Furnace equipment

Abstract

The present invention provides furnace equipment that can adjust the flow rate of combustion air taken in. [Solution] The furnace body 110 forms a furnace space S0 inside, the floor 140 divides the furnace space S0 into an upper space S1 and a lower space S2 in the vertical direction, and has a connecting section 141 that connects the upper space S1 and the lower space S2, the upper space S1 is a space where the material to be carbonized W is stored and carbonization takes place, the lower space S2 is a space through which the combustion exhaust gas generated by the carbonization of the material to be carbonized W is guided from the upper space S1 via the connecting section 141, the furnace body 110 has an intake opening 122a that connects the upper space S1 and the outside of the furnace body 110, the chimney 150 connects the lower space S2 and the outside of the furnace body 110 and forms an exhaust passage P1 that extends in the vertical direction, the fan 161 is provided in the exhaust passage P1 and is configured to discharge gas containing combustion exhaust gas to the outside of the furnace body 110 via the exhaust passage P1.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to furnace equipment such as carbonization furnaces and reactors.

Background Art

[0002] A carbonization furnace that obtains carbide using carbonizable materials such as woody biomass as raw materials is known (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In furnace equipment, the optimal flow rate of combustion air changes depending on changes in the layer thickness as the carbonization of the stored carbonizable material progresses, the bulk density of the carbonizable material, the surface moisture of the carbonizable material, and the like.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide furnace equipment capable of adjusting the flow rate of combustion air to be taken in.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the furnace equipment of the present disclosure employs the following means. A furnace system according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a furnace body, a floor, a chimney, and a fan, wherein the furnace body forms a furnace space inside, the floor divides the furnace space into an upper space and a lower space in the vertical direction and has a connecting portion that connects the upper space and the lower space, the upper space is a space in which the material to be carbonized is stored and carbonization takes place, the lower space is a space in which the combustion exhaust gas generated by the carbonization of the material to be carbonized is guided from the upper space through the connecting portion (excluding a space in which kindling is placed and the kindling is burned), the furnace body has an intake opening that connects the upper space and the outside of the furnace body, the chimney connects the lower space and the outside of the furnace body and forms an exhaust passage that extends in the vertical direction, and the fan is provided in the exhaust passage and is configured to discharge gas containing combustion exhaust gas to the outside of the furnace body through the exhaust passage. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, the flow rate of combustion air taken into the furnace equipment can be adjusted. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a side view of a vehicle equipped with a furnace system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a side view of a furnace facility according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line III-III shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] This is a side view of a furnace facility according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This is a side view of a furnace facility according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view showing how the height of a furnace facility changes according to one embodiment of the present disclosure (Example 1). [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view showing how the height of a furnace facility changes according to one embodiment of the present disclosure (Example 2). [Figure 8]A cross-sectional view showing the opening and closing state of the lid of the furnace equipment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (Example 3). [Figure 9] A cross-sectional view showing the opening and closing state of the lid of the furnace equipment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (Example 4). [Figure 10] A side view of the furnace equipment (configured to be able to preheat combustion air) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] A side view of the furnace equipment (configured to be able to promote ignition) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] A side view of the furnace equipment (configured with a basket) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] A side view showing the state of removing the basket from the furnace equipment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] A side view of the furnace equipment (configured with a partition plate) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] A side view of the furnace equipment (configured with a partition plate) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, the furnace equipment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] <Basic Structure of Furnace Equipment> The furnace equipment 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a carbonization furnace for producing biochar using carbonizable materials W such as woody biomass as raw materials, or a reactor for producing biofuel. Hereinafter, the furnace equipment 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described by taking the furnace equipment 100 as a carbonization furnace as an example.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the furnace equipment 100 is a mobile furnace that can be mounted on a vehicle 10 such as a truck. Therefore, the furnace equipment 100 includes a connecting portion (not shown) used for connection and fixation to the vehicle 10.

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the furnace equipment 100 includes a furnace body 110, a floor 140, a chimney 150, an induced draft fan 161, and a control unit 190.

[0013] The control unit 190 is a device that executes control necessary for the operation of the furnace equipment 100, such as processing information acquired from each device included in the furnace equipment 100 and transmitting and receiving signals to and from each device. The control unit 190 (Controller) includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit: processor), a main memory device (Main Memory), a secondary storage device (Secondary storage: memory), etc. Further, the control unit 190 may include a communication unit for transmitting and receiving information to and from other devices. Here, other devices are, for example, each valve, a temperature sensor, a flow sensor, etc. necessary for controlling each valve provided at each location. The main memory device is composed of a writable memory such as a cache memory, a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and is used as a work area for reading the execution program of the CPU, writing processing data by the execution program, etc. The secondary storage device is a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium (non-transitory computer readable storage medium). The secondary storage device is, for example, a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a semiconductor memory, etc. As an example, a series of processes for realizing various functions are stored in the secondary storage device in the form of a program. The CPU reads this program into the main memory device and executes information processing and arithmetic processing, thereby realizing various functions. Note that the program may be applied in a form pre-installed in the secondary storage device, a form provided in a state stored in a computer-readable storage medium, a form distributed via wired or wireless communication means, etc. The computer-readable storage medium is a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a semiconductor memory, etc.

[0014] The furnace body 110 is a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped container with a furnace space S0 formed inside. However, the shape of the furnace body 110 is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The furnace body 110 has a container section 120 and a lid section 130.

[0015] The container section 120 is a container with an open top. The container section 120 has a bottom 121 and a peripheral wall 122. The base 121 is a roughly rectangular plate-like portion that extends in a horizontal plane (in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions in the cases of Figures 2 and 3). The base 121 is also the bottom of the furnace body 110. The peripheral wall 122 is a wall that rises upward from the entire periphery of the base 121. The peripheral wall 122 is also the peripheral wall portion of the furnace body 110. The container section 120 is formed by the integral combination of the bottom 121 and the peripheral wall 122.

[0016] The lid portion 130 is a lid for closing the opening on the upper surface of the container portion 120. The lid portion 130, which is provided on the upper part of the container portion 120, closes the opening on the upper surface of the container portion 120, thereby forming a furnace space S0 inside the furnace body 110.

[0017] This furnace space S0 is divided vertically by the floor 140. The upper part of the furnace space S0 divided by the floor 140 is called the upper space S1, and the lower part is called the lower space S2. The upper space S1 is a space for storing the carbide material W. The floor 140 is a roughly rectangular plate-like portion that extends horizontally within the interior of the container section 120. The floor 140 is, for example, located several tens of centimeters above the bottom 121 of the container section 120. The floor 140 has a connecting section 141. The connecting section 141 is the part that connects the upper space S1 and the lower space S2. An example of the connecting section 141 is a number of holes (through holes) formed in the floor 140. The purpose of providing the connecting section 141 is to guide the gas containing the combustion exhaust gas (described later) from the upper space S1 to the lower space S2 without allowing the carbide material W and carbides stored in the upper space S1 to fall into the lower space S2. Therefore, the specific shape and number of the connecting section 141 are not particularly limited as long as this objective can be achieved.

[0018] The peripheral wall 122 of the container portion 120 has at least one intake opening 122a and at least one insertion opening 122b. The intake opening 122a is an opening (through hole) that connects the upper space S1 with the outside of the container section 120. The intake opening 122a is an opening that takes in combustion air (air from outside the container section 120) from the outside of the container section 120 into the upper space S1. In the case of Figure 2, the intake opening 122a is a rectangular opening that extends in the front-rear direction. Also, in the cases of Figures 2 and 3, the intake opening 122a is provided on the upper part of both the left-right walls of the peripheral wall 122. The insertion opening 122b is an opening (through hole) that connects the lower space S2 to the outside of the container section 120. The insertion opening 122b is an opening for inserting the ignition burner 183 from the outside of the container section 120 into the upper space S1. In Figure 2, the insertion opening 122b is provided at the lower part of the peripheral wall 122 and is a circular opening.

[0019] A chimney 150 is provided on each of the sides of the container section 120 (both sides in the front-rear direction in the case of Figure 2). Chimney 150 is the section in which the exhaust passage P1 is formed inside. The chimney 150 extends vertically along the side of the container section 120, with, for example, its uppermost opening (the outlet of the exhaust passage P1) being higher than the lid section 130. The exhaust passage P1 is connected at its lower end to the lower space S2 and at its upper end to the outside of the reactor body 110. In other words, the exhaust passage P1 is a passage that connects the lower space S2 and the outside of the reactor body 110.

[0020] Each exhaust passage P1 is equipped with an induced draft fan 161. The induced draft fan 161 is a device that generates airflow by drawing in surrounding gas. In this embodiment, the induced draft fan 161 is configured to generate an airflow (in the case of Figure 2, an airflow from bottom to top) such that gas is discharged from the outlet of the exhaust passage P1 (the top of the chimney 150). The output of the induction fan 161 is controlled by the control unit 190. Details of the control will be described later.

[0021] <Basic operation and function of furnace equipment> First, the material to be carbonized W is introduced from the top of the furnace body 110 after removing the lid 130. The introduced material to be carbonized W is deposited on the floor 140 and stored in the upper space S1. The material to be charred, W, is poured in, for example, from the floor 140 to a height of several tens of centimeters to several meters (until the layer thickness reaches several tens of centimeters to several meters).

[0022] Next, the burners 183 are inserted through each insertion opening 122b to ignite the charred material W located near the floor 140. When combustion of the carbide material W begins, the heat from the combustion is transferred through the lower space S2 to the exhaust passage P1 formed in the chimney 150. As a result, the chimney effect naturally generates an airflow that causes gas to be discharged from the outlet of the exhaust passage P1 (the top of the chimney 150). Furthermore, due to the influence of this airflow, an airflow is naturally generated that flows in the following order: outside the furnace body 110, intake opening 122a of the container section 120, upper space S1, connecting section 141 of the floor 140, lower space S2, and inlet of the exhaust passage P1. In other words, the chimney effect naturally generates an airflow that flows in the following order: outside the furnace body 110, intake opening 122a, upper space S1, connecting section 141, lower space S2, inlet of the exhaust passage P1, and outlet of the exhaust passage P1. As a result, the material to be carbonized W undergoes combustion and carbonization due to the downflow of naturally drawn-in combustion air. The combustion exhaust gas generated during carbonization is discharged to the outside of the furnace body 110 via the chimney 150 (exhaust passage P1). Here, the combustion exhaust gas is a gas produced when pyrolysis gases, etc., react with oxygen (O2), and contains carbon dioxide (CO2).

[0023] However, the optimal flow rate of combustion air for carbonization differs depending on the changes in layer thickness as carbonization progresses in the stored carbonized material W, as well as the bulk density and surface moisture content of the carbonized material W. Therefore, in the furnace equipment 100 according to this embodiment, the flow rate of combustion air taken into the upper space S1 from the intake opening 122a is adjusted by installing an induced draft fan 161 in the exhaust passage P1. For example, when the layer thickness of the material to be carbided W is high or the bulk density of the material to be carbided W is high, the pressure loss when the combustion air passes through the material to be carbided W is large, so the output of the induced draft fan 161 is increased to take in combustion air at an appropriate flow rate. Also, for example, when the surface moisture content of the material to be carbided W is high, the material to be carbided W is difficult to dry, so in order to promote drying, the output of the induced draft fan 161 is increased to take in combustion air at an appropriate flow rate.

[0024] Whether the flow rate of the intake combustion air is optimal is determined, for example, based on the flow rate of the gas (including combustion exhaust gas) discharged from the chimney 150. In this case, a flow meter 191 capable of measuring the flow rate of gas containing combustion exhaust gas is installed, for example, in the exhaust flow path P1. The flow meter 191 is configured to communicate with the control unit 190, and the control unit 190 controls the output of the induced draft fan 161 so that the value measured by the flow meter 191 approaches a preset target flow rate.

[0025] Furthermore, the opening area of ​​the intake opening 122a of the container section 120 may be changed based on the values ​​measured by the flow meter 191. Specifically, the opening area of ​​the intake opening 122a may be increased when taking in a large amount of combustion air, and decreased when taking in a small amount of combustion air. The appropriate opening area of ​​the intake opening 122a is determined by the control unit 190. The opening area of ​​the intake opening 122a is adjusted by sliding a blocking plate 122c provided in the intake opening 122a, as shown in Figure 4, for example.

[0026] <<Variation>> As shown in Figure 5, the intake opening 122a may be a plurality of holes (through holes) arranged along the front-to-back direction. In this case, the opening area of ​​the intake opening 122a is adjusted by changing the number of intake openings 122a that are opened. Alternatively, the opening area of ​​each intake opening 122a may be adjusted individually.

[0027] <Height of the furnace body> When transporting the furnace equipment 100 on a vehicle 10, the height of the furnace equipment 100 must be set within a range that does not violate regulations (e.g., the Road Traffic Act). On the other hand, when operating the furnace equipment 100, it is preferable to store a larger amount of carbonized material W. Therefore, the furnace equipment 100 is configured to allow the height of the furnace body 110 and the height of the chimney 150 to be changed. The following describes examples of how to change the height.

[0028] <<Example 1 (Height of the furnace body)>> As shown in Figure 6, the container section 120 has a movable peripheral wall 123 in addition to the peripheral wall 122. The movable peripheral wall 123 is a wall that extends vertically and is configured to fit, for example, the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 122. In this case, the cover portion 130 is provided on the upper part of the movable peripheral wall 123 so as to close the opening on the upper surface of the movable peripheral wall 123. The movable peripheral wall 123 is configured to slide vertically relative to the peripheral wall 122. When the movable peripheral wall 123 is in a lower position, the height of the furnace body 110 becomes lower, and the volume of the upper space S1 decreases. On the other hand, when the movable peripheral wall 123 is in an upper position, the height of the furnace body 110 becomes higher, and the volume of the upper space S1 increases.

[0029] The movable peripheral wall 123 has at least one intake opening 123a. In the case of Figure 6, the intake opening 123a is a rectangular opening extending in the front-rear direction and is provided on the upper part of both the left-right walls of the movable peripheral wall 123. When the movable peripheral wall 123 is in a downward position, the position of the intake opening 123a of the movable peripheral wall 123 coincides with the position of the intake opening 122a of the peripheral wall 122. In other words, even when the movable peripheral wall 123 is in a downward position, the upper space S1 can be in communication with the outside of the container section 120 via the intake openings 123a and 122a (i.e., it can be operated as the furnace equipment 100). On the other hand, when the movable peripheral wall 123 is in an upward position, the intake opening 122a of the peripheral wall 122 is covered to prevent the carbide W stored in the upper space S1 from spilling out. In Figure 6, the lower part of the movable peripheral wall 123 is used as a cover, but a separate cover may be prepared.

[0030] Additionally, the height of the chimney 150 may be adjusted to match the sliding of the movable peripheral wall 123.

[0031] <<Example 2 (Height of the furnace body)>> As shown in Figure 7, the container section 120 has a movable peripheral wall 124 in addition to the peripheral wall 122. The movable peripheral wall 124 is a wall that extends in the vertical direction, and one end is connected to the upper end of the peripheral wall 122 by a hinge. When the movable peripheral wall 124 is lowered, the height of the furnace body 110 is reduced, and the volume of the upper space S1 decreases. On the other hand, when the movable peripheral wall 123 is raised, the height of the furnace body 110 is increased, and the volume of the upper space S1 increases. Here, "the movable peripheral wall 124 is lowered" means that the end of the movable peripheral wall 124 that does not have a hinge is pointing downwards, and "the movable peripheral wall 124 is raised" means that the end of the movable peripheral wall 124 that does not have a hinge is pointing upwards.

[0032] The movable peripheral wall 124 has at least one intake opening 124a. In Figure 7, the intake opening 124a is a rectangular opening extending in the front-rear direction and is provided on both the left-right walls of the movable peripheral wall 124. When the movable peripheral wall 124 is lowered, the position of the intake opening 124a of the movable peripheral wall 124 coincides with the position of the intake opening 122a of the peripheral wall 122. In other words, even when the movable peripheral wall 124 is lowered, the upper space S1 can communicate with the outside of the container section 120 via the intake openings 123a and 122a (i.e., it can be operated as the furnace equipment 100). On the other hand, when the movable peripheral wall 124 is raised, the intake opening 122a is covered to prevent the carbide W stored in the upper space S1 from spilling out through the intake opening 122a of the peripheral wall 122.

[0033] Additionally, the height of the chimney 150 may be changed to match the position of the movable peripheral wall 124.

[0034] <Removing the lid> For example, when loading the material to be carbide W into the container section 120, it is necessary to remove the lid section 130 and open the opening on the top surface of the container section 120. The following describes several embodiments of the removal of the lid portion 130.

[0035] <<Example 3 (Removal of the lid)>> The cover 130 is removed by a crane 184, as shown in Figure 8.

[0036] <<Example 4 (Removal of the lid)>> As shown in Figure 9, the ends of the first lid portion 131 and the second lid portion 132, which constitute the lid portion 130, may be connected to the upper end of the peripheral wall 122 with hinges, and the opening on the upper surface of the container portion 120 may be opened by rotating the first lid portion 131 and / or the second lid portion 132 around the hinges.

[0037] <Preheating of combustion air> To improve the drying rate and carbonization rate of the material to be carbonized W, the combustion air taken in from the intake opening 122a may be preheated. The following describes an example of a configuration that allows for preheating of the combustion air.

[0038] As shown in Figure 10, the chimney 150 has a vertical section 151 and a horizontal section 152. The vertical section 151 is a portion that extends vertically along the side surface of the container section 120 (both front-to-back sides in the case of Figure 10). The exhaust passage P1 formed in the vertical section 151 is connected at the bottom to the lower space S2 and at the top to the exhaust passage P1 formed in the horizontal section 152. The horizontal section 152 is a portion that extends horizontally (in the case of Figure 10, in the front-to-back direction). The exhaust passage P1 formed in the horizontal section 152 has one end connected to the exhaust passage P1 formed in one vertical section 151, and the other end connected to the exhaust passage P1 formed in the other vertical section 151. In addition, the middle portion of the exhaust passage P1 formed in the horizontal section 152 is connected to the outside of the furnace body 110.

[0039] Furthermore, the furnace equipment 100 is equipped with an intake duct 170 in which an intake air passage is formed inside. The intake duct 170 has a plurality of branch ducts 171 connected to each intake opening 122a, and is configured so that the intake combustion air is distributed to each branch duct 171. At least a portion of the intake duct 170 is located in the exhaust passage P1 formed in the chimney 150. In Figure 10, the portion of the intake duct 170 along the horizontal direction is located in the exhaust passage P1 formed in the horizontal section 152 of the chimney 150.

[0040] Since a gas at a higher temperature than the intake combustion air flows through the exhaust passage P1, the combustion air flowing through the intake duct 170 is heated (preheated) through heat exchange with the gas flowing through the exhaust passage P1.

[0041] <Facilitating ignition with a burner> When igniting the charred material W near the floor 140 with a burner 183 inserted through the insertion opening 122b, the flame of the burner 183 may be directed downwards due to the downflow of combustion air caused by the combustion of the already ignited charred material W, which may hinder the ignition of the charred material W.

[0042] Therefore, as shown in Figure 11, another induction fan 162 may be provided at the intake opening 122a of the container section 120. The induced draft fan 162 is configured to generate an airflow such that gas is discharged from the intake opening 122a. By operating the induced draft fan 162, an airflow is generated that flows in the following order: outside the furnace body 110, at the outlet of the exhaust passage P1, at the inlet of the exhaust passage P1, in the lower space S2, the connecting section 141, in the upper space S1, and finally at the intake opening 122a. The "outlet" and "inlet" of the exhaust flow path P1 are based on the direction of airflow due to the chimney effect.

[0043] This directs the flame from the burner 183 towards the charred material W accumulated on the floor 140 above, thereby promoting ignition of the charred material W.

[0044] <Basket for storing carbonized material> As shown in Figure 12, the furnace equipment 100 may include a basket 181 for storing the carbonized material W. The cage 181 is a container with an open top and is installed in the upper space S1 of the container section 120. The cage 181 is made of, for example, wire mesh.

[0045] As a result, as shown in Figure 13, the carbonized material can be removed from the furnace body 110 along with the basket 181 after the carbonization is complete. The basket 181 is transported, for example, by a crane 184.

[0046] <Partition panel in the upper space> As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the furnace equipment 100 may include at least one partition plate 182. The partition plate 182 is installed in the upper space S1 of the container section 120 and divides the upper space S1 horizontally. In Figure 14, the partition plate 182 divides the upper space S1 into two spaces in the front-to-back direction. In Figure 15, the partition plate 182 divides the upper space S1 into two spaces in the left-to-right direction. The number and arrangement of the partition plates 182 can be changed as needed.

[0047] This allows for a sufficient layer thickness to be maintained even when the amount of carbide material W to be processed is small, by placing the carbide material W into the partitioned upper space S1, i.e., the upper space S1 with a reduced volume.

[0048] Furthermore, each partitioned section can be considered an independent furnace body 110. This makes it possible to introduce different types of materials to be carbidized W, introduce materials to be carbidized W at different timings for each section, and remove carbidized materials at different timings for each section.

[0049] This embodiment provides the following effects. The induced draft fan 161 is installed in the exhaust passage P1 and is configured to discharge gas containing combustion exhaust gas from the exhaust passage P1 to the outside of the furnace body 110. Therefore, the flow rate of the discharged gas can be changed according to the change in layer thickness due to the progress of carbonization of the stored carbide material W, the bulk density of the carbide material W, the surface moisture content of the carbide material W, etc. Changing the flow rate of the discharged gas will also change the flow rate of combustion air taken in from the intake opening 122a. In other words, by providing the induced draft fan 161, it becomes possible to adjust the flow rate of combustion air taken in from the intake opening 122a according to the change in layer thickness as carbonization progresses in the stored carbonized material W, the bulk density of the carbonized material W, the surface moisture content of the carbonized material W, etc.

[0050] Furthermore, since the control unit 190 controls the output of the induced fan 161 based on the measured value of the flow meter 191, the output of the induced fan 161 can be managed based on the flow rate of the exhaust combustion gas being discharged.

[0051] Furthermore, since the control unit 190 controls the opening area of ​​the intake opening 122a based on the measured value of the flow meter 191, the flow rate of combustion air taken in from the intake opening 122a can be adjusted more efficiently.

[0052] Furthermore, since the furnace body 110 is configured to have a variable height, for example, when the furnace equipment 100 is mounted on a vehicle 10 and moved, the height of the furnace body 110 can be set to a dimension that does not violate regulations (the furnace body 110 can be made lower). On the other hand, when operating the furnace equipment 100, raising the furnace body 110 can increase the volume of the upper space S1 in which the material to be carbonized W is stored and carbonized.

[0053] Furthermore, since the chimney 150 is configured to have a variable height dimension, the height dimension of the chimney 150 can be set to match the changing height dimension of the furnace body 110.

[0054] Furthermore, since the lid portion 130 is configured to open and close, the material to be carbidized W can be easily supplied to the upper space S1.

[0055] Furthermore, the chimney 150 and intake duct 170 are configured to exchange heat between the gas flowing through the exhaust passage P1 and the gas flowing through the intake passage. This allows the combustion air (combustion air taken in from the outside) flowing through the intake passage and leading to the intake opening 122a to be heated by the high-temperature gas flowing through the exhaust passage P1. This improves the drying rate and carbonization rate of the material to be carbonized W, and also leads to a reduction in energy loss.

[0056] Furthermore, the induced draft fan 162 is installed in the intake opening 122a and is configured to discharge gas from the upper space S1 to the outside of the furnace body 110, thereby generating a gas flow from the lower space S2 through the communication section 141 and the upper space S1 to be discharged from the intake opening 122a. This makes it easier for the flame from the ignition burner 183 inserted into the lower space S2 through the insertion opening 122b to transfer to the carbonized material W stored in the upper space S1.

[0057] Furthermore, since the basket 181 is installed in the upper space S1 and the carbonized material W is stored there, the carbonized material can be removed from the furnace body 110 along with the basket 181 after the carbonization is complete.

[0058] Furthermore, since the partition plate 182 divides the upper space S1 into multiple spaces horizontally, even when the amount of carbide W to be processed is small, a sufficient layer thickness can be maintained by placing the carbide W into the partitioned portion of the upper space S1, i.e., the portion of the upper space S1 with a reduced volume. Furthermore, each partitioned section can be considered an independent furnace body 110. This makes it possible to introduce different types of materials to be carbidized W, introduce materials to be carbidized W at different timings for each section, and remove carbidized materials at different timings for each section.

[0059] Furthermore, since it is equipped with a connection part used for connecting to the vehicle 10 when mounted on a vehicle, the furnace equipment 100 can be mounted on the vehicle 10.

[0060] The furnace equipment according to this embodiment, as described above, can be understood, for example, as follows. A furnace facility according to a first aspect of the present disclosure comprises a furnace body (110), a floor (140), a chimney (150), and a fan (161), wherein the furnace body forms a furnace space (S0) inside, the floor divides the furnace space into an upper space (S1) and a lower space (S2) in the vertical direction, and has a connecting portion (141) that connects the upper space and the lower space, the upper space is a space in which the material to be carbonized (W) is stored and carbonized, and the lower space is a space in which the material to be carbonized The combustion exhaust gas generated by carbonization is guided from the upper space through the communication section, the furnace body has an intake opening (122a) that connects the upper space to the outside of the furnace body, the chimney connects the lower space to the outside of the furnace body and forms an exhaust passage (P1) that extends vertically, and the fan is provided in the exhaust passage and configured to discharge gas containing combustion exhaust gas to the outside of the furnace body through the exhaust passage.

[0061] The furnace equipment according to this embodiment includes a chimney and a fan. The chimney forms an exhaust passage that connects the lower space to the outside of the furnace body, and the fan is installed in the exhaust passage and is configured to discharge gas containing combustion exhaust gas from the exhaust passage to the outside of the furnace body. Therefore, the flow rate of the discharged gas can be changed according to the change in layer thickness due to the progress of carbonization of the stored carbonized material, the bulk density of the carbonized material, the surface moisture content of the carbonized material, etc. Furthermore, changing the flow rate of the discharged gas will also change the flow rate of combustion air taken in from the intake opening. In other words, by incorporating a fan, it becomes possible to adjust the flow rate of combustion air taken in from the intake opening in accordance with changes in the layer thickness due to the progress of carbonization of the stored carbonized material, the bulk density of the carbonized material, and the surface moisture content of the carbonized material.

[0062] A furnace system according to a second aspect of the present disclosure, in the first aspect, comprises a flow meter (191) and a control unit (190), wherein the flow meter measures the flow rate of a gas containing combustion exhaust gas discharged to the outside of the furnace body via the exhaust passage, and the control unit controls the output of the fan based on the measurement value of the flow meter.

[0063] The furnace equipment according to this embodiment includes a flow meter and a control unit. The flow meter measures the flow rate of gas, including combustion exhaust gas, discharged to the outside of the furnace body via the exhaust passage, and the control unit controls the fan output based on the flow meter's measurement. Thus, the fan output can be managed based on the flow rate of the discharged combustion exhaust gas.

[0064] In a second embodiment of the furnace equipment according to the first reference aspect of this disclosure, the control unit controls the opening area of ​​the intake opening based on the measured value of the flow meter.

[0065] The control unit of the furnace equipment according to this embodiment controls the opening area of ​​the intake opening based on the measured value of the flow meter, thereby enabling more efficient adjustment of the flow rate of combustion air taken in from the intake opening.

[0066] In the furnace equipment according to the second reference embodiment of this disclosure, in any of the first embodiment to the first reference embodiment, the furnace body is configured such that its height dimension is variable.

[0067] The furnace body of the furnace equipment according to this embodiment is configured to have a variable height dimension. For example, when the furnace equipment is mounted on a vehicle and moved, the height dimension of the furnace body can be set to a dimension that does not violate regulations (the furnace body can be made lower). On the other hand, when operating the furnace equipment, raising the furnace body can increase the volume of the upper space where the material to be carbonized is stored and carbonization takes place.

[0068] In the third reference embodiment of this disclosure, the furnace equipment is configured such that the chimney has a variable height dimension, as in the second reference embodiment.

[0069] The chimney of the furnace equipment according to this embodiment is configured to have a variable height dimension, so the height dimension of the chimney can be set to match the changing height dimension of the furnace body.

[0070] In the fourth reference aspect of this disclosure, the furnace equipment, in any of the first to third reference aspects, has a lid portion (130, 131, 132) that defines the upper space, and the lid portion is configured to open and close relative to the furnace body.

[0071] The furnace body of the furnace equipment according to this embodiment has a lid that defines the upper space, and the lid is configured to open and close relative to the furnace body, so that the material to be carbonized can be easily supplied to the upper space.

[0072] The furnace equipment according to the fifth reference embodiment of this disclosure, in any of the first to fourth reference embodiments, includes an intake duct (170), the intake duct forming an intake passage that connects the intake opening to the outside of the furnace body, and the chimney and the intake duct are configured to exchange heat between the gas flowing through the exhaust passage and the gas flowing through the intake passage.

[0073] The furnace equipment according to this embodiment includes an intake duct, and the furnace body and the intake duct form an intake passage that connects the intake opening to the outside of the furnace body. The chimney and intake duct are configured to exchange heat between the gas flowing through the exhaust passage and the gas flowing through the intake passage. As a result, the combustion air (combustion air taken in from the outside) flowing through the intake passage and guided to the intake opening can be heated by the high-temperature gas flowing through the exhaust passage. This improves the drying rate and carbonization rate of the material to be carbonized, and also leads to a reduction in energy loss.

[0074] A furnace system according to the sixth reference embodiment of this disclosure, in any of the first to fifth reference embodiments, comprises a second fan (162), the furnace body has an insertion opening (112b), the insertion opening is an opening that connects the lower space to the outside of the furnace body and into which an ignition burner (183) is inserted from the outside of the furnace body, and the second fan is provided in the intake opening and is configured to discharge gas containing combustion exhaust gas from the upper space to the outside of the furnace body.

[0075] The furnace equipment according to this embodiment is equipped with a second fan, which is installed at the intake opening and configured to discharge gas containing combustion exhaust gas from the upper space to the outside of the furnace body. This generates a flow of gas from the lower space through the communication section and the upper space to be discharged from the intake opening. This makes it easier for the flame of the ignition burner inserted into the lower space through the insertion opening to transfer to the material to be carbonized stored in the upper space.

[0076] The furnace equipment according to the seventh reference aspect of this disclosure, in any of the first to sixth reference aspects, comprises a cage (181), the cage being installed in the upper space and storing the material to be carbidized.

[0077] The furnace equipment according to this embodiment is equipped with a basket, which is installed in the upper space and stores the material to be carbonized. After carbonization is complete, the carbonized material, along with the basket, can be removed from the furnace body.

[0078] The furnace equipment according to the eighth reference embodiment of this disclosure comprises at least one partition plate (182) in any of the first to seventh reference embodiments, wherein the partition plate divides the upper space into a plurality of spaces in the horizontal direction.

[0079] The furnace equipment according to this embodiment includes at least one partition plate, which divides the upper space into multiple spaces horizontally. Therefore, even when the amount of material to be processed is small, a sufficient layer thickness can be maintained by placing the material to be processed into the partitioned upper space, i.e., the upper space with a reduced volume. Furthermore, each partitioned section can be considered an independent furnace body. This allows for the input of different types of materials to be carbonized, the input of materials to be carbonized at different times for each section, and the removal of materials from each section at different times for each section.

[0080] The furnace equipment according to the ninth reference aspect of this disclosure includes a connection part used for connecting to a vehicle (10) when mounted on a vehicle, in any of the first to eighth reference aspects.

[0081] The furnace equipment according to this embodiment is equipped with a connection part used for connecting to a vehicle when mounted on a vehicle, so the furnace equipment can be mounted on a vehicle. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 10 vehicles 100 Furnace equipment 110 Furnace body 120 Container section 121 bottom 122 Peripheral wall 122a Intake opening 122b Insertion opening 122c Blocking plate 123 Movable peripheral wall 123a Intake opening 124 Movable peripheral wall 124a Intake opening 130 Lid 131 1st lid part 132 2nd lid part 140 beds 141 Communication part 150 Chimneys 151 Vertical section 152 Horizontal part 161 Inducing Fan 162. Inducing fan (second fan) 170 Intake duct 171 Branch duct 181 basket 182 Partition Plate 183 Burner 184 Cranes 190 Control Unit 191 Flow meter P1 Exhaust passage S0 furnace space S1 upper space S2 lower space W Carbide

Claims

1. The furnace body and The floor and, Chimney and, Fans, Equipped with, The furnace body has a furnace space inside, The floor divides the furnace space into an upper space and a lower space in the vertical direction, and has a connecting portion that connects the upper space and the lower space. The aforementioned upper space is a space where the material to be carbonized is stored and carbonization takes place. The lower space is a space through which combustion exhaust gas generated by the carbonization of the material to be carbonized is guided from the upper space via the connecting section (excluding the space in which kindling is placed and the kindling is burned). The furnace body has an intake opening that connects the upper space with the outside of the furnace body. The chimney connects the lower space to the outside of the furnace body and forms an exhaust passage that extends vertically. The fan is provided in the exhaust passage and is configured to discharge gas containing combustion exhaust gas to the outside of the furnace body via the exhaust passage. Furnace equipment.

2. Flow meter and, Control unit and Equipped with, The flow meter measures the flow rate of gas containing combustion exhaust gas discharged to the outside of the furnace body via the exhaust passage. The control unit controls the output of the fan based on the measurement value from the flow meter. The furnace equipment according to claim 1.

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