Method for reforming raw material and reforming apparatus

Abstract

To provide a method for reforming a raw material or the like in which an addition amount of a reforming agent into a raw material can be controlled at an appropriate amount, and attachment of a reforming agent and a raw material to conveyance facility can be controlled.SOLUTION: A method for adding a reforming agent to a raw material conveyed by conveyance facility to reform the raw material has: (1) a step for continuously measuring moisture percentage to the raw material; (2) a step for continuously measuring an amount of the raw material present at a specific position of conveyance facility; (3) a step for continuously measuring start / stop of the conveyance facility; (4) a step for calculating a target concentration (A) of the reforming agent in the reforming agent-added raw material when it is assumed that the reforming agent is added to the raw material, on the basis of moisture percentage; (5) a step for determining the necessity of addition of the reforming agent on the basis of an amount and start / stop of the raw material; (6) a step for calculating a target adding amount (B) of the reforming agent per unit time on the basis of an amount of the raw material and the target concentration (A); and (7) a step for adding the target adding amount (B) to the raw material in the case where addition of the reforming agent is necessary.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for reforming a feedstock, particularly a feedstock in a wet state. [Background technology]

[0002] In steelworks, thermal power plants, and other facilities, mineral raw materials and fuels (hereinafter referred to as raw materials) are usually stored in raw material yards as inventory. Raw materials stored in raw material yards may contain water sprayed as a dust control measure or rainwater, and the moisture content is likely to be high. In addition, raw materials transported by bulk carriers are unloaded and transported to the raw material yards, and the moisture content of the raw materials at the bottom of the hatch during transportation is likely to be high. Raw materials are usually unloaded and transported from the raw material yard using a belt conveyor (hereinafter referred to as BC). Raw materials with high moisture content like this can cause adhesion, clogging, and blockages during the transport process, and in the case of coal for coke ovens, it can cause a decrease in bulk density in the coke oven, so a modifier is sometimes used to prevent these problems. The modifier is usually sprayed on the raw materials on the BC, and the raw materials and modifier are mixed at the transfer point to achieve the modification effect.

[0003] A known method of adding modifiers involves manually determining the amount of transported material or whether the material has run out from its appearance and then changing the settings for the amount of agent injected. However, the BC does not always transport raw materials, and it starts and stops repeatedly depending on the operating conditions, and the amount of material transported is not constant. In particular, when loading and unloading from a bulk carrier, it stops for hatch replacement, bucket cleaning, and dealing with BC meandering. In addition, the unloader used for unloading may be in single or double operation, and the capacity of each unloader is different, so the amount of material transported changes. Unloading takes several days, so it is difficult for people to constantly monitor and control the chemical dosing. If chemical dosing control is insufficient, chemical dosing will continue even when there is no raw material on the BC, and problems such as chemicals adhering to the BC depending on the type of modifier may occur, making it easier for raw materials to adhere to the BC. Therefore, instead of having a person change the pharmaceutical injection amount setting as described above, it is necessary to automatically control the pharmaceutical injection amount.

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes a method for modifying mineral raw materials by adding a modifier to the mineral raw materials, the method comprising the steps of continuously measuring the moisture content of the mineral raw materials being transported, calculating the amount of modifier to be added based on the moisture content, and adding the amount of modifier to the mineral raw materials, the method preventing at least one of adhesion of the mineral raw materials to a transporting equipment, clogging within the transporting equipment, ejection into and outside the transporting equipment, and a decrease in bulk density by adding the modifier. Patent Document 2 describes an apparatus for adding a chemical solution to moist bulk materials, which is loaded onto a belt conveyor using a bridge crane or an unloader grab bucket from a cargo ship and transported to a yard on the belt conveyor, and which includes an adding means for adding the chemical solution, an adding amount control means for controlling the amount of the chemical solution added, a sensor for collecting information for determining the start and stop of chemical solution addition, a chemical solution tank for storing the chemical solution to be added, and a transport hose for transporting the chemical solution from the chemical solution tank to the adding means. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2021-167442 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2015-196573 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In Patent Document 1, the content of the modifier in the raw material is controlled to a predetermined concentration regardless of the amount of raw material transported on the BC. However, if the modifier is sprayed to a predetermined concentration when the transport amount is small, the modifier may adhere to the BC and other equipment, promoting adhesion of the raw material and causing problems such as adhesion of the raw material to the BC and clogging of the transfer chute. Patent Document 2 discloses that when the BC is in operation and there is a load on the BC, a chemical solution is added. However, even in Patent Document 2, if the modifier is sprayed to a predetermined concentration when the load on the BC is small, the modifier may adhere to the BC and other equipment, promoting adhesion of the raw materials, causing the raw materials to adhere to the BC, clogging of the transfer chute, and other inconveniences.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a method and apparatus for reforming raw materials that can be automated, that can appropriately control the amount of modifier added to the raw materials, and that can suppress adhesion of the modifier and raw materials to transportation equipment (BC, etc.). [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention provides the following [1] to [5]. [1] A method for modifying a raw material by adding a modifying agent to the raw material transported by a transport facility, comprising: A step (1) of continuously measuring the moisture content of the raw material being conveyed; (2) continuously measuring the amount of the raw material present at a specific position of the conveying equipment; A step (3) of continuously measuring the start and stop of the conveying equipment; (4) calculating a target concentration (A) of the modifier in the raw material to which the modifier has been added, based on the moisture content; (5) determining whether or not the modifying agent needs to be added based on the amount of the raw material and the start and stop of the process; (6) calculating a target addition amount (B) of the modifying agent per unit time based on the amount of the raw material and the target concentration (A); (7) adding the target addition amount (B) to the raw material when the need for adding the modifier is determined, and not adding the target addition amount (B) to the raw material when the need for adding the modifier is determined; The method for modifying a raw material prevents at least one of adhesion to the conveying equipment, clogging within the conveying equipment, meandering and bias of the conveying equipment, and a decrease in bulk density of the raw material. [2] The method for reforming a raw material according to the above [1], wherein the transport equipment is at least one of a pipe, a belt conveyor, a conveyor chain, a chute, a hopper, a silo, and a coke oven. [3] A reforming apparatus for reforming a raw material transported by a transport facility by adding a reforming agent to the raw material, A moisture content measuring device that continuously measures the moisture content of the raw material being conveyed; a raw material amount measuring device that continuously measures the amount of the raw material present at a specific position of the conveying facility; A start / stop measuring device that continuously measures the start / stop of the conveying equipment; A control device that calculates a target concentration (A) of the modifier in the raw material to which the modifier has been added based on the moisture content when it is assumed that the modifier has been added to the raw material; a control device that determines whether or not the modifying agent needs to be added based on the amount of the raw material and the start and stop of the process; a control device that calculates a target addition amount (B) of the modifying agent per unit time based on the amount of the raw material and the target concentration; a modifying agent adding device that adds the target addition amount (B) to the raw material when the need for adding the modifying agent is determined to be necessary, and does not add the target addition amount (B) to the raw material when the need for adding the modifying agent is determined to be necessary; The raw material reforming device prevents at least one of adhesion to the conveying facility, clogging within the conveying facility, meandering and bias of the conveying facility, and a decrease in bulk density of the raw material. [4] The raw material reforming apparatus described in [3] above, wherein the start / stop measuring device is a two-way start / stop device that measures whether the conveying equipment is starting or stopping, but does not measure the moving speed. [5] The raw material reforming apparatus described in [3] above, wherein the start / stop measuring device is a device for measuring the moving speed of the conveying equipment. Effect of the Invention

[0009] The raw material reforming method and reforming device according to the present invention can be automated, the amount of modifier added to the raw material can be appropriately controlled, and adhesion of the modifier and raw material to transportation equipment (BC, etc.) can be suppressed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method and apparatus for reforming a raw material according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] The method for modifying a raw material according to the present invention will be described below. In the present invention, "preventing adhesion of raw materials to transportation equipment" is used to mean not only the case where there is no adhesion at all, but also the case where there is some adhesion but the adhesion is sufficiently suppressed to the extent that the transportation of the raw materials is not hindered. In the present invention, continuous measurement does not mean a single measurement, but rather measurements are made continuously, for example, the amount of raw material being transported or the moisture content of the raw material being measured multiple times at specific intervals.

[0012] [Method of modifying raw materials] The method for reforming a raw material according to the present invention is a method for reforming a raw material by adding a reforming agent to the raw material transported by a transport facility, comprising the steps of: A step (1) of continuously measuring the moisture content of the raw material being conveyed; (2) continuously measuring the amount of the raw material present at a specific position of the conveying equipment; A step (3) of continuously measuring the start and stop of the conveying equipment; (4) calculating a target concentration (A) of the modifier in the raw material to which the modifier has been added, based on the moisture content; (5) determining whether or not the modifying agent needs to be added based on the amount of the raw material and the start and stop of the process; (6) calculating a target addition amount (B) of the modifying agent per unit time based on the amount of the raw material and the target concentration (A); (7) adding the target addition amount (B) to the raw material when the need for adding the modifier is determined, and not adding the target addition amount (B) to the raw material when the need for adding the modifier is determined; The method for modifying a raw material prevents at least one of adhesion to the transport facility, clogging within the transport facility, meandering and bias of the transport facility, and a decrease in bulk density of the raw material. According to the method for modifying raw materials of the present invention, automation is possible, the amount of modifying agent added to the raw materials can be appropriately controlled, and adhesion of the modifying agent and raw materials to transportation equipment (BC, etc.) can be suppressed.

[0013] <Raw materials> In the present invention, raw material means a mineral raw material or a mineral fuel. The type of raw material is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include coal, iron ore, metal ores other than iron ore, dust, slag, sludge, coke, sintered ore, limestone, etc. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds. The shape, size, etc. of the raw material are not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of preventing clogging, a material that is prone to clogging, such as a granular or powdered material with a particle size of 0.1 μm to 10 mm per particle, is preferably used.

[0014] In the present invention, the "raw material" to which the modifier is added is a wet raw material containing moisture. The "wet raw material" is a raw material that is in a moist state and can be transported by a belt conveyor. The moisture content of the wet raw material cannot be generally determined depending on the type and properties of the raw material, but for example, in the case of coal with a particle size of 0.1 μm to 10 mm, it is more than 9 mass%, preferably 11 mass% or more. Also, for example, in the case of iron ore with a particle size of 0.1 μm to 10 mm, it is more than 7 mass%, preferably 9 mass% or more. The origin of the moisture in the raw material is not particularly limited, and may be derived from the raw material itself, or may be water that has come into contact with the raw material during transportation or storage, or water that has been sprayed to prevent dust.

[0015] <Modifier> The modifier is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include organic substances such as highly water-absorbent resins, water-soluble polymer compounds, surfactants, and organic solvents, and inorganic substances such as dust, slag, coal, coke, iron ore, diatomaceous earth, and ceramics generated in steelworks, etc. These may be used alone, or two or more types may be used alone, or two or more types may be used as a mixture. From the viewpoint of preventing the raw material from adhering to the conveying equipment, from clogging within the conveying equipment, and from being sprayed into and out of the conveying equipment, the modifier preferably contains at least one selected from a superabsorbent polymer and a water-soluble polymer compound, and more preferably contains a superabsorbent polymer. From the viewpoint of improving the bulk density of the raw material, the modifier preferably contains a surfactant.

[0016] (Super absorbent resin) The superabsorbent resin in the present invention is defined in JIS K7223 (1996) and JIS K7224 (1996) as "a resin that absorbs water to a high degree and swells, is a hydrophilic substance with a crosslinked structure that absorbs water upon contact with water, and once absorbed, is resistant to water release even when pressure is applied." In other words, it is a resin that absorbs a large amount of water and has excellent water retention. When the superabsorbent resin is added to a wet raw material, the water-soluble polymer absorbs at least a part of the moisture in the raw material. This reduces the moisture content of the surface of the raw material, improves the slipperiness of the raw material on the contact surface of the conveying equipment, and makes it difficult for the raw material to adhere, preventing adhesion to the conveying equipment, clogging in the conveying equipment, and spraying inside and outside the conveying equipment. It is not necessary for the superabsorbent resin to absorb the entire amount of moisture in the raw material, as long as the adhesion to the contact surface of the conveying equipment is suppressed.

[0017] The type of superabsorbent resin may be either a synthetic resin or a natural product-derived resin, and is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include poly(meth)acrylic acid, poly(meth)acrylates, poly(meth)acrylic acid esters, poly(meth)acrylamides, polyalkyleneimines, polyoxyalkylenes, polymaleic acids, and copolymers containing any of the monomers constituting these. In the present invention, "(meth)acrylic" means acrylic or methacrylic.

[0018] Examples of monomers constituting the poly(meth)acrylate include sodium (meth)acrylate, potassium (meth)acrylate, and ammonium (meth)acrylate. Examples of monomers constituting poly(meth)acrylic acid esters include methyl (meth)acrylate, ethyl (meth)acrylate, n-propyl (meth)acrylate, n-butyl (meth)acrylate, isobutyl (meth)acrylate, hydroxyethyl (meth)acrylate, and 2-ethylhexyl (meth)acrylate. Examples of monomers constituting polyalkyleneimines include ethyleneimine and methylethyleneimine. Examples of monomers constituting the polyoxyalkylene include ethylene oxide and propylene oxide. Examples of other monomers constituting the copolymer include vinyl sulfonic acid, styrene sulfonic acid, N-ethyl (meth)acrylamide, and vinylpyridine.

[0019] The highly water-absorbent resin may be used alone or in combination of two or more. From the viewpoints of availability and high water absorption capacity, polyacrylic acid or sodium polyacrylate is preferably used, and sodium polyacrylate is particularly preferred. The highly water-absorbent resin may be used in combination with other water-absorbing agents, such as silica gel, zeolite, and activated carbon. The superabsorbent resin is preferably in the form of granules or powder with a particle size equal to or smaller than that of the raw material, from the viewpoints of uniform mixing with the raw material and ease of handling. For example, in the case of coal with a particle size of 0.1 μm to 2 mm, a superabsorbent resin with a particle size of preferably 10 to 1000 μm, more preferably 50 to 600 μm, is used. In addition, a liquid superabsorbent resin dispersed in an organic solvent may be used, or a liquid superabsorbent resin may be used. The organic solvent is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to use a high boiling point solvent such as an aromatic organic solvent.

[0020] From the viewpoint of efficiently transporting the raw material, the content of the highly absorbent resin in the active ingredient of the modifier is preferably 5 to 100 mass%, more preferably 50 to 100 mass%, and even more preferably 90 to 100 mass%.

[0021] (Water-soluble polymer compound) The water-soluble polymer compound in the present invention is one that has the properties of having a large water absorption amount and excellent water retention. In the present invention, water-soluble means that 0.01 g or more is dissolved in 100 g of water at 25°C. When a water-soluble polymer compound is added and mixed with a wet raw material, the water-soluble polymer compound absorbs at least a part of the moisture in the raw material. This reduces the moisture content of the surface of the raw material, improves the slipperiness of the raw material on the contact surface of the conveying equipment, and makes it difficult for the raw material to adhere, thereby preventing adhesion to the conveying equipment, clogging in the conveying equipment, and spraying inside and outside the conveying equipment. It is not necessary for the entire amount of moisture in the raw material to be absorbed by the water-soluble polymer compound, as long as the adhesion to the contact surface of the conveying equipment is suppressed. The water-soluble polymer compound may be either an artificially produced synthetic polymer compound or a naturally occurring natural polymer compound, and examples thereof include synthetic water-soluble polymer compounds, semi-synthetic water-soluble polymer compounds, and natural water-soluble polymer compounds.

[0022] Examples of the synthetic water-soluble polymeric compound include polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone or a salt thereof, polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl methyl ether, copolymers of (meth)acrylic acid, (meth)acrylamide, maleic anhydride, maleic acid, maleic acid amide, maleic acid imide, itaconic acid, crotonic acid, fumaric acid, etc. or salts thereof, etc. Examples of the salts include alkali metal salts such as sodium and potassium.

[0023] Examples of semi-synthetic water-soluble polymer compounds include cellulose derivatives such as viscose, methyl cellulose, cationic cellulose, ethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, and hydroxypropyl cellulose; starch derivatives such as pregelatinized starch, carboxyl starch, dialdehyde starch, cationic starch, dextrin, and British gum; cationic guar gum, anionic guar gum, and methyl glycol chitosan.

[0024] Examples of natural water-soluble polymeric compounds include starch, mannan, guar gum, xanthan gum, sodium alginate, locust bean gum, pectin, dextran, gelatin, rhamsan gum, and gellan gum.

[0025] The water-soluble polymer compound may be any of anionic, cationic, nonionic and amphoteric. Among these, anionic and nonionic compounds are preferred because they have low toxicity to fish, and anionic compounds are more preferred.

[0026] The water-soluble polymer compound is preferably a synthetic water-soluble polymer compound. As the synthetic water-soluble polymer compound, a homopolymer or copolymer having one or more kinds of anionic monomers and nonionic monomers as constituents is suitable. Examples of the anionic group (anionic monomer) include carboxylic acid (monomer) such as acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, and itaconic acid; and sulfonic acid (monomer) such as styrene sulfonic acid, vinyl sulfonic acid, and 3-allyloxy-2-hydroxypropanesulfonic acid. Examples of the nonionic group (nonionic monomer) include acrylamide (monomer) and methacrylamide (monomer). As the synthetic water-soluble polymer compound, acrylic acid-based and / or acrylamide-based polymers are more preferable. Examples of acrylic acid and / or acrylamide polymers include acrylic acid homopolymers, acrylamide homopolymers, acrylic acid / acrylamide copolymers, partial hydrolysates of polyacrylamide, acrylic acid / acrylamide / 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, acrylic acid / maleic acid copolymers or salts thereof, which may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Of these, acrylic acid / acrylamide copolymers, acrylamide homopolymers, and partial hydrolysates of polyacrylamide all have high molecular weights and are suitable for use in the present invention. The acrylamide-based or acrylic acid-based polymer has an average weight molecular weight of preferably 1,000,000 to 10,000,000, and more preferably 5,000,000 to 9,000,000 (measured by the intrinsic viscosity method). In the case of an anionic polymer, the content of the acrylic acid unit when producing the acrylic acid-based and / or acrylamide-based polymer is preferably 5 mol % or more, more preferably 20 to 100 mol %, based on the total amount (100 mol %) of the monomers used. The state of the water-soluble polymer compound when used is not particularly limited, and it is preferable to use it in the form of a powder, liquid, or emulsion. In particular, it is preferable to use it in the form of a powder or emulsion, which can be used without increasing the moisture of the object to be transported. A water-soluble polymer compound in the form of a W / O type emulsion can be produced by a known method (for example, JP-B-52-039417 and JP-A-51-41090).

[0027] The water-soluble polymer compound may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Acrylic acid / acrylamide copolymer, acrylamide homopolymer, and partial hydrolyzate of polyacrylamide all have high molecular weights and are preferably used from the viewpoint of efficient transport of the raw material.

[0028] From the viewpoint of efficiently transporting the raw material, the content of the water-soluble polymer compound in the active ingredient of the modifier is preferably 5 to 80 mass%, more preferably 20 to 60 mass%, and even more preferably 30 to 50 mass%.

[0029] (Surfactant) Examples of the surfactant that can be used include anionic surfactants such as dialkylsulfosuccinic acid (the alkyl group preferably has 8 to 16 carbon atoms) or a salt thereof (e.g., sodium salt, ammonium salt, potassium salt, triethanolamine salt), polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfate, and sodium alkanesulfonate; and nonionic surfactants such as polyoxyethylene (POE) addition polymer or a salt thereof. When the surfactant is added to and mixed with a wet raw material, the lubricity of the raw material is improved, and the bulk density of the raw material is improved. The increased bulk density contributes to improved productivity of industrial products using the raw material. The surfactant may be used alone or in combination of two or more. From the viewpoint of improving the bulk density of the raw material, anionic surfactants are preferred, and sodium alkanesulfonate is more preferred.

[0030] From the viewpoint of improving bulk density, the content of the surfactant in the active ingredients of the modifier is preferably 5 to 100 mass %, more preferably 10 to 50 mass %, and further preferably 20 to 30 mass %.

[0031] <Transportation equipment> The conveying facility in the present invention refers to, for example, conveying facilities in a conveying line that sends raw materials along a predetermined line from a raw material storage location such as a raw material yard to a facility that uses the raw materials, and includes facilities that have a temporary storage function such as chutes, hoppers, silos, etc. The conveying facility in the present invention refers to facilities that convey raw materials within the conveying facility, and is to be distinguished from transportation by ship or truck, transportation by bucket, etc. In the present invention, the effect of preventing adhesion, clogging, and spraying of raw materials inside and outside the conveying equipment can be obtained in parts of the conveying equipment that are prone to problems due to adhesion and clogging, specifically, in pipes, belt conveyors, conveyor chains, chutes, hoppers, silos, coke ovens, etc. Wet raw materials are prone to problems such as adhesion, clogging, and spraying in these transport facilities. When a problem occurs, it is necessary to stop operation of the line and resolve the problem, which is time-consuming. In contrast, in the present invention, when the amount of modifier to be added is calculated by the method described below and the modifier is added to the raw material in the calculated amount, the slipperiness of the raw material is improved on the contact surface of the conveying equipment, and adhesion, clogging, and spouting are prevented, making it possible to efficiently convey the raw material without stopping the operation of the line.

[0032] <Process (1)> Step (1) is a step of continuously measuring the moisture content of the raw material being transported. The interval for measuring the moisture content is not particularly limited and varies depending on the type, properties, and transport amount of the raw material, but when coal is used as the raw material and the transport amount is 1 to 20 t / min, it is preferable to measure the moisture content every 0.1 to 60 seconds. The interval for measuring the transport amount is not particularly limited and varies depending on the type, properties, transport speed, etc. of the raw material. However, when coal is used as the raw material and the moisture content of the coal is 5 to 25% by mass, it is preferable to measure the amount every 0.1 second to 1 minute.

[0033] As a method for measuring the moisture content of the raw material, from the viewpoint of continuous measurement, it is preferable to use a non-contact moisture meter, such as an infrared type, a microwave type, a neutron type, an electrical resistance type, or an electrical capacitance type. Among these, from the viewpoint of ease of installation and use, infrared measurement, in which infrared light is irradiated onto the raw material and the intensity of reflected light is measured, is preferred. For example, the CM710e manufactured by NDC Technologies can be used. The time required for measuring the moisture content of the raw material is preferably 0.1 to 60 seconds, and more preferably 1 to 10 seconds, from the viewpoints of productivity, adding an appropriate amount of modifier corresponding to the moisture content of the raw material, and the like.

[0034] <Process (2)> Step (2) is a step of continuously measuring the amount of the raw material present at a specific position in the transport facility. Examples of methods for measuring the amount of raw material include load measuring devices such as load cell type and Merrick type, and distance measuring devices such as optical type, millimeter wave type, and ultrasonic type. The load measuring device calculates the amount of raw materials from the mass value of the raw materials on the belt conveyor and the speed of the belt conveyor. The distance measuring device installs a distance sensor on the top of the belt conveyor and calculates the amount of raw materials from the difference between the distance from the distance sensor to the bottom of the belt conveyor and the distance from the distance sensor to the raw materials on the belt conveyor. The time required for measuring the amount of raw material is preferably 0.1 to 60 seconds, and more preferably 1 to 10 seconds, from the viewpoints of productivity, adding an appropriate amount of modifier corresponding to the moisture content of the raw material, and the like.

[0035] The position for measuring the moisture content and amount of the raw material being transported is preferably upstream of the position where the modifying agent is added, and is preferably installed near a transport facility such as a belt conveyor that transports the raw material to be measured. In one embodiment of the present invention, when the moisture content and the amount of raw material are measured, the moisture content may be measured prior to the measurement of the transport amount, the amount of raw material may be measured prior to the measurement of the moisture content, or the moisture content and the amount of raw material may be measured simultaneously. When the raw material is not being transported, it is not necessary to measure the moisture content, so it is preferable to measure the amount of raw material prior to the measurement of the moisture content.

[0036] <Process (3)> Step (3) is a step of continuously measuring the start and stop of the conveying equipment. Methods for measuring start and stop include measuring the current of Merrick belt scales, roller encoders, belt conveyor motors, vibration sensors, sound sensors, etc.

[0037] <Process (4)> Step (4) is a step of calculating a target concentration (A) of the modifier in the raw material to which the modifier has been added, based on the moisture content, on the assumption that the modifier has been added to the raw material. The target concentration (A) of the modifier varies depending on the type and properties of the raw material, but for example, when the raw material is coal, if the moisture content of the coal is less than about 7% by mass, adhesion to the conveying equipment, clogging in the conveying equipment, and ejection into and out of the conveying equipment are unlikely to occur, and the bulk density is also relatively high, so the target concentration (A) of the modifier is calculated to be 0% by mass. In other words, excessive addition of the modifier is suppressed. When the moisture content of coal is about 7% by mass or more, it becomes necessary to add a modifier, and a target concentration (A) of the modifier is calculated based on a reference value, which is an appropriate modifier concentration for the moisture content of the raw material, previously obtained by simulation, a calibration curve, etc., and the measurement result of the moisture content of the coal. The target concentration (A) of the modifier increases as the moisture content of the coal increases.

[0038] Based on the measurement results of the moisture content of the raw material, a target concentration (A) of the modifier is calculated, and in step (7) described below, the modifier is added so as to reach the calculated target concentration (A) of the modifier, thereby preventing a shortage of modifier and an insufficient modification effect. In addition, in the present invention, the target concentration (A) of the modifier is calculated based on the measurement result of the moisture content of the raw material, so that it is possible to prevent excessive addition of the modifier and reduce the cost of the modifier. Furthermore, if the measurement result of the moisture content is significantly different from the reference value, which is the appropriate concentration of the modifier for the moisture content of the raw material, obtained in advance by simulation, calibration curve, etc., it is possible to determine that the raw material is not present on the belt conveyor and to stop adding the modifier.

[0039] The target concentration (A) of the modifier varies depending on the type and properties of the raw material, and is calculated based on the moisture content of the raw material, or the moisture content and the transport amount. When the raw material is coal with a particle size of 0.1 μm to 2 mm and a moisture content of 9 mass% or more, and the modifier contains a highly water-absorbent resin, the target concentration (A) of the modifier is preferably 0.001 to 50 mass%, more preferably 0.005 to 5 mass%, and even more preferably 0.01 to 0.5 mass%. When the raw material is coal with a particle size of 0.1 μm to 2 mm and a moisture content of 9 mass% or more, and the modifier contains a water-soluble polymer compound, the target concentration (A) of the modifier is preferably 0.001 to 50 mass%, more preferably 0.005 to 5 mass%, and even more preferably 0.01 to 0.5 mass%. By setting the concentration in the above range, it is possible to prevent at least one of the following: adhesion of the raw material to the transport equipment, clogging in the transport equipment, and spraying into and out of the transport equipment. When the raw material is coal with a particle size of 0.1 μm to 2 mm and a moisture content of 9 mass% or more, and the modifier contains a surfactant, the target concentration (A) of the modifier is preferably 0.001 to 50 mass%, more preferably 0.005 to 5 mass%, and even more preferably 0.05 to 0.5 mass%. By setting the concentration within the above range, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the bulk density of the raw material.

[0040] When the raw material is iron ore having a particle size of 0.1 μm to 2 mm and a moisture content of 7 mass% or more, and the modifier contains a superabsorbent resin, the target concentration (A) of the modifier is preferably 0.001 to 50 mass%, more preferably 0.005 to 5 mass%, and even more preferably 0.01 to 0.5 mass%. When the raw material is iron ore having a particle size of 0.1 μm to 2 mm and a moisture content of 7 mass% or more, and the modifier contains a water-soluble polymer compound, the target concentration (A) of the modifier is preferably 0.001 to 50 mass%, more preferably 0.005 to 5 mass%, and even more preferably 0.01 to 0.5 mass%. By setting the concentration in the above range, it is possible to prevent at least one of the following: adhesion of the raw material to the conveying equipment, clogging in the conveying equipment, and spraying into and out of the conveying equipment. In addition, when the raw material is iron ore with a particle size of 0.1 μm to 2 mm and a moisture content of 7 mass% or more, and the modifier contains a surfactant, the target concentration (A) of the modifier is preferably 0.001 to 50 mass%, more preferably 0.005 to 5 mass%, and even more preferably 0.05 to 0.5 mass%. By setting the concentration in the above range, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the bulk density of the raw material.

[0041] <Process (5)> Step (5) is a step of determining whether or not the modifier needs to be added based on the start / stop and the amount of the raw material. For example, in step (5), the following judgment is made: (a) The start / stop function starts and the amount of the above raw materials is equal to or greater than the specified amount: Add. (b) The start / stop function has started and the amount of the above raw materials is less than the specified amount: Do not add. (c) The start / stop function has stopped and the amount of the above raw materials is more than the specified amount: Do not add. (d) If the start / stop function has stopped and the amount of the above raw materials is less than the specified amount: do not add. As described above in (a), by adding a modifier when the start / stop has started and the amount of raw material present at a specific position of the conveying equipment is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, it is possible to suppress adhesion of the modifier and raw material to the conveying equipment (BC, etc.). In addition, as described in (b) above, when the start / stop is a start, if the amount of raw material present at a specific position of the conveying equipment is less than a predetermined amount, the adhesion of the modifier and raw material to the conveying equipment (BC, etc.) can be suppressed without adding the modifier. In addition, if the amount of raw material present at a specific position of the conveying equipment is less than a predetermined amount, the modifier will adhere to the conveying equipment such as the conveying device, which may promote the adhesion of the raw material and cause the raw material to adhere to the BC or cause clogging at the transfer chute. Specifically, since it is desired to add the modifier uniformly to the raw material, the modifier is widely injected at several points or continuously in the width direction of the belt conveyor, but when the conveying amount is less than a predetermined amount, the width of the raw material is narrow, and it may be added directly onto the BC. In contrast, in the case of (b) above, the modifier is not added, so the inconvenience is avoided and the amount of modifier used can be suppressed. As described above in (c) and (d), by not adding modifier when the start and stop is stopped, it is possible to prevent the modifier from being added to the raw material multiple times during the stoppage, which would otherwise cause the modifier to adhere to the conveying equipment, and it is also possible to reduce the amount of modifier used.

[0042] <Process (6)> Step (6) is a step of calculating a target addition amount (B) of the modifier per unit time based on the amount of the raw material and the target concentration (A) of the modifier. This allows the modifier to be added to the raw material in the right amount. For example, the target amount of modifier added per unit time (B) (ton / hr) can be calculated by the following formula. ·Target addition amount (B)=X / Y×Z×A Here, the meanings of the symbols are as follows: X: Amount of raw material present at a specific location in the transport facility (tons) Y: Length of the specific position in the conveying direction (m) Z: Transport speed (m / hr) A: Target concentration of modifier (A) (mass%) Here, when the conveying device such as a belt conveyor cannot change the conveying speed, Z is a specific value. When the conveying device such as a belt conveyor can change the conveying speed, the conveying speed is preferably measured by a conveying speed measuring device. However, as described below, if it is determined in step (5) that no modifier is to be added, no modifier is added.

[0043] <Process (7)> Step (7) is a step of adding a target amount (B) of the modifier to the raw material when the need for adding the modifier is determined to be necessary, and not adding the target amount (B) of the modifier to the raw material when the need for adding the modifier is determined to be unnecessary. This allows the modifier to be added to the raw material in the exact amount necessary only when the modifier is required.

[0044] The position where the modifier is added to the raw material is preferably a position where it can be added after the measurement position of the moisture content of the raw material and the measurement position of the amount of the raw material, but is not particularly limited, and may be during or after the raw material is transported by a transport device such as a belt conveyor. From the viewpoint of adding an appropriate amount of modifier, the addition position is preferably near the measurement position of the moisture content and the amount of the raw material. In addition, since a mixing action occurs between the added modifier and the raw material at the transfer point of the belt conveyor, it is preferable to add the modifier at a position upstream of the transfer point of the belt conveyor. The method of adding the modifier to the raw material is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to spray the modifier from above the raw material as it is being transported by a belt conveyor or the like. The modifier may be added at one location or at two or more locations. When two or more components are used as the modifier, each component may be added separately, or a mixture prepared in advance may be added. Also, one component may be added alone, and then a mixture prepared in advance of two or more components may be added, or a mixture prepared in advance of two or more components may be added, and then one component may be added alone.

[0045] The timing of adding the modifier to the raw material is preferably within 10 minutes, more preferably within 5 minutes, and even more preferably within 1 minute after measuring the moisture content of the raw material, since the moisture content may change during the transport of the raw material. Also, if there is a fluctuation in the transport speed of the raw material, it is preferable to be able to add the modifier according to the fluctuation.

[0046] In the present invention, it is preferable to add a modifier to the raw material and then mix the raw material and the modifier. The mixing method is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the raw material and the modifier are mixed uniformly and in contact with each other. Examples of the mixing method include mixing at a transfer point of a belt conveyor, mixing with a kneader or heavy machinery, etc. Alternatively, the modifier can be added to a predetermined container containing the raw materials and then stirred and mixed to mix them.

[0047] The bulk density of the raw material to which the modifier has been added varies depending on the type and properties of the raw material, but from the viewpoint of contributing to improving the productivity of industrial products using the raw material, it is preferably 700 kg / m 3 More preferably, it is more than 750 kg / m 3 It's super.

[0048] [Reformer] The reforming apparatus according to the present invention is an apparatus for reforming a raw material by adding a modifying agent to the raw material transported by a transport facility, A moisture content measuring device that continuously measures the moisture content of the raw material being conveyed; a raw material amount measuring device that continuously measures the amount of the raw material present at a specific position of the conveying facility; A start / stop measuring device that continuously measures the start / stop of the conveying equipment; A control device that calculates a target concentration (A) of the modifier in the raw material to which the modifier has been added based on the moisture content when it is assumed that the modifier has been added to the raw material; a control device that determines whether or not the modifying agent needs to be added based on the amount of the raw material and the start and stop of the process; a control device that calculates a target addition amount (B) of the modifying agent per unit time based on the amount of the raw material and the target concentration; a modifying agent adding device that adds the target addition amount (B) to the raw material when the need for adding the modifying agent is determined to be necessary, and does not add the target addition amount (B) to the raw material when the need for adding the modifying agent is determined to be necessary; The raw material reforming device prevents at least one of adhesion to the conveying facility, clogging within the conveying facility, meandering and bias of the conveying facility, and a decrease in bulk density of the raw material.

[0049] The start / stop measuring device may be a two-way start / stop device that measures whether the conveying equipment is starting or stopping, but does not measure the moving speed, or may be a moving speed measuring device for the conveying equipment.

[0050] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a reforming device according to an embodiment. A start / stop measuring device 2 is installed on the belt conveyor 1. A raw material amount measuring device 3 that continuously measures the amount of the raw material present at a specific position on the belt conveyor 1, and a moisture percentage measuring device 4 are installed above the belt conveyor 1. A modifier adding device 6 is installed downstream of these devices 2 to 4 in the conveying direction. A control device 5 is connected to the start / stop measuring device 2, raw material amount measuring device 3, moisture percentage measuring device 4, and modifier adding device 6 via wires or wirelessly.

[0051] By using the reforming device and implementing the method for reforming raw materials, preferably according to the embodiment described above, automation is possible, the amount of modifier added to the raw materials can be appropriately controlled, and adhesion of the modifier and raw materials to transportation equipment (BC, etc.) can be suppressed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 1. Conveyor belt 2 Start / stop measuring device 3 Raw material amount measuring device 4 Moisture content measuring device 5. Control device 6. Modifier Addition Device 10. Raw material reforming equipment

Claims

1. A method for modifying a raw material transported by a transport facility by adding a modifying agent to the raw material, comprising: A step (1) of continuously measuring the moisture content of the raw material being conveyed; (2) continuously measuring the amount of the raw material present at a specific position of the conveying equipment; (3) a step of continuously measuring the start and stop of the conveying equipment; (4) calculating a target concentration (A) of the modifier in the raw material to which the modifier has been added based on the moisture content, assuming that the modifier has been added to the raw material; (5) determining whether or not the modifying agent needs to be added based on the amount of the raw material and the start and stop of the process; (6) calculating a target addition amount (B) of the modifier per unit time based on the amount of the raw material and the target concentration (A); A step (7) of adding the target amount (B) to the raw material when the need for adding the modifier is determined, and not adding the target amount (B) to the raw material when the need for adding the modifier is determined; The method for modifying a raw material prevents at least one of adhesion to the conveying equipment, clogging within the conveying equipment, meandering and bias of the conveying equipment, and a decrease in bulk density of the raw material.

2. 2. The method for reforming a raw material according to claim 1, wherein the transport facility is at least one of a pipe, a belt conveyor, a conveyor chain, a chute, a hopper, a silo, and a coke oven.

3. A reforming apparatus that adds a reforming agent to a raw material transported by a transport facility to reform the raw material, A moisture content measuring device that continuously measures the moisture content of the raw material being conveyed; a raw material amount measuring device that continuously measures the amount of the raw material present at a specific position of the conveying facility; A start / stop measuring device that continuously measures the start / stop of the conveying equipment; a control device that calculates a target concentration (A) of the modifier in the raw material to which the modifier has been added based on the moisture content, assuming that the modifier has been added to the raw material; a control device that determines whether or not the modifying agent needs to be added based on the amount of the raw material and the start and stop of the process; a control device that calculates a target addition amount (B) of the modifying agent per unit time based on the amount of the raw material and the target concentration; a modifying agent adding device that adds the target addition amount (B) to the raw material when the need for adding the modifying agent is determined to be necessary, and does not add the target addition amount (B) to the raw material when the need for adding the modifying agent is determined to be necessary; The raw material reforming device prevents at least one of adhesion to the conveying facility, clogging within the conveying facility, meandering and bias of the conveying facility, and a decrease in bulk density of the raw material.

4. 4. The raw material reforming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the start / stop measuring device is a two-way start / stop device that measures whether the transport facility is started or stopped, but does not measure the travel speed.

5. 4. The raw material reforming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the start / stop measuring device is a device for measuring the moving speed of the conveying equipment.

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