Method for operating lock hopper and solid moving device

Abstract

To provide a method that suppresses an increase in the concentration of non-combustible gas in a path where the non-combustible gas is not intended to be mixed.SOLUTION: A method for operating a lock hopper comprises a solid moving step. The solid moving step is a step of moving a solid from either the inside of a combustible gas generation system or the outside of the combustible gas generation system to the other by introducing the solid into the lock hopper or discharging the solid from the lock hopper. The combustible gas generation system is a system for generating combustible gas. The method for operating a lock hopper comprises a non-combustible gas introduction step and a discharge step. The non-combustible gas introduction step is a step of introducing non-combustible gas into the lock hopper from a path different from the solid inlet and the solid outlet. The discharge step is a step of discharging the gas in the lock hopper from the lock hopper by using the path different from the solid inlet and the solid outlet.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method of operating a lock hopper and a solids movement device. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, the following Patent Document 1 describes a dust collector that removes solid matter generated when a combustible gas is generated. This dust collector includes a filter device that removes solid matter from the combustible gas. The filter device is connected to a lock hopper via a receiving valve. While the receiving valve is open, solid matter accumulates in the lock hopper from the filter. When the amount of solid matter accumulated in the lock hopper reaches a predetermined amount, the receiving valve is closed. Nitrogen is then supplied into the lock hopper as a non-combustible gas. The solid matter is then discharged from the lock hopper. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-110166 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-mentioned device, the nitrogen supplied to the lock hopper may increase the nitrogen concentration in the flammable gas generation path, and when discharging solids from the lock hopper into a space open to the atmosphere, the flammable gas may leak into the atmosphere. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Means for solving the above problems and their effects will be described below. 1. A method of operating a lock hopper having a solid moving process, the solid moving process being a process of moving a solid from either inside or outside the combustible gas generation system to the other by introducing a solid into the lock hopper or discharging the solid from the lock hopper, the combustible gas generation system being a system that generates combustible gas, the method having a non-combustible gas introduction process and a discharge process, the non-combustible gas introduction process being a process of introducing a non-combustible gas into the lock hopper from a path other than the solid inlet and the solid discharge outlet, and the discharge process being a process of discharging gas in the lock hopper from the lock hopper using a path other than the solid inlet and the solid discharge outlet.

[0006] If the non-combustible gas introduced in the non-combustible gas introduction step is discharged in the discharge step, it is possible to prevent an increase in the concentration of the non-combustible gas in a path on either the inlet or the outlet side of the lock hopper where the non-combustible gas is not intended to be mixed in. Also, if the combustible gas is expelled from the lock hopper by the non-combustible gas introduced in the non-combustible gas introduction step in the discharge step, it is possible to prevent the combustible gas from flowing out of the system in the solid moving step. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a fuel gas generation system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing one step of the carbon discharge process according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing one step of the carbon discharge process according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing one step of the carbon discharge process according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing one step of the carbon discharge process according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing one step of the carbon discharge process according to the embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 4 is a diagram showing one step of the carbon discharge process according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing one step of the carbon discharge process according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing one step of the carbon discharge process according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing one step of a catalyst supply process according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing one step of a catalyst supply process according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing one step of a catalyst supply process according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing one step of a catalyst supply process according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing one step of a catalyst supply process according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing one step of a catalyst supply process according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing one step of a catalyst supply process according to the embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing one step of a catalyst supply process according to the embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing one step of a catalyst supply process according to the embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a fuel gas generation system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a fuel gas generation system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a process of a carbon discharge process according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing one step of a catalyst supply process according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] <First embodiment> Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. System Configuration The configuration of a flammable gas generating system according to this embodiment is shown in Fig. 1. The system shown in Fig. 1 is a system for generating hydrogen using methane as a raw material. As an example, hydrogen may be used as fuel for a gas turbine for power generation.

[0009] As shown in FIG. 1, methane supplied to the system is pressurized by a compressor 10 and supplied to a combustible gas supply path 50. A raw material gas path 12 is connected to the combustible gas supply path 50. The methane in the raw material gas path 12 is heated by a heat exchanger 14 and then supplied to a reactor 16. The reactor 16 is a device that decomposes methane into hydrogen and carbon by thermal decomposition. A catalyst is provided in the reactor 16. The catalyst is, for example, iron. In the reactor 16, the state of the catalyst is, for example, a fluidized bed catalyst state. In the reactor 16, the temperature of the reacting methane and catalyst is, for example, 750 to 900° C. In addition, the pressure in the reactor 16 is higher than atmospheric pressure. The pressure in the reactor 16 may be, for example, several ata to several tens of ata.

[0010] Hydrogen and carbon produced by pyrolysis in the reactor 16 and methane in the reactor 16 flow into the heat exchanger 14. The mixture of methane and hydrogen and carbon flowing out of the heat exchanger 14 flow into the cyclone 20. The cyclone 20 is a centrifugal separator that separates carbon from the mixture of the mixture and carbon. The cyclone 20 is connected to a filter device 22. This is a device that captures carbon that could not be separated by the cyclone 20. The mixture flowing out of the filter device 22 is compressed by a compressor 24 and then supplied to a hydrogen purification device 26. The hydrogen purification device 26 is, for example, a PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) device. The hydrogen extracted from the mixture by the hydrogen purification device 26 is the hydrogen produced by this system.

[0011] The methane separated by the hydrogen purification unit 26 is compressed by the off-gas compressor 28 and then returned to the raw material gas path 12. Since hydrogen is used when separating methane in the hydrogen purification unit 26, hydrogen flows into the off-gas compressor 28 in addition to methane.

[0012] The carbon separated from the mixture by the cyclone 20 and filter device 22 flows into a feed hopper 30. The feed hopper 30 is connected via an inlet valve 32 to a lock hopper 34. The lock hopper 34 discharges the carbon through a discharge valve 36 into a storage bin 38. The storage bin 38 is open to the atmosphere.

[0013] A flammable gas supply line 50 is connected to the lock hopper 34 via a flammable gas supply valve 52. A non-flammable gas supply line 56 is also connected to the lock hopper 34 via a non-flammable gas supply valve 58. Nitrogen to be supplied to the system is pressurized by a compressor 54 and supplied to the non-flammable gas supply line 56.

[0014] The lock hopper 34 is connected to the product gas passage 60 via a product gas valve 62. The product gas passage 60 is connected to the off-gas compressor 28. The lock hopper 34 is connected to the mixed gas passage 64 via a mixed gas valve 66. A mixture of methane, hydrogen, and nitrogen is discharged from the lock hopper 34 to the mixed gas passage 64. This mixture is pressurized by a mixed gas compressor 72 and supplied to a hydrogen purification device 74. The hydrogen purification device 74 is, for example, a PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption). The hydrogen extracted from the mixture by the hydrogen purification device 74 is also hydrogen generated by this system. The mixture of methane and nitrogen separated from the mixture by the hydrogen purification device 74 may be removed, for example, by combustion.

[0015] The lock hopper 34 is connected to a non-combustible gas discharge path 68 via a non-combustible gas discharge valve 70. The non-combustible gas discharge path 68 is open to the atmosphere. The solids discharged to the storage tank 38 contain not only carbon, but also a catalytic compound of iron and carbon. The regenerator 40 extracts the iron from the compound. The iron extracted by the regenerator 40 is combined with new iron being fed to the system and fed to the feed hopper 80.

[0016] The feed hopper 80 is connected through an inlet valve 82 to a lock hopper 84. The lock hopper 84 is connected to the reactor 16 through a discharge valve 86. A flammable gas supply path 90 is connected to the lock hopper 84 via a flammable gas supply valve 92. The flammable gas supply path 90 is connected to the flammable gas supply path 50. The lock hopper 84 is connected to a non-flammable gas supply path 94 via a non-flammable gas supply valve 96. Nitrogen compressed by a compressor 54 is supplied to the non-flammable gas supply path 94.

[0017] The lock hopper 84 is connected to a product gas passage 100 via a product gas valve 102. The product gas passage 100 is connected to the off-gas compressor 28. The lock hopper 84 is connected to a mixed gas passage 104 via a mixed gas valve 106. A mixture of methane, hydrogen, and nitrogen is discharged from the lock hopper 84 to the mixed gas passage 104. The mixture is pressurized by the mixed gas compressor 72 and supplied to the hydrogen purification device 74. The lock hopper 84 is connected to a non-combustible gas discharge passage 108 via a non-combustible gas discharge valve 110. The non-combustible gas discharge passage 108 is open to the atmosphere.

[0018] The control device 200 controls the above-mentioned generation system. The control device 200 operates the inlet valve 32, the exhaust valve 36, the flammable gas supply valve 52, the non-flammable gas supply valve 58, the produced gas valve 62, the mixed gas valve 66, and the non-flammable gas exhaust valve 70. The control device 200 also operates the inlet valve 82, the exhaust valve 86, the flammable gas supply valve 92, the non-flammable gas supply valve 96, the produced gas valve 102, the mixed gas valve 106, and the non-flammable gas exhaust valve 110.

[0019] The control device 200 includes a PU 202 and a storage device 204. The PU 202 is a software processing device including at least one of a CPU, a GPU, a TPU, and the like. A program including commands for opening and closing the above-mentioned 14 valves is stored in the storage device 204. The PU 202 executes this program to realize the opening and closing control of the above-mentioned 14 valves.

[0020] "Carbon Emissions Processing" As described above, the pressure in the reactor 16 is higher than atmospheric pressure. As a result, the pressure in the cyclone 20 and the pressure in the filter device 22 are also higher than atmospheric pressure. Meanwhile, the storage 38 is open to the atmosphere. Therefore, the lock hopper 34 is used to discharge carbon from the pressurized system, including the reactor 16, while maintaining the pressure in the pressurized system. The carbon discharge process using the lock hopper 34 will be described below with reference to Figures 2 to 9. The reference numbers in Figures 2 to 9 correspond to the chronological order of the steps.

[0021] FIG. 2 shows a state where solid carbon 112 is accumulated in the lock hopper 34. In FIG. 2, the open / close states of the inlet valve 32, the outlet valve 36, the combustible gas supply valve 52, the non-combustible gas supply valve 58, the product gas valve 62, the mixed gas valve 66, and the non-combustible gas outlet valve 70 are shown in different colors. That is, the valves painted black indicate that they are closed, while the valves painted white indicate that they are open. As shown in FIG. 2, in the process of accumulating carbon 112 in the lock hopper 34, only the inlet valve 32 out of the seven valves is in an open state. As a result, the carbon 112 that has flowed into the supply hopper 30 flows into the lock hopper 34. In addition, a mixture of hydrogen and methane that has flowed out of the reactor 16 also flows into the lock hopper 34.

[0022] 3 shows the process of depressurizing the lock hopper 34. This process is executed on the condition that the state shown in FIG. 2 is reached. In this process, the PU 202 opens only the product gas valve 62 out of the seven valves. This causes the product gas, which is a mixture of hydrogen and methane in the lock hopper 34, to flow into the product gas path 60.

[0023] 4 shows the process of expelling the generated gas from the lock hopper 34. This process is a step following the process shown in FIG. 3. In this process, the PU 202 opens only the non-combustible gas supply valve 58 and the mixed gas valve 66 out of the seven valves. This causes nitrogen to flow from the non-combustible gas supply path 56 into the lock hopper 34. This causes the generated gas in the lock hopper 34 to flow out into the mixed gas path 64.

[0024] Fig. 5 shows a process of discharging the carbon 112 from the lock hopper 34. This process is a process following the process shown in Fig. 4. In this process, only the discharge valve 36 out of the seven valves is opened by the PU 202. This allows the carbon 112 to fall into the storage 38 under the action of gravity.

[0025] 6 shows the process of expelling oxygen from the lock hopper 34. This process follows the process shown in FIG. 5. In this process, the PU 202 opens only two of the seven valves, the non-combustible gas supply valve 58 and the non-combustible gas discharge valve 70. This causes nitrogen to flow from the non-combustible gas supply path 56 into the lock hopper 34. Oxygen has flowed into the lock hopper 34 from the discharge port 34b in the process shown in FIG. 5. Therefore, this oxygen flows out into the non-combustible gas discharge path 68 along with the flow of nitrogen into the lock hopper 34.

[0026] 7 shows the process of expelling nitrogen from the lock hopper 34. This process is a process following the process shown in FIG. 6. In this process, the PU 202 opens only two of the seven valves, the combustible gas supply valve 52 and the mixed gas valve 66. This causes methane to flow from the combustible gas supply valve 52 into the lock hopper 34. As a result, the nitrogen in the lock hopper 34 is discharged into the mixed gas path 64.

[0027] FIG. 8 shows the process of pressurizing the inside of the lock hopper 34. This process is a process following the process shown in FIG. 7. In this process, only the combustible gas supply valve 52 out of the seven valves is opened by the PU 202. This increases the methane loading concentration in the lock hopper 34, and the pressure in the lock hopper 34 increases. This process is for reducing the difference between the pressure in the lock hopper 34 and the pressure in the reactor 16. In this process, it is desirable to make the pressure in the supply hopper 30 and the pressure in the lock hopper 34 equal.

[0028] Fig. 9 shows the process of depositing carbon in the lock hopper 34. This process follows the process shown in Fig. 8. In this process, only the inlet valve 32 out of the seven valves is opened by the PU 202. As a result, carbon accumulates, resulting in the state shown in Fig. 2.

[0029] "Catalyst supply processing" Iron is supplied to the above-mentioned supply hopper 80 in a state open to the atmosphere. A lock hopper 84 is used to supply the iron supplied under atmospheric pressure to a pressurized system including the reactor 16. The catalyst supply process using the lock hopper 84 will be described below with reference to Figs. 10 to 18.

[0030] 10 shows a state in which iron 114 as a catalyst is supplied into the supply hopper 80. In this state, all of the seven valves, namely, the inlet valve 82, the exhaust valve 86, the combustible gas supply valve 92, the non-combustible gas supply valve 96, the product gas valve 102, the mixed gas valve 106, and the non-combustible gas exhaust valve 110, are closed.

[0031] Fig. 11 shows the process of supplying iron 114 to the lock hopper 84. This process is executed on the condition that the state shown in Fig. 10 is met. In this process, only the inlet valve 82 out of the seven valves is opened by the PU 202. As a result, the iron 114 in the supply hopper 80 falls into the inlet 84b of the lock hopper 84 by the action of gravity.

[0032] 12 shows the process of expelling oxygen from the lock hopper 84. This process follows the process shown in FIG. 11. In this process, the PU 202 opens only two of the seven valves, the non-combustible gas supply valve 96 and the non-combustible gas discharge valve 110. This causes nitrogen to be supplied from the non-combustible gas supply valve 96 to the lock hopper 84. Oxygen flows into the lock hopper 84 from the supply hopper 80 in the process shown in FIG. 11. This oxygen is discharged from the non-combustible gas discharge path 108 along with the flow of nitrogen into the lock hopper 84.

[0033] Fig. 13 shows the process of expelling nitrogen from the lock hopper 84. The process shown in Fig. 13 is a process subsequent to the process shown in Fig. 12. In this process, the PU 202 opens only two valves out of the seven valves, the combustible gas supply valve 92 and the mixed gas valve 106. This causes methane to flow from the combustible gas supply path 90 into the lock hopper 84. As a result, the nitrogen in the lock hopper 84 is expelled into the mixed gas path 104.

[0034] FIG. 14 shows the process of pressurizing the inside of the lock hopper 84. This process is a process following the process shown in FIG. 13. In this process, only the combustible gas supply valve 92 out of the seven valves is opened by the PU 202. As a result, methane flows into the lock hopper 84 from the combustible gas supply path 90. As a result, the concentration of methane in the lock hopper 84 increases, and the inside of the lock hopper 84 is pressurized. This process is provided to reduce the difference between the pressure in the lock hopper 84 and the pressure in the reactor 16. In this process, it is desirable to equalize the pressure in the lock hopper 84 and the pressure downstream of the discharge valve 86.

[0035] Fig. 15 shows a process of supplying iron 114 to the reactor 16. This process follows the process shown in Fig. 14. In this process, only the discharge valve 86 out of the seven valves is opened by the PU 202. As a result, the iron 114 in the lock hopper 84 is discharged from the lock hopper 84 by the action of gravity.

[0036] FIG. 16 shows the process of reducing the pressure in the lock hopper 84. This process follows the process shown in FIG. 15. In this process, only the product gas valve 102 out of the seven valves is opened by the PU 202. This causes the product gas in the lock hopper 84 to flow into the product gas path 100. In the process shown in FIG. 15, the product gas flows into the lock hopper 84 from the reactor 16 side. Therefore, product gas is present in the lock hopper 84 when the process of FIG. 16 is started.

[0037] 17 shows the process of expelling the produced gas in the lock hopper 84. This process follows the process shown in FIG. 16. In this process, the PU 202 opens only two of the seven valves, the non-combustible gas supply valve 96 and the mixed gas valve 106. This causes nitrogen to flow from the non-combustible gas supply path 94 into the lock hopper 84. This causes the produced gas in the lock hopper 84 to be expelled into the mixed gas path 104.

[0038] Figure 18 shows the process of depressurizing the inside of the lock hopper 84. This process follows the process shown in Figure 17. In this process, only the non-combustible gas discharge valve 110 out of the seven valves is opened by the PU 202. As a result, the nitrogen in the lock hopper 84 flows out to the non-combustible gas discharge valve 110, and the pressure in the lock hopper 84 becomes equivalent to atmospheric pressure.

[0039] "Actions and Effects of the Present Embodiment" (1-1) In the process shown in Fig. 6, the PU 202 expelled oxygen from the lock hopper 34 by using nitrogen, and then supplied methane to the lock hopper 34 to expel nitrogen from the lock hopper 34. This makes it possible to suppress the inflow of nitrogen into the reactor 16 side when the inlet valve 32 is opened.

[0040] (1-2) The PU 202 pressurized the lock hopper 34 as shown in FIG. 8 prior to opening the introduction valve 32. This reduces the load required to open the introduction valve 32. In particular, if the area of ​​the introduction port 34a is large and there is a large difference in pressure between the upstream and downstream of the introduction valve 32, the load required to open the valve becomes significantly large. In response to this, by pressurizing the inside of the lock hopper 34 prior to opening the introduction valve 32, the load required to open the valve can be reduced.

[0041] In addition, the pressure fluctuation on the reactor 16 side caused by opening of the inlet valve 32 can be suppressed. (1-3) After storing carbon 112 in the lock hopper 34, the PU 202 opened the product gas valve 62 in the process shown in Fig. 3. This allows the mixture of methane and hydrogen in the lock hopper 34 to flow out to the product gas path 60. This mixture is compressed by the off-gas compressor 28 and then supplied to the reactor 16. This makes it possible to increase the hydrogen production efficiency, which is the ratio of hydrogen produced by the system to methane supplied to the system.

[0042] (1-4) Prior to the process of expelling carbon 112 from the lock hopper 34 shown in FIG. 5, the PU 202 expelled the mixture of hydrogen and methane from the lock hopper 34 to the mixed gas path 64 by supplying nitrogen to the lock hopper 34 in the process shown in FIG. 4. This makes it possible to suppress the release of flammable gas into the atmosphere when the exhaust valve 36 is opened. In addition, the mixture in the mixed gas path 64 is pressurized by the mixed gas compressor 72, and then hydrogen is extracted by the hydrogen purification device 74. This makes it possible to increase the hydrogen production efficiency, which is the ratio of hydrogen produced by the system to methane supplied to the system.

[0043] (1-5) After filling the lock hopper 84 with catalyst, the PU 202 supplied nitrogen to the lock hopper 84 in the process shown in Fig. 12. This allows the oxygen that flowed into the lock hopper 84 in the process shown in Fig. 11 to be expelled from the lock hopper 84 to the non-combustible gas discharge path 108.

[0044] (1-6) Prior to opening the discharge valve 86, in the process shown in Fig. 13, the PU 202 expelled the nitrogen in the lock hopper 84 to the mixed gas path 104 by supplying methane to the lock hopper 84. This makes it possible to prevent the nitrogen in the lock hopper 84 from flowing into the reactor 16.

[0045] (1-7) Prior to opening the discharge valve 86, the PU 202 pressurized the inside of the lock hopper 84 by increasing the methane concentration in the lock hopper 84 in the process shown in Figure 14. This reduces the load required to open the discharge valve 86. In particular, if the area of ​​the discharge port 84a is large and there is a large difference in pressure between the upstream and downstream of the discharge valve 86, the load required to open the valve becomes significantly large. In response to this, by pressurizing the inside of the lock hopper 84 prior to opening the discharge valve 86, the load required to open the valve can be reduced.

[0046] In addition, the pressure fluctuation on the reactor 16 side caused by the opening of the exhaust valve 86 can be suppressed. (1-8) After supplying iron 114 from the lock hopper 84 to the reactor 16, the PU 202 opens the product gas valve 102. This allows the mixture of methane and hydrogen in the lock hopper 84 to flow into the product gas path 100. This mixture is compressed by the off-gas compressor 28 and then supplied to the reactor 16. This makes it possible to increase the hydrogen production efficiency, which is the ratio of hydrogen produced by the system to methane supplied to the system.

[0047] (1-9) After the process shown in Fig. 16, the PU 202 discharged the mixture of hydrogen and methane in the lock hopper 84 to the mixed gas path 104 by supplying nitrogen into the lock hopper 84. The mixture in the mixed gas path 104 is pressurized by the mixed gas compressor 72, and then hydrogen is extracted by the hydrogen purification device 74. This makes it possible to increase the hydrogen production efficiency, which is the ratio of hydrogen produced by the system to the methane supplied to the system.

[0048] (1-10) After PU 202 expels the mixture of hydrogen and methane in lock hopper 84 to mixed gas path 104, lock hopper 84 is opened to the atmosphere by opening non-flammable gas discharge valve 110 according to the process shown in Fig. 18. This makes it possible to reduce the pressure difference between the upstream and downstream of inlet valve 82 when inlet valve 82 is opened thereafter.

[0049] <Second embodiment> The second embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0050] A combustion gas generation system according to this embodiment is shown in Fig. 19. In Fig. 19, members corresponding to those shown in Fig. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals for the sake of convenience. In this embodiment, the mixture of hydrogen and methane flowing out from the filter device 22 is supplied to the hydrogen purification device 120. The hydrogen purification device 120 is a device equipped with a separation membrane and separates hydrogen from the mixture. The hydrogen separated by the hydrogen purification device 120 has a lower pressure than the hydrogen extracted by the hydrogen purification device 26. Therefore, in this embodiment, the hydrogen separated by the hydrogen purification device 120 is pressurized by a compressor 124.

[0051] In addition, the methane separated by the hydrogen purification unit 120 is under high pressure. Therefore, the methane separated by the hydrogen purification unit 120 is returned to the raw material gas path 12 without passing through the off-gas compressor 28.

[0052] <Third embodiment> The third embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings, focusing on the differences from the second embodiment.

[0053] A combustion gas generation system according to this embodiment is shown in Fig. 20. In Fig. 20, members corresponding to those shown in Fig. 19 are denoted by the same reference numerals for the sake of convenience. In this embodiment, the mixture in the product gas lines 60, 100 is fed to the compressor 124. This results in trace amounts of methane being mixed into the final product gas of the system. This embodiment is a system that allows trace amounts of methane to be mixed into the final product.

[0054] <Fourth embodiment> The fourth embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0055] In this embodiment, one step is added to each of the steps shown in FIGS. 2 to 9 and the steps shown in FIGS. Fig. 21 shows a part of a carbon discharge process. The process shown in the upper part of Fig. 21 is the process shown in Fig. 3. Moreover, the process shown in the lower part of Fig. 21 is the process shown in Fig. 4. In this embodiment, the process shown in the middle part of Fig. 21 is added between these processes.

[0056] The process shown in the middle of Fig. 21 is a process of expelling the produced gas, which is a mixture of hydrogen and methane, in the lock hopper 34. In this process, the PU 202 opens only two of the seven valves, the flammable gas supply valve 52 and the produced gas valve 62. This causes methane to flow from the flammable gas supply path 50 into the lock hopper 34. As a result, the produced gas in the lock hopper 34 is expelled into the produced gas path 60. Therefore, in the process in the lower part of Fig. 21, the gas flowing out into the mixed gas path 64 becomes a mixture of methane and nitrogen.

[0057] Fig. 22 shows a part of the catalyst supply process. The process shown in the upper part of Fig. 22 is the process shown in Fig. 16. The process shown in the lower part of Fig. 22 is the process shown in Fig. 17. In this embodiment, the process shown in the middle part of Fig. 22 is added between these processes.

[0058] The process shown in the middle of Figure 22 is a process of expelling the produced gas, which is a mixture of hydrogen and methane, in the lock hopper 84. In this process, the PU 202 opens only two of the seven valves, the flammable gas supply valve 92 and the produced gas valve 102. This causes methane to flow from the flammable gas supply path 90 into the lock hopper 84. As a result, the produced gas in the lock hopper 84 is expelled into the produced gas path 100. Therefore, in the process in the lower part of Figure 22, the gas flowing out into the mixed gas path 104 becomes a mixture of methane and nitrogen.

[0059] Therefore, the hydrogen purification device 74 shown in FIG. 1 is not necessary. <Correspondence> The correspondence between the matters in the above embodiment and the matters described in the "Notes" column below is as follows. In the following, the correspondence is shown for each number of the solution means described in the "Notes" column. [1] The solid moving process corresponds to the process shown in FIG. 5 and the process shown in FIG. 15. The non-combustible gas introduction process corresponds to the process shown in FIG. 6 and the process shown in FIG. 12. The discharge process corresponds to the process shown in FIG. 7 and the process shown in FIG. 13. [2] The flammable gas discharge passage corresponds to the produced gas path 60 and the mixed gas path 64 in FIG. 2 to FIG. 9, and the produced gas path 100 and the mixed gas path 104 in FIG. 10 to FIG. 18. The non-combustible gas discharge path corresponds to the non-combustible gas discharge path 68 in FIG. 2 to FIG. 9, and the non-combustible gas discharge path 108 in FIG. 10 to FIG. 18. The non-combustible gas supply path corresponds to the non-combustible gas supply path 56 in Figures 2 to 9 and the non-combustible gas supply path 94 in Figures 10 to 18. The oxygen purging step corresponds to the step shown in Figure 6 and the step shown in Figure 12. The non-combustible gas purging step corresponds to the step shown in Figure 7 and the step shown in Figure 13. [3] The flammable gas purging step corresponds to the step shown in Figure 4 and the step shown in Figure 17. [4] The generated gas extraction step corresponds to the step shown in Figure 3 and the step shown in Figure 16. [5] The flammable gas supply path corresponds to the flammable gas supply path 50 in Figures 2 to 9 and the flammable gas supply path 90 in Figures 10 to 18. [6] The pressurizing step corresponds to the step shown in Figures 8 and 14. [7] The solid matter discharging step corresponds to the step shown in Figure 5. [8] The solid matter storage step corresponds to the step shown in Figure 9. The depressurization step corresponds to the step shown in FIG. 3. The generated gas purge step corresponds to the step shown in FIG. 4. [9] The generated gas recovery step corresponds to the step shown in the middle of FIG. 21.

[10] The pressurization step corresponds to the step shown in FIG. 8.

[11] The solid receiving step corresponds to the step shown in FIG. 11. The catalyst corresponds to iron 114.

[12] The combustible gas supply path corresponds to the combustible gas supply path 90. The pressurization step corresponds to the step shown in FIG. 14. The solid discharge step corresponds to the step shown in FIG. 15.

[13] The depressurization step corresponds to the step shown in FIG. 16.

[14] The generated gas purge step corresponds to the step shown in FIG. 17.

[15] The generated gas recovery step corresponds to the step shown in the middle of FIG. 22.

[16] The non-combustible gas discharge step corresponds to the step shown in FIG. 18.

[17] In FIG. 1 and FIG. 19, the produced gas path 60, 100 corresponds to being connected to the off-gas compressor 28. Also, in FIG. 1, FIG. 19, and FIG. 20, the mixed gas path 64 corresponds to being connected to the hydrogen purification device 74. In FIG. 20, the produced gas path 60, 100 corresponds to being connected to the compressor 124.

[18] The flammable gas discharge passage corresponds to the produced gas path 60 and the mixed gas path 64 in FIG. 2 to FIG. 9, and the produced gas path 100 and the mixed gas path 104 in FIG. 10 to FIG. 18. The non-combustible gas supply path corresponds to the non-combustible gas supply path 56 in FIG. 2 to FIG. 9, and the non-combustible gas supply path 94 in FIG. 10 to FIG. 18.

[19] The non-combustible gas exhaust path corresponds to the non-combustible gas exhaust path 68 in Figures 2 to 9 and the non-combustible gas exhaust path 108 in Figures 10 to 18.

[20] The produced gas paths 60, 100 and the mixed gas paths 64, 104.

[21] The flammable gas supply path corresponds to the flammable gas supply path 50 in Figures 2 to 9 and the flammable gas supply path 90 in Figures 10 to 18.

[0060] <Other embodiments> This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that no technical contradiction occurs.

[0061] "About the connection destination of the generated gas route" For example, the product gas path 60 may be connected to the compressor 24 by providing a compressor that compresses the mixture of hydrogen and methane in the product gas path 60 and supplies it to the compressor 24.

[0062] For example, the product gas path 100 may be connected to the compressor 24 by providing a compressor that compresses the mixture of hydrogen and methane in the product gas path 100 and supplies it to the compressor 24.

[0063] "About the connection destination of mixed gas route" The mixed gas path 64 may be connected to, for example, an inlet of a gas turbine. In this case, a compressor may be provided between the mixed gas path 64 and the gas turbine.

[0064] The mixed gas path 104 may be connected to, for example, an inlet of a gas turbine. In this case, a compressor may be provided between the mixed gas path 104 and the gas turbine. "About Combustible Gas Generation Systems" The hydrogen refinery device 26 and the hydrogen refinery device 74 may be omitted from the systems illustrated in Figures 1 and 20. In that case, for example, a gas turbine may be disposed in the position of the hydrogen refinery device 26 and the hydrogen refinery device 74. This makes it possible to configure a power generation system or the like that uses hydrogen as part of the fuel.

[0065] The hydrogen refinery device 120 and the hydrogen refinery device 74 may be omitted from the system illustrated in Fig. 19. In that case, a gas turbine may be disposed in the position of the hydrogen refinery device 120 and the hydrogen refinery device 74. This makes it possible to configure a power generation system or the like that uses hydrogen as part of the fuel.

[0066] "About flammable gas emission routes" The flammable gas discharge path connected to the lock hopper 34 does not necessarily have to include the produced gas path 60 and the mixed gas path 64. For example, they may be a common path. In that case, a hydrogen purification device may be provided to extract hydrogen from the mixed gas flowing out from the flammable gas discharge path.

[0067] The flammable gas discharge path connected to the lock hopper 84 does not necessarily have to include the produced gas path 100 and the mixed gas path 104. For example, they may be a common path. In that case, a hydrogen purification device may be provided to extract hydrogen from the mixed gas flowing out from the flammable gas discharge path.

[0068] "About flammable gas supply routes" It is not essential to provide the flammable gas supply path 50. When the flammable gas supply path 50 is not provided, a step of opening the introduction valve 32 while keeping the mixed gas valve 66 open may be provided instead of the steps shown in Figures 7 and 8. This allows nitrogen to be expelled to the mixed gas path 64 by the intrusion of material from the supply hopper 30 side.

[0069] "About solid moving devices" As described in the section "Regarding the flammable gas exhaust route," if the product gas route 60 and the mixed gas route 64 are a single common route, the product gas valve 62 and the mixed gas valve 66 may be replaced by a single valve.

[0070] As described in the section "Regarding the flammable gas exhaust path," if the produced gas path 100 and the mixed gas path 104 are a single common path, the produced gas valve 102 and the mixed gas valve 106 may be replaced by a single valve.

[0071] "About Hydrocarbons" The hydrocarbons to be cracked are not limited to methane. For example, propane may be used.

[0072] "About non-flammable gases" The non-combustible gas supplied to the lock hopper from the non-combustible gas supply path is not limited to nitrogen. For example, it may be helium.

[0073] "About system pressure" It is not essential that either the inlet or the outlet of the lock hopper be open to the atmosphere and the other be at a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure. For example, one may be open to the atmosphere and the other at a pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure. Also, for example, both may be higher than the atmospheric pressure, but there may be a large difference between the pressures.

[0074] "About the control device" The control device is not limited to one that executes software processing. For example, it may be equipped with a dedicated hardware circuit such as an ASIC that executes at least a part of the processing executed in the above embodiment. That is, the control device may include a processing circuit having any of the following configurations (a) to (c). (a) A processing circuit that includes a processing device that executes all of the above processing according to a program, and a program storage device such as a storage device that stores the program. (b) A processing circuit that includes a processing device and a program storage device that executes part of the above processing according to a program, and a dedicated hardware circuit that executes the remaining processing. (c) A processing circuit that includes a dedicated hardware circuit that executes all of the above processing. Here, there may be a plurality of software execution devices that include a processing device and a program storage device. Also, there may be a plurality of dedicated hardware circuits.

[0075] <Additional Notes> 1. A method of operating a lock hopper having a solid moving process, the solid moving process being a process of moving a solid from either inside or outside the combustible gas generation system to the other by introducing a solid into the lock hopper or discharging the solid from the lock hopper, the combustible gas generation system being a system that generates combustible gas, the method having a non-combustible gas introduction process and a discharge process, the non-combustible gas introduction process being a process of introducing a non-combustible gas into the lock hopper from a path other than the solid inlet and the solid discharge outlet, and the discharge process being a process of discharging gas in the lock hopper from the lock hopper using a path other than the solid inlet and the solid discharge outlet.

[0076] If the non-combustible gas introduced in the non-combustible gas introduction step is discharged in the discharge step, it is possible to prevent an increase in the concentration of the non-combustible gas in a path on either the inlet or the outlet side of the lock hopper where the non-combustible gas is not intended to be mixed in. Also, if the combustible gas is expelled from the lock hopper by the non-combustible gas introduced in the non-combustible gas introduction step in the discharge step, it is possible to prevent the combustible gas from flowing out of the system in the solid moving step.

[0077] 2. The non-combustible gas introduction step includes an oxygen purging step, and the discharge step includes a non-combustible gas purging step, and the lock hopper is connected to a flammable gas discharge path, a non-combustible gas discharge path, and a non-combustible gas supply path separately from the solid inlet and the solid discharge port, the flammable gas discharge path is a path through which gas containing flammable gas is discharged from the lock hopper, and the oxygen purging step is a step of purging oxygen by the non-combustible gas in a state where oxygen is present in the lock hopper. 2. The method for operating a lock hopper as described above in claim 1, wherein the non-combustible gas is supplied from the non-combustible gas supply path to the lock hopper while the lock hopper is in communication with the non-combustible gas discharge path, and the non-combustible gas purging step is a step of discharging the non-combustible gas in the lock hopper from the lock hopper to the flammable gas discharge path by supplying flammable gas to the lock hopper while the lock hopper is in communication with the flammable gas discharge path, the non-combustible gas purging step being a step which is executed after the oxygen purging step.

[0078] According to the above method, the oxygen in the lock hopper is expelled by the non-combustible gas, and then the combustible gas is supplied to the lock hopper. This makes it possible to expel the non-combustible gas used to expel the oxygen from the lock hopper.

[0079] 3. A method for operating a lock hopper as described in 1 above, wherein the lock hopper is connected to a flammable gas discharge path and a non-flammable gas supply path separately from the solid inlet and solid discharge outlet, the flammable gas discharge path is a path through which gas containing flammable gas is discharged from the lock hopper, the non-flammable gas introduction process and the discharge process include a flammable gas exhaust process, the flammable gas exhaust process is a process of supplying non-flammable gas to the lock hopper from the non-flammable gas supply path while maintaining communication between the lock hopper and the flammable gas discharge path when the flammable gas is contained in the lock hopper, and the solid moving process is executed after the flammable gas exhaust process.

[0080] In the above method, the flammable gas can be expelled from the lock hopper by supplying a non-flammable gas to the lock hopper prior to the solid moving step, thereby preventing the flammable gas from flowing out of the flammable gas generation system during the solid moving step.

[0081] 4. A method for operating a lock hopper as described above in 2, wherein the flammable gas discharge path includes a produced gas path and a mixed gas path, the produced gas path is a path for removing the flammable gas from the lock hopper, the mixed gas path is a path for removing the flammable gas and the non-flammable gas from the lock hopper, the non-flammable gas expulsion process is a process for discharging the non-flammable gas in the lock hopper to the mixed gas path, and the method has a produced gas removal process, wherein the produced gas removal process is a process for causing the produced gas in the lock hopper to flow into the produced gas path by bringing the lock hopper into communication with the produced gas path when produced gas is present in the lock hopper, and the produced gas is the flammable gas generated by the flammable gas generation system.

[0082] According to the above-mentioned produced gas extraction process, the produced gas in the lock hopper can be discharged into a produced gas path separate from the mixed gas path, making it possible to treat the produced gas in the produced gas path separately from the gas in the mixed gas path.

[0083] 5. A method of operating a lock hopper as described in 2 or 4 above, wherein the flammable gas supplied to the lock hopper is a hydrocarbon, the raw material used by the flammable gas generation system is a hydrocarbon, the flammable gas to be generated by the flammable gas generation system is hydrogen, the lock hopper is connected to a flammable gas supply path, and the non-flammable gas expulsion process is a process of supplying the hydrocarbon to the lock hopper from the flammable gas supply path while maintaining communication between the lock hopper and the flammable gas discharge path.

[0084] In the above method, by supplying hydrocarbons to the lock hopper, the non-combustible gas in the lock hopper can be expelled to the flammable gas discharge path. 6. A method for operating a lock hopper as described in 5 above, comprising a pressurizing process, which is a process for supplying the hydrocarbons to the lock hopper from the combustible gas supply path while isolating the inside of the lock hopper from the combustible gas discharge path, and which is a process that is executed after the non-combustible gas expulsion process.

[0085] According to the pressurizing step, the inside of the lock hopper can be pressurized, thereby reducing the pressure difference between the lock hopper and the pressurized space that can communicate with the lock hopper. 7. A method for operating a lock hopper described in any one of 2, 4 to 6 above, wherein the solid moving process is a solid discharge process, which is a process of discharging carbon from the lock hopper to outside the combustible gas generation system by opening the discharge outlet when the lock hopper is filled with carbon as a solid and a product gas, which is a mixture of hydrocarbons and hydrogen produced by thermal decomposition of hydrocarbons, and the carbon, and the oxygen expulsion process is a process of expelling oxygen that has entered the lock hopper by the solid discharge process from the lock hopper.

[0086] The solid matter discharging step causes oxygen to enter the lock hopper through the discharge port. In the method described above, the oxygen purging step can purge the invaded oxygen to the outside of the lock hopper.

[0087] 8. A method for operating a lock hopper as described in 7 above, comprising a solid storage step, a depressurization step, and a produced gas exhaust step, wherein the solid storage step is a step of receiving the carbon produced by the pyrolysis into the lock hopper from the inlet, the depressurization step is a step of discharging the produced gas from the lock hopper to the flammable gas exhaust path while the inlet is blocked, the produced gas exhaust step is a step of discharging the produced gas in the lock hopper to the flammable gas exhaust path by supplying the non-flammable gas from the non-flammable gas supply path to the lock hopper after the depressurization step, and the solid discharge step is executed after the produced gas exhaust step.

[0088] According to the above-mentioned produced gas purging step, the produced gas in the lock hopper can be purged out of the lock hopper before the carbon in the lock hopper is discharged from the discharge port, thereby making it possible to prevent the produced gas from flowing out from the discharge port.

[0089] 9. A method for operating a lock hopper as described in claim 8, wherein the flammable gas discharge path includes a produced gas path and a mixed gas path, the produced gas path is a path for removing the produced gas from the lock hopper, and the mixed gas path is a path for removing the flammable gas and the non-flammable gas from the lock hopper, the lock hopper is connected to a flammable gas supply path, and has a produced gas recovery process, which is a process for discharging the produced gas in the lock hopper to the produced gas path by supplying the hydrocarbons from the flammable gas supply path to the lock hopper, and which is executed between the depressurization process and the produced gas expulsion process, and the produced gas expulsion process is a process for discharging the hydrocarbons in the lock hopper to the mixed gas path.

[0090] According to the above-mentioned produced gas recovery step, the produced gas can be recovered in the produced gas path. 10. A method of operating a lock hopper as described in 8 or 9 above, in which the thermal decomposition of the hydrocarbons is performed under conditions in which the pressure of the hydrocarbons is higher than atmospheric pressure, the lock hopper is connected to a flammable gas supply path, and includes a pressurization process, which is a process of pressurizing the inside of the lock hopper by supplying the hydrocarbons from the flammable gas supply path to the lock hopper, and the solid storage process is performed after the pressurization process.

[0091] According to the above-mentioned pressurizing step, the pressure difference between the pressure inside the lock hopper and the pressure inside the space where pyrolysis takes place can be reduced. 11. A method for operating a lock hopper described in any one of 2 to 10 above, wherein the combustible gas supplied to the lock hopper is a hydrocarbon, the raw material used by the combustible gas generation system is a hydrocarbon, the combustible gas to be generated by the combustible gas generation system is hydrogen, the solid moving process includes a solid receiving process, the solid receiving process is a process of supplying a catalyst as a solid for thermally decomposing the hydrocarbon into hydrogen and carbon from outside the combustible gas generation system to the lock hopper via the inlet, and the oxygen expulsion process is a process of expelling oxygen that has entered the lock hopper by the solid receiving process from the lock hopper.

[0092] In the above-mentioned solids receiving step, oxygen flows into the lock hopper. Therefore, in the above-mentioned method, by providing an oxygen purging step, the oxygen that has flowed into the lock hopper can be purged out of the lock hopper.

[0093] 12. A method for operating a lock hopper as described in claim 11 above, wherein the lock hopper is connected to a combustible gas supply path and has a pressurizing step and a solid discharge step, the pressurizing step being a step of pressurizing the inside of the lock hopper by supplying the hydrocarbons from the combustible gas supply path to the lock hopper, and the solid discharge step being a step of discharging the catalyst from the outlet to supply the catalyst to a reactor side for pyrolysis, and is a step that is executed after the pressurizing step, and the pressure in the reactor is higher than atmospheric pressure.

[0094] According to the pressurizing step, the pressure difference between the inside of the lock hopper and the reactor side can be reduced. 13. A method for operating a lock hopper as described in claim 12, further comprising a depressurization process, which is a process for discharging the product gas that has flowed into the lock hopper by the solid discharge process from the combustible gas discharge path, and the product gas is a mixture of the hydrocarbons and hydrogen produced by thermal decomposition of the hydrocarbons.

[0095] The depressurization step can reduce the concentration of the produced gas in the lock hopper. 14. A method for operating a lock hopper as described in claim 13 above, further comprising a generated gas exhaust process, which, after the depressurization process, discharges the generated gas from the lock hopper to the flammable gas exhaust path by supplying non-flammable gas from the non-flammable gas supply path to the lock hopper while keeping the lock hopper and the flammable gas exhaust path in communication with each other.

[0096] According to the above-mentioned combustible gas purging step, the produced gas in the lock hopper can be purged by the non-combustible gas. 15. A method of operating a lock hopper as described in claim 14, wherein the flammable gas discharge path includes a produced gas path and a mixed gas path, the produced gas path is a path for removing the produced gas from the lock hopper, and the mixed gas path is a path for removing the produced gas and the non-flammable gas from the lock hopper, the depressurization process is a process for discharging the produced gas into the produced gas path, and the produced gas expulsion process is a process for discharging the produced gas from the lock hopper to the mixed gas path, the lock hopper is connected to a flammable gas supply path, and has a produced gas recovery process, the produced gas recovery process is a process for discharging the produced gas in the lock hopper to the produced gas path by supplying the hydrocarbons from the flammable gas supply path to the lock hopper, and is performed between the depressurization process and the produced gas expulsion process.

[0097] According to the above-mentioned produced gas recovery process, the produced gas can be recovered in the produced gas path, and therefore, the produced gas can be prevented from flowing into the mixed gas path. 16. A method for operating a lock hopper as described in 14 or 15 above, comprising a non-combustible gas discharge process, which is a process for discharging the non-combustible gas from the lock hopper to the non-combustible gas discharge path after the generated gas expulsion process, and the solid receiving process is carried out after the non-combustible gas expulsion process.

[0098] By providing the non-combustible gas purging step, the pressure in the lock hopper immediately before the execution of the solid receiving step can be made lower than in the case where the non-combustible gas purging step is not provided. 17. A method for operating a lock hopper as described in claim 3, in which the flammable gas discharged from the lock hopper into the flammable gas discharge path is returned to a path for generating target gas in the flammable gas generation system.

[0099] According to the above method, the combustible gas can be effectively used to generate the target gas. 18. A solid moving device having a lock hopper used to move solids from either inside or outside a flammable gas generation system to the other, wherein the flammable gas generation system is a system that generates flammable gas, the lock hopper is connected to a discharge path and a non-flammable gas supply path separately from the solid inlet and the solid outlet, the flammable gas discharge path is a path through which gas containing flammable gas is discharged from the lock hopper, and the non-flammable gas supply path is a path through which non-flammable gas is supplied to the lock hopper.

[0100] If the non-combustible gas introduced from the non-combustible gas supply path is discharged from the discharge path, it is possible to prevent an increase in the concentration of the non-combustible gas in paths located on either the inlet or the outlet side of the lock hopper where the non-combustible gas is not intended to be mixed in. Also, if the combustible gas is expelled from the lock hopper to the discharge path by the non-combustible gas introduced from the non-combustible gas supply path, it is possible to prevent the combustible gas from flowing out of the system when a solid is moved from either inside or outside the system to the other.

[0101] 19. A solid moving device as described in claim 18, wherein the exhaust path includes a flammable gas exhaust path and a non-flammable gas exhaust path, the flammable gas exhaust path is a path through which gas containing flammable gas in the lock hopper is exhausted, and the non-flammable gas exhaust path is a path through which the non-flammable gas in the lock hopper is released into the atmosphere.

[0102] In the above configuration, since the exhaust path includes a path for discharging non-flammable gas into the atmosphere and a path for discharging flammable gas, it is possible to prevent the flammable gas from flowing into the atmosphere. 20. A solid transfer device as described in claim 19, wherein the flammable gas discharge path includes a produced gas path and a mixed gas path, the produced gas path being a path for removing the flammable gas from the lock hopper, and the mixed gas path being a path for removing the flammable gas and the non-flammable gas from the lock hopper.

[0103] In the above configuration, the flammable gas discharge path includes a generated gas path and a mixed gas path, so that when expelling flammable gas from the lock hopper, different paths can be used depending on whether or not non-flammable gas is contained in the lock hopper.

[0104] 21. A solid moving device described in any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the lock hopper is connected to a flammable gas supply path, and the flammable gas supply path is a path for supplying flammable gas to the lock hopper.

[0105] In the above configuration, by supplying flammable gas from the flammable gas supply path to the lock hopper, the non-flammable gas in the lock hopper can be expelled from the lock hopper. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 14...Heat exchanger 16...Reactor 20…Cyclone 22...Filter device 24…Compressor 26...Hydrogen purification equipment 28…Off-gas compressor 30…Supply hopper 32…Inlet valve 34…Rockhopper 36…Exhaust valve 50...Flammable gas supply route 52...Flammable gas supply valve 56...Non-flammable gas supply route 58...Non-flammable gas supply valve 60…Production gas route 62…Production gas valve 64...Mixed gas route 66…Mixed gas valve 68...Non-flammable gas exhaust route 70...Non-flammable gas exhaust valve 72...Mixed gas compressor 74...Hydrogen purification equipment 80…Supply hopper 82…Inlet valve 84…Rockhopper 84a…Discharge port 86…Exhaust valve 90...Flammable gas supply route 92...Flammable gas supply valve 94...Non-flammable gas supply line 96...Non-flammable gas supply valve 100…Production gas route 102…produced gas valve 104...Mixed gas route 106…Mixed gas valve 108...Non-flammable gas exhaust route 110...Non-flammable gas exhaust valve 112…Carbon 114…Iron 120...Hydrogen generator 200...Control device 202…PU 204...Storage device

Claims

1. 1. A method for operating a lock hopper having a solids moving process, comprising: the solid moving step is a step of moving solids from either inside or outside the combustible gas generation system to the other by introducing solids into or discharging solids from a lock hopper; A flammable gas generating system is a system that generates flammable gas, The method includes a non-flammable gas introduction step and a discharge step, The non-combustible gas introduction step is a step of introducing a non-combustible gas into a lock hopper from a path different from the solid inlet and the solid discharge outlet, A method for operating a lock hopper, wherein the discharge step is a step of discharging gas in the lock hopper from the lock hopper using a path separate from the solids inlet and the solids discharge outlet.

2. The non-flammable gas introduction step includes an oxygen purging step, The discharge step includes a non-combustible gas expulsion step, The lock hopper is connected to a flammable gas discharge path, a non-flammable gas discharge path, and a non-flammable gas supply path, separately from the solid inlet and the solid discharge port; The flammable gas discharge path is a path through which gas containing flammable gas is discharged from the lock hopper, the oxygen purging step is a step of supplying the non-combustible gas to the lock hopper from the non-combustible gas supply path while communicating the lock hopper with the non-combustible gas discharge path in a state in which oxygen is present in the lock hopper, in order to purge the oxygen with the non-combustible gas; 2. The method of operating a lock hopper according to claim 1, wherein the non-combustible gas purging step is a step of discharging the non-combustible gas in the lock hopper from the lock hopper to the flammable gas discharge path by supplying flammable gas to the lock hopper while the lock hopper and the flammable gas discharge path are in a communication state, and is a step that is executed after the oxygen purging step.

3. The lock hopper is connected to a flammable gas discharge path and a non-flammable gas supply path separately from the solid inlet and the solid discharge port, The flammable gas discharge path is a path through which gas containing flammable gas is discharged from the lock hopper, The non-flammable gas introducing step and the discharging step include a flammable gas purging step, the flammable gas purging step is a step of supplying non-flammable gas from the non-flammable gas supply path to the lock hopper while the lock hopper and the flammable gas discharge path are in communication with each other in a state in which the flammable gas is contained in the lock hopper, 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the solids moving step is performed after the combustible gas purging step.

4. The flammable gas exhaust path includes a produced gas path and a mixed gas path, The generated gas path is a path for extracting the flammable gas from the lock hopper, The mixed gas path is a path for extracting the flammable gas and the non-flammable gas from the lock hopper, The non-combustible gas expulsion step is a step of discharging the non-combustible gas in the lock hopper to the mixed gas path, A generated gas extraction step is provided. the produced gas taking out step is a step of causing the produced gas in the lock hopper to flow into the produced gas path by bringing the lock hopper into communication with the produced gas path while the produced gas is present in the lock hopper, The method of operating a lock hopper according to claim 2 , wherein the product gas is the combustible gas generated by the combustible gas generation system.

5. the flammable gas supplied to the lock hopper is a hydrocarbon; The raw material used by the combustible gas generation system is a hydrocarbon, The flammable gas to be generated by the flammable gas generation system is hydrogen, The lock hopper is connected to a flammable gas supply path, 3. The method for operating a lock hopper according to claim 2, wherein the non-combustible gas expulsion step is a step of supplying the hydrocarbons to the lock hopper from the flammable gas supply path while keeping the lock hopper and the flammable gas discharge path in communication with each other.

6. A pressurizing step is included.

6. The method for operating a lock hopper according to claim 5, wherein the pressurizing step is a step of supplying the hydrocarbons to the lock hopper from the flammable gas supply path while isolating the inside of the lock hopper from the flammable gas discharge path, and is a step that is executed after the non-flammable gas expulsion step.

7. The solid moving step is a solid matter ejection step, the solid discharge step is a step of discharging carbon from the lock hopper to outside the combustible gas generation system by opening the discharge port in a state in which the lock hopper is filled with carbon out of the carbon as a solid and a generated gas that is a mixture of the hydrocarbons and hydrogen generated by thermal decomposition of the hydrocarbons; 3. The method for operating a lock hopper according to claim 2, wherein the oxygen purging step is a step of purging, from the lock hopper, oxygen that has entered the lock hopper during the solid matter discharging step.

8. The method includes a solid storage step, a depressurization step, and a generated gas removal step, The solids storing step is a step of receiving the carbon produced by the pyrolysis from the inlet into the lock hopper, The depressurization step is a step of discharging the generated gas from the lock hopper to the flammable gas discharge path while the inlet is blocked, the generated gas purging step is a step of supplying the non-combustible gas from the non-combustible gas supply path to the lock hopper after the depressurization step, thereby discharging the generated gas in the lock hopper to the flammable gas discharge path, 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the solids discharge step is performed after the product gas expulsion step.

9. The flammable gas exhaust path includes a produced gas path and a mixed gas path, the produced gas path is a path for taking out the produced gas from the lock hopper, The mixed gas path is a path for extracting the flammable gas and the non-flammable gas from the lock hopper, The lock hopper is connected to a flammable gas supply path, A generated gas recovery step is provided. the produced gas recovery step is a step of discharging the produced gas in the lock hopper to the produced gas path by supplying the hydrocarbons from the combustible gas supply path to the lock hopper, and is a step that is executed between the depressurization step and the produced gas purge step; 9. The method for operating a lock hopper according to claim 8, wherein the produced gas expelling step is a step of discharging the hydrocarbons in the lock hopper to the mixed gas path.

10. The thermal cracking of the hydrocarbons is carried out under a condition in which the pressure of the hydrocarbons is higher than atmospheric pressure, The lock hopper is connected to a flammable gas supply path, A pressurizing step is included. the pressurizing step is a step of pressurizing an inside of the lock hopper by supplying the hydrocarbons from the flammable gas supply path to the lock hopper, The method of operating a lock hopper according to claim 8 , wherein the solids storing step is performed after the pressurizing step.

11. the flammable gas supplied to the lock hopper is a hydrocarbon; The raw material used by the combustible gas generation system is a hydrocarbon, The flammable gas to be generated by the flammable gas generation system is hydrogen, The solids moving step includes a solids receiving step, The solid receiving step is a step of supplying the solid catalyst for pyrolyzing the hydrocarbons into hydrogen and carbon from outside the combustible gas generation system to the lock hopper through the inlet, 3. The method for operating a lock hopper according to claim 2, wherein the oxygen purging step is a step of purging oxygen from the lock hopper that has entered the lock hopper during the solids receiving step.

12. The lock hopper is connected to a flammable gas supply path, A pressurizing step and a solid matter ejection step are provided. the pressurizing step is a step of pressurizing an inside of the lock hopper by supplying the hydrocarbons from the flammable gas supply path to the lock hopper, The solid discharge step is a step of discharging the catalyst from the discharge port in order to supply the catalyst to a reactor side for pyrolysis, and is a step that is performed after the pressurizing step, 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the pressure in the reactor is greater than atmospheric pressure.

13. A depressurization step is included. The depressurization step is a step of discharging the generated gas that has flowed into the lock hopper by the solid discharge step from the flammable gas discharge path, 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the product gas is a mixture of the hydrocarbons and hydrogen produced by thermal decomposition of the hydrocarbons.

14. A generated gas removal step is provided.

14. The method of operating a lock hopper according to claim 13, wherein the produced gas expulsion process is a process of discharging the produced gas from the lock hopper to the flammable gas discharge path by supplying non-flammable gas from the non-flammable gas supply path to the lock hopper while keeping the lock hopper and the flammable gas discharge path in a communication state after the depressurization process.

15. The flammable gas exhaust path includes a produced gas path and a mixed gas path, the produced gas path is a path for taking out the produced gas from the lock hopper, The mixed gas path is a path for extracting the generated gas and the non-combustible gas from the lock hopper, The depressurization step is a step of discharging the product gas into the product gas path, The produced gas expulsion step is a step of discharging the produced gas from the lock hopper to the mixed gas path, The lock hopper is connected to a flammable gas supply path, A generated gas recovery step is provided.

15. The method of operating a lock hopper according to claim 14, wherein the produced gas recovery step is a step of discharging the produced gas in the lock hopper to the produced gas path by supplying the hydrocarbons from the combustible gas supply path to the lock hopper, and is performed between the depressurization step and the produced gas purge step.

16. A non-flammable gas exhaust process is provided. The non-combustible gas discharge step is a step of discharging the non-combustible gas from the lock hopper to the non-combustible gas discharge path after the generated gas expulsion step, 15. The method of operating a lock hopper according to claim 14, wherein the solids receiving step is performed after the non-combustible gas purging step.

17. 4. A method for operating a lock hopper as described in claim 3, wherein the flammable gas discharged from the lock hopper to the flammable gas discharge path is returned to a path for generating target gas in the flammable gas generation system.

18. 1. A solids transfer device comprising: a lock hopper utilized to transfer solids from one side of a combustible gas generation system to the other side of the combustible gas generation system, A flammable gas generating system is a system that generates flammable gas, The lock hopper is connected to a discharge path and a non-combustible gas supply path in addition to the solid inlet and the solid discharge port, The flammable gas discharge path is a path through which gas containing flammable gas is discharged from the lock hopper, The non-flammable gas supply path is a path for supplying a non-flammable gas to the lock hopper.

19. The exhaust path includes a flammable gas exhaust path and a non-flammable gas exhaust path, The flammable gas discharge path is a path through which gas containing flammable gas in the lock hopper is discharged, 19. The solid moving apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the non-combustible gas discharge path is a path for discharging the non-combustible gas in the lock hopper to the atmosphere.

20. The flammable gas exhaust path includes a produced gas path and a mixed gas path, The generated gas path is a path for extracting the flammable gas from the lock hopper, 20. The solid transfer apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the mixed gas path is a path for removing the flammable gas and the non-flammable gas from the lock hopper.

21. The lock hopper is connected to a flammable gas supply path, 19. The solid moving apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the flammable gas supply path is a path for supplying flammable gas to the lock hopper.

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