Water vapor generator

Abstract

The present invention provides a steam generator that burns oxygen and hydrogen to stably produce saturated steam suitable for use in steam demand areas. [Solution] The steam generator comprises a burner that ejects oxygen and hydrogen, a combustion heating section that burns the oxygen and hydrogen ejected from the burner, a water storage section in which the water is heated by the combustion gas generated in the combustion heating section to become high-temperature water, and a non-condensable gas extraction section provided in the water storage section for extracting non-condensable gas from the high-temperature water, wherein at least a part of the combustion heating section is located in the water storage section, the combustion gas generated in the combustion heating section is ejected into the water storage section, and saturated steam from which non-condensable gas has been removed from the high-temperature water is extracted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a steam generator.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a device for generating steam, a boiler is widely known. A boiler heats water by the heat generated by the combustion of fuel to generate steam, and in many cases, a fuel that generates carbon dioxide by combustion (for example, city gas or oil fuel) is used. In recent years, from the viewpoint of reducing the emission of greenhouse gases, hydrogen that does not generate carbon dioxide by combustion has attracted attention. In addition, a steam generator that burns hydrogen and oxygen (pure oxygen) and uses the steam generated as a combustion product has been devised (for example, see Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 describes a method and apparatus for generating steam that prevent hydrogen from explosively burning and achieve a gentle combustion state by diluting oxygen with steam to reduce the oxygen concentration.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] There is a need for a steam generator that protects a combustion device from radiant heat due to the combustion reaction of oxygen and hydrogen and extremely high-temperature superheated steam generated as a combustion product, and efficiently generates saturated steam suitable for use in a steam demand section by using the heat generated by combustion and the superheated steam. Furthermore, it is desirable for steam generators to supply steam that does not contain non-condensable gases to the steam demand section. Stoichiometrically, burning hydrogen and oxygen in a 2:1 ratio eliminates the residue of hydrogen and oxygen in the combustion products. However, in steam generators that perform oxygen-hydrogen combustion, it is difficult to completely burn the hydrogen and oxygen present in stoichiometric ratios, resulting in the generation of steam containing oxygen or hydrogen. When non-condensable gases such as oxygen or hydrogen are supplied to steam-utilizing equipment in the steam demand section, it can cause a decrease in the heat transfer performance of the steam-utilizing equipment.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a steam generator that burns oxygen and hydrogen to stably produce saturated steam suitable for use in steam demand areas. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention solves the above problem by the following means.

[0007] The steam generator of the present invention comprises a burner that ejects oxygen and hydrogen, a combustion heating section that burns the oxygen and hydrogen ejected from the burner, a water storage section in which water is heated by the combustion gas generated in the combustion heating section to become high-temperature water, and a non-condensable gas extraction section provided in the water storage section for extracting non-condensable gas from the high-temperature water, wherein at least a part of the combustion heating section is located in the water storage section, the combustion gas generated in the combustion heating section is ejected into the water storage section, and saturated steam from which non-condensable gas has been removed from the high-temperature water is extracted.

[0008] Furthermore, the steam generator comprises a flash tank and a high-temperature water supply unit that supplies the high-temperature water from the water storage unit to the flash tank, and it is preferable that the flash tank generates saturated steam from the high-temperature water.

[0009] Furthermore, the steam generator is provided within the water storage section and comprises a partition section that divides the water storage section into a plurality of regions, a steam extraction section which is in at least one of the plurality of regions and extracts saturated steam from the high-temperature water, and a non-condensable gas extraction section which is in at least one of the plurality of regions and is in a region different from the steam extraction section, wherein the partition section is provided in the upper part of the water storage section and has an upper high-temperature water flow path through which the high-temperature water flows, and preferably the steam extraction section does not release the combustion gas generated in the combustion heating section, while the non-condensable gas extraction section does release the combustion gas generated in the combustion heating section.

[0010] Furthermore, it is preferable that the steam generator includes a combustion gas discharge pipe that discharges the combustion gas generated in the combustion heating section to a position horizontally away from the combustion heating section, the combustion heating section is provided in the steam outlet section of the water storage section, and the combustion gas discharge pipe includes a combustion gas discharge section that discharges the combustion gas to the noncondensable gas outlet section.

[0011] Furthermore, it is preferable that the steam generator includes a non-condensable gas separation unit that separates the non-condensable gas from the mixed gas of the saturated steam and the non-condensable gas extracted in the non-condensable gas extraction unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a steam generator that burns oxygen and hydrogen to stably generate saturated steam suitable for use in steam demand areas. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating a steam generator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a diagram illustrating a steam generator according to a second embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a diagram illustrating a steam generator according to the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings and other figures. Note that the following figures, including Figure 1, are schematic representations, and the size and shape of each part have been exaggerated as appropriate for ease of understanding.

[0015] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the steam generator 1 of the first embodiment. The steam generator 1 of the first embodiment includes a burner 10, a combustion heating section 11, and a water storage section 20. The steam generator 1 also includes a partition section 21 that divides the water storage section 20 into two regions, thereby dividing the water storage section 20 into a steam outlet section 31 and a non-condensable gas outlet section 32. Furthermore, the steam generator 1 includes a hydrogen supply line L100, an oxygen supply line L200, a water supply line L300, a steam supply line L400, and a non-condensable gas discharge line L500. In this specification, "line" refers to a general term for a line through which fluids can flow, such as a flow path, route, or pipeline.

[0016] The burner 10 is positioned at the top of the water reservoir 20 and is connected to a hydrogen supply line L100 and an oxygen supply line L200. It ejects oxygen G2 supplied from the oxygen supply line L200 and hydrogen G1 supplied from the hydrogen supply line L100. In this embodiment, the burner 10 ejects hydrogen G1 and oxygen G2 into the combustion heating section 11 which extends downward in the vertical direction of the water reservoir 20.

[0017] The combustion heating section 11 burns oxygen G2 and hydrogen G1 ejected from the burner 10. The combustion heating section 11 is connected to the burner 10, extends in the vertical direction of the water storage section 20 in the ejection direction of oxygen G2 and hydrogen G1 of the burner 10, and at least a part thereof is located in the stored water. In the present embodiment, the combustion heating section 11 is described by taking the example of a cylindrical shape, but it is not limited thereto, and it may be a rectangular tube shape or the like in which the cross-sectional shape in the direction orthogonal to the extending direction is a polygonal shape. Further, the combustion heating section 11 is provided with a plurality of ejection holes (not shown) from which combustion gas G3 or the like ejects on its surface. In the present embodiment, ejection holes are also formed on the lower end surface of the combustion heating section 11. In the combustion heating section 11, combustion gas G3 is generated by the combustion of oxygen G2 and hydrogen G1, and as shown in FIG. 1, it is discharged into the stored water from the ejection holes of the combustion heating section 11.

[0018] The water storage section 20 stores the water W1 supplied from the water supply line L300. In this water storage section 20, the stored water is heated by the combustion gas G3 generated in the combustion heating section 11 to become high-temperature water W2. In the present embodiment, as an example, the water storage section 20 is described by taking the example of a cylindrical shape having the left-right direction in FIG. 1 as the axial direction and sealing both ends of the cylindrical barrel plate with end plates, but the shape of the water storage section 20 is not limited thereto. In addition, in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 2 and 3 described later, for easy understanding, the vertical cross-sectional shape of the water storage section 20 is shown as a rectangular shape. Moreover, high-temperature water is water heated to the saturation temperature or near the saturation temperature at a predetermined pressure above atmospheric pressure, and is in a state where steam is vigorously generated when the pressure is reduced.

[0019] On the upper part of the water storage section 20, a steam outlet 25 to which the steam supply line L400 is connected and a non-condensable gas outlet 26 to which the non-condensable gas discharge line L500 is connected are formed. In the present embodiment, the steam outlet 25 and the non-condensable gas outlet 26 are provided at the top of the cylindrical barrel plate forming the water storage section 20. The steam outlet 25 and the non-condensable gas outlet 26 are provided as enlarged portions having a cross-sectional area larger than the cross-sectional area of the steam supply line L400 and the non-condensable gas discharge line L500. By forming each outlet in such a shape, a rapid increase in the flow rate of steam (saturated steam S1) or non-condensable gas (hydrogen G1, oxygen G2) can be suppressed, and the inflow of liquid water into the steam supply line L400 and the non-condensable gas discharge line L500 together with the steam and non-condensable gas can be suppressed.

[0020] The steam generator 1 includes a partition 21 in the water storage section 20. The partition 21 divides the water storage section 20 into a plurality of regions. In the present embodiment, the partition 21 will be described by taking an example in which the inside of the water storage section 20 is divided into two regions, that is, a steam extraction section 31 and a non-condensable gas extraction section 32. Further, the partition 21 restricts the flow of the high-temperature water W2, particularly the movement of the high-temperature water W2 between the non-condensable gas extraction section 32 and the steam extraction section 31, and generates a pressure difference between the non-condensable gas extraction section 32 and the steam extraction section 31.

[0021] The partition 21 of the present embodiment includes, for example, an upper partition 22 and a lower partition 23 which are plate-like members. The upper partition 22 extends vertically into the stored water from the top of the water storage section 20, and divides the upper space of the water storage section 20 and the upper layer of the stored water into a steam extraction section 31 and a non-condensable gas extraction section 32.

[0022] The lower partition 23 is located below the water surface of the stored water in the water storage section 20, and divides the inside of the stored water into a steam extraction section 31 and a non-condensable gas extraction section 32. The upper end of the lower partition 23 is located above the lower end of the upper partition 22 in the vertical direction, and the lower end of the lower partition 23 is provided so as to contact the bottom of the water storage section 20. Therefore, the upper part of the lower partition 23 and the lower part of the upper partition 22 are arranged so as to partially overlap in the vertical direction. Further, the lower partition 23 is located closer to the non-condensable gas extraction section 32 than the upper partition 22. Furthermore, the partition section 21 includes an upper high-temperature water channel 24 formed on the upper side by the upper partition section 22 and the lower partition section 23.

[0023] The partition section 21 may be configured such that an upper partition section 22 and a lower partition section 23 form a set, with multiple sets arranged in the water storage section 20. When multiple sets of partition sections 21 are arranged, it is preferable to provide an opening (not shown) in the upper partition section 22 other than the upper partition section 22 adjacent to the water vapor extraction section 31, which communicates with the non-condensable gas extraction section 32, so that the non-condensable gas can flow to the non-condensable gas extraction section 32.

[0024] The steam extraction section 31 is located in one of the two regions inside the water storage section 20, which is divided into two regions by the partition section 21. It is the section that extracts saturated steam S1 from the high-temperature water W2 in the water storage section 20, from which non-condensable gases have been removed. A steam outlet 25 is provided at the top of the water storage section 20 on the steam extraction section 31 side, and a steam supply line L400 is connected to it.

[0025] The non-condensable gas extraction section 32 is located in the other region inside the water storage section 20, which is divided into two regions by the partition section 21, and is the part that extracts non-condensable gases (hydrogen G1, oxygen G2) from the high-temperature water W2. A non-condensable gas outlet 26 is provided at the top of the water storage section 20 on the side of the non-condensable gas extraction section 32, and the non-condensable gas discharge line L500 is connected to it. In addition, the non-condensable gas extraction section 32 is connected to the water supply line L300.

[0026] As shown in Figure 1, in the steam generator 1 of this embodiment, the combustion heating unit 11 is located in the non-condensable gas extraction unit 32, and the combustion heating unit 11 is not located in the adjacent steam extraction unit 31 separated by a partition 21. Therefore, the combustion gas G3 generated in the combustion heating unit 11 is released only in the non-condensable gas extraction unit 32 and not in the steam extraction unit 31.

[0027] Furthermore, when steam is being extracted from the steam extraction section 31, the partition section 21 makes the pressure in the non-condensable gas extraction section 32 greater than the pressure in the steam extraction section 31. This suppresses the boiling of high-temperature water W2 in the non-condensable gas extraction section 32 and activates boiling in the steam extraction section 31, thereby suppressing the amount of saturated steam discharged from the non-condensable gas discharge line L500 along with the non-condensable gas.

[0028] The hydrogen supply line L100 supplies hydrogen G1 to the burner 10. The hydrogen supply line L100 is connected to a hydrogen supply source (not shown) on its upstream side and to the burner 10 on its downstream side. The hydrogen supply line L100 is also appropriately equipped with shut-off valves, flow control valves, flow sensors, etc. (not shown). The oxygen supply line L200 supplies oxygen G2 to the burner 10. The upstream end of the oxygen supply line L200 is connected to an oxygen supply source (not shown), and the downstream end is connected to the burner 10. The oxygen supply line L200 is also appropriately equipped with shut-off valves, flow control valves, flow sensors, etc. (not shown).

[0029] The water supply line L300 supplies water W1 to the water storage section 20. The upstream end of the water supply line L300 is connected to a water source (not shown), and the downstream end is connected to the non-condensable gas extraction section 32 of the water storage section 20. The water supply line L300 is also appropriately equipped with shut-off valves, flow control valves, pumps, etc. (not shown).

[0030] The steam supply line L400 supplies steam (saturated steam S1) generated by the steam generator 1 to a steam demand section (not shown). The upstream end of the steam supply line L400 is connected to the steam outlet 25, and the downstream end is connected to a steam demand section (not shown). The steam supply line L400 is also appropriately equipped with shut-off valves, flow control valves, etc. (not shown). The non-condensable gas discharge line L500 discharges non-condensable gases such as hydrogen G1 and oxygen G2 to the outside of the system (outside the steam generator 1 and the steam demand section). The upstream side of the non-condensable gas discharge line L500 is connected to the non-condensable gas outlet 26, and the downstream side is connected to a heat exchanger, treatment device, etc. (not shown). After heat exchange or treatment, the non-condensable gases are discharged to the outside of the system as appropriate.

[0031] In the steam generator 1 of this embodiment, water W1 is supplied to the water storage section 20 from the water supply line L300, and a predetermined amount of water is stored inside the water storage section 20. Hydrogen G1 and oxygen G2 are supplied to the burner 10 from the hydrogen supply line L100 and the oxygen supply line L200, and are ejected from the burner 10 into the combustion heating section 11, where they are ignited by an ignition device (not shown), and the hydrogen G1 and oxygen G2 are burned. The combustion gas G3 produced by the combustion of hydrogen G1 and oxygen G2 is released into the reservoir through an outlet (not shown) of the combustion heating unit 11. This combustion gas G3 heats the reservoir, turning it into high-temperature water W2.

[0032] Combustion gas G3 contains water vapor (superheated water vapor) produced by oxygen-hydrogen combustion, and non-condensable gases consisting of unburned hydrogen G1 and oxygen G2. Non-condensable gases (hydrogen G1, oxygen G2) in the combustion gas G3 rise in the stored water as bubbles and are released into the space above the non-condensable gas outlet 32. The non-condensable gases then flow into the non-condensable gas discharge line L500 from the non-condensable gas outlet 26 and are discharged. As described above, since the upper partition 22 is provided to extend from the top of the water storage section 20 down into the water, it is possible to prevent the non-condensable gas released into the space above the non-condensable gas outlet section 32 from going towards the water vapor outlet section 31 and mixing with saturated water vapor S1.

[0033] In this embodiment, the steam generator 1 contains a mixture of non-condensable gas and water vapor (saturated water vapor) in the gas phase above the non-condensable gas outlet 32, and this mixed gas flows from the non-condensable gas outlet 26 into the non-condensable gas discharge line L500. The steam generator 1 may also be configured to include a non-condensable gas separation unit (not shown) at the non-condensable gas discharge line L500 or the non-condensable gas outlet 26, which is the inlet to the non-condensable gas discharge line L500, and discharge a mixed gas with a higher proportion of non-condensable gas (hydrogen G1, oxygen G2) into the non-condensable gas discharge line L500.

[0034] For example, the non-condensable gas separation unit may be a heat exchanger that cools a mixed gas of non-condensable gas and water vapor. When the mixed gas of non-condensable gas and water vapor is cooled, condensed water is generated, allowing the water vapor to be separated from the mixed gas, and increasing the proportion of non-condensable gas in the mixed gas of non-condensable gas and water vapor. Furthermore, the thermal efficiency of the water vapor generator 1 can be increased by utilizing the heat recovered by the heat exchanger for feedwater preheating, etc.

[0035] As another example, the non-condensable gas separation unit may be a non-condensable gas membrane separator (e.g., a ceramic membrane hydrogen separator) or a non-condensable gas removal device equipped with an inert gas storage substance (such as a hydrogen storage metal) that separates the non-condensable gas from a mixed gas of non-condensable gas and water vapor. The non-condensable gas separated by the non-condensable gas membrane separator and the non-condensable gas removed by the non-condensable gas removal device are discharged to the non-condensable gas discharge line L500.

[0036] Furthermore, the non-condensable gas separation unit may be equipped with a heat exchanger for cooling a mixed gas of non-condensable gas and water vapor, and further downstream thereof, a non-condensable gas membrane separator or a non-condensable gas removal device may be provided. In such a configuration, the volume of the mixed gas processed by the non-condensable gas membrane separator or non-condensable gas removal device is reduced due to the condensation of water vapor in the heat exchanger, so the separation device can be made smaller.

[0037] The combustion gas (superheated steam) G3 is injected into the water stored in the water storage section 20, heating the water to produce high-temperature water W2. The high-temperature water W2 flows through the upper high-temperature water channel 24 from the non-condensable gas outlet 32 ​​to the steam outlet 31 due to the water flow generated by the release of the combustion gas G3 and the pressure difference between the non-condensable gas outlet 32 ​​and the steam outlet 31. Then, the saturated steam S1 evaporated from the high-temperature water W2 in the steam outlet 31 flows from the steam outlet 25 into the steam supply line L400 and is supplied to the steam demand section. As described above, the steam generator 1 of this embodiment can burn oxygen G2 and hydrogen G1 to stably generate saturated steam S1 suitable for use in the steam demand section.

[0038] According to this embodiment, the following effects can be achieved. (1) According to the steam generator 1 of this embodiment, oxygen G2 and hydrogen G1 are burned to stably generate saturated steam S1 suitable for use in the steam demand section. Furthermore, according to the steam generator 1 of this embodiment, the combustion gas G3 produced by the combustion of oxygen G2 and hydrogen G1 is blown from the combustion heating section 11, which is partially submerged in water, into the water reservoir in the water reservoir section 20, and heats the water reservoir, resulting in low heat loss and high thermal efficiency. Furthermore, according to the steam generator 1 of this embodiment, at least a portion of the combustion heating section 11 is located in the stored water, so the combustion heating section can be protected from radiant heat from the combustion reaction between oxygen G2 and hydrogen G1, and from extremely high-temperature superheated steam generated as a combustion product.

[0039] Furthermore, according to the steam generator 1 of this embodiment, non-condensable gases (hydrogen G1, oxygen G2) are removed from the high-temperature water W2 by the non-condensable gas extraction section 32, and saturated steam S1 suitable for use in steam-utilizing equipment in the steam demand section can be stably supplied. Therefore, the steam generator 1 can suppress the decrease in the condensation heat transfer coefficient due to non-condensable gases contained in the steam, and improve the heat transfer performance of steam-utilizing equipment. Furthermore, according to the steam generator 1 of this embodiment, a non-condensable gas extraction section 32 is provided in the water storage section 20, so the hot water piping (not shown) for supplying hot water W2 to the non-condensable gas extraction section 32 can be reduced, thereby simplifying the device and reducing costs. In addition, heat loss caused by the flow of hot water W2 through the hot water piping can also be reduced. Furthermore, according to the steam generator 1 of this embodiment, since the burner 10 is located at the top of the water reservoir 20, the combustion space necessary for starting combustion can be secured by adjusting the water level in the combustion heating section 11, making it easier to start the steam generator 1. In addition, maintenance and management of the burner 10 can be made easier.

[0040] (2) The steam generator 1 of this embodiment includes a partition section 21 within the water storage section 20 that divides the water storage section 20 into a plurality of regions, at least one of which is a steam extraction section 31 that extracts saturated steam from the high-temperature water, and at least one of which is a region different from the steam extraction section 31 is a non-condensable gas extraction section 32. Therefore, the hot water piping (not shown) used to supply the hot water W2 to the steam extraction section 31 can be reduced, simplifying and lowering the cost of the steam generator 1, and also reducing heat loss caused by the flow of hot water W2 through the hot water piping. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for separate equipment such as flash tanks to extract steam, thus simplifying and reducing the cost of the steam generator.

[0041] (3) According to the steam generator 1 of this embodiment, since it is equipped with a non-condensable gas separation unit, saturated steam S1 can be separated from the mixed gas of non-condensable gas and saturated steam S1, and the mixed gas can be discharged from the non-condensable gas discharge line L500 with a higher proportion of non-condensable gas. As a result, the steam generator 1 can suppress the outflow of saturated steam S1 associated with the discharge of non-condensable gas, and reduce heat loss.

[0042] (Second Embodiment) Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the steam generator 2 of the second embodiment. The steam generator 2 of the second embodiment is similar in form to the steam generator 1 shown in the first embodiment, except that the combustion heating section 211 is equipped with a combustion gas discharge pipe 212 and the steam extraction section 231 is provided with the combustion heating section 211. Therefore, parts that perform the same functions as those of the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals or reference numerals ending in the same numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted as appropriate.

[0043] The steam generator 2 of this embodiment includes a burner 10, a combustion heating section 211, and a water storage section 220. Furthermore, the steam generator 2 is divided by a partition section 21 into a steam outlet section 231 and a non-condensable gas outlet section 232 within the water storage section 220. In addition, the steam generator 2 includes a hydrogen supply line L100, an oxygen supply line L200, a water supply line L300, a steam supply line L400, and a non-condensable gas discharge line L500.

[0044] The combustion heating section 211 in this embodiment is a cylindrical downward pipe, similar to the combustion heating section 11 in the first embodiment, and is further provided with a combustion gas discharge pipe 212 at or near its lower end. The combustion gas discharge pipe 212 is cylindrical in shape and has multiple nozzles (not shown) as a combustion gas discharge section, extending horizontally from the combustion heating section 211. In this embodiment, the combustion heating section 211 is provided in the steam extraction section 231, and the combustion gas discharge pipe 212 penetrates the lower partition section 23, releasing the combustion gas G3 generated in the combustion heating section 211 into the water stored in the noncondensable gas extraction section 232 through its nozzles. In this embodiment, the combustion heating section 211 and the combustion gas discharge pipe 212 do not release combustion gas G3 into the water stored in the steam extraction section 231. Furthermore, the high-temperature water W2 flows through the upper high-temperature water channel 24 from the non-condensable gas extraction section 32 to the water vapor extraction section 31.

[0045] In this embodiment as well, the partition 21 makes the pressure in the non-condensable gas outlet 232 greater than the pressure in the water vapor outlet 231, thereby suppressing the boiling of high-temperature water W2 in the non-condensable gas outlet 232 and promoting boiling in the water vapor outlet 231, and suppressing the amount of saturated water vapor discharged together with the non-condensable gas from the non-condensable gas discharge line L500.

[0046] Even with a steam generator 2 like the one in this embodiment, oxygen G2 and hydrogen G1 are burned, and saturated steam S1 suitable for use in the steam demand section can be stably generated. Furthermore, since the combustion heating section 211 is located on the steam extraction section 231 side, and the high-temperature water W2 is heated by the combustion heating section 211, the generation of saturated steam S1 in the steam extraction section 231 can be promoted. In this embodiment, the steam generator 2 also contains a mixture of non-condensable gas and water vapor (saturated water vapor) in the gas phase above the non-condensable gas outlet 232, and this mixed gas flows from the non-condensable gas outlet 26 into the non-condensable gas discharge line L500. Therefore, the steam generator 2 may also be configured to include a non-condensable gas separation unit (not shown) in the non-condensable gas discharge line L500 or the non-condensable gas outlet 232.

[0047] According to this embodiment, in addition to the effects described in (1) to (3) above, the following effects can be achieved. (4) In the steam generator 2 of this embodiment, combustion gas G3 is released by the combustion gas discharge pipe 212 to a non-condensable gas outlet section 232 located away from the combustion heating section 211, and the combustion heating section 211 is provided in the steam outlet section 231. As a result, the high-temperature water W2 on the steam outlet section 231 side is directly heated by the combustion heating section 211, which promotes the generation of saturated steam S1 and allows for more effective generation of saturated steam S1. Furthermore, since the combustion gas G3 is released within the non-condensable gas extraction section 232 and not within the area of ​​the water vapor extraction section 231, it is possible to suppress the mixing of non-condensable gases into the saturated water vapor S1 extracted in the water vapor extraction section 231.

[0048] (Third embodiment) Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the steam generator 3 of the third embodiment. The steam generator 3 of the third embodiment is similar in form to the steam generator 1 of the first embodiment described above, except that the steam extraction section 331 is provided outside the water storage section 320. Therefore, parts that perform the same functions as in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals or the same reference numerals at the end, and redundant explanations are omitted as appropriate.

[0049] The steam generator 3 of this embodiment comprises a burner 10, a combustion heating section 11, and a water storage section 320. The steam generator 3 also comprises a steam extraction section 331 provided outside the water storage section 320 and a non-condensable gas extraction section 332 provided in the water storage section 320. The steam extraction section 331 is a flash tank 41 that generates saturated steam S1, and a portion of the high-temperature water W2 in the water storage section 320 is supplied to the flash tank 41 by a high-temperature water supply section 42. Furthermore, the steam generator 3 includes a hydrogen supply line L100, an oxygen supply line L200, a water supply line L300, a steam supply line L400, and a non-condensable gas discharge line L500. In this embodiment, the steam supply line L400 is connected to the upper part of the flash tank 41.

[0050] The flash tank 41, acting as a steam extraction section 331, generates steam (saturated steam S1) from high-temperature water W2 supplied by the high-temperature water supply section 42. The steam (saturated steam S1) generated in the flash tank 41 is supplied from the steam supply line L400 to a steam demand section (not shown). In this embodiment, the pressure in the non-condensable gas extraction section 332 is maintained higher than the pressure in the flash tank 41. This pressure difference supplies the high-temperature water W2 to the flash tank 41.

[0051] The flash tank 41 may be equipped with a water level gauge 43, as shown in Figure 3. The water level gauge 43 may detect when the water level falls outside a predetermined range (when the water level falls below the lower limit of a predetermined range or exceeds the upper limit of a predetermined range), and a control unit (not shown) of the steam generator 3 may control the flow rate of the high-temperature water W2 flowing through the high-temperature water supply unit 42 to control the water level in the flash tank 41 to be within a predetermined range suitable for steam generation. The flash tank 41 may also be equipped with a level sensor (not shown) as a means for detecting the water level.

[0052] The high-temperature water supply unit 42 includes a first high-temperature water supply line L610 that supplies high-temperature water W2 from the water storage unit 320 to the flash tank 41, and a second high-temperature water supply line L620 that returns the high-temperature water W2 from the flash tank 41 to the water storage unit 320. The second high-temperature water supply line L620 is also equipped with a pump 44 for sending the high-temperature water W2 to the water storage unit 320.

[0053] In this embodiment, hydrogen G1 and oxygen G2 are injected from the burner 10 and burned in the combustion heating section 11. The combustion gas G3 (superheated steam) produced by the combustion of hydrogen G1 and oxygen G2 is released into the water reservoir from the nozzle of the combustion heating section 11, heating the reservoir to produce high-temperature water W2. Non-condensable gases (hydrogen G1, oxygen G2) contained in combustion gas G3 are separated from high-temperature water W2, flow from the non-condensable gas outlet 26 into the non-condensable gas discharge line L500, and discharged outside the system.

[0054] Furthermore, a portion of the high-temperature water W2 heated by the combustion gas G3 is supplied to the flash tank 41, which is the steam extraction unit 331, through the first high-temperature water supply line L610 of the high-temperature water supply unit 42. In the flash tank 41, saturated steam S1 is generated by depressurized boiling. The generated saturated steam S1 is supplied to the steam demand unit (not shown) from the steam supply line L400 connected to the flash tank 41. Furthermore, the second high-temperature water supply line L620 sends the lowered high-temperature water W2 to the storage unit 320 so that the water level in the flash tank 41 is within a predetermined range.

[0055] In this embodiment, the steam generator 3 has a steam extraction unit 331 (flash tank 41) located outside the water storage unit 320, making it easier to control steam generation (steam generation amount, steam pressure, etc.) at the steam extraction unit 331. Furthermore, it reduces the mixing of noncondensable gases into the saturated steam S1 supplied to the steam demand unit.

[0056] In this embodiment as well, the steam generator 3 may be configured to include a non-condensable gas separation unit in the non-condensable gas discharge line L500 or the non-condensable gas outlet 26.

[0057] According to this embodiment, in addition to the effects of (1) and (3) above, the following effects can be achieved. (5) According to the steam generator 3 of this embodiment, a flash tank 41 is provided as a steam extraction unit 331 outside the water storage unit 320, and the flash tank 41 generates saturated steam S1 by reduced-pressure boiling from high-temperature water W2 supplied from the water storage unit 320 by the high-temperature water supply unit 42. Therefore, it is possible to prevent non-condensable gases from mixing with the saturated steam S1, and saturated steam S1 with reduced non-condensable gas contamination can be supplied to steam utilization equipment in the downstream steam demand unit. Furthermore, the flash tank 41, which generates saturated steam as the steam extraction section 331, is located outside the water storage section 320 and has a structure independent of the water storage section 320, etc. This makes it easier to control the pressure difference between the noncondensable gas extraction section 332 and the steam extraction section 331 (flash tank 41), and thus easier to control the extraction of saturated steam S1.

[0058] (Transformed form) The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and changes are possible, all of which fall within the scope of the present invention. In the first and second embodiments, examples were shown in which the partition 21 divides the water storage sections 20 and 220 into two regions. However, the partition 21 may divide the storage section into three or more regions. In this case, for example, the partition 21 may divide the water storage section into five regions, with two being used as steam extraction sections and three as non-condensable gas extraction sections. Furthermore, if the water storage section 20,220 is divided into three or more regions, multiple combustion heating sections 11,211 may be provided, or multiple combustion gas discharge pipes 212 may extend horizontally from a single combustion heating section 211.

[0059] Furthermore, for example, if the water storage sections 20,220 are divided into five regions by partition sections 21 as described above, these five regions may consist of two steam extraction sections, one non-condensable gas extraction section, and two regions located between the steam extraction section and the non-condensable gas extraction section, which may be used as flow rate adjustment sections. The flow rate adjustment sections adjust the flow of high-temperature water W2 from the non-condensable gas extraction section to the steam extraction section. The partition section 21 that divides the flow rate adjustment sections is provided with a communication hole (not shown) in the portion of the upper partition section 22 that is in contact with the gas phase section (upper part of the water storage section) and communicates with the adjacent section, and may communicate with at least one of the steam extraction section and the non-condensable gas extraction section.

[0060] In the first and second embodiments, piping and a circulating water pump, etc. (not shown) may be provided to supply high-temperature water W2 from the steam extraction sections 31, 231 to the non-condensable gas extraction sections 32, 232. In the first and second embodiments, as described above, the partition section 21 restricts the movement of high-temperature water W2 between the non-condensable gas extraction sections 32, 232 and the steam extraction sections 31, 231, creating a pressure difference between the non-condensable gas extraction sections 32, 232 and the steam extraction sections 31, 231. The high-temperature water W2 heated by the combustion gas G3 released in the non-condensable gas extraction sections 32, 232 flows through the upper high-temperature water passage 24 to the lower-pressure steam extraction section 31, 231 side, and steam is extracted. The aforementioned piping and circulating water pump, etc., can be used to send the high-temperature water W2, whose temperature has been reduced by the extraction of steam, to the non-condensable gas extraction section 32,232, thereby creating a circulating system for the high-temperature water W2.

[0061] In each embodiment, the discharge of non-condensable gas from the non-condensable gas outlets 32, 232, and 332 may be performed intermittently. By performing the intermittent discharge of non-condensable gas, the residence time of the mixed gas containing non-condensable gas in the upper gas phase of the non-condensable gas outlets 32, 232, and 332 is extended, and the proportion of non-condensable gas in the mixed gas in the upper gas phase can be increased. This reduces the loss of water vapor and heat associated with the discharge of non-condensable gas.

[0062] In each embodiment, if a non-condensable gas separation unit is provided, the heat recovered from the mixed gas of non-condensable gas and water vapor in the heat exchanger may be used for steam heating.

[0063] In each embodiment, the non-condensable gas separation section may be configured such that the non-condensable gas discharge line L500 includes a heat exchanger (not shown) for cooling a mixed gas of non-condensable gas and water vapor, and a non-condensable gas removal device (not shown) located upstream thereof. By adopting this configuration, high-purity water vapor can be supplied to the heat exchanger, thereby improving the efficiency of heat recovery.

[0064] In each embodiment, a vacuum breaking valve (not shown) may be provided at the non-condensable gas outlet 26 on the non-condensable gas outlet 32, 232, 332 side.

[0065] Furthermore, in each embodiment, a vacuum-breaking valve (not shown) may be provided in the combustion heating section 11, 211 or the burner 10. When the burner 10 stops combustion due to boiler shutdown or the like, the combustion heating section 11, 211 is filled with steam. When the combustion heating section 11, 211 cools down, the steam that filled the combustion heating section 11, 211 condenses, creating a vacuum inside the combustion heating section 11 and drawing up the water. By providing a vacuum-breaking valve, it is possible to prevent the combustion heating section 11 from becoming a vacuum and to suppress problems such as the burner 10 getting wet with water.

[0066] Furthermore, since this invention promotes the use of hydrogen, which does not emit carbon dioxide as a fuel, it can contribute, for example, to Goal 7 of the United Nations-led Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), "Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy."

[0067] Furthermore, each embodiment and modified form can be used in combination as appropriate, but a detailed explanation is omitted. Moreover, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0068] 1,2,3 Steam Generator 10 burners 11,211 Combustion heating section 212 Combustion gas discharge pipe 20,220,320 Water storage section 21 Partition section 31,231,331 Steam extraction section 32,232,332 Non-condensable gas extraction section 41 Flush Tank 42 High temperature water supply section L100 Hydrogen Supply Line L200 Oxygen Supply Line L300 Water supply line L400 Steam Supply Line L500 Non-condensable gas discharge line

Claims

1. A burner that ejects oxygen and hydrogen, A combustion heating section for burning the oxygen and hydrogen ejected from the burner, A water storage section in which the water is heated by the combustion gas generated in the aforementioned combustion heating section and becomes high-temperature water, A non-condensable gas extraction unit is provided in the water storage unit for extracting non-condensable gas from the high-temperature water, Equipped with, At least a portion of the combustion heating section is located in the reservoir, and the combustion gas generated in the combustion heating section is ejected into the reservoir. Saturated water vapor is extracted from the high-temperature water from which non-condensable gases have been removed. Steam generator.

2. A flash tank and A high-temperature water supply unit that supplies the high-temperature water from the water storage unit to the flash tank, Equipped with, The flash tank generates saturated steam from the high-temperature water. The steam generator according to claim 1.

3. A partition is provided within the water storage section, which divides the water storage section into multiple areas, At least one of the aforementioned plurality of regions, comprising a steam extraction unit for extracting saturated steam from the high-temperature water, The noncondensable gas extraction section is at least one of the plurality of regions, which is a region different from the water vapor extraction section, Equipped with, The partition section is provided with an upper high-temperature water channel through which the high-temperature water flows, located in the upper part of the water storage section. In the steam extraction section, the combustion gas generated in the combustion heating section is not released, while in the non-condensable gas extraction section, the combustion gas generated in the combustion heating section is released. The steam generator according to claim 1.

4. The combustion gas discharge pipe is provided to discharge the combustion gas generated in the combustion heating section to a position horizontally away from the combustion heating section. The combustion heating section is provided in the steam extraction section of the water storage section, The combustion gas discharge pipe includes a combustion gas discharge section that discharges the combustion gas to the noncondensable gas outlet section. The steam generator according to claim 3.

5. The system includes a non-condensable gas separation unit that separates the saturated water vapor extracted in the non-condensable gas extraction unit from the non-condensable gas. A steam generator according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

Images