Organic-substance production method and organic-substance production apparatus

Abstract

To provide a method for producing an organic substance, by which the organic substance such as ethanol can efficiently and continuously be produced over a long period by using a synthetic gas as a raw material, and to provide an apparatus for producing the organic substance.SOLUTION: A method for producing an organic material includes a step of supplying wastes (G0) to a dryer (13), a step of drying the wastes (G0) in the dryer (13), a step of supplying the wastes (G0) dried in the dryer (13) to a gasifier (14), a step of gasifying the wastes (G0) in the gasifier (14) to produce a synthesis gas (G1), and a step of bringing the synthesis gas (G1) into contact with microbial catalysts to produce an organic material.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for producing an organic substance using a synthesis gas as a raw material, and an organic substance production apparatus for producing an organic substance using a synthesis gas as a raw material. [Background technology]

[0002] A widely known technology involves pyrolyzing various types of waste, such as industrial waste and municipal waste, in a gasification furnace to generate gas, and then reforming the gas in a reformer to obtain synthesis gas. The synthesis gas obtained is either combusted directly and used for power generation or, if necessary, heat is recovered in a boiler or the like and then used for power generation. In recent years, attempts have also been made to use synthesis gas as a raw material for chemical synthesis, such as converting it into organic substances such as ethanol using a microbial catalyst (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 2 also discloses a method for obtaining synthesis gas from biosolids such as dewatered sludge. In this method, biosolids with a solid content of 30% by mass or less are mixed with soot and tar, the mixture is dried in a dryer until the solid content reaches 75% by mass or more, and the dried mixture is partially oxidized to obtain synthesis gas. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-167424 [Patent Document 2] US Publication No. 2014 / 0158940 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, waste is collected from various locations at landfill sites and the like, and is first stored in a storage area such as a waste pit before being fed into a gasifier, etc. At this time, the waste stored in the storage area has a large variation in composition, so it is common for the waste to be mixed using a crane or the like before being fed into the gasifier.

[0006] However, even if waste is mixed using a crane or other means, there is still a lot of variation. For example, there can be large variations in the moisture content of the waste. Therefore, even if equal amounts of waste are fed into a gasifier using a dust feeder or other means, there can be large variations in the amounts of hydrogen and carbon monoxide produced per unit time. When using synthesis gas for power generation, even if there is variation in the amounts of hydrogen and carbon monoxide produced, the amount of electricity produced will vary depending on the amounts produced, but the produced hydrogen and carbon monoxide can generally be used, allowing for efficient power generation.

[0007] On the other hand, when using synthesis gas as a feedstock to produce organic substances such as ethanol using a microbial catalyst, for example, variations in the amounts of hydrogen and carbon monoxide produced can lead to an insufficient supply of these substances, which can cause the microbial catalyst to die. Therefore, when using synthesis gas derived from waste, it is necessary to limit the amount of microbial catalyst used so that there is no shortage of hydrogen and carbon monoxide supplied to the microbial catalyst, taking into account variations in the amounts of hydrogen and carbon monoxide produced. Therefore, when using synthesis gas derived from waste as a feedstock, it is difficult to efficiently produce organic substances such as ethanol.

[0008] Furthermore, as in Patent Document 2, a technique is known in which the synthesis gas raw material is dried to reduce the moisture content to a certain value or less in order to obtain synthesis gas. However, there is a problem in that drying all the waste using a dryer results in a large energy load. Furthermore, when drying waste materials in a dryer, the dryer must be periodically maintained to prevent contamination of the waste material, making it difficult to operate continuously for long periods of time, and thus difficult to continuously supply synthesis gas over long periods of time. On the other hand, when using synthesis gas as a raw material to produce organic substances such as ethanol using a microbial catalyst, it is necessary to continuously supply synthesis gas to the microorganisms to prevent their death. Therefore, adding a waste drying process makes it difficult to put the production of organic substances using a microbial catalyst into practical use.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for producing organic substances that can suppress variations in the amounts of hydrogen and carbon monoxide produced when obtaining synthesis gas and efficiently produce organic substances such as ethanol using synthesis gas as a raw material through the use of microbial catalysts.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for producing organic substances that can efficiently and continuously produce organic substances such as ethanol using synthesis gas as a raw material over a long period of time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The gist of the present invention is as follows [1] to

[33] . [1] feeding waste to a dryer; drying the waste material in the dryer; feeding the waste dried in the dryer to a gasifier; gasifying the waste in the gasifier to produce synthesis gas; contacting the synthesis gas with a catalyst to produce organic matter; A method for producing an organic substance comprising: [2] further comprising receiving waste in the first storage section; The method for producing an organic substance according to the above [1], wherein the waste stored in the first storage section is supplied to the dryer. [3] A step of supplying the waste dried in the dryer to a second storage section, The method for producing an organic substance according to the above [1] or [2], wherein the waste stored in the second storage section is supplied to the gasification device. [4] The method for producing organic substances according to [3] above, further comprising a step of mixing the waste stored in the second storage section. [5] The method for producing an organic substance according to any one of [1] to [4] above, wherein the waste is dried so that the moisture content is 5% by mass or more and 30% by mass or less and is supplied to the gasification apparatus. [6] The method for producing an organic substance according to any one of [1] to [5] above, further comprising a step of measuring the moisture content of at least one of the waste before being dried in the dryer and the waste after being dried in the dryer. [7] Further comprising a step of measuring the moisture content of the waste; The method for producing an organic substance according to any one of the above [1] to [5], wherein waste having a measured moisture content equal to or greater than a predetermined value is supplied to the dryer. [8] The method for producing organic substances according to the above [7], wherein the waste whose measured moisture content is less than a predetermined value is supplied to the gasification device without passing through the dryer. [9] The method for producing an organic substance according to the above [7] or [8], wherein the predetermined value is set within the range of 10 to 35 mass %.

[10] A step of supplying the waste having the measured moisture content less than a predetermined value to a second storage section and storing the waste in the second storage section; supplying the waste stored in the second storage section to the gasification device; The method for producing an organic substance according to any one of the above [7] to [9], comprising:

[11] The method for producing an organic substance according to any one of the above [6] to

[10] , wherein the waste stored in the first storage section is taken out and the moisture content is measured.

[12] The method for producing organic substances described in

[11] above, wherein the moisture content is measured while the waste stored in the first storage section is removed by a crane.

[13] The method for producing organic matter described in

[12] above, wherein the crane transports waste whose measured moisture content is equal to or greater than a predetermined value so as to be supplied to the dryer, and transports waste whose moisture content is less than the predetermined value so as to be supplied to the gasification device without passing through the dryer.

[14] The method for producing an organic substance according to any one of the above [6] to

[13] , wherein the moisture measuring device for measuring the moisture content of the waste is equipped with a protective tool or a cleaning tool.

[15] The method for producing an organic substance according to any one of the above [1] to

[14] , wherein the organic substance contains ethanol.

[16] The method for producing an organic substance according to any one of the above [1] to

[15] , wherein the catalyst is a microbial catalyst.

[17] a dryer for drying the waste; a gasifier that gasifies waste to produce synthesis gas; an organic substance generating unit that generates an organic substance by bringing the synthesis gas into contact with a catalyst, The organic matter production apparatus is capable of supplying the waste dried in the dryer to the gasification apparatus.

[18] a first reservoir for receiving waste; The organic substance manufacturing apparatus described in

[17] above further comprises a waste supply means capable of supplying the waste stored in the first storage section to the dryer and further capable of supplying the waste dried in the dryer to the gasification apparatus.

[19] Further comprising a second reservoir; The organic substance manufacturing apparatus described in

[18] above, wherein the waste supply means is capable of supplying the waste dried in the dryer to the second storage section, and further capable of supplying the waste stored in the second storage section to the gasification apparatus.

[20] The waste supply means is capable of mixing the waste stored in the second storage section, or The organic substance producing apparatus according to

[19] above, further comprising a mixing means for mixing the waste stored in the second storage section.

[21] The organic substance manufacturing apparatus according to any one of

[18] to

[20] above, wherein the waste supply means supplies the gasification apparatus with waste that has been dried so that the moisture content is between 5% and 30% by mass.

[22] The organic substance manufacturing apparatus according to any one of the above

[17] to

[21] , further comprising a moisture measuring device for measuring the moisture content of at least one of the waste before being dried in the dryer and the waste after being dried in the dryer.

[23] Further comprising a moisture measuring device for measuring the moisture content of the waste; The organic substance producing apparatus according to any one of the above

[17] to

[21] , wherein the waste whose moisture content has been measured can be supplied to the dryer.

[24] The organic substance production apparatus according to

[23] above, wherein the waste whose moisture content has been measured can be supplied to the gasification apparatus without passing through the dryer.

[25] An organic substance manufacturing apparatus as described in

[23] or

[24] above, in which waste whose measured moisture content is equal to or greater than a predetermined value is supplied to a dryer, and waste whose measured moisture content is less than the predetermined value is supplied to the gasification apparatus without passing through the dryer.

[26] The organic substance manufacturing apparatus according to the above

[25] , wherein the predetermined value is set within the range of 10 to 35 mass %.

[27] The method further includes a second storage section to which the waste material whose moisture content has been measured is supplied and stored, The organic substance manufacturing apparatus according to any one of the above

[23] to

[26] , wherein the waste stored in the second storage section can be supplied to the gasification apparatus.

[28] a first storage section in which waste is stored; a removal means for removing waste stored in the first storage section, The organic substance producing apparatus according to any one of the above items

[22] to

[27] , wherein the moisture measuring device measures the moisture content of the waste material removed by the removal means.

[29] The removal means is a crane; The organic substance manufacturing apparatus according to

[28] above, wherein the moisture measuring device measures the moisture content of the waste material after it has been removed by the crane.

[30] The organic substance manufacturing apparatus described in

[29] above, wherein the crane is capable of transporting the waste whose moisture content has been measured so that it can be supplied to the dryer or supplied to the gasification device without passing through the dryer.

[31] The organic substance producing apparatus according to any one of the above

[22] to

[30] , wherein the moisture measuring device is provided with a protective tool or a cleaning tool.

[32] The organic substance manufacturing apparatus according to any one of the above

[17] to

[31] , wherein the organic substance contains ethanol.

[33] The organic substance producing apparatus according to any one of the above

[17] to

[32] , wherein the catalyst is a microbial catalyst. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress variations in the amounts of hydrogen and carbon monoxide produced when obtaining synthesis gas, and to efficiently produce organic substances such as ethanol using synthesis gas as a raw material with a catalyst such as a microbial catalyst. Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a method and apparatus for producing organic substances, which can efficiently and continuously produce organic substances such as ethanol using synthesis gas as a raw material and a catalyst such as a microbial catalyst over a long period of time, by measuring the moisture content of the waste and supplying the waste with the measured moisture content equal to or greater than a predetermined value to a dryer for drying. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an organic substance manufacturing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic graph for explaining the effects of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an organic substance manufacturing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an organic substance manufacturing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5]5A is a schematic diagram showing a supply flow in which waste is supplied from a first storage section to a gasification device via a dryer (FIG. 5A), and a supply flow in which waste is supplied from the first storage section to a hopper via a second storage section (FIG. 5B), in a third embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an organic substance manufacturing apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 7A and 7B are schematic diagrams showing a supply flow in which waste is supplied from the first storage section to the gasification apparatus via a dryer (FIG. 7A), and a supply flow in which waste is supplied from the first storage section to the gasification apparatus via a second dust feeder (FIG. 7B), in the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] First Embodiment Next, the present invention will be described using embodiments with reference to the drawings. 1 shows an organic substance manufacturing apparatus 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the organic substance manufacturing apparatus and the method for manufacturing an organic substance according to the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the organic substance production apparatus 10 includes a storage section (sometimes referred to as a “first storage section”) 11, a dryer 13, a gasification device 14, and an organic substance production section 17.

[0016] (Storage section) The storage unit 11 is a device that receives and stores the waste G0, and is, for example, a waste pit. The waste G0 may be industrial waste such as industrial solid waste, or general waste such as municipal solid waste (MSW), and examples of such waste include plastic waste, food waste, discarded tires, biomass waste, food waste, building materials, wood, wood chips, fiber, and combustible materials such as paper. Of these, municipal solid waste (MSW) is preferred. The waste G0 generally contains a certain amount of moisture; for example, general waste such as municipal solid waste (MSW) contains approximately 20 to 60% by mass of moisture, more typically approximately 30 to 50% by mass of moisture.

[0017] The storage unit 11 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "first storage unit") receives the waste G0 from, for example, a platform 19 provided adjacent to the storage unit 11. A garbage collection truck, for example, may be parked at the platform 19, and the waste G0 may be dumped from the garbage collection truck into the storage unit 11, but the method for dumping the waste G0 is not particularly limited.

[0018] A crane 22 serving as a waste material supply means is provided above the storage unit 11. The crane 22 is movable, for example, in the horizontal and vertical directions, and is also capable of gripping and releasing the gripped waste material G0. This allows the crane 22 to supply the waste material G0 stored in the storage unit 11 to the dryer 13. The crane 22 generally includes a gripping portion and a hanging portion, as will be described in detail in a third embodiment below. The crane 22 can also move the waste G0 stored in the storage unit 11 within the storage unit 11, or repeatedly grip and release the gripped waste G0, thereby mixing the waste G0 inside the storage unit 11. Mixing the waste G0 in the storage unit 11 makes it easier to suppress variations in the moisture content of the waste G0. The waste materials G0 may be mixed in the storage section 11 by a mixing means other than the crane 22, such as an agitator blade.

[0019] (dryer) The dryer 13 dries the waste G0 supplied from the storage unit 11. The type of the dryer 13 is not particularly limited, but may be a batch dryer or a mobile dryer. The mobile dryer is a device that continuously dries the waste G0 while moving the waste G0 from an inlet to an outlet. Note that, although a mobile dryer is shown as a representative example of the dryer 13 in FIG. 1, the dryer is not particularly limited. Examples of mobile dryers include rotary dryers and belt conveyor dryers. Rotary dryers rotate a cylindrical rotating shell to move and dry the waste G0 placed inside the shell. Belt conveyor dryers dry the waste G0 inside the dryer while transporting it on a belt conveyor. A batch dryer is a device that dries waste G0 in batches.The waste G0 is fed into the dryer and heated for a certain period of time, and then the waste G0 is removed, thereby drying the waste G0.

[0020] The drying method of the dryer 13 is not particularly limited, and may be either a direct drying method in which the waste G0 is dried by passing hot air through the dryer, or an indirect drying method in which the waste G0 is heated by heat transfer through the inner surface of the device that comes into contact with the device (for example, the inner surface of the rotating shell in a rotary dryer), or another method. In the indirect drying method, the inner surface of the device is preferably heated by a heat medium that passes through a heat transfer tube installed inside the device. Examples of heat mediums include steam, but are not particularly limited. The temperature (drying temperature) inside the dryer 13 when drying the waste G0 may be set so that the moisture content of the waste G0 after drying falls within a predetermined range described below, for example, 50 to 400°C, preferably 100 to 300°C, and the waste G may be dried at the above drying temperature for, for example, 1 to 10 minutes, preferably 2 to 8 minutes.

[0021] The organic matter production apparatus 10 further includes a dust feeder 23 as a waste material supplying means. The dust feeder 23 supplies the waste material G0 dried in the dryer 13 to the gasification apparatus 14. The dust feeder 23 includes, for example, a hopper 23A and a dust feed screw 23B, and moves the waste material G0 introduced into the hopper 23A by rotating the dust feed screw 23B, and supplies the waste material G0 to the gasification furnace 15.

[0022] As described above, the waste G0 is dried in the dryer 13 and then supplied to the gasifier 14 by the dust feeder 23. The waste G0, particularly general waste such as municipal solid waste (MSW), generally has a large variation in moisture content. On the other hand, when the waste G0 is dried in the dryer 13, the amount of moisture contained in the waste G0 decreases, but due to its drying capacity, the dryer 13 generally can easily reduce the moisture content to a certain amount or less (for example, 30% by mass or less) regardless of the amount of moisture contained in the waste G0 before drying, but it is difficult to reduce the moisture content further below that amount to a lower amount (for example, 5% by mass or less). Therefore, by drying the waste G0 in the dryer 13, the variation in the amount of moisture contained in the waste G0 can be suppressed.

[0023] The waste G0 may be dried in the dryer 13 so that the moisture content is, for example, 5% by mass or more and 30% by mass or less, and the waste G0 dried to have the above moisture content may be supplied to the gasification device 14. By setting the moisture content of the waste G0 to 5% by mass or more, spontaneous combustion of the waste G0 is suppressed, and there is no need to increase the drying capacity of the dryer 13 more than necessary. Furthermore, by setting the moisture content to 30% by mass or less, it becomes easier to keep the variation in the moisture content of the dried waste G0 within a certain range. Furthermore, it is also possible to reduce the energy consumption required to evaporate the moisture in the gasification device 14, which will be described later. From these viewpoints, the moisture content is preferably 10% by mass or more and 25% by mass or less, and more preferably 15% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less. In order to keep the moisture content of the waste G0 within the above range, it is advisable to appropriately adjust the drying conditions of the dryer, taking into consideration the type of waste G0.

[0024] In the above explanation, the crane 22 is shown as the waste supply means for supplying the waste G0 stored in the storage section 11 to the dryer 13, but devices other than the crane 22 may also be used, for example, a belt conveyor, a dust feeder, a hopper, or other transport device powered by electricity, air, a gas such as nitrogen, or steam. Of course, the waste supply means for supplying the waste G0 to the dryer 13 may be a combination of a crane and a transport device other than a crane, or a combination of two or more transport devices other than a crane. Similarly, the waste supply means for supplying the waste G0 dried in the dryer 13 to the gasification system 14 is not limited to the dust feeder 23, and may be a belt conveyor, a crane, a hopper, or any other transport device powered by electricity, air, gas such as nitrogen, or steam. Also, a combination of a dust feeder and a transport device other than a dust feeder, or a combination of two or more transport devices other than a dust feeder, may be used.

[0025] (Gasification equipment) The gasification apparatus 14 gasifies the waste to generate synthesis gas and includes a gasification furnace 15 and a reformer furnace 16. The gasifier 15 is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include a kiln gasifier, a fixed-bed gasifier, a fluidized-bed gasifier, a plasma gasifier (plasma type), a shaft furnace (shaft type), and a thermoselect furnace (thermoselect type). Other examples include a carbonization furnace. In addition to the waste, oxygen or air, and optionally steam, are fed into the gasifier 15. The gasifier 15 heats the waste G0 to, for example, 500 to 700°C, thereby pyrolyzing it and then gasifying it by partial oxidation as appropriate. The pyrolysis gas contains not only carbon monoxide and hydrogen, but also gaseous tar, powdered char, and the like. The pyrolysis gas is supplied to the reformer 16. It is recommended that solid matter generated as incombustible matter in the gasifier 15 be appropriately recovered.

[0026] In the reformer 16, the pyrolysis gas obtained in the gasifier 15 is reformed to obtain synthesis gas. In the reformer 16, the content of at least one of hydrogen and carbon monoxide in the pyrolysis gas increases, and the pyrolysis gas is discharged as synthesis gas G1. In the reformer 16, for example, tar, char, etc. contained in the pyrolysis gas are reformed into hydrogen, carbon monoxide, etc. The temperature of the synthesis gas in the reformer 16 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 900°C or higher, preferably 900°C to 1300°C, and more preferably 1000°C to 1200°C, and the synthesis gas is preferably discharged to the outside of the reformer 16 (i.e., the gasification device 14) at these temperatures. By setting the temperature in the reformer 16 within the above range, synthesis gas with high carbon monoxide and hydrogen contents is more likely to be obtained.

[0027] The synthesis gas G1 discharged from the reformer 16 (i.e., the gasifier 14) contains carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The synthesis gas G1 contains, for example, 0.1% to 80% by volume of carbon monoxide and 0.1% to 80% by volume of hydrogen. The carbon monoxide concentration in the synthesis gas G1 is preferably 10% by volume or more and 70% by volume or less, more preferably 20% by volume or more and 55% by volume or less. The hydrogen concentration in the synthesis gas G1 is preferably 10% by volume or more and 70% by volume or less, more preferably 20% by volume or more and 55% by volume or less. The synthesis gas G1 may contain carbon dioxide, nitrogen, oxygen, and the like in addition to hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The carbon dioxide concentration in the synthesis gas G1 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.1% by volume or more and 40% by volume or less, and more preferably 0.3% by volume or more and 30% by volume or less. It is particularly preferable to lower the carbon dioxide concentration when ethanol is produced using a microbial catalyst, and from this perspective, the carbon dioxide concentration is more preferably 0.5% by volume or more and 25% by volume or less. The nitrogen concentration in the synthesis gas G1 is usually 60% by volume or less, may be 40% by volume or less, and is preferably 1% by volume or more and 20% by volume or less. The oxygen concentration in the synthesis gas G1 is usually 5% by volume or less, and preferably 1% by volume or less. The lower the oxygen concentration, the better, and it is sufficient if it is 0% by volume or more. However, oxygen is generally inevitably contained in many cases, and the oxygen concentration is practically 0.01% by volume or more.

[0028] The concentrations of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen in the synthesis gas G1 can be kept within a predetermined range by appropriately changing combustion conditions such as the type of waste, the moisture content of the waste G0 after drying, the temperatures of the gasifier 12 and the reformer 13, and the oxygen concentration of the supply gas supplied to the gasifier 11. For example, if you want to change the carbon monoxide or hydrogen concentration, you can change to waste with a high ratio of hydrocarbons (carbon and hydrogen), such as waste plastic, or if you want to lower the nitrogen concentration, you can supply gas with a high oxygen concentration to the gasifier 12. Furthermore, the synthesis gas G1 may be adjusted in concentration as appropriate for each of the components carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and nitrogen by adding at least one of these components to the synthesis gas G1. The volume percentage of each substance in the synthesis gas G1 mentioned above refers to the volume percentage of each substance in the synthesis gas G1 discharged from the gasification apparatus 14.

[0029] In the above explanation, the gasification apparatus 14 has been described as having a gasification furnace 15 and a reformer 16, but the configuration of the gasification apparatus 14 is not limited to this and may be an apparatus in which the gasification furnace and the reformer are integrated, or may be any type of gasification apparatus as long as it is capable of producing synthesis gas G1.

[0030] The synthesis gas G1 obtained in the gasification apparatus 14 is sent to the organic substance production section 17. As shown in FIG. 1 , the synthesis gas G1 is usually processed appropriately in a post-stage treatment device 18 before being sent to the organic substance production section 17. In the post-stage treatment device 18, impurities contained in the synthesis gas G1 are removed, the synthesis gas G1 is cooled, and the like, and the synthesis gas G1 is preferably cooled to, for example, 40° C. or less before being supplied to the organic substance production section 17. The post-stage treatment device 18 will be described in detail later.

[0031] (Organic substance generation department) The organic substance production unit 17 produces organic substances by bringing the synthesis gas into contact with a microbial catalyst. A gas-assimilating microorganism is preferably used as the microbial catalyst. The organic substance production unit 17 includes a fermenter (reactor) filled with a culture solution containing water and a microbial catalyst. The synthesis gas G1 is supplied to the interior of the fermenter, where it is converted into organic substances. The organic substance may be an alcohol such as isopropanol, methanol, or ethanol, or may be isoprene or a hydrocarbon that can be used as a feedstock for jet fuel, for example. The organic substance preferably includes either ethanol or isopropanol, and more preferably includes ethanol.

[0032] The fermenter is preferably a continuous fermentation apparatus, and may be any of agitation type, airlift type, bubble column type, loop type, open bond type, and photobio type. The synthesis gas G1 and the culture solution may be continuously supplied to the fermenter, but it is not necessary to supply the synthesis gas G1 and the culture solution simultaneously, and the synthesis gas G1 may be supplied to a fermenter to which the culture solution has been previously supplied. The synthesis gas G1 is generally blown into the fermenter through a sparger or the like. The medium used to cultivate a microbial catalyst is not particularly limited as long as it has an appropriate composition depending on the bacterium, but is a liquid containing water as the main component and nutrients (e.g., vitamins, phosphoric acid, etc.) dissolved or dispersed in this water. In the organic substance producing section 17, organic substances are produced by microbial fermentation using a microbial catalyst, and an organic substance-containing liquid is obtained.

[0033] The temperature of the fermenter is preferably controlled to 40° C. or below. By controlling the temperature to 40° C. or below, the microbial catalyst in the fermenter does not die, and organic substances such as ethanol are efficiently produced by contacting the synthesis gas with the microbial catalyst. The temperature of the fermenter is more preferably 38°C or lower, and in order to enhance catalytic activity, it is preferably 10°C or higher, more preferably 20°C or higher, and even more preferably 30°C or higher.

[0034] In this embodiment, as described above, the waste G0 is dried so that the moisture content falls within a certain range, and is converted into the synthesis gas G1 in the gasification device 14. As a result, as shown in Fig. 2, the variation in the supply amount B of hydrogen and carbon monoxide per unit time when the waste G0 is dried is smaller than the supply amount A of hydrogen and carbon monoxide per unit time to the organic substance generation section 17 when the waste G0 is not dried. Therefore, when the waste material is not dried, it is necessary to take this variation into account and reduce the amount X of the microbial catalyst in the fermenter so that the microbial catalyst is not killed due to a shortage of hydrogen and carbon monoxide supplied to the fermenter. On the other hand, when the waste material G0 is dried, the variation in the supply amount B of hydrogen and carbon monoxide is small, so the amount Y of the microbial catalyst can be made greater than the amount X, as shown in FIG. 2. Therefore, in the organic substance production unit 17, the amount of hydrogen and carbon monoxide not used for organic substance production can be reduced, and the amount of organic substance produced per unit time can be increased. As a result, in this embodiment, organic substances such as ethanol can be produced efficiently using the microbial catalyst.

[0035] (separation device) The organic substance producing apparatus 10 may include a separation device (not shown) that separates at least water from the organic substance-containing liquid. Examples of the separation device include a solid-liquid separator, a distillation device, and a separation membrane. It is preferable to use a solid-liquid separator and a distillation device in combination. Hereinafter, a separation step performed using a solid-liquid separator and a distillation device in combination will be specifically described. However, in cases where there is no need to purify the organic substance produced in the organic substance production unit 17 or where there is no need to separate water from the organic substance-containing liquid, the separation device may be omitted.

[0036] The organic substance-containing liquid obtained in the organic substance generation unit 17 may be separated in a solid-liquid separation device into a solid component mainly composed of microorganisms and a liquid component containing organic substances. The organic substance-containing liquid obtained in the organic substance generation unit 17 contains, in addition to the target organic substance, microorganisms and their carcasses contained in the fermenter as solid components, so solid-liquid separation is performed to remove these. Examples of solid-liquid separation devices include filters, centrifuges, and devices using a solution precipitation method. The solid-liquid separation device may also be a device (e.g., a heat drying device) that evaporates the liquid component containing the organic substance from the organic substance-containing liquid and separates it from the solid component. In this case, the liquid component containing the target organic substance may be entirely evaporated, or the liquid component may be partially evaporated so that the target organic substance is preferentially evaporated.

[0037] The liquid component separated by solid-liquid separation can be further distilled in a distillation apparatus to separate the target organic substance. Separation by distillation allows for the purification of large quantities of organic substances to high purity with a simple operation. When distillation is performed, a known distillation apparatus such as a distillation column may be used. Furthermore, the distillation may be performed, for example, such that the distillate contains the target organic substance (e.g., ethanol) at a high purity, while the bottoms (i.e., distillation residue) contains water as the main component (e.g., 70% by mass or more, preferably 90% by mass or more). By operating in this manner, the target organic substance and water can be largely separated.

[0038] The temperature inside the distiller during distillation of an organic substance (e.g., ethanol or isopropanol, particularly ethanol) is not particularly limited, but is preferably 100° C. or less, and more preferably about 70 to 95° C. By setting the temperature inside the distillation apparatus within the above range, it is possible to reliably separate the necessary organic substance from other components such as water. The pressure inside the distillation apparatus during distillation of the organic substance may be normal pressure, but is preferably less than atmospheric pressure, more preferably about 60 to 150 kPa (gauge pressure). By setting the pressure inside the distillation apparatus within this range, the separation efficiency of the organic substance can be improved, and the yield of the organic substance can be increased. The water separated in the separation device is preferably reused, for example, by supplying it to a gas cooling tower in the post-treatment device 18 described later and using it for water spraying in the gas cooling tower.

[0039] (Post-processing device) Examples of downstream treatment equipment 18 include water separation equipment such as heat exchangers, gas cooling towers, filter-type dust collectors, water scrubbers, oil scrubbers, and gas chillers, low-temperature separation (cryogenic) separation equipment, particulate separation equipment composed of various filters, desulfurization equipment (sulfide separation equipment), membrane separation equipment, deoxygenation equipment, pressure swing adsorption (PSA) separation equipment, temperature swing adsorption (TSA) separation equipment, pressure temperature swing adsorption (PTSA) separation equipment, separation equipment using activated carbon, separation equipment using a deoxygenation catalyst, specifically, a copper catalyst or a palladium catalyst, and treatment equipment such as a shift reactor. These treatment equipment may be used alone or in combination of two or more types.

[0040] Of the above, the post-treatment device 18 preferably includes at least a heat exchanger, a gas cooling tower, a filter-type dust collector, and a water scrubber in this order from the upstream side. In this specification, the term "previous stage" refers to a previous stage along the supply flow of the waste material G0 and the synthesis gas G1 to be generated. Furthermore, the term "next stage" refers to a subsequent stage along the supply flow of the waste material G0 and the synthesis gas G1. In the first and second embodiments, the supply flow of the waste material G0 and the synthesis gas G1 refers to a series of flows of the waste material G0 and the synthesis gas G1 from when the waste material G0 is supplied from the storage section 11 to the dryer 13, after which the synthesis gas G1 is generated in the gasification device 14, and until the synthesis gas G1 is introduced into the organic substance production section 17. In the third and fourth embodiments described below, the supply flow of the waste material G0 and the synthesis gas G1 refers to a series of flows of the waste material G0 and the synthesis gas G1 from when the waste material G0 is supplied from the first storage section 111 to the gasification device 114 via the dryer 13 or without the dryer 113, after which the synthesis gas G1 is generated in the gasification device 114, and until the synthesis gas G1 is introduced into the organic substance production section 117.

[0041] A heat exchanger is a device that uses a heat medium to cool the synthesis gas G1, and cools the synthesis gas G1 by transferring the thermal energy of the synthesis gas G1 to the heat medium. A boiler is preferably used as the heat exchanger. A boiler is a device that circulates water as a heat medium inside, and heats the circulating water using the thermal energy of the synthesis gas G1 to produce steam. When a boiler is used as the heat exchanger, the steam generated in the heat exchanger can be used to easily heat other devices, and the thermal energy of the synthesis gas G1 can be easily reused. Of course, devices other than boilers may also be used as the heat exchanger.

[0042] The temperature of the synthesis gas G1 is high inside the gasification apparatus 14, and the synthesis gas discharged from the gasification apparatus 14 also reaches a high temperature of, for example, 900°C or more, as described above. However, the synthesis gas G1 is cooled by the heat exchanger and is supplied to the downstream gas cooling tower at a relatively low temperature, thereby preventing excessive cooling in the gas cooling tower. The heat exchanger cools the synthesis gas G1 supplied at a high temperature of, for example, 900°C or higher, to a temperature of, for example, 200°C to 300°C, preferably 240°C to 280°C, and then supplies the cooled gas to the gas cooling tower.

[0043] The synthesis gas G1 discharged from the heat exchanger may be further passed through a gas cooling tower, and the synthesis gas G1 is further cooled by passing through the gas cooling tower. The gas cooling tower is configured such that the synthesis gas G1 is introduced from the upper side thereof and passed through the interior thereof so as to form a downward current, and is cooled by water sprayed from water spray nozzles provided on the inner circumferential surface of the cooling tower while passing through the interior. The synthesis gas G1 cooled in the gas cooling tower is preferably discharged from the lower side of the gas cooling tower.

[0044] The synthesis gas G1 introduced into the gas cooling tower has a temperature well above 100°C, while the water sprayed from the water spray nozzle is lower than 100°C. Therefore, the synthesis gas G1 is cooled by this temperature difference and also by the heat of vaporization when the water sprayed from the water spray nozzle vaporizes. It is preferable that some of the vaporized water is mixed into the synthesis gas G1 as water vapor. Note that the water sprayed from the water spray nozzle may be partially or completely vaporized when sprayed.

[0045] In the gas cooling tower, the synthesis gas G1 is cooled to a temperature of preferably 100°C or higher and 200°C or lower, more preferably 120°C or higher and 180°C or lower, and even more preferably 130°C or higher and 170°C or lower in the gas cooling tower, and is then cooled to these temperatures and discharged outside the gas cooling tower. By cooling the synthesis gas to 200°C or less, the synthesis gas can be purified in a filter-type dust collector (described later) without damaging the filter-type dust collector or reducing its dust collection performance. Furthermore, by cooling the temperature to 100°C or higher, most of the sprayed water vaporizes and is mixed into the synthesis gas. Therefore, since a large amount of sprayed water is not discharged from the gas cooling tower, there is no need to install a large-scale drainage facility in the gas cooling tower.

[0046] The filter-type dust collector can be a so-called bag filter, and solid impurities such as tar and char are removed by passing the synthesis gas cooled in the gas cooling tower through it. Removing the solid impurities prevents the solid impurities from clogging the devices downstream of the filter-type dust collector. In this specification, "removal" means reducing the concentration of the target substance in the gas by removing at least a portion of the target substance from the synthesis gas, and is not limited to completely removing the target substance.

[0047] The synthesis gas that has passed through the filter-type dust collector may then be passed through a water scrubber. The water scrubber removes impurities contained in the synthesis gas by bringing the synthesis gas passing through the scrubber into contact with water. The water scrubber removes water-soluble impurities such as acidic gases such as hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen chloride, and hydrocyanic acid, basic gases such as ammonia, and oxides such as NOx and SOx. Oil-based impurities such as BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene), naphthalene, 1-naphthol, and 2-naphthol may also be removed as appropriate.

[0048] The water scrubber is not particularly limited as long as it has a configuration that brings the synthesis gas G1 into contact with water. For example, it may have a configuration in which water sprayed from a nozzle provided at the top (hereinafter, for convenience, also referred to as "washing water") comes into contact with the synthesis gas G1 passing through the inside of the water scrubber from the bottom to the top. The water scrubber may cool the synthesis gas G1 by bringing the synthesis gas G1 into contact with wash water. As described above, the synthesis gas G1 is cooled in a gas cooling tower and introduced into the water scrubber in a state cooled to a predetermined temperature, while the temperature of the wash water that comes into contact with the synthesis gas in the water scrubber is less than 100°C, preferably 0°C or higher and 40°C or lower, more preferably 5°C or higher and 30°C or lower. The synthesis gas G1 comes into contact with water at the above temperature in the water scrubber, whereby it is cooled to a temperature below 100°C, preferably 40°C or less, and more preferably 38°C or less. Furthermore, the synthesis gas G1 comes into contact with wash water in the water scrubber, whereby it may be cooled to a temperature of, for example, 0°C or more, and preferably 5°C or more. By cooling the synthesis gas G1 to 40°C or less, the microbial catalyst is not killed even if the synthesis gas G1 is supplied to the organic matter production unit 17 at that temperature. Furthermore, the synthesis gas G1 can be passed through a water scrubber, where the synthesis gas G1 is cleaned and cooled, while water mixed in the synthesis gas G1 can be removed in a gas cooling tower.

[0049] The synthesis gas discharged from the water scrubber may further be passed through one or more of the above-mentioned treatment devices other than a heat exchanger, a gas cooling tower, a filter-type dust collector, and a water scrubber to appropriately purify, cool, etc. the synthesis gas. In the above description, a configuration has been described in which the heat exchanger, gas cooling tower, filter dust collector, and water scrubber are all provided downstream of the gasification apparatus 14, but some or all of these may be omitted. For example, even if the water scrubber is omitted, another cooling device may be provided downstream to cool the synthesis gas G1 to 40°C or less before supplying it to the organic substance generation section 17. Furthermore, at least one or more of the heat exchanger, gas cooling tower, and filter dust collector may be omitted, or the synthesis gas may be purified, cooled, etc. using only treatment devices other than the heat exchanger, gas cooling tower, filter dust collector, and water scrubber.

[0050] <Second embodiment> Next, an organic substance producing apparatus and an organic substance producing method according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. An organic substance producing apparatus 30 according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it has a second storage section 12 in addition to a storage section (first storage section) 11. The second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 3. In the following description, components having the same configuration as those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0051] In this embodiment, the second storage unit 12 is a device, such as a waste pit, that stores the waste that has been dried in the dryer 13. The second storage unit 12 is disposed after the dryer 13, and is supplied with the waste G0 that has been dried in the dryer 13, and stores the dried waste G0. The waste G0 stored in the second storage unit 12 may then be supplied to the gasification device 14.

[0052] Here, a crane 32 (second crane) is provided above the second storage section 12 as a waste supply means. The crane 32 is movable, for example, horizontally and vertically, and is also capable of gripping and releasing the gripped waste. This allows the crane 32 to supply the waste that has been dried in the dryer 13 and discharged from the dryer 13 to the second storage section 12. Furthermore, the crane 32 is capable of moving the waste G0 stored in the second storage section 12, and can supply the waste G0 to, for example, the hopper 23A of the dust feeder 23, and can supply the dried waste G0 in the second storage section 12 to the gasification device 14 via the dust feeder 23.

[0053] The crane 32 can also mix the waste G0 stored in the second storage section 12 by moving the waste G0 within the second storage section 12 or by repeatedly gripping and releasing the gripped waste G0. However, the mixing of the waste G0 in the storage section 12 may be performed by a mixing means other than the crane 32, such as a stirring blade. The waste G0 inside the second storage section 12 is preferably supplied to the gasification device 14 after being mixed.

[0054] The waste G0 stored in the second storage section 12 is dried to reduce its weight compared to before drying, and the reduced moisture content prevents the waste G0 from sticking together, making it easy to mix the waste G0 stored in the second storage section 12. Therefore, the waste G0 stored in the second storage section 12 can be homogenized by being mixed by the crane 32, further reducing the variation in the moisture content of the waste supplied to the gasification device 14. Furthermore, the variation in the components that make up the waste G0 can also be reduced. Therefore, the variation in the amount of carbon monoxide and hydrogen supplied per unit time to the organic substance production section 17 can be further reduced, enabling more efficient production of organic substances.

[0055] In the second embodiment, the waste supply means for supplying the waste G0 stored in the second storage section 12 to the gasification apparatus 14 is a combination of the crane 32 and the dust feeder 23, but the waste G0 stored in the second storage section 12 may be supplied to the gasification apparatus 14 by a means other than these combinations. For example, the crane 32 alone or the dust feeder 23 alone may be used, or a device other than a crane and a dust feeder may be used, such as a belt conveyor, a hopper, or other transport device powered by electricity, air, a gas such as nitrogen, or steam. Of course, two or more of these transport devices may be combined. Similarly, the waste supply means for supplying the waste G0 dried in the dryer 13 to the second storage section 12 can be other than the crane 32, and for example, a belt conveyor, a dust feeder, a hopper, or other transport devices powered by electricity, air, gases such as nitrogen, or steam may be used. Of course, the waste supply means for supplying the waste G0 dried in the dryer 13 to the second storage section 12 may be a combination of two or more transport devices.

[0056] In Figure 3, the first storage section 11 and the second storage section 12 are arranged at positions separated from each other, and cranes (first and second cranes) 22, 32 are provided in the first storage section 11 and the second storage section 12, respectively, but the first storage section 11 and the second storage section 12 may also be arranged at adjacent positions. Furthermore, when the first and second storage sections 11, 12 are located adjacent to each other, there is no need to provide a crane in each storage section, and a single crane may be used to transport and mix the waste G0 in the first storage section 11 and to transport and mix the waste G0 in the second storage section 12.

[0057] <Modifications of the First and Second Embodiments> The organic substance manufacturing apparatus and organic substance manufacturing method described above using the first and second embodiments are examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the configurations of the above embodiments. Various improvements and modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention, and components may be added as appropriate. For example, the organic substance manufacturing apparatuses 10 and 30 according to the above embodiments may be provided with a moisture measuring means (also referred to as a "moisture measuring device") that measures the moisture content of the waste G0. A known moisture meter may be used as the moisture measuring means.

[0058] The moisture meter is not particularly limited as long as it can measure the moisture content of the waste G0, but the moisture measuring devices listed below can be used. Of course, at least one of the protective equipment and cleaning equipment described below may also be provided. The moisture content of the waste G may be determined from a single measurement point, or the average value of multiple measurements may be used as the moisture content of the waste.

[0059] The moisture measuring means may be, for example, a post-drying moisture measuring means that measures the moisture content of the waste G0 after drying in the dryer 13. By measuring the moisture content of the dried waste G0, it can be determined whether the moisture content of the dried waste G0 is the target moisture content. Note that the target moisture content may be a single value within a range of, for example, 5 to 30% by mass, but it is usually preferable to set the target moisture content within a certain range (for example, 5 to 30% by mass, 10 to 25% by mass, or 15 to 20% by mass). If the moisture content is not the target moisture content, it is advisable to adjust the moisture content to the target moisture content by appropriately changing the drying conditions (drying temperature, drying time, etc.) in the dryer 13.

[0060] The post-drying moisture measuring means may measure the moisture content of the waste G0 from immediately after it is discharged from the dryer 13 until immediately before it is fed into the gasification device 14. For example, it may measure the moisture content of the waste G0 supplied to the dust feeder 23, or it may measure the moisture content of the waste G0 immediately after it is discharged from the dryer 13. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the moisture content of the waste G0 stored in the second storage section 12 may be measured. The waste G0 stored in the second storage section 12 can be mixed, for example, by the crane 32 as described above, or by mixing means other than the crane 32, thereby reducing variations in the moisture content of the waste G0. Therefore, by measuring the moisture content of the waste G0 stored in the second storage section 12, the moisture content of the waste G0 after drying can be determined more accurately.

[0061] The moisture measuring means is not limited to the above-mentioned post-drying moisture measuring means, but may be a pre-drying moisture measuring means that measures the moisture content of the waste G0 before it is dried by the dryer 13. The pre-drying moisture measuring means may measure the moisture content of the waste G0 after it has been placed in the first storage section 11 and before it is placed in the dryer 13. For example, it may measure the moisture content of the waste G0 stored in the first storage section 11, or it may measure the moisture content of the waste G0 just before it is placed in the dryer 13. In this way, by measuring the moisture content of the waste G0 before drying using the pre-drying moisture measuring means, the moisture content can be controlled to the target moisture content by appropriately changing the drying conditions (drying temperature, drying time, etc.) according to the measured moisture content.

[0062] Of course, both a pre-drying moisture measuring means and a post-drying moisture measuring means may be provided, and the moisture content may be controlled to the target moisture content by appropriately changing the drying conditions according to both measured values. By providing both a pre-drying moisture measuring means and a post-drying moisture measuring means, the moisture content of the waste G0 can be adjusted more precisely, thereby further suppressing variations in the supply amounts of hydrogen and carbon monoxide supplied to the organic substance generation section 17. In the first and second embodiments, the catalyst for producing the organic substance is a microbial catalyst, but it is not limited to a microbial catalyst and may be a metal catalyst, as will be described in detail in the third and fourth embodiments. In the first and second embodiments, the first reservoir 11 may be omitted.

[0063] Next, preferred embodiments of an organic substance production apparatus including a moisture measuring device and an organic substance production method including a step of measuring the moisture content of waste will be described in more detail using the following third and fourth embodiments.

[0064] <Third embodiment> Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an organic substance production apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing in detail a part of an organic substance production apparatus 110 according to the third embodiment. Hereinafter, the organic substance production apparatus and the organic substance production method according to the third embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 4 and 5.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 4, the organic substance producing apparatus 110 includes a first storage section 111, a second storage section 112, a dryer 113, a gasification device 114, an organic substance producing section 117, a moisture measuring device 121, and the like.

[0066] The first storage unit 111 is a device that receives and stores the waste G0, and is, for example, a waste pit. The waste G0 is as described in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted, but in this embodiment as well, municipal solid waste (MSW) is preferable. The waste G0 generally contains a certain amount of moisture; for example, general waste such as municipal solid waste (MSW) contains, for example, about 20 to 60 mass % moisture, more typically about 30 to 50 mass % moisture. However, in this embodiment, it is also preferable that the first storage section 111 accepts a wide variety of combustible waste materials in addition to MSW, such as plastic waste, food waste, discarded tires, biomass waste, food waste, construction materials, wood, wood chips, fibers, paper, etc. The moisture content of the wide variety of waste materials varies, but in this embodiment, as will be described later, waste with a high moisture content is dried to reduce variations in moisture content before being supplied to the gasification system 114. As shown in FIG. 5, first storage unit 111 receives waste G0 from platform 119 provided adjacent to first storage unit 11, for example, in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0067] The organic substance producing apparatus 110 may be provided with a crane 122, and the crane 122 (hereinafter also referred to as the first crane 122) is a removal means used to remove waste from the first storage section 111. The first crane 122 is provided above the first storage section 111, as shown in FIG. The first crane 122 is equipped with a gripping unit 122A for gripping the waste G0 and a hanging unit 122B that suspends the gripping unit 122A and moves the gripping unit 122A in the vertical direction. The hanging unit 122B is suspended from the ceiling surface, for example, and is capable of moving horizontally along the ceiling surface. This allows the first crane 122 to grip the waste G0 with the gripping unit 122A, and also to release the gripped waste G0, and further to move the gripped waste G0 in the horizontal and vertical directions.

[0068] The first crane 122 can, for example, transfer the waste G0 from the first storage section 111 to the vicinity of the dryer 113 (see FIG. 5(A)). Furthermore, it can transfer the waste G0 from the first storage section 111 to the second storage section 112 (see FIG. 5(B)). This allows the crane 122 to remove the waste G0 stored in the first storage section 111 from the first storage section 111 and supply it to the dryer 113 or the second storage section 112. In other words, the crane 122 also constitutes a supply means (waste supply means) for supplying the waste to the dryer 113 or the second storage section 112.

[0069] The first crane 122 can also move the waste G0 stored in the first storage section 111 within the first storage section 111, or can repeatedly grip and release the gripped waste G0, thereby mixing the waste G0 inside the first storage section 111. Mixing the waste G0 in the first storage section 111 makes it easier to reduce variations in the moisture content of the waste G0. However, mixing of the waste G0 in the first storage section 111 may also be performed by mixing means other than the crane 122, such as an agitator blade.

[0070] (Second storage section) The second storage section 112 is a device that receives and stores the waste G0, such as a waste pit. The second storage section 112 receives and stores the waste G0 that has been transferred from the first storage section 111 by a crane 122 and whose moisture content has been measured as described below. In this embodiment, the waste G0 is supplied to the second storage section 112 without passing through a dryer 113, which will be described later. Therefore, the second storage section 112 stores waste G0 that has not been dried by the dryer 113. However, the waste G0 supplied to the second storage section 112 is waste whose moisture content has been measured by a moisture measuring device 121 as being less than a predetermined value X, as will be described later. Therefore, the second storage section 112 stores waste G0 with a low moisture content. The second storage section 112 can be used as a backup supply source for supplying the waste material G0 to the gasifier 114 when the dryer 113 is undergoing maintenance and is therefore unable to supply the waste material G0.

[0071] A second crane 127 may be provided above the second storage section 112. Similar to the first crane 122, the second crane 127 has a gripping section 127A and a hanging section 127B. The second crane 127 is capable of gripping waste G0 with the gripping section 127A and also releasing the gripped waste G0, and is further capable of moving in both horizontal and vertical directions. The waste G0 stored in the second storage section 112 can be supplied to a hopper 123A of a dust feeder 123 (described later) by a second crane 127, and can be supplied to the gasification device 114 via the dust feeder 123. The waste G0 stored in the second storage section 112 can be mixed by either the first crane 122 or the second crane 127. However, the mixing of the waste G0 in the second storage section 112 may be performed by a mixing means other than a crane, such as a stirring blade.

[0072] (dryer) The dryer 113 is a device that dries the waste G0. The dryer 113 dries the waste G0 supplied from the first storage section 111 by the first crane 122. The details of the configuration of the dryer 113 are as described in the first embodiment. Note that, although a mobile dryer is shown as a representative example of the dryer 113 in FIG. 5, the dryer is not particularly limited. The temperature inside the dryer 113 when drying the waste G0 (drying temperature) may be set so that the moisture content of the waste G0 after drying falls within a predetermined range, which will be described later, for example, 50 to 400°C, preferably 100 to 300°C, and the waste G0 may be dried at the drying temperature for, for example, 1 to 10 minutes, preferably 2 to 8 minutes. By setting the drying temperature and drying time within the above ranges, the waste G0 having a moisture content equal to or greater than a predetermined value X, as will be described later, can be sufficiently dried, and it is also easy to reduce the moisture content to, for example, less than the predetermined value X.

[0073] The waste G0 transferred by the first crane 122 may be further supplied to the dryer 113 via a dust feeder (not shown) or the like. Furthermore, a dryer storage section (not shown) may be provided as appropriate upstream of the dryer 113 (but downstream of the first storage section 111). By providing a dryer storage section, a certain amount of waste G0 transported by the crane 122 to be supplied to the dryer 113 can be temporarily stored, facilitating drying of the waste G0 using the batch dryer described above. It also becomes easy to stop the dryer 113 for a certain period of time for maintenance. The storage section for the dryer may be, for example, a waste pit, or when waste is supplied to the dryer 113 via a dust feeder (not shown), a hopper that serves as an inlet for the waste may be used as the storage section for the dryer.

[0074] (dust feeder) As shown in Fig. 5, the organic substance manufacturing apparatus 110 may further include a dust feeder 123 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the first dust feeder 123) as a supply means (waste supply means). The dust feeder 123 supplies the waste G0 dried in the dryer 113 and the waste G0 stored in the second storage section 112 to the gasification apparatus 114. As shown in Fig. 5(A), the dust feeder 123 is similar to the dust feeder 23 in the first embodiment described above and includes, for example, a hopper 123A and a dust feed screw 123B, and supplies the waste G0 input into the hopper 123A to the gasification furnace 115. A certain amount of waste G0 is supplied to the gasification apparatus 114 by supplying the waste G0 via the dust feeder 123.

[0075] As described above, the waste materials G0 are supplied to the gasification device 114 from both the dryer 113 and the second storage section 112 via the dust feeder 123, but the supply procedure may be any method. For example, while the waste G0 is being supplied from the dryer 113, the supply from the second storage section 112 may be stopped, and while the waste G0 is not being supplied from the dryer 113, the waste G0 may be supplied from the second storage section 112. According to this embodiment, even if the dryer 113 cannot be used due to maintenance, for example, the waste G0 can be supplied from the second storage section 112, thereby allowing the waste G0 to be continuously supplied to the gasification device 114.

[0076] The hopper 123A also has a certain capacity and functions as a storage section (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a "third storage section") that can store the waste G0. Therefore, even if the waste G0 cannot be supplied from either the dryer 113 or the second storage section 112, for example, when the dryer 113 is undergoing maintenance and, further, when there is no waste G0 in the second storage section 112, the waste G0 can be continuously supplied to the gasification device 114 for a certain period of time using the waste G0 stored in the hopper 123A. Furthermore, even if waste G0 is supplied from both the dryer 113 and the second storage section 112, and more waste than the amount input to the gasification device 114 is temporarily supplied to the hopper 123A, the excess waste G0 can be stored in the hopper 123A (third storage section).

[0077] (Gasification equipment) The gasification apparatus 114 gasifies the supplied waste G0 to generate synthesis gas. The gasification apparatus 114 includes a gasification furnace 115 and a reformer 116, but may be any type of gasification apparatus as described in the first embodiment. Details of the gasification apparatus 114 and the processes performed therein are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described again.

[0078] (Organic substance generation department) The synthesis gas G1 obtained in the gasification apparatus 114 is sent to the organic substance production section 117. As shown in Fig. 4, the synthesis gas G1 is usually processed appropriately in a post-stage treatment device 118 before being sent to the organic substance production section 117. In the post-stage treatment device 118, impurities contained in the synthesis gas G1 are removed, the synthesis gas G1 is cooled, and the like, and the synthesis gas G1 is cooled to, for example, 40°C or less before being supplied to the organic substance production section 117. The post-stage treatment device 118 will be described later.

[0079] The organic substance production unit 117 produces organic substances by bringing the supplied synthesis gas G1 into contact with a catalyst such as a microbial catalyst or a metal catalyst. A microbial catalyst is preferred as the catalyst. The use of a microbial catalyst makes it possible to obtain organic substances at a high yield even at low temperatures. A gas-assimilating microorganism is preferably used as the microbial catalyst. When a microbial catalyst is used, the organic substance production unit 117 includes a fermenter (reactor) filled with a culture solution containing water and a microbial catalyst. A synthesis gas G1 is supplied to the interior of the fermenter, and the synthesis gas G1 is converted into organic substances within the fermenter. The configuration of the fermenter, details of the processes performed in the fermenter, and details of the organic substances produced are as described in the first embodiment.

[0080] The metal catalyst may be a hydrogenation active metal or a combination of a hydrogenation active metal and a co-active metal. The hydrogenation active metal may be any metal known to be capable of synthesizing ethanol from a mixed gas, including, for example, alkali metals such as lithium and sodium, elements belonging to Group 7 of the periodic table such as manganese and rhenium, elements belonging to Group 8 of the periodic table such as ruthenium, elements belonging to Group 9 of the periodic table such as cobalt and rhodium, and elements belonging to Group 10 of the periodic table such as nickel and palladium. These hydrogenation active metals may be used alone or in combination of two or more. As the hydrogenation active metal, a combination of rhodium or ruthenium with an alkali metal and another hydrogenation active metal, such as a combination of rhodium, manganese and lithium, or a combination of ruthenium, rhenium and sodium, is preferred, in terms of further improving the CO conversion rate and the ethanol selectivity.

[0081] Examples of the promoter active metal include titanium, magnesium, vanadium, etc. By supporting a promoter active metal in addition to a hydrogenation active metal, it is possible to further increase the CO conversion rate, ethanol selectivity, etc. The metal catalyst is preferably a rhodium-based catalyst. The rhodium-based catalyst may be used in combination with a metal catalyst other than the rhodium-based catalyst. Examples of the other metal catalyst include a catalyst in which copper alone or copper and a transition metal other than copper are supported on a carrier. Even when a metal catalyst is used, the organic substance production unit 17 may include a reactor, and the organic substance may be produced by bringing the synthesis gas G1 into contact with the metal catalyst inside the reactor. The temperature inside the reactor may be maintained at, for example, 100 to 400°C, preferably 100 to 300°C.

[0082] (Moisture measuring device) The moisture measuring device 121 measures the moisture content of the waste G0. The moisture measuring device 121 is not particularly limited as long as it can measure the moisture content of the waste G0, but may be, for example, a non-contact moisture meter such as an optical moisture meter, or a contact moisture meter such as an electric moisture meter. An example of an optical moisture meter is an infrared moisture meter. An example of an electric moisture meter is a moisture meter that measures moisture by measuring electrical resistance or capacitance. Alternatively, the moisture meter may be a type that measures moisture by collecting a fixed amount of sample and drying it. The moisture content of the waste G may be determined from a single measurement point, but the average value of multiple measurements may also be used as the moisture content of the waste.

[0083] The moisture measuring device 121 preferably includes at least one of a protective tool and a cleaning tool. The cleaning tool may be, for example, one that can spray a cleaning liquid such as water onto the detector of the moisture measuring device 121, for example, by spraying the cleaning liquid onto the detector. The cleaning tool may also be an air-type cleaning tool that can clean the detector by, for example, blowing compressed air onto the detector. The protective equipment may be, for example, a cover material arranged to cover the detector of the moisture measuring device 121. Examples of the cover material include glass and plastic. The protective equipment and the cleaning equipment may be used together, and the cleaning equipment may be configured to spray a cleaning liquid or blow compressed air onto the protective equipment. By providing the moisture measuring device 121 with at least one of a protective tool and a cleaning tool, contamination by the waste G can be prevented and the moisture content can be more easily measured accurately.

[0084] The moisture measuring device 121 is disposed before the dryer 13 and measures the moisture content of the waste G0 before it is dried by the dryer 113. Specifically, the moisture measuring device 121 may measure the moisture content of the waste G0 after it has been removed from the first storage section 111 by a crane 122 serving as removal means. The moisture measuring device 121 is not particularly limited in terms of its placement position, but may be attached to the crane 122, for example, so that the moisture content of the waste G0 grasped and removed by the crane 122 can be easily measured. If the moisture measuring device 121 is a contact moisture meter, as shown in Fig. 5, it can be provided on the inner surface side of a gripping part 122A that comes into contact with the waste G0, thereby measuring the moisture content of the waste G0 grasped by the gripping part 122A.

[0085] Furthermore, if the moisture measuring device 121 is a non-contact moisture meter, it may be placed in a position where it can detect the moisture content of the waste G0 held by the crane 122. For example, if it is an optical moisture meter, it may be placed in a position where it can detect light from the waste G0 held by the crane 122. Specifically, it may be provided at or near the connection part between the holding part 122A and the hanging part 122B, or on the hanging part 122B. Furthermore, if the moisture measuring device 121 is a non-contact moisture meter, it does not need to be attached to the crane 122, but may be installed on the ceiling or wall of the building in which the first storage section 111 is installed, or may be suspended from the ceiling.

[0086] In this embodiment, the destination of the waste G0 removed by the crane 122 from the first storage section 111 is changed depending on the measurement result of the moisture measuring device 121. Specifically, if the moisture content measured by the moisture measuring device 21 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value X, the waste G0 is determined to have a high moisture content, and is transported by the crane 122 to be supplied to the dryer 113 as is. Then, the waste G0 determined to have a high moisture content is dried by the dryer 113 and then supplied to the gasification device 114.

[0087] On the other hand, if the moisture content measured by the moisture measuring device 121 is less than the predetermined value X, the waste G0 is determined to have a low moisture content, and is transferred as is to the second storage section 112 by the crane 122 and stored in the second storage section 112. The waste G0 is then supplied from the second storage section 112 to the gasification device 114 via the dust feeder 123. In other words, the waste G0 whose measured moisture content is less than the predetermined value X is supplied to the gasification device 114 without passing through the dryer 113.

[0088] As described above, in this embodiment, the waste G0 having a moisture content equal to or greater than the predetermined value X is dried in the dryer 113 to reduce the moisture content before being supplied to the gasification apparatus 114. As a result, all of the waste G0 supplied to the gasification apparatus 114 has a low moisture content, and variation in moisture content is reduced. Therefore, in the gasification apparatus 114, variation in the amount of hydrogen and carbon monoxide produced per unit time is reduced, and variation in the amount of hydrogen and carbon monoxide supplied to the organic matter production section 117 per unit time is also reduced. Therefore, even if the amount of microbial catalyst in the organic substance production section 117 is increased, it is less likely that a shortage of hydrogen or carbon monoxide supply will occur due to variations in the amount of hydrogen and carbon monoxide produced, and the death of the microbial catalyst is reduced, so that organic substances such as ethanol can be produced efficiently using the microbial catalyst. In addition, the waste G0 supplied to the gasification apparatus 114 has a stable low moisture content, which allows the gasification apparatus 114 to efficiently produce the synthesis gas G1.

[0089] Furthermore, only waste G0 that is determined to have a moisture content equal to or greater than a predetermined value X is dried by the dryer 113, reducing the energy load and thereby enabling efficient production of organic substances. Furthermore, since the dryer 113 only needs to dry a portion of the waste G0, it can be operated intermittently, reducing equipment trouble with the dryer 113 and also making it easier to perform maintenance while the dryer 113 is not in operation. Furthermore, even if the supply of waste G0 from the dryer 113 to the gasification device 114 is stopped during maintenance of the dryer 113, if the waste G0 stored in the second storage section 112 is supplied to the gasification device 114, it is possible to continuously supply the waste G0 to the gasification device 114, making it easier to operate the organic matter manufacturing device 110 continuously. The water recovered by the dryer 113 may be reused in the organic substance production apparatus 110. For example, it may be supplied to a water scrubber, which will be described later, for use. Reusing the water recovered by the dryer 113 allows the waste liquid generated during drying to be effectively utilized without being discarded, which is preferable from the viewpoint of environmental protection.

[0090] In this embodiment, the predetermined value X may be set to a value selected from the range of 10 to 35% by mass, for example. If the predetermined value X is set to 35% by mass or less, the waste G0 having a moisture content equal to or less than the predetermined value X will be dried in the dryer 113, so that the variation in moisture content of the waste G0 supplied to the gasification device 114 can be sufficiently suppressed. Furthermore, by setting the predetermined value X to a value of 10% by mass or greater and drying the waste G0 having a moisture content equal to or greater than the predetermined value X in the dryer 113, it is possible to prevent spontaneous combustion of the waste G0 dried in the dryer 113. Furthermore, by setting the predetermined value X to a value of 10% by mass or greater, the amount of waste G0 to be dried increases, which makes it less likely that problems will occur, such as excessive energy load or excessively long operating times of the dryer 113 making maintenance difficult. From the above viewpoint, the above-mentioned predetermined value X is preferably set within the range of 20 to 30 mass %, more preferably 23 to 27 mass %, and most preferably set to 25 mass %.

[0091] The organic substance producing apparatus 110 may be provided with a control device (not shown). The control device may be configured with a personal computer or the like. The control device is a device that controls the operation of the first crane 122, and may control the removal of the waste G0 from the first storage section 111 by the crane 122 and the supply of the removed waste G0 to the dryer 113 or the second storage section 112. The control device receives the moisture content measurement value from the moisture measuring device 121 and determines whether the measurement value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value X. Based on the determination result, the control device controls the operation of the first crane 122. Specifically, if the moisture content is less than the predetermined value X, the first crane 122 transfers the waste G0 held by it so that it is supplied to the second storage section 112. On the other hand, if the moisture content is equal to or greater than the predetermined value X, the first crane 122 transfers the waste G0 held by it so that it is supplied to the dryer 113. However, it is not necessary to provide a control device, and the organic substance manufacturing apparatus 110 may be provided with a control panel for operating the crane 122, and the operation of the crane 122 may be controlled by input from the control panel. Similarly, other operations, such as the supply of waste G0 from the dryer 113 to the gasification device, and the supply of waste G0 from the second storage section 112 to the gasification device 114 by the second crane 127, may also be controlled by the control device, by input from the operation panel, or by other means.

[0092] (Post-processing device) In the post-stage treatment device 118, impurities contained in the synthesis gas G1 are removed, the temperature of the synthesis gas G1 is adjusted, and so on. When a microbial catalyst is used as a catalyst in the organic substance production unit 117 described below, the synthesis gas G1 is cooled to 40°C or less, preferably 38°C or less, and then supplied to the organic substance production unit 117. When a metal catalyst is used as a catalyst in the organic substance production unit 117, the synthesis gas G1 is preferably temperature-adjusted to a temperature at which the metal catalyst can be activated, and then supplied to the organic substance production unit 117; for example, the temperature may be adjusted to about 100 to 400°C, preferably about 100 to 300°C, and then supplied to the organic substance production unit 117. Examples of the post-processing device 118 include the processing devices shown in the first embodiment. The processing devices may be used alone or in combination of two or more types.

[0093] Of the above, the downstream treatment device 118 preferably includes at least a heat exchanger, a gas cooling tower, a filter-type dust collector, and a water scrubber, in this order from the upstream side. In particular, when a microbial catalyst is used as the catalyst, it is preferable to include these. The configurations of the heat exchanger, gas cooling tower, filter-type dust collector, and water scrubber and the processes performed in each of these devices are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

[0094] The synthesis gas discharged from the water scrubber may further be passed through one or more of the above-mentioned treatment devices other than a heat exchanger, a gas cooling tower, a filter-type dust collector, and a water scrubber to appropriately purify, cool, etc. the synthesis gas. In the above description, a configuration has been described in which the heat exchanger, gas cooling tower, filter dust collector, and water scrubber are all provided downstream of the gasification apparatus 114, but some or all of these may be omitted. For example, even if the water scrubber is omitted, another cooling device may be provided downstream, and if the catalyst is, for example, a microbial catalyst, the synthesis gas G1 may be cooled to 40°C or less and supplied to the organic substance generation unit 17. Furthermore, at least one or more of the heat exchanger, gas cooling tower, and filter dust collector may be omitted, or the synthesis gas may be purified, cooled, etc., using only treatment devices other than the heat exchanger, gas cooling tower, filter dust collector, and water scrubber.

[0095] (purification equipment) The organic substance producing apparatus 110 may have a purification device (not shown) for purifying the organic substance produced in the organic substance producing section 17. For example, when a metal catalyst is used to produce a target product such as ethanol, the resulting product usually contains, in addition to ethanol, organic substances other than ethanol, such as acetaldehyde and acetic acid. Therefore, the target organic substance (e.g., ethanol) may be purified using a known purification apparatus such as a distillation apparatus to obtain the target product.

[0096] (separation device) In the organic substance generation section 117, organic substances are generated, for example, by a microbial catalyst as described above, and an organic substance-containing liquid is obtained, but the organic substance manufacturing apparatus 110 may also be equipped with a separation device (not shown) that separates at least water from the organic substance-containing liquid. Examples of the separation device include a solid-liquid separator, a distillation device, and a separation membrane, but it is preferable to use a combination of a solid-liquid separator and a distillation device. However, in cases where there is no need to purify the organic substance produced in the organic substance production unit 17 or where there is no need to separate water from the organic substance-containing liquid, the separation device may be omitted. The separation step performed by combining a solid-liquid separator and a distillation apparatus is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0097] The organic substance-containing liquid obtained in the organic substance production unit 117 may be separated into a solid component mainly composed of microorganisms and a liquid component containing organic substances in a solid-liquid separator as described above, but the solid component may be supplied to the gasification apparatus 114 as waste G0. This allows for effective use of the waste generated during the production of organic substances. In this case, as described above, the moisture content of the solid component is measured, and if the moisture content is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, it is dried in the dryer 13, and if the moisture content is less than the predetermined value, it is supplied to the gasification apparatus 14 without passing through the dryer 13. Furthermore, as in the first embodiment, it is preferable to reuse the water separated in the separation device, for example, by supplying it to a gas cooling tower in the downstream treatment device 18 described later and using it for water spray in the gas cooling tower.

[0098] <Fourth embodiment> Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing an organic substance manufacturing apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing in detail a part of an organic substance manufacturing apparatus 130 according to the fourth embodiment. The organic substance manufacturing apparatus 130 according to the fourth embodiment differs from the third embodiment in that the second storage section 112 as a waste pit is omitted, and in that a second dust feeder 133 is provided in addition to the dust feeder 123 (hereinafter, for convenience, sometimes referred to as the "first dust feeder 123") described above as a dust feeder for supplying waste G0 to the gasification apparatus 114. Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, the second storage section 112 as a waste pit is omitted, and therefore the second crane 127 is also omitted. Note that, although the second storage section 112 as a waste pit is omitted in the fourth embodiment, a hopper 133A of the second dust feeder 133 can serve as the second storage section, as will be described later. An organic substance manufacturing apparatus and an organic substance manufacturing method according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 6 and 7. In the following description, components having the same configuration as those in the third embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0099] 7(B), the second dust feeder 133 includes, for example, a hopper 133A and a dust feed screw 133B, and moves the waste G0 put into the hopper 133A by rotating the dust feed screw 133B, and supplies the waste to the gasifier 115. That is, two dust feeders (first and second dust feeders 123, 133) are connected to the gasification apparatus 114, and waste is supplied by the two dust feeders.

[0100] In this embodiment, as in the third embodiment, the waste G0 removed by the crane 122 has its moisture content measured by the moisture detection device 121 while still held by the crane 122. If the measured moisture content of the waste G0 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value X, the waste G0 held by the crane 122 is supplied as is to the dryer 113, where it is dried, and then supplied to the gasification device 114 via the first dust feeder 123. On the other hand, if the measured moisture content of the waste G0 is less than the predetermined value X, the waste G0 taken out by the crane 122 is supplied directly to the second dust feeder 133 by the crane 122 without passing through the dryer 113. Then, the waste G0 that has not been dried by the dryer 113 is supplied from the second dust feeder 133 to the gasification device 114.

[0101] Here, the waste G0 may be supplied to the gasification device 114 from the first and second dust feeders 123, 133 in any manner; for example, both the first and second dust feeders 123, 133 may be driven and the waste G0 may be supplied from both the first and second dust feeders 123, 133; however, it is preferable that the waste G0 be supplied from only one of the first and second dust feeders 123, 133. Therefore, while the waste G0 is being supplied from the first dust feeder 123 to the gasification apparatus 14, it is preferable to stop the supply of the waste G0 from the second dust feeder 133 to the gasification apparatus 114. On the other hand, while the waste G0 is being supplied from the second dust feeder 133, it is preferable to stop the supply of the waste G0 from the first dust feeder 123 to the gasification apparatus 114.

[0102] The hopper 133A in the second dust feeder 133 has a certain capacity, and therefore can also serve as a storage section for storing the waste G0. That is, the hopper 133A functions as a storage section (second storage section) in place of the omitted waste pit. Therefore, during the period when the waste G0 cannot be supplied to the gasification device 114 from the first dust feeder 123 due to maintenance of the dryer 113 or the like, the waste G0 can be stored in the hopper 133A of the second dust feeder 133 in advance, and the waste G0 stored in the hopper 133A can be supplied to the gasification device 114, thereby making it possible to continuously supply a certain amount of waste G0 to the gasification device 114. The waste materials G0 can be stored in the hopper 133A while the supply of the waste materials G0 from the second dust feeder 133 to the gasification device 114 is stopped.

[0103] Similarly, the hopper 123A of the first dust feeder 123 also functions as a storage section (third storage section). Therefore, while the supply of the waste G0 from the first dust feeder 123 to the gasification device 114 is stopped, the waste G0 supplied from the dryer 113 to the first dust feeder 123 can be stored in the hopper 123A. Furthermore, even if the supply of the waste G0 from the dryer 113 is stopped, the waste G0 stored in the hopper 123A can be supplied to the gasification device 114 by the first dust feeder 123 for a certain period of time. That is, in this embodiment, even if the supply of waste G0 from the dryer 113 is delayed for a certain period of time due to maintenance or the like, the hoppers 123A, 133A can be used as storage sections to continuously supply waste G0 to the gasification device 114, and continuous operation of the organic substance manufacturing device 130 is not hindered.

[0104] <Modifications of the third and fourth embodiments> The organic substance manufacturing apparatus and organic substance manufacturing method described above using the third and fourth embodiments are examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the configurations of the above embodiments. Various improvements and modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention, and components may be added as appropriate. Furthermore, the configurations of the first to fourth embodiments may be combined as appropriate. For example, in the third embodiment, an aspect in which two cranes are provided is shown, but the number of cranes may be one, or three or more. Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the first storage section 111 and the second storage section 112 are shown as being disposed at positions apart from each other, but the first storage section 111 and the second storage section 112 may be disposed at positions adjacent to each other. When the first storage section 111 and the second storage section 112 are disposed adjacent to each other, it becomes easier to transfer waste from the first storage section 111 to the second storage section 112, and it also becomes easier to reduce the number of cranes. Similarly, although the fourth embodiment shows a mode in which one crane is provided, two or more cranes may be provided. Furthermore, in each of the third and fourth embodiments described above, the crane 122 is shown as the means for removing the waste G0 from the first storage section 111, but the waste G0 may be removed from the first storage section 111 by means other than the crane 122. For example, a belt conveyor, a hydraulic excavator, etc. may be used.

[0105] In addition, although the third embodiment shows an embodiment in which there is one dust feeder, two dust feeders may be provided, and the waste G0 from the dryer 113 and the waste G0 from the second storage section 112 may be supplied to the gasification device 114 via separate dust feeders. Similarly, in the fourth embodiment, an aspect in which two dust feeders are provided is shown, but the number of dust feeders may be one, in which case both the waste G0 dried in the dryer 113 and the waste G0 that does not pass through the dryer 113 may be supplied to the same dust feeder, and the waste G0 may be supplied to the gasification device 114 through that one dust feeder.

[0106] Furthermore, in the third and fourth embodiments, a crane or a combination of a crane and a dust feeder is shown as the means (supply means) for supplying the waste G0 stored in the first storage section 111 to the dryer 113, the second storage section 112, or the gasification device 114, but the waste G0 may be supplied by means other than these. For example, a conveying device powered by electricity, air, a gas such as nitrogen, or steam may also be used, and for example, a belt conveyor, a hopper, or the like may be used. Furthermore, the supply means may be a combination of any two or more devices selected from a crane, a dust feeder, a belt conveyor, a hopper, etc. Similarly, in the third embodiment, the means for supplying the waste G0 stored in the second storage section 112 to the gasification system 114 is shown to be a combination of the crane 127 and the dust feeder 123, but other conveying devices powered by electricity, air, gas such as nitrogen, or steam may also be used, for example, a belt conveyor, a hopper, etc. Also, any combination of two or more devices selected from the crane, dust feeder, belt conveyor, hopper, etc. may be used. Therefore, in the third and fourth embodiments, at least one of the crane and the dust feeder may be omitted as appropriate.

[0107] Furthermore, in the third embodiment described above, the waste G0 dried in the dryer 113 is supplied to the gasification apparatus 114 via the dust feeder 123 without passing through the second storage section 112. However, the waste G0 dried in the dryer 113 may be supplied to the second storage section 112. According to this aspect, the second storage section 112 stores both the waste G0 having a moisture content less than the predetermined value X and supplied without passing through the dryer 113, and the waste G0 dried in the dryer 113 and with a reduced moisture content. Then, the waste G0 mixed in the second storage section 112 by the cranes 122, 127, etc. as needed, is supplied to the gasification apparatus 114 via the dust feeder 123.

[0108] Furthermore, in the third and fourth embodiments described above, the moisture content of the waste G0 removed from the first storage section 111 by removal means constituted by a crane was measured, but the moisture measuring device 121 may measure the moisture content in any manner as long as it is possible to measure the moisture content of the waste G0 before drying. For example, the moisture content of the waste G0 stored in the first storage section 111 may be measured. Furthermore, after the waste G0 has been removed from the first storage section 111 by removal means such as a crane, the moisture content of the waste G0 may be measured while it is being transported by a transport device other than a crane. The moisture content of the waste G0 may also be measured before it is stored in the first storage section 111. In this case, for example, in the third embodiment, the waste G0 having a moisture content equal to or greater than a predetermined value may be supplied directly to the first storage section 111 and stored therein, and the waste G0 having a moisture content less than the predetermined value may be supplied to the second storage section 112 and stored therein. The waste G0 stored in the first storage section 111 may then be supplied to a dryer 113, dried in the dryer 113, and then supplied to the gasification apparatus 114 via a conveying device such as a dust feeder. The waste G0 stored in the second storage section 112 may also be supplied to the gasification apparatus 114 via a conveying device such as a crane or dust feeder, without passing through the dryer 111. Furthermore, the first storage section 111 may be omitted as appropriate, or the waste G0 may not be stored in the first storage section 111, but the moisture content of the waste G0 may be measured by a moisture measuring device, and the waste G0 may be supplied to a dryer 113 or the like depending on the measurement results.

[0109] As mentioned above, in the gasification apparatus 114, two or more types of waste may be mixed and burned. For example, waste with a low moisture content, such as plastic, or waste with high fuel efficiency, such as wood chips, may be mixed and burned with municipal solid waste (MSW).

[0110] Furthermore, in the above explanations of the third and fourth embodiments, the moisture content of each waste G0 is measured, and the waste G0 whose measured moisture content is equal to or greater than a predetermined value is supplied to the dryer 113, while the waste G0 whose measured moisture content is less than the predetermined value is supplied to the gasification device 114 without passing through the dryer 113. However, depending on the type of waste G0, it is not always necessary to measure the moisture content, and the above-mentioned plastics, wood chips, etc. may be supplied to the gasification device 114 without measuring the moisture content and without being dried in the dryer 113. That is, in the above third and fourth embodiments, two types of waste G0 were supplied to the gasification apparatus 114: waste G0 that had been dried in the dryer 113, and waste G0 whose measured moisture content was less than a predetermined value and therefore did not pass through the dryer 113. However, in addition to these, certain types of waste such as plastics and wood chips may also be supplied to the gasification apparatus 114 without undergoing moisture measurement and drying in the dryer 113. In the third and fourth embodiments, a storage section such as a waste pit for storing specific types of waste such as plastics and wood chips may be provided separately. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 10, 30, 110, 130 Organic substance manufacturing equipment 11, 111 Storage section (first storage section) 12, 112 Storage section (second storage section) 13, 113 Dryer 14, 114 Gasifier 15, 115 Gasifier 16, 116 Reformer 17, 117 Organic substance generation part 18, 118 Post-processing device 19, 119 Platform 22 Crane (waste supply means) 23 Dust feeder (waste supply means) 32 Crane (waste supply means) 121 Moisture measuring device 122 No. 1 Crane 123 1st dust feeder 127 Second Crane 133 2nd dust feeder G0 waste G1 Syngas

Claims

[Claim 1] feeding the waste material into a dryer; drying the waste material in the dryer; feeding the waste dried in the dryer to a gasifier; gasifying the waste in the gasifier to produce synthesis gas; contacting the synthesis gas with a catalyst to produce organic matter; A method for producing an organic substance comprising:

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