FUSION DEVICE

Abstract

The present invention relates to a melting device and method for discharging a melt of a substance into a tank to melt the substance stored in the tank, the melting device being able to discharge a desired quantity of the melt into the tank while reducing the diameter of a discharge tube that discharges the melt of the substance; it further refers to the double tube for discharging. The melting device (1) of the present invention comprises a suction tube (2) and a discharge tube (3) that are attached to the wall of a tank t; and a circulation flow path (4) that is disposed outside the tank t. The interior of the tank t and the interior of one end (4a) of the circulation flow path (4) communicate with each other through the interior of the suction tube (2).The interior of tank t and the interior of the other end (4b) of the circulation flow path (4) communicate with each other through the interior of the discharge tube (3). A pump (5) is provided at an intermediate position of the circulation flow path (4). By actuating the pump (5), a molten substance m that is present inside tank t can be drawn into the suction tube (2), circulated through the circulation flow path (4), and discharged from the interior of the discharge tube (3) into the interior of tank t; and the entire interior of the discharge tube (3) is used as a flow path for the molten substance m.

Description

FUSION DEVICE FIELD OF TECHNIQUE

[0001] The present invention relates to a melting device and a double tube for discharging a melt of a substance into a tank to melt the substance stored in the tank; and a method for melting a substance using the melting device. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Conventionally, in international trade, fats and oils that are solid at normal temperature are transported by ship. During this transport, a fat or oil in a liquid state is placed inside a tank at the point of origin (country of origin of the fat or oil), and the tank is loaded onto a ship. At the destination (the country of import of the fat or oil), the fat or oil that solidified into a solid state inside the tank during transport is melted.

[0003] Flexible tanks made of vinyl are used to transport such oils and fats. Patent Literature (PTL) 1 describes a technique that uses a heat exchanger to melt a solidified substance inside a flexible tank during transport. (The heat exchanger 200 shown in Figures 14 to 16 is a schematic representation of the heat exchanger described in PTL 1.)

[0004] The PTL 1 heat exchanger (heat exchanger 200 shown in Figures 14 to 16) is configured so that a second tube 203 is disposed within the first tube 202; a third tube 206 is disposed within the second tube 203; a fourth tube 207 is disposed within the third tube 206; and a suction port 201 for drawing a substance M into tank T (Figures 15 and 16) is formed by a gap between the first tube 202 and the second tube 203. A plurality of discharge ports 205 are used to discharge the substance. Petition 870260053007, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, p. 55 / 108 2 / 40 of the heated Ma inside the tank T is formed on the peripheral wall of the second tube 203. Hot water P is allowed to flow inside the third tube 206 and the fourth tube 207 (specifically, hot water P is allowed to flow from the space outside the fourth tube 207 inside the third tube 206 to the inside of the fourth tube 207).

[0005] When a fat or oil is transported, heat exchanger 200 is placed inside flexible tank T at the starting point. After this, flexible tank T is filled with a liquid substance M. When tank T arrives at its destination, a centrifugal power pump is activated to draw substance M from inside tank T into heat exchanger 200 from suction port 201; exchange heat from substance M with hot water P inside heat exchanger 200; and also discharge the substance Ma heated by the heat exchange into tank T from discharge port 205 in order to melt the substance M inside tank T, which solidified during transport (Figure 15). As a result, the heated substance Ma circulates inside tank T and exchanges heat with an unmelted substance M, thereby causing the substance M inside tank T to melt. LIST OF QUOTES Patent Literature

[0006] PTL 1: Japanese Patent Number 4639228 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0007] A general flexible tank T comprises a valve whose dimensions are specified by a standard (Figures 10 and 11 described below show a valve 50 attached to a general flexible tank T). Any pipe that can be inserted into the hole of this valve can be easily secured to the flexible tank (i.e., the pipe can be secured to the tank by the easy operation of inserting the pipe into the hole of the valve to fix it). Petition 870260053007, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 56 / 108 3 / 40 the tube in the valve, etc.).

[0008] In this respect, in the heat exchanger of Patent Literature (PTL) 1 (heat exchanger 200 shown in Figures 14 to 16), it is necessary to arrange a third tube 206 and a fourth tube 20 inside the second tube 203 which comprises a discharge port 205 formed to exchange heat between substance M and hot water P. Consequently, the diameter of the second tube 203 must be increased so as to allow the desired quantity of molten material to flow inside the second tube 203, and be discharged from the discharge port 205. As a result, a situation may arise in which the heat exchanger 200 cannot be inserted into the hole of the valve attached to the flexible tank T. In this case, in order to attach the heat exchanger 200 to the tank T, it is necessary, for example, to remove the existing valve from the tank T, attach a custom valve with a large hole to the tank T, and then insert the heat exchanger 200 into the hole of the valve.Such work may require a great deal of effort and cost.

[0009] The present invention was made in consideration of these matters. One object of the present invention is to provide a melting device for discharging a molten substance into a tank to melt the substance stored in the tank, the melting device being capable of discharging a desired quantity of the melt into the tank while reducing the diameter of a discharge tube to discharge the melted substance; and to provide a method for melting the substance stored in the tank using the melting device. Another object of the present invention is to provide a double tube for discharging a molten substance into a tank to melt the substance stored in the tank, the double tube being capable of discharging a desired quantity of the melt into the tank while maintaining the tube diameter to Petition 870260053007, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 57 / 108 4 / 40 discharge the small molten material. SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes the subject matter listed in the following items.

[0011] Item 1. A melting device for discharging a melt of a substance into a tank to melt the substance stored in the tank, the device comprising a suction tube attached to the tank wall; a discharge pipe attached to the tank wall; a circulation flow path arranged on the outside of the tank; and a funnel in which the melted substance is to be stored and which is connected to the circulation flow path via an on-off valve; in which the interior of the tank communicates with the interior of one end of the circulation flow path through the interior of the suction pipe; The interior of the tank communicates with the interior of the other end of the circulation flow path through the inside of the discharge pipe; a pump is arranged in an intermediate position of the circulation flow path; by activating the pump, the molten substance present inside the tank is drawn into the suction pipe, circulated through the circulation flow path, and discharged from the inside of the discharge pipe into the tank; and the entire interior of the discharge pipe is used as a flow path for the molten substance. The funnel comprises a primary side funnel and a secondary side funnel; The primary side funnel is connected to the primary side of the pump in the circulation flow path via a primary side on-off valve; Petition 870260053007, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, p. 58 / 108 5 / 40 The secondary side funnel is connected to the secondary side of the pump in the circulation flow path via a secondary side on-off valve; and the pump is capable of pumping a fluid in a reverse direction.

[0012] Item 2. The melting device according to Item 1, wherein a metal tube is wound around the outer circumference of the funnel; and steam or hot water is allowed to flow inside the metal tube with the substance being placed in the funnel, thereby melting the substance in the funnel and storing the melt in the funnel.

[0013] Item 3. A melting device for discharging a melt of a substance into a tank to melt the substance stored in the tank, the device comprising a suction tube attached to the tank wall; a discharge pipe attached to the tank wall; and a circulation flow path arranged outside the tank; in which the interior of the tank communicates with the interior of one end of the circulation flow path through the interior of the suction pipe; The interior of the tank communicates with the interior of the other end of the circulation flow path through the inside of the discharge pipe; a pump is arranged in an intermediate position of the circulation flow path; by activating the pump, the molten substance present inside the tank is drawn into the suction pipe, circulated through the circulation flow path, and discharged from the inside of the discharge pipe into the tank; and the entire interior of the discharge pipe is used as a flow path for the molten substance. Petition 870260053007, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, p. 59 / 108 6 / 40 the discharge tube comprising a mixing ejector comprising a nozzle and a diffuser; the nozzle ejecting the melt sent through the circulation flow path into the diffuser, the diffuser drawing in the melt present in the tank by a decrease in pressure due to the injection of the melt from the nozzle, and ejecting the drawn-in melt into the tank together with the melt injected from the nozzle.

[0014] Item 4. A method for melting a substance stored in a tank using a melting device, the melting device being configured to discharge a melt of a substance into the tank to melt the substance stored in the tank, the device comprising: a suction tube attached to the tank wall; a discharge pipe attached to the tank wall; a circulation flow path arranged outside the tank; and a funnel in which the melted substance is to be stored and which is connected to the circulation flow path via an on-off valve; in which the interior of the tank communicates with the interior of one end of the circulation flow path through the interior of the suction pipe; The interior of the tank communicates with the interior of the other end of the circulation flow path through the inside of the discharge pipe; a pump is arranged in an intermediate position of the circulation flow path; by activating the pump, the molten substance present inside the tank can be drawn into the suction pipe, circulated through the circulation flow path, and discharged from the inside of the discharge pipe into the tank; and the entire interior of the discharge pipe is used as a path. Petition 870260053007, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, pp. 60 / 108 7 / 40 flow to the melt; and the method comprising the steps of removing a portion of the solidified substance within the tank; to store in the funnel a melt obtained by melting the substance removed from the tank; To activate the pump with the on-off valve open, the molten material stored in the funnel is supplied into the discharge tube via the circulation flow path, and the molten material is discharged from the opening at the end of the discharge tube into the tank, whereby the substance present in the vicinity of the discharge tube is melted between the substance present in the tank to form a molten material; and to activate the pump with the on-off valve closed, the molten material present in the tank is drawn into the suction tube and supplied into the discharge tube via the circulation flow path, and the molten material is discharged from the opening at the end of the discharge tube into the tank, thereby melting the substance present in an unmolten state in the tank.

[0015] Item 5. A double pipe for discharging a molten substance into a tank to melt the substance stored in the tank, the double pipe comprising an outer pipe; an inner tube that runs inside the outer tube; and a coupling; where the interior of the tank communicates with the interior of one end of the circulation flow path through a space outside the inner tube in the outer tube; the interior of the tank communicates with the interior of the other end of the circulation flow path through the interior of the inner tube; Petition 870260053007, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 61 / 108 8 / 40 A pump located in an intermediate position of the circulation flow path is activated, whereby the molten substance present inside the tank can be drawn into a space outside the inner tube in the outer tube, circulated through the circulation flow path, and discharged from the inside of the inner tube into the tank; the entire interior of the inner tube is used as a flow path for the molten substance; The coupling comprises a cylindrical coupling body and a lever that is tiltably attached to the coupling body; The base end side of the coupling body is covered with the tip side of the outer tube; By tilting the lever, the degree of projection of the lever into the coupling body can be reduced; and by tilting the lever in the opposite direction, the degree of projection of the lever into the coupling body can be increased. The inner tube passes through the inside of the outer tube and the inside of the coupling body; the base end side of the inner tube extends from the base end side of the outer tube; on the base end side of the outer tube, the gap between the outer tube and the inner tube is blocked by an annular member; and the tip side of the inner tube extends from the tip of the coupling body.

[0016] Item 6. The double tube according to Item 5, which is a combination of a first member and a second member, the first member comprising a base end side of the outer tube, the annular member, and the inner tube, the second member comprising the end side of the outer tube and the coupling, wherein a first flange is provided on the base end side of the tube. Petition 870260053007, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 62 / 108 9 / 40 external, and a second flange is provided on the end side of the outer tube, the first flange and the second flange each project radially outward from the outer tube and extend in the circumferential direction of the outer tube, the first flange and the second flange are joined at the top and bolted together to combine the first member and the second member, thus forming the double tube; and by unscrewing the bolts, the double tube can be disassembled into the first member and the second member.

[0017] Item 7. A melting device for discharging a molten substance into a tank to melt the substance stored in the tank, the device comprising a suction tube attached to the tank wall; a discharge pipe attached to the tank wall; and a circulation flow path arranged outside the tank, wherein the interior of the tank communicates with the interior of one end of the circulation flow path through the interior of the suction pipe; and the interior of the tank communicates with the interior of the other end of the circulation flow path through the interior of the discharge pipe; a pump is provided at an intermediate position in the circulation flow path; by operating the pump, the molten substance present inside the tank can be drawn into the suction pipe, circulated through the circulation flow path, and discharged from the interior of the discharge pipe into the tank; and the entire interior of the discharge pipe is used as a flow path for the molten substance; The substance is a wax or oil / grease; and the tank is made of a vinyl compound or a metal and does not comprise Petition 870260053007, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, p. 63 / 108 10 / 40 a means to cool the substance stored inside.

[0018] Item 8. The fusion device according to Item 7, wherein the discharge tube which has a small diameter is disposed inside the suction tube which has a large diameter, and the interior of the tank communicates with the interior of one end of the circulation flow path through a space outside the discharge tube in the suction tube.

[0019] Item 9. The melting device according to Item 7, further comprising a funnel in which a melt of a substance can be stored, wherein the funnel is connected in the circulation flow path by means of an on-off valve.

[0020] Item 10. The melting device according to Item 9, wherein a metal tube is wound around the outer circumference of the funnel; and steam or hot water is allowed to flow inside the metal tube with the substance being placed in the funnel, thereby melting the substance in the funnel and storing the melt in the funnel.

[0021] Item 11. The melting device according to Item 7, comprising a heating means that is embedded in the tank wall.

[0022] Item 12. The melting device according to Item 7, comprising a heating means that is disposed outside the tank and abuts the tank wall.

[0023] Item 13. The melting device according to Item 7, comprising a heating means disposed within the tank.

[0024] Item 14. The melting device according to any one of items 11 to 13, wherein the heating medium is a tubular body through which hot water or steam is allowed to flow.

[0025] Item 15. The fusion device according to any one Petition 870260053007, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 64 / 108 11 / 40 of items 11 to 13, where the heating medium is a block with a conductor that generates heat through electrical resistance.

[0026] Item 16. The melting device according to any of items 11 to 13, wherein the direction of the discharge tube is adjusted so that the melt discharged from the inside of the discharge tube into the tank is directed to the position of the heating medium.

[0027] Item 17. The melting device according to Item 7, comprising a melt heating medium which is disposed in an intermediate position in the circulation flow path and which heats the melt flowing through the circulation flow path.

[0028] Item 18. The melting device according to Item 7, in which a spray nozzle through which the melt is sprayed is attached to the end of the discharge tube.

[0029] Item 19. The fusion device according to Item 7, further comprising a gas supply means capable of supplying heated gas to the circulation flow path.

[0030] Item 20. A double pipe for discharging a molten substance into a tank to melt the substance stored in the tank, the double pipe comprising an outer pipe and an inner pipe that passes through the outer pipe; wherein the interior of the tank communicates with the interior of one end of the circulation flow path through a space outside the inner tube in the outer tube; and the interior of the tank communicates with the interior of the other end of the circulation flow path through the interior of the inner tube; By activating a pump positioned intermediately along the circulation flow path, the melted substance that is Petition 870260053007, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, pp. 65 / 108 12 / 40 present inside the tank can be drawn into a space outside the inner tube in the outer tube, circulated through the circulation flow path, and discharged from the inside of the inner tube to the inside of the tank; and the entire interior of the inner tube is used as a flow path for the molten material; The substance is a wax or grease / oil; The tank is made of vinyl or metal; and the tank has no means of cooling the substance stored inside. ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0031] According to the melting device and melting method of the present invention, the entire interior of the discharge tube is used as a flow path for the melt, whereby the desired quantity of melt can be discharged from the discharge tube while the diameter of the discharge tube is kept small.

[0032] Furthermore, according to the double tube of the present invention, the entire interior of the inner tube is used as a flow path for the melt substance, whereby the desired quantity of melt can be discharged into the tank while the diameter of the inner tube for discharging the melt is kept small. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the fusion device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the internal state of the tank to which the fusion device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a suction tube and a pipe. Petition 870260053007, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 66 / 108 13 / 40 discharge. Figure 3(a) is a diagrammatic perspective view, and Figure 3(b) is a cross-sectional view. Figure 4 is an image showing a double pipe consisting of a suction pipe and a discharge pipe. Figure 5 is an image showing a double pipe consisting of a suction pipe and a discharge pipe. Figure 6 is an image showing a double pipe consisting of a suction pipe and a discharge pipe. Figure 7 is an image showing a coupling provided in the double tube. Figure 8 is an image showing a coupling provided in the double tube. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the fusion method of the present invention. Figure 10 is an image showing a valve provided in the flexible tank. Figure 11 is an image showing a valve provided in the flexible tank. Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the interior of a tank to which a variation of the fusion device is applied. Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing a variation of the fusion device of the present invention. Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the heat exchanger 200 described in Patent Literature (PTL) 1. Figure 14(a) is a diagrammatic perspective view, and Figure 14(b) is a cross-sectional view. Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing the internal state of a tank in which the fusion device described in PTL 1 is applied. Figure 16 is a schematic diagram showing the internal state of a tank in which the fusion device described in PTL 1 is applied. Petition 870260053007, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, pages 67 / 108 14 / 40 DESCRIPTION OF MODALITIES

[0034] The embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the fusion device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the internal state of a tank T to which the fusion device 1 of this embodiment is applied.

[0035] The melting device 1 according to this embodiment discharges a melt Ma of substance M into a tank T so as to melt the substance M stored in tank T. Tank T is a flexible tank made of vinyl, and is filled with a substance M that is solid at normal temperature. Substance M is, for example, wax, or fat / oil (an ester of glycerin and a fatty acid).

[0036] As shown in Figure 1, the melting device 1 comprises a suction tube 2 and a discharge tube 3, which are attached to the wall of tank T, a circulation flow path 4, which is disposed outside tank T, and a pump 5, which is disposed in an intermediate position of the circulation flow path 4. In the melting device 1, the interior of tank T communicates with the interior of one end 4a of the circulation flow path 4 through the interior of the suction tube 2, while the interior of tank T communicates with the interior of the other end 4b of the circulation flow path 4 through the interior of the inner tube 3. By actuating the pump 5, the melt Ma of substance M that is present inside tank T can be drawn into the suction tube 2, circulated through the circulation flow path 4, supplied to the discharge tube 3, and discharged into tank T through the opening 3s at the end of the discharge tube 3.Due to the heat from the molten material Ma that is discharged into tank T, the unmelted substance M present inside tank T is melted, and becomes a molten material Ma. Furthermore... Petition 870260053007, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, pp. 68 / 108 15 / 40 the molten Ma is drawn into suction tube 2 and discharged into tank T, whereby the unmelted substance M present in tank T melts into a molten Ma. The configuration of the melting device 1 is specifically described below.

[0037] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a double tube 6 according to the present embodiment. Figure 3(a) is a diagrammatic perspective view and Figure 3(b) is a cross-sectional view. The fusion device 1 of this embodiment is provided with a double tube 6 comprising an outer tube constituting a suction tube 2 and an inner tube constituting a discharge tube 3 (hereinafter reference number 2 for the suction tube is used as a reference number for the outer tube, and reference number 3 for the discharge tube is used as a reference number for the inner tube).

[0038] The double tube 6 is one in which an inner tube 3 (discharge tube) passes through the interior of an outer tube 2. The interior of tank T communicates with the interior of one end 4a of the circulation flow path 4 through the space K outside the inner tube 3 (discharge tube) in the outer tube 2 (suction tube). The interior of tank T communicates with the interior of the other end 4b of the circulation flow path 4 through the interior of the inner tube 3 (discharge tube) (Figure 1). According to the melting device 1 comprising the double tube 6, a pump 5 provided in the circulation flow path 2 is driven, whereby the molten substance M present inside tank T can be drawn into the space K, circulated through the circulation flow path 4, and discharged from the interior of the inner tube 3 (discharge tube) into the interior of tube T.Space K and the entire interior of inner tube 3 (discharge tube) are used as a flow path for the... Petition 870260053007, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, pages 69 / 108 16 / 40 cast Ma.

[0039] Figures 4 to 6 are images that show an example of the double tube 6 described above. The double tube 6 shown in Figures 4 to 6 is formed of an outer tube 2, which is a suction tube, an inner tube 3, which is a discharge tube, and a coupling 7. The outer tube 2 and the inner tube 3 are made of metal such as stainless steel or resin (in the examples shown in the figures, the outer tube 2 and the inner tube 3 are made of stainless steel (SUS304 JIS5K)).

[0040] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the outer tube 2 (suction tube) comprises an outer tube body 8 and a base tube 9. The base tube 9 extends from the base end side 8b of the outer tube body 8, and the direction of extension of the base tube 9 is inclined to the direction of extension of the outer tube body 8. In the Examples shown in Figures 4 to 6, the direction of extension of the base tube 9 is perpendicular to the direction of extension of the outer tube body 8. However, the direction need not be perpendicular.

[0041] Figure 7 and Figure 8 are enlarged images of coupling 7. Coupling 7 has a cylindrical coupling body 10 and two levers 11A and 11B that are tiltably attached to the coupling body 10. The coupling body 10 has a cylindrical shape with openings at both ends and is made of resin. The base end side of the coupling body 10 is covered with the tip side of the outer tube 2 (tip side 8c of the outer tube body 8) (Figure 4 to Figure 6). More specifically, the tip side 8b of the outer tube body 8 is inserted inside the base end side of the coupling body 10, and the thread formed on the inner surface of the coupling body 10 is threaded into the thread formed on the outer surface of the outer tube body 8, thereby securing the end side. Petition 870260053007, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, pp. 70 / 108 17 / 40 base of coupling body 10 on the tip side 8b of outer tube body 8. The coupling body 10 can also be fixed to the outer tube body 8 by any known means other than threads. The coupling body 10 can be made of rubber or metal.

[0042] Two pairs of projections 12, 12 are provided on the outer surface of the coupling body 10 (Figure 8). The two sets of projections 12, 12 are provided in relative positions in the radial direction, and a shaft member 13 is attached to each set of projections 12, 12. The shaft member 13 extends from one projection 12 to the other projection 12.

[0043] One end side 11a of the lever 11 is inserted between each pair of projections 12, 12, and the shaft member 13 penetrates one end side 11a of the lever 11. In the coupling body 10, a through hole 10b (Figure 8) is formed between the projections 12, 12. This through hole 10b extends radially into the outer surface of the coupling body 10 and opens onto the inner surface of the coupling body 10, and one end side 11a of the lever is inserted into the through hole 10b. By holding the other end side of the lever 11, as shown on the lower lever 11A in Figure 8, and tilting the lever 11, the degree to which one end side 11a of the lever 11 projects through the through hole 10b into the interior of the coupling body 10 can be reduced.By tilting lever 11 in the opposite direction, the degree to which one end side 11a of lever 11 projects from the through hole 10b into the interior of the coupling body 10 can be increased, as in the upper lever 11B shown in Figure 8.

[0044] The inner tube 3 (discharge tube) passes through the inside of the outer tube body 8 and the inside of the coupling body 10. The inside of the base tube 9 communicates with the space outside the inner tube. Petition 870260053007, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, pp. 71 / 108 18 / 40 (equivalent to the K space shown in Figure 3) in the outer tube body 8 and in the coupling body 10.

[0045] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the base end side 3a of the inner tube 3 extends from the base end position of the outer tube 2 (specifically, the base end position 8a of the outer tube body 8). As shown in Figure 6, at the base end position of the outer tube 2 (the base end position 8a of the outer tube body 8), the gap between the outer tube body 8 and the inner tube 3 is closed by an annular member 14 (the outer peripheral edge of the annular member 14 is welded to the outer tube body 8, and the inner peripheral edge of the annular member 14 is welded to the inner tube 3). The tip side 3b of the inner tube 3 (Figure 4 to Figure 6) extends from the tip of the coupling body 10.

[0046] The double tube 6 described above is a combination of two components (first and second components). The first member comprises a base end side of the outer tube 2 (specifically, a base end side 8b of the outer tube body 8 and the base end tube 9), the annular member 14 (Figure 6), and the inner tube 3. The second member comprises a tip side of the outer tube 2 (specifically a tip side 8c of the outer tube body 8) and a coupling 7. A first flange 22 is provided on the base end side 8b of the outer tube body 8, and a second flange 23 is provided on the tip side 8c of the outer tube body 8. These flanges 22 and 23 project radially outward from the outer tube body 8, and extend in the circumferential direction of the outer tube body 8.The first flange 22 and the second flange 23 are joined end-to-end and bolted together with bolts 24 to combine the first member and the second member, thus forming a double tube 6. The double tube 6 can be disassembled into the first member and the second member by unscrewing them. Petition 870260053007, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, pp. 72 / 108 19 / 40 screws 24.

[0047] The circulation flow path 4 (Figure 1) is formed by connecting, for example, flexible metal hoses (diameter: 32A) made of SUS304. To connect the above flexible metal hoses to each other, for example, the connection fittings specified in JIS 10K can be used.

[0048] When the double tube 6 shown in Figure 4 to Figure 6 is used, the tube that constitutes one end 4a of the circulation flow path 4 (Figure 1, Figure 5, Figure 6) is connected to the base end side (more specifically, to the base tube 9) of the outer tube 2 (suction tube), so that the interior of the tank T and the interior of one end 4a of the circulation flow path 4 communicate with each other through the interior of the outer tube 2 (the interior of the outer tube 2 corresponds to the interior of the base tube 9 and the space outside the inner tube 3 in the outer tube body 8 and the coupling body 10). The tube that forms the other end 4b of the circulation flow path 4 (Figure 1, Figure 5, and Figure 6) is connected to the base end of the inner tube 3 (discharge tube), and the interior of tank T and the interior of the other end 4b of the circulation flow path 4 communicate with each other through the interior of the inner tube 3 (discharge tube).As shown in Figure 1, Figure 5, and Figure 6, a first on-off valve 30 is provided on the tube that constitutes one end 4a of the circulation flow path 4. A second on-off valve 31 is provided on the tube that constitutes the other end 4b of the circulation flow path 4. In the example shown in Figures 5 and 6, the other end 4b of the circulation flow path 4 is composed of an L-shaped connecting tube 4b-1 and a straight tube 4b-2. A second on-off valve 31 is provided on the straight tube 4b-2. The base end of the inner tube 3 is connected to one end of the tube. Petition 870260053007, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, pp. 73 / 108 20 / 40 coupling 4b-1 by a thread, and the other end of coupling tube 4b-1 is connected to the other end of straight tube 4b2 by a thread. Coupling tube 4b-1 may be omitted, and the base end of inner tube 3 may be connected by a thread or similar to straight tube 4b-2 to which the second on / off valve 31 is attached.

[0049] The base tube 9 can be omitted from the outer tube 2, and the tube that constitutes one end 4a of the circulation flow path 4 can be connected to the base end side 8b of the outer tube body 8. In this case, the interior of the tank T and the interior of one end 4a of the circulation flow path 4 communicate with each other through the space outside the inner tube 3 in the outer tube body 8 and in the coupling body 10. The first member described above comprises the base end side 8b of the outer tube body 8 (the base end side of the outer tube 2), an annular member 14 (Figure 6), and the inner tube 3.

[0050] According to this embodiment, a pump capable of reversing the direction of fluid pumping is provided as a pump 5 arranged in an intermediate position of the circulation flow path 4 (Figure 1). This pump can be, for example, a rotary pump.

[0051] The circulation flow path 4 (Figure 1) is further provided with a thermometer 40, a pressure gauge 41, a display 42, a primary side funnel 43A, and a secondary side funnel 43B, in addition to the pump 5 described above. The pressure gauge 41 measures the pressure of the molten substance M that is pumped through the circulation flow path 4 by the pump 5. The thermometer 40 measures the temperature of the molten substance Ma flowing through the circulation flow path 4. The display 42 is a tubular body with a window made of glass, through which the state of the molten substance Ma flowing in the circulation flow path 4 can be seen. Petition 870260053007, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, pp. 74 / 108 21 / 40 to be verified.

[0052] The primary side funnel 43A and the secondary side funnel 43B are capable of storing the melt Ma of substance M. The primary side funnel 43A is connected to the primary side of the pump 5 in the circulation flow path 4 through the third on-off valve on the primary side 44A. The secondary side funnel 43B is connected to the secondary side of the pump 5 in the circulation flow path 4 through the third on-off valve on the secondary side 44B.

[0053] According to the configuration of the melting device 1 explained above, by driving the rotary pump 5 forward with the primary side on-off valve 30 being closed and the secondary side on-off valve 31 and the third primary side on-off valve 44A being open, the molten material Ma stored in the primary side hopper 43A can be circulated through the circulation flow path 4 and supplied to the interior of the inner tube 3 (discharge opening). Furthermore, if the third secondary side on-off valve 44B is opened, a portion of the molten material Ma flowing through the circulation flow path 4 can flow into the secondary side hopper 43B, so that the state of the molten material Ma can be observed.

[0054] By driving the rotary pump 5 forward with the first and second on-off valves 30 and 31 open, the molten material Ma in tank T can be drawn into the outer tube 2 (suction tube), circulated through the circulation flow path 4, supplied to the inner tube 3 (discharge tube), and discharged from the opening 3s of the inner tube 3 into tank T. Furthermore, if the third on-off valves 44A, 44B are opened, a portion of the molten material Ma flowing in the circulation flow path 4 can flow into the funnels 43A, 43B, so that the condition of the molten material Ma can be observed. Petition 870260053007, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, pp. 75 / 108 22 / 40

[0055] By operating the rotary pump 5 in reverse with the first and second on-off valves 30 and 31 being open, the molten material Ma in the circulation flow path 4 can be allowed to flow in the opposite direction. In other words, the molten material Ma inside tank T can be drawn into the inner tube 3, circulated through the circulation flow path 4, and discharged into tank T from the space K outside the inner tube 3 into the outer tube 2.

[0056] Next, the method for melting a substance M that has solidified inside tank T using the melting device 1 according to this embodiment is explained.

[0057] First, the step of removing a portion of substance M that has solidified inside tank T is performed (step S101 in Figure 9).

[0058] Here, if tank T is a general flexible tank and the valve shown in Figures 10 and 11 is attached to the wall of tank T, a portion of the substance M that has solidified inside tank T is removed from hole 51 of valve 50. The structure of valve 50 is described below.

[0059] The valve 50 comprises a cylinder 52 and an annular member which is not shown in the figure. An annular flange 53 is provided at the base end of the cylinder 52. The flange 53 projects radially outward from the cylinder 52 and extends in the circumferential direction of the cylinder 52.

[0060] The annular member, which is not shown in the figure, has an outer diameter that is equal to the outer diameter of flange 53, and an inner diameter that is equal to the inner diameter of cylinder 52. At the position on tank T where valve 50 is attached, a through hole (not shown) is formed in the wall of tank T. The diameter of the through hole is substantially equal to the inner diameter of cylinder 52 and the annular member.

[0061] When valve 50 is attached to tank T, flange 53 is Petition 870260053007, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, pp. 76 / 108 23 / 40 fixed to the annular member by bolts 54 (bolts 54 penetrate the wall of tank T) while the space inside the cylinder 52, the through hole formed in the wall of tank T, and the space inside the annular member communicate with each other and the wall of tank T is interposed between the flange 53 and the annular member (bolts 54 penetrate the wall of tank T). The hole 51 of the valve described above is formed by the connection of the space inside the cylinder 52, the through hole formed in the wall of tank T and the space inside the annular member.

[0062] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, cylinder 52 is provided with a sphere 56 and a lever 57 that is attached to the sphere 56. The sphere 56 is a hollow sphere and is placed inside the cylinder 52. Two through holes 58, 58 are formed in the wall of the sphere 56 (hollow sphere) (one through hole 58 is shown in Figure 10). The two through holes 58, 58 oppose each other in the radial direction of the sphere 56, and the diameters of the through holes 58, 58 are substantially equal to the inner diameter of the cylinder 52. A lever 57 extends radially from the sphere 56 outward from the cylinder 52 and penetrates the cylinder 52, and a handle 59 is provided at the end of the lever 57 extending from the cylinder 52.

[0063] According to the valve 50 described above, by holding the handle 59 and rotating the lever 57, the sphere 56 can be rotated inside the cylinder 52 to arrange the two through holes 58, 58 on the axis of the cylinder 52. By performing this operation, the hole 51 of the valve 50 can be opened as shown in Figure 10. Furthermore, by rotating the lever 57 to rotate the sphere 56, the position of the through holes 58, 58 can be changed to close the hole 51 of the valve 50 by the wall of the sphere 56 as shown in Figure 11.

[0064] When valve 50 is provided inside tank T, the first operation in step S101 is to open hole 51 of valve 50 by rotating Petition 870260053007, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, pp. 77 / 108 24 / 40 lever 57 (to return valve 50 to the state shown in Figure 10). Subsequently, a hand drill (not shown) is inserted into the tank through hole 51 of valve 50. By rotating the hand drill, a portion of the material M that has solidified inside tank T is scraped off. After this, the hand drill is removed from hole 51 of valve 50, whereby the material M scraped off by the hand drill is removed from tank T. The method of removing substance M from tank T in step S101 is not limited to the method described above. For example, if tank T is provided with a removable lid, the lid can be removed and substance M can be removed from tank T.

[0065] After step S101, the melt Ma obtained by melting substance M taken from tank T is stored in the primary side funnel 43A (step S102 in Figure 9).

[0066] In step S102, for example, substance M withdrawn from tank T is melted with a heater (a furnace, etc.), and the melt Ma obtained from this melting is fed into the primary side funnel 43A. Alternatively, a metal tube can be wrapped around the outer peripheral surface of the primary side funnel 43A to melt substance M inside the primary side funnel 43A. In this case, in step S102, steam or hot water is allowed to flow inside the metal tube with substance M withdrawn from tank T being placed in the primary side funnel 43A. As a result, the heat from the steam or hot water melts the substance M placed inside the primary side funnel 43A, and the melt Ma is stored in the funnel 43A.

[0067] After step S102, the suction tube 2 and the discharge tube are connected to tank T, and the pump 5 is driven in forward rotation with the secondary side on-off valve 31 and the third on-off valve 44A (Figure 1) being opened and the primary side on-off valve 30 being closed (step S103). This allows the molten material Ma stored in the primary side funnel 43A to circulate through the Petition 870260053007, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, pp. 78 / 108 25 / 40 circulation flow channel 4 and be supplied to the interior of the discharge tube 3 and discharged from opening 3s of the discharge tube 3 into the interior of tank T. As shown in Figure 1, the heat from the discharged molten material Ma melts substance M in the vicinity of the discharge tube 3, within the substance M that is present in tank T, whereby the substance becomes molten material Ma.

[0068] If suction tube 2 and discharge tube 3 are formed as a double tube 6 as shown in Figures 4 to 6, and valve 50 shown in Figures 10 and 11 is attached to the wall of tank T, suction tube 2 and discharge tube 3 are attached to the wall of tank T in step S103 by attaching the double tube 6 to valve 50. The step of attaching the double tube 6 to valve 50 is explained below.

[0069] First, as shown in the lower lever 11A in Figure 8, the lever 11 is angled to reduce the degree to which one end side 11a of the lever 11 projects into the interior of the coupling body 10.

[0070] Subsequently, hole 51 of valve 50 is made open (state shown in Figure 10) by rotating lever 57. Inner tube 3 (Figures 4 to 8) is inserted into hole 51 of valve 50 so that the tip portion of inner tube 3 projects into the interior of tank T (Figure 1, Figure 2), and the tip side 10a of coupling body 10 (Figure 4 to Figure 6) is covered with cylinder 52 of valve 50 (Figure 10). This allows the interior of outer tube 2 (suction tube) and the interior of inner tube 3 (discharge tube) to individually communicate with the interior of tank T. If the material M inside tank T is scraped off in step S101, the tip portion of inner tube 3 is inserted into the hole in material M created by this scraping.

[0071] Subsequently, the degree to which an end side Lever 11a, projecting into the interior of the coupling body 10, is increased by tilting lever 11, as shown in the lever. Petition 870260053007, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, pp. 79 / 108 26 / 40 upper 11B in Figure 8. As a result, one end side 11a of lever 11 is pressed firmly against cylinder 52, whereby the double tube 6 is clamped onto valve 50.

[0072] In order to attach the double tube 6 to the valve 50 using the above operation, it is necessary to make the outer diameter of the inner tube 3 smaller than the inner diameter of the cylinder 52 so that the inner tube 3 can be inserted into the cylinder 52. By making the inner diameter of the coupling body 10 substantially equal to the outer diameter of the cylinder 52, it is necessary to achieve both the insertion of the cylinder 52 into the coupling body 10 and the securing of the double tube by attaching the lever 11 to the cylinder 52. The operation of attaching the double tube 6 to the valve 50 (the work of connecting the suction tube 2 and the discharge tube 3 to the tank T) can be performed before step S102.

[0073] If the degree to which one end side 11a of the lever projects into the coupling body 10 is reduced by tilting the lever 11, as shown by the lower lever 11A in Figure 8, the pressure force of one end side 11a of the lever 11 on the cylinder 52 is weakened. This allows the double tube 6 to be detached from the valve 50 (i.e., the double tube 6 (suction tube 2 and discharge tube 3) can be detached from the tank T).

[0074] After step S103 in Figure 9, pump 5 is driven forward with the first on-off valve 30 and the second on-off valve 31 open, whereby the molten Ma present inside tank T can be drawn into suction tube 2, circulated through the circulation flow path 4, supplied into discharge tube 3, and discharged from opening 3s of discharge tube 3 into tank T (Step S104). During this step S104, the substance M, which is present in a non-molten state inside tank T, melts due to the heat of the molten Ma. Petition 870260053007, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, pages 80 / 108 27 / 40 discharged into tank T. More specifically, in step S104, the melt Ma previously discharged from discharge tube 3 and the melt Ma melted by the heat of the melt Ma are repeatedly drawn into suction tube 2 and discharged from discharge tube 3. As a result, the amount of melt Ma discharged from discharge tube 3 (i.e., the amount of melt Ma drawn from suction tube 2) increases over time, and the range in which substance M is melted within tank T gradually expands from the vicinity of discharge tube 3 (Figure 2).

[0075] If the temperature of the melt Ma within tank T decreases and substance M no longer melts, the pump drive 5 is temporarily stopped to store the hot melt Ma in the primary side hopper 43A, for example.After this, pump 5 is driven forward with the first on-off valve 30 being closed and the second on-off valve 31 and the third primary side on-off valve 44A being opened. As the high-temperature molten material Ma can be supplied into tank T in this mode, the melting of substance M can be restarted (i.e., the molten material Ma stored in hopper 43A can be used as the priming oil to restart the melting).

[0076] According to the melting device 1 and the double tube 6 of this embodiment explained above, the entire interior of the discharge tube 3 (inner tube) that discharges the molten substance M is used as a flow path for the molten substance M. Therefore, it is possible to discharge the desired quantity of molten substance from the discharge tube 3 (inner tube) while keeping the diameter of the discharge tube 3 (inner tube) small. Since the diameter of the discharge tube 3 (inner tube) can be kept small, the existing valve hole in tank T can be used as a hole to insert the discharge tube 3 (inner tube). Unlike the technology Petition 870260053007, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, pp. 81 / 108 In a conventional 28 / 40 configuration, it is unnecessary to remove the existing valve from tank T, install a custom valve with a larger hole in tank T instead, and insert the discharge tube into the valve hole. In the present invention, the discharge tube is a tube inserted into a hole in the wall of tank T and directly or indirectly attached to the wall of tank T, while it is connected by bolts or welding, etc., to a tube that forms one end of the circulation flow path 4 (a coupling tube, a tube in which a valve is attached, etc.) and is used to discharge the molten Ma flowing through the circulation flow path 4 into tank T.In the examples shown in Figures 4 to 8, the discharge tube 3 (inner tube) is integrated with the suction tube 2 (outer tube), and the suction tube 2 (outer tube) is attached to the valve 50 with the discharge tube 3 (inner tube) being inserted into the hole of the valve 50 provided in the wall of the tank T, whereby the suction tube 2 (outer tube) is directly attached to the wall of the tank T and the discharge tube 3 (inner tube) is indirectly attached to the wall of the tank T through the suction tube 2 (outer tube).

[0077] Furthermore, according to the melting device 1 of this embodiment, if the length of the discharge tube 3 (inner tube 3) extending into tank T is shortened, the hole in substance M, within which the tip portion of the discharge tube 3 (inner tube 3) is inserted, does not need to be lengthened. Therefore, the time and effort required to make holes in step S101 of Figure 9 can be reduced. Moreover, according to this embodiment, a melt Ma to be stored in the primary side funnel 43A is obtained by melting the substance M obtained by making the holes, and the melt Ma is supplied to tank T and becomes the priming oil that triggers the melting. In this mode, the substance M obtained by making holes is effectively used and not wasted. Petition 870260053007, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, pp. 82 / 108 29 / 40

[0078] Furthermore, according to the melting device 1 of this embodiment, if an obstruction occurs in the circulation flow path 4, in the suction tube 2, or in the discharge tube 3, it can be removed by operating the rotary pump 5 in reverse and allowing the molten material Ma to flow in the opposite direction by pumping. Also, by connecting funnels to the primary and secondary sides of the pump 5, one of these funnels can be used to store the molten material Ma as priming oil, while the other funnel can be used to sample the molten material Ma flowing in the circulation flow path 4.

[0079] Furthermore, according to the melting device 1 of this embodiment, a rotary pump 5 capable of reverse operation is used, so that the high-temperature melt Ma stored in the secondary side funnel 43B can be discharged from the inner tube 3 (suction tube 2), and the substance M in tank T can be melted by the heat of the discharged melt Ma. As this is possible, a metal tube can be wound not only around the outer circumference of the primary side funnel 43A, but also around the outer circumference of the secondary side funnel 43B. With this configuration, the substance M fed into the secondary side funnel 43B can be melted and the melt Ma can be stored in the secondary side funnel 43B, allowing steam or hot water to flow inside the metal tube.

[0080] If a metal tube is wrapped around funnel 43A or 43B and when the melting device 1 is arranged in a low temperature environment (e.g., a cold region, etc.), the circulation flow path 4 can be heated by the heat of steam or hot water, allowing steam or hot water to flow inside the metal tube. This can prevent freezing of the molten material Ma flowing through the circulation flow path 4.

[0081] According to the double tube 6 of this embodiment, when a valve 50 (Figure 10, Figure 11) is attached to the flexible tank T, the Petition 870260053007, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, pages 83 / 108 The 30 / 40 outer diameter of the inner tube 3 (Figures 4 to 8) is made smaller than the inner diameter of the cylinder 52 (Figures 10 and 11), and the inner diameter of the coupling body 10 (Figures 4 to 8) is made substantially equal to the outer diameter of the cylinder 52 (Figures 10 and 11) in order to thereby secure the valve 50 to the tank.

[0082] The double tube according to this embodiment can be disassembled into two parts (first and second parts). Therefore, when a problem such as obstruction occurs in the double tube 6, operations to resolve the problem can be easily performed.

[0083] The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above and can be modified in various ways.

[0084] For example, the melting device 1 of the present invention may be provided with a heating medium 70 disposed within the tank T, as shown in Figure 12(a). In this case, the heating medium 70 is a tubular body within which hot water or steam flows, and the tubular body is preferably a flexible tube. For example, the flexible tube may be a flexible coiled water supply tube (RFL25) manufactured by Liviluck Co., Ltd. Alternatively, the heating medium 70 is a heater block provided with a conductor that generates heat through electrical resistance.When the heating medium 70 (tubular body or heater block) is in place, the heat emitted by the heating medium 70 heats the substance M inside the tank T to melt the substance M, and the resulting high-temperature melt is drawn from the suction tube 2 and discharged from the discharge tube 3 inside the tank T, whereby the material M that coagulated inside the tank T can be melted sooner.

[0085] When the heating medium 70 is a tubular body with hot water flowing inside, the hot water inside the hot water tank T is supplied to the tubular body (heating medium 70) through a first flow path by the pressure of pump 5, and the Petition 870260053007, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, pp. 84 / 108 31 / 40 Hot water supplied to the tubular body is returned to the hot water tank via a second flow path. When the heating medium 70 is a tubular body with steam flowing inside, the steam generated by a steam-water mixer is supplied to the tubular body (heating medium 70) via the first flow path, and the steam supplied to the tubular body is discharged via the second flow path.

[0086] As shown in Figure 12(b), the heating medium 70 (tubular body or heater block) can be buried in the wall of tank T. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 12(c), the heating medium 70 can be disposed outside tank T and abut the wall of tank T. With such a configuration, it is unnecessary to dispose of the heating medium 70 inside tank T; consequently, tank T can be prevented from being torn by contact with the heating medium 70.

[0087] When heating medium 70 is provided in the melting device 1, the direction of the discharge tube 3 is adjusted so that the molten material Ma discharged from the inside of the discharge tube 3 into the inside of the tank T is directed towards the position of the heating medium 70, as shown in Figures 12(a), 12(b), and 12(c). With this arrangement, the molten material Ma discharged from the discharge tube 3 can be heated by the heating medium 70, so that the high-temperature molten material Ma can be circulated within the tank T. This allows the substance M in the tank T to be melted sooner. When the double tube 6 shown in Figures 4 to 8 is used, the molten material Ma discharged from the opening 3s of the discharge tube 3 into the inside of the tank T can be directed towards the position of the heating medium 70 by bending the tip portion 3c of the discharge tube 3 as shown in the figures.

[0088] As the purpose of the present invention is to melt the substance M to be stored inside tank T, tank T does not include Petition 870260053007, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, pages 85 / 108 32 / 40 no cooling medium to cool the substance M stored inside.

[0089] In the melting device 1 of the present invention, two funnels 43A and 43B are not necessarily provided, and only one of the funnels 43A and 43B may be provided. Alternatively, funnels 43 may be omitted. Even in this case, if heating medium 70 is provided in the melting device 1, the heat emitted by heating medium 70 can melt the coagulated substance M within tank T, and the melt Ma can be aspirated from suction tube 2 and discharged from discharge tube 3 to thereby melt substance M within tank T. Alternatively, substance M withdrawn from tank T can be melted using a heater (e.g., a furnace), and melt Ma can be fed into tank T. In this case, the melt Ma fed into tank T can be aspirated from suction tube 2 and discharged from discharge tube 3, whereby melt Ma can be used as priming oil that triggers the melting of the substance.When tank T is used to transport a substance M, a melt of the substance to be prepared at the destination (i.e., a melt of the substance that was not stored in tank T during transport) can be fed into tank T. Even in this case, the melt of the substance fed into tank T is drawn from suction tube 2 and discharged from discharge tube 3, so that the melt Ma of the substance fed into tank T can be used as the priming oil that triggers the melting of the substance. The melt of the substance fed into tank T can be a melt of the same type of substance as that stored in tank T during transport, or it can be a melt of a substance of a different type than that stored in tank T.

[0090] The fusion device 1 can also be supplied with a Petition 870260053007, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, pp. 86 / 108 33 / 40 molten heating medium for heating the molten material Ma flowing through the circulation flow path 4. The molten heating medium is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between steam or hot water and the molten material Ma. Alternatively, the molten heating medium is a heater comprising a conductor that generates heat through electrical resistance. In this case, for example, the molten heating medium (heater) is arranged so that the conductor is in contact with the tube that constitutes the circulation flow path 4, and the heat from the conductor is thereby transferred to the molten material Ma flowing in the circulation flow path 4.

[0091] In the melting device 1 of the present invention, the discharge tube 3 and the suction tube 2 do not necessarily need to be formed from a double tube 6, and the discharge tube 3 and the suction tube 2 can be separately and independently attached to the wall of tank T. If a double tube 6 is used, both the discharge tube 3 and the suction tube 2 can be attached by securing the double tube 6 to tank T. This reduces the time and effort required for attachment. Also, using the double tube 6, the discharge tube 3 and the suction tube 2 can be coaxially arranged, so that the melt Ma discharged from the discharge tube 3 can be reliably drawn into the suction tube 2. This allows the melt Ma to continue to be discharged from the discharge tube 3, so that the melting of substance M can continue to occur.

[0092] In the melting device 1 of the present invention, a pump whose fluid pumping direction is restricted to one direction can be provided in the circulation flow path 4 in place of the pump 5 capable of pumping a fluid in a reverse direction as described above. Even in this case, by actuating the pump, the melt Ma that is present inside the tank T can be drawn into the suction tube 2, supplied to the interior of the discharge tube 3 through the Petition 870260053007, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, pp. 87 / 108 34 / 40 flow path circulation 4, and discharged into tank T through opening 3s of discharge pipe 3, whereby substance M inside tank T can be melted. A rotary pump or centrifugal pump can be used as the pump whose fluid pumping direction is restricted to one direction. As a centrifugal pump, for example, an LDP type line pump (50LDP62.2A) manufactured by Ebara Corporation can be used.

[0093] The discharge tube 3 may consist of a mixing ejector comprising a nozzle and a diffuser. The nozzle is configured to inject the molten Ma, which is sent through the circulation flow path 4, into the diffuser. The diffuser is configured to aspirate the molten Ma that is present inside the tank T by a decrease in pressure due to the ejection of the molten Ma from the nozzle, and injects the aspirated molten Ma into the tank T together with the molten Ma injected from the nozzle. The aspirated molten Ma is injected into the tank T together with the molten Ma ejected from the nozzle. Using the mixing ejector described above as the discharge tube 3, a large quantity of the molten Ma that is present around the discharge tube 3 can be aspirated from the suction tube 2 without requiring energy (electrical energy, etc.).) to increase the amount of molten material circulating in the flow path 4, thereby increasing the energy efficiency of the melting device 1 (i.e., the amount of molten material per hour can be increased while keeping the energy required to drive the melting device 1 small). As with the mixing ejector described above, for example, a Mixing Eductor 3MP manufactured by Yamamoto Sangyo Co., Ltd. can be used.

[0094] A spray nozzle through which the molten Ma is sprayed can be attached to the end of the discharge tube 3. The use of the spray nozzles described above can accelerate the agitation of Petition 870260053007, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, pages 88 / 108 35 / 40 molten Ma inside tank T, thus accelerating the melting of substance M. For example, a TURBO DISC manufactured by Nippon Howard Corporation can be used as the spray nozzle.

[0095] The melting device 1 of the present invention may also comprise a gas supply means capable of supplying gas to the circulation flow path 4. When the gas supply means is used, air bubbles are ejected from the discharge tube 3 into tank T along with the melt Ma, thereby promoting agitation of the melt Ma in tank T. As the gas supply means described above, for example, a gas-liquid shear-type microbubble generator (BL12AA-12-D4, direct-operation type) manufactured by Nitta-Moore Corporation may be used. If flexible tank T is used as tank T, the gas discharged into tank T may be discharged from a safety valve provided in flexible tank T.

[0096] The substance M that can be melted by the melting device 1 of the present invention is not limited to waxes and greases. The objects to be melted by the melting device 1 of the present invention can be various substances that can be melted by the heat of the molten substance Ma.

[0097] The tank T for storing the substance M to be melted is not limited to a flexible tank made of vinyl; a tank T made of a material other than vinyl may be used. For example, the tank T may also be an ISO (International Organization for Standardization) tank made of metal. In this case, the suction tube 2 and the discharge tube 3 are attached to the wall of the ISO tank by known means.

[0098] In the melting device 1 of the present invention, as shown in Figure 13, a discharge channel 80 for discharging the melt Ma flowing through the circulation flow path 4 can Petition 870260053007, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, pp. 89 / 108 36 / 40 being connected to the circulation flow path 4. In this case, a fourth on-off valve 81 is provided in the discharge channel 80. By opening the on-off valve 81, some of the molten material Ma flowing through the circulation flow path 4 into the discharge channel 80 can be allowed to flow into the discharge channel 80. Furthermore, a fifth on-off valve 82 can be provided at a position on the circulation flow path 4 that is downstream of the connection point of the discharge flow path 80. In this case, by opening the fourth on-off valve 81 and closing the fifth on-off valve 82, all the molten material Ma flowing through the circulation flow path 4 can flow into the discharge channel 80. In the case where the discharge channel 80 is provided as described above, for example, the molten material Ma flowing through the discharge channel 80 is fed into the tank 84 of the truck 83, and the molten material Ma is transported by the truck. 83.

[0099] The present inventors conducted an experiment to compare the performance of the fusion device of an Example of the present invention with that of the fusion device of a Comparative Example. This experiment is described below.

[00100] The following operations were performed to verify the performance of the fusion devices of the present invention in the Examples.

[00101] After a flexible tube (heating medium 70) was inserted into a flexible tank T, tank T was filled with 110 kg of medium melting point fraction of palm oil (PMF: Medium Palm Fraction). After this, tank T was allowed to remain in a room at 20°C for 3 days to solidify the oil inside tank T. A hand drill was then inserted into tank T through a hole in tank T. A portion of the solidified oil was scraped off by rotating the hand drill, and a hole was made in the oil. Subsequently, a tube Petition 870260053007, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, pp. 90 / 108 37 / 40 double 6 was attached to tank T so that the tip of the discharge tube 3 could be placed inside the hole, and a circulation flow path 4 was connected to the double tube 6. Subsequently, the scraped oil was fed to the primary side funnel 43A to melt the oil. After this, hot water at 70°C to 80°C was started to flow through the inside of the flexible tube (heating medium 70) at a flow rate of 0.7 m3 / h. At the same time, with the first on-off valve 30 being closed and the second on-off valve 31 and the third on-off valve 44A being opened, pump 5 was activated to discharge the molten material Ma into hopper 43A inside tank T. With the second on-off valve 30 being closed and the third on-off valves 31 and 44A being opened, pump 5 was activated to discharge the molten material Ma into hopper 43A inside tank T.After this, the first on-off valve 30 was opened in order to draw out the molten material Ma that was present in tank T, and discharge the molten material Ma into tank T. The temperature of the molten material Ma and the condition in tank T were checked 4 hours and 5 hours after the start of allowing water to flow into the flexible tube (hereinafter referred to as the water flow start time).

[00102] The Comparative Example fusion device is one in which the double tube 6 and the circulation flow path 4 are omitted from the Example fusion device. The following operations were performed to verify the performance of the Comparative Example fusion device.

[00103] After the flexible tube was inserted into the flexible tank T, the tank T was filled with 110 kg of medium fraction palm oil (PMF). After this, the tank T was left in a 20°C room for 3 days to allow the oil inside the tank T to solidify. Hot water at 70-80°C was started to flow inside the flexible tube at a flow rate of 0.7 m³ / h. The melt temperature Ma and the condition of Petition 870260053007, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, pages 91 / 108 Tank T 38 / 40 was checked 4 hours and 5 hours after the start of allowing water to flow inside the flexible tube (hereinafter referred to as the water flow start time).

[00104] Table 1 below shows the results confirmed by the operations above. Table 1 Elapsed time 4 hours 5 hours Melt temperature Ma State in tank T Melt temperature Ma State in tank T Example melting device 55.0°C No solid oil residue 65.0°C No solid oil residue Comparative Example melting device 31.0°C Observed solid oil residue 43.8°C Solid oil residue: 15.4 g

[00105] As shown in Table 1, when the melting device In the Example comprising the double tube 6 and the circulation flow path 4, the melt temperature Ma 4 hours or 5 hours after the start of water flow was higher than that when the melting device of the Comparative Example, which does not comprise the double tube 6 or the circulation flow path 4, was used. Furthermore, when the melting device of the Example was used, all the oil inside the tank T melted after 4 hours, whereas when the melting device of the Comparative Example was used, solid oil (unmelted oil) remained inside the tank even after 5 hours. The above results confirmed that the melting device of the present invention comprising the double tube 6 and the Petition 870260053007, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, pages 92 / 108 39 / 40 circulation flow path 4 can melt fats and oils inside tank T sooner (in other words, it has been confirmed that fats and oils in tank T can be melted sooner by aspirating the melt inside tank T and discharging the melt inside tank T). DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 1: Fusion device 2: Suction tube (outer tube) 3: Discharge pipe (inner pipe) 3a: Inner tube base end 4: Traffic flow path 4a: One end of a circulation flow path 4b: Other end of the circulation flow path 5: Bomb 6: Double tube 7: Coupling 8c: Outer tube body end side (outer tube end side) 10: Coupling body 10a: Coupling body end side 11A, 11B: Lever 22: First flange 23: Second flange 43: Funnel 43A: Primary side funnel 43B: Secondary side funnel 44: Third on-off valve (on-off valve) 44A: Third primary side on-off valve (primary side on-off valve) 44B: Third secondary side on-off valve (on-off valve) Petition 870260053007, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, pages 93 / 108 40 / 40 (secondary side switch) 70: Heating medium M: substance Ma: Substance melt T: Tank

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A melting device (1) for discharging a melt (Ma) of a substance into a tank (T) to melt the substance stored in the tank (T), the device characterized in that it comprises a suction tube (2) attached to the wall of the tank (T); a discharge tube (3) attached to the wall of the tank (T); a circulation flow path (4) disposed outside the tank (T); and a funnel (43) in which the melt (Ma) of the substance is to be stored and which is connected to the circulation flow path (4) through an on-off valve (44); wherein the interior of the tank (T) communicates with the interior of one end of the circulation flow path (4) through the interior of the suction tube (2); the interior of the tank (T) communicates with the interior of the other end of the circulation flow path (4) through the interior of the discharge tube (3); a pump (5) is disposed in an intermediate position of the circulation flow path (4);By activating the pump (5), the molten substance (Ma) present inside the tank (T) is drawn into the suction tube (2), circulated through the circulation flow path (4), and discharged from the inside of the discharge tube (3) into the tank (T); and the entire interior of the discharge tube (3) is used as a flow path (4) for the molten substance (Ma); the funnel (43) comprises a primary side funnel (43A) and a secondary side funnel (43B); the primary side funnel (43A) is connected to the primary side of the pump (5) in the circulation flow path (4) through a primary side on-off valve (44); The secondary side funnel (43B) is connected to the secondary side of the pump (5) in the circulation flow path (4) via a secondary side on-off valve (44); and the pump (5) is capable of pumping a fluid in a reverse direction.

2. Melting device (1), according to claim 1, characterized in that a metal tube is wound around the outer circumference of the funnel (43); and steam or hot water is allowed to flow inside the metal tube with the substance being placed in the funnel (43) in order to thereby melt the substance in the funnel (43) and store the melt (Ma) in the funnel (43).

3. Fusion device (1), according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a double tube (6), the double tube (6) comprising: an outer tube (2) constituting a suction tube (2); an inner tube (3) constituting the discharge tube (3); and a coupling (7); wherein the inner tube (3) passes inside the outer tube (2); the interior of the tank (T) communicates with the interior of one end of the flow path (4) circulating through a space outside the inner tube (3) in the outer tube (2); the interior of the tank (T) communicates with the interior of the other end of the flow path (4) circulating through the interior of the inner tube (3);a pump (5) disposed in an intermediate position of the circulation flow path (4) is actuated, whereby the molten substance (Ma) present inside the tank (T) can be drawn into a space outside the inner tube (3) in the outer tube (2), circulated through the circulation flow path (4), and discharged from inside the inner tube (3) into the tank (T); the entire interior of the inner tube (3) is used as a flow path (4) for the molten substance (Ma); the coupling (7) comprises a cylindrical coupling body (10) and a lever (11A, 11B) that is tiltably attached to the coupling body (10); the base end side of the coupling body (10) is covered with a tip side (8c) of the outer tube (2); By tilting the lever (11A, 11B), the degree of projection of the lever (11A, 11B) into the coupling body (10) can be reduced;and by tilting the lever (11A, 11B) in the opposite direction, the degree of projection of the lever (11A, 11B) into the coupling body (10) can be increased; the inner tube (3) passes through the inside of the outer tube (2) and the inside of the coupling body (10); the base end side of the inner tube (3) extends from the base end side position of the outer tube (2); on the base end side of the outer tube (2), the gap between the outer tube (2) and the inner tube (3) is blocked by an annular member (14); and the tip side (3b) of the inner tube (3) extends from the tip of the coupling body (10).

4. Fusion device (1), according to claim 3, characterized in that it is a combination of a first member and a second member, the first member comprising a base end side of the outer tube (2), the annular member (14), and the inner tube (3), the second member comprising the tip side (8c) of the outer tube (2) and the coupling (7), in which Petition 870260053007, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page.97 / 108 4 / 7 a first flange (22) is provided on the base end side of the outer tube (2), and a second flange (23) is provided on the tip side (8c) of the outer tube (2), the first flange (22) and the second flange (23) each project radially outward from the outer tube (2) and extend in the circumferential direction of the outer tube (2), the first flange (22) and the second flange (23) are joined butt-on and bolted together to combine the first member and the second member, thus forming the double tube (6); and by unscrewing the bolts, the double tube (6) can be disassembled into the first member and the second member.

5. Melting device (1) for discharging a molten substance (Ma) into a tank (T) to melt the substance stored in the tank (T), characterized in that it comprises a suction tube (2) attached to the wall of the tank (T); a discharge tube (3) attached to the wall of the tank (T); and a circulation flow path (4) disposed outside the tank (T), in which the interior of the tank (T) communicates with the interior of one end of the circulation flow path (4) through the interior of the suction tube (2); and the interior of the tank (T) communicates with the interior of the other end of the circulation flow path (4) through the interior of the discharge tube (3); a pump (5) is provided at an intermediate position of the circulation flow path (4);By activating the pump (5), the melt (Ma) of the substance present inside the tank (T) can be drawn into the suction tube (2), circulated through the circulation flow path (4), and discharged from the inside of the discharge tube (3) into the tank (T); and the entire interior of the discharge tube (3) is used as a flow path (4) for the melt (Ma); the substance is a wax or oil / grease; and the tank (T) is made of a vinyl compound or a metal and does not comprise a means for cooling the substance stored inside.

6. Fusion device (1), according to claim 5, characterized in that the discharge tube (3) having a small diameter is disposed inside the suction tube (2) which has a large diameter, and the interior of the tank (T) communicates with the interior of one end of the flow path (4) circulating through a space outside the discharge tube (3) in the suction tube (2).

7. Melting device (1), according to claim 5, characterized in that it further comprises a funnel (43) in which a melt (Ma) of a substance can be stored, wherein the funnel (43) is connected in the flow path (4) of circulation through an on-off valve (44).

8. Melting device (1), according to claim 7, characterized in that a metal tube is wound around the outer circumference of the funnel (43); and steam or hot water is allowed to flow inside the metal tube with the substance being placed in the funnel (43) in order to thereby melt the substance in the funnel (43) and store the melt (Ma) in the funnel (43).

9. Melting device (1), according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises a heating means (70) that is embedded in the wall of the tank (T).

10. Melting device (1), according to claim Petition 870260053007, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 99 / 108 6 / 7 5, characterized in that it comprises a heating means (70) which is disposed outside the tank (T) and abuts the tank wall (T).

11. Melting device (1), according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises a heating means (70) disposed within the tank (T).

12. Melting device (1), according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the heating medium (70) is a tubular body through which hot water or steam is allowed to flow.

13. Fusion device (1), according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the heating medium (70) is a block with a conductor that generates heat through electrical resistance.

14. Melting device (1), according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the direction of the discharge tube (3) is adjusted so that the melt (Ma) discharged from the inside of the discharge tube (3) into the tank (T) is directed to the position of the heating medium (70).

15. Melting device (1), according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises a melt heating means (70) which is disposed in an intermediate position in the circulation flow path (4) and which heats the melt (Ma) flowing through the circulation flow path (4).

16. Melting device (1), according to claim 5, characterized in that a spray nozzle through which the melt (Ma) is sprayed is attached to the end of the discharge tube (3).

17. Fusion device (1), according to claim 5, characterized in that it further comprises a means of supplying gas capable of supplying heated gas to the circulation flow path (4).

18. Melting device (1), according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises a double tube (6), the double tube (6) comprising an outer tube (2) constituting the suction tube (2), and an inner tube (3) constituting the suction tube (3); wherein the interior of the tank (T) communicates with the interior of one end of the circulation flow path (4) through a space outside the inner tube (3) in the outer tube (2); and the interior of the tank (T) communicates with the interior of the other end of the circulation flow path (4) through the interior of the inner tube (3); by actuating a pump (5) disposed in an intermediate position of the circulation flow path (4), the melt (Ma) of the substance that is present inside the tank (T) can be aspirated into a space outside the inner tube (3) in the outer tube (2), circulated through the circulation flow path (4), and discharged from the interior of the inner tube (3) into the interior of the tank (T);and the entire interior of the inner tube (3) is used as a flow path (4) for the molten material (Ma).;

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