Methane generating system, modified low-grade coal manufacturing apparatus, subcritical water treatment apparatus used in methane generating system, modified low-grade coal utilization system, methane generating method, modified low-grade coal manufacturing method, and modified low-grade coal utilization method

Abstract

To provide a system for easily generating a high-concentration gas mainly composed of methane in a short period of time. [Solution] A first stage treatment is set in the subcritical water treatment apparatus with a first stage temperature range of 150-220°C for a predetermined treatment time, and a second stage treatment is set with a second stage temperature range of 110-130°C for a predetermined treatment time, and in the first stage treatment, molten and liquefied components are formed from parts of the low-rank coal and voids with a volumetric volume of 20% or more of the unit volume of the low-rank coal from which moisture contained in the low-rank coal as a treatment raw material has been removed in the first stage treatment, and the molten and liquefied components are solidified in the voids and fixed to the other parts of the components that are not molten or liquefied, filling the voids, generating bio-coal charcoal with a void ratio of 9% or less of the total volume, and the device for utilizing the modified low-rank coal is provided with a gasification means for methanating the bio-coal charcoal, and the gasification means gasifies the modified low-rank coal generated from the bio-char in a non-oxidizing state to generate methane.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a methane generating system, a gasification furnace used in the methane generating system, a modified low-rank coal production apparatus, a subcritical water treatment device used in the methane generating system or the modified low-rank coal production apparatus, a modified low-rank coal utilization system, a methane generating method, a modified low-rank coal production method, and a modified low-rank coal utilization method. [Background technology]

[0002] Coal can be roughly divided into two categories based on its rank: high rank coal is bituminous coal and anthracite, and low rank coal is peat, lignite, and subbituminous coal. Coal with a high rank and high calorific value is bituminous coal and anthracite, while low rank coal has a lower rank than high rank coal, with subbituminous coal, lignite, and peat being low rank coals.

[0003] Regarding the calorific value of different coal ranks, high-rank coal has a high calorific value, while low-rank coal has a lower calorific value than high-rank coal.

[0004] Non-Patent Document 1 describes the JIS coal classification, which states that high-grade coal has a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more, and subbituminous coal has a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or less. Therefore, the calorific value of low-grade coal is 8,100 kcal / kg or less. Non-Patent Document 1 also describes that the moisture content of high-grade coal is 9.0 to 11.08% (as a percentage of the total) and that of low-grade coal is 26.0%.

[0005] Low-rank coal is traded less on the global market than high-rank coal due to its poor transport and energy efficiency. In addition, factories and power plants that burn low-rank coal emit more CO2 and smoke than factories and power plants that burn high-rank coal, making the use of low-rank coal, which has a large environmental impact, a political issue.

[0006] On the other hand, low-rank coal accounts for half of the world's coal reserves, and has the advantage of being cheap to obtain. Therefore, research and development has been conducted on improvement technologies from the perspective of reforming low-rank coal and gasifying it, for example by removing moisture from low-rank coal, in order to increase the efficiency of transportation and combustion.

[0007] Combustion of coal emits an average of about 100 kg of CO2 per 1 million BTU (British thermal units) of energy. There is a need to reduce CO2 emissions and create a society that places no burden on the environment, and various measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions have been proposed.

[0008] Conventionally, coal carbonization has been known as a method for obtaining coal gas. In the coal carbonization process, coal is heated and decomposed in the absence of air to obtain coal gas, gas liquid, coal tar, coke, etc.

[0009] CWM technology has been developed and put into practical use, in which water is added to pulverized coal to prepare a slurry-like CWM, which can then be used as an alternative fuel to heavy oil.

[0010] There is known a method for producing synthesis gas from coal. In this method, for example, water steam and oxygen are introduced into coal to carry out the following coal gasification reactions sequentially or simultaneously to produce synthesis gas from coal.

[0011] Non-Patent Document 2 has the following description regarding the production of synthetic gas.

[0012] Coal ⇒H2, CmHn,C 4000kcal / kg(1) C+2H2 → CH4 +17900cal (2) C+ H2O → CO+H2 -31100cal (3) C+2H2O → CO2+2H2 -18200cal (4) C+CO2 → 2CO -40800cal (5) C+H2O → CO2+H2 +9700cal (6) C+ O2 +94000cal (7) 2C+O2 → 2CO +53200cal (8) Equation (1) is the carbonization reaction that is the basis of coal gasification. When coal is heated to 350°C or higher, it is carbonized into H2, CO, CH4, tar and other hydrocarbons, and char. In high-temperature gasification, all of the hydrocarbons and char react again according to the reaction equations shown in equation (2) and following, ultimately becoming synthesis gas of H2 and CO. Equations (7) and (8) are the combustion reactions that supply the heat for these reactions.

[0013] Patent Document 1 describes a method and device for converting coal into fuel for power generation facilities. This invention proposes a decomposition reaction process in which a coal-water mixture, which is made by mixing pulverized coal with water, is decomposed by maintaining the temperature and pressure of the water in a subcritical state, and a gasification process in which a hydrocarbon gas and a coal-oil mixture are supplied to a gasification reactor and gasified into a combustible gas mainly composed of CO and H2.

[0014] Patent Document 2 describes a woody biomass production system by the inventors of the present application. It describes a method in which waste material to be treated is fed into a pressure vessel, hydrolyzed by subcritical water treatment, and then subjected to low-temperature semi-carbonization treatment, and the resulting hydrothermal reaction semi-carbonized solid is recovered and aggregated to produce hydrothermal reaction semi-carbonized pellets. It further describes that when the raw material to be treated is wood chips, the semi-carbonization temperature is set to around 200°C. It also describes that the hydrothermal reaction pellets are used for power generation or as combustion fuel. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

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

[0016] [Non-Patent Document 1] "Classification of Coal" November 2022 Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation Coal Development Department [Non-Patent Document 2] Energy and Resources Vol.4 No.6 Special Feature C1 Chemical Technology Production of Synthetic Gas from Coal Pages 36-43 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0017] In the coal carbonization method, coal is heated and decomposed to obtain coal gas as a volatile gas, and gas liquid, coal tar, coke, and the like as non-volatile gases. However, when specializing in coal gas as a volatile gas and maximizing the amount of production, there is a problem in maximizing the amount of coal gas collected as a volatile gas.

[0018] CWM technology involves adding water and oxygen to the raw coal used for processing, which is distilled at temperatures of over 350°C, resulting in the generation of large amounts of carbon dioxide. The problem is that the calorific value is low, with the upper limit being around 4,000 kcal / kg.

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

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

[0021] As mentioned above, low-rank coal is traded less on the global market than high-rank coal due to its poor transport and energy efficiency. In addition, factories and power plants that burn low-rank coal emit more CO2 and smoke than factories and power plants that burn high-rank coal, making the use of low-rank coal, which has a large environmental impact, a political issue.

[0022] In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to easily produce a gas mainly composed of methane with a high concentration in a short period of time by gasifying the produced bio-coal charcoal.

[0023] The present invention aims to modify the coal used as a processing material, particularly low-rank coal, by generating bio-coal charcoal obtained by bio-converting coal into coal through a low-temperature low-molecular-weight process in subcritical water treatment, which is easy to gasify during gasification, enables gas with a higher calorific value to be obtained in a short time compared to the calorific value of high-rank coal, and enables the amount of gas generated during gasification to be increased compared to coal carbonization.The present invention aims to modify the coal used as a processing material, particularly low-rank coal, by generating bio-coal charcoal suitable for use when the coal used as a processing material is low-rank coal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0024] In the present invention, high-grade coal refers to either bituminous coal or anthracite, or a mixture of these, and low-grade coal refers to either peat, lignite, or subbituminous coal, or a mixture of these, and refers to the case where high-grade coal is mixed with either peat, lignite, or subbituminous coal, in which peat, lignite, or subbituminous coal constitutes the majority.

[0025] The present invention relates to In a system for producing methane from modified low-rank coal, the system includes a modified low-rank coal production device that produces low-rank coal by modifying low-rank coal, and a gasification means that gasifies the produced bio-coal charcoal, where bituminous coal or non-bituminous coal is referred to as high-rank coal and peat, lignite, or sub-bituminous coal is referred to as low-rank coal, and the system includes: The improved low-grade coal production apparatus is equipped with a subcritical water treatment apparatus having a temperature curve characteristic in which the relationship between temperature X and weight loss rate Y during hydrolysis treatment is expressed by a portion on the XY axis coordinate system where temperature X is 220°C or less and a shoulder portion of a gradual weight loss line continues to a portion where weight rapidly decreases, and the gasification means is equipped with a gasification furnace; Within the subcritical water treatment device 11, a first stage temperature region of 220°C or less and a second stage temperature adjustment region for adjusting the temperature to 130°C or less are formed at the shoulder of the temperature curve, and a first stage treatment means for a predetermined treatment time at 150 to 220°C corresponding to the first stage temperature region of 220°C or less is set in the subcritical water treatment device, thereby forming voids from which moisture contained in the low-rank coal as a treatment raw material has been removed, as well as low-molecular-weight molten and liquefied components and low-molecular-weight components that are not molten or liquefied; a second stage treatment means is set for a predetermined treatment time in the range of 110 to 130°C corresponding to the second stage temperature range of 130°C or less, and the low molecular weight components that are not melted or liquefied are fixed to the low molecular weight components that are melted or liquefied in the voids to fill the voids, thereby generating bio-coal charcoal having a void ratio of 11% or less of the total volume of the bio-coal charcoal after filling the voids; The gasification means gasifies the produced biochar in a non-oxidizing state to produce methane. The present invention provides a system for producing methane from upgraded low rank coal, comprising:

[0026] In the system for producing methane as described above, The present invention provides a methane generation system, comprising: a gas holder for storing the generated methane; and a gasification means for combusting a portion of the stored methane to generate a combustion gas as a heat source, and for heating and gasifying the bio-coal charcoal in a non-oxidizing state using the combustion gas to generate methane.

[0027] In the system for producing methane as described above, The gasification means is set at a temperature of 350 to 450°C and a treatment period of 15 to 30 minutes to generate methane with a concentration of 30% or more. A system for producing methane is provided, comprising:

[0028] As described above, "modified coal" includes both modified high-grade coal and modified low-grade coal, and "bio-coal char" is used in connection with the subcritical water treatment of the raw coal in the subcritical water treatment device, and may be referred to as "bio-low-grade coal char" when the raw coal is low-grade coal, and as "bio-high-grade coal char" when the raw coal is high-grade coal. "Modified low-grade coal" is mainly composed of the generated "bio-coal char" and is used in connection with the production in the modified low-grade coal production device. "Modification" refers to the conversion of raw coal in the subcritical water treatment device into bio-coal char with improved calorific value by subcritical water treatment. The "moisture" that reduces the calorific value is moisture contained within the coal used as the raw material for processing, especially low-rank coal. When it evaporates during subcritical water processing, it becomes the basis for the formation of voids. When the voids are reduced by the solidification of the molten and liquefied components, bio-coal charcoal is produced, which has a calorific value of more than 8,100 kcal / kg, the same as high-rank coal.

[0029] "Densification" refers to the state of the structure of modified coal achieved by fixing molten and liquefied components to components that are not molten or liquefied, and filling and fixing voids that do not contain moisture with molten and liquefied components so that the porosity of the modified low-rank coal is 9% or less, preferably 5% or less.

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

[0031] According to the present invention, By gasifying the produced bio-coal charcoal, it is possible to easily produce a gas mainly composed of methane with a high concentration in a short time compared to various conventional methods.

[0032] According to the present invention, a bio-coal charcoal is produced by bio-converting coal, which is easily gasified when the coal is treated with subcritical water and the treated product is gasified by low-temperature molecular weight reduction treatment, and which enables a gas with a higher calorific value than that of high-grade coal to be obtained in a short time and enables an increase in the amount of gas produced during gasification compared to coal carbonization. This makes it possible to reform the coal used as a processing material, particularly low-grade coal, by producing a bio-coal charcoal that is particularly suitable when the coal used as a processing material is low-grade coal. According to the present invention, the coal used as a processing material can be reformed to have a calorific value equal to or greater than that of high-grade coal by producing a bio-coal charcoal that is particularly suitable when the coal used as a processing material is low-grade coal.

[0033] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an apparatus and a method for producing modified low-rank coal that prevent a decrease in the efficiency of utilizing the calorific value of low-rank coal by using a low processing temperature for the hydrolysis-based molecular processing, make it possible to produce modified low-rank coal with a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more, and utilize the modified low-rank coal on a par with high-rank coal, thereby suppressing CO2 emissions and being environmentally friendly. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows an improved low-grade coal production apparatus and a methane gas production system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a fuel self-sufficient methane gas production device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a first subcritical water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a second subcritical water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] A graph showing the relationship between temperature X and weight loss rate Y on the XY axis coordinate system. [Figure 6] Diagram showing the upgrading production of low-rank coal and the utilization of upgraded low-rank coal [Figure 7] Microscopic photo of lignite [Figure 8] Microscopic photograph of peat (1) [Figure 9]Microscopic photographs of peat (2) [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the voids generated by the present invention and the state in which the molten or liquefied material is fixed in the voids. [Figure 11] A diagram explaining the modified low-grade coal manufacturing method and the modified low-grade coal utilization method using the modified low-grade coal utilization system. [Figure 12] Diagram showing the operation system using upgraded low-rank coal [Figure 13] A diagram showing an operation system that utilizes modified low-rank coal and has a network for sending and receiving information on the production of modified low-rank coal and / or CO2 emission reduction information. [Figure 14] A diagram showing the internal configuration of the manufacturer / distributor terminal, the user terminal, and the administrator terminal. [Figure 15] A diagram showing information generated by the manufacturer / distributor terminal, the user terminal, and the administrator terminal, and the exchange of this information. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] An embodiment of the improved low-rank coal utilization system according to the present invention will be described below.

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

[0037] 1 is a diagram showing a modified low-grade coal production and utilization system according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is a diagram showing a methane gas production and utilization system that produces and utilizes methane gas from modified low-grade coal, among other systems.

[0038] The present invention relates to a modified low-rank coal production and utilization system 100 equipped with a modified low-rank coal production apparatus 1 that modifies the low-rank coal used as a processing raw material, and a modified low-rank coal utilization apparatus (also referred to as a utilization apparatus) 2 that utilizes the modified low-rank coal as a heat source raw material, where bituminous coal or non-bituminous coal is referred to as high-rank coal, and peat, lignite, or sub-bituminous coal is referred to as low-rank coal, and in particular to a methane gas production and utilization system.

[0039] The upgraded low-rank coal production and utilization system 100 is composed of an upgraded low-rank coal production apparatus 1 and an upgraded low-rank coal utilization apparatus 2 that uses bio-coal charcoal produced in the upgraded low-rank coal production apparatus.

[0040] Between the upgraded low-rank coal production apparatus 1 and the upgraded low-rank coal utilization apparatus 2, a transport means 3 such as a transport vehicle is installed.

[0041] The modified low-grade coal production apparatus 1, where low-grade coal as a medium is represented by 12 and bio-coal charcoal is represented by 16, is mainly composed of a subcritical water treatment apparatus 11, a micronization apparatus 13 that micronizes the micronized low-grade coal 12, which is the processing raw material, a high-temperature, high-pressure steam generator 14 that generates high-temperature, high-pressure steam and supplies it to the subcritical water treatment apparatus 11, and an unloading means 15 that unloads the bio-coal charcoal 16 from the subcritical water treatment apparatus 11, and produces modified low-grade coal 17 that becomes the bio-coal charcoal 16. The low-grade coal 12 micronized by the micronization apparatus 13 is fed into the subcritical water treatment apparatus 11. Chips are also treated as micronized here.

[0042] The low-grade coal 12 is hydrolyzed by subcritical water treatment in the subcritical water treatment device 11 to produce a low-molecular-weight carbonized material (also called semi-carbonized material), which is referred to herein as bio-coal carbonized material.

[0043] The subcritical water treatment device 11 has a characteristic of a temperature curve in which the relationship between the temperature X and the weight loss rate Y during hydrolysis treatment is expressed by a part on the XY axis coordinate system where the temperature X is 220°C or less and a shoulder part of a straight line of gradual weight loss that continues to a part where the weight suddenly decreases, and inside the subcritical water treatment device 11, a first temperature region of 220°C or less and a second temperature adjustment region of 130°C or less are formed at the temperature of the shoulder part of the temperature curve, and in the first temperature region of 220°C or less, voids are formed with a volume of 20% or more of the unit volume of the low-rank coal obtained by removing moisture contained in the low-rank coal as a treatment raw material, and a molten and liquefied component is formed from a part of the low-rank coal, and in the second temperature adjustment region of 130°C or less, the molten and liquefied component is solidified in the voids to fill and solidify the other non-liquefied components, thereby producing the bio-coal charcoal 16 that retains a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more that is retained by high-rank coal.

[0044] Here, the term "treatment" refers to a subcritical water reaction treatment, in which a part of the low-rank coal that has been treated with the subcritical water reaction and has been degraded into low molecular weight is solidified and fixed to other low-rank coal that has been degraded into low molecular weight, forming a bio-coal charcoal. The bio-coal charcoal has a slightly blackish carbonized appearance.

[0045] In this embodiment, the modified low-rank coal production apparatus 1 is equipped with the subcritical water treatment device 11, thereby generating bio-coal charcoal and producing modified low-rank coal, which can be used as a heat source raw material for low-molecular-weight charcoal having a calorific value equal to or greater than that of high-rank coal, which has a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more per unit weight.

[0046] The low-rank coal is subjected to a subcritical water reaction treatment with superheated steam and carbonized as described below, and becomes the basis for generating a carbonized material, i.e., a bio-coal carbonized material. The subcritical water reaction device 11 can perform a subcritical water reaction treatment on the input low-rank coal 12, which is a processing raw material.

[0047] Subcritical water reaction is a process in which high-temperature, high-pressure water is enclosed in a pressure vessel to hydrolyze the polymeric low-rank coal that is introduced and convert it into lower molecular weight compounds. Subcritical water reaction equipment is also called subcritical treatment equipment or subcritical equipment.

[0048] The produced upgraded low-rank coal 17 is transported to the upgraded low-rank coal utilization device 2 by the transport means 3. The transport means 3 is composed of a transport machine, a bio-coal charcoal storage machine, a belt conveyor having an input means, and the like.

[0049] The upgraded low-rank coal utilization device 2 includes, as one example, a fuel self-sufficient methane gas production device 20.

[0050] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the upgraded low-rank coal utilization device 2. As shown in FIG.

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

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

[0053] The activated carbon recovery means 22 is connected to the activated carbon outlet portion 37, receives the activated carbon residue generated by the gasification means 21, and is composed of a cooling conveyor 41 having a cooling device 42 around it to cool the activated carbon, and an activated carbon storage container 43, and stores and reserves the activated carbon.

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

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

[0056] Superheated steam is introduced into the gasification means 21. Heat exchange is carried out between the input reformed low-rank coal, the superheated steam, and the heated gas from the burner 32. Gas, i.e., methane gas, is generated by the heat exchange. The generated gas is guided to the gas outlet 36, and the residual activated carbon is guided to the activated carbon outlet 37.

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

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

[0059] The dust separating means 26 comprises a dust separator 54 and a dust container 53 for storing dust. The dust separator 54 is connected to the bag filter 27 via a pipe 55, where impurities are removed.

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

[0061] The gas stored in the gas holder 28 is discharged to a gas transport vehicle 60 via a pipe 61. The discharged gas is transported by the gas transport vehicle 60 and delivered to the power generation facility 98 shown in FIG.

[0062] The gas supply is not limited to delivery by gas vehicle 60. As shown in FIG.

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

[0064] The electricity generated by the generator 96 is normally adjusted in voltage, current, and frequency using a well-known power transmission device before being transmitted to a power transmission system.

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

[0066] The reformer can use steam to reform methane, the main component of the gas, to produce hydrogen, i.e., the reformer can produce hydrogen from methane by steam reforming.

[0067] The hydrogen produced in the reformer is liquefied and stored in a hydrogen storage device (not shown). The liquefied hydrogen can be used for various purposes.

[0068] In this example, a reformer is used, but hydrogen and solid carbon may be produced from methane by plasma pyrolysis.

[0069] The method for producing hydrogen is not limited to the above-mentioned method, and other methods may be adopted.

[0070] Methanol may be produced from methane.

[0071] The reformer may produce ammonia gas.

[0072] In this way, the upgraded low-grade coal production and utilization system 100 can be composed of the upgraded low-grade coal production apparatus 1 and the upgraded low-grade coal utilization apparatus 2 that uses the upgraded low-grade coal produced in the upgraded low-grade coal production apparatus. The upgraded low-grade coal utilization apparatus 2 produces methane, and in addition to being used directly, the produced methane is converted into various gases using existing technology for use. In the upgraded low-grade coal production and utilization system in FIG. 1, an example is shown in which methane is produced and the produced methane is used as it is without being converted into other gases, and is used to generate electricity.

[0073] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of an apparatus for producing upgraded low-rank coal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] In Fig. 3, the upgraded low-rank coal production apparatus includes a subcritical water reaction treatment apparatus, and is configured to include a treatment material input system, a heat source that supplies heat, a hydrothermal reaction residue treatment system, and a control device. A typical upgraded low-rank coal production apparatus itself has a well-known configuration.

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

[0076] The control device 105 is linked to a manufacturer / distributor terminal 66, which will be described later.

[0077] The pressure vessel 101 is composed of an outer cylindrical vessel (also called the outer jacket) 111 and an inner cylindrical vessel (also called the inner jacket) 112 arranged with a space on the inner wall of the outer cylindrical vessel 111, and an agitator 113 is provided in the space (inner space) 106 within the inner cylindrical vessel.

[0078] The pressure vessel 101 is provided with lids 114, 115 for closing at both ends, and one of the lids 115 is provided with a driving motor 116 on its side. The driving motor 116 is connected to a stirrer 113 having a rotating blade.

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

[0080] The pressure vessel 101 is provided with a steam exhaust pipe 118 connected to the inner cylindrical vessel 112, and a discharge control valve 119 is provided on the steam exhaust pipe 118. With this configuration, water vapor within the inner space can be discharged to the outside. The pressure vessel 101 is equipped with an input hopper 125 connected to the inner cylindrical vessel 112, and is equipped with an outlet having an outlet pipe 126 connected to the inner cylindrical vessel 112. An outlet discharge control valve 120 is provided on the outlet pipe 126. With this configuration, the charcoal generated by utilizing the hydrothermal reaction process can be recovered to the outside, i.e., in a charcoal recovery device.

[0081] The pulverizer 103 (corresponding to the pulverizer 13 in FIG. 1) receives the collected raw low-grade coal 131 (corresponding to the raw low-grade coal 12 in FIG. 1), pulverizes the raw low-grade coal 131 in the pulverizer 13 to make it fine, and feeds the raw low-grade coal 131 into the feed hopper 125. The feed hopper 125 is provided with a control valve, and the feeding of the raw low-grade coal 131, the subsequent processing, and the temperature adjustment employed are performed by the control device 105.

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

[0083] When the low-grade coal 131 is collected, the type of the low-grade coal 131 is determined to be peat, lignite, or subbituminous coal, and the low-grade coal is purchased by the manufacturer / seller 66A. The type of the raw material is approved by the manufacturer / seller 66A, who is the operator. The type data of the low-grade coal 131 is stored as low-grade coal information and is used for control by the control device 105.

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

[0085] The steam supply line 133 branches into a branch line 134 for supplying high-temperature, high-pressure steam into the space between the outer cylindrical vessel 111 and the inner cylindrical vessel 112, and a branch line 135 for supplying high-temperature, high-pressure steam into the space of the inner cylindrical vessel 112, and each branch line is provided with a control valve 136, 137. The control valves 136, 137 are connected to the control device 105, and the opening and closing of the control valves 136, 137 are controlled and adjusted by the control device 105. The high-temperature, high-pressure steam is supplied to the space between the outer cylindrical vessel 111 and the inner cylindrical vessel 112, and / or the space of the inner cylindrical vessel 112. By providing the high-temperature, high-pressure steam generator 140, the internal temperature, i.e., the hydrothermal reaction treatment temperature, can be increased regardless of the pressure in the inner cylindrical vessel.

[0086] The subcritical water reaction apparatus 11 is composed of a pressure vessel equipped with an inlet for low-rank coal 131 as the raw material for treatment, a mechanism for homogenizing the hydrothermal reaction, and an outlet for removing the carbonized powder produced after the hydrothermal reaction treatment, a heat source for the hydrothermal reaction treatment and heat treatment, and a control device for controlling the hydrothermal reaction treatment and heat treatment, and produces slightly blackish bio-coal charcoal 16 through the hydrothermal reaction treatment and heat treatment.

[0087] The pressure vessel is composed of an outer cylindrical vessel and an inner cylindrical vessel, and the inner space of the inner cylindrical vessel is An outer space between the inner cylindrical container and the outer cylindrical container is defined by the inner cylindrical container.

[0088] The control device 105 sets the hydrothermal reaction temperature of the subcritical reaction zone of water under a predetermined pressure in the hydrolysis treatment area, and hydrolyzes the low-rank coal 131 as the treatment raw material in the hydrolysis treatment area to produce a hydrolysis treatment substance, i.e., bio-coal char 16 as the treatment result of the low-rank coal 131 as the treatment raw material.

[0089] For example, water vapor is introduced into the inner space, a hydrothermal reaction temperature in the subcritical reaction range of water is adopted, a hydrothermal reaction pressure is within 2.5 MPa, typically within 0.3 to 3.5 MPa, and a hydrolysis treatment zone is formed that is controlled for an appropriately set hydrothermal reaction treatment time, and the low-grade coal 131 as the treatment raw material is hydrolyzed to produce powdered bio-coal charcoal, which is a powdered hydrolysis treatment substance.

[0090] The introduction of steam into the inner space is stopped, and the steam in the inner space is discharged to the outside. The steam contains a large amount of moisture inside the low-grade coal 131, which is the raw material for processing, compared to the high-grade coal, and is softer than the high-grade coal.

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

[0092] A carbonization treatment area is formed in the outer space, where the carbonization temperature is within the range of 150 to 220°C and the treatment time is controlled, and bio-coal charcoal with high calorific value is produced from the hydrolysis treatment material through hydrothermal reaction treatment.

[0093] The melting and liquefaction treatment area can be formed by controlling the treatment time at a temperature within the range of 150 to 220°C.

[0094] As the bio-coal charcoal after the hydrothermal reaction is collected in a collection device 141, harmful substances are rendered harmless and the volume is reduced 142.

[0095] And, - High calorific value resource: Production of bio-coal charcoal with a calorific value multiple of 1.5 or more for the calorific value of the low-rank coal 131 used as the processing material - Carbon dioxide, dioxin and odor suppression is achieved.

[0096] In this embodiment, a subcritical water reaction apparatus 11 was used.

[0097] The pressure vessel is composed of an outer cylindrical vessel and an inner cylindrical vessel. The inner space within the inner cylindrical container and the outer space formed between the inner cylindrical container and the outer cylindrical container are referred to as the inner cylindrical container. The container is divided into two parts. a first heating means for introducing high-temperature, high-pressure steam into the inner space and directly heating the inner space; and a second heating means for directly heating the outer space and indirectly heating the inner space. A hydrolysis treatment area can be formed in the internal space by a first heating means, in which a hydrothermal reaction is carried out by hydrolysis under a hydrothermal reaction pressure; The internal space is heated by a second heating means under a predetermined pressure to form a hydrolysis treatment area. It is possible to form a drying / carbonization treatment area.

[0098] An improved low-grade coal production system 1 was constructed, which includes a hydrothermal reaction treatment and carbonization treatment system 9 and a subcritical water reaction device 11, utilizing a double-tube pressure vessel, and which uses the subcritical water reaction device 11 as a heating means, i.e., a system that uses a heat source such as a boiler.

[0099] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of another subcritical water reaction apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] The configuration of the subcritical water reaction apparatus 11 in this example is substantially the same as the configuration of the subcritical water reaction apparatus 11 shown in FIG.

[0101] 4, a heater 117 is provided in an external space 107, and a heating power source 102A is provided in parallel with a boiler 102. The heating power source 102A is connected to a control device 105 through an electric circuit and is controlled to be turned on and off.

[0102] The heater 117 is electrically heated by the supply of electricity from the heating power supply 102A.

[0103] The configuration of the subcritical water reaction apparatus 11 shown in FIG. 3 differs in that the outer space 107 is heated by a heat medium from a heater 117 instead of by steam heat, but the bio-coal charcoal is produced by a hydrothermal reaction in the same manner.

[0104] This is the same as the previous example in that high-temperature, high-pressure steam is introduced into the inner space, and a low-temperature hydrolysis treatment area is formed in which the temperature is within the subcritical reaction range and the hydrothermal reaction pressure is within 3.5 MPa, typically within 2.5 MPa, and the hydrothermal reaction time is controlled appropriately, and the low-grade coal 131 as the treatment raw material is hydrolyzed to form bio-coal charcoal, which is the hydrolysis treatment material, but it is different in that a carbonization treatment area in the outer space, where the temperature is above the hydrothermal reaction temperature and within 220°C, and the treatment time is controlled, is electrically heated and formed by the heater 117 by applying electricity from the heating power source 102A.

[0105] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between temperature X and weight loss rate Y on an XY coordinate system.

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

[0107] This is a diagram showing the processing temperature and the weight change of the processing material (low-grade coal 131, the processing raw material) with the processing temperature X and the weight change Y of the processing material as XY axis coordinates. It is known that when the processing raw material low-grade coal 131 is carbonized, the relationship between the temperature X and the weight reduction rate Y is expressed as an S-shaped curve on the XY axis coordinates, which is divided into three sections: the shoulder part of the gradual weight reduction line that continues to the part where the weight is rapidly reduced, the part where the weight reduction is rapid on the S-shaped curve (temperature curve), and the end part of the S-shaped curve of the gradual reduction line where the rapid weight reduction ends.

[0108] In heat treatment (dry distillation) where the raw material is isolated from air, the weight change is known to follow a course similar to the curve of the processing temperature and weight change of the low-rank coal 131 in the raw material, the so-called pyrolysis curve (dry distillation curve), shown in Figure 5. Here, the horizontal axis represents the heating temperature, i.e., the processing temperature, and the vertical axis represents the weight percentage of the remaining solid (residual carbon content) relative to the original low-rank coal 131 in the raw material. The decrease in the residual carbon content occurs most rapidly at around 250°C, and continues to decrease slowly even at temperatures above 400°C, until finally a charcoal product of about 1 / 3 to 1 / 4 of the weight is obtained. Here, the shoulder part of the gradual weight reduction line that continues into the part where the weight suddenly decreases is called region (1), the part of the S-shaped curve where the weight suddenly decreases is called region (2), and the part of the gradual weight reduction line that ends at the exit of the S-shaped curve is called region (3).

[0109] The International Energy Agency (IEA) defines "torrefaction" as "a heat treatment carried out at 250 to 320°C in a reduced oxygen atmosphere," and traditionally, semi-carbide formation was carried out at temperatures in the (2) region.

[0110] The low-rank coal is broken down into smaller molecules and solidified, and bio-coal charcoal 16 is produced from the solidified parts and other smaller molecules that retain their pre-treatment shape.

[0111] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the upgrading production of low-rank coal and the utilization of the upgraded low-rank coal.

[0112] This paper describes a process for producing bio-coal charcoal at low temperatures using subcritical water reaction.

[0113] Low-temperature carbonization is a process that takes place in region (I). Process (1) is made possible by carrying out subcritical water reaction processing in the first stage, at a temperature range below 220°C. By going from process (1) to process (2), low-temperature carbonization is achieved.

[0114] In the process (1), a hydrolysis process (subcritical water reaction process) is carried out using high-temperature, high-pressure steam, and the low-rank coal 131, which is the processing raw material, is broken down into smaller molecules.

[0115] The temperature used is the subcritical water reaction temperature, which is selected to be 150 to 220°C.

[0116] First stage treatment method: temperature treatment at 150 to 220°C, treatment time 15 to 60 minutes At low subcritical water reaction temperatures, coal, regardless of whether it is high-quality or low-quality coal, can be melted and liquefied in a processing time of 15 to 60 minutes.

[0117] In order to melt and liquefy some of the low-rank coal in the processing raw material, it is heated to this temperature. Some of it vaporizes. The melted and liquefied low-rank coal exists among other low-rank coal that has been broken down into smaller molecules and does not melt or liquefy.

[0118] In the process (2), the second stage is processed in a temperature range adjusted to 110 to 130°C, below 130°C.

[0119] Second stage treatment means: temperature treatment at 110 to 130°C, treatment time of 15 to 60 minutes, preferably 15 to 30 minutes This temperature treatment can be carried out following the first stage treatment, and does not require any cooling energy or can be carried out with very little energy. It takes advantage of the advantage of the short time of melting and liquefaction, and condenses and solidifies in a short time without impairing the said advantage.

[0120] By lowering the temperature to this level, the melted and liquefied low-rank coal solidifies and adheres to the other low-rank coal that has been degraded to lower molecular weight and does not melt or liquefy. The temperature is controlled to maintain a low temperature to ensure adhesion. A quick reduction in temperature to room temperature should be avoided in order to maintain the amount of adhesion.

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

[0122] These two processes result in the desired bio-charred coal 16.

[0123] Bio-coal charcoal: It is produced mainly from melted and solidified low-grade coal that has been broken down into smaller molecules, and other low-grade coal that has not been melted or solidified.

[0124] Low-rank coal is characterized by the large amount of moisture contained within it. The moisture content is 20% or more by volume, for example, 25%, and it is soft. Subcritical water reaction processing is more suitable for upgrading low-rank coal with such characteristics than for upgrading high-quality coal, which has a low moisture content and is hard.

[0125] In the present invention, an invention is proposed that takes advantage of this characteristic to improve the production of low-rank coal and to utilize the improved low-rank coal.

[0126] In FIG. 6, the process for producing modified low-rank coal S1 is formed by preparing the raw low-rank coal S11, treating it with subcritical water S12, and generating bio-coal charcoal S13. The modified low-rank coal is utilized, bio-coal charcoal with high calorific value is generated, and the modified low-rank coal is produced and utilized in various forms.

[0127] The subcritical water treatment S12 is composed of a first stage temperature treatment S121 at 220° C. or less, which is one of the temperature treatments during the subcritical water treatment, and a second stage temperature treatment S122 at 130° C. or less.

[0128] By generating bio-coal charcoal S13, bio-coal charcoal with high calorific value is obtained.

[0129] First, low-rank coal is prepared as the processing raw material in step S11. As described above, the low-rank coal is peat, lignite, or subbituminous coal, or a mixture of these. These are the main components, and bituminous coal or anthracite may be mixed in as an auxiliary.

[0130] The low-rank coal used as the raw material for the process is pulverized and then subjected to the next process of subcritical water treatment S12 and production of bio-coal charcoal S13.

[0131] In S12, the finely divided low-rank coal as the processing raw material is subjected to subcritical water treatment and subjected to temperature treatment as used in subcritical water treatment.

[0132] In step S121, the first stage of temperature treatment at 220° C. or less is performed.

[0133] The first stage of temperature treatment below 220℃ is -Removal of moisture contained in low-rank coal used as raw material The amount of voids in the low-rank coal used as raw material for processing is 20% or more of the unit volume of the low-rank coal. formation Melting and liquefying a portion of the low-grade coal used as raw material It consists of:

[0134] In step S122, the temperature is adjusted and the adjusted temperature is continuously maintained at 130° C. or less in the second stage of temperature treatment.

[0135] The second stage of temperature treatment below 130℃ is -Condensation of molten or liquefied components in the voids, and adhesion to other components that do not melt or liquefy - Obtaining a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more per unit weight, which is the calorific value of high-grade coal By adjusting the temperature and maintaining the adjusted temperature continuously, the components of the melted and liquefied low-rank coal can be used to fill the voids sufficiently, for example, to reduce the void volume to within 9% or 5%.

[0136] Bio-coal charcoal is produced by S13.

[0137] The obtained bio-coal charcoal is a subcritical water-treated bio-charcoal formed by filling the molten and liquefied components that have condensed into the voids and adhering to the other components that do not melt or liquefy.

[0138] By processing the bio-coal charcoal in this way, it is possible to produce improved low-rank coal with a calorific value per unit weight of more than 8,100 kcal / kg, which is the calorific value of high-rank coal.

[0139] As described above, the subcritical water treatment device 11 used in the modified low-rank coal production device that generates the bio-coal charcoal is configured, in which a first temperature region of 220°C or less and a second temperature adjustment region for adjusting the temperature to 130°C or less are formed at the shoulder part of the temperature characteristic curve, in which voids are formed with a volumetric amount of 20% or more of the unit volume of the low-rank coal from which moisture contained in the low-rank coal as the raw material for treatment has been removed in the first temperature region of 220°C or less, and molten and liquefied components are formed from a part of the low-rank coal, and in the second temperature adjustment region for adjusting the temperature to 130°C or less, the molten and liquefied components are solidified in the voids and fixed to the other components that are not molten or liquefied, thereby filling the voids, and the subcritical water treatment device 11 used in the modified low-rank coal production device that generates the bio-coal charcoal is configured to retain a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more per unit weight, which is retained by high-rank coal.

[0140] The modified low-rank coal is utilized by S2 to produce modified low-rank coal with a high calorific value, which can be utilized in various forms including power generation.

[0141] Figure 6 shows an example of the use of upgraded low-rank coal with high heating value.

[0142] Methane gasification treatment method: treatment temperature 350-600℃, treatment time 60-120 minutes The appropriate treatment temperature of 350 to 450° C. is about 30 to 40 minutes.

[0143] Methane gas is generated by S21, and the raw material for combustion in the reformed low-grade coal combustion device is secured by S22. Carbon (C) from the bio-coal charcoal and hydrogen (H2) from the superheated steam react with heat to generate methane (CH4).

[0144] Methane generation treatment is carried out at a temperature of 350 to 600°C. Basically, a low temperature of 350 to 450°C, below 500°C, is used as the appropriate treatment temperature, and the treatment time is set to 30 to 40 minutes.

[0145] As described above, the processing times required for the first-stage processing method, the second-stage processing method, and the methane gasification processing method are about several tens of minutes, and compared with conventional methods, the processing feed coal, preferably the processing feed low-rank coal, can be methanated easily and in an extremely short time.

[0146] Therefore, the present invention can be applied in various ways to provide various systems for utilizing upgraded low-rank coal.

[0147] When the methane produced is exposed to heat, some of it becomes ethane or propane, but basically methane-based gas and lower hydrocarbons are produced.

[0148] The gas is mainly methane, and in the case of reformed low-rank coal, gas with a methane concentration of 70 to 80% can be produced.

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

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

[0151] Methane can be used to produce hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and ammonia gas using existing technology.

[0152] Returning to Figures 1 and 2, in the methane gas production and utilization system, methane-based gas is generated by gasifying the bio-coal charcoal in a non-oxidizing state to produce methane.

[0153] The improved low-rank coal production and utilization system 100 is configured, which is composed of a low-rank coal improvement production apparatus and an improved low-rank coal utilization apparatus 2 that uses the improved low-rank coal produced in the improved low-rank coal production apparatus.

[0154] In the modified low-grade coal production and utilization system 100, the modified low-grade coal utilization device 2 includes a gasification means 21 for converting, for example, bio-coal charcoal into methane gas. The porosity of the bio-coal carbonized material is less than the porosity of high-grade coal (9 to 11%), i.e., less than 11%, preferably less than 5%, of the total volume; The gasification furnace gasifies the modified low-rank coal in a non-oxidizing state and can produce gas mainly composed of methane with the same energy as that obtained when gasifying high-rank coal that retains a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more per unit weight.

[0155] In the upgraded low-rank coal production and utilization system 100, the upgraded low-rank coal utilization device 2 includes a gasification means 21 that gasifies the upgraded low-rank coal into methane.

[0156] The generated methane gas is stored in a gas holder 28, and a portion of the stored methane gas is combusted in a gasification means 21 to generate combustion gas, thereby forming a fuel self-sufficient methane gas production device 20 capable of gasifying reformed low-rank coal with the generated combustion gas.

[0157] The subcritical water treatment apparatus has a temperature characteristic curve in which the relationship between temperature X and weight loss rate Y during hydrolysis treatment is expressed by a portion on an XY-axis coordinate system where temperature X is 220°C or less and a shoulder portion of a gradual weight loss line continues to a portion where weight rapidly decreases, and inside the subcritical water treatment apparatus 11, a first stage temperature region of 220°C or less and a second stage temperature adjustment region for adjusting a temperature to 130°C or less are formed at the temperature of the shoulder portion of the temperature characteristic curve, and the subcritical water treatment apparatus is provided with a first stage treatment means for the first stage temperature region of 220°C or less and a predetermined treatment time of 150 to 220°C, and a second stage treatment means for the second stage temperature region of 130°C or less and a predetermined treatment time of 110 to 130°C, In the first stage of treatment, molten and liquefied components are formed from voids that occupy 20% or more of the unit volume of the low-rank coal from which the moisture contained in the low-rank coal in the treatment raw material has been removed, and from a portion of the low-rank coal; in the second stage of treatment, the molten and liquefied components are solidified in the voids and fixed to the other components that are not molten or liquefied, thereby filling and fixing the voids; The improved low-grade coal production apparatus produces bio-coal charcoal having a void ratio of 9 to 5% or less of the total volume, The device for utilizing the improved low-rank coal includes a gasification means for methaneizing the bio-coal charcoal, The gasification means gasifies the biochar in a non-oxidizing state to generate methane. A system for utilizing improved low-grade coal is constructed, which is characterized by the above.

[0158] In the upgraded low-rank coal production and utilization system 100, the upgraded low-rank coal utilization device 21 may include an upgraded low-rank coal combustion device (not shown) that uses the upgraded low-rank coal as fuel.

[0159] The porosity of the bio-coal charcoal is set to be 9% or less, preferably 5% or less, of the total volume. The coal combustor can combust the upgraded low rank coal and recover combustion energy.

[0160] A gasification means 21 used in an improved low-rank coal production and utilization system 100, The gasification means can gasify the upgraded low-rank coal, the void ratio of which is 9% or less, preferably 5% or less, of the total volume, in a non-oxidizing state.

[0161] By gasifying the reformed low-grade coal 17 in a non-oxidizing state using the fuel self-sufficient methane gas production device 20, CO2 emissions can be prevented, and CO2 emissions can be reduced compared to when conventional high-grade coal is used as fuel. In addition, by using the fuel self-sufficient methane gas production device 20, CO2 emissions can be effectively reduced in a self-contained manner by using the methane produced from the reformed low-grade coal 17.

[0162] This embodiment has the feature that it can use the modified low-rank coal as fuel in conventional coal combustion equipment by producing modified low-rank coal with a calorific value equivalent to that of high-rank coal, but by using the methane produced as described above, it is possible to prevent CO2 emissions and reduce CO2 emissions compared to when modified low-rank coal is used as fuel.

[0163] Hereinafter, photographs obtained during the subcritical water reaction treatment according to this embodiment will be described.

[0164] One case study is presented for lignite and two cases for peat. The upper side shows a photograph of the raw material state of low-rank coal before processing, i.e., before the processing according to the present embodiment, and the lower side shows a photograph of the bio-charred coal after processing, i.e., after the processing according to the present embodiment.

[0165] Figure 7 shows a microscope photograph of lignite: lignite. The microscope photograph obtained when bio-coal char was formed from lignite is shown at the bottom.

[0166] Figure 8 shows a microscopic photograph of peat (1): peat. The microscopic photograph obtained when bio-coal charcoal was formed from peat is shown at the bottom.

[0167] Figure 9 shows a microscopic photograph of peat (2): peat. Other microscopic photographs obtained when forming bio-coal charcoal from peat are shown at the bottom.

[0168] In addition, the microscopic photographs obtained when bio-coal char was formed from lignite and the microscopic photographs obtained when bio-coal char was formed from peat are also photographs of modified low-rank coal obtained from the bio-coal char.

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

[0170] By adjusting the temperature and continuously maintaining the adjusted temperature, the components of the low molecular weight bio-coal charcoal that are fixed with the molten or liquid material can sufficiently fill the voids, for example, the void volume can be filled and fixed to within 9% or 5%. Even compared to the porosity of 9-11% of the voids in high-grade coal, the components of the low molecular weight bio-coal charcoal that are fixed with the molten or liquid material can sufficiently fill the voids, fix and make it dense.

[0171] By filling the voids with the molten or liquid material as described above, a bio-coal char is produced in which the porosity structure of the entire bio-coal char in the cross section is smaller, similar or equivalent to the porosity structure of the high-rank coal as compared to the porosity structure of the high-rank coal, as obtained by the electron microscope photograph. Thus, an improved low-rank coal is produced in which the porosity structure of the improved low-rank coal is smaller, similar or equivalent to the porosity structure of the high-rank coal as compared to the porosity structure of the high-rank coal.

[0172] Coal is classified into either high-rank coal, which has a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more, or low-rank coal, which has a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or less, and the porosity of the high-rank coal is 9% or more and 11% or less. In the case of modified coal obtained by modifying the high-rank coal, The modified coal is produced by forming bio-coal charcoal in which low-molecular-weight low-rank coal that has been melted and liquefied is fixed to low-molecular-weight low-rank coal components that have not been melted or liquefied in the absence of moisture in the voids that occupy the entire modified coal, which has a void ratio of 9% or less, and by retaining a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more, which is the calorific value of high-rank coal. Alternatively, Coal is classified into either high-rank coal, which has a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more, or low-rank coal, which has a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or less, and the porosity of the high-rank coal is 9% or more and 11% or less. In the case of modified coal obtained by modifying the high-rank coal, The porosity of the modified coal is 5% or less, and in the absence of moisture, the pores are formed into bio-coal charcoal in which melted and liquefied low-molecular-weight low-rank coal is fixed to low-molecular-weight low-rank coal components that are not melted or liquefied, resulting in the production of modified coal that retains a calorific value of more than 8,100 kcal / kg, the same as high-rank coal.

[0173] The modified coal includes modified high rank coal and low rank coal.

[0174] Although examples of lignite and peat are shown in Figs. 7 to 9, sub-bituminous coal has a higher grade than lignite and peat, and similar photographs can be obtained for sub-bituminous coal as well.

[0175] 10 is a diagram for explaining the state of voids generated in the present invention and the state in which the molten or liquefied material is fixed in the voids. It shows a typical form of formation of upgraded low-rank coal when the low-rank coal is upgraded and produced.

[0176] Fig. 10(a) shows the raw material morphology of low-rank coal before subcritical water treatment, Fig. 10(b) shows the formed morphology of modified low-rank coal after subcritical water treatment, and Fig. 10(c) shows the morphology of high-rank coal not treated with subcritical water for comparison. In these figures, the state in which voids are assumed to be collected, the state in which some of the low-rank coal is embedded in the voids, and the state in which some of the high-rank coal is embedded in the voids are exaggerated to make the explanation easier to understand.

[0177] In Fig. 10(a), the prepared low-rank coal contains moisture porosity of 20% or more. The moisture porosity includes air porosity. As shown in the figure, the moisture porosity occupies a large volume in the low-rank coal.

[0178] In Fig. 10(b), the porosity of the upgraded low-rank coal is 9% or less, preferably 5% or less. The porosity can be reduced from 20% to, for example, 9% or less, preferably 5% or less, by temperature adjustment treatment. No moisture exists in the pores.

[0179] As described above, the overall moisture content (moisture content) of high-grade coal is 9.0 to 11.0%, and by fixing the molten and liquefied components to the components that are not molten or liquefied, and filling the voids in the modified low-grade coal, which are free of moisture and have a porosity of 9% or less, preferably 5% or less, with the molten and liquefied components, a dense bio-coal charcoal can be produced, providing significant benefits.

[0180] In most of the voids, a solid mass is formed due to cooling of the molten or liquid material. Some of the voids contain air, but the moisture has completely evaporated and is no longer present.

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

[0182] By adjusting the temperature and maintaining it continuously at the adjusted temperature, the voids can be filled sufficiently with the components of the low molecular weight bio-charred coal that are fixed with the molten or liquid material, for example, the void volume can be filled sufficiently to be 11% or less, preferably 5% or less. Even compared to the 20% porosity of high-grade coal, the components of the low molecular weight bio-charred coal that are fixed with the molten or liquid material can be filled sufficiently and fixed.

[0183] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when bituminous coal or non-bituminous coal in coal is called high-grade coal and peat, lignite or sub-bituminous coal is called low-grade coal, in the modified low-grade coal obtained by modifying the low-grade coal, The modified low-rank coal is made of bio-coal charcoal that has been modified from low-rank coal. The modified low-rank coal has a porosity of 11% or less, preferably 5% or less, and has a form in which some of the melted and liquefied low-rank coal solidifies within the voids and adheres to the remaining components that are not melted or liquefied. The modified low-rank coal has a calorific value per unit weight equivalent to the calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more that high-rank coal has. According to the inventors' measurements, as an example, Calorific value of raw low-rank coal Calorific value of improved low-rank coal Difference in calorific value (1) Subbituminous coal: 8,050kcal / kg → 11,000kcal / kg 2,950 kcal / kg Lignite: 7,000kcal / kg → 9,730kcal / kg 2,730 kcal / kg Peat: 6,500kcal / kg → 9,035kcal / kg 2,535 kcal / kg According to these results, the calorific value of the modified low-rank coal is greater than 8,100 kcal / kg, and the calorific value of each of the modified low-rank coal is greater than the calorific value of the high-rank coal, i.e., it is possible to produce bio-based high-rank coal charcoal, i.e., modified high-rank coal.

[0184] The calorific value of high-rank coal compared to that of upgraded low-rank coal is as follows:

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

[0186] The data on the differential calorific value (1) and the differential calorific value (2) are used for evaluation of the introduction of the upgraded low-rank coal production equipment in FIG. 12, or for evaluation of the introduction of upgraded low-rank coal and methane gas.

[0187] When modified low-rank coal is gasified into methane, a bio-low-rank coal charcoal is produced that retains a calorific value of more than 8,100 kcal / kg, the same as that of high-rank coal. This makes it possible to produce a methane-based gas with a calorific value equal to or greater than that of the energy obtained from high-rank coal, while suppressing CO2 emissions.

[0188] It is presumed that it is possible to obtain bio-coal charcoal with an increased differential calorific value as described above for high-grade coal. In other words, the differential calorific value (1) and differential calorific value (2) are 8,100 kcal / kg + 2,500~3,000 kcal / kg = 10,600~11,100 kcal / kg. It is expected to be 10,000 kcal / kg or more.

[0189] By similarly modifying high-grade coal, when the modified high-grade coal is methanized, a high-grade bio-charcoal is produced that retains the calorific value of more than 8,100 kcal / kg that high-grade coal possesses. This makes it possible to produce methane-based gas with a calorific value equal to or greater than the energy obtained from high-grade coal, while suppressing CO2 emissions.

[0190] It is possible to produce modified low-rank coal to be used as fuel for a low-rank coal combustion device, which has energy equivalent to or greater than that obtained from high-rank coal that retains a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more per unit weight, and when the modified low-rank coal is gasified, for example into methane gas, an energy source, for example, gaseous fuel, can be produced while suppressing CO2 emissions, having energy equivalent to or greater than that obtained from high-rank coal that retains a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more per unit weight.

[0191] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the upgraded low-rank coal manufacturing method and the upgraded low-rank coal utilization method by the upgraded low-rank coal utilization system.

[0192] When bituminous coal or non-bituminous coal is referred to as high-grade coal and peat, lignite or subbituminous coal is referred to as low-grade coal, a method for producing modified low-grade coal using a modified low-grade coal production apparatus for modifying the low-grade coal used as the raw material for processing is proposed.

[0193] The present invention comprises a subcritical water treatment apparatus, a micronization apparatus for micronizing the low-grade coal of the micronized treatment raw material, and a discharge apparatus for discharging bio-coal carbonized material from the subcritical water treatment apparatus, In the subcritical water treatment device, the relationship between temperature X and weight loss rate Y during hydrolysis treatment has a temperature curve characteristic that is expressed by a portion on the XY axis coordinate system where temperature X is 220°C or less and a shoulder portion of a gradual weight loss line continues to a portion where weight is rapidly reduced.

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

[0195] In the first stage, in a temperature range of 220°C or less, voids are formed with a volume of 20% or more of the unit volume of the low-rank coal after removing moisture contained in the low-rank coal as the raw material for treatment.

[0196] The temperature set in the first stage is 150 to 220°C, which corresponds to the temperature range of 220°C or less.

[0197] A molten / liquefied component is formed from a portion of the low-rank coal, and in the second temperature adjustment zone where the temperature is adjusted to 130°C or less, the molten / liquefied component solidifies in the voids and adheres to the other non-molten / liquefied components, filling and adhering the voids, and a bio-coal charcoal is produced that retains a calorific value per unit weight of more than 8,100 kcal / kg, the same as high-rank coal.

[0198] The temperature set in the second stage is 110 to 130°C, which corresponds to the temperature range adjusted to 130°C or less.

[0199] The bio-coal charcoal produced has a void ratio of 11% or less, preferably 5% or less, of the total volume.

[0200] A method for utilizing modified low-grade coal using a modified low-grade coal utilization system is proposed, which is composed of a modified low-grade coal production apparatus and a modified low-grade coal utilization apparatus that uses the modified low-grade coal produced in the modified low-grade coal production apparatus.

[0201] The improved low-rank coal utilization device includes a gasification means for gasifying the bio-coal charcoal into methane.

[0202] The porosity of the bio-coal carbonized material is 9% or less, preferably 5% or less, based on the total volume of the bio-coal carbonized material; The gasification furnace gasifies biochar with a void ratio of 9% or less, preferably 5% or less, of the total volume in a non-oxidizing state.

[0203] The upgraded low-rank coal utilization device includes an upgraded low-rank coal combustion device that uses the upgraded low-rank coal as fuel.

[0204] The upgraded low-rank coal combustion apparatus burns upgraded low-rank coal having a void ratio of 9% or less, preferably 5% or less, to the total volume, and recovers the calorific value, that is, the energy for generating heat.

[0205] FIG. 12 shows the results of methane extraction measurements.

[0206] Figure 12(a) shows the results of an experiment in which bio-coal charcoal produced from low-rank coal peat (moisture content 26%) was used as the processing raw material, and Figure 12(b) shows the results of an experiment in which bio-coal charcoal produced from high-rank coal anthracite (moisture content 11%) was used as the processing raw material. The experimental equipment used was a reactor (subcritical water reactor) equipped with a heater as a reaction device and a CH4 measuring device, and the set temperature, reactor temperature, heater temperature, and CH4 measurement value were measured over time in an oxygen-free state.

[0207] The measurement lines showing CH4 measurements indicate that the bio-coal char generated at each measurement point was used as the processing feedstock. For example, in Fig. 12(a), when the set temperature was 405°C, the generated bio-coal char was used as the processing feedstock, and a CH4 measurement value of 23.2% was obtained. When the set temperature was 450°C, newly generated bio-coal char was used as the processing feedstock, and a CH4 measurement value of 80.1% was obtained. The measurement lines connect these measurement points.

[0208] Regarding the measurement results, when the processing temperature was 350-600°C, the specified processing time was 30-120 minutes, preferably 30-60 minutes, and bio-coal charcoal produced from low-rank coal peat was used as the processing raw material, it was possible to recover methane with a concentration of 80.1% at a set temperature of 405°C. Also, when bio-coal charcoal produced from high-rank coal anthracite was used as the processing raw material, it was possible to recover methane with a concentration of 62.8% at 405°C.

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

[0210] From Figure 12(a) and (b), we can see that low-rank coal can produce higher concentrations of methane than high-rank coal. This is because low-rank coal is softer and has a higher porosity than high-rank coal.

[0211] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an operation system utilizing upgraded low-rank coal.

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

[0213] A contract regarding operation is concluded in advance between the manufacturing / selling company 66A, the utilization company 67A, and the manager 68A when operating the operation system 200 that utilizes the upgraded low-rank coal.

[0214] 13, a network 65 is formed by connecting, via communication means, a manufacturer / seller terminal 66, a user terminal 67, and an administrator terminal 68. By forming the network 65, an operation system 200 that utilizes upgraded low-rank coal is configured.

[0215] The administrator terminal 68 is a terminal handled by a company (administrator) that operates the modified low-grade coal production and utilization system, and holds digitized low-grade coal information, digitized high-grade coal information, and digitized information regarding the modified low-grade coal production equipment including the subcritical water treatment device, and acquires digitized information regarding the production of modified low-grade coal and digitized information regarding the use of low-grade coal.

[0216] The manufacturer / seller terminal 66 is a terminal handled by a business associated with upgrading low-grade coal to produce and sell the upgraded low-grade coal, and obtains information on the production of upgraded low-grade coal that has been digitized from the manager terminal, and obtains information on the production of upgraded low-grade coal obtained by the manufacturer / seller's operation of the upgraded low-grade coal production equipment to produce the upgraded low-grade coal. The manufacturer / seller 66A purchases and owns the upgraded low-grade coal production equipment.

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

[0218] When the manager terminal 68 produces modified low-grade coal having a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more using modified low-grade coal production equipment including a subcritical water treatment device, it generates high-grade coal usage reduction information during trial use by the modified low-grade coal production equipment, or CO2 emission reduction information during trial use by the modified low-grade coal production equipment and a gasification equipment that gasifies the modified low-grade coal, and provides the high-grade coal usage reduction information during trial use or the CO2 emission reduction information to a user terminal, or to a user terminal and a manufacturer / distributor terminal.

[0219] When the user terminal 67 uses modified low-rank coal with a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more in a modified low-rank coal utilization facility owned by the user, it acquires high-rank coal usage reduction information during trial use by the modified low-rank coal manufacturing equipment, or high-rank coal usage reduction information or CO2 emission reduction information during trial use by a gasification equipment that gasifies the modified low-rank coal, and generates high-rank coal usage reduction information or CO2 emission reduction information during usage at the modified low-rank coal utilization facility.

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

[0221] The user terminal 68 may also have the function of a user of the upgraded low-rank coal production apparatus. In this case, the upgraded low-rank coal is produced in-house and used in-house.

[0222] The manager 68A may also have the functions of the manufacturer / seller 66A, or may be a trader. In the case of a trader, the trader will obtain information on the manufacture of the improved low-rank coal manufacturing apparatus from the manufacturer / seller 66A.

[0223] The administrator 68A generates information regarding the modified low-grade coal manufacturing equipment 1 (or information regarding the modified low-grade coal manufacturing and utilization system 100; the same applies below), transmits it to the manufacturer / seller 66A and user 67A via the manufacturer / seller terminal 66 and user terminal 67, respectively, and effectively operates the operation system 200 utilizing the modified low-grade coal, thereby systematically generating information on the production of modified low-grade coal and utilization of the modified low-grade coal, and generating CO2 emission reduction information at the administrator terminal, and provides it to the user 67A or the manufacturer / seller 66A, or both.

[0224] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the manufacturer / distributor terminal, the user terminal, and the administrator terminal.

[0225] The manufacturer / seller terminal 66, the user terminal 67 and the manager terminal 68 each include a database 71, 81, 91, an input / output means 72, 82, 92, an arithmetic processing means 73, 83, 93 and a screen display means 74, 84, 94.

[0226] Information relating to the upgraded low-rank coal manufacturing apparatus 1 is stored in a database 71 of the manufacturer / distributor terminal 66 .

[0227] In the database 81 of the user terminal 67, ·High-grade coal usage information High-grade coal price information Current status of CO2 emissions The current CO2 emission information is stored for each facility.

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

[0229] Information required for each calculation process is input to the input / output means of the manufacturer / seller terminal 66, the user terminal 67, and the manager terminal 68, and the calculated result information is output inside and outside of each terminal.

[0230] Information on the upgraded low-rank coal production apparatus is provided to the manufacturer / distributor terminal 66 from the manager terminal 68, and is used to make a decision on whether to introduce the upgraded low-rank coal production apparatus 1.

[0231] The input / output means of the manager terminal 68 further includes -Information on manufacturers, distributors, and users is stored.

[0232] The processing means 73 of the manufacturer / distributor terminal 66 is ·Production information for improved low-rank coal Methane production information (including gas information for various gases produced from methane) · Sales price information for improved low-rank coal and methane is generated using the input information and the stored data information, and is obtained as processing information.

[0233] The calculation processing means 93 of the manager terminal 68 performs calculations using the input information and the stored data information, Information on reduction in use of high-grade coal during trial -CO2 emission reduction information during trial use is generated and acquired as processing information. The base-based and stored information includes any low-grade coal information and high-grade coal information, high-grade coal information transmitted from the user terminal, and the calculation processing results transmitted from the user terminal.

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

[0235] These calculation results are acquired by the user terminal 67 through the input / output means 82 of the user terminal 67, and are provided to the manufacturer / seller 66A for the purchase decision of the upgraded low-rank coal. In addition, sales price information of the upgraded low-rank coal provided from the manufacturer / seller terminal 66 is provided to the purchase decision of the upgraded low-rank coal.

[0236] The calculation processing means 83 of the utilization company terminal 67 performs calculations using the input information and the stored data information, and calculates for each utilization facility, Information on reducing the use of high-grade coal ·CO2 emission reduction information is generated and acquired as processing information. The high-grade coal usage reduction information is used when the high-grade coal information stored in the user terminal 67 is used, and this processing information is transmitted to the manager terminal 68 and converted into data. The high-grade coal usage reduction information, the sales price information of the modified low-grade coal, and the digitized high-grade coal price information are used to acquire reduction amount information.

[0237] Each piece of processing information is displayed on each drawing display means.

[0238] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing information provided by the manufacturer / seller terminal, the user terminal, and the manager terminal, and the exchange of this information.

[0239] In FIG. 15, the manufacturer / distributor terminal 66 is Information on the production and use of modified low-rank coal Methane production information · Sales price information for improved low-rank coal is provided to the utilization company terminal 67 and the administrator terminal 68 in accordance with the contract.

[0240] The administrator terminal 68 is Information on upgraded low-grade coal production equipment is provided to the manufacturer / distributor terminal 66 in accordance with the contract. Information on reduction in use of high-grade coal during trial · Information on reducing CO2 emissions during trial use is provided to the user terminal 67 and the manufacturer / distributor terminal 66 in accordance with the contract.

[0241] The user terminal 67 is an operation system that uses modified low-grade coal. Information on reducing the use of high-grade coal ·CO2 emission reduction information is provided to the administrator terminal 68 in accordance with the contract.

[0242] The information provided by the manager 68A is effective for effectively implementing an operation system that utilizes the modified low-rank coal, and is also effective for promoting and selling the modified low-rank coal manufacturing apparatus to the manufacturer / distributor 66A.

[0243] The information provided by the manufacturer / seller 66A is useful for effectively implementing an operation system that utilizes the upgraded low-rank coal, and is also useful for promoting and selling the upgraded low-rank coal or methane to the user 67A.

[0244] The information provided by the user 67A is effective in effectively running an operational system that uses the modified low-rank coal, and is effective in providing feedback to the administrator 68A to improve the quality and quantity of production information obtained in the modified low-rank coal production stored in the administrator terminal 68.

[0245] According to this embodiment, The manager terminal has calculation information used to calculate the amount of reduction in high-grade coal usage corresponding to the reduction in high-grade coal usage, based on manufacturer / distributor information related to the manufacturer / distributor terminal and user information related to the user terminal, data calorific value information of coal including high-grade coal with high calorific value and low-grade coal with low calorific value, and high calorific value information of 8,100 kcal / kg or more among the high calorific values ​​of modified coal, It has a calculation function to calculate the amount of coal use reduction from the data calorific value information and the calorific value information of reformed coal, and to generate CO2 emission reduction information from the amount of coal use reduction, During the trial, information on the calorific value of the modified coal is obtained by operating the modified coal production apparatus including the subcritical water treatment device; Calculate the amount of reduction in high-grade coal usage corresponding to the reduction in high-grade coal usage from the coal data calorific value information and the high calorific value information of 8,100 kcal / kg or more among the high calorific values ​​of the modified coal obtained by operating the modified coal manufacturing equipment including the subcritical water treatment device, obtain the amount of reduction in high-grade coal usage during the trial, generate CO2 emission reduction information during the trial from the amount of reduction in high-grade coal usage during the trial, and provide it to the user terminal or the manufacturer / distributor terminal; The manufacturer / distributor terminal has calculation information used to calculate the amount of reduction in high-grade coal use corresponding to the reduction in high-grade coal use from data calorific value information of coal including high-grade coal with high calorific value and low-grade coal with low calorific value, and high calorific value information of 8,100 kcal / kg or more among the high calorific values ​​of modified coal, It has a calculation function to calculate the amount of coal use reduction from the data calorific value information of coal and the calorific value information of reformed coal, and to generate CO2 emission reduction information from the amount of coal use reduction, During the production of the modified coal, calorific value information of the modified coal is obtained by operating a modified coal production apparatus including a subcritical water treatment device; From the data calorific value information and the acquired high calorific value information of 8,100 kcal / kg or more among the high calorific values ​​of the modified coal acquired by operating the modified coal manufacturing equipment including the subcritical water treatment device, calculate the corresponding high-grade coal usage reduction amount corresponding to the reduction in the use of high-grade coal to acquire the corresponding high-grade coal usage reduction amount at the time of production, generate CO2 emission reduction information at the time of production from the corresponding high-grade coal usage reduction amount at the time of production, and provide it to the user terminal; The user terminal has calculation information used to calculate the amount of reduction in high-grade coal usage corresponding to the reduction in high-grade coal usage from data calorific value information of coal including high-grade coal with high calorific value and low-grade coal with low calorific value, and high calorific value information of 8,100 kcal / kg or more among the high calorific values ​​of modified coal, It has a calculation function to calculate the amount of coal use reduction from the data calorific value information of coal and the calorific value information of reformed coal, and to generate CO2 emission reduction information from the amount of coal use reduction, When the modified coal is gasified, calorific value information of the modified coal is obtained by operating a modified coal production apparatus including a subcritical water treatment device; An operation system that uses modified coal is configured to calculate the corresponding amount of reduction in high-grade coal use corresponding to the reduction in high-grade coal use from the data calorific value information and the high calorific value information of 8,100 kcal / kg or more among the high calorific values ​​of the modified coal obtained by operating the modified coal manufacturing equipment including the subcritical water treatment device, obtain the corresponding amount of reduction in high-grade coal use during gas production, and generate CO2 emission reduction information during gas production from the corresponding amount of reduction in high-grade coal use during gas production.

[0246] When the manager terminal and the manufacturer terminal are a single terminal, The manufacturer / distributor terminal has calculation information used to calculate the amount of reduction in high-grade coal use corresponding to the reduction in high-grade coal use from data calorific value information of coal including high-grade coal with high calorific value and low-grade coal with low calorific value, and high calorific value information of 8,100 kcal / kg or more among the high calorific values ​​of modified coal, It has a calculation function to calculate the amount of coal use reduction from the data calorific value information and the calorific value information of reformed coal, and to generate CO2 emission reduction information from the amount of coal use reduction, During the trial, information on the calorific value of the modified coal is obtained by operating the modified coal production apparatus including the subcritical water treatment device; From the coal data calorific value information and the high calorific value information of 8,100 kcal / kg or more among the high calorific values ​​of the modified coal obtained by operating the modified coal manufacturing equipment including the subcritical water treatment device, calculate the corresponding high-grade coal usage reduction amount corresponding to the reduction in high-grade coal usage to obtain the corresponding high-grade coal usage reduction amount during the trial, and generate CO2 emission reduction information during the trial from the corresponding high-grade coal usage reduction amount during the trial, During the production of the modified coal, calorific value information of the modified coal is obtained by operating a modified coal production apparatus including a subcritical water treatment device; Acquire the amount of reduction in the use of the corresponding high-grade coal during production, generate information on the reduction in CO2 emissions during production from the amount of reduction in the use of the corresponding high-grade coal during production, and provide the information to the user terminal; The user terminal has calculation information used to calculate the amount of reduction in high-grade coal usage corresponding to the reduction in high-grade coal usage from data calorific value information of coal including high-grade coal with high calorific value and low-grade coal with low calorific value, and high calorific value information of 8,100 kcal / kg or more among the high calorific values ​​of modified coal, It has a calculation function to calculate the amount of coal use reduction from the data calorific value information and the calorific value information of reformed coal, and to generate CO2 emission reduction information from the amount of coal use reduction, When the modified coal is gasified, calorific value information of the modified coal is obtained by operating a modified coal production apparatus including a subcritical water treatment device; An operation system that uses modified coal is configured to calculate the corresponding amount of reduction in high-grade coal use corresponding to the reduction in high-grade coal use from the data calorific value information and the high calorific value information of 8,100 kcal / kg or more among the high calorific values ​​of the modified coal obtained by operating the modified coal manufacturing equipment including the subcritical water treatment device, obtain the corresponding amount of reduction in high-grade coal use during gas production, and generate CO2 emission reduction information during gas production from the corresponding amount of reduction in high-grade coal use during gas production.

[0247] When the administrator terminal, the manufacturer / distributor terminal, and the utilization terminal are a single terminal, The user terminal has calculation information used to calculate the amount of reduction in high-grade coal usage corresponding to the reduction in high-grade coal usage from data calorific value information of coal including high-grade coal with high calorific value and low-grade coal with low calorific value, and high calorific value information of 8,100 kcal / kg or more among the high calorific values ​​of modified coal, It has a calculation function to calculate the amount of coal use reduction from the data calorific value information and the calorific value information of reformed coal, and to generate CO2 emission reduction information from the amount of coal use reduction, During the trial, information on the calorific value of the modified coal is obtained by operating the modified coal production apparatus including the subcritical water treatment device; From the coal data calorific value information and the high calorific value information of 8,100 kcal / kg or more among the high calorific values ​​of the modified coal obtained by operating the modified coal manufacturing equipment including the subcritical water treatment device, calculate the corresponding high-grade coal usage reduction amount corresponding to the reduction in high-grade coal usage to obtain the corresponding high-grade coal usage reduction amount during the trial, and generate CO2 emission reduction information during the trial from the corresponding high-grade coal usage reduction amount during the trial, During the production of the modified coal, calorific value information of the modified coal is obtained by operating a modified coal production apparatus including a subcritical water treatment device; The amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal during production is obtained, and information on the reduction in CO2 emissions during production is generated from the amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal during production. When the modified coal is gasified, calorific value information of the modified coal is obtained by operating a modified coal production apparatus including a subcritical water treatment device; An operation system using modified coal is configured to obtain the amount of reduction in the use of corresponding high-grade coal during gas production, and generate information on the reduction in CO2 emissions during gas production from the amount of reduction in the use of corresponding high-grade coal during gas production. [Explanation of symbols]

[0248] 100...manufacturing and utilization system for modified low-grade coal, 200...operation system utilizing modified low-grade coal, 1...modified low-grade coal manufacturing apparatus, 2...modified low-grade coal utilization apparatus, 3...transport means, 11...subcritical water treatment apparatus, 12...low-grade coal, 13...low-grade coal refinement apparatus, 14...high-temperature, high-pressure steam generator, 15...discharge means, 16...biocal carbonized material, 17...modified low-grade coal, 20...fuel self-sufficient methane gas production apparatus, 21...gasification means, 22...activated carbonized material recovery means, 23...superheated steam generation means, 24...generated gas extraction means, 25...gas cooling means, 26...dust separation means, 27...bag filter , 28...gas holder, 31...gasification furnace, 32...burner, 33...internal piping connected to burner 32, 34...superheated steam pipe, 35...reformed low-grade coal feeding device, 36...gas outlet section, 37...activated carbon outlet section, 96...generator, 97...gas engine, 98...power generation equipment 65...network 65, 66...manufacturer / distributor terminal, 67...user terminal, 68...administrator terminal, 66A...manufacturer / distributor, 67A...user, 68A...administrator, 71, 81, 91...database, 72, 82, 92...input / output means, 73, 83, 93...calculation processing means, 74, 84, 94...screen display means.

Claims

1. In a system for producing methane from modified low-rank coal, the system includes a modified low-rank coal production device for producing modified low-rank coal by modifying low-rank coal as a processing raw material, and a gasification means for gasifying the produced bio-coal charcoal, where bituminous coal or anthracite is referred to as high-rank coal, and peat, lignite, or subbituminous coal is referred to as low-rank coal, and the system includes: The improved low-rank coal production apparatus includes a pressure vessel having an inlet for low-rank coal as a processing raw material and an outlet for improved low-rank coal, a heat source for supplying high-temperature, high-pressure steam to the pressure vessel, and a subcritical water treatment apparatus having a control device for controlling the processing temperature inside the pressure vessel, and is capable of setting temperature ranges for the processing temperature, which are a first stage temperature range of 220°C or less and a second stage adjustment temperature range for adjusting the temperature to 130°C or less; A first stage processing means is formed for a predetermined processing time at 150 to 220°C corresponding to the first stage temperature range of 220°C or less, and voids are generated by removing moisture contained in the low-rank coal of the processing raw material, and low molecular weight molten and liquefied components and low molecular weight components that are not molten or liquefied are generated; forming a second stage processing means for a predetermined processing time at 110 to 130°C corresponding to the second stage temperature range of 130°C or less, and generating a bio-coal charcoal having a void ratio of 9% or less in the total volume, in which the molten and liquefied low molecular weight components are fixed to the non-melted and non-liquefied low molecular weight components and filled in the voids; The gasification means includes a gasification furnace, and gasifies the modified low-rank coal of the bio-coal charcoal in a non-oxidizing state to generate methane. A system for producing methane from upgraded low-rank coal, comprising:

2. 2. The system for producing methane according to claim 1, A system for generating methane, comprising: a gas holder for storing the generated methane; and a gasification means for combusting a part of the stored methane to generate a combustion gas as a heat source, and heating and gasifying the bio-coal charcoal in a non-oxidizing state with the combustion gas to generate methane.

3. 2. The system for producing methane according to claim 1, The gasification means is set at a temperature of 350 to 450°C and a treatment period of 15 to 30 minutes to produce methane with a concentration of 30% or more. A system for producing methane comprising:

4. In a modified low-grade coal production apparatus including a modified low-grade coal production apparatus for producing modified low-grade coal by modifying low-grade coal as a processing raw material, when bituminous coal or anthracite is called high-grade coal and peat, lignite or subbituminous coal is called low-grade coal, The improved low-rank coal production apparatus includes a pressure vessel having an inlet for low-rank coal as a processing raw material and an outlet for improved low-rank coal, a heat source for supplying high-temperature, high-pressure steam to the pressure vessel, and a subcritical water treatment apparatus having a control device for controlling the processing temperature inside the pressure vessel, and is capable of setting temperature ranges for the processing temperature, which are a first stage temperature range of 220°C or less and a second stage adjustment temperature range for adjusting the temperature to 130°C or less; A first stage processing means is formed for a predetermined processing time at 150 to 220°C corresponding to the first stage temperature range of 220°C or less, and voids are generated by removing moisture contained in the low-rank coal of the processing raw material, and low molecular weight molten and liquefied components and low molecular weight components that are not molten or liquefied are generated; A second stage processing means is formed for a predetermined processing time at 110 to 130°C corresponding to the temperature range of 130°C or less in the second stage, and the low molecular weight molten / liquefied component is fixed to the low molecular weight non-melted / liquefied component in the voids to fill them, and the void ratio of the total volume is 9%. The following describes an apparatus for producing modified low-grade coal, which is characterized by producing modified low-grade coal made from bio-coal charcoal that retains a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more, which is the calorific value of high-grade coal.

5. A system for producing methane from modified low-rank coal comprising a modified low-rank coal production device for producing modified low-rank coal by modifying the low-rank coal used as a processing raw material, when coal is classified as either bituminous coal or anthracite having a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more and peat, lignite, or subbituminous coal having a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or less, and a gasification means for gasifying the produced bio-coal charcoal, The modified low-rank coal production apparatus includes a pressure vessel having an inlet for low-rank coal as a processing raw material and an outlet for modified low-rank coal, a heat source for supplying high-temperature, high-pressure steam to the pressure vessel, and a subcritical water treatment apparatus having a control device for controlling the heat treatment temperature inside the pressure vessel, and is capable of setting temperature ranges for the processing temperature, which are a first stage temperature range of 220°C or less and a second stage adjustment temperature range for adjusting to a temperature of 130°C or less; An apparatus for producing modified low-rank coal by modifying the low-rank coal when the porosity of the high-rank coal in the total volume is 9% or more and 11% or less, comprising: A first stage processing means is formed for a predetermined processing time at 150 to 220°C corresponding to the first stage temperature range of 220°C or less, and voids are generated by removing moisture contained in the low-rank coal of the processing raw material, and low molecular weight molten and liquefied components and low molecular weight components that are not molten or liquefied are generated; A second stage processing means is formed for a predetermined processing time at 110 to 130°C corresponding to the second stage temperature range of 130°C or less, and a bio-coal charcoal is generated in which the voids are filled with the low molecular weight molten and liquefied components fixed to the low molecular weight components that are not molten or liquefied, the voids having a porosity of 9% or less and a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more that high-grade coal has; The gasification means includes a gasification furnace, and gasifies the generated bio-coal charcoal having a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more in a non-oxidizing state to generate methane. A system for producing methane from upgraded low-rank coal, comprising:

6. In a system for utilizing improved low-grade coal, the improved low-grade coal manufacturing apparatus according to claim 4 is provided with an improved low-grade coal utilization device, The device for utilizing the upgraded low-rank coal comprises a coal combustion device, The coal combustion device burns the bio-coal char as fuel and recovers combustion energy. A system for utilizing improved low-grade coal.

7. The subcritical water treatment apparatus for use in the methane generating system according to claim 1, forming a first stage treatment means for a predetermined treatment time in the range of 150 to 220° C. corresponding to the first stage temperature range of 220° C. or less; A second stage treatment means is provided for performing a predetermined treatment time at 110 to 130°C in correspondence with the second stage temperature range of 130°C or less.

2. A subcritical water treatment apparatus for use in a system for generating methane, comprising:

8. When bituminous coal or anthracite is referred to as high-grade coal and peat, lignite or subbituminous coal is referred to as low-grade coal, the present invention is configured to include an apparatus for producing modified low-grade coal by modifying low-grade coal as a processing raw material, and a gasification means for gasifying the produced bio-coal charcoal, In the methane generation method using the system for generating methane from modified low-rank coal, the modified low-rank coal production apparatus includes a pressure vessel having an inlet for low-rank coal as a processing raw material and an outlet for modified low-rank coal, a heat source for supplying high-temperature, high-pressure steam to the pressure vessel, and a subcritical water treatment device having a control device for controlling the processing temperature inside the pressure vessel, and the processing temperature can be set to a first temperature range of 220°C or less and a second temperature range of 130°C or less, A first stage processing means is formed for a predetermined processing time at 150 to 220°C corresponding to the first stage temperature range of 220°C or less, and voids are generated by removing moisture contained in the low-rank coal of the processing raw material, and low molecular weight molten and liquefied components and low molecular weight components that are not molten or liquefied are generated. A second stage treatment means is formed for a predetermined treatment time at 110 to 130°C corresponding to the second stage temperature range of 130°C or less, and a bio-coal charcoal having a void ratio of 9% or less in the total volume is produced in which the molten and liquefied low molecular weight components are fixed to the non-molten and non-liquefied low molecular weight components and filled in the voids, The gasification means includes a gasification furnace, and the modified low-rank coal of the bio-coal charcoal is gasified in a non-oxidizing state to produce methane. A method for producing methane using a system for producing methane from modified low-rank coal, comprising:

9. A method for producing modified low-grade coal using the modified low-grade coal production apparatus, which is configured to produce modified low-grade coal by modifying low-grade coal as a raw material for processing, when bituminous coal or anthracite is referred to as high-grade coal and peat, lignite or subbituminous coal is referred to as low-grade coal, and the modified low-grade coal production apparatus is equipped with a pressure vessel having an inlet for the raw material for processing low-grade coal and an outlet for the modified low-grade coal, a heat source for supplying high-temperature, high-pressure steam to the pressure vessel, and a subcritical water treatment device having a control device for controlling the processing temperature inside the pressure vessel, and which is capable of setting temperature ranges for the processing temperature to a first stage temperature range of 220°C or less and a second stage adjusted temperature range for adjusting to a temperature of 130°C or less, A first stage processing means is formed for a predetermined processing time at 150 to 220°C corresponding to the first stage temperature range of 220°C or less, and voids are generated by removing moisture contained in the low-rank coal of the processing raw material, and low molecular weight molten and liquefied components and low molecular weight components that are not molten or liquefied are generated. A second stage processing means is formed for a predetermined processing time at 110 to 130°C corresponding to the temperature range of 130°C or less in the second stage, and the low molecular weight molten / liquefied component is fixed to the low molecular weight non-melted / liquefied component in the voids to fill them, and the void ratio of the total volume is 9%. The present invention relates to a method for producing modified low-grade coal using a modified low-grade coal production apparatus, the method being characterized by producing modified low-grade coal made of bio-coal charcoal that retains a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more, which is the calorific value retained by high-grade coal.

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