 between the front (right) side of each carbonization chamber 42 and the front 5b side of the container 5. In this way, the upstream channel 44a formed on the rear side of each carbonization chamber 42 has a larger channel area than the downstream channel 44b formed on the front side of each carbonization chamber 42. This allows a larger amount of combustion gas to be guided from the upstream channel 44a to the lower channel 45b.

[0063] Furthermore, the distance Z1 between the top surface of the carbonization chamber 42 and the ceiling surface 5e of the container 5 is equal to the distance Z2 between the bottom surface of the carbonization chamber 42 and the bottom surface 5d of the container 5. In this way, the upper flow channel 45a formed on the upper part of the carbonization chamber 42 has the same flow channel area as the lower flow channel 45b formed on the lower part of the carbonization chamber 42. This allows a large amount of combustion gas to flow downstream from both the upper flow channel 45a and the lower flow channel 45b.

[0064] The number of carbonization chambers 42 is not limited to the embodiments shown in Figures 10A to 10C. Each carbonization chamber 11 may have two or four or more chambers 42, or the number of carbonization chambers 42 may differ for each carbonization chamber 11. Furthermore, although the carbonization chamber 42 has been described as having a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape, it is not limited to this shape and may also be cylindrical, extending in the vertical direction, or cylindrical, extending in the front-to-back direction or width direction.

[0065] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 11A to 11C as a modified example, multiple carbonization boxes 42 (three in Figures 11A and 11B) may be provided in the front-to-back direction of the carbonization chamber 11, and one carbonization box 42 (Figures 11B and 11C) may be provided in the up-to-down direction. Even in this case, since the temperature of the combustion gas is higher the closer it is to the gas inlet 15, the carbonization of the material to be carbonized W progresses faster in the carbonization boxes 42 closer to the gas inlet 15. Therefore, the carbonization boxes 42 further upstream (closer to the partition wall 7 in Figures 11A and 11B) have a larger capacity than the carbonization boxes 42 further downstream (closer to the front 5b in Figures 11A and 11B). The upstream channel 44a has a larger channel area than the downstream channel 44b (Y1 > Y2), and the channel areas of the upper channel 45a and the lower channel 45b are equal (Z1 = Z2).

[0066] Furthermore, a configuration in which multiple carbonization chambers 42 are provided in the vertical direction, as shown in Figure 10A, etc., and a configuration in which multiple carbonization chambers 42 are provided in the front-to-back direction, as shown in Figure 11A, etc., may be combined.

[0067] [Fourth Embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the carbonized carbide W' can be individually removed from each carbonization chamber 11, but is otherwise the same. Therefore, the differences will be described below, and identical components will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0068] As shown in Figures 12A to 12C, the carbonization furnace 1D of this embodiment is equipped with a sample seat AT in each carbonization chamber 11. The use of the sample seat AT is the same as in the second embodiment described with reference to Figures 9A and 9B.

[0069] As shown in Figure 12A, a cage 40 (see Figures 8A and 8B) is provided inside each carbonization chamber 11. The material to be carbonized W is contained within the cage 40.

[0070] As shown in Figure 12B, the ceiling surface 5e of the container 5 is provided with a lid 32 (see Figure 4A) that opens and closes the top surface of the carbonization chamber 11. By rotating the lid 32 to open and close it, the basket 40 can be placed inside and removed from the carbonization chamber 11. When carbonization (carbonization) is being performed, the lid 32 is closed.

[0071] A gas supply pipe 48 capable of supplying nitrogen gas (inert gas) is connected to the bottom of each carbonization chamber 11. Each gas supply pipe 48 is equipped with an on-off valve 49. Each on-off valve 49 is controlled by a control unit.

[0072] As shown in Figure 12B, a gas inlet valve 50 is provided at the gas inlet section 15. The gas inlet valve 50 is fully closed when removing the carbonized carbide W' as instructed by the control unit. When performing carbonization (carbonization), the opening degree of the gas inlet valve 50 is adjusted as instructed by the control unit.

[0073] As shown in Figure 13A, the gas inlet valve 50 is inserted into the tip of the partition wall 7 and is designed to be airtight with multiple sealing mechanisms (labyrinth structure).

[0074] A gas outlet valve 52 is provided at the gas outlet section 22. The gas outlet valve 52 is fully closed when removing the carbide W' after carbonization, as instructed by the control unit. The gas outlet valve 52 is opened as instructed by the control unit when performing carbonization (dry distillation).

[0075] As shown in Figure 13B, the gas outlet valve 52 has its tip inserted into the top surface 54 of the exhaust passage connected to the chimney 28, and is designed to be airtight with multiple sealing mechanisms (labyrinth structure).

[0076] In this embodiment, the carbonization progresses differently in the carbonization chambers 11, and this method is effective when only a predetermined carbonization chamber 11 completes carbonization first. The completion of carbonization is determined by measuring the sample using the sample seat AT and the control unit. For example, as shown in Figure 12C, if carbonization is completed first in the leftmost carbonization chamber 11, the control unit completely closes the gas inlet valve 50 and the gas outlet valve 52. Then, the on / off valve 49 is opened and nitrogen gas is supplied into the carbonization chamber 11 via the gas supply pipe 48 to cool the carbide W' and prevent the oxidation reaction from progressing. After that, the lid 32 is opened and the carbide W' is removed along with the basket 40. This makes it possible to remove the carbide W' from a specific carbonization chamber 11 and reintroduce new carbide W into that carbonization chamber 11 while continuing to operate the carbonization furnace 1D.

[0077] The carbonization furnace and its control method described in each embodiment above can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0078] A carbonization furnace (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D) according to a first aspect of the present disclosure comprises one or more combustion chambers (9) for burning fuel, a plurality of carbonization chambers (11) connected in parallel to one of the combustion chambers, in which the material to be carbonized is carbonized by combustion gas introduced from the combustion chamber, and a control unit (20) for controlling the carbonization state of the material to be carbonized in each of the carbonization chambers with the combustion gas.

[0079] Since multiple carbonization chambers are arranged in parallel for each combustion chamber, materials with different properties (type, moisture content, etc.) can be carbonized separately and simultaneously. By controlling the carbonization state of the materials in each carbonization chamber with the combustion gas (e.g., combustion gas flow and flow rate), a desired degree of carbonization can be achieved in each chamber. For example, the production time of the carbonized materials in multiple carbonization chambers can be made equivalent.

[0080] A carbonization furnace (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D) according to a second aspect of the present disclosure comprises, in the first aspect, an inlet flow rate adjustment unit (17) provided at an inlet (15) through which combustion gas flows into each of the carbonization chambers (11), and / or an outlet flow rate adjustment unit (26) provided at an outlet (22) through which combustion gas flows out of each of the carbonization chambers, and the control unit (20) controls the inlet flow rate adjustment unit and / or the outlet flow rate adjustment unit.

[0081] By controlling the flow rate of the combustion gas using the inlet flow rate adjustment unit and / or outlet flow rate adjustment unit, the carbonization state of the material being carbonized in the carbonization chamber can be controlled.

[0082] In the third aspect of the present disclosure, the carbonization furnaces (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D) feedforward control the inlet flow rate adjustment unit (17) and / or the outlet flow rate adjustment unit (26) according to the properties of the material to be carbonized (W) introduced into each of the carbonization chambers (11).

[0083] By using feedforward control according to the properties of the material being carbonized, the degree of carbonization and the carbonization completion time in each carbonization chamber can be controlled to desired values. Examples of the properties of the material being carbonized include the type of material, the composition and moisture content of the carbonized material obtained beforehand, and the amount of carbonized material collected.

[0084] In the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the carbonization furnaces (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D) provide feedback control of the inlet flow rate adjustment unit (17) and / or the outlet flow rate adjustment unit (26) according to the second aspect, based on the state of the material to be carbonized (W) introduced into each carbonization chamber (11) or the state of the carbonized material (W') after carbonization.

[0085] By using feedback control according to the state of the material being carbonized or the carbonized material after carbonization, the degree of carbonization and the carbonization completion time in each carbonization chamber can be controlled to desired values. The state of the material being carbonized (W) can be, for example, the results of component analysis of the material being carbonized in the carbonization chamber, and / or the manufacturing time that can be predicted from the state of the material being carbonized during the manufacturing process, and / or the results of component analysis of the gas in the carbonization chamber, and / or the measured temperature in the carbonization chamber.

[0086] In the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the carbonization furnace (1C) is provided in any of the first to fourth aspects, with a single carbonization chamber (11) containing a plurality of carbonization boxes (42) for containing the material to be carbonized (W).

[0087] By providing multiple carbonization chambers in a single carbonization chamber, combustion gases can be circulated to each carbonization chamber, enabling uniform carbonization. The carbonization chambers are constructed with walls that allow combustion gases to easily permeate, such as wire mesh or perforated metal.

[0088] In the carbonization furnace (1C) according to the sixth aspect of this disclosure, in the fifth aspect, the carbonization chamber (42) upstream of the combustion gas flow is larger than the carbonization chamber (42) downstream of the combustion gas flow.

[0089] Since the sensible heat of combustion gases is greater upstream in the flow of combustion gases, the heating capacity is superior on the upstream side. Therefore, by making the carbonization chamber on the upstream side larger than the carbonization chamber on the downstream side, uniform carbonization can be achieved. The carbonization chambers may be arranged with gaps between them in the vertical direction of the carbonization chamber, or with gaps between them in the front-to-back direction from the entrance to the exit, or they may be arranged in a combination of vertical and front-to-back directions.

[0090] A carbonization furnace (1C) according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure comprises, in the fifth or sixth aspect, an upstream channel (44a) formed upstream of the carbonization chamber (11) that is furthest upstream with respect to the flow of combustion gases, and a downstream channel (44b) formed downstream of the carbonization chamber that is furthest downstream with respect to the flow of combustion gases, wherein the channel area of ​​the upstream channel (44a) is larger than the channel area of ​​the downstream channel (44b).

[0091] By making the upstream channel formed upstream of the outermost carbonization chamber have a larger channel area than the downstream channel formed downstream of the outermost carbonization chamber, a larger amount of combustion gas can be guided from the upstream channel to the lower channel (45b).

[0092] A carbonization furnace (1C) according to the eighth aspect of the present disclosure, in any of the fifth to seventh aspects, comprises an upper flow channel (45a) formed between the ceiling surface (5e) of the carbonization chamber (11) and the upper surface of the carbonization box (42), and a lower flow channel (45b) formed between the bottom surface (5d) of the carbonization chamber (11) and the lower surface of the carbonization box (42), wherein the flow channel areas of the upper flow channel (45a) and the lower flow channel (45b) are equal.

[0093] By making the upper and lower flow paths have the same flow area, a large amount of combustion gas can be flowed downstream from both the upper and lower flow paths.

[0094] In the carbonization furnace (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D) according to the ninth aspect of this disclosure, in any of the first to eighth aspects, the carbonization chamber (11) is provided with an inert gas supply unit (48) for supplying an inert gas.

[0095] By supplying an inert gas to the carbonization chamber after carbonization has finished, the carbonized material can be extracted individually even if other carbonization chambers are in operation.

[0096] The carbonization furnaces (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D) according to the tenth aspect of this disclosure are attachable to a vehicle in any of the first to ninth aspects.

[0097] By making the carbonization furnace mountable on a vehicle, it becomes possible to perform carbonization processing near the biomass raw material collection site, thereby reducing the costs associated with transporting raw materials and CO2 emissions.

[0098] A control method for a carbonization furnace (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D) according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a control method for a carbonization furnace comprising one or more combustion chambers for burning fuel, and a plurality of carbonization chambers connected in parallel to one of the combustion chambers, wherein the carbonization state of the material to be carbonized is controlled by the combustion gas, and the carbonization state of the material to be carbonized in each of the carbonization chambers is controlled by the combustion gas. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D Carbonization Furnace 5 containers 5a Rear 5b Front 5c side 5d bottom 5e Ceiling surface 7 Partition wall 9 Combustion chamber 11 Carbonization chamber 13 Bulkhead 15 Gas inlet 17. Gas inlet damper (inlet flow rate adjustment section) 17a Rotary shaft 20 Control Unit 22 Gas outlet section 24 Wire mesh 26. Gas outlet gate (outlet flow rate adjustment section) 26a rack 26b pinion 27 Gas seal 28 Chimney 30 Hoppers 32 Lid 34 Openable floor 36 Belt conveyor 36a Laura 38. Removal door 40 basket 42 Drying chambers 44a Upstream channel 44b Downstream channel 45a Upper channel 45b Lower channel 48 Gas supply pipe 49. Shut-off valve 50 Gas inlet valve 52 Gas outlet valve 54 Top surface of the exhaust passage FL flame Motor for Md damper Mg gate motor

Claims

1. Container and The container is provided with one or more combustion chambers for burning fuel, A plurality of carbonization chambers are provided within the container and connected in parallel to one of the combustion chambers, in which the material to be carbonized is carbonized by combustion gases introduced from the combustion chamber, A control unit that controls the carbonization state of the material to be carbonized in each of the carbonization chambers using combustion gas, Equipped with, Multiple carbonization chambers are formed by partitions, Each of the aforementioned carbonization chambers is a carbonization furnace that is an independent space.

2. Each of the carbonization chambers is provided with an inlet flow rate adjustment unit at the inlet through which combustion gas flows in, and / or an outlet flow rate adjustment unit at the outlet through which combustion gas flows out of each of the carbonization chambers. The carbonization furnace according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the inlet flow rate adjustment unit and / or the outlet flow rate adjustment unit.

3. The carbonization furnace according to claim 2, wherein the inlet flow rate adjustment unit and / or the outlet flow rate adjustment unit are feedforward controlled according to the properties of the material to be carbonized that is introduced into each of the carbonization chambers.

4. The carbonization furnace according to claim 2, wherein the inlet flow rate adjustment unit and / or the outlet flow rate adjustment unit are feedback controlled according to the state of the material to be carbonized introduced into each of the carbonization chambers or the state of the carbonized material after carbonization.

5. The carbonization furnace according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one of the carbonization chambers is provided with a plurality of carbonization boxes for containing the material to be carbonized.

6. The carbonization furnace according to claim 5, wherein the carbonization chamber upstream of the combustion gas flow is larger than the carbonization chamber downstream of the combustion gas flow.

7. An upstream channel formed upstream of the carbonization chamber, which is located furthest upstream of the combustion gas flow, It comprises a downstream channel formed downstream of the carbonization chamber, which is the downstream side of the combustion gas flow, The carbonization furnace according to claim 5, wherein the flow area of ​​the upstream flow channel is larger than the flow area of ​​the downstream flow channel.

8. An upper channel formed between the ceiling surface of the carbonization chamber and the upper surface of the carbonization box, A lower channel formed between the bottom surface of the carbonization chamber and the lower surface of the carbonization box, Equipped with, The carbonization furnace according to claim 5, wherein the flow area of ​​the upper flow path and the lower flow path are equal.

9. The carbonization furnace according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the carbonization chamber is provided with an inert gas supply unit for supplying an inert gas.

10. A carbonization furnace according to claim 1 or 2, which is capable of being attached to a vehicle.

11. Container and The container is provided with one or more combustion chambers for burning fuel, A plurality of carbonization chambers are provided within the container and connected in parallel to one of the combustion chambers, in which the material to be carbonized is carbonized by combustion gases introduced from the combustion chamber, A method for controlling a carbonization furnace, comprising: Multiple carbonization chambers are formed by partitions, Each of the aforementioned carbonization chambers is an independent space. A method for controlling a carbonization furnace, which controls the carbonization state of the material to be carbonized in each of the carbonization chambers using combustion gas.

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