FUEL REFORMING METHOD AND FUEL REFORMING APPARATUS

Abstract

To provide a fuel reforming device that can smoothly reform a raw material into a fuel, and can effectively utilize waste as the fuel, wherein the raw material comprises: a carbon fiber reinforced plastic containing a thermosetting resin derived from the waste; and a thermoplastic resin.SOLUTION: A fuel reforming device 100 comprises a heating part 20 that heats and reforms a raw material by heating to a temperature range of 300 to 450°C in an atmosphere with an oxygen concentration of 13% by volume or less, wherein the raw material contains at least one selected from a group consisting of waste (A) comprising carbon fiber reinforced plastic containing thermosetting resin, a combination of the waste (B1) comprising the carbon fiber reinforced plastic containing the thermosetting resin, and a feedstock (B2) comprising a thermoplastic resin, and a compound (C) comprising the waste (B1) and the feedstock (B2).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method and an apparatus for reforming fuel. [Background technology]

[0002] Carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) are used in a variety of applications, including everyday items, personal computers, home appliances, automobiles, aircraft, sporting goods, and the construction and civil engineering fields, taking advantage of the characteristics of carbon fiber, such as light weight and high strength. Shredder dust generated during the disposal of these products contains carbon fiber reinforced plastics.

[0003] Carbon fiber reinforced plastics become easier to burn if they are pulverized. However, carbon fiber reinforced plastics are more difficult to crush than other wastes and tend to maintain a large size. When wastes containing large CFRPs are used as fuel, the carbon fibers may remain unburned. Therefore, for example, Patent Document 1 proposes a technology in which CFRPs are heat-treated under specified conditions to improve the crushability of the CFRPs, and the crushed material obtained by crushing the CFRPs after the heat treatment is used as fuel for a cement manufacturing device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-66383 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) containing thermosetting resin is used in various fields, and it is expected that waste containing CFRP will increase in the future. Here, when heat treatment such as that in Patent Document 1 is performed, not only the volatilization of the thermosetting resin but also the decomposition of the thermosetting resin progresses. If excessive decomposition occurs here, calories will be lost, and the usefulness as a fuel will decrease. On the other hand, if the heat treatment is insufficient, the embrittlement of the carbon fiber will not progress and it will be difficult to crush, and since the modification of the thermosetting resin does not progress sufficiently, there is a concern that the amount of unburned carbon fiber will increase. In addition, it is expected that waste containing not only CFRP but also thermoplastic resin will increase. Under such circumstances, it is required to establish a technology for efficiently heat treating both CFRP and thermoplastic resin together.

[0006] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a fuel reforming method and a fuel reforming device that can smoothly reform raw materials containing carbon fiber reinforced plastic including a thermosetting resin derived from waste and a thermoplastic resin into fuel, thereby enabling the effective use of waste as fuel. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A method for reforming fuel according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a heating step of heating a raw material containing at least one selected from the group consisting of waste (A) containing a carbon fiber reinforced plastic and a thermoplastic resin containing a thermosetting resin, and a combination of waste (B1) containing a carbon fiber reinforced plastic and a raw material (B2) containing a thermoplastic resin, to a temperature range of 300 to 450°C in an atmosphere having an oxygen concentration of 13 volume% or less to reform the raw material.

[0008] In the above-mentioned fuel reforming method, since the thermoplastic resin and the thermosetting resin can be processed in the same process, the process can be simplified compared to the case where they are processed separately, and the equipment can be consolidated or simplified. This can reduce the fuel production cost and the equipment cost. Furthermore, by setting the heating temperature and the oxygen concentration in the atmosphere within a specific range, the decomposition of the thermosetting resin proceeds smoothly, and the waste can be reformed into fuel in a shorter time than when the waste is heated in the air atmosphere. Such a fuel has excellent combustibility, and since the thermosetting resin is reduced in volume, the amount of unburned carbon fiber can be reduced.

[0009] In addition, in the heating process, the thermoplastic resin contained in the raw material is reduced in moisture, volatile components such as chlorine, sulfur, and organic components, and harmful components, and excessive decomposition of the thermoplastic resin is suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a fuel that is excellent in ignition and safety while maintaining the yield of fuel as a solid content. In addition, since the combustion of decomposition gas generated by the decomposition of the thermosetting resin and the thermoplastic resin in the heating process is suppressed, the total amount of heat that can be used as fuel (solid fuel and gas fuel) can be increased. Therefore, the above reforming method can smoothly reform the raw material derived from waste into fuel, and the waste can be effectively used as fuel. In addition, the "volume percentage" in this disclosure is a volume percentage under standard conditions (0 degrees Celsius, 1 bar pressure).

[0010] In the heating step, the raw material is preferably heated for 30 minutes to 4 hours in the above-mentioned temperature range in an atmosphere with an oxygen concentration of 1% by volume or more. This allows the modification of the thermoplastic resin and the thermosetting resin to be further optimized in the heating step. This further increases the yield of fuel obtained as a solid content, and further increases the amount of heat available as fuel by suppressing the combustion of the decomposition gas. In addition, it is possible to suppress an increase in the amount of energy consumption required for the modification.

[0011] The waste material (B1) and the raw material (B2) may be introduced into the heating section where the heating step is carried out without mixing the waste material (B1) and the raw material (B2) as the raw materials. This can simplify the process and the equipment.

[0012] In the heating step, a fusion-preventing material may be heated together with the raw material, which can prevent the melted resins from fusion with each other or from adhering to the heating equipment.

[0013] The fuel reforming method preferably includes a supply gas preparation step of obtaining a supply gas adjusted to a predetermined oxygen concentration by using at least one gas selected from water vapor, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen. In this case, it is preferable to adjust the oxygen concentration of the atmosphere in the heating step by using the supply gas.

[0014] When a continuous firing furnace or the like is used in the heating step, oxygen (air) may flow in from the raw material inlet or the like. By using a supply gas adjusted to a predetermined oxygen concentration in the supply gas preparation step according to the amount of oxygen flowing in, the oxygen concentration of the atmosphere in the heating step can be stably maintained within a predetermined range. Furthermore, if the gas used in these supply gas preparation steps is a gas generated in any of the steps of the fuel reforming method, the energy efficiency of the entire fuel reforming method can be improved, and the fuel production efficiency can be improved.

[0015] The fuel reforming method preferably includes a decomposition gas combustion step of recovering and combusting the decomposition gas generated in the heating step. In the heating step, a raw material including a thermoplastic resin and a carbon fiber reinforced plastic including a thermosetting resin is heated under conditions where the oxygen concentration is significantly lower than that of the atmosphere, thereby suppressing the combustion of the gas generated by the thermal decomposition of the thermosetting resin and the thermoplastic resin and the volatilization of the volatile components, and a gas with a high calorific value can be obtained as the decomposition gas. The decomposition gas combustion step of burning the decomposition gas makes it possible to effectively utilize the calorific value of the decomposition gas. The combustion heat generated at this time may be used as a heat source for boiler power generation and for drying waste materials, etc. This improves the energy efficiency of the entire fuel reforming method.

[0016] It is preferable to use the combustion exhaust gas generated in the above-mentioned cracked gas combustion step as a heat source in the heating step. By using the combustion exhaust gas generated in the cracked gas combustion step as a heat source in the heating step in this manner, the energy efficiency of the entire fuel reforming method can be improved.

[0017] The above-mentioned fuel reforming method preferably has a contacting step in which the combustion exhaust gas generated in the cracked gas combustion step is brought into contact with water, and the oxygen concentration of the atmosphere in the heating step is adjusted using the cooling gas obtained in the contacting step. The combustion exhaust gas generated in the cracked gas combustion step has a low oxygen concentration and a high carbon dioxide concentration. Then, by contacting such combustion exhaust gas with water, a cooling gas containing water vapor is obtained. Such a cooling gas is more suitable as a gas for adjusting the oxygen concentration in the heating step. In addition, since there is no need to install a separate gas supply facility for adjusting the oxygen concentration of the atmosphere in the heating step, the process and facility can be simplified.

[0018] A fuel reforming device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a heating section that heats a raw material containing at least one selected from the group consisting of waste (A) containing carbon fiber reinforced plastic containing a thermosetting resin, and a combination of waste (B1) containing carbon fiber reinforced plastic containing a thermosetting resin and a raw material (B2) containing a thermoplastic resin, to a temperature range of 300 to 450°C in an atmosphere having an oxygen concentration of 13 volume% or less, to reform the raw material.

[0019] The above-mentioned fuel reforming device can process thermoplastic resin and thermosetting resin in the same facility, so that the facility configuration can be simplified and the facility can be consolidated or simplified compared to when the resins are processed separately. This can reduce the fuel production cost and facility cost. Furthermore, by setting the heating temperature and the oxygen concentration in the atmosphere within a specific range, the decomposition of the thermosetting resin proceeds smoothly, and the resin can be reformed into fuel in a shorter time than when the resin is heated in the air. Such fuel has excellent combustibility, and since the thermosetting resin is reduced in volume, the amount of unburned carbon fiber can be reduced.

[0020] In addition, for the thermoplastic resin contained in the raw material, moisture, volatile components such as chlorine, sulfur, and organic components, and harmful components are reduced in the heating section, and excessive decomposition of the thermoplastic resin is suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a fuel with excellent ignition properties and safety while maintaining the fuel yield as a solid content. In addition, since the combustion caused by the thermosetting resin and the decomposition of the thermosetting resin is suppressed in the heating section, the total amount of heat available as fuel (solid fuel and gaseous fuel) can be increased. Therefore, the reforming device can smoothly reform the raw material derived from waste into fuel, and the waste can be effectively used as fuel.

[0021] In the heating section, the raw material is preferably heated in the above temperature range for 30 minutes to 4 hours in an atmosphere with an oxygen concentration of 1% by volume or more. This allows the reforming of the thermoplastic resin and the thermosetting resin to be further optimized. This further increases the yield of fuel obtained as a solid content, and further increases the amount of heat available for fuel by suppressing the combustion of the decomposition gas. In addition, it is possible to suppress an increase in the amount of energy consumption required for reforming.

[0022] The waste material (B1) and the raw material (B2) may be introduced into the heating section as the raw materials without being mixed with each other, which can simplify the equipment and process.

[0023] In the heating section, a fusion prevention material may be heated together with the raw material, which can prevent melted resins from fusion with each other or from adhering to the heating equipment.

[0024] The fuel reformer preferably includes a supply gas preparation unit that obtains a supply gas adjusted to a predetermined oxygen concentration by using at least one gas selected from water vapor, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen. In this case, it is preferable to adjust the oxygen concentration of the atmosphere in the heating unit by using the supply gas.

[0025] When a continuous firing furnace or the like is used as the heating section, oxygen (air) may flow in from the raw material inlet or the like. By using a supply gas adjusted to a predetermined oxygen concentration in the supply gas preparation section according to the amount of oxygen flowing in, the oxygen concentration of the atmosphere in the heating section can be stably maintained within a predetermined range. Furthermore, if the gas used in these supply gas preparation sections is a gas generated in any of the facilities in the fuel reformer, the energy efficiency of the entire fuel reformer can be improved, and the fuel production efficiency can be improved.

[0026] The fuel reformer preferably has a decomposition gas combustion section that recovers and combusts the decomposition gas generated in the heating section. In the heating section, the raw material containing the thermoplastic resin and the carbon fiber reinforced plastic containing the thermosetting resin is heated under conditions where the oxygen concentration is significantly lower than that of the atmosphere, so that the combustion of the gas generated by the thermal decomposition of the thermosetting resin and the thermoplastic resin and the volatilization of the volatile components can be suppressed, and a gas with a high calorific value can be obtained as the decomposition gas. The calorific value of the decomposition gas can be effectively utilized by the decomposition gas combustion section that burns such decomposition gas. The combustion heat generated at this time may be used as a heat source for boiler power generation and for drying waste materials, etc. This can improve the energy efficiency of the fuel reformer as a whole.

[0027] It is preferable to supply the combustion exhaust gas generated in the cracked gas combustion section to the heating section. By supplying the combustion exhaust gas generated in the cracked gas combustion section to the heating section in this manner, the combustion exhaust gas can be used as a heat source. This can improve the energy efficiency of the entire fuel reforming device.

[0028] The fuel reforming device preferably has a contact section that brings the combustion exhaust gas generated in the cracked gas combustion section into contact with water, and adjusts the oxygen concentration of the atmosphere in the heating section using the cooling gas obtained in the contact section. The combustion exhaust gas generated in the cracked gas combustion section has a low oxygen concentration and a high carbon dioxide concentration. By contacting such combustion exhaust gas with water, a cooling gas containing water vapor is obtained. Such a cooling gas is more suitable as a gas for adjusting the oxygen concentration in the heating section. In addition, since there is no need to install a separate gas supply facility for adjusting the oxygen concentration of the atmosphere in the heating section, the device configuration can be simplified. Effect of the Invention

[0029] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to smoothly reform a raw material containing a carbon fiber reinforced plastic containing a thermosetting resin derived from waste and a thermoplastic resin into fuel, and it is possible to provide a fuel reforming method and a fuel reforming device that enable the effective use of waste as fuel. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a fuel reformer. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of a fuel reformer. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 illustrates yet another embodiment of a fuel reformer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings as needed. However, the following embodiment is an example for explaining the present disclosure, and is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the following content. In the description, the same reference numerals are used for the same elements or elements having the same functions, and redundant description is omitted as the case may be. In addition, the positional relationship such as up, down, left, right, etc. is based on the positional relationship shown in the drawings unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, the dimensional ratio of each element is not limited to the ratio shown in the drawings.

[0032] A method for reforming fuel according to one embodiment includes a supply gas preparation step of obtaining a supply gas adjusted to a predetermined oxygen concentration using at least one gas selected from water vapor, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen; a heating step of heating a raw material containing waste material including carbon fiber reinforced plastic to a temperature range of 300 to 450°C in an atmosphere having an oxygen concentration of 13% by volume or less to obtain a reformed product; a cracked gas combustion step of combusting a cracked gas containing a combustible gas generated in the heating step; and a contacting step of contacting the combustion exhaust gas generated in the cracked gas combustion step with water.

[0033] In the heating step, a raw material containing at least one selected from the group consisting of waste (A) containing carbon fiber reinforced plastic (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "CFRP") containing a thermosetting resin and a thermoplastic resin, and a combination of waste (B1) containing carbon fiber reinforced plastic containing a thermosetting resin and raw material (B2) containing a thermoplastic resin is used as a raw material. The "combination" here means that a raw material prepared by mixing (mixing step) the waste (B1) and raw material (B2) is used in the heating step, or the waste (B1) and raw material (B2) may be introduced separately into a heating section used in the heating step without being mixed. In this case, the waste (B1) and raw material (B2) may be introduced into the heating section after being joined together.

[0034] In the heating step, a fusion-preventing material may be heated together with the raw material. Examples of the fusion-preventing material include organic fusion-preventing materials such as woody biomass and pulverized coal, and inorganic fusion-preventing materials such as limestone, blast furnace slag, incineration ash, slaked lime, and dust derived from the cement manufacturing process. When an organic fusion-preventing material is used, even if it remains in the solid fuel produced, the organic fusion-preventing material is burned at the same time as the fuel is burned, so that an increase in the combustion residue is suppressed. On the other hand, when an inorganic fusion-preventing material is used, if the solid fuel produced is used in a cement manufacturing facility, even if the inorganic fusion-preventing material remains in the fuel, the resulting combustion residue can be incorporated as part of the cement raw material and effectively utilized as a resource. In addition, considering the versatility when used as a fuel, it is preferable to use an organic fusion-preventing material as the fusion-preventing material. The fusion-preventing material may be introduced into the heating furnace without being mixed with the raw material, or a blend or mixture of the raw material and the fusion-preventing material may be introduced into the heating furnace. By using the anti-fusing material, it is possible to prevent the molten resin from fusing to itself and to prevent the molten resin from adhering to the heating equipment.

[0035] The raw material (B2) containing a thermoplastic resin may or may not be a waste material. If waste material is used, the production cost of the fuel can be reduced. The waste material (B1) may not contain a thermoplastic resin. The raw material (B2) containing a thermoplastic resin may not contain a carbon fiber reinforced plastic containing a thermosetting resin.

[0036] By carrying out a mixing step of mixing the waste (B1) and the raw material (B2), the homogeneity of the raw material can be improved, and the stability of operation can be improved. On the other hand, by introducing the waste (B1) and the raw material (B2) into the heating section without mixing them, the equipment and the process can be simplified. This can reduce the cost required for reforming the fuel. Another example of the raw material used in the heating step is one containing the waste (A), the waste (B1) and the raw material (B2). This can improve the freedom of raw material selection, making the reforming method even more versatile.

[0037] The carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) contained in the waste (A) and the waste (B1) contains carbon fiber and a thermosetting resin. The thermosetting resin may be an epoxy resin or the like. The carbon fiber may be, for example, a material made from acrylic fiber or pitch, which is carbonized at high temperature. However, the carbon fiber reinforced plastic may contain components other than those mentioned above.

[0038] Examples of the thermoplastic resins contained in the waste (A) and the raw material (B2) include polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyamide, and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, etc. However, the thermoplastic resins and thermosetting resins are not limited to those mentioned above.

[0039] The waste (A) and waste (B1) may be from daily necessities, personal computers, home appliances, automobiles, aircraft, sporting goods, construction and civil engineering fields, etc. These wastes may be shredder dust generated by the disposal of automobiles and home appliances, etc. The waste (A) may contain not only carbon fiber reinforced plastics, but also thermosetting resins and thermoplastic resins that do not contain carbon fibers. The waste (A) and waste (B1) may contain thermosetting resins that do not contain carbon fibers. The raw material (B2) containing thermoplastic resins may include, for example, shredder dust derived from automobiles, home appliances, etc., construction materials, packaging containers, waste derived from manufacturing processes, etc. The waste (A), waste (B1), and raw material (B2) may contain foreign matter such as metal and rubber.

[0040] In the heating step, the raw material is preferably heated in an atmosphere with an oxygen concentration of 13% by volume or less at a temperature range of 300 to 450°C for 30 minutes to 4 hours. By setting the temperature in this range, it is possible to suppress energy consumption while quickly progressing the decomposition of the resin. From the same viewpoint, the above temperature range may be 300 to 400°C or 330 to 380°C.

[0041] The heating time in the above temperature range in the heating step may be 1 hour to 3.5 hours, or may be 1.5 hours to 3 hours. If the heating time is too short, depending on the state of the raw material containing CFRP, the decomposition and volume reduction of the thermosetting resin may be insufficient, and when the reformed product is burned, the carbon fiber may tend to remain unburned. On the other hand, if the heating time is too long, the decomposition of the thermosetting resin may proceed sufficiently, but the decomposition of the thermoplastic resin may be excessive, and the energy efficiency of the fuel reforming method as a whole may tend to decrease.

[0042] The oxygen concentration of the atmosphere in the heating step is 13% by volume or less, preferably 12% by volume or less, and more preferably 11% by volume or less. By lowering the oxygen concentration of the atmosphere in the heating step, the decomposition of the thermosetting resin is promoted, and the reforming of raw materials including waste can be smoothly carried out. In addition, the risk of ignition of flammable gas generated by the decomposition can be significantly reduced, and the safety of the process can be improved.

[0043] On the other hand, the oxygen concentration of the atmosphere in the heating step is preferably 1% by volume or more, more preferably 2% by volume or more. By heating in such an atmosphere, the moisture and volatile matter contained in the thermoplastic resin are reduced, and the thermoplastic resin can be sufficiently modified. In addition, if the oxygen concentration is too low, the decomposition of the thermosetting resin becomes particularly fast, so that the modification of the CFRP is completed in a short time, but it becomes difficult to adjust the degree of decomposition of the thermosetting resin. If the decomposition proceeds too much, the thermosetting resin is reduced too much, and the carbon fiber tends to be isolated during the heating step, making it difficult to handle the modified product. Therefore, by setting the oxygen concentration in the above-mentioned range, it becomes easy to adjust the degree of decomposition of the thermosetting resin, and the handleability of the modified product can be maintained well.

[0044] The oxygen concentration in the heating step may be adjusted by at least one of the oxygen concentration of the supply gas supplied in the heating step and the flow rate of the supply gas. After the normal operation state is entered from the stopped state, the treatment conditions can be stabilized by controlling the oxygen concentration of the gas supplied. The pressure in the heating step may be less than atmospheric pressure. By making the pressure less than atmospheric pressure, it is possible to prevent the cracked gas from flowing out of the heating equipment. In addition, the vaporization of the tar generated during the cracking is promoted, and the fusion of the reformed product can be suppressed.

[0045] The oxygen concentration of the supply gas supplied to the heating step is adjusted in the supply gas preparation step. The oxygen concentration of the supply gas is preferably adjusted with reference to the oxygen concentration in the heating step in order to maintain the oxygen concentration of the atmosphere in the heating step within a target range. The oxygen concentration of the supply gas may be 12% by volume or less, 10% by volume or less, or 8% by volume or less.

[0046] In the heating step, a gas other than the feed gas obtained in the feed gas preparation step may be supplied. Such a gas may be a gas (air) whose oxygen concentration cannot be adjusted at all or hardly. In this case, the oxygen concentration in the heating step may be adjusted by the oxygen concentration of the feed gas obtained in the feed gas preparation step. In the feed gas preparation step, a feed gas having a predetermined oxygen concentration may be obtained by using at least one gas selected from water vapor, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen, and a gas (air) whose oxygen concentration cannot be adjusted at all or hardly.

[0047] At least one gas selected from the group consisting of water vapor, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen contained in the supply gas is preferably derived from any of the steps in the fuel reforming method of the present invention. This makes it unnecessary to procure a separate gas to adjust the oxygen concentration in the heating step, and allows reforming of raw materials including waste materials at lower cost. However, this does not exclude the supply of gases not derived from the above steps, and if necessary, a water vapor generator or the like may be used to make up for any gas shortage.

[0048] The measurement of the oxygen concentration in each gas may be performed, for example, by an oxygen concentration meter such as a zirconia type or a magnetic force type, or may be analyzed in an oxygen concentration analysis step provided separately.

[0049] The modified product containing CFRP obtained in the heating step contains at least a thermosetting resin and a thermoplastic resin that may be partially decomposed, and carbon fibers. In addition, it may contain residues of foreign substances such as metals and rubbers contained in the raw materials, and substances derived from auxiliary raw materials introduced into the treatment step.

[0050] In the heating step, the raw material is heated in an atmosphere where the oxygen concentration is significantly lower than that in the atmosphere. Therefore, in the heating step, the decomposition of the thermoplastic resin is suppressed, and the combustion of the decomposition gas generated by the decomposition of the thermally decomposable resin is suppressed, and a high-calorie decomposition gas containing a high proportion of combustible components can be obtained. That is, while maintaining a high yield of the solid modified product, the decomposition gas can also be fuelized. Since both the modified product and the fuel gas can be used as fuel in this way, the total fuel recovery amount including solid fuel and gaseous fuel can be made sufficiently large.

[0051] Since the decomposition gas in the modification method of the present embodiment contains a large amount of combustible components, it has a decomposition gas combustion step of recovering and burning the decomposition gas generated in the heating step. Thereby, the decomposition gas can be effectively utilized as fuel. Further, for example, the combustion exhaust gas of this decomposition gas may be used as a heat source in the heating step. Thereby, the combustion heat of the decomposition gas can be effectively utilized.

[0052] In the contact step, the combustion exhaust gas generated in the decomposition gas combustion step is brought into contact with water. Thereby, a cooling gas containing carbon dioxide and water vapor can be easily obtained. Such a cooling gas may be directly used in the heating step to adjust the oxygen concentration in the heating step, or may be mixed with other gases in the supply gas preparation step to be used as a supply gas. Thereby, the combustion exhaust gas can be effectively utilized.

[0053] In another embodiment of the fuel reforming method, after the above-mentioned heating step, a cooling step of cooling the reformate containing carbon fibers obtained in the heating step with water, a crushing step of crushing the cooled reformate, and a recovery step of classifying the crushed reformate and recovering a part of the reformate (coarse material) according to the size of the reformate may be performed. The cooling step may involve direct contact of the reformate with water, or indirect cooling via a cooling medium or the like. For example, the reformate may be introduced into an iron cylinder and cooled by spraying water from the outside of the cylinder. By performing cooling in this manner, smooth cooling is possible and the time required for cooling can be shortened.

[0054] The size of the modified product after pulverization is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 10 mm or less, 5 mm or less, or 3 mm or less. The pulverization step may be performed using, for example, a vertical mill or a tube mill. By using a vertical mill, the pulverization step and the recovery step may be performed in parallel.

[0055] In the recovery step, the modified product pulverized in the pulverization step is classified, and a portion of the modified product is recovered according to its size. For example, if any coarse product larger than the desired size remains, the coarse product may be recovered by classification. Classification may be performed using a classifier, or may be performed using a vertical mill that has both a pulverization function and a classification function.

[0056] Coarse materials among the reformed material recovered in the recovery step may be crushed again in the crushing step. By including such a step, large-sized carbon fibers can be removed from the reformed material. The reformed material from which the coarse materials have been removed in the recovery step can be burned as solid fuel. For example, it may be burned in a kiln or a calciner in a cement manufacturing facility.

[0057] The above-mentioned modification method having a heating step can rapidly modify raw materials containing CFRP and thermoplastic resin derived from waste. The modified product that has undergone the above-mentioned heating step has a lower strength than before modification due to the progress of decomposition of the thermosetting resin and the reduction in plasticity due to the progress of carbonization of the thermoplastic resin, and is therefore easier to crush than before modification. Therefore, the carbon fibers contained in the modified product can be easily pulverized.

[0058] In addition, since the volume of the thermosetting resin is reduced by the modification, the time required for the thermosetting resin to burn is shortened, and the carbon fiber starts to burn smoothly. As a result, the amount of unburned carbon fiber can be sufficiently reduced. This makes it possible to suppress the carbon fiber contained in the exhaust gas generated when the modified material is used as a solid fuel from adversely affecting an electric dust collector for exhaust gas treatment, for example. Since the excessive decomposition of the thermoplastic resin contained in the raw material is suppressed, the yield of the solid fuel can be maintained high. Furthermore, since the moisture content of the thermoplastic resin, as well as volatile and harmful components such as chlorine, sulfur, and organic components, is reduced, a solid fuel excellent in ignition and safety can be obtained.

[0059] The reforming method may be carried out, for example, by using a fuel reformer 100 according to an embodiment shown in Fig. 1. The reformer 100 in Fig. 1 includes a mixing section 10 for mixing waste (B1) containing carbon fiber reinforced plastic containing a thermosetting resin with raw material (B2) containing a thermoplastic resin to prepare a raw material to be introduced into the heating section 20, a heating section 20 for heating the waste to a temperature range of 300 to 450 ° C. in an atmosphere with an oxygen concentration of 13 vol% or less to obtain a reformed product, a cooling section 30 for cooling the reformed product with water, a crushing section 40 for crushing the water-cooled reformed product, a recovery section 50 for classifying the crushed reformed product and recovering at least a part of the reformed product (coarse products) according to the size of the reformed product, a cracked gas combustion section 60 for using the cracked gas generated in the heating section 20 as fuel, and a supply gas preparation section 90 for preparing a supply gas to be supplied to the heating section 20.

[0060] The mixing unit 10 may be a normal mixer or a crusher that also performs pulverization in the future. By doing so, fluctuations in the raw materials can be sufficiently suppressed. The raw materials prepared in the mixing unit 10 are introduced into the heating unit 20. The decomposition gas containing combustible components generated in the heating process of the heating unit 20 is recovered by the decomposition gas recovery unit 80 and burned in the decomposition gas combustion unit 60. In this way, the decomposition gas generated in the heating unit 20 can be effectively utilized as a heat source. After the heating process is performed in the heating unit 20, if necessary, a cooling process may be performed in the cooling unit 30, a pulverization process may be performed in the pulverization unit 40, and a recovery process may be performed in the recovery unit 50, respectively. The heating unit 20 is preferably an externally heated heating device. As the heating unit 20, for example, an externally heated rotary kiln can be used. By doing so, the waste (B1) and the raw material (B2) can be heated while being mixed. Further, for example, when the pulverization unit 40 is a vertical mill, the pulverization and classification of the modified product may be performed in parallel. Therefore, the description content of each process can be applied to each component of the modification device 100. The modification device 100 can modify the waste (B1) including the carbon fiber reinforced plastic containing the thermosetting resin to obtain a modified product having excellent combustibility.

[0061] The supply gas preparation unit 90 supplies a supply gas containing at least one selected from the group consisting of water vapor, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen to the heating unit 20 to adjust the atmosphere of the heating unit 20 to an oxygen concentration of 13% by volume or less. The supply gas preparation unit 90 preferably supplies a gas containing water vapor to the heating unit 20. As the water vapor, the water vapor obtained by cooling the modified product that has undergone the heating process in the cooling unit 30 may be used. By doing so, while quickly cooling the modified part after heating, the oxygen concentration of the heating unit 20 can be easily reduced. The supply gas preparation unit 90 may have a control valve that adjusts the gas flow rate, a calculation unit that sets the target gas flow rate, and a transmission unit that exchanges signals between the calculation unit and the control valve.

[0062] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a fuel reformer according to another embodiment. The reformer 101 in Fig. 2 differs from the reformer 100 in Fig. 1 in that it does not include a mixing section 10, and a waste material (B1) containing a carbon fiber reinforced plastic containing a thermosetting resin and a raw material (B2) containing a thermoplastic resin are separately introduced into a heating section 20, and that it includes a contact section 62 that contacts the exhaust gas from the cracked gas combustion section 60 with water to obtain a cooling gas, and a supply gas preparation section 91 that supplies gas to the heating section 20.

[0063] In the contact section 62, a contacting step is performed in which water is brought into contact with the exhaust gas generated by the combustion in the cracked gas combustion section 60, thereby obtaining a cooling gas. This cooling gas may contain water vapor. A part or all of the cooling gas (water vapor-containing gas) obtained in the contact section 62 is introduced into the cooling section 30 and the heating section 20 via the supply gas preparation section 91. Excess cooling gas may be discharged outside the system. The cooling gas may be introduced into the heating section 20 via the cooling section 30. The supply flow rate of the cooling gas obtained in the contact section 62 to the heating section 20 is adjusted by the supply gas preparation section 91. In addition to the function of the supply gas preparation section 90 in FIG. 1, the supply gas preparation section 91 may have a function of calculating the flow rate of the cooling gas to be supplied to the heating section 20 and discharging excess exhaust gas into the atmosphere.

[0064] The supply gas preparation unit 91 may control the oxygen concentration in the heating unit 20 by adjusting the flow rate of the cooling gas cooled in the contact unit 62 to the heating unit 20. The supply gas preparation unit 91 may also control the oxygen concentration of the supply gas supplied to the heating unit 20 by adjusting the mixing ratio of the cooling gas cooled in the contact unit 62 to another gas (for example, a gas containing at least one selected from the group consisting of water vapor, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen). The supply gas preparation unit 91 may be provided between the heating unit 20 and the cooling unit 30, and may mix the water vapor-containing gas generated in the cooling unit 30 with another gas to prepare the supply gas to be supplied to the heating unit 20.

[0065] Other configurations of the reformer 101 in FIG. 2 are similar to those of the reformer 100 in FIG. 1, and the description of the reformer 100 can be applied thereto.

[0066] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a fuel reformer according to yet another embodiment. The reformer 102 in FIG. 3 is different from the reformer 100 in FIG. 1 in that waste (A) containing carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) containing thermosetting resin and thermoplastic resin is used as a raw material, and a part of the reformed material (coarse material) recovered in the recovery section 50 is reintroduced into the heating section 20. The reformer 102 can use waste containing both CFRP and thermoplastic resin as a raw material. In addition, in the reformer 102, by reintroducing a part of the reformed material into the heating section 20, the decomposition and volume reduction of the thermosetting resin contained in the CFRP further progresses, and the CFRP is more easily pulverized when introduced into the pulverizing section 40 again. This makes it possible to sufficiently reduce the amount of unburned material generated when the reformed material is burned.

[0067] 3, the exhaust gas generated in the cracked gas combustion section 60 is supplied to the heating section 20 by the combustion exhaust gas supplying section 74 (heat source introduction section). In this manner, the combustion exhaust gas may be used as a heat source for the heating section 20. In this case, the supply gas preparation section 90 adjusts the flow rate and oxygen concentration of the supply gas supplied by the heating section 20, taking into account the flow rate and oxygen concentration of the exhaust gas from the combustion exhaust gas supplying section 74. In this manner, energy efficiency can be further improved.

[0068] Other configurations of the reformer 102 in Fig. 3 are similar to those of the reformer 100 in Fig. 1, and the description of the reformer 100 can be applied thereto. The above-mentioned content regarding the fuel reforming method can be applied to each of the reformers 100, 101, and 102 in Figs. 1, 2, and 3.

[0069] The reforming devices 100, 101, and 102 can quickly reform raw materials containing CFRP and thermoplastic resin. The reformed product that has passed through the heating unit 20 has a lower strength than before reforming due to the progress of decomposition of the thermosetting resin, and is therefore easier to pulverize than before reforming. Therefore, the carbon fibers contained in the reformed product can be easily pulverized. In addition, since the resin is reduced in volume by the reforming, the time required for burning the thermosetting resin is shortened, and the burning of the carbon fibers starts smoothly. As a result, the amount of unburned carbon fibers can be sufficiently reduced. In addition, the decomposition of the thermoplastic resin contained in the raw material is suppressed, and the yield of the solid fuel can be maintained high. And, since the moisture and volatile content of the thermoplastic resin are reduced, the fuel can be excellent in ignition and safety.

[0070] Although several embodiments have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. For example, the contents of each embodiment of the fuel reforming method may be combined. In addition, a crushing step for crushing the raw material may be performed before the heating step. The crushing step may be performed, for example, in the mixing section 10 in the reformer 100, or a crushing section may be provided separately between the mixing section 10 and the heating section 20. In addition, a crushing section (not shown) for crushing the waste (B1) or the waste (A) may be provided upstream of the heating section 20 of either of the reformers 101 and 102, and the crushing step may be performed in the crushing section. In the crushing step, the raw material may be crushed to a size of, for example, 10 to 100 mm. As the crushing section, a normal crusher can be used. By providing the crushing section, clogging or blocking of the raw material or the heated material in the heating section 20, the cooling section 30, the crushing section 40, and the recovery section 50 can be suppressed, and the reforming of the raw material including the waste can be performed more smoothly. EXAMPLES

[0071] The contents of the present disclosure will be described in more detail below with reference to specific experimental examples. It is difficult to prepare test pieces with uniform fiber content for the carbon fiber reinforced plastics contained in waste. If the fiber content varies, there is a concern that it will be difficult to accurately determine the decomposition behavior. Therefore, here, the decomposition behavior of epoxy resin, which is a typical resin contained in carbon fiber reinforced plastics, was compared and examined.

[0072] (Experimental Example 1) TG-DTA analysis (thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis) of a commercially available epoxy resin was carried out in several different atmospheres. The analysis conditions were as follows:

[0073] <Analysis conditions> Device name: TG-DTA 6300 (manufactured by SII NanoTechnology Co., Ltd.) Sample mass: 2 mg Heating rate: 10℃ / min Maximum temperature reached: 350℃ Hold time at maximum temperature: 3 hours Atmosphere: Oxygen / nitrogen mixed gas (oxygen concentration: 21% by volume) adjusted by diluting with nitrogen gas (oxygen concentration was measured with an oxygen concentration meter in the inlet line to the analyzer)

[0074] The oxygen concentration in the atmosphere was set to five levels: 21 vol%, 14 vol%, 8 vol%, 3 vol%, and 0 vol%. From the TG-DTA analysis results in each atmosphere, it was confirmed that the lower the oxygen concentration, the more accelerated the weight loss. Table 1 shows the time it took for the weight loss rate to reach 40%. Table 2 also shows the weight loss rate from the start of heating until 60 minutes have elapsed.

[0075] [Table 1]

[0076] As shown in Table 1, it was found that when the oxygen concentration was reduced from 21 vol.% to 14 vol.%, the time to reach the decomposition state was shortened by approximately 20%. When the oxygen concentration was 8 vol.% or less, the time to reach the decomposition state was less than half that when the oxygen concentration was 21 vol.%. It was confirmed that an atmosphere with a low oxygen concentration is effective in shortening the time required for the decomposition of epoxy resin.

[0077] [Table 2]

[0078] As shown in Table 2, at a relatively early stage after the start of the temperature rise, the weight loss rate was greater when the oxygen concentration was lower. This confirmed that the oxygen concentration in the atmosphere affects the decomposition rate of epoxy resin even at relatively low temperatures. The "vs. oxygen concentration 21 vol%" column in Table 2 shows the difference in the weight loss rate from the start of the temperature rise until 60 minutes had elapsed compared to when the oxygen concentration was 21 vol%. It was confirmed that the decomposition of epoxy resin is greatly accelerated when the oxygen concentration reaches 0 vol%.

[0079] (Experimental Example 2) Using the epoxy resin used in Experimental Example 1, a sample was heated in an atmospheric tubular electric furnace in atmospheres with oxygen concentrations of 14 volume %, 8 volume %, 3 volume % and 0 volume % at 350°C for 3 hours, and a calorific value analysis was carried out on the sample. The analysis was carried out in accordance with JIS M 8814 using a bomb-type calorimeter (model: 1013-J) manufactured by Yoshida Seisakusho Co., Ltd. The analysis results are shown in Table 3.

[0080] [Table 3]

[0081] Table 3 shows the calorific value results, as well as the product of the residue remaining after heating (100 - weight loss rate) and the calorific value. The higher the value of residue × calorific value, the greater the calorific value of the fuel recovered as a solid when the same amount of waste is processed. From the results in Table 3, it was confirmed that the calorific value increases as the oxygen concentration decreases (except for the case of 0% by volume oxygen concentration), and the value of residue × calorific value can be increased. From this, it was confirmed that by performing a heating process of heating CFRP under predetermined conditions, a modified product with excellent combustibility and reduced resin volume can be smoothly obtained. When such a modified product is burned, it is considered that the carbon fiber can be smoothly and completely burned while utilizing the energy generated by combustion. In the case of 0% by volume oxygen concentration, since the weight loss rate was large, the value of residue × calorific value was smaller than in other atmospheres, but the weight loss of the resin was the largest, and the calorific value of the modified product after heating was larger than in the case of 14% by volume oxygen concentration. Therefore, it is considered that the combustion of carbon fiber can be promoted more in the case of 0% by volume oxygen concentration than in the case of 14% by volume oxygen concentration.

[0082] (Experimental Example 3) In a plurality of different atmospheres, TG-DTA analysis (thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis) and DSC analysis (differential scanning calorimetry) were performed using the same epoxy resin as that used in Experimental Example 1. The analysis conditions for each were as follows.

[0083] <Analysis conditions for TG-DTA> Apparatus name: TG-DTA 6300 (manufactured by SII NanoTechnology Inc.) Sample mass: 2 mg Heating rate: 10 °C / min Maximum temperature reached: 800 °C Holding time at the maximum temperature reached: None Atmosphere: Oxygen / nitrogen mixed gas (oxygen concentration: 21% by volume) was adjusted by diluting with nitrogen gas (the oxygen concentration was actually measured by an oxygen concentration meter in the introduction line to the analyzer)

[0084] <Analysis conditions for DSC> Apparatus name: DSC6200 (manufactured by SII NanoTechnology Inc.) Sample mass: 2.5 mg Heating rate: 20-200°C: 10°C / min, 200-600°C: 2.5°C / min Atmosphere: Same as TG-DTA analysis conditions

[0085] The oxygen concentration in the atmosphere was set to three levels: 21 volume %, 8 volume %, and 3 volume %. From the results of TG-DTA analysis and DSC analysis in each atmosphere, the weight loss rate and heat generation amount up to the point where the temperature was raised to 600°C were calculated. These results are shown in Table 4.

[0086] [Table 4]

[0087] According to the results shown in Table 4, there was no significant difference in the weight loss rate among the three oxygen concentrations of 21 vol%, 8 vol%, and 3 vol%. This is thought to be due to the fact that the material was not held in a low temperature range and that the temperature was as high as 600°C. On the other hand, the amount of heat generated varied greatly depending on the oxygen concentration. This indicates that the mechanisms of weight loss are different. In other words, it is thought that under conditions of high oxygen concentration, weight loss occurs mainly through combustion, whereas under conditions of low oxygen concentration, the proportion of weight loss due to breaking of chemical bonds, decomposition, and volatilization increases.

[0088] From these results, it is believed that the composition of the decomposition gas obtained by heating carbon fiber reinforced plastics varies greatly depending on the atmosphere (oxygen concentration) during heating. In other words, it is believed that the decomposition gas obtained by heating carbon fiber reinforced plastics in a low-oxygen atmosphere has a higher calorie content than the gas obtained by heating in a high-oxygen atmosphere. From the results shown in Table 4, since the final weight loss rate of the epoxy resin does not change significantly, it is believed that if carbon fiber reinforced plastics are heated in a low-oxygen atmosphere and the decomposition gas obtained at that time is used as fuel, the total fuel recovery amount of reformed solid fuel and gaseous fuel (decomposition gas) can be sufficiently increased.

[0089] (Experimental Example 4) Next, to investigate the decomposition behavior of thermoplastic resins, commercially available low-density polyethylene (PE) and commercially available polypropylene (PP) were obtained as representative thermoplastic resins. TG-DTA analysis (thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis) was performed on PE and PP, respectively. The analysis conditions were as follows.

[0090] <Analysis conditions> Device name: TG-DTA 6300 (manufactured by SII NanoTechnology Co., Ltd.) Sample mass: 8 mg Heating rate: 10℃ / min Maximum temperature reached: 600℃ Hold time at maximum temperature: 3 hours Atmosphere: Oxygen / nitrogen mixed gas (oxygen concentration: 21% by volume) adjusted by diluting with nitrogen gas (oxygen concentration was measured with an oxygen concentration meter in the inlet line to the analyzer)

[0091] The oxygen concentration in the atmosphere was set to five levels: 21 vol%, 14 vol%, 8 vol%, 3 vol%, and 0 vol%. From the TG-DTA analysis results in each atmosphere, it was confirmed that the higher the oxygen concentration, the more accelerated the weight loss. From the TG-DTA analysis results, the weight loss rates of PE and PP up to the point of heating to 350°C were calculated. These results are shown in Table 5.

[0092] [Table 5]

[0093] As shown in Table 5, the weight loss rate of both PE and PP increased with increasing oxygen concentration. This decomposition behavior shows the opposite tendency to that of thermosetting resins. From these results, it was confirmed that the oxygen concentration in the atmosphere greatly affects the decomposition rate of thermoplastic resins, and that the degree of influence varies greatly depending on the type of thermoplastic resin. In other words, it was confirmed that since PP decomposes faster than PE, if the oxygen concentration is made too high, the yield of fuel after heating is significantly reduced. From these results, it can be said that by applying a technology for decomposing resins in a low-oxygen atmosphere, excessive decomposition can be suppressed even for thermoplastic resins that are greatly affected by oxygen concentration. Therefore, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to effectively use various thermoplastic resins as fuels.

[0094] The column "vs. oxygen concentration 21% by volume" in Table 5 shows the difference in the weight loss rate up to 350°C compared to the weight loss rate up to the same point when the oxygen concentration is 21% by volume. If the oxygen concentration becomes too low, there is a tendency for insufficient reforming to occur. [Industrial Applicability]

[0095] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to smoothly proceed with the reforming of carbon fiber reinforced plastic containing a thermosetting resin derived from waste and a raw material containing a thermoplastic resin, and it is possible to provide a fuel reforming method and a fuel reforming device that enable the effective use of waste as fuel. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 10...mixing section, 20...heating section, 30...cooling section, 40...pulverization section, 50...recovery section, 60...cracked gas combustion section, 62...contact section, 74...combustion exhaust gas supply section, 80...cracked gas recovery section, 90...supply gas preparation section, 91...supply gas preparation section, 100, 101, 102...reforming apparatus.

Claims

1. Waste (A) containing a carbon fiber reinforced plastic containing a thermosetting resin and a thermoplastic resin, and at least one selected from the group consisting of waste (B1) containing the carbon fiber reinforced plastic and a raw material (B2) containing the thermoplastic resin, the raw material is heated and reformed in a temperature range of 300 to 450 ° C in an atmosphere with an oxygen concentration of 13% by volume or less, having a heating step, in the heating step, a fusion prevention material is heated together with the raw material, the fusion prevention material contains an inorganic fusion prevention material containing at least one selected from the group consisting of limestone, blast furnace slag, incineration ash, slaked lime, and dust derived from a cement manufacturing process, a method for reforming fuel.

2. In the heating step, the raw material and the fusion prevention material are heated in the temperature range for 30 minutes to 4 hours in the atmosphere where the oxygen concentration is 1% by volume or more, the method for reforming fuel according to claim 1.

3. As the raw material, the waste (B1) and the raw material (B2) are introduced into a heating unit that performs the heating step without mixing the waste (B1) and the raw material (B2) with each other, the method for reforming fuel according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The thermosetting resin contains an epoxy resin, in the heating step, the raw material and the fusion prevention material are heated in the atmosphere where the oxygen concentration is 8% by volume or less, the method for reforming fuel according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. having a supply gas preparation step of obtaining a supply gas adjusted to a predetermined oxygen concentration using at least one gas selected from water vapor, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen, adjusting the oxygen concentration of the atmosphere in the heating step using the supply gas, the method for reforming fuel according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. having a decomposition gas combustion step of recovering and burning the decomposition gas generated in the heating step, the method for reforming fuel according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. using the combustion exhaust gas generated in the decomposition gas combustion step as a heat source in the heating step, the method for reforming fuel according to claim 6.

8. having a contact step of bringing the combustion exhaust gas generated in the decomposition gas combustion step into contact with water, adjusting the oxygen concentration of the atmosphere in the heating step using the cooling gas obtained in the contact step, the method for reforming fuel according to claim 6 or 7.

9. Waste (A) containing a carbon fiber reinforced plastic containing a thermosetting resin and a thermoplastic resin; and A heating unit that heats a raw material containing at least one selected from the group consisting of a combination of the waste (B1) containing the carbon fiber reinforced plastic and a raw material (B2) containing a thermoplastic resin in an atmosphere having an oxygen concentration of 13% by volume or less to a temperature range of 300 to 450 ° C. to modify the raw material, In the heating section, the anti-fusing material is heated together with the raw material, The fuel reforming apparatus, wherein the anti-fusing material contains an inorganic anti-fusing material containing at least one material selected from the group consisting of limestone, blast furnace slag, incineration ash, slaked lime, and dust derived from a cement manufacturing process.

10. 10. The fuel reforming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein in said heating section, said raw material and said anti-fusing material are heated in said temperature range in said atmosphere in which said oxygen concentration is 1% by volume or more for 30 minutes to 4 hours.

11. 11. The fuel reforming apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the waste material (B1) and the raw material (B2) are introduced into the heating section as the raw materials without being mixed with each other.

12. The thermosetting resin contains an epoxy resin, 12. The fuel reforming device according to claim 9, wherein the heating section heats the raw material and the anti-fusing material in the atmosphere having an oxygen concentration of 8% by volume or less.

13. a supply gas preparation unit for obtaining a supply gas adjusted to a predetermined oxygen concentration by using at least one gas selected from water vapor, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen; 13. The fuel reformer according to claim 9, wherein the supply gas is used to adjust the oxygen concentration of the atmosphere in the heating section.

14. 14. The fuel reformer according to claim 9, further comprising a decomposition gas combustion section that recovers and combusts the decomposition gas generated in the heating section.

15. The fuel reformer according to claim 14, wherein a combustion exhaust gas generated in the cracked gas combustion section is supplied to the heating section.

16. a contact section for contacting the combustion exhaust gas generated in the cracked gas combustion section with water, 16. The fuel reforming apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the cooling gas obtained in the contact section is used to adjust the oxygen concentration of the atmosphere in the heating section.

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