A system for generating methane, a device for producing reformed low-grade coal, a subcritical water treatment device used in a system for generating methane, a system for utilizing reformed low-grade coal, a method for generating methane, a method for producing reformed low-grade coal, and a method for utilizing reformed low-grade coal.

Abstract

To provide a system that can easily generate a high-concentration methane-based gas in a short amount of time. [Solution] A subcritical water treatment device is configured to perform a first-stage treatment with a temperature range of 150 to 220°C and a predetermined treatment time, and a second-stage treatment with a temperature range of 110 to 130°C and a predetermined treatment time. In the first-stage treatment, moisture contained in the low-grade coal raw material is removed, and voids accounting for 20% or more of the volume of the low-grade coal, as well as molten and liquefied components, are formed from a portion of the low-grade coal. In the second-stage treatment, these molten and liquefied components solidify in the voids and adhere to the non-molten and non-liquefied components in other parts, filling the voids and producing bio-coal char with a void ratio of 9% or less of the total volume. The device for utilizing the modified low-grade coal is equipped with a gasification means for converting the bio-coal char into methane, and the gasification means gasifies the modified low-grade coal produced from the bio-char in a non-oxidizing state to produce methane.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for generating methane, a gasification furnace used in a system for generating methane, a reformed low-grade coal production apparatus, a subcritical water treatment apparatus used in a system for generating methane or a reformed low-grade coal production apparatus, a reformed low-grade coal utilization system, a methane generation method, a reformed low-grade coal production method, and a reformed low-grade coal utilization method.

Background Art

[0002] When coal is roughly classified into two categories according to the degree of coalification, coal with a high degree of coalification is classified into bituminous coal and anthracite, and coal with a low degree of coalification is classified into peat, lignite, and sub-bituminous coal. Coal with a high degree of coalification and a high calorific value, bituminous coal and anthracite are high-grade coal, and coal with a lower degree of coalification than high-grade coal consists of low-grade coal such as sub-bituminous coal, lignite, and peat.

[0003] The calorific value of coal by grade is such that high-grade coal has a high calorific value and low-grade coal has a lower calorific value than high-grade coal.

[0004] Non-Patent Document 1 describes coal classification according to JIS. According to the coal classification according to JIS, it is described that high-grade coal has a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more, and sub-bituminous coal has a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or less. Therefore, the calorific value of low-grade coal is 8,100 kcal / kg or less. Non-Patent Document 1 describes that regarding the moisture content, it is 9.0 to 11.08% (percentage in the whole) for high-grade coal and 26.0% for low-grade coal.

[0005] Due to the poor transportation efficiency and energy efficiency, low-grade coal has fewer transactions in the world market compared to high-grade coal. Also, since the CO2 emissions and soot of facilities burning low-grade coal are more than those of factories and power plants burning high-grade coal, the use of low-grade coal with a large environmental load has become a political issue.

[0006] On the other hand, low-grade coal accounts for half of the world's coal reserves and has the advantage of being obtainable at a low cost. Therefore, research and development have been conducted on improvement technologies from the perspective of modifying and gasifying low-grade coal, such as removing moisture from low-grade coal, in order to improve the efficiency of transportation and combustion.

[0007] Burning coal emits an average of approximately 100 kg of CO2 per million BTU (British thermal units) of energy. There is a need to reduce CO2 emissions and create a society that does not burden the environment, and various measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions have been proposed.

[0008] Traditionally, coal carbonization is known as a method for obtaining coal gas. Coal carbonization involves heating and decomposing coal in an air-free environment to obtain coal gas, gaseous liquid, coal tar, coke, and other materials.

[0009] A technology has been developed and put into practical use to produce CWM (combustible wastewater) by adding water to pulverized coal to create a slurry-like CWM, which can then be used as a substitute fuel for heavy oil.

[0010] A method for producing synthesis gas from coal is known. This method involves introducing steam and oxygen into coal, for example, to carry out the following coal gasification reactions sequentially or concurrently, thereby producing synthesis gas from coal.

[0011] Non-patent document 2 contains the following description regarding the production of synthesis gas:

[0012] Coal ⇒H2, CmHn,C 4000kcal / kg(1) C + 2H2 → CH4 + 17900 cal (2) C+ H2O → CO+H2 -31100cal (3) C+2H2O → CO2+2H2 -18200cal (4) C + CO2 → 2CO2 - 40800 cal (5) C + H2O → CO2 + H2 + 9700 cal (6) C+ O2 + 94000 cal (7) 2C + O2 → 2CO + 53200 cal (8) Equation (1) represents the carbonization reaction that is fundamental to coal gasification. When coal is heated to above 350°C, it undergoes carbonization to produce hydrocarbons such as H2, CO, CH4, and tar, as well as char. In high-temperature gasification, all hydrocarbons and char react again according to the reaction equations shown in (2) and subsequent equations, ultimately producing synthesis gas of H2 and CO. Equations (7) and (8) represent the combustion reactions that supply the heat for these reactions.

[0013] Patent Document 1 describes a method and apparatus for converting coal into fuel for power generation equipment. This invention proposes a decomposition reaction step in which a coal-water mixture, which is a mixture of pulverized coal and water, is decomposed by maintaining the temperature and pressure of the water at a subcritical state, and a gasification step in which a carbon-hydrogen gas and a coal-oil mixture are supplied to a gasification reactor to gasify into a combustible gas mainly composed of CO and H2.

[0014] Patent Document 2 describes a woody biomass production system developed by the inventors of the present invention. It describes a method for producing hydrothermally reacted semi-carbonized solids by introducing waste material into a pressure vessel, hydrolyzing it with subcritical water, followed by low-temperature semi-carbonization treatment, and then collecting the resulting hydrothermally reacted semi-carbonized solids. The hydrothermally reacted semi-carbonized solids are then aggregated to produce hydrothermally reacted semi-carbonized pellets. Furthermore, it is described that when the raw material is wood chips, the semi-carbonization treatment temperature should be around 200°C. It is also described that the hydrothermally reacted pellets can be used for power generation or as combustion fuel. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0015] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3947887 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 7441573 [Non-patent literature]

[0016] [Non-Patent Document 1] "Classification of Coal", November 2022, Coal Development Department, Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation

Non-Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0017] The coal carbonization method involves pyrolyzing coal to obtain coal gas as a volatile gas, gas liquor as a non-volatile gas, coal tar, coke, etc. However, when specializing in maximizing the production of coal gas as a volatile gas, there is a problem in maximizing the collection amount of coal gas as a volatile gas.

[0018] The CWM technology has a problem of generating a large amount of carbon dioxide gas because it adds water and oxygen to the coal as the processing raw material and pyrolyzes it at a temperature of 350°C or higher, and the upper limit value of the calorific value is about 4,000 kcal / kg, resulting in a low calorific value.

[0019] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, a high-temperature subcritical water treatment method is adopted to generate a coal-oil mixture, and a gasification process is adopted in which the coal-oil mixture is supplied to a gasification reactor and gasified into a combustible gas mainly composed of CO and H2. However, a high-temperature treatment must be adopted in the high-temperature subcritical water treatment method to generate a coal-oil mixture.

[0020] According to the technology described in Patent Document 2, a subcritical water treatment method is adopted, and the semi-carbonization treatment temperature can be set around 200°C. Patent Document 2 describes the basic and fundamental technologies of the subcritical water treatment method, but does not describe a coal gasification method using the subcritical water treatment method.

[0021] As described above, due to poor transport efficiency and energy efficiency, low-quality coal has fewer transactions in the world market compared to high-quality coal. In addition, since the CO2 emissions and soot of facilities that burn low-quality coal are higher than those of factories and power plants that burn high-quality coal, the use of low-quality coal with a large environmental impact has become a political issue.

[0022] In view of such points, an object of the present invention is to simply generate a gas mainly composed of high-concentration methane in a short time by gasifying the produced bio-coal carbide.

[0023] In the present invention, in subcritical water treatment, by performing a low-temperature depolymerization treatment, coal is treated with subcritical water to be easily gasified during gasification, and it is possible to obtain a gas with a high calorific value in a short time compared to the calorific value of high-quality coal. The present invention aims to reform coal, particularly low-quality coal, by producing a bio-coal carbide obtained by bioconverting coal, which makes it possible to improve the amount of generated gas compared to the coal carbonization method during gasification. In particular, the present invention aims to reform coal as a treatment raw material so that it has a calorific value higher than that of high-quality coal by producing a bio-coal carbide suitable for the case where the coal as a treatment raw material is low-quality coal.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0024] In the present invention, high-quality coal is either bituminous coal, anthracite, or a mixed coal thereof, and low-quality coal is either peat, lignite, sub-bituminous coal, or a mixed coal thereof. When high-quality coal is mixed with any of peat, lignite, or sub-bituminous coal, it refers to the case where peat, lignite, or sub-bituminous coal forms the main part.

[0025] The present invention In a system for producing methane from reformed low-quality coal, which is configured to have a reformed low-quality coal manufacturing apparatus that manufactures reformed low-quality coal by reforming low-quality coal as a treatment raw material when bituminous coal or anthracite in coal is referred to as high-quality coal and peat, lignite, or sub-bituminous coal is referred to as low-quality coal, and gasification means for gasifying the produced bio-coal carbide. The modified low-grade coal production apparatus includes a subcritical water treatment apparatus having a temperature curve characteristic in which the relationship between temperature X and weight loss rate Y during hydrolysis treatment is represented on the XY axis coordinate system by a portion where the temperature X is 220°C or less and the weight loss rate continues from the shoulder of a gradual weight loss line to a portion where the weight decreases sharply, and the gasification means includes a gasification furnace. Inside the subcritical water treatment apparatus 11, a first-stage temperature range of 220°C or less and a second-stage temperature adjustment range of 130°C or less are formed at the temperature of the shoulder portion of the temperature curve, and the subcritical water treatment apparatus is set to a first-stage processing means that corresponds to the first-stage temperature range of 220°C or less and has a predetermined processing time of 150 to 220°C, thereby forming voids from which moisture contained in the low-grade coal of the processing raw material has been removed, as well as low-molecular-weight molten and liquefied components and low-molecular-weight components that have not melted or liquefied. A second-stage processing means is set to operate at a predetermined temperature range of 110-130°C for a set processing time, corresponding to the second stage temperature range of 130°C or less. Within the void, the low-molecular-weight non-melting / non-liquefiable components are fixed and filled with the low-molecular-weight molten / liquefied components, thereby producing bio-coal char with a void ratio of 11% or less in the voids after filling, relative to the total volume of the bio-coal char. The gasification means gasifies the generated biocarbon in a non-oxidizing state to produce methane. This invention provides a system for producing methane from modified low-grade coal, characterized by the following features.

[0026] In the methane production system described above, The present invention provides a methane production system comprising a gas holder for storing the generated methane, wherein the gasification means burns a portion of the stored methane to generate a combustion gas for a heat source, and heats and gasifies the bio-coal char in a non-oxidizing state with the combustion gas to produce methane.

[0027] In the methane production system described above, The gasification means is configured to produce methane with a concentration of 30% or more by setting a temperature of 350 to 450°C and a processing period of 15 to 30 minutes. We provide a system for producing methane characterized by [specific features].

[0028] As described above, "modified coal" includes both modified high-grade coal and modified low-grade coal, and "bio-coal carbide" is used in connection with the subcritical water treatment of the raw material coal in the said subcritical water treatment device. When the raw material coal is low-grade coal, it is called "bio-low-grade coal carbide," and when the raw material coal is high-grade coal, it is called "bio-high-grade coal carbide." "Modified low-grade coal" mainly consists of the generated "bio-coal carbide" and is used in connection with the production in the modified low-grade coal production device. "Modification" means that the raw material coal in the said subcritical water treatment device is transformed into bio-coal carbide with an improved calorific value by subcritical water treatment. The "moisture" that reduces the calorific value is the moisture contained within the coal used as the raw material for processing, especially low-grade coal. When it evaporates during subcritical water treatment, it forms voids, and when the voids are reduced by the solidification of molten and liquefied components within those voids, bio-coal char is produced that retains a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more, similar to that of high-grade coal.

[0029] "Densification" refers to the structural state of modified coal achieved by fixing molten and liquefied components to non-molten and non-liquefied components, thereby reducing the void ratio in modified low-grade coal to 9% or less, preferably 5% or less, by filling and fixing moisture-free voids with molten and liquefied components.

[0030] "8,100 kcal / kg" is a standard value established by referring to the 8,100 kcal / kg value held by high-grade coal, and the standard value can be arbitrarily set at a value above 8,100 kcal / kg. For example, 8,400 kcal / kg for bituminous coal specified in JIS M-1002 can be set. [Effects of the Invention]

[0031] According to the present invention, By gasifying the generated bio-coal char, a gas primarily composed of methane with a high concentration can be produced easily and in a shorter time compared to various conventional methods.

[0032] According to the present invention, by producing bio-coal char, which is produced by bio-processing coal, the raw material coal, especially low-grade coal, is modified by producing bio-coal char, which is suitable in cases where the raw material coal is low-grade coal, the raw material coal is modified to have a calorific value greater than that of high-grade coal by producing bio-coal char, which is easily gasified when coal is treated with subcritical water and the treatment product is gasified, and which is capable of obtaining a gas with a higher calorific value than that of high-grade coal. According to the present invention, by producing bio-coal char, which is particularly suitable when the raw material coal is low-grade coal, the raw material coal can be modified to have a calorific value greater than that of high-grade coal.

[0033] According to the present invention, by setting a low processing temperature for the demolecular-weight treatment by hydrolysis, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the efficiency of utilizing the calorific value possessed by low-grade coal, thereby enabling the production of modified low-grade coal with a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more. This provides a modified low-grade coal production apparatus and method that can utilize modified low-grade coal to the same extent as high-grade coal, and are environmentally friendly by suppressing CO2 emissions. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0034] [Figure 1] A diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention: a modified low-grade coal production apparatus and a methane gas generation system. [Figure 2] This figure shows the configuration of a self-sufficient methane gas production apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This figure shows the configuration of the first subcritical water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This figure shows the configuration of a second subcritical water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] A diagram showing the relationship between temperature X and weight loss rate Y on an XY axis coordinate system. [Figure 6] A diagram illustrating the modification and production of low-grade coal and the utilization of modified low-grade coal. [Figure 7] Microscopic images of lignite [Figure 8] Microscopic image of peat (1) [Figure 9]Microscopic images of peat (2) [Figure 10] This diagram illustrates the voids created in the present invention and the state in which the molten / liquefied material is fixed within the voids. [Figure 11] A diagram illustrating a method for producing modified low-grade coal and a system for utilizing modified low-grade coal. [Figure 12] Diagram showing an operational system utilizing modified low-grade coal. [Figure 13] This diagram illustrates an operational system utilizing modified low-grade coal, which has a network for exchanging information on the production of modified low-grade coal and / or information on CO2 emission reduction. [Figure 14] Diagram showing the internal configuration of the manufacturer's terminal, the user's terminal, and the administrator's terminal. [Figure 15] A diagram illustrating the information generated by the manufacturer's terminal, the user's terminal, and the administrator's terminal, and the exchange of this information. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0035] The following describes an embodiment of the present invention: a modified low-grade coal utilization system.

[0036] As mentioned above, according to Non-Patent Literature 1, although it varies depending on the place of origin, high-grade charcoal has a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more, while low-grade charcoal has a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or less. The moisture content is 9.0-11.08% (percentage of the total) for high-grade charcoal and 26.0% for low-grade charcoal.

[0037] Figure 1 shows a modified low-grade coal production and utilization system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Among the modified low-grade coal production and utilization systems, this figure shows a methane gas production and utilization system that produces and utilizes methane gas from modified low-grade coal.

[0038] The present invention relates to a modified low-grade coal production and utilization system 100 comprising a modified low-grade coal production apparatus 1 for modifying low-grade coal used as a processing raw material, and a modified low-grade coal utilization apparatus (also called a utilization apparatus) 2 for utilizing the modified low-grade coal as a heat source raw material, and more particularly to a methane gas production and utilization system.

[0039] The modified low-grade coal production and utilization system 100 consists of a modified low-grade coal production device 1 and a modified low-grade coal utilization device 2 that uses bio-coal char produced by the modified low-grade coal production device.

[0040] A transport means 3, such as a transport vehicle, is installed between the modified low-grade coal production apparatus 1 and the modified low-grade coal utilization apparatus 2.

[0041] The modified low-grade coal production apparatus 1, with low-grade coal as the medium represented as 12 and bio-coal char as 16, consists of a subcritical water treatment apparatus 11 as its main component, a micronizing apparatus 13 that micronizes the micronized low-grade coal 12 processing raw material, a high-temperature, high-pressure steam generator 14 that generates high-temperature, high-pressure steam and supplies it to the subcritical water treatment apparatus 11, and an unloading means 15 that unloads the bio-coal char 16 from the subcritical water treatment apparatus 11, thereby producing modified low-grade coal 17 that becomes bio-coal char 16. The low-grade coal 12 micronized by the micronizing apparatus 13 is fed into the subcritical water treatment apparatus 11. Chips are also treated as micronized in this context.

[0042] In the subcritical water treatment apparatus 11, the low-molecular-weight carbides (also called semi-carbides) produced by hydrolysis of low-grade coal 12 through subcritical water treatment are referred to here as bio-coal carbides.

[0043] The subcritical water treatment apparatus 11 has a temperature curve characteristic in which the relationship between temperature X and weight loss rate Y during hydrolysis treatment is represented on the XY axis coordinate system by a portion where the temperature X is 220°C or less and the shoulder of a gradual weight loss line continues into a portion where the weight decreases sharply. Inside the subcritical water treatment apparatus 11, the temperature of the shoulder of the temperature curve is adjusted to form a first stage temperature region of 220°C or less and a second stage adjustment temperature region of 130°C or less. In the first stage temperature region of 220°C or less, a void is formed with a volume of 20% or more of the volume of the low-grade coal from which the water contained in the raw material has been removed, forming molten and liquefied components from a portion of the low-grade coal. In the second stage adjustment temperature region of 130°C or less, the molten and liquefied components are solidified in the void, filling and fixing the non-liquefiable components in other parts, thereby producing the bio-coal char 16 which maintains a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more, which is held by high-grade coal.

[0044] Here, "treatment" refers to subcritical water reaction treatment, in which some of the low-molecular-weight, solidified low-grade coal treated with subcritical water reaction adheres to other low-molecular-weight, low-grade coal, forming bio-coal char. Bio-coal char exhibits a slightly blackish, carbonized appearance.

[0045] In this embodiment, the modified low-grade coal production apparatus 1 is equipped with the subcritical water treatment apparatus 11 to produce bio-coal char, manufacture modified low-grade coal, and the modified low-grade coal can be used as a heat source raw material for low-molecular-weight char having a calorific value equivalent to or greater than that of high-grade coal that maintains a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more per unit weight.

[0046] Low-grade coal is subjected to a subcritical water reaction treatment with superheated steam and carbonized as described later, becoming the basis for the production of carbides, i.e., bio-coal carbides. The subcritical water reactor 11 can treat the low-grade coal 12, which is the raw material for processing, with a subcritical water reaction.

[0047] Subcritical water reactions involve confining water under high temperature and pressure in a pressure vessel to hydrolyze low-grade, high-molecular-weight carbon, thereby reducing its molecular weight. Subcritical water reactors are also called subcritical treatment devices or subcritical devices.

[0048] The manufactured modified low-grade coal 17 is transported to the modified low-grade coal utilization device 2 by a transport means 3. The transport means 3 consists of a conveyor, a bio-coal char storage device, and a belt conveyor with an input means.

[0049] One example of a device 2 for utilizing modified low-grade coal is a fuel-self-sufficient methane gas production device 20.

[0050] Figure 2 shows the configuration of the device 2 for utilizing modified low-grade coal.

[0051] In Figure 2, the apparatus 2 for utilizing modified low-grade coal consists of a gasification means 21, an activated carbon recovery means 22, a superheated steam generation means 23, a generated gas discharge means 24, a gas cooling means 25 for cooling the discharged gas, a dust separation means 26, a bag filter 27, and a gas holder 28.

[0052] The gasification means 21 consists of a cylindrical gasifier 31, a burner 32, internal piping 33 connected to the burner 32, a superheated steam pipe 34 located in the center of the gasifier 31, a modified low-grade coal input device 35, a gas outlet 36, and an activated carbon outlet 37.

[0053] The activated carbon recovery means 22 is connected to the activated carbon outlet 37 and receives the residual activated carbon generated by the gasification means 21. It consists of a cooling conveyor 41 equipped with a cooling device 42 to cool the activated carbon, and an activated carbon storage container 43 for storing and storing the activated carbon.

[0054] The superheated steam generating means 23 consists of a boiler 30 connected to a water supply device 29, a gas heating device 48 with piping 47 inside, and a burner 32 connected to a gas holder 28 that introduces the generated gas via piping 45. Steam at 160-180°C from the boiler 30 and generated gas from the gas outlet 36 are introduced into the gas heating device 48, where heat exchange takes place between the superheated steam and the generated gas, generating superheated steam at 500°C.

[0055] The generated 500°C superheated steam is supplied from the gas heating device 48 to the superheated steam pipe 34 via piping 46.

[0056] Superheated steam is introduced into the gasification means 21. Heat exchange takes place between the introduced reformed low-grade coal, the superheated steam, and the heated gas from the burner 32. Gas, specifically methane gas, is generated through this heat exchange. The generated gas is led to the gas outlet 36, and the residual activated carbon is led to the activated carbon outlet 37.

[0057] Of the generated gas, a portion is supplied to the superheated steam generating means 23 from the gas outlet 36, and another portion is branched off and supplied to the gas cooling means 25.

[0058] The gas cooling means 25 includes a condenser 50, which is a cooler. The condenser 50 is connected to the gas outlet 36 by piping 51 and to the dust separation means 26 by piping 52.

[0059] The dust separation means 26 consists of a dust separator 54 and a dust container 53 for storing dust. The dust separator 54 is connected to a bag filter 27 via piping 55 to remove impurities.

[0060] The gas from which impurities have been removed is led through piping 56 to a gas holder 28 where it is stored. Piping 59 is provided connecting the gas holder 28 and the burner 32, and an LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) bank 57 is connected to piping 59. LPG gas 58 is flow-controlled and mixed with a portion of the flow-controlled gas from the gas holder 28 and supplied to the burner 32 through piping 59.

[0061] The gas stored in the gas holder 28 is discharged to the gas transport vehicle 60 via the piping 61. The discharged gas is transported by the gas transport vehicle 60 and delivered to the power generation equipment 98 shown in Figure 1.

[0062] Gas supply is not limited to delivery by gas transport vehicles 60. As shown in Figure 1, gas may be delivered to the power generation equipment 98 using piping means 95.

[0063] The power generation equipment 98 consists of a generator 96 and a gas engine 97. Power transmission equipment (not shown) is connected to the power generation equipment 98.

[0064] The electricity generated by generator 96 is typically transmitted to the power grid after its voltage, current, and frequency are adjusted using commonly known power transmission equipment.

[0065] A branching device (not shown) can be installed in the gas holder 28 to branch the gas. The branched gas is then led to a reformer (not shown) that constitutes the hydrogen production system.

[0066] A reforming unit can use steam to reform methane, the main component of gas, and produce hydrogen. In other words, a reforming unit can produce hydrogen from methane by steam reforming.

[0067] The hydrogen produced in the reforming unit is liquefied and stored in a hydrogen storage unit (not shown). The liquefied hydrogen is then used for various purposes.

[0068] In this example, a reforming device is used, but hydrogen and solid carbon may also be produced from methane using a plasma pyrolysis method.

[0069] The hydrogen generation method is not limited to the method described above, and other methods may be employed.

[0070] Methanol may be produced from methane.

[0071] The reforming device may be configured to generate ammonia gas.

[0072] Thus, the modified low-grade coal production and utilization system 100 can be composed of a modified low-grade coal production device 1 and a modified low-grade coal utilization device 2 that uses the modified low-grade coal produced by the modified low-grade coal production device. The modified low-grade coal utilization device 2 produces methane, and the produced methane is utilized not only directly but also by converting it into various gases using existing technologies. In the modified low-grade coal production and utilization system shown in Figure 1, methane is produced, and an example is shown in which the produced methane is utilized as is without being converted into other gases, and is used for generating electricity.

[0073] Figure 3 shows the configuration of a modified low-grade coal production apparatus, which is an embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] In Figure 3, the modified low-grade coal production apparatus includes a subcritical water reaction apparatus and comprises a raw material input system, a heat source supplying heat, a hydrothermal reaction residue treatment system, and a control device. The general modified low-grade coal production apparatus itself has a conventionally well-known configuration.

[0075] In an embodiment of the present invention, the subcritical water reactor 11 includes a pressure vessel (also called a reactor) 101. The pressure vessel 101 is connected to a boiler 102 used as a heat source to supply steam using an aqueous medium, and is connected to a raw material input system, a methane recovery system, a hydrothermal reaction treatment system, and a semi-carbonization treatment system. A control device 105 is provided to control the temperature, pressure, and treatment time inside the pressure vessel. The control device 105 can control the first-stage treatment means formed inside the subcritical water reactor.

[0076] The control device 105 is connected to the manufacturer's terminal 66, which will be described later.

[0077] The pressure vessel 101 consists of an outer cylindrical container (also called an outer jacket) 111 and an inner cylindrical container (also called an inner jacket) 112 which is arranged with a space between it and the inner wall of the outer cylindrical container 111, and an agitator 113 is provided in the space (inner space) 106 inside the inner cylindrical container.

[0078] The pressure vessel 101 is provided with lids 114 and 115 at both ends for closing, and a drive motor 116 is provided on the side of one of the lids 115. The drive motor 116 is connected to an agitator 113 which has rotating blades.

[0079] An external temperature sensor and an external pressure sensor 121 are provided to measure the temperature and pressure in the space (external space) 107 between the outer cylindrical container 111 and the inner cylindrical container 112. An internal temperature sensor and an internal pressure sensor 122 are provided to measure the temperature and pressure in the space (internal space) 106 of the inner cylindrical container 112. A moisture sensor 123 is provided to measure the moisture content in the space of the inner cylindrical container 112. The temperature and pressure in the internal space 106 are measured, and the moisture content in the internal space 106 of the inner cylindrical container 112 is measured. These measured values ​​are transmitted as data signals to the control device 105 via an electronic circuit. These signal data are recorded in the recording means of the control device 105. The measured moisture content is used to set the control data for the semi-carbonization treatment time.

[0080] The pressure vessel 101 is equipped with a steam exhaust pipe 118 connected to the inner cylindrical vessel 112, and a discharge control valve 119 is provided in the steam exhaust pipe 118. This configuration allows water vapor in the inner space to be discharged to the outside. The pressure vessel 101 includes an input hopper 125 connected to an inner cylindrical container 112, and an outlet with a take-out pipe 126 connected to the inner cylindrical container 112. A take-out discharge control valve 120 is provided in the take-out pipe 126. This configuration allows the char generated using the hydrothermal reaction process to be recovered externally, i.e., into a char recovery device.

[0081] The crusher 103 (corresponding to the pulverizing device 13 in Figure 1) receives the collected low-grade coal 131 (corresponding to the low-grade coal 12 in Figure 1), crushes and pulverizes the low-grade coal 131 in the pulverizing device 13, and then feeds the low-grade coal 131 into the input hopper 125. A control valve is provided in the input hopper 125, and the input of the low-grade coal 131, the subsequent processing, and the temperature adjustment are all controlled by the control device 105.

[0082] The crushing operation of the crusher 103 is controlled by a control device 105 connected by an electronic circuit.

[0083] The low-grade coal 131 used as raw material for processing is identified as peat, lignite, or sub-bituminous coal upon collection and purchased by the manufacturer / distributor 66A. The identification of the type of raw material is approved by the operator, manufacturer / distributor 66A. The data on the type of low-grade coal 131 used as raw material for processing is stored as low-grade coal information and used for control by the control device 105.

[0084] The boiler 102 is equipped with a steam supply passage 133 that supplies the generated steam to the pressure vessel 101. A high-temperature, high-pressure steam generator 140 (high-temperature, high-pressure steam generator 14 in Figure 1) is installed in the steam supply passage 133, and the generated high-temperature, high-pressure steam is supplied to the pressure vessel 101.

[0085] The steam supply passage 133 branches into a branch passage 134 that supplies high-temperature, high-pressure steam into the space between the outer cylindrical container 111 and the inner cylindrical container 112, and a branch passage 135 that supplies high-temperature, high-pressure steam into the space of the inner cylindrical container 112. Control valves 136 and 137 are installed in each branch passage. The control valves 136 and 137 are connected to a control device 105, and their opening and closing are controlled and adjusted by the control device 105. The high-temperature, high-pressure steam is supplied to the space between the outer cylindrical container 111 and the inner cylindrical container 112, and / or to the space of the inner cylindrical container 112. By providing the high-temperature, high-pressure steam generator 140, the internal temperature, i.e., the hydrothermal reaction temperature, can be increased without being proportional to the pressure inside the inner cylindrical container.

[0086] The subcritical water reactor 11 consists of a pressure vessel equipped with an inlet for low-grade coal 131, a mechanism for homogenizing the hydrothermal reaction, and an outlet for removing the carbonized powder produced after the hydrothermal reaction treatment, a heat source for the hydrothermal reaction treatment and heat treatment, and a control device for controlling the hydrothermal reaction treatment and heat treatment, and produces slightly blackish bio-coal char 16 through the hydrothermal reaction treatment and heat treatment.

[0087] A pressure vessel consists of an outer cylindrical vessel and an inner cylindrical vessel, with an inner space within the inner cylindrical vessel. Furthermore, the outer space between the inner cylindrical container and the outer cylindrical container is demarcated by the inner cylindrical container.

[0088] The control device 105 sets a hydrothermal reaction temperature in the subcritical reaction range of water under a predetermined pressure in the hydrolysis treatment region, and hydrolyzes the low-grade coal 131, the raw material for treatment, in the hydrolysis treatment region to produce a hydrolyzed product, i.e., bio-coal char 16, which is the result of treating the low-grade coal 131, the raw material for treatment.

[0089] For example, by introducing steam into the internal space, employing a hydrothermal reaction temperature in the subcritical reaction region of water, and controlling the hydrothermal reaction pressure to be within 2.5 MPa, typically 0.3 to 3.5 MPa, and the hydrothermal reaction treatment time to be set as appropriate, a hydrolysis treatment region is formed to hydrolyze the low-grade coal 131, which is the raw material for treatment, to produce powdery bio-coal char, which is a powdery hydrolyzed material.

[0090] The introduction of water vapor into the inner space is stopped, and the water vapor inside the inner space is discharged to the outside. The water vapor contains a large amount of moisture inside the low-grade coal 131 used as processing material compared to high-grade material, and is softer than high-grade material.

[0091] In the drying and carbonization treatment area, a carbonization and powdering treatment temperature obtained from the type of low-grade coal 131 used as the raw material is set under a predetermined pressure, and bio-coal char is produced from the hydrolysis treatment material that has a predetermined calorific value, a predetermined calorific value relative to the calorific value of the low-grade coal 131 used as the raw material, and a calorific value equal to that of high-grade coal, utilizing a carbonized hydrothermal reaction treatment.

[0092] Within the outer space, a carbonization treatment region is formed with a controlled treatment time at a carbonization temperature between 150 and 220°C, generating high-calorific value bio-coal char from hydrolyzed material through a hydrothermal reaction.

[0093] A melting and liquefaction processing region can be formed by controlling the processing time within a temperature range of 150 to 220°C.

[0094] During the recovery of bio-coal char after hydrothermal reaction carbonization into a recovery device 141, harmful substances are detoxified and their volume is reduced 142.

[0095] And, • High calorific value resource utilization: Production of biocoal char with a calorific value multiplier of 1.5 or more relative to the calorific value of the low-grade coal 131 used as raw material. • Suppression of carbon dioxide, dioxins, and odors This will be achieved.

[0096] In this example, a subcritical water reactor 11 was used.

[0097] A pressure vessel is composed of an outer cylindrical vessel and an inner cylindrical vessel, and the inner cylindrical vessel The inner space and the outer space formed between the inner cylindrical container and the outer cylindrical container are the inner circle Partitioned by cylindrical containers, A first heating means is provided to introduce high-temperature, high-pressure steam into the inner space and directly heat the inner space, and a second heating means is provided to directly heat the outer space and indirectly heat the inner space. Within the internal space, a hydrolysis treatment region can be formed by a first heating means, which carries out a hydrothermal reaction by hydrolysis under hydrothermal reaction pressure. Within the internal space, a second heating means replaces the hydrolysis treatment area under a predetermined pressure. This enables the formation of a drying and carbonization treatment area.

[0098] The modified low-grade coal production apparatus 1 is configured to include a hydrothermal reaction treatment and carbonization treatment system 9 and a subcritical water reactor 11, which utilize a double-tube pressure vessel, and the subcritical water reactor 11 is heated by a heat source such as a boiler.

[0099] Figure 4 shows the configuration of another subcritical water reactor, which is an embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] The configuration of the subcritical water reactor 11 in this example is substantially identical to the configuration of the subcritical water reactor 11 shown in Figure 3.

[0101] The subcritical water reactor 11 shown in Figure 4 has a heating heater 117 installed in the external space 107, and a heating power supply 102A is installed in parallel with the boiler 102. The heating power supply 102A is connected to the control device 105 by an electrical circuit and is controlled to be ON or OFF.

[0102] The heating element 117 is electrically heated by the power supply from the heating power source 102A.

[0103] The configuration of the subcritical water reactor 11 shown in Figure 3 differs from that of the subcritical water reactor 11 shown in Figure 3 in that the outer space 107 is heated by a heat transfer medium from a heating heater 117 instead of steam heat, but the process of producing bio-coal char by hydrothermal reaction remains the same.

[0104] The process of introducing high-temperature, high-pressure steam into the inner space to form a low-temperature hydrolysis treatment region controlled within a subcritical reaction temperature and hydrothermal reaction pressure of 3.5 MPa, typically 2.5 MPa, and for an appropriately set hydrothermal reaction treatment time, thereby hydrolyzing the low-grade coal 131 used as the raw material to form bio-coal char, which is the hydrolysis treatment product, is no different from previous examples. However, the difference is that a carbonization treatment region is electrically heated and formed in the outer space by a heating heater 117 supplied with power from a heating power supply 102A, with a temperature above the hydrothermal reaction temperature and within 220°C, and a controlled treatment time.

[0105] Figure 5 shows the relationship between temperature X and weight loss rate Y on an XY axis coordinate system.

[0106] The relationship between temperature X (horizontal axis: "processing temperature (°C)") and weight loss rate Y (vertical axis: "weight change of low-grade coal (%)") when the raw material, low-grade coal 131, is subjected to carbonization is shown on an XY axis coordinate system.

[0107] This figure shows the relationship between the processing temperature and the weight change of the processed material (low-grade coal 131, the raw material for processing), with the processing temperature X and the weight change Y of the processed material (low-grade coal 131, the raw material for processing) being the XY axis coordinates. When the low-grade coal 131, the raw material for processing, is subjected to carbonization, the relationship between the temperature X and the weight loss rate Y is known to be represented by an S-shaped curve on the XY axis coordinate system, which can be divided into three sections: the shoulder of a gradual weight loss line that continues into a section where the weight decreases sharply, the section of the S-shaped curve (temperature curve) where the weight decreases sharply, and the exit of the S-shaped curve where the sharp weight loss ends and the decrease becomes gradual.

[0108] In heat treatment (dry distillation) of the raw material in an air-free environment, the weight change follows a course similar to the curve of weight change between the treatment temperature and the low-grade coal 131 raw material, known as the pyrolysis curve (dry distillation curve), as shown in Figure 5. Here, the horizontal axis represents the heating temperature, i.e., the treatment temperature, and the vertical axis represents the weight percentage of the remaining solid (residual carbon content) relative to the original low-grade coal 131 raw material. The decrease in residual carbon content occurs most rapidly around 250°C, and continues slowly even above 400°C, ultimately yielding carbides of about 1 / 3 to 1 / 4 of the original weight. Here, the portion of the gradual weight decrease line that continues into the section where the weight decreases sharply is referred to as region (1), the portion of the S-shaped curve where the weight decreases sharply is referred to as region (2), and the portion of the gradual weight decrease line that exits the S-shaped curve is referred to as region (3).

[0109] As "torrefaction" is defined by the IEA (International Energy Agency) as "a heat treatment carried out at 250-320°C in a reduced oxygen atmosphere," conventionally, the formation of semicarbides was carried out at temperatures in the (2) range.

[0110] Low-grade coal is broken down into smaller molecules and solidified, and bio-coal char 16 is produced from the solidified portion and other portions that are broken down into smaller molecules and retain their original form.

[0111] Figure 6 shows the process of modifying and manufacturing low-grade coal and the utilization of modified low-grade coal.

[0112] This paper describes the process of producing bio-coal char at low temperatures associated with subcritical water reaction.

[0113] Low-temperature carbonization refers to a process in region (I) where carbonization is performed. Process (1) is made possible by performing a subcritical water reaction in the first stage at a temperature of 220°C or lower. By performing process (1) → process (2), low-temperature carbonization is achieved.

[0114] In process (1), hydrolysis treatment using high-temperature, high-pressure steam (subcritical water reaction treatment) is performed to reduce the molecular weight of the low-grade coal 131 used as raw material.

[0115] The temperature used is the subcritical water reaction temperature, typically between 150 and 220°C.

[0116] First stage processing method: Temperature treatment at 150-220°C, processing time of 15-60 minutes. As a subcritical water reaction temperature, it is possible to melt and liquefy coal, regardless of whether it is high-quality or low-grade, at low temperatures within a processing time of 15 to 60 minutes.

[0117] To melt and liquefy some of the low-grade coal used as processing material, it is heated to this temperature. Some of it vaporizes. The melted and liquefied low-grade coal exists among other low-molecular-weight, non-melting and non-liquefied low-grade coal.

[0118] In process (2), processing is performed in the adjustment temperature range of 110-130°C, which is below the temperature of the second stage.

[0119] Second processing step: Temperature treatment at 110-130°C for 15-60 minutes, preferably 15-30 minutes. This temperature treatment can be performed immediately following the first stage of treatment, requires little to no energy for cooling, and takes advantage of the benefits of rapid melting and liquefaction, allowing for rapid condensation and solidification without hindering those benefits.

[0120] By reducing the temperature to this level, the molten and liquefied low-grade coal solidifies and adheres to the other low-molecular-weight, non-molten and liquefied low-grade coal. Maintaining a low temperature through temperature control ensures proper adhesion. Rapidly reducing the temperature to room temperature should be avoided from the standpoint of maintaining the amount of adhesion.

[0121] By performing temperature control treatment, the porosity can be reduced from 20% to 9% or less, preferably 5% or less.

[0122] These two processes yield the desired bio-coal char 16.

[0123] Bio-coal char: This is produced primarily from molten and solidified low-molecular-weight, low-grade coal and other unmolten and unsolidified low-molecular-weight, low-grade coal.

[0124] Low-grade coal that is mined is characterized by containing a large amount of moisture internally. The moisture content can exceed 20% by volume, for example, reaching 25%, and it is soft. Subcritical water reaction treatment is more suitable for modifying low-grade coal with these characteristics than for modifying high-quality coal with low moisture content and a hard texture.

[0125] In this invention, an invention relating to the modification and production of low-grade coal, and the utilization of modified low-grade coal, is proposed, taking advantage of this characteristic.

[0126] In Figure 6, the reforming and production of modified low-grade coal S1 is formed from the preparation of the raw material, low-grade coal S11, subcritical water treatment S12, and the generation of bio-coal char S13. The modified low-grade coal is then utilized, bio-coal char with a high calorific value is generated, and modified low-grade coal is produced and utilized in various forms.

[0127] The subcritical water treatment S12 is formed from a first-stage temperature treatment S121 at 220°C or lower and a second-stage temperature treatment S122 at 130°C or lower, which are two of the temperature treatments performed during the subcritical water treatment.

[0128] Bio-coal char is produced by process S13, which yields bio-coal char with a high calorific value.

[0129] First, S11 prepares the low-grade coal for processing. As mentioned above, the low-grade coal for processing consists of peat, lignite, sub-bituminous coal, or mixtures thereof. These are the main components, and bituminous coal or anthracite may be added as auxiliary agents.

[0130] The low-grade coal used as raw material for processing is pulverized, and then subjected to the next steps of subcritical water treatment S12 and bio-coal char production S13.

[0131] In S12, the low-grade coal, which has been refined into finer materials, is subjected to subcritical water treatment and then subjected to the temperature treatment required for subcritical water treatment.

[0132] S121 performs the first stage of temperature treatment at 220°C or below.

[0133] The first stage of temperature treatment below 220°C is • Removal of moisture contained in low-grade charcoal used as raw material for processing. • In the low-grade coal used as raw material for processing, voids account for 20% or more of the volume of the low-grade coal. formation • Melting and liquefaction of a portion of the low-grade coal used as raw material for processing. It consists of.

[0134] In step S122, a second stage of temperature treatment below 130°C is performed by adjusting the temperature and maintaining the adjusted temperature.

[0135] The second stage of temperature treatment below 130°C is • The molten / liquefied components are condensed within the voids, causing them to adhere to other non-molten / non-liquefied components. • Obtaining a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more per unit weight of high-grade charcoal. It consists of the following. By controlling the temperature and maintaining the controlled temperature, the components of the molten and liquefied low-grade coal can be sufficiently filled with voids, for example, so that the amount of voids is within 9% or 5%.

[0136] S13 is used to produce bio-coal char.

[0137] The resulting bio-coal char is a subcritical water-treated bio-treated char formed by filling the voids with condensed molten and liquefied components and fixing them to other non-molten and non-liquefied components.

[0138] By processing in this way, it is possible to produce modified low-grade coal from bio-coal char that has a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more per unit weight, the same as high-grade coal.

[0139] As described above, the subcritical water treatment apparatus 11 used in a modified low-grade coal production apparatus produces bio-coal char that maintains a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more per unit weight, similar to that of high-grade coal. This is achieved by forming a first-stage temperature region of 220°C or less and a second-stage temperature adjustment region of 130°C or less at the shoulder of the temperature characteristic curve. In the first-stage temperature region of 220°C or less, voids are formed that account for 20% or more of the volume of the low-grade coal from which the water contained in the raw material has been removed. Molten and liquefied components are formed from a portion of the low-grade coal. In the second-stage temperature adjustment region of 130°C or less, these molten and liquefied components solidify within the voids and adhere to the non-molten and non-liquefied components in other parts, filling the voids.

[0140] S2 enables the use of modified low-grade coal, producing modified low-grade coal with a high calorific value. This modified low-grade coal is then used in various ways, including for power generation.

[0141] Figure 6 shows an example of the use of modified low-grade coal with a high calorific value.

[0142] Methane gasification treatment method: Treatment temperature 350-600°C, treatment time 60-120 minutes The appropriate temperature for processing at 350-450°C is approximately 30-40 minutes.

[0143] In S21, methane gas is produced, and in S22, the combustion raw materials for the reformed low-grade coal combustion plant are secured. The carbon (C) from the bio-coal char and the hydrogen (H2) from the superheated steam react under heat to produce methane (CH4).

[0144] The methane production process involves temperature treatment at 350-600°C, but generally, a lower temperature of 350-450°C (below 500°C) is used for appropriate treatment, and the treatment time is set to 30-40 minutes.

[0145] As described above, the processing time required for the first-stage processing method, the second-stage processing method, and the methane gasification processing method is only a few tens of minutes, and compared to conventional methods, coal, preferably low-grade coal, can be converted into methane in a simple and extremely short time.

[0146] Therefore, the present invention can be applied in various ways to provide various modified low-grade coal utilization systems.

[0147] The methane produced is partially converted into ethane or propane upon heating, but basically, a gas primarily composed of methane and low-lying hydrocarbons is generated.

[0148] This gas is primarily composed of methane, and in the case of reformed low-grade coal, it can produce a gas with a methane concentration of 70-80%.

[0149] The small amounts of oxygen (O2), carbon dioxide (CO2), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) contained in methane can be removed.

[0150] As is well known, methane gas • Securing methane for generator fuel • Securing hydrogen It is possible to do so.

[0151] Using existing technologies, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and ammonia gas can be produced from methane.

[0152] Returning to Figures 1 and 2, in the methane gas production and utilization system, the generation of methane-based gas involves gasifying the bio-coal char in a non-oxidative state to produce methane.

[0153] A modified low-grade coal manufacturing and utilization system 100 is comprised of a low-grade coal modification manufacturing apparatus and a modified low-grade coal utilization apparatus 2 that uses the modified low-grade coal produced by the modified low-grade coal manufacturing apparatus.

[0154] The modified low-grade coal production and utilization system 100 includes a modified low-grade coal utilization device 2 equipped with a gasification means 21 that converts bio-coal char into methane gas, for example. The void ratio of the bio-coal char is less than or equal to the void ratio of 9-11% found in high-grade coal, i.e., 11% or less, preferably 5% or less. The gasifier can gasify the reformed low-grade coal in a non-oxidizing state and produce a methane-based gas with energy equivalent to that obtained when gasifying high-grade coal that maintains a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more per unit weight.

[0155] The modified low-grade coal production and utilization system 100 includes a modified low-grade coal utilization device 2, which is equipped with a gasification means 21 that converts the modified low-grade coal into methane gas.

[0156] The fuel-self-sufficient methane gas production apparatus 20 is configured such that the generated methane gas is stored in a gas holder 28, a portion of the stored methane gas is burned in a gasification means 21 to generate combustion gas, and the generated combustion gas can be used to gasify reformed low-grade coal.

[0157] The subcritical water treatment apparatus has a temperature characteristic curve on the XY axis coordinate system in which the relationship between temperature X and weight loss rate Y during hydrolysis treatment is represented by the portion where the temperature X is 220°C or less and the portion where the weight decreases sharply is the shoulder of the gradual weight loss line. Inside the subcritical water treatment apparatus 11, the temperature of the shoulder portion of the temperature characteristic curve is set to a first stage temperature region of 220°C or less and a second stage adjustment temperature region adjusted to a temperature of 130°C or less. The subcritical water treatment apparatus is set to have a first stage treatment means in the first stage temperature region of 220°C or less, consisting of 150 to 220°C and a predetermined treatment time, and a second stage treatment means in the second stage temperature region of 130°C or less, consisting of 110 to 130°C and a predetermined treatment time. In the first stage of processing, moisture contained in the low-grade coal raw material is removed, and voids accounting for 20% or more of the volume of the low-grade coal and a portion of the low-grade coal form molten and liquefied components. In the second stage of processing, the molten and liquefied components solidify in the voids and adhere to the non-molten and non-liquefied components in other parts, filling and solidifying the voids. The aforementioned modified low-grade coal production apparatus produces bio-coal char with a void ratio of 9 to 5% or less in its total volume. The apparatus for utilizing the modified low-grade coal is equipped with a gasification means for converting the bio-coal char into methane, The gasification means gasifies the biocarbon in a non-oxidizing state to produce methane. A modified low-grade coal utilization system characterized by the above is constructed.

[0158] The modified low-grade coal production and utilization system 100 may include a modified low-grade coal combustion device (not shown) that uses modified low-grade coal as fuel, in the modified low-grade coal utilization device 21.

[0159] Bio-coal char should have a void ratio of 9% or less, preferably 5% or less, relative to its total volume. The coal combustion apparatus can burn the modified low-grade coal and recover combustion energy.

[0160] A gasification means 21 used in a modified low-grade coal production and utilization system 100, This gasification means can gasify modified low-grade coal with a void ratio of 9% or less, preferably 5% or less, in a non-oxidizing state.

[0161] By gasifying the reformed low-grade coal 17 in a non-oxidizing state using a self-sufficient methane gas production device 20, CO2 emissions are prevented, thereby reducing CO2 emissions compared to conventional methods using high-grade coal as fuel. Furthermore, by using the self-sufficient methane gas production device 20, CO2 emission reduction can be effectively achieved in a self-contained manner using the methane produced from the reformed low-grade coal 17.

[0162] This embodiment has the characteristic of being able to be used as fuel in conventional coal combustion equipment by producing reformed low-grade coal with a calorific value comparable to high-grade coal. Furthermore, by using the methane produced as described above, CO2 emissions can be prevented, resulting in a reduction in CO2 emissions compared to when reformed low-grade coal is used as fuel.

[0163] The following describes photographs obtained when the subcritical water reaction treatment was carried out according to this embodiment.

[0164] One example is presented for lignite, and two examples for peat. The upper part shows a photograph of the raw material state of low-grade coal before treatment, i.e., before the treatment used in this embodiment, and the lower part shows a photograph of the bio-coal char after treatment, i.e., after the treatment used in this embodiment.

[0165] Figure 7 shows an example of lignite: microscopic images of lignite. The lower part shows a microscopic image obtained when biocoal char was formed from lignite.

[0166] Figure 8 shows an example of peat (1): microscopic images of peat. The lower part of the image shows a microscopic photograph obtained when biocoal char was formed from peat.

[0167] Figure 9 shows a microscopic image of peat (2): peat. Below it are other microscopic images obtained when biocoal char was formed from peat.

[0168] Furthermore, the microscopic images obtained when biocoal char is formed from lignite, and the microscopic images obtained when biocoal char is formed from peat, are also images of the modified low-grade coal obtained from the biocoal char.

[0169] As shown in each photograph, the low-molecular-weight bio-coal char, solidified by the solidification of molten / liquid components, adheres to and integrates with other low-molecular-weight bio-coal char that does not adhere to other molten / liquid components. The low-molecular-weight bio-coal char fills and solidifies the voids that existed before the subcritical water reaction treatment, resulting in a densified and modified structure. The bio-coal char has a porosity of 9% or less of its total volume. There is no water present in the voids. Bio-coal char with a porosity of 9% or 5% or less of its total volume can be easily produced by temperature control.

[0170] By controlling and maintaining the controlled temperature, the voids can be sufficiently filled with the low-molecular-weight bio-coal char components solidified by the molten / liquid material. For example, the voids can be filled and solidified to a level of 9% or even 5%. Compared to the void ratio of 9-11% in high-grade coal, the voids can be sufficiently filled and solidified with the low-molecular-weight bio-coal char components solidified by the molten / liquid material, resulting in a denser material.

[0171] As described above, the voids are filled with molten or liquid material, resulting in bio-coal char with a void structure in the cross-section that is smaller, similar to, or equivalent to that of high-grade coal, as can be seen in electron microscope images. Therefore, modified low-grade coal is produced with a void structure that is smaller, similar to, or equivalent to that of high-grade coal.

[0172] Coal is classified as high-grade coal if it has a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more, and as low-grade coal if it has a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or less. When the porosity of the high-grade coal is 9% or more and 11% or less, the modified coal obtained by modifying the coal is as follows: The modified coal is formed from bio-coal char in which molten and liquefied low-molecular-weight, low-grade coal is fixed to low-molecular-weight, low-grade coal components that do not molten or liquefy, in a state where there is no moisture in the voids within which the void ratio of the entire modified coal is 9% or less, and modified coal is produced that retains a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more, which is held by high-grade coal. Alternatively, Coal is classified as high-grade coal if it has a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more, and as low-grade coal if it has a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or less. When the porosity of the high-grade coal is 9% or more and 11% or less, the modified coal obtained by modifying the coal is as follows: In this modified coal, the voids, which account for 5% or less of the total volume of the modified coal, are free of water. The bio-coal char is formed in which molten and liquefied low-molecular-weight, low-grade coal is fixed to low-molecular-weight, low-grade coal components that do not molten or liquefy, resulting in modified coal that maintains a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more, similar to that of high-grade coal.

[0173] Reformed coal includes reformed high-grade coal and reformed low-grade coal.

[0174] Figures 7 to 9 show examples of lignite and peat, but subbituminous coal has a better quality than lignite and peat, and similar photographs can be obtained for subbituminous coal as well.

[0175] Figure 10 illustrates the voids generated by the present invention and the state in which the molten / liquefied material is fixed within the voids. It schematically shows the formation morphology of modified low-grade coal when low-grade coal is modified and manufactured.

[0176] Figure 10(a) schematically shows the raw material form of low-grade coal before subcritical water treatment, Figure 10(b) schematically shows the formation form of modified low-grade coal after subcritical water treatment, and Figure 10(c) schematically shows the form of high-grade coal that has not been treated with subcritical water for comparison. In these figures, the states where voids are assumed to be aggregated, where some low-grade coal is embedded in the voids, and where some high-grade coal is embedded in the voids are exaggerated to make the explanation easier to understand.

[0177] In Figure 10(a), the prepared low-grade coal contains more than 20% porosity due to moisture. This moisture-induced porosity includes air voids. As shown in the figure, moisture-induced porosity accounts for a large portion of the volume of low-grade coal.

[0178] In Figure 10(b), the porosity of the modified low-grade coal is 9% or less, preferably 5% or less. The porosity can be reduced from 20% to, for example, 9% or less, preferably 5% or less, through temperature control treatment. No moisture is present within the voids.

[0179] As mentioned above, the moisture content of high-grade coal is 9.0-11.0%. By fixing the molten and liquefied components to the non-molten and liquefied components, and filling the voids in the modified low-grade coal with 9% or less, preferably 5% or less, where moisture is absent, with the molten and liquefied components, it is possible to produce dense bio-coal char, which offers significant advantages.

[0180] Within the voids, solidified material is formed in most areas through the cooling of molten or liquid substances. While some air is present, moisture is completely evaporated and therefore absent.

[0181] The composition of the modified low-grade coal shown in Figure 10(b) and the composition of the high-grade coal shown in Figure 10(c) are similar, and it is possible to produce modified low-grade coal with a calorific value equivalent to or greater than the energy obtained when gasifying high-grade coal that maintains a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more per unit weight.

[0182] Through temperature control and continuous holding at the controlled temperature, the voids can be sufficiently filled with the low-molecular-weight bio-coal char components solidified with molten / liquid material. For example, the voids can be filled to 11% or less, preferably within 5%. Compared to the 20% void ratio of high-grade coal, the voids can be sufficiently filled and solidified with the low-molecular-weight bio-coal char components solidified with molten / liquid material.

[0183] According to embodiments of the present invention, when bituminous coal or unspoiled coal in coal is referred to as high-grade coal, and peat, lignite, or subbituminous coal is referred to as low-grade coal, in modified low-grade coal obtained by modifying low-grade coal, The modified low-grade coal is formed from bio-coal charred material obtained by modifying low-grade coal, with a void ratio of 11% or less, preferably 5% or less, within the entire modified low-grade coal, and having a form in which some of the molten and liquefied low-grade coal solidifies within the voids and adheres to the non-molten and non-liquefied components in other parts, and possessing a calorific value per unit weight that corresponds to the calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more held by high-grade coal. According to the inventors' measurements, for example, Calorific value of raw low-grade coal Calorific value of modified low-grade coal Difference in calorific value (1) Subbituminous coal: 8,050kcal / kg → 11,000kcal / kg 2,950 kcal / kg Lignite: 7,000kcal / kg → 9,730kcal / kg 2,730 kcal / kg Peat: 6,500kcal / kg → 9,035kcal / kg 2,535 kcal / kg The following results were obtained. According to these results, the calorific value of each modified low-grade coal is greater than 8,100 kcal / kg, and the calorific value of each modified low-grade coal is greater than the calorific value of high-grade coal, which means that it is possible to produce bio-high-grade coal carbide, i.e., modified high-grade coal.

[0184] The comparison of the calorific value of modified low-grade charcoal to that of high-grade charcoal is as follows:

[0185] Calorific value of high-grade charcoal raw material Calorific value of modified low-grade charcoal Difference in calorific value (2) 8,100 kcal / kg (compared to sub-bituminous coal) → 11,000 kcal / kg 2,900 kcal / kg 8,100 kcal / kg (comparative brown coal) → 9,730 kcal / kg 1,630 kcal / kg 8,100 kcal / kg (comparison peat) → 9,035 kcal / kg 935 kcal / kg The differential calorific value (1) and differential calorific value (2) are used when generating information on the reduction of high-grade coal use or CO2 emission reduction during utilization.

[0186] The data regarding differential calorific value (1) and differential calorific value (2) are used in the evaluation of the introduction of the reformed low-grade coal production equipment shown in Figure 12, or in the evaluation when reformed low-grade coal and methane gas are introduced.

[0187] When reformed low-grade coal is converted into methane gas, it is possible to produce bio-low-grade coal carbides that retain a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more, similar to that of high-grade coal. This allows for the production of methane-based gas with a calorific value equal to or greater than that obtained from high-grade coal, while suppressing CO2 emissions.

[0188] It can be inferred that even with high-grade coal, it is possible to obtain bio-coal char with increased differential calorific value as described above. Specifically, the differential calorific value (1) and differential calorific value (2) would be 8,100 kcal / kg + 2,500~3,000 kcal / kg = 10,600~11,100 kcal / kg. It can be expected to be 10,000 kcal / kg or more.

[0189] By similarly modifying high-grade coal, when the modified high-grade coal is methane-converted, it is possible to produce bio-high-grade coal carbide that retains a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more, the same as that of high-grade coal. This allows for the production of a methane-based gas with a calorific value equal to or greater than that obtained from high-grade coal, while suppressing CO2 emissions.

[0190] It is possible to produce modified low-grade coal for use as fuel in low-grade coal combustion equipment, which has energy equivalent to or greater than the energy obtained from high-grade coal that has a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more per unit weight. Furthermore, when the modified low-grade coal is gasified, for example, into methane gas, it is possible to produce an energy source, such as a gaseous fuel, with energy equivalent to or greater than the energy obtained from high-grade coal that has a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more per unit weight, while suppressing CO2 emissions.

[0191] Figure 11 illustrates a method for producing modified low-grade coal and a method for utilizing modified low-grade coal using a modified low-grade coal utilization system.

[0192] When bituminous coal or unscented coal is referred to as high-grade coal, and peat, lignite, or sub-bituminous coal is referred to as low-grade coal, a method for producing modified low-grade coal using a modified low-grade coal production apparatus is proposed.

[0193] The system comprises a subcritical water treatment device, a micronization device for further micronizing the low-grade coal used as the treatment raw material, and a discharge device for discharging bio-coal char from the subcritical water treatment device. The subcritical water treatment apparatus has a temperature curve characteristic in which the relationship between temperature X and weight loss rate Y during hydrolysis treatment is represented on the XY axis coordinate system by a portion where the temperature X is 220°C or less, and the shoulder of the gradual weight loss line is followed by a portion where the weight decreases sharply.

[0194] Inside the subcritical water treatment apparatus, a temperature range of 220°C or less for the first stage and a temperature adjustment range of 130°C or less for the second stage are formed at the shoulder of the temperature curve.

[0195] In the first stage, at a temperature of 220°C or lower, voids are formed that account for 20% or more of the volume of the low-grade coal, which is the raw material for processing, after removing the moisture contained in the low-grade coal.

[0196] The temperature range set for the first stage, corresponding to the temperature below 220°C, is 150-220°C.

[0197] A portion of the low-grade coal forms molten and liquefied components, and in the second stage, in a temperature adjustment region where the temperature is adjusted to 130°C or lower, these molten and liquefied components solidify in the voids and adhere to the non-molten and non-liquefied components in other parts, filling and solidifying the voids. This process produces bio-coal char that maintains a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more per unit weight, similar to that of high-grade coal.

[0198] The temperature range set to 110-130°C corresponds to the temperature range below 130°C in the second stage.

[0199] Bio-coal char with a void ratio of 11% or less, preferably 5% or less, relative to the total volume is produced.

[0200] A method for utilizing modified low-grade coal is proposed, comprising a modified low-grade coal production apparatus and a modified low-grade coal utilization apparatus that uses the modified low-grade coal produced by the modified low-grade coal production apparatus.

[0201] The apparatus for utilizing the modified low-grade coal is equipped with a gasification means for converting the bio-coal char into methane gas.

[0202] The void ratio of the bio-coal char is 9% or less, preferably 5% or less, in relation to the total volume. This gasification furnace gasifies biocarbons with a porosity of 9% or less, preferably 5% or less, relative to the total volume, in a non-oxidizing state.

[0203] The device for utilizing the modified low-grade coal includes a modified low-grade coal combustion device that uses the modified low-grade coal as fuel.

[0204] In this modified low-grade coal combustion device, modified low-grade coal with a void ratio of 9% or less, preferably 5% or less, relative to its total volume is burned, and the calorific value, i.e., the energy for generating heat, is recovered.

[0205] Figure 12 shows the results of methane extraction measurement.

[0206] Figure 12(a) shows one experimental result when bio-coal charred material produced from low-grade peat (moisture content 26%) was used as the processing material, and Figure 12(b) shows one experimental result when bio-coal charred material produced from high-grade anthracite (moisture content 11%) was used as the processing material. As the experimental apparatus, a reactor (subcritical water reactor) equipped with a heater as the reaction device and a CH4 measuring instrument were used, and the set temperature, reactor temperature, heater temperature, and CH4 measurement value were measured over time in an oxygen-free state.

[0207] The measurement line showing the CH4 measurement value represents the bio-coal char used as the processing material at each measurement point. For example, in Figure 12(a), at a set temperature of 405°C, the generated bio-coal char was used as the processing material, and a CH4 measurement value of 23.2% was obtained. At a set temperature of 450°C, newly generated bio-coal char was used as the processing material, and a CH4 measurement value of 80.1% was obtained. The measurement line connects these measurement points.

[0208] Regarding the measurement results, when using bio-coal charred material produced from low-grade peat as the raw material, a methane concentration of 80.1% could be recovered at a set temperature of 405°C.

[0209] High-concentration methane could be produced in the range of 400-450°C or 350-450°C. Therefore, by setting the processing temperature in the range of 350-450°C and maintaining that temperature for a predetermined processing time and a processing period of 15-30 minutes, methane with a concentration of 30% or more can be produced.

[0210] Figures 12(a) and 12(b) also show that low-grade coal can produce methane at a higher concentration than high-grade coal. This is because low-grade coal is softer and has a higher porosity than high-grade coal.

[0211] Figure 13 shows an operational system utilizing modified low-grade coal.

[0212] Figure 13 shows an operational system 200 utilizing modified low-grade coal, which is configured by connecting a terminal for acquiring information on the production of modified low-grade coal and / or CO2 emission reduction information related to a low-grade coal modification and production device, a terminal for acquiring information on the utilization of modified low-grade coal and / or CO2 emission reduction information related to a modified low-grade coal utilization device, and an administrator terminal that handles system-related information, via a network.

[0213] A contract regarding the operation of the operational system 200 utilizing modified low-grade coal is concluded in advance between the manufacturer / distributor 66A, the user 67A, and the administrator 68A.

[0214] In Figure 13, the network 65 is formed by connecting the manufacturer / distributor terminal 66, the user terminal 67, and the administrator terminal 68 via communication means. By forming the network 65, an operating system 200 utilizing modified low-grade coal is constructed.

[0215] The administrator terminal 68 is a terminal operated by the operator (administrator) of the modified low-grade coal production and utilization system. The administrator terminal holds digitized low-grade coal information, digitized high-grade coal information, and digitized information on the modified low-grade coal production equipment, including the subcritical water treatment device. It also acquires digitized information on the production of modified low-grade coal and digitized information on the utilization of low-grade coal.

[0216] The manufacturer / distributor terminal 66 is a terminal handled by a company involved in the manufacture and sale of modified low-grade coal by modifying low-grade coal. It obtains digitized information on the manufacture of modified low-grade coal from the administrator terminal and information on the manufacture of modified low-grade coal obtained through the manufacturer / distributor's operation of the modified low-grade coal manufacturing equipment. Manufacturer / distributor 66A purchases and owns modified low-grade coal manufacturing equipment.

[0217] The utilization operator terminal 67 is a terminal handled by utilization operators who utilize modified low-grade coal. The utilization operator terminal holds digitized information on low-grade and high-grade coal, and obtains digitized information on the use of low-grade coal from the administrator terminal, or information on the production of modified low-grade coal from the manufacturer / distributor terminal. Utilization operator 67A owns a utilization facility that utilizes modified low-grade coal.

[0218] When the administrator terminal 68 produces modified low-grade coal with a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more using a modified low-grade coal production apparatus that includes a subcritical water treatment apparatus, it generates information on the reduction in high-grade coal usage during trial use by the modified low-grade coal production apparatus, or information on the reduction in CO2 emissions during trial use by the modified low-grade coal production apparatus and the gasification apparatus that gasifies the modified low-grade coal, and provides the information on the reduction in high-grade coal usage during trial use or the information on the reduction in CO2 emissions during trial use to the user terminal, or to the user terminal and the manufacturer / distributor terminal.

[0219] When the user's terminal 67 uses modified low-grade coal with a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more at a modified low-grade coal utilization facility owned by the user, it acquires information on the reduction in high-grade coal use during trials using the modified low-grade coal production device, or information on the reduction in high-grade coal use or CO2 emission reduction during trials using the gasification device that gasifies the modified low-grade coal, and generates information on the reduction in high-grade coal use or CO2 emission reduction at the time of use at the modified low-grade coal utilization facility.

[0220] When the manufacturer's terminal 66 produces modified low-grade coal with a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more using a modified low-grade coal production apparatus including a subcritical water treatment apparatus owned by the manufacturer, it acquires information on the reduction in high-grade coal usage during trial use of the modified low-grade coal production apparatus, or information on the reduction in CO2 emissions during trial use of a gasification apparatus that gasifies the modified low-grade coal, and generates information on the reduction in high-grade coal usage during production or information on the reduction in CO2 emissions during production in the modified low-grade coal production apparatus including the subcritical water treatment apparatus.

[0221] The user terminal 68 may also retain the functions of a company that utilizes the modified low-grade coal manufacturing equipment. In this case, the company will manufacture and utilize the modified low-grade coal in-house.

[0222] Administrator 68A may also function as a manufacturer / distributor 66A, or it may be a trading company. In the case of a trading company, the trading company will obtain information regarding the manufacture of the modified low-grade coal manufacturing equipment from manufacturer / distributor 66A.

[0223] Administrator 68A generates information regarding the modified low-grade coal production apparatus 1 (or information regarding the modified low-grade coal production and utilization system 100; the same applies hereinafter) and transmits it to the manufacturer / distributor 66A and the user 67A via the manufacturer / distributor terminal 66 and the user terminal 67, respectively, thereby effectively operating the operational system 200 utilizing modified low-grade coal. Administrator 68A systematically executes the generation of information on the production and utilization of modified low-grade coal, as well as the generation of CO2 emission reduction information, at the administrator terminal and provides it to the user 67A, the manufacturer / distributor 66A, or both.

[0224] Figure 14 shows the internal configuration of the manufacturer's terminal, the user's terminal, and the administrator's terminal.

[0225] Each of the manufacturer / distributor terminal 66, user terminal 67, and administrator terminal 68 is equipped with databases 71, 81, 91, input / output means 72, 82, 92, arithmetic processing means 73, 83, 93, and screen display means 74, 84, 94.

[0226] Information regarding the modified low-grade coal production apparatus 1 is stored in the database 71 of the manufacturer's terminal 66.

[0227] In the database 81 of the user terminal 67, ·High-grade coal usage information • High-quality charcoal price information • CO2 emission status information This information is stored. CO2 emission status information is stored for each facility that utilizes it.

[0228] In the database 91 of administrator terminal 68, ·Low-grade coal information • Manufacturing information obtained from the production of modified low-grade coal • CO2 emission information obtained from the use of modified low-grade coal This is stored.

[0229] The input / output means of the manufacturer / distributor terminal 66, the user terminal 67, and the administrator terminal 68 receive the information required for each calculation process, and the calculated result information is output to and from each terminal.

[0230] Information regarding the modified low-grade coal production apparatus is provided to the manufacturer / distributor terminal 66 from the administrator terminal 68, and is used to help the manufacturer / distributor decide whether to introduce the modified low-grade coal production apparatus 1.

[0231] The input / output means of the administrator terminal 68 further include • Manufacturer and distributor information, and user information are stored.

[0232] The arithmetic processing means 73 of the manufacturer's terminal 66 is • Manufacturing information for modified low-grade charcoal • Methane production information (including gas information for various gases produced from methane) • Sales price information for modified low-grade coal and methane This is generated using the input information and stored data information, and obtained as processing information.

[0233] The arithmetic processing means 93 of the administrator terminal 68 performs calculations using the input information and stored data information. • Information on reducing the use of high-quality charcoal during trials. • CO2 emission reduction information during trial period This is generated and acquired as processing information. The base information stored includes arbitrary low-grade coal information and high-grade coal information, high-grade coal information transmitted from the user's terminal, and calculation processing results transmitted from the user's terminal.

[0234] Here, "trial period" refers to generating the above-mentioned information based on the data information stored in the administrator terminal 68.

[0235] These calculation results are acquired by the user terminal 67 via the input / output means 82 of the user terminal 67 and used by the manufacturer / distributor 66A to make a purchase decision regarding the modified low-grade coal. In addition, sales price information for the modified low-grade coal provided by the manufacturer / distributor terminal 66 is also used to make a purchase decision regarding the modified low-grade coal.

[0236] The calculation processing means 83 of the user terminal 67 performs calculations using the input information and stored data information, for each user facility, • Information on reducing the use of high-grade charcoal ·CO2 emission reduction information This information is generated and acquired as processing information. The information on the reduction in the use of high-grade charcoal is used when the high-grade charcoal information stored in the user terminal 67 is used, and this processing information is transmitted to the administrator terminal 68 and converted into data. The reduction amount information is obtained using the information on the reduction in the use of high-grade charcoal, the sales price information of modified low-grade charcoal, and the converted high-grade charcoal price information.

[0237] Each drawing display device displays the respective processing information.

[0238] Figure 15 shows the information provided by the manufacturer's terminal, the user's terminal, and the administrator's terminal, as well as the exchange of this information.

[0239] In FIG. 15, the manufacturing and selling vendor terminal 66 provides, in accordance with the contract, the following information to the utilizing vendor terminal 67 and the administrator terminal 68: · Information on the production and utilization of reformed low-quality coal · Information on the production of methane · Information on the selling price of reformed low-quality coal The administrator terminal 68 provides, in accordance with the contract, the following information to the manufacturing and selling vendor terminal 66:

[0240] · Information on the reformed low-quality coal production equipment Furthermore, the administrator terminal 68 provides, in accordance with the contract, the following information to the utilizing vendor terminal 67 and the manufacturing and selling vendor terminal 66: · Information on the reduction of high-quality coal usage during the trial · Information on the reduction of CO2 emissions during the trial The utilizing vendor terminal 67 provides, in accordance with the contract, the following information on the operation system that utilizes reformed low-quality coal to the administrator terminal 68: · Information on the reduction of high-quality coal usage

[0241] · Information on the reduction of CO2 emissions The information provided by the administrator 68A is effective for effectively implementing the operation system that utilizes reformed low-quality coal, and is effective for promoting and selling the reformed low-quality coal production equipment to the manufacturing and selling vendor 66A. The information provided by the manufacturing and selling vendor 66A is effective for effectively implementing the operation system that utilizes reformed low-quality coal, and is effective for promoting and selling reformed low-quality coal or methane to the utilizing vendor 67A. The information provided by the utilizing vendor 67A is effective for effectively implementing the operation system that utilizes reformed low-quality coal, and is effective for feeding back the service to the administrator 68A to improve the quality and quantity of the production information obtained from the production of reformed low-quality coal stored in the administrator terminal 68.

[0242] The information provided by the administrator 68A is effective for effectively implementing the operation system that utilizes reformed low-quality coal, and is effective for promoting and selling the reformed low-quality coal production equipment to the manufacturing and selling vendor 66A.

[0243] The information provided by the manufacturing and selling vendor 66A is effective for effectively implementing the operation system that utilizes reformed low-quality coal, and is effective for promoting and selling reformed low-quality coal or methane to the utilizing vendor 67A.

[0244] The information provided by the utilizing vendor 67A is effective for effectively implementing the operation system that utilizes reformed low-quality coal, and is effective for feeding back the service to the administrator 68A to improve the quality and quantity of the production information obtained from the production of reformed low-quality coal stored in the administrator terminal 68.

[0245] According to this embodiment, The administrator terminal has manufacturer information associated with the manufacturer terminal and user information associated with the user terminal, data calorific value information of coal including high-calorific value high-grade coal and low-calorific value low-grade coal, and calculation information used to calculate the amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal that corresponds to the reduction in the use of high-grade coal, from the high calorific value information of reformed coal that is 8,100 kcal / kg or more. It has a calculation function that calculates the amount of coal use reduction from data calorific value information and reformed coal calorific value information, and generates CO2 emission reduction information from the amount of coal use reduction. During the trial period, the calorific value information of the reformed coal obtained through the operation of the reformed coal production equipment, including the subcritical water treatment device, was acquired. From the data on the calorific value of coal and the high calorific value information of reformed coal obtained from the operation of the reformed coal production equipment, including the subcritical water treatment device, that is 8,100 kcal / kg or higher, the amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal that corresponds to the reduction in the use of high-grade coal is calculated, and the amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal during the trial period is obtained. From the amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal during the trial period, CO2 emission reduction information during the trial period is generated and provided to the user terminal or the manufacturer / distributor terminal. The aforementioned manufacturer / distributor terminal has data on the calorific value of coal, including high-calorific value high-grade coal and low-calorific value low-grade coal, and calculation information used to calculate the amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal that corresponds to a reduction in the use of high-grade coal, based on the high calorific value information of reformed coal that is 8,100 kcal / kg or higher. It has a calculation function that calculates the amount of coal use reduction from the calorific value information of coal and the calorific value information of reformed coal, and generates CO2 emission reduction information from the amount of coal use reduction. During the production of reformed coal, the calorific value information of the reformed coal is obtained through the operation of the reformed coal production equipment, including the subcritical water treatment device. From the data calorific value information and the high calorific value information of reformed coal obtained from the operation of the reformed coal production equipment, including the subcritical water treatment device, which includes high calorific value information of 8,100 kcal / kg or more, the amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal that corresponds to the reduction in the use of high-grade coal is calculated to obtain the amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal during production, and from the amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal during production, CO2 emission reduction information during production is generated and provided to the user terminal. The aforementioned user terminal has data on the calorific value of coal, including high-grade coal with high calorific value and low-grade coal with low calorific value, and calculation information used to calculate the amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal that corresponds to a reduction in the use of high-grade coal, based on the high calorific value information of reformed coal that is 8,100 kcal / kg or more. It has a calculation function that calculates the amount of coal use reduction from the calorific value information of coal and the calorific value information of reformed coal, and generates CO2 emission reduction information from the amount of coal use reduction. When the reformed coal is gaseous, the calorific value information of the reformed coal is obtained through the operation of the reformed coal production equipment, including the subcritical water treatment device. An operational system utilizing reformed coal is configured to calculate the amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal that corresponds to a reduction in the use of high-grade coal, based on the data calorific value information and the high calorific value information of reformed coal of 8,100 kcal / kg or more obtained from the operation of the reformed coal production equipment, including the subcritical water treatment equipment, to obtain the amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal in the gaseous state, and to generate CO2 emission reduction information in the gaseous state from the amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal in the gaseous state.

[0246] If the administrator terminal and the manufacturer / distributor terminal are a single terminal, The aforementioned manufacturer / distributor terminal has data on the calorific value of coal, including high-calorific value high-grade coal and low-calorific value low-grade coal, and calculation information used to calculate the amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal that corresponds to a reduction in the use of high-grade coal, based on the high calorific value information of reformed coal that is 8,100 kcal / kg or higher. It has a calculation function that calculates the amount of coal use reduction from data calorific value information and reformed coal calorific value information, and generates CO2 emission reduction information from the amount of coal use reduction. During the trial period, the calorific value information of the reformed coal obtained through the operation of the reformed coal production equipment, including the subcritical water treatment device, was acquired. From the data on the calorific value of coal, and from the high calorific value information of reformed coal obtained through the operation of the reformed coal production equipment, including the subcritical water treatment device, that is 8,100 kcal / kg or higher, the amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal that corresponds to the reduction in the use of high-grade coal is calculated to obtain the amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal during the trial period, and from the amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal during the trial period, CO2 emission reduction information for the trial period is generated. During the production of reformed coal, the calorific value information of the reformed coal is obtained through the operation of the reformed coal production equipment, including the subcritical water treatment device. The amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal during manufacturing is obtained, and from this amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal during manufacturing, CO2 emission reduction information during manufacturing is generated and provided to the terminal of the user. The aforementioned user terminal has data on the calorific value of coal, including high-grade coal with high calorific value and low-grade coal with low calorific value, and calculation information used to calculate the amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal that corresponds to a reduction in the use of high-grade coal, based on the high calorific value information of reformed coal that is 8,100 kcal / kg or more. It has a calculation function that calculates the amount of coal use reduction from data calorific value information and reformed coal calorific value information, and generates CO2 emission reduction information from the amount of coal use reduction. When the reformed coal is gaseous, the calorific value information of the reformed coal is obtained through the operation of the reformed coal production equipment, including the subcritical water treatment device. An operational system utilizing reformed coal is configured to calculate the amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal that corresponds to a reduction in the use of high-grade coal, based on the data calorific value information and the high calorific value information of reformed coal of 8,100 kcal / kg or more obtained from the operation of the reformed coal production equipment, including the subcritical water treatment equipment, to obtain the amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal in the gaseous state, and to generate CO2 emission reduction information in the gaseous state from the amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal in the gaseous state.

[0247] If the administrator terminal, the manufacturer / distributor terminal, and the user terminal are all a single terminal, The aforementioned user terminal has data on the calorific value of coal, including high-grade coal with high calorific value and low-grade coal with low calorific value, and calculation information used to calculate the amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal that corresponds to a reduction in the use of high-grade coal, based on the high calorific value information of reformed coal that is 8,100 kcal / kg or more. It has a calculation function that calculates the amount of coal use reduction from data calorific value information and reformed coal calorific value information, and generates CO2 emission reduction information from the amount of coal use reduction. During the trial period, the calorific value information of the reformed coal obtained through the operation of the reformed coal production equipment, including the subcritical water treatment device, was acquired. From the data on the calorific value of coal, and from the high calorific value information of reformed coal obtained through the operation of the reformed coal production equipment, including the subcritical water treatment device, that is 8,100 kcal / kg or higher, the amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal that corresponds to the reduction in the use of high-grade coal is calculated to obtain the amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal during the trial period, and from the amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal during the trial period, CO2 emission reduction information for the trial period is generated. During the production of reformed coal, the calorific value information of the reformed coal is obtained through the operation of the reformed coal production equipment, including the subcritical water treatment device. The amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal during manufacturing is obtained, and CO2 emission reduction information during manufacturing is generated from the amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal during manufacturing. When the reformed coal is gaseous, the calorific value information of the reformed coal is obtained through the operation of the reformed coal production equipment, including the subcritical water treatment device. An operational system is configured that utilizes reformed coal to acquire the amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal during gas emissions and to generate CO2 emission reduction information for gas emissions from that amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal during gas emissions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0248] 100…Reformed low-grade coal manufacturing and utilization system, 200…Operation system utilizing reformed low-grade coal, 1…Reformed low-grade coal manufacturing apparatus, 2…Reformed low-grade coal utilization apparatus, 3…Conveying means, 11…Subcritical water treatment apparatus, 12…Low-grade coal, 13…Low-grade coal micronization apparatus, 14…High-temperature high-pressure steam generator, 15…Transportation means, 16…Bio-coal char, 17…Reformed low-grade coal, 20…Fuel self-sufficient methane gas production apparatus, 21…Gasification means, 22…Activated char recovery means, 23…Superheated steam generation means, 24…Generated gas discharge means, 25…Gas cooling means, 26…Dust separation means, 27…Bag filter 28...Gas holder, 31...Gasifier, 32...Burner, 33...Internal piping connected to burner 32, 34...Superheated steam pipe, 35...Reformed low-grade coal input device, 36...Gas outlet, 37...Activated carbon outlet, 96...Generator, 97...Gas engine, 98...Power generation equipment, 65...Network, 65, 66...Manufacturer / distributor terminal, 67...Utilizer terminal, 68...Administrator terminal, 66A...Manufacturer / distributor, 67A...Utilizer, 68A...Administrator, 71, 81, 91...Database, 72, 82, 92...Input / output means, 73, 83, 93...Calculation processing means, 74, 84, 94...Screen display means.

Claims

1. In a system for producing methane from modified low-grade coal, where bituminous coal or unspoiled coal is referred to as high-grade coal, and peat, lignite, or sub-bituminous coal is referred to as low-grade coal, the system comprises a modified low-grade coal production apparatus for producing low-grade coal by modifying the low-grade coal used as processing raw material, and a gasification means for gasifying the resulting bio-coal char, The modified low-grade coal production apparatus includes a subcritical water treatment apparatus having a temperature curve characteristic in which the relationship between temperature X and weight loss rate Y during hydrolysis treatment is represented on the XY axis coordinate system by a portion where the temperature X is 220°C or less and the weight loss rate continues from the shoulder of a gradual weight loss line to a portion where the weight decreases sharply, and the gasification means includes a gasification furnace. Inside the subcritical water treatment apparatus 11, a first-stage temperature region of 220°C or less and a second-stage temperature adjustment region adjusted to 130°C or less are formed at the temperature of the shoulder portion of the temperature curve, and the subcritical water treatment apparatus is set to a first-stage processing means that corresponds to the first-stage temperature region of 220°C or less and has a predetermined processing time set at 150 to 220°C, thereby forming voids from which moisture contained in the low-grade coal of the processing raw material has been removed, as well as low-molecular-weight molten and liquefied components and low-molecular-weight components that have not melted or liquefied. A second-stage processing means is set to operate at a predetermined temperature range of 110 to 130°C, corresponding to the second stage temperature range of 130°C or less. Within the void, the low-molecular-weight non-melting / non-liquefiable components are fixed and filled with the low-molecular-weight molten / liquefied components, thereby producing bio-coal char with a void ratio of 9% or less in the total volume of the bio-coal char after filling. The gasification means gasifies the modified low-grade coal produced from the biocarbon in a non-oxidizing state to produce methane. A system that produces methane from modified low-grade coal, characterized by the following features.

2. In the system for producing methane as described in claim 1, A system for producing methane, comprising a gas holder for storing the produced methane, wherein the gasification means burns a portion of the stored methane to generate a combustion gas for a heat source, and heats and gasifies the bio-coal char in a non-oxidizing state with the combustion gas to produce methane.

3. In the system for producing methane as described in claim 1, The gasification means is configured to produce methane with a concentration of 30% or more by setting a temperature of 350 to 450°C and a processing period of 15 to 30 minutes. A system that produces methane characterized by [specific feature].

4. When bituminous coal or unscented coal in coal is referred to as high-grade coal, and peat, lignite, or sub-bituminous coal is referred to as low-grade coal, in a modified low-grade coal manufacturing apparatus that produces low-grade coal by modifying the low-grade coal used as processing raw material, The aforementioned modified low-grade coal production apparatus includes a subcritical water treatment apparatus in which the relationship between temperature X and weight loss rate Y during hydrolysis treatment is represented on the XY axis coordinate system by a temperature curve that has the characteristics of a portion where the temperature X is 220°C or less and is followed by a portion where the weight decreases sharply at the shoulder of a gradual weight loss line. Inside the subcritical water treatment apparatus 11, a first-stage temperature region of 220°C or less and a second-stage temperature adjustment region that adjusts the temperature to 130°C or less are formed at the shoulder portion of the temperature curve. The modified low-grade coal manufacturing apparatus is characterized by the following: the subcritical water treatment apparatus sets a first-stage treatment means to a predetermined treatment time at 150 to 220°C corresponding to the first-stage temperature range of 220°C or less, to remove water contained in the low-grade coal raw material, forming voids, low-molecular-weight molten / liquefied components, and low-molecular-weight non-molten / liquefied components; and the second-stage treatment means to a predetermined treatment time at 110 to 130°C corresponding to the second-stage temperature range of 130°C or less, to bury and solidify the low-molecular-weight molten / liquefied components within the voids, thereby producing bio-coal char with a void ratio of 9% or less in the total volume of the bio-coal char after burying and solidifying, and maintaining a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more, which is maintained by high-grade coal.

5. In a system for producing methane from modified low-grade coal, where bituminous coal or unsharpened coal is referred to as high-grade coal, and peat, lignite, or sub-bituminous coal is referred to as low-grade coal, the system comprises a modified low-grade coal production apparatus for producing low-grade coal by modifying the low-grade coal used as processing raw material, and a gasification means for gasifying the resulting bio-coal char, The modified low-grade coal production apparatus includes a subcritical water treatment apparatus having a temperature curve characteristic in which the relationship between temperature X and weight loss rate Y during hydrolysis treatment is represented on the XY axis coordinate system by a portion where the temperature X is 220°C or less and the weight loss rate continues from the shoulder of a gradual weight loss line to a portion where the weight decreases sharply, and the gasification means includes a gasification furnace. The aforementioned modified low-grade coal production apparatus classifies coal into high-grade coal if it has a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more and low-grade coal if it has a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or less, and when the porosity of the high-grade coal is 9% or more and 11% or less, the modified low-grade coal is produced by modifying the low-grade coal. This modified low-grade coal is formed from bio-coal char in which molten and liquefied low-molecular-weight low-grade coal is fixed to low-molecular-weight low-grade coal components that do not molten or liquefy, in a state where there is no moisture in the voids within which the void ratio of the entire modified low-grade coal is 9% or less, thereby producing modified low-grade coal that maintains a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more, which is maintained by high-grade coal. The gasification means gasifies the generated modified low-grade coal in a non-oxidizing state to produce methane. A system that produces methane from modified low-grade coal, characterized by the following features.

6. A modified low-grade coal utilization system comprising a modified low-grade coal production apparatus as described in claim 4, and a modified low-grade coal utilization apparatus, The modified low-grade coal production apparatus includes a subcritical water treatment apparatus having a temperature curve characteristic in which the relationship between temperature X and weight loss rate Y during hydrolysis treatment is represented on the XY axis coordinate system by a portion where the temperature X is 220°C or less and the weight loss rate continues from the shoulder of a gradual weight loss line to a portion where the weight decreases sharply, and the gasification means includes a gasification furnace. The aforementioned modified low-grade coal production apparatus classifies coal into high-grade coal if it has a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more and low-grade coal if it has a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or less, and when the porosity of the high-grade coal is 9% or more and 11% or less, the modified low-grade coal is produced by modifying the low-grade coal. This process produces modified coal that retains a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more, similar to that of high-grade coal. The modified coal is formed from bio-coal char in which, within the voids of the modified low-grade coal (with a void ratio of 9% or less), and without the presence of moisture, molten and liquefied low-molecular-weight low-grade coal components that do not melt or liquefy. The aforementioned device for utilizing modified low-grade coal is equipped with a coal combustion device that uses the bio-coal char as fuel. The coal combustion device burns the bio-coal char to recover combustion energy. A modified low-grade coal utilization system characterized by the following features.

7. In a subcritical water treatment apparatus used in a system for generating methane as described in claim 1, Inside the subcritical water treatment apparatus 11, a first-stage temperature range of 220°C or less and a second-stage temperature adjustment range of 130°C or less are formed at the temperature of the shoulder portion of the temperature curve, and the subcritical water treatment apparatus is configured with a first-stage processing means corresponding to the first-stage temperature range of 220°C or less, with a temperature of 150 to 220°C and a predetermined processing time, and a second-stage processing means corresponding to the second-stage temperature range of 130°C or less, with a temperature of 110 to 130°C and a predetermined processing time. A subcritical water treatment device used in systems that produce methane characterized by [specific features].

8. When bituminous coal or unscented coal is referred to as high-grade coal, and peat, lignite, or sub-bituminous coal is referred to as low-grade coal, the system is configured to produce modified low-grade coal by modifying the low-grade coal used as processing raw material, and to gasify the resulting bio-coal char. The aforementioned modified low-grade coal production apparatus is equipped with a subcritical water treatment apparatus having a temperature curve characteristic in which the relationship between temperature X and weight loss rate Y during hydrolysis treatment is represented on the XY axis coordinate system by a portion where the temperature X is 220°C or less and the weight loss rate continues from the shoulder of a gradual weight loss line to a portion where the weight decreases sharply, and the gasification means is equipped with a gasification furnace, in a methane production method using a system for producing methane from modified low-grade coal, Inside the subcritical water treatment apparatus 11, a first temperature region of 220°C or less and a second temperature adjustment region of 130°C or less are formed at the temperature of the shoulder portion of the temperature curve. In the subcritical water treatment apparatus, a first-stage treatment means is set to operate at a predetermined temperature of 150 to 220°C for a predetermined treatment time corresponding to the first-stage temperature range of 220°C or less, thereby creating voids from which moisture contained in the low-grade coal raw material has been removed, and forming low-molecular-weight molten and liquefied components and low-molecular-weight non-molten and non-liquefied components. A second-stage treatment means is set to operate at a predetermined temperature of 110 to 130°C for a predetermined treatment time corresponding to the second-stage temperature range of 130°C or less, thereby filling the voids with the low-molecular-weight molten and liquefied components, and after filling, bio-coal char is produced in which the void ratio of the voids as a percentage of the total volume of the bio-coal char is 11% or less. The gasification means gasifies the modified low-grade coal produced from the biocoal char in a non-oxidizing state to produce methane. A methane production method using a system that produces methane from modified low-grade coal, characterized by the following features.

9. In a method for producing modified low-grade coal, the modified low-grade coal production apparatus is configured to produce low-grade coal by modifying low-grade coal used as raw material, where bituminous coal or unsharpened coal in coal is referred to as high-grade coal, and peat, lignite, or subbituminous coal is referred to as low-grade coal, and the modified low-grade coal production apparatus is equipped with a subcritical water treatment apparatus whose temperature curve characteristics are represented on the XY axis coordinate system by a portion where the temperature X is 220°C or less and the weight loss rate Y is the shoulder of a gradual weight loss line, followed by a portion where the weight decreases sharply. Inside the subcritical water treatment apparatus 11, a first temperature region of 220°C or less and a second temperature adjustment region of 130°C or less are formed at the temperature of the shoulder portion of the temperature curve. A method for producing modified low-grade coal using a modified low-grade coal production apparatus, characterized in that the subcritical water treatment apparatus is set to a first-stage treatment means with a predetermined treatment time of 150 to 220°C corresponding to the first-stage temperature range of 220°C or less, thereby creating voids by removing water contained in the low-grade coal raw material, and forming molten and liquefied low-molecular-weight components and low-molecular-weight non-molten and non-liquefied low-molecular-weight components; and the second-stage treatment means is set to a predetermined treatment time of 110 to 130°C corresponding to the second-stage temperature range of 130°C or less, thereby filling the voids with the molten and liquefied low-molecular-weight components, and the resulting voids have a porosity of 11% or less in relation to the total volume of the bio-coal char, and bio-coal char is produced that maintains a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more, which is maintained by high-grade coal.

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