Steam heating system and steam heating method

Abstract

To effectively utilize steam and enhance heating efficiency of an object.SOLUTION: A steam heating system 100 comprises: a first vessel 1A and a second vessel 1B in which a heating step of heating an object with steam is successively performed; and a steam supply unit 2 for supplying steam to the second vessel 1B. At the start of the heating step in the second vessel 1B, the steam supply unit 2 performs primary supply to supply steam used for heating the object to the second vessel 1B in the first vessel 1A. The steam supply unit 2 discontinues the primary supply, seals the second vessel 1B and thus generates vacuum in the second vessel 1B with steam condensed in the second vessel 1B to release air from the object, and performs secondary supply to supply steam to the second vessel 1B after generating vacuum.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology disclosed herein relates to a steam heating system and a steam heating method. [Background technology]

[0002] Steam heating systems that supply steam into a container containing an object to heat the object have been known for some time. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system that alternately heats an object using two containers. In the system of Patent Document 1, after heating of the object in one container is completed (specifically, when the object is cooled), the steam in the one container is supplied to the other container. The other container uses steam supplied separately from the steam from the first container to heat the object. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 56-130216 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a configuration in which an object is heated by steam in each of a plurality of containers, such as the system disclosed in Patent Document 1, attempts have been made to use the steam used to heat an object in one container in the other containers. However, from the viewpoint of effective utilization of steam, there is still room for improvement.

[0005] The technology disclosed herein has been made in view of the above points, and its purpose is to effectively utilize steam and improve the heating efficiency of an object. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The steam heating system disclosed herein comprises a first container and a second container that sequentially perform a heating process of an object using steam, and a steam supply unit that supplies steam to the second container, wherein the steam supply unit performs a primary supply at the start of the heating process in the second container, supplying the steam used to heat the object in the first container to the second container, stops the primary supply and seals the second container, thereby generating a vacuum by condensing the steam in the second container to put the second container into a vacuum state and release air from the object, and performs a secondary supply to supply steam to the second container after the vacuum is generated.

[0007] The steam heating method disclosed herein is a steam heating method in which a heating process of an object with steam is performed sequentially in a first container and a second container, and includes a primary supply in which the steam used to heat the object in the first container is supplied to the second container at the start of the heating process in the second container, a vacuum generation in which the steam in the second container is condensed to create a vacuum in the second container and release air from the object by stopping the primary supply and sealing the second container, and a secondary supply in which steam is supplied to the second container after the vacuum generation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the steam heating system, steam can be effectively utilized and the heating efficiency of the object can be improved.

[0009] According to the steam heating method, steam can be effectively utilized and the heating efficiency of the object can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a steam heating system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the control device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the heating step in the second container. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a table showing the state of the on-off valve during the heating process. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a graph showing the pressure in the second container during the heat treatment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0012] 1 is a schematic diagram of a steam heating system 100. The steam heating system 100 includes a first container 1A and a second container 1B that sequentially perform processes for heating an object with steam, and a steam supply unit 2 that supplies steam to the second container 1B. The steam supply unit 2 may supply steam to the first container 1A in addition to the second container 1B.

[0013] In each container, a heat treatment of an object is performed. In the heat treatment, a heating process and a cooling process of the object are performed in sequence. In this example, the steam heating system 100 performs a batch process in which the heat treatment of the object is performed alternately in the first container 1A and the second container 1B. The object is, for example, concrete.

[0014] The first container 1A is an airtight container that can be opened and closed. The first container 1A can accommodate an object to be heated. The first container 1A can store steam and is, for example, a pressure container.

[0015] A first drain pipe 10 is connected to the first container 1A. A drain trap (also called a steam trap) 11 and a check valve 12 are provided in this order from the upstream side in the first drain pipe 10. Drain generated by condensation of steam in the first container 1A is discharged from the first container 1A through the first drain pipe 10.

[0016] A first exhaust pipe 13 is connected to the first container 1A. A first on-off valve v1 is provided in the first exhaust pipe 13 to switch between open and closed states of the first exhaust pipe 13. The first on-off valve v1 is opened as necessary when steam is supplied to the first container 1A, and air inside the first container 1A is discharged through the first exhaust pipe 13.

[0017] The second container 1B is basically configured the same as the first container 1A. A second drain pipe 14 is connected to the second container 1B. A drain trap 15 and a check valve 16 are provided in this order from the upstream side to the second drain pipe 14. Drain generated by condensation of steam in the second container 1B is discharged from the second container 1B via the second drain pipe 14.

[0018] A second exhaust pipe 17 is connected to the second container 1B. A second on-off valve v2 is provided in the second exhaust pipe 17 to switch between open and closed states of the second exhaust pipe 17. The second on-off valve v2 is opened as necessary when steam is supplied to the second container 1B, and air inside the second container 1B is discharged through the second exhaust pipe 17.

[0019] The first container 1A is provided with a first pressure sensor 61 that detects the pressure inside the first container 1A. The second container 1B is provided with a second pressure sensor 62 that detects the pressure inside the second container 1B. The first pressure sensor 61 and the second pressure sensor 62 can detect pressures from negative to positive.

[0020] The first exhaust pipe 13 is provided with a first temperature sensor 63 that detects the temperature of the fluid flowing through the first exhaust pipe 13, i.e., the gas discharged from the first container 1A. The second exhaust pipe 17 is provided with a second temperature sensor 64 that detects the temperature of the fluid flowing through the second exhaust pipe 17, i.e., the gas discharged from the second container 1B.

[0021] The steam supply unit 2 supplies steam for the heating process of the object. The steam supply unit 2 is configured to supply steam to each of the first container 1A and the second container 1B, and supplies steam to either the first container 1A or the second container 1B which is to perform the heating process of the object.

[0022] When the heating process of the object is completed in one of the first container 1A and the second container 1B, the steam supply unit 2 supplies steam to the other of the first container 1A and the second container 1B to start the heating process of the object. For example, when the heating process is completed in the first container 1A and the heating process is started in the second container 1B, the steam supply unit 2 sequentially performs the primary supply of steam, vacuum generation, and secondary supply of steam in the second container 1B.

[0023] Specifically, in the primary supply, the steam supply unit 2 supplies the steam used to heat the object in the first container 1A to the second container 1B when the heat treatment in the second container 1B begins. In the vacuum generation, the steam supply unit 2 stops the primary supply and seals the second container 1B, thereby creating a vacuum in the second container 1B through condensation of the steam in the second container 1B and releasing air from the object. In the secondary supply, the steam supply unit 2 supplies steam to the second container 1B after the vacuum is generated.

[0024] When the heating step is completed in the second container 1B and the heating process is started in the first container 1A, the steam supply unit 2 sequentially performs the primary supply of steam, vacuum generation, and secondary supply of steam to the first container 1A, as in the case of the second container 1B. In this case, the primary supply, vacuum generation, and secondary supply are the processes in which the "first container 1A" and the "second container 1B" are interchanged in the above description.

[0025] In this example, the steam supply unit 2 includes a first supply unit 2A, a second supply unit 2B, and a third supply unit 2C. The first supply unit 2A, the second supply unit 2B, and the third supply unit 2C each have a different method for supplying steam to the second container 1B.

[0026] Specifically, the first supply unit 2A supplies steam from the first container 1A to the second container 1B by using the pressure difference between the first container 1A and the second container 1B. The second supply unit 2B sucks steam from the first container 1A using a steam ejector 41 and supplies it to the second container 1B. The third supply unit 2C supplies steam from a steam supply source to the second container 1B without passing through the second supply unit 2B (specifically, the steam ejector 41).

[0027] The first supply unit 2A, the second supply unit 2B, and the third supply unit 2C are configured to be able to supply steam to the first container 1A as well. In this case, the first supply unit 2A, the second supply unit 2B, and the third supply unit 2C supply steam by switching the "first container 1A" and the "second container 1B" in the above description.

[0028] The first supply unit 2A has a communication pipe 31 that connects the first container 1A and the second container 1B, and a third on-off valve v3 and a fourth on-off valve v4 that switch the communication pipe 31 on and off. When the first supply unit 2A supplies steam, the third on-off valve v3 and the fourth on-off valve v4 are opened, and the first container 1A and the second container 1B are in communication with each other via the communication pipe 31. Note that various on-off valves of the second supply unit 2B and the third supply unit 2C, which will be described later, are closed. In this state, steam flows from one of the first container 1A and the second container 1B to the other due to the pressure difference between the first container 1A and the second container 1B. In other words, steam flows from the higher-pressure one of the first container 1A and the second container 1B to the lower-pressure one of the first container 1A and the second container 1B so that the pressures of the first container 1A and the second container 1B are equalized.

[0029] From the viewpoint of the function of the first supply unit 2A, only one of the third on-off valve v3 and the fourth on-off valve v4 may be provided. The first supply unit 2A is also a part of the second supply unit 2B. In terms of the function of the second supply unit 2B, the communicating pipe 31 is provided with two valves, the third on-off valve v3 and the fourth on-off valve v4.

[0030] The second supply section 2B has a steam ejector 41. A steam supply pipe 42 is connected to a nozzle of the steam ejector 41. Steam supplied from a steam supply source such as a boiler or a steam header (not shown) flows through the steam supply pipe 42. A fifth on-off valve v5 that switches the steam supply pipe 42 between open and closed is provided in the steam supply pipe 42. A steam suction pipe 43 is connected to an inlet of the steam ejector 41. An upstream end of the steam suction pipe 43 is connected to a portion of the communication pipe 31 between the third on-off valve v3 and the fourth on-off valve v4. A sixth on-off valve v6 that switches the steam suction pipe 43 between open and closed is provided in the steam suction pipe 43. A steam outlet pipe 44 is connected to a diffuser of the steam ejector 41. A downstream portion of the steam outlet pipe 44 branches into a first branch pipe 44a and a second branch pipe 44b. The first branch pipe 44a is connected to a portion of the communicating pipe 31 between the fourth on-off valve v4 and the second container 1B. The second branch pipe 44b is connected to a portion of the communicating pipe 31 between the third on-off valve v3 and the first container 1A. The first branch pipe 44a is provided with a seventh on-off valve v7 that switches the first branch pipe 44a between open and closed states. The second branch pipe 44b is provided with an eighth on-off valve v8 that switches the second branch pipe 44b between open and closed states.

[0031] When the second supply unit 2B uses the steam ejector 41 to suck steam from the first container 1A and supply it to the second container 1B, the third on-off valve v3, the fifth on-off valve v5, the sixth on-off valve v6, and the seventh on-off valve v7 are opened, and the fourth on-off valve v4 and the eighth on-off valve v8 are closed. Note that various on-off valves of the third supply unit 2C, which will be described later, are closed. As a result, the suction port of the steam ejector 41 communicates with the first container 1A via the communication pipe 31 and the steam suction pipe 43. The diffuser of the steam ejector 41 communicates with the second container 1B via the first branch pipe 44a of the steam outlet pipe 44. In this state, steam is supplied to the nozzle of the steam ejector 41 via the steam supply pipe 42. The steam in the first container 1A is sucked into the steam ejector 41 by the suction force generated by the discharge of steam from the nozzle of the steam ejector 41. The steam from the first container 1A and the steam from the steam supply pipe 42 are mixed and discharged from the diffuser of the steam ejector 41. The mixed steam discharged from the diffuser flows through the steam outlet pipe 44 and flows into the second container 1B via the first branch pipe 44a.

[0032] On the other hand, when the second supply unit 2B uses the steam ejector 41 to suck steam from the second container 1B and supply it to the first container 1A, the fourth on-off valve v4, the fifth on-off valve v5, the sixth on-off valve v6, and the eighth on-off valve v8 are opened, and the third on-off valve v3 and the seventh on-off valve v7 are closed. Note that various on-off valves of the third supply unit 2C, which will be described later, are closed. As a result, the suction port of the steam ejector 41 communicates with the second container 1B via the communicating pipe 31 and the steam suction pipe 43. The diffuser of the steam ejector 41 communicates with the first container 1A via the second branch pipe 44b of the steam outlet pipe 44. In this state, steam is supplied to the nozzle of the steam ejector 41 via the steam supply pipe 42. The steam in the second container 1B is sucked into the steam ejector 41 by the suction force generated by the discharge of steam from the nozzle of the steam ejector 41. The steam from the second container 1B and the steam from the steam supply pipe 42 are mixed and discharged from the diffuser of the steam ejector 41. The mixed steam discharged from the diffuser flows through the steam outlet pipe 44 and flows into the first container 1A via the second branch pipe 44b.

[0033] The third supply unit 2C has a first steam pipe 51 and a second steam pipe 52 branching off from the steam supply pipe 42, a ninth on-off valve v9 that switches the first steam pipe 51 between open and closed, and a tenth on-off valve v10 that switches the second steam pipe 52 between open and closed. The first steam pipe 51 is connected to the second container 1B. The second steam pipe 52 is connected to the first container 1A. The third supply unit 2C supplies steam from a steam supply source directly to the first container 1A or the second container 1B.

[0034] Specifically, when the third supply unit 2C supplies steam to the second container 1B, the ninth on-off valve v9 is opened and the tenth on-off valve v10 is closed. At this time, the third on-off valve v3, the fourth on-off valve v4, the fifth on-off valve v5, the seventh on-off valve v7, and the eighth on-off valve v8 are closed. As a result, steam circulating through the steam supply pipe 42 flows into the second container 1B via the first steam pipe 51.

[0035] On the other hand, when the third supply unit 2C supplies steam to the first container 1A, the tenth on-off valve v10 is opened and the ninth on-off valve v9 is closed. At this time, the third on-off valve v3, the fourth on-off valve v4, the fifth on-off valve v5, the seventh on-off valve v7, and the eighth on-off valve v8 are closed. As a result, steam circulating through the steam supply pipe 42 flows into the first container 1A via the second steam pipe 52.

[0036] The first on-off valve v1, the second on-off valve v2, the third on-off valve v3, the fourth on-off valve v4, the fifth on-off valve v5, the sixth on-off valve v6, the seventh on-off valve v7, the eighth on-off valve v8, the ninth on-off valve v9 and the tenth on-off valve v10 (hereinafter collectively referred to as the "first on-off valve v1, etc.") are automatic valves such as air-operated valves.

[0037] The steam heating system 100 further includes a control device 7 that controls the first on-off valve v1 etc. Fig. 2 is a block diagram of the control device 7. The control device 7 has a control unit 71, a storage unit 72, and a memory 73.

[0038] The control device 7 receives the detection results of the first pressure sensor 61, the second pressure sensor 62, the first temperature sensor 63, and the second temperature sensor 64. The control device 7 outputs a control signal to each of the first on-off valves v1, etc., to control the first on-off valves v1, etc. Some of the signal lines connected to the control device 7 are omitted in FIG. 1. Some of the on-off valves connected to the control device 7 are omitted in FIG. 2.

[0039] The control unit 71 controls the entire steam heating system 100. The control unit 71 performs various types of arithmetic processing. For example, the control unit 71 is formed by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 71 may also be formed by an MCU (Micro Controller Unit), an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), a system LSI, or the like.

[0040] The storage unit 72 stores various data and programs executed by the control unit 71. The storage unit 72 is formed of a nonvolatile memory, a hard disc drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or the like.

[0041] The memory 73 temporarily stores data, etc. For example, the memory 73 is formed of a volatile memory.

[0042] Next, the operation of the steam heating system 100 will be described. Fig. 3 is a flowchart of the heating process in the second container 1B. Fig. 4 is a table showing the state of the on-off valve during the heating process. Fig. 5 is a graph showing the pressure in the second container 1B during the heating process. The control unit 71 executes various processes by reading a program from the storage unit 72 into the memory 73 and expanding it.

[0043] In step S1, the control unit 71 determines whether the heating process in the first container 1A has been completed. For example, whether the heating process has been completed can be determined by whether the heating time has reached a predetermined time. If the heating process has not been completed, the control unit 71 repeats step S1 and waits until the heating process is completed.

[0044] Immediately before the end of the heating process in the first container 1A, the first on-off valve v1 is closed, and exhaust through the first exhaust pipe 13 is stopped. The third on-off valve v3 of the first supply unit 2A and the eighth on-off valve v8 of the second supply unit 2B are closed. This stops the outflow of steam from the first container 1A by the first supply unit 2A and the second supply unit 2B. In this state, the tenth on-off valve v10 of the third supply unit 2C is open. Steam is supplied to the first container 1A by the third supply unit 2C, and the object is heated by this steam. Meanwhile, an object is carried into the second container 1B before the end of the heating process in the first container 1A. The second on-off valve v2 is open, and the second exhaust pipe 17 is open. The fourth on-off valve v4 of the first supply unit 2A, the seventh on-off valve v7 of the second supply unit 2B, and the ninth on-off valve v9 of the third supply unit 2C are closed. That is, the supply of steam to the second container 1B by the first supply unit 2A, the second supply unit 2B, and the third supply unit 2C is stopped.

[0045] When the heating step in the first container 1A is completed, the tenth on-off valve v10 is closed, and the heating process in the second container 1B, i.e., the heating step, is initiated. In step S2, the control unit 71 executes the primary supply of steam to the second container 1B using the first supply unit 2A. Specifically, the control unit 71 opens the third on-off valve v3 and the fourth on-off valve v4 of the first supply unit 2A. At the end of the heating step in the first container 1A, the first container 1A is supplied with steam and is at a relatively high pressure, while the second container 1B is open to the atmosphere. Therefore, when the third on-off valve v3 and the fourth on-off valve v4 are opened, the high-pressure steam in the first container 1A is supplied to the low-pressure second container 1B via the connecting pipe 31. In the second container 1B, the second on-off valve v2 is opened, and the second exhaust pipe 17 is open. Therefore, the air in the second container 1B is pushed out by the steam flowing in from the connecting pipe 31 and discharged from the second exhaust pipe 17. The pressure in the second container 1B during this primary supply is constant at atmospheric pressure, as shown in FIG.

[0046] After starting the primary supply, in step S3, the control unit 71 determines whether the exhaust temperature T from the second container 1B has reached or exceeded a predetermined threshold value α based on the detection result of the second temperature sensor 64. When steam is supplied to the second container 1B by the primary supply, the temperature inside the second container 1B rises, and the temperature of the exhaust from the second exhaust pipe 17 also rises. In other words, the control unit 71 determines whether steam has been supplied to a certain extent into the second container 1B. The control unit 71 continues the primary supply until the exhaust temperature T reaches or exceeds the threshold value α.

[0047] When the exhaust temperature T from the second container 1B becomes equal to or higher than the threshold value α, the control unit 71 executes vacuum generation in step S4. Specifically, the control unit 71 closes the second on-off valve v2 of the second exhaust pipe 17 and the fourth on-off valve v4 of the first supply unit 2A. This causes the second container 1B to be sealed. The steam in the second container 1B is cooled and condensed. The second container 1B is placed in a vacuum state. As a result, the air contained in the object is released into the second container 1B. Due to this vacuum generation, the pressure in the second container 1B decreases to a negative pressure, as shown in FIG. 5.

[0048] The control unit 71 starts the secondary supply after the vacuum is generated. For example, the control unit 71 starts the secondary supply when the pressure P2 detected by the second pressure sensor 62 drops to a predetermined negative pressure. First, in step S5, the control unit 71 supplies steam to the second container 1B using the first supply unit 2A. Specifically, the control unit 71 opens the fourth on-off valve v4 of the first supply unit 2A. The third on-off valve v3 remains open since step S2. Note that if the third on-off valve v3 is closed in step S4, the control unit 71 also opens the third on-off valve v3 in step S5. In the primary supply, only a portion of the steam from the first container 1A is supplied to the second container 1B, and there is a possibility that the pressure in the first container 1A is sufficiently higher than the pressure in the second container 1B during the vacuum generation stage. Therefore, at the start of the secondary supply, the control unit 71 first supplies steam using the first supply unit 2A. However, unlike the primary supply, the second on-off valve v2 is closed, and the second container 1B is sealed. When the fourth on-off valve v4 is opened, the steam in the high-pressure first container 1A is supplied to the low-pressure second container 1B via the communication pipe 31. Due to this secondary supply by the first supply unit 2A, the pressure in the second container 1B increases as shown in Fig. 5. The pressure difference between the first container 1A and the second container 1B gradually decreases.

[0049] After the first supply unit 2A starts the secondary supply, the control unit 71 determines in step S6 whether the pressure difference ΔP (=P1-P2) between the pressure P1 in the first container 1A detected by the first pressure sensor 61 and the pressure P2 in the second container 1B detected by the second pressure sensor 62 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value β. The threshold value β is a value close to 0 at which the pressures P1 and P2 are considered to be substantially equal. The secondary supply by the first supply unit 2A continues until the pressure difference ΔP becomes equal to or less than the threshold value β.

[0050] When the pressure difference ΔP becomes equal to or smaller than the threshold value β, the control unit 71 shifts from the secondary supply by the first supply unit 2A to the secondary supply by the second supply unit 2B in step S7. Specifically, the control unit 71 closes the fourth on-off valve v4 of the first supply unit 2A and opens the fifth on-off valve v5, the sixth on-off valve v6, and the seventh on-off valve v7 of the second supply unit 2B. As a result, the suction port of the steam ejector 41 communicates with the first container 1A via the communication pipe 31 and the steam suction pipe 43. The diffuser of the steam ejector 41 communicates with the second container 1B via the first branch pipe 44a of the steam outflow pipe 44. In this state, steam is supplied to the nozzle of the steam ejector 41 via the steam supply pipe 42. The steam in the first container 1A is sucked into the steam ejector 41 by the suction force generated by the discharge of steam from the nozzle of the steam ejector 41. The steam from the first container 1A and the steam from the steam supply pipe 42 are mixed and discharged from the diffuser of the steam ejector 41. The mixed steam discharged from the diffuser is supplied to the second container 1B via the first branch pipe 44a. Due to this secondary supply by the second supply unit 2B, the pressure in the second container 1B further increases, as shown in FIG.

[0051] After starting the secondary supply by the second supply unit 2B, the control unit 71 determines in step S8 whether the pressure P1 in the first container 1A has become equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value γ. The threshold value γ is the pressure at which it becomes difficult for the steam ejector 41 to suck the steam from inside the first container 1A. The secondary supply by the second supply unit 2B continues until the pressure P1 becomes equal to or less than the threshold value γ. The steam ejector 41 supplies as much steam as possible from inside the first container 1A to the second container 1B.

[0052] When the pressure P1 becomes equal to or lower than the threshold value γ, the control unit 71 shifts from the secondary supply by the second supply unit 2B to the secondary supply by the third supply unit 2C in step S9. Specifically, the control unit 71 closes the fifth on-off valve v5, the sixth on-off valve v6, and the seventh on-off valve v7 of the second supply unit 2B and opens the ninth on-off valve v9 of the third supply unit 2C. This causes steam from the steam supply source to be directly supplied to the second container 1B. Note that the third on-off valve v3 may be closed or may remain open. This secondary supply by the third supply unit 2C further increases the pressure in the second container 1B, as shown in FIG. 5.

[0053] After the second supply by the third supply unit 2C starts, the control unit 71 determines in step S10 whether the termination condition for the heating step is satisfied. In this example, the termination condition for the heating step is that a predetermined time has elapsed since the pressure P2 in the second container 1B reached a predetermined pressure after the second supply by the third supply unit 2C. The second supply by the third supply unit 2C continues until the termination condition is satisfied.

[0054] If the termination condition is met, the control unit 71 terminates the heating step in the second container 1B.

[0055] During the heating process in the second container 1B, the first container 1A undergoes a cooling process and removal of the object, and then the next object is carried in. When the heating process in the second container 1B is completed, the first container 1A has completed carrying in the next object. Therefore, after the second supply by the third supply unit 2C begins, the first on-off valve v1 is opened and the first container 1A is opened to the atmosphere.

[0056] After the heating step is completed, the control unit 71 starts the cooling step. Steam is discharged from the second container 1B, and as a result, the pressure in the second container 1B decreases as shown in FIG. 5. The steam discharged from the second container 1B is used for the primary supply of the heating step in the first container 1A. In other words, after the heating step in the second container 1B is completed, the positions of the first container 1A and the second container 1B are reversed, and the heating step in the first container 1A is started. Specifically, for example, when the first on-off valve v1 and the second on-off valve v2 are in different open / closed states, the operation is reversed from that described above. When the third on-off valve v3 and the fourth on-off valve v4 of the first supply unit 2A are in different open / closed states, the operation is reversed from that described above. When the seventh on-off valve v7 and the eighth on-off valve v8 of the second supply unit 2B are in different open / closed states, the operation is reversed from that described above. When the ninth on-off valve v9 and the tenth on-off valve v10 of the third supply part 2C are in different open / closed states, the open / closed states are opposite to those described above, and as a result, a heating step similar to the heating step in the second container 1B described above is performed in the first container 1A.

[0057] According to this heating process, the steam used to heat the object in the first container 1A is used in the heating process in the second container 1B. Specifically, the steam from the first container 1A is used for at least the primary supply to the second container 1B. The primary supply is a process performed for the subsequent vacuum generation. The vacuum generation releases air from the object, improving the heating efficiency of the object by the subsequent secondary supply. In other words, the steam from the first container 1A is used to improve the heating efficiency of the object.

[0058] In addition, the steam from the first container 1A can also be used as a secondary supply to the second container 1B. That is, the steam from the first container 1A is used as part of the steam for heating the object from which the air has been released, improving heating efficiency. This allows the steam from the first container 1A to be used more effectively for heating the object.

[0059] As described above, the steam heating system 100 comprises a first container 1A and a second container 1B which sequentially perform the heating process of the object with steam, and a steam supply unit 2 which supplies steam to the second container 1B. At the start of the heating process in the second container 1B, the steam supply unit 2 performs a primary supply, supplying the steam used to heat the object in the first container 1A to the second container 1B, stops the primary supply and seals the second container 1B, thereby performing vacuum generation by condensing the steam in the second container 1B to create a vacuum in the second container 1B and release air from the object, and after the vacuum is generated, performs a secondary supply, supplying steam to the second container 1B.

[0060] In other words, it is a steam heating method in which the heating process of an object with steam is carried out sequentially in a first container 1A and a second container 1B, and includes a primary supply in which the steam used to heat the object in the first container 1A is supplied to the second container 1B at the start of the heating process in the second container 1B, a vacuum generation in which the steam in the second container 1B is condensed to create a vacuum in the second container 1B and release air from the object by stopping the primary supply and sealing the second container 1B, and a secondary supply in which steam is supplied to the second container 1B after the vacuum is generated.

[0061] According to this configuration, at the start of the heating process in the second container 1B, steam from the first container 1A is supplied to the second container 1B by a primary supply, and after the primary supply, the steam in the second container 1B is condensed to create a vacuum inside the second container 1B. This releases air from the object, making it easier for the object to be heated by the steam. Then, steam is supplied to the second container 1B by a secondary supply, so the object is efficiently heated. In this way, the steam from the first container 1A is effectively used to improve the heating efficiency of the object in the second container 1B.

[0062] The steam supply unit 2 also includes a first supply unit 2A that supplies steam from the first container 1A to the second container 1B by using the pressure difference between the first container 1A and the second container 1B, and primary supply is performed by at least the first supply unit 2A.

[0063] According to this configuration, the primary supply is performed by at least the first supply unit 2A. The first supply unit 2A supplies the steam in the first container 1A to the second container 1B by utilizing the pressure difference between the first container 1A and the second container 1B, so no special drive source is required to supply the steam from the first container 1A to the second container 1B. In other words, the steam from the first container 1A can be effectively utilized while reducing energy consumption.

[0064] Furthermore, the steam supply unit 2 further includes a second supply unit 2B that sucks steam from the first container 1A by the steam ejector 41 and supplies it to the second container 1B, and secondary supply is performed by at least the second supply unit 2B.

[0065] According to this configuration, the steam from the first container 1A can be effectively utilized by supplying it to the second container 1B in the secondary supply as well as the primary supply. At this time, the secondary supply is performed by the second supply unit 2B including the steam ejector 41. Therefore, even if the pressure difference between the first container 1A and the second container 1B is small and the first supply unit 2A does not function, the steam from the first container 1A can be supplied to the second container 1B. In other words, the steam from the first container 1A can be utilized as much as possible.

[0066] Furthermore, the vapor supply unit 2 performs secondary supply by the first supply unit 2A, and then performs secondary supply by the second supply unit 2B.

[0067] According to this configuration, the secondary supply is first performed by the first supply unit 2A, and then by the second supply unit 2B. That is, when the secondary supply is started, if the pressure difference between the first container 1A and the second container 1B is large, the first supply unit 2A supplies steam from the first container 1A to the second container 1B. If the pressure difference between the first container 1A and the second container 1B becomes small and it becomes difficult for the first supply unit 2A to supply steam, the second supply unit 2B including the steam ejector 41 supplies steam from the first container 1A to the second container 1B. In this way, energy consumption can be reduced by using the first supply unit 2A as much as possible, while the second supply unit 2B can utilize the steam from the first container 1A as much as possible.

[0068] Furthermore, the steam supply unit 2 further includes a third supply unit 2C that supplies steam from the steam supply source to the second container 1B without going through the second supply unit 2B, and after the secondary supply is performed by the second supply unit 2B, the secondary supply is further performed by the third supply unit 2C.

[0069] According to this configuration, after the secondary supply by the second supply unit 2B, the secondary supply by the third supply unit 2C is performed. The second supply unit 2B supplies steam from the first container 1A to the second container 1B by the steam ejector 41. However, depending on the pressures in the first container 1A and the second container 1B, it may be difficult for the steam ejector 41 to supply steam. Even in this case, the third supply unit 2C, which supplies steam from a steam supply source, can supply steam to the second container 1B. In other words, the third supply unit 2C can supply sufficient steam to the second container 1B.

[0070] Other Embodiments As described above, the above embodiment has been described as an example of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made as appropriate. Furthermore, the components described in the above embodiment can be combined to create new embodiments. Furthermore, the components described in the accompanying drawings and detailed description may include not only components essential for solving the problem, but also components that are not essential for solving the problem in order to exemplify the technology. Therefore, the fact that these non-essential components are described in the accompanying drawings or detailed description should not be interpreted as immediately determining that these non-essential components are essential.

[0071] The object of the steam heating system 100 is not limited to concrete. The object can be any object that can be heated more efficiently by steam by releasing air. For example, the object can be linen, wood, paper, or other textile products.

[0072] The steam heating system 100 performs batch processing of the heating treatment in the first container 1A and the second container 1B, but is not limited to this. The steam heating system 100 may perform the heating treatment in the second container 1B following the heating treatment in the first container 1A.

[0073] The steam heating system 100 may include containers other than the first container 1A and the second container 1B. For example, if the steam heating system 100 further includes a third container and a fourth container, the steam heating system 100 may perform the heating process in the order of the first container 1A, the second container 1B, the third container, and the fourth container. In this case, the steam used in the heating process for the first container 1A may be used in the heating process for the second container 1B, the steam used in the heating process for the second container 1B may be used in the heating process for the third container, and the steam used in the heating process for the third container may be used in the heating process for the fourth container.

[0074] The primary supply is not limited to the supply of steam by the first supply unit 2A. Depending on the conditions of the cooling process in the first container 1A or the vacuum generation in the second container 1B, the primary supply by the second supply unit 2B may be performed instead of the first supply unit 2A, or the primary supply by the first supply unit 2A may be followed by the primary supply by the second supply unit 2B. Alternatively, the supply of steam by the third supply unit 2C may be added to the primary supply by the first supply unit 2A and / or the second supply unit 2B.

[0075] The secondary supply is not limited to a form in which the secondary supply by the first supply unit 2A, the secondary supply by the second supply unit 2B, and the secondary supply by the third supply unit 2C are performed in sequence, as long as the secondary supply by at least one of the first supply unit 2A, the second supply unit 2B, and the third supply unit 2C is performed.

[0076] The steam supply unit 2 does not necessarily have to include all three of the first supply unit 2A, the second supply unit 2B, and the third supply unit 2C. The steam supply unit 2 may include a supply unit for realizing a primary supply that supplies the steam used to heat the object in the first container 1A to the second container 1B, and a supply unit for realizing a secondary supply that supplies the steam to the second container 1B after the vacuum is generated.

[0077] The steps in the flowchart of the heating process shown in FIG. 3 can be modified or omitted as appropriate within the scope of the mechanism of action of the technology disclosed herein, and the order of the steps can be changed or steps can be processed in parallel.

[0078] The first on-off valve v1 etc. may be a manual valve instead of an automatic valve. In that case, when the heating step in the second container 1B is started, the user may operate the first on-off valve v1 etc. as appropriate so that the primary supply, vacuum generation, and secondary supply are performed in that order. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 100 Steam Heating System 1A First Container 1B 2nd container 2 Steam supply section 2A 1st supply section 2B 2nd supply section 2C 3rd supply section 41 Steam ejector

Claims

1. a first container and a second container for sequentially performing a heating process of an object with steam; a steam supply unit that supplies steam to the second container, The steam supply unit At the start of the heating step in the second container, a primary supply is performed to supply the steam used to heat the object in the first container to the second container; by stopping the primary supply and sealing the second container, a vacuum is generated in the second container by condensing the steam in the second container, thereby releasing air from the object; A steam heating system providing a secondary supply of steam to the second vessel after the vacuum is created.

2. 2. The steam heating system of claim 1, The steam supply unit a first supply unit that supplies steam in the first container to the second container by using a pressure difference between the first container and the second container; A steam heating system providing said primary supply by at least said first supply.

3. 3. The steam heating system according to claim 2, The steam supply unit a second supply unit that sucks steam from the first container by a steam ejector and supplies the steam to the second container; A steam heating system in which the secondary supply is effected by at least the second supply.

4. 4. The steam heating system according to claim 3, A steam heating system in which the steam supply unit performs the secondary supply by the first supply unit and then further performs the secondary supply by the second supply unit.

5. 5. The steam heating system according to claim 3 or 4, The steam supply unit a third supply unit that supplies steam from a steam supply source to the second container without passing through the second supply unit; A steam heating system in which the secondary supply is performed by the second supply unit, and then the secondary supply is further performed by the third supply unit.

6. A steam heating method in which a step of heating an object with steam is performed sequentially in a first container and a second container, a primary supply of steam used to heat the object in the first container to the second container at the start of the heating process in the second container; generating a vacuum by stopping the primary supply and sealing the second container, thereby condensing steam in the second container to create a vacuum in the second container and releasing air from the object; and a secondary supply of steam to the second container after the vacuum is generated.

Images