Semi-carbide generation device

Abstract

To provide a semi-carbide production device 1 capable of producing semi-carbide having uniform quality as a solid fuel.SOLUTION: A semi-carbide production device 1 in which a drying passage 3 for drying while conveying wood chips, a semi-carbonizing passage 4 for semi-carbonizing while conveying the wood chips, and a cooling passage 5 for cooling while conveying semi-carbide are arranged side by side comprises: a first communication passage 6 that communicates the drying passage 3 and the semi-carbonizing passage 4; a second communication passage 7 that communicates the semi-carbonizing passage 4 and the cooling passage 5; a steam generating means that generates super-heated steam; and a steam introduction passage 9 that introduces the super-heated steam into the drying passage 3 and the semi-carbonizing passage 4, wherein the drying passage 3 and the semi-carbonizing passage 4 support screw feeders 32, 42, and are provided with tubular housings (drying passage housing 31 and carbonizing passage housing 41) having a substantially inverted semi-cylindrical cross-section with an arc surface protruding downward, and the steam introduction passage 9 is connected to an upper corner part of a housing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a semi-carbonized product generating apparatus that generates semi-carbonized products from wood chips using, for example, superheated steam.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, due to the problem of the emission amount of carbon dioxide gas generated when burning coal, so-called greenhouse gas, plant-derived biomass fuels generated from wood, branches, and the like have attracted attention as solid fuels to replace coal.

[0003] Although this plant-derived biomass fuel emits carbon dioxide gas by combustion, it is said that the substantial emission amount of carbon dioxide gas can be reduced because it absorbs carbon dioxide gas during the growth process of the raw material.

[0004] As an apparatus for generating such a plant-derived biomass fuel, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a semi-carbonized product generating apparatus that generates semi-carbonized products, which are solid fuels, from wood chips using superheated steam is known.

[0005] Specifically, Patent Document 1 discloses a semi-carbonized product generating apparatus in which a drying path (drying screw conveyor) for drying wood chips, a semi-carbonization path (semi-carbonization screw conveyor) for semi-carbonizing the dried wood chips to generate semi-carbonized products, and a cooling path (discharge screw conveyor) for lowering the temperature of the semi-carbonized products are juxtaposed in this order.

[0006] Furthermore, Patent Document 1 further heats the high-temperature steam generated by a steam generating apparatus with a superheated steam generating apparatus to generate ultra-high-temperature superheated steam, and supplies the ultra-high-temperature superheated steam to both the drying path and the semi-carbonization path via nozzle pipes.

[0007] By the way, in the drying and semi-carbonization passages of Patent Document 1, wood chips are wound upward by the rotation of a screw feeder (rotating screw) and transported while in contact with superheated steam injected from a nozzle pipe.

[0008] However, in the drying and semi-carbonization passages of Patent Document 1, the screw feeder and nozzle piping are housed inside a cylindrical casing in a vertically oriented configuration. In other words, in the drying and semi-carbonization passages of Patent Document 1, the screw feeder and nozzle piping are housed in a cylindrical casing with a diameter larger than the diameter of the screw feeder.

[0009] Therefore, when the wood chips are wound up by the rotation of the screw feeder, in the semi-carbide generating apparatus of Patent Document 1, there is a risk that the wood chips will move along the inner surface of the housing due to centrifugal force and will not reach the space above the screw feeder, i.e., the upper space of the housing.

[0010] Consequently, in the semi-carbide production apparatus of Patent Document 1, the wood chips have difficulty coming into contact with the superheated steam injected from the nozzle piping, and the wood chips are not heated evenly, which could lead to the production of semi-carbide with large variations in quality as a solid fuel. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6124494 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0012] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a semi-carbide production apparatus that can produce semi-carbides with uniform quality as solid fuel. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] This invention relates to a semi-carbonized material generating apparatus having an input port into which wood chips are fed, a drying passage for drying the wood chips while transporting them in a first transport direction by a screw feeder, a semi-carbonization passage for semi-carbonizing the dried wood chips while transporting them in a second transport direction by a screw feeder, and a cooling passage for cooling the semi-carbonized material obtained from the wood chips while transporting it in a third transport direction by a screw feeder, all arranged in this order, wherein the downstream side of the first transport direction in the drying passage and the upstream side of the second transport direction in the semi-carbonization passage are... The device comprises a first connecting passage that connects the side and the other, a second connecting passage that connects the downstream side in the second transport direction of the semi-carbonization passage and the upstream side in the third transport direction of the cooling passage, a steam generating means for heating water to generate superheated steam, and a steam introduction passage for introducing the superheated steam generated by the steam generating means into the internal space of the drying passage and the internal space of the semi-carbonization passage, wherein the drying passage and the semi-carbonization passage are provided with a cylindrical housing that pivotally supports the screw feeder and has a cross section that is roughly inverted kamaboko shape with an arcuate surface protruding downward, and the steam introduction passage is connected to the upper corner of the housing. The steam introduction passage is composed of a first steam introduction passage connecting the steam generating means and the semi-carbonization passage, and a second steam introduction passage connecting the semi-carbonization passage and the drying passage. It is characterized by the following.

[0014] The wood chips mentioned above refer to materials produced from the trunks, branches, twigs, and tops of trees that can be used in a cascading manner. Trees include conifers, broad-leaved trees, fast-growing trees, and driftwood. The arrangement of the drying path, semi-carbonization path, and cooling path in this order means that the first and third conveying directions are the same, and the second conveying direction is opposite to the first conveying direction, arranged in this order from above. Alternatively, it means that the first, second, and third conveying directions are the same, arranged in a stepped manner from above. The above-mentioned roughly inverted kamaboko-shaped cross section refers to a roughly U-shaped cross section with a closed upper opening, or a roughly inverted bell-shaped cross section with a closed upper opening.

[0015] According to this invention, since the semi-carbonized product generating device can uniformly heat the wood chips, it can generate semi-carbonized products with uniform quality as solid fuels.

[0016] Specifically, since the housing is formed in a cylindrical shape with a substantially inverted bell-shaped cross-section, the drying path and the semi-carbonization path can form an internal space adjacent to the upper part of the screw feeder in the horizontal direction at the upper corner of the housing. Since a steam introduction path is connected to such a corner of the housing, the drying path and the semi-carbonization path are such that the tip of the steam introduction path does not interfere with the screw feeder.

[0017] Thereby, the semi-carbonized product generating device can bring the upper surface of the housing closer to the upper end of the screw feeder in the drying path and the semi-carbonization path, and shorten the distance between the tip of the steam introduction path and the bottom of the housing. Therefore, the semi-carbonized product generating device can evenly distribute superheated steam to the bottom of the housing in the drying path and the semi-carbonization path.

[0018] Furthermore, since the lifted wood chips pass through the internal space adjacent to the upper part of the screw feeder in the horizontal direction, the semi-carbonized product generating device can efficiently and surely bring the wood chips into contact with the superheated steam. Therefore, since the semi-carbonized product generating device can uniformly heat the wood chips, it can generate semi-carbonized products with uniform quality as solid fuels.

[0019] Furthermore, the steam introduction passage is composed of a first steam introduction passage connecting the steam generating means and the semi-carbonization passage, and a second steam introduction passage connecting the semi-carbonization passage and the drying passage.

[0020] Therefore, since the superheated steam generated by the steam generation means can be directly introduced into the semi-carbonization path via the first steam introduction path, the semi-carbide production apparatus can easily control the internal temperature of the semi-carbide path to the desired temperature. As a result, the semi-carbide production apparatus can produce semi-carbides of the desired quality in the semi-carbide path.

[0021] Furthermore, since the semi-carbonization path and the drying path are connected by the second steam inlet path, the superheated steam generated by the steam generating means is introduced into the drying path through the first steam inlet path, the semi-carbonization path, and the second steam inlet path.

[0022] In this case, the superheated steam cooled inside the semi-carbonization path flows into the second steam inlet path. Therefore, the semi-carbonized product generating device can lower the temperature of the superheated steam introduced into the drying path to a lower temperature than the superheated steam introduced into the semi-carbonization path, without requiring a separate adjustment unit to control the temperature of the superheated steam.

[0023] This allows the semi-carbonized material generating device to more reliably dry the wood chips while preventing them from becoming semi-carbonized or carbonized inside the drying path. Therefore, the semi-carbide production apparatus can suppress the increase in the number of parts and the size of the apparatus, while producing semi-carbides of even more stable quality.

[0024] In another aspect of this invention, the internal temperature of the semi-carbonization path to which the first steam introduction path is connected may be in the range of 300°C to 350°C, and the internal temperature of the drying path to which the second steam introduction path is connected may be in the range of 150°C to 200°C.

[0025] With this configuration, the temperature range of the drying path, which is suitable for drying wood chips, is lower than the temperature range of the semi-carbonization path, which is suitable for semi-carbonization of wood chips. Therefore, the semi-carbonized material generator can use the superheated steam cooled in the semi-carbonization path to dry the wood chips without raising the temperature again. As a result, the semi-carbonized material generator can efficiently heat the wood chips in both the drying path and the semi-carbonization path.

[0026] Furthermore, by controlling, for example, the conveying speed of wood chips in the semi-carbonization path and / or the flow rate of superheated steam, the semi-carbonized product generating apparatus can adjust the temperature of the superheated steam introduced from the second steam inlet path into the drying path, thus easily controlling the temperature inside the drying path to a range of 150°C to 200°C.

[0027] In one aspect of this invention, the steam introduction passage may be equipped with a diffusion nozzle that diffuses and injects superheated steam toward the screw feeder. With this configuration, superheated steam can be diffused and injected into the interior of the enclosure, allowing the semi-carbide generating device to distribute the superheated steam more effectively to the bottom of the drying path and the bottom of the semi-carbide path.

[0028] Therefore, the semi-carbide generating apparatus can achieve more uniform internal temperatures in the drying path and the semi-carbide path, and can more reliably bring the wood chips into contact with superheated steam. This allows the semi-carbide generating device to heat the wood chips more evenly.

[0029] In another aspect of this invention, the steam introduction passage may be configured such that, outside the housing, the ends of the equally branched sections at predetermined branching points are connected to the corners on both sides of the housing. With this configuration, since the steam intake lines are equally branched outside the enclosure, they will be connected to the two corners of the enclosure.

[0030] Therefore, compared to a system where the steam inlet is connected to only one corner, the semi-carbide generating device can more evenly fill the inside of the drying passage and the semi-carbide passage with superheated steam. In this case, because the steam inlet is equally branched, the semi-carbide generating device can suppress fluctuations in the injection pressure of superheated steam.

[0031] As a result, the semi-carbide generating apparatus can distribute superheated steam evenly to the bottom of the casing in the drying and semi-carburization paths, allowing for more uniform heating of the wood chips.

[0032] In another aspect of this invention, the drying passage may be configured such that the steam introduction passages are connected at predetermined intervals in the first conveying direction between the input port and the first connecting passage, and the semi-carbonization passage may be configured such that the steam introduction passages are connected at predetermined intervals in the second conveying direction between the first connecting passage and the second connecting passage.

[0033] With this configuration, the semi-carbonized material generating apparatus can continuously heat the wood chips that are transported through the drying path from the input port to the first connecting passage, and the wood chips that are transported through the semi-carbonization path from the first connecting passage to the second connecting passage. As a result, the semi-carbide production device can produce semi-carbides with more uniform quality as solid fuel.

[0034] In another aspect of this invention, the steam generating means may be configured to generate the superheated steam by electromagnetic induction heating. With this configuration, the semi-carbide generating device can easily and accurately control the water heating temperature, allowing for the continuous supply of superheated steam with minimal temperature variation to the steam inlet. Therefore, because the semi-carbonized material generating device can stably heat wood chips, it can produce semi-carbonized material with even less variation in quality as a solid fuel.

[0035] Furthermore, in an embodiment of this invention, the invention may also include an inlet temperature sensor that detects the internal temperature on the first connection side between the first and second connection passages in the semi-carbonization path, an outlet temperature sensor that detects the internal temperature on the second connection side of the semi-carbonization path between the first and second connection passages in the semi-carbonization path, and a semi-carbonization path steam flow rate control means that controls the flow rate of superheated steam introduced into the semi-carbonization path based on the internal temperature of the semi-carbonization path detected by the inlet temperature sensor and the outlet temperature sensor.

[0036] With this configuration, the semi-carbide generating apparatus can maintain the internal temperature of the semi-carbide path at a desired temperature between the first and second connecting passages. Therefore, the semi-carbide generating apparatus can stably heat the wood chips inside the semi-carbide path while preventing spontaneous combustion of the wood chips.

[0037] Furthermore, in an embodiment of this invention, the invention may include a semi-carbonization path control means that controls the rotational speed of the screw feeder of the semi-carbonization path based on the internal temperature of the semi-carbonization path detected by the inlet-side temperature sensor and the outlet-side temperature sensor of the semi-carbonization path.

[0038] With this configuration, the conveying speed of the wood chips can be adjusted by the semi-carbonization path control means that controls the rotational speed of the screw feeder. Therefore, the semi-carbonized material generating device can easily change the heating time of the wood chips based on the internal temperature of the semi-carbonization path. As a result, the semi-carbonized material generating device can heat the wood chips more reliably. Furthermore, when using wood chips with different moisture content or shapes, the semi-carbide generating device can produce semi-carbides from wood chips by changing the heating time of the wood chips, without changing the temperature of the superheated steam.

[0039] Furthermore, in an embodiment of this invention, the invention may include an inlet-side temperature sensor that detects the internal temperature on the inlet side between the inlet and the first connecting passage in the drying path, an outlet-side temperature sensor that detects the internal temperature on the first connecting passage side between the inlet and the first connecting passage in the drying path, and a drying path steam flow rate control means that controls the flow rate of superheated steam introduced into the drying path based on the internal temperature of the drying path detected by the inlet-side temperature sensor and the outlet-side temperature sensor.

[0040] With this configuration, the semi-carbonized material generating device can maintain the internal temperature of the drying path at a desired temperature between the input port and the first connecting passage. Therefore, the semi-carbonized material generating device can stably dry the wood chips while preventing them from becoming semi-carbonized or completely carbonized inside the drying path.

[0041] Furthermore, in an embodiment of this invention, a drying path control means may be provided that controls the rotational speed of the screw feeder in the drying path based on the internal temperature of the drying path detected by the inlet-side temperature sensor and the outlet-side temperature sensor of the drying path.

[0042] With this configuration, the wood chip transport speed can be adjusted by the drying path control means that controls the rotation speed of the screw feeder. Therefore, the semi-carbonized material generating device can easily change the heating time of the wood chips based on the internal temperature of the drying path. As a result, the semi-carbonized material generating device can reliably dry the wood chips. Furthermore, when using wood chips with different moisture content and shapes, the semi-carbide generating device can dry the wood chips to the desired moisture content by changing the heating time of the wood chips, without changing the temperature of the superheated steam.

[0043] In another aspect of this invention, the cooling passage may comprise a substantially cylindrical housing that pivotally supports the screw feeder, a water jacket provided on the outer circumferential surface of the housing through which cooling water flows, a discharge port for discharging the semi-carbide to the outside, and a cooling passage temperature sensor between the second connecting passage and the discharge port for detecting the internal temperature on the discharge port side, and may also be provided with a cooling water supply means for supplying the cooling water to the water jacket when the internal temperature of the cooling passage exceeds a predetermined temperature.

[0044] The specified temperature mentioned above refers to, for example, the autoignition temperature of the semi-carbide, or a temperature lower than the autoignition temperature of the semi-carbide. With this configuration, the temperature of the semi-carbide can be indirectly lowered using cooling water, allowing the semi-carbide production apparatus to cool the semi-carbide more efficiently and reliably compared to when the temperature of the semi-carbide is lowered by natural cooling.

[0045] Furthermore, because the device detects the internal temperature on the outlet side of the cooling path, it can prevent the semi-carbide from being discharged to the outside without being sufficiently cooled, thus preventing spontaneous combustion. This allows the semi-carbide production device to safely discharge semi-carbides of uniform quality to the outside. As a result, the total length of the cooling path can be reduced compared to when the semi-carbides are naturally cooled during the transport process.

[0046] In another aspect of this invention, the drying path may be provided with an input path for transporting the wood chips toward the input port, and the input path may be equipped with a screw feeder for transporting the wood chips.

[0047] With this configuration, the semi-carbonized material generating device can transport wood chips, even if they are compressed into blocks, towards the input port of the drying path while the screw feeder in the input path breaks up the clumps of wood chips. Therefore, the semi-carbide generating device can ensure that the wood chips are evenly exposed to superheated steam inside the drying passage.

[0048] Furthermore, if the input passage is formed to have a smaller diameter than, for example, the housing for the drying passage, the housing for the semi-carbonization passage, and the housing for the cooling passage, the semi-carbonized material generating apparatus can feed the transported wood chips into the drying passage without blocking the inside of the small-diameter input passage. Therefore, the semi-carbonized material generating apparatus can prevent the drying passage, semi-carbonization passage, and cooling passage, which have a larger diameter than the input passage, from being blocked by the wood chips.

[0049] In addition, since blockages due to wood chip clogging are more likely to occur in small-diameter loading channels, the semi-carbonized material generating device can prevent wood chips of a size that easily causes blockages from being fed into the drying channel by blocking the loading channel, and even if a blockage does occur, it makes it easier to identify the location of the blockage.

[0050] In another aspect of this invention, a gas separator may be connected near the first connecting passage in the drying path to separate the gas inside the drying path into a gas containing water vapor and a liquid containing oil by centrifugal force. The gas mentioned above refers to a mixture of gas containing oil that volatilizes during the drying of wood chips, for example, and superheated steam.

[0051] With this configuration, the gas inside the drying passage can be separated into a gas containing water vapor and a liquid containing oil, allowing the semi-carbide generating device to safely discharge the gas inside the drying passage to the outside. Furthermore, the semi-carbide generating device further separates the oil-containing liquid into oil and water in the gas separator, thereby enabling safer discharge of the gas to the outside. [Effects of the Invention]

[0052] The present invention provides a semi-carbide production apparatus capable of producing semi-carbides with uniform quality as solid fuel. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0053] [Figure 1] A schematic front view of the semi-carbide production apparatus. [Figure 2] A plan view showing the schematic of a semi-carbide production apparatus. [Figure 3] A block diagram showing the configuration of a semi-carbide production apparatus. [Figure 4] A front view showing a schematic of the main components of the semi-carbide production apparatus. [Figure 5] A cross-sectional diagram showing the general layout of the drying and semi-carbonizing channels in a vertical section along the front-to-back direction. [Figure 6]A schematic diagram showing the general layout of the steam inlet. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0054] One embodiment of this invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The semi-carbonized material generating apparatus 1 of this embodiment is a device that generates semi-carbonized material, which can be used as solid fuel, by heating wood chips such as cedar or driftwood with superheated steam. This semi-carbonized material generating apparatus 1 will be explained with reference to Figures 1 to 6.

[0055] Figure 1 shows a schematic front view of the semi-carbide production apparatus 1, Figure 2 shows a schematic top view of the semi-carbide production apparatus 1, and Figure 3 shows a block diagram of the semi-carbide production apparatus 1. Furthermore, Figure 4 shows a schematic front view of the main parts of the semi-carbide production apparatus 1, Figure 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the drying passage 3 and semi-carbide passage 4 in a vertical cross-section along the front-rear direction X, and Figure 6 shows a schematic view of the steam introduction passage 9.

[0056] Furthermore, to clarify the illustrations, the loading passage 2, drying passage 3, semi-carbonization passage 4, and cooling passage 5 are shown in vertical cross-sections along the width direction Y in Figures 1 and 4. Furthermore, the upper side of the figure is considered to be above the semi-carbide generating device 1, and the lower side of the figure is considered to be below the semi-carbide generating device 1. In the figure, arrow X indicates the front-to-back direction of the semi-carbide generating device 1 (hereinafter referred to as the front-to-back direction X), and arrow Y indicates the width direction of the semi-carbide generating device 1 (hereinafter referred to as the width direction Y).

[0057] Furthermore, within the width direction Y, the direction toward the left in Figure 1 is considered one side of the width direction Y, and the direction toward the right in Figure 1 is considered the other side of the width direction Y. Furthermore, the wood chips of this embodiment shall have a fine portion of less than 4 mm, a main portion of 4 to 26 mm, a coarse portion of 26 to 45 mm, a maximum length of less than 85 mm, and a moisture content of 33% or less. These wood chips are produced from the trunk, branches, twigs, and tops of trees that can be utilized in a cascading manner. The trees may include conifers, broad-leaved trees, fast-growing trees, and driftwood.

[0058] First, as shown in Figure 1, the semi-carbonized material generating apparatus 1 includes an input passage 2 that receives the input of wood chips and transports them in a transport direction from below diagonally upward (see arrow T1 in Figure 1), and a drying passage 3, a semi-carbonization passage 4, and a cooling passage 5 that transport the wood chips discharged from the input passage 2 in the width direction Y.

[0059] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the semi-carbide generating apparatus 1 includes a first connecting passage 6 that connects the internal space of the drying passage 3 to the internal space of the semi-carburization passage 4, and a second connecting passage 7 that connects the internal space of the semi-carburization passage 4 to the internal space of the cooling passage 5.

[0060] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the semi-carbide generating apparatus 1 includes a steam generator 8 that heats pure water to generate superheated steam, a steam introduction passage 9 that introduces the superheated steam into the drying passage 3 and the semi-carbide passage 4, and a gas separator 10 that separates the gas in the drying passage 3 into gas and liquid. In addition, the semi-carbide production apparatus 1 is equipped with a control device 11 that controls the operation of the input passage 2, the drying passage 3, the semi-carbide passage 4, and the steam generator 8, as shown in Figures 1 and 3.

[0061] More specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the loading path 2 comprises a transport path housing 21 extending in the direction of transport of wood chips (from below to diagonally upward), a screw feeder 22 housed inside the transport path housing 21, and a drive motor 23 for rotating the screw feeder 22.

[0062] As shown in Figure 1, the transport path housing 21 of the loading path 2 is cylindrical in shape, extending in the direction of transport of wood chips, and is formed with both ends in the transport direction closed. Although detailed illustrations are omitted, the transport path housing 21 is formed with a smaller diameter than the diameter of the arcuate surface of the drying path housing 31, which will be described later. The transport path housing 21 is provided with an input port 24 at its lower end for receiving wood chips from above, and an output port 25 at its upper end for discharging the transported wood chips downwards.

[0063] Furthermore, the screw feeder 22 of the loading path 2 is a shaft that extends in the direction of transporting wood chips, with both ends in the transport direction rotatably supported by the transport path housing 21. This screw feeder 22 consists of a shaft portion (not shown in the reference numerals) that extends in the transport direction and is pivotally supported by the transport path housing 21, and a helical screw blade (not shown in the reference numerals) erected on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion and extending along the transport direction.

[0064] Furthermore, the drive motor 23 of the loading path 2 is attached to the upper end of the transport path housing 21 and connected to the upper end of the screw feeder 22. As shown in Figure 3, this drive motor 23 is electrically connected to the control device 11 (control unit 11d, which will be described later) and is driven based on control signals from the control device 11 to rotate the screw feeder 22.

[0065] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the drying passage 3, the semi-carbonization passage 4, and the cooling passage 5 are arranged in this order from top to bottom below the discharge port 25 of the input passage 2. Specifically, as shown by the arrow T3 in Figure 4, the drying path 3 is configured to transport the wood chips discharged from the outlet 25 of the input path 2 in a first transport direction T3 toward one side in the width direction Y, while drying them with superheated steam.

[0066] As shown in Figure 4, the drying passage 3 comprises a drying passage housing 31 extending in the width direction Y, a screw feeder 32 housed inside the drying passage housing 31, a drive motor 33 for rotating the screw feeder 32, and an inlet-side temperature sensor 34 and an outlet-side temperature sensor 35 for detecting the internal temperature of the drying passage housing 31.

[0067] Specifically, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the drying passage housing 31 of the drying passage 3 is a cylindrical body that extends in the width direction Y and has both ends in the width direction Y closed. The cross-sectional shape in the vertical section along the front-to-back direction X is formed in a roughly inverted semi-circular shape that protrudes downward.

[0068] As shown in Figure 4, a first connecting passage 6 is connected to the lower surface of the drying passage housing 31 near the end on the downstream side (one side in the width direction Y) in the first transport direction T3, and a gas separator 10 is connected to the side surface on the one side in the width direction Y from the first connecting passage 6. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the drying passage housing 31 is connected to a hopper 36 that receives the wood chips discharged from the input passage 2, and a drainage passage 37 that drains the condensed water generated inside.

[0069] More specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the hopper 36 is connected to the upper surface of the drying passage housing 31 near the upstream end (the other side in the width direction Y) in the first conveying direction T3. This hopper 36 is a cylindrical body with an open top, and it connects the internal space of the drying passage housing 31 to the outside. As shown in Figure 4, the drainage channel 37 is connected to the lower surface of the drying channel housing 31 on one side in the width direction Y of the location where the gas separator 10 is connected.

[0070] Here, the drying passage housing 31 will be described in more detail. As shown in Figure 5, the drying passage housing 31 is formed in a roughly inverted semicircular shape in a vertical cross section along the front-rear direction X, with a semicircular bottom portion 31a projecting downward, side portions 31b erected upward from both ends of the bottom portion 31a, and a flat plate-shaped top portion 31c connecting the upper ends of the side portions 31b.

[0071] As shown in Figure 5, the upper surface 31c of the drying passage housing 31 has a pair of connecting parts 31d that are adjacent to the side surface 31b and to which the steam introduction passage 9 (the second steam introduction passage 92, which will be described later) is connected, and which protrude upward.

[0072] In other words, the steam introduction passage 9 (the second steam introduction passage 92, described later) is connected to the upper corner portion of the drying passage housing 31, which is formed by the side portion 31b and the top portion 31c. Furthermore, the bottom surface 31a of the drying path housing 31 is slightly larger in diameter than the screw feeder 32 and is formed in a semicircular shape concentric with the screw feeder 32.

[0073] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the screw feeder 32 of the drying passage 3 is a shaft that extends in the width direction Y, and both ends in the width direction Y are rotatably supported by the drying passage housing 31. The screw feeder 32 is arranged coaxially with respect to the bottom surface 31a of the drying passage housing 31.

[0074] Specifically, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the screw feeder 32 consists of a shaft portion 32a that extends in the width direction Y and is pivotally supported by the drying path housing 31, and a helical screw blade 32b that is erected on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion 32a and extends along the width direction Y.

[0075] The screw blade 32b is configured such that the side on the width direction Y relative to the first passage 6 can transport wood chips in the first transport direction T3 (one side in the width direction Y), and the side on the width direction Y relative to the first passage 6 can transport wood chips in the opposite direction to the first transport direction T3 (the other side in the width direction Y).

[0076] Furthermore, the drive motor 33 of the drying path 3 is attached to the end of the drying path housing 31 on the other side in the width direction Y, and the shaft portion 32a of the screw feeder 32 is connected to it. As shown in Figure 3, this drive motor 33 is electrically connected to the control device 11 (control unit 11d, which will be described later), and is driven based on the control signal from the control device 11 to rotate the screw feeder 32.

[0077] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the inlet-side temperature sensor 34 and the outlet-side temperature sensor 35 of the drying passage 3 are electrically connected to the control device 11 (control unit 11d, which will be described later), and are configured to detect the internal temperature of the drying passage 3 and to output a signal indicating the detected internal temperature to the control device 11.

[0078] Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the inlet-side temperature sensor 34 is located on the hopper 36 side between the hopper 36 and the first connecting passage 6. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 4, the outlet-side temperature sensor 35 is located on the side of the first connecting passage 6 between the hopper 36 and the first connecting passage 6.

[0079] Furthermore, the semi-carbonization path 4 is configured to transport the wood chips dried in the drying path 3 in a second transport direction T5 toward the other side in the width direction Y, while further heating them with superheated steam, as shown by the arrow T5 in Figure 4. The wood chips transported through the semi-carbonization passage 4 are semi-carbonized by heating and then transported to the cooling passage 5 as semi-carbonized material.

[0080] As shown in Figure 4, the semi-carbonization path 4 comprises a carbonization path housing 41 extending in the width direction Y, a screw feeder 42 housed inside the carbonization path housing 41, a drive motor 43 for rotating the screw feeder 42, and an inlet-side temperature sensor 44 and an outlet-side temperature sensor 45 for detecting the internal temperature of the carbonization path housing 41. Furthermore, the carbonization path housing 41 and screw feeder 42 of the semi-carbonization path 4 are formed to be approximately the same size as the drying path housing 31 and screw feeder 32 of the drying path 3.

[0081] Specifically, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the carbonization path housing 41 of the semi-carbonization path 4 is a cylindrical body that extends in the width direction Y and has both ends in the width direction Y closed. The cross-sectional shape in the vertical section along the front-to-back direction X is formed in a roughly inverted semi-circular shape that protrudes downward.

[0082] As shown in Figure 4, the carbonization path housing 41 has a first connecting passage 6 connected to the upper surface near the end on the upstream side (one side in the width direction Y) of the second transport direction T5, and a second connecting passage 7 connected to the lower surface near the end on the downstream side (the other side in the width direction Y) of the second transport direction T5.

[0083] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, a drainage channel 46 for draining condensed water generated inside is connected to the carbonization channel housing 41. This drainage channel 46 is connected to the lower surface of the carbonization channel housing 41 on one side in the width direction Y relative to the first connecting passage 6.

[0084] Here, the carbonization path housing 41 will be described in more detail. As shown in Figure 5, the carbonization path housing 41 is formed in a roughly inverted semicircular shape in a vertical cross section along the front-rear direction X, with a semicircular bottom portion 41a projecting downward, side portions 41b erected upward from both ends of the bottom portion 41a, and a flat plate-shaped top portion 41c connecting the upper ends of the side portions 41b.

[0085] As shown in Figure 5, the upper surface 41c of the carbonization passage housing 41 has a pair of connecting parts 41d that are adjacent to the side surface 41b and to which the steam introduction passage 9 (the first steam introduction passage 91, which will be described later) is connected, and which protrude upward.

[0086] In other words, the carbonization passage housing 41, like the drying passage 3, has a steam introduction passage 9 (the first steam introduction passage 91, described later) connected to the upper corner formed by the side portion 41b and the top portion 41c. Furthermore, the bottom surface 41a of the carbonization path housing 41 is slightly larger in diameter than the screw feeder 42 and is formed in a semicircular shape concentric with the screw feeder 42.

[0087] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the screw feeder 42 of the semi-carbonization path 4 is a shaft extending in the width direction Y, with both ends in the width direction Y rotatably supported by the carbonization path housing 41. The screw feeder 42 is positioned coaxially with respect to the bottom surface 41a of the carbonization path housing 41.

[0088] Specifically, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the screw feeder 42 consists of a shaft portion 42a that extends in the width direction Y and is pivotally supported by the carbonization path housing 41, and a helical screw blade 42b that is erected on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion 42a and extends along the width direction Y.

[0089] The screw blade 42b is configured such that one side in the width direction Y relative to the second passage 7 can transport wood chips in the second transport direction T5 (the other side in the width direction Y), and the other side in the width direction Y relative to the second passage 7 can transport wood chips in the opposite direction to the second transport direction T5 (one side in the width direction Y).

[0090] Furthermore, the drive motor 43 of the semi-carbonization path 4 is attached to the end of the carbonization path housing 41 on the other side in the width direction Y, and the shaft portion 42a of the screw feeder 42 is connected to it. As shown in Figure 3, this drive motor 43 is electrically connected to the control device 11 (control unit 11d, which will be described later), and is driven based on the control signal from the control device 11 to rotate the screw feeder 42.

[0091] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the inlet temperature sensor 44 and outlet temperature sensor 45 of the semi-carbonization path 4 are electrically connected to the control device 11 (control unit 11d, which will be described later) and are configured to detect the internal temperature of the semi-carbonization path 4 and to output a signal indicating the detected internal temperature to the control device 11.

[0092] Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the inlet-side temperature sensor 44 is located on the first communication passage 6 side between the first communication passage 6 and the second communication passage 7. On the other hand, the outlet-side temperature sensor 45 is located on the second communication passage 7 side between the first communication passage 6 and the second communication passage 7, as shown in Figure 4.

[0093] Furthermore, as shown by the arrow T7 in Figure 4, the cooling passage 5 is configured to transport the semi-carbide supplied from the semi-carbide passage 4 via the second connecting passage 7 in a third transport direction T7 toward one side in the width direction Y, while cooling it with cooling water to a temperature at which it will not spontaneously ignite.

[0094] As shown in Figure 4, the cooling passage 5 comprises a cooling passage housing 51 extending in the width direction Y, a screw feeder 52 housed inside the cooling passage housing 51, and a drive motor 53 for rotating the screw feeder 52.

[0095] Furthermore, the cooling passage 5 includes a water jacket 54 provided on the outer surface of the cooling passage housing 51 and a cooling passage temperature sensor 55 that detects the internal temperature of the cooling passage housing 51. Furthermore, the screw feeder 52 of the cooling passage 5 is formed to be approximately the same size as the screw feeder 32 of the drying passage 3.

[0096] Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the cooling passage housing 51 of the cooling passage 5 is slightly larger in diameter than the screw feeder 52, is cylindrical and concentric with the screw feeder 52, and is formed with both ends in the width direction Y closed.

[0097] As shown in Figure 4, the cooling passage housing 51 has a second connecting passage 7 connected to the upper surface near the end on the upstream side (the other side in the width direction Y) of the third conveying direction T7, and an outlet 56 for discharging the cooled semi-carbide downwards is connected to the lower surface near the end on the downstream side (the one side in the width direction Y) of the third conveying direction T7.

[0098] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the screw feeder 52 of the cooling passage 5 is a shaft extending in the width direction Y, with both ends in the width direction Y rotatably supported by the cooling passage housing 51. As shown in Figure 4, this screw feeder 52 consists of a shaft portion 52a that extends in the width direction Y and is pivotally supported by the cooling passage housing 51, and a helical screw blade 52b that is erected on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion 52a and extends along the width direction Y.

[0099] The screw blade 52b is formed such that the side of the width Y relative to the discharge port 56 can transport the semi-carbide in the third transport direction T7 (one side of the width Y), and the side of the width Y relative to the discharge port 56 can transport the semi-carbide in the opposite direction to the third transport direction T7 (the other side of the width Y).

[0100] Furthermore, the drive motor 53 for the cooling passage 5 is attached to the end of the cooling passage housing 51 on the other side in the width direction Y, and the shaft portion 52a of the screw feeder 52 is connected to it. As shown in Figure 3, this drive motor 53 is electrically connected to the control device 11 (control unit 11d, which will be described later), and is driven based on the control signal from the control device 11 to rotate the screw feeder 52.

[0101] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the water jacket 54 of the cooling passage 5 is formed to form a closed cross-section with the outer surface of the cooling passage housing 51 between the second communication passage 7 and the outlet 56. As shown in Figure 4, cooling water is injected into the water jacket 54 via a water supply pipe 54a connected to the second communication passage 7 side, and the cooling water is drained to the outside via a drain pipe 54b connected to the outlet 56 side.

[0102] As shown in Figure 6, the water supply pipe 54a is equipped with a pressure pump 57 and a water inlet valve 58 in that order, from the water source side toward the water jacket 54. Specifically, the pressure pump 57 is a pump electrically connected to the control device 11 (control unit 11d, which will be described later), as shown in Figure 3. This pressure pump 57 is configured to switch between pumping cooling water towards the water jacket 54 and stopping the pumping based on a control signal from the control device 11.

[0103] On the other hand, the water injection valve 58, as shown in Figure 3, is a solenoid valve electrically connected to the control device 11 (control unit 11d, which will be described later). This water injection valve 58 is configured to switch between injecting water into the water jacket 54 and stopping the water injection based on a control signal from the control device 11.

[0104] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the cooling passage temperature sensor 55 of the cooling passage 5 is electrically connected to the control device 11 (control unit 11d, which will be described later), and is configured to detect the internal temperature of the cooling passage 5 and to output a signal indicating the detected internal temperature to the control device 11. As shown in Figure 4, this cooling passage temperature sensor 55 is located on the outlet 56 side between the water jacket 54 and the outlet 56.

[0105] Furthermore, the steam generator 8 is a device that heats pure water supplied from a pure water generator (not shown) to generate superheated steam at a temperature of 300°C to 700°C. As shown in Figure 6, the steam generator 8 includes a piping section 81 that connects a pure water generator (not shown) to a steam introduction passage 9, and a saturated steam generation section 82 that heats the pure water flowing through the piping section 81 to generate saturated steam.

[0106] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the steam generator 8 includes a superheated steam generating unit 83 that further superheats the saturated steam flowing through the piping section 81 to generate superheated steam, and a flow rate control valve 84 provided in the piping section 81 downstream of the superheated steam generating unit 83.

[0107] More specifically, the saturated steam generation unit 82 generates saturated steam by heating the pure water flowing through the piping unit 81 using electromagnetic induction heating. On the other hand, the superheated steam generation unit 83 generates superheated steam by heating the saturated steam flowing inside the piping unit 81 using electromagnetic induction heating.

[0108] As shown in Figure 3, the saturated steam generation unit 82 and the superheated steam generation unit 83 are electrically connected to the control device 11 (control unit 11d, which will be described later) and are configured to operate based on control signals from the control device 11.

[0109] Furthermore, the flow control valve 84 of the steam generator 8 is a solenoid valve electrically connected to the control device 11 (control unit 11d, which will be described later), as shown in Figure 3. This flow control valve 84 is configured to adjust its opening degree based on a control signal from the control device 11, thereby adjusting the flow rate of saturated steam toward the steam introduction passage 9.

[0110] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the steam introduction passage 9 consists of a first steam introduction passage 91 that connects the piping section 81 of the steam generator 8 to the semi-carbonization passage 4, and a set of three second steam introduction passages 92 that connect the semi-carbonization passage 4 to the drying passage 3.

[0111] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the first steam introduction passage 91 consists of a piping section 93 that connects the steam generator 8 to the semi-carbonization passage 4, and a diffusion nozzle 94 provided at the end of the piping section 93.

[0112] The piping section 93 of the first steam introduction passage 91 has one end connected to the steam generator 8, branches in the width direction Y between the drying passage 3 and the semi-carbonization passage 4, then branches again in the front-rear direction X near the semi-carbonization passage 4, and is connected to the connection section 41d of the semi-carbonization passage 4.

[0113] Specifically, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the piping section 93 consists of one inlet pipe 93a connected to the steam generator 8 at one end, three first branch pipes 93b branching from the inlet pipe 93a, and two second branch pipes 93c branching from each end of the first branch pipes 93b.

[0114] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the introduction pipe 93a of the piping section 93 extends from one end connected to the steam generator 8 toward the space between the drying passage 3 and the semi-carbonization passage 4. The introduction pipe 93a is positioned so that its tip is located approximately in the center of the width Y between the first connecting passage 6 and the second connecting passage 7.

[0115] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2, 4, and 6, the first branch pipe 93b of the piping section 93 branches out in three directions between the drying passage 3 and the semi-carbonization passage 4: downward from the tip of the introduction pipe 93a, to one side in the width direction Y, and to the other side in the width direction Y. Furthermore, the first branch pipe 93b is formed such that the portion branched toward one side in the width direction Y and the portion branched toward the other side in the width direction Y are approximately equal in length.

[0116] Of this first branch pipe 93b, the portion that branches off toward one side in the width direction Y is formed in a shape that bends downward between the first connecting passage 6 and the inlet-side temperature sensor 44, as shown in Figures 4 and 6.

[0117] On the other hand, the portion of the first branch pipe 93b that branches off toward the other side in the width direction Y is formed in a shape that bends downward between the outlet side temperature sensor 45 and the second communication passage 7, as shown in Figures 4 and 6.

[0118] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the second branch pipe 93c of the piping section 93 is equally branched into two in the front-rear direction X from the tip of the first branch pipe 93b and connected to the connection section 41d of the carbonization path housing 41. The second branch pipe 93c is formed so that the length from the tip of the first branch pipe 93b to the semi-carbonization path 4 is equal.

[0119] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the diffusion nozzle 94 of the first steam introduction passage 91 is located inside the connection portion 41d of the carbonization passage housing 41 and is connected to the tip of the second branch pipe 93c that protrudes into the inside of the connection portion 41d. This diffusion nozzle 94 is configured to diffuse and inject superheated steam sent from the steam generator 8 in multiple directions and introduce it into the carbonization passage housing 41.

[0120] More specifically, the diffusion nozzle 94 is formed on the lower surface facing the bottom surface 41a of the carbonization path housing 41, and has a shape having multiple injection ports (not shown) that open in multiple directions, including the front-to-back direction X and the width direction Y. The injection ports of the diffusion nozzle 94 are optimized so that superheated steam reaches the bottom surface 41a of the carbonization path housing 41.

[0121] Furthermore, the third set of second steam introduction passages 92 of the steam introduction passage 9, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, includes a pair of three piping sections 95 that connect the internal space of the semi-carbonization passage 4 to the internal space of the drying passage 3, a flow control valve 96 provided in the piping section 95, and a diffusion nozzle 97 provided at the end of the piping section 95.

[0122] Specifically, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the piping section 95 of the second steam inlet passage 92 is positioned adjacent to the second branch pipe 93c of the first steam inlet passage 91 and is arranged opposite to it in the front-rear direction X. As shown in Figure 5, this piping section 95 is a pipe that extends in the vertical direction, with its lower end connected to the side portion 41b of the semi-carbonization passage 4 and its upper end connected from above to the connection portion 31d of the drying passage 3.

[0123] Furthermore, the flow control valve 96 of the second steam inlet passage 92 is a manually operated valve whose opening degree can be adjusted by an operator. This flow control valve 96 is installed to adjust the flow rate of superheated steam flowing through the piping section 95 from the semi-carbonization passage 4 to the drying passage 3.

[0124] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the diffusion nozzle 97 of the second steam introduction passage 92 is located inside the connection portion 31d of the drying passage housing 31 and is connected to the tip of the piping portion 95 that protrudes into the inside of the connection portion 31d.

[0125] This diffusion nozzle 97 has the same configuration as the diffusion nozzle 94 of the first steam introduction passage 91, and is configured to diffusely inject superheated steam sent from the semi-carbonization passage 4 in multiple directions and introduce it into the interior of the drying passage housing 31.

[0126] Although the diffusion nozzle 97 has the same configuration as the diffusion nozzle 94 of the first steam introduction passage 91, and therefore a detailed explanation is omitted, it is optimized so that superheated steam reaches even the bottom surface 31a of the drying passage housing 31.

[0127] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the gas separator 10 is connected to an opening provided at one end of the drying passage 3 in the width direction Y, and is configured to separate the gas inside the drying passage 3 by centrifugal force and discharge it to the outside. The gas inside the drying passage 3 is, for example, a mixture of gas containing oil volatilized during the drying of wood chips and superheated steam.

[0128] As shown in Figure 6, this gas separator 10 has a configuration similar to that of a powder separator and includes a connecting pipe 10a connected to the opening of the drying passage 3 and a first separation unit 10b that separates the gas into a gas containing water vapor and a liquid containing oil.

[0129] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the gas separator 10 includes a chimney section 10c that discharges the gas separated inside the first separation section 10b to the outside, and a second separation section 10d that further separates the liquid separated inside the first separation section 10b into oil and water.

[0130] Specifically, as shown in Figure 6, the first separation section 10b is funnel-shaped, tapering downwards, and a connecting pipe 10a is connected to its upper part. This first separation section 10b is designed to cause the gas introduced via the connecting pipe 10a to swirl along its inner circumferential surface, thereby changing the gas flow into a vortex.

[0131] As shown in Figure 6, the second separation unit 10d is located below the first separation unit 10b and is configured to temporarily store the oil-containing liquid separated by centrifugal force, allowing it to be separated into oil and water.

[0132] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the control device 11 includes a storage unit 11a for storing various information, a display unit 11b for displaying various information, an operation reception unit 11c for receiving various operations from the worker, and a control unit 11d for controlling these operations. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the control unit 11d is connected to the input passage 2, drying passage 3, semi-carbonization passage 4, cooling passage 5, and steam generator 8, and has the function of controlling the operation of each of them.

[0133] Specifically, the storage unit 11a is composed of a hard disk or non-volatile memory, and has the function of writing and storing various types of information, and the function of reading various types of information. This storage unit 11a stores information related to the screen displayed on the display unit 11b. The display unit 11b is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display and has the function of displaying various information to the worker.

[0134] The operation reception unit 11c consists of, for example, buttons, switches, or a touch panel for operating the loading path 2, drying path 3, semi-carbonization path 4, cooling path 5, and steam generator 8. This operation reception unit 11c has the function of receiving various operations from the operator and the function of outputting information indicating the received operations to the control unit 11d.

[0135] The control unit 11d consists of hardware such as a CPU and memory, and software such as a control program, and has the function of controlling the operation of each part connected via a predetermined bus.

[0136] Furthermore, the control unit 11d has processing functions related to the exchange of various signals between the drive motor 23 of the input path 2, the drive motor 33 of the drying path 3, the inlet side temperature sensor 34, and the outlet side temperature sensor 35, and the drive motor 43 of the semi-carbonization path 4, the inlet side temperature sensor 44, and the outlet side temperature sensor 45.

[0137] In addition, the control unit 11d has a processing function for exchanging various signals between the cooling passage temperature sensor 55, the pressure pump 57, and the water injection valve 58 of the cooling passage 5, and the saturated steam generation unit 82, the superheated steam generation unit 83, and the flow rate control valve 84 of the steam generator 8. The control unit 11d adjusts the opening degree of the flow control valve 84 using PID control.

[0138] Next, we will explain the transport process of wood chips fed into the input port 24 of the loading passage 2 and the flow of superheated steam generated by the steam generator 8 in the semi-carbide production apparatus 1 with the above configuration.

[0139] First, let's explain the process of transporting the wood chips that have been fed into the input port 24 of the loading route 2. When an operator feeds wood chips into the input port 24 of the loading route 2, the wood chips are transported from below diagonally upward by the screw feeder 22 of the loading route 2, as shown by arrow T1 in Figure 1. At this point, the screw feeder 22 in the loading path 2 transports the wood chips toward the drying path 3 while loosening them appropriately.

[0140] Subsequently, the wood chips are discharged from the discharge port 25 of the inlet path 2 towards the hopper 36 of the drying path 3, as indicated by arrow T2 in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 4, the wood chips discharged into the drying path 3 are transported by the screw feeder 32 of the drying path 3 in the first transport direction T3 (from one side to the other in the width direction Y).

[0141] In this process, as shown in Figure 5, the wood chips C are wound upward by the screw feeder 32 and transported while being dried by superheated steam supplied to the drying path 3. Subsequently, the wood chips are transported from the drying path 3 to the semi-carbonization path 4 via the first connecting passage 6, as indicated by arrow T4 in Figure 4.

[0142] As shown in Figure 4, the wood chips transported from the first connecting passage 6 to the semi-carbonization passage 4 are carried by the screw feeder 42 in the semi-carbonization passage 4 in the second transport direction T5 (from one side to the other in the width direction Y).

[0143] In this process, as shown in Figure 5, the wood chips C are wound upward by the screw feeder 42 and heated by superheated steam supplied to the semi-carbonization path 4, and are transported while being converted into semi-carbonized material.

[0144] Subsequently, the partially carbonized wood chips are transported from the partial carbonization path 4 to the cooling path 5 via the second connecting passage 7, as indicated by arrow T6 in Figure 4. The semi-carbide material discharged from the second connecting passage 7 to the cooling passage 5 is transported by the screw feeder 52 of the cooling passage 5 in the third transport direction T7 (from one side to the other in the width direction Y), as shown in Figure 4.

[0145] During this process, the semi-carbide is transported while its temperature decreases through natural cooling or indirect cooling through heat exchange with the cooling water in the water jacket 54. Subsequently, the semi-carbide is discharged to the outside through the outlet 56 of the cooling passage 5, as indicated by arrow T8 in Figure 4.

[0146] Next, the flow of superheated steam generated by the steam generator 8 will be explained. The superheated steam generated by the steam generator 8, which is between 300°C and 700°C, is supplied from the steam generator 8 to the semi-carbonization passage 4 via the first steam inlet passage 91, as shown by arrow W1 in Figures 5 and 6. At this time, the semi-carbonization passage 4 is supplied with superheated steam at a flow rate that maintains its internal temperature between 300°C and 350°C.

[0147] Subsequently, the superheated steam is used to heat the wood chips inside the semi-carbonization passage 4, and then supplied to the drying passage 3 via the second steam introduction passage 92 (see arrow W2 in Figures 5 and 6). At this time, the drying passage 3 is supplied with superheated steam at a flow rate that maintains the internal temperature between 150°C and 200°C.

[0148] The superheated steam introduced into drying path 3 is used to dry the wood chips inside drying path 3, and then flows into gas separator 10 as a gas containing oils and other substances that volatilize as the wood chips dry (see arrow W3 in Figure 6).

[0149] Subsequently, the gas flowing into the gas separator 10 begins to swirl in a spiral shape by the first separation unit 10b, as shown by arrow W4 in Figure 6. The centrifugal force from the swirling separates the gas into a liquid component containing oil and a gaseous component containing water vapor, which are then discharged to the outside.

[0150] Specifically, the gaseous component containing water vapor is discharged to the outside through the chimney section 10c. On the other hand, the liquid component containing oil adheres to the inner surface of the first separation section 10b, then moves downward and is temporarily stored in the second separation section 10d, where it is separated into oil and water. Of the separated oil and water, the oil is discharged to the outside via a waste oil pump (not shown), and the water is discharged to the outside after its hydrogen ion concentration is adjusted.

[0151] Furthermore, the condensed water from the superheated steam inside the semi-carbonization passage 4 is drained to the outside via the drainage passage 46, as indicated by arrow W5 in Figure 6. Similarly, the condensed water from the superheated steam inside the drying passage 3 is drained to the outside via the drainage passage 37, as indicated by arrow W6 in Figure 6.

[0152] Next, we will explain the operation of the control unit 11d of the control device 11 in the semi-carbide production apparatus 1, which realizes the transport of wood chips fed into the input port 24 of the aforementioned loading passage 2 and the flow of superheated steam generated by the steam generator 8.

[0153] When the operation reception unit 11c of the control device 11 receives an operation from an operator to generate superheated steam, the control unit 11d of the control device 11 outputs a control signal to the steam generator 8 to generate superheated steam between 300°C and 700°C.

[0154] Specifically, the steam generator 8 generates saturated steam by heating the pure water in the piping section 81 using electromagnetic induction heating in the saturated steam generation section 82, and generates superheated steam by heating the saturated steam in the piping section 81 using electromagnetic induction heating in the superheated steam generation section 83.

[0155] Furthermore, the control unit 11d of the control device 11 opens the flow control valve 84 of the steam generator 8 to introduce superheated steam into the semi-carbonization passage 4. At this time, the control unit 11d adjusts the flow rate of superheated steam heading to the semi-carbonization passage 4 using the flow control valve 84, based on the internal temperature detected by the inlet temperature sensor 44 and the outlet temperature sensor 45 of the semi-carbonization passage 4, so that the internal temperature of the semi-carbonization passage 4 is in the range of 300°C to 350°C.

[0156] Furthermore, the operator manually adjusts the opening degree of the flow control valve 96 of the second steam introduction passage 92 so that the internal temperature of the drying passage 3 is between 150°C and 200°C. Furthermore, when the operation reception unit 11c of the control device 11 receives an operation from an operator to start the generation of semi-carbonized material, the control unit 11d of the control device 11 operates the input path 2, the drying path 3, the semi-carbonization path 4, and the cooling path 5, respectively.

[0157] Specifically, the control unit 11d outputs control signals to the drive motor 23 of the input passage 2, the drive motor 33 of the drying passage 3, the drive motor 43 of the semi-carbonization passage 4, and the drive motor 53 of the cooling passage 5, causing each to rotate at a predetermined rotational speed.

[0158] Furthermore, the control unit 11d outputs a control signal to the pressure pump 57 in the cooling passage 5 to operate the pressure pump 57, and also outputs a control signal to the water inlet valve 58 in the cooling passage 5 to close the water inlet valve 58.

[0159] Subsequently, the control unit 11d of the control device 11 adjusts the flow rate of superheated steam using the flow control valve 84 so that the internal temperature of the semi-carbonization passage 4 is between 300°C and 350°C, based on the internal temperature detected by the inlet temperature sensor 44 and the outlet temperature sensor 45 of the semi-carbonization passage 4.

[0160] In this process, the control unit 11d compares and determines the opening degree of the flow control valve 84 by comparing the low-temperature threshold in the temperature range of 300°C to 350°C with the internal temperature detected by the inlet-side temperature sensor 44, and by comparing and determining the high-temperature threshold with the internal temperature detected by the outlet-side temperature sensor 45.

[0161] For example, if the low-temperature threshold is set to 300°C and the high-temperature threshold is set to 350°C, and the temperature detected by the inlet temperature sensor 44 of the semi-carbonization path 4 is less than 300°C, the control unit 11d increases the opening of the flow control valve 84, thereby increasing the flow rate of superheated steam introduced into the semi-carbonization path 4.

[0162] On the other hand, if the temperature detected by the outlet temperature sensor 45 of the semi-carbonization passage 4 exceeds 350°C, the control unit 11d reduces the opening of the flow control valve 84, thereby reducing the flow rate of superheated steam introduced into the semi-carbonization passage 4.

[0163] Furthermore, the control unit 11d of the control device 11 determines the state of the water injection valve 58 based on the internal temperature of the cooling passage 5 detected by the cooling passage temperature sensor 55 of the cooling passage 5, and controls the cooling of the semi-carbide with cooling water and the stopping of the cooling of the semi-carbide.

[0164] For example, if the internal temperature detected by the cooling passage temperature sensor 55 of the cooling passage 5 is 80°C or higher, the control unit 11d opens the water injection valve 58 and injects the cooling water pumped by the pressure pump 57 into the water jacket 54.

[0165] On the other hand, if the temperature detected by the cooling passage temperature sensor 55 of the cooling passage 5 is less than 80°C, the control unit 11d closes the water injection valve 58 and stops the injection of cooling water into the water jacket 54. In this way, the semi-carbide generating apparatus 1 can produce semi-carbide that generates a good amount of gas by heating wood chips with superheated steam and semi-carbonizing them while controlling the internal temperature of the semi-carbide passage 4.

[0166] For example, if the semi-carbide generating apparatus 1 maintains the internal temperature of the semi-carbide path 4 at 300°C, then 40 × 10 3 It is possible to produce a semi-carbide that generates gas at a rate of L / 400min, and if the internal temperature of the semi-carbide path 4 is maintained at 350°C, 25 × 10 3 It can produce a semi-carbide that generates gas at a rate of L / 400min.

[0167] As described above, the semi-carbide generating apparatus 1 of this embodiment has a hopper 36 into which wood chips are fed, and a drying passage 3 that dries the wood chips while transporting them in the first transport direction T3 by a screw feeder 32. Furthermore, the semi-carbonized material generating apparatus 1 is equipped with a semi-carbonization path 4 that semi-carbonizes dried wood chips while they are being transported in the second transport direction T5 by a screw feeder 42.

[0168] In addition, the semi-carbonized material generating apparatus 1 is equipped with a cooling passage 5 that cools the semi-carbonized material, which is made from wood chips that have been semi-carbonized, while it is being transported in the third transport direction T7 by a screw feeder 52. The apparatus consists of a drying passage 3, a semi-carbonization passage 4, and a cooling passage 5 arranged in this order from above.

[0169] Such a semi-carbide generating apparatus 1 includes a first connecting passage 6 that connects the downstream side of the first conveying direction T3 in the drying passage 3 to the upstream side of the second conveying direction T5 in the semi-carburization passage 4, and a second connecting passage 7 that connects the downstream side of the second conveying direction T5 in the semi-carburization passage 4 to the upstream side of the third conveying direction T7 in the cooling passage 5.

[0170] Furthermore, the semi-carbide generating apparatus 1 includes a steam generating means (steam generator 8, control unit 11d) that heats pure water to generate superheated steam, and a steam introduction passage 9 that introduces the superheated steam generated by the steam generator 8 into the internal space of the drying passage 3 and the internal space of the semi-carbide passage 4.

[0171] Furthermore, the semi-carbide generating apparatus 1 has a drying passage 3 that supports a screw feeder 32 and is equipped with a cylindrical housing (drying passage housing 31) with a roughly inverted semi-circular cross-section and an arcuate surface that protrudes downward.

[0172] In addition, the semi-carbide generating apparatus 1 has a semi-carbide passage 4 that supports a screw feeder 42 and is equipped with a cylindrical housing (carbide passage housing 41) with a roughly inverted semi-circular cross-section and an arcuate surface that protrudes downward. Furthermore, the semi-carbide generating apparatus 1 has a steam introduction passage 9 connected to the upper corner of the housing (drying passage housing 31, carbonization passage housing 41).

[0173] With this configuration, the semi-carbonized material generating device 1 can heat the wood chips evenly, thus enabling the production of semi-carbonized material with uniform quality as a solid fuel. Specifically, since the housings (drying passage housing 31, carbonization passage housing 41) are formed in a cylindrical shape with a roughly inverted semi-circular cross-section, the drying passage 3 and the semi-carbonization passage 4 can form an internal space adjacent to the upper corners of the housings (drying passage housing 31, carbonization passage housing 41) in the front-to-back direction X relative to the upper parts of the screw feeders 32 and 42.

[0174] Because the steam introduction passage 9 is connected to the corner of these enclosures (drying passage enclosure 31, carbonization passage enclosure 41), the tip of the steam introduction passage 9 does not interfere with the screw feeders 32 and 42 in the drying passage 3 and the semi-carbonization passage 4.

[0175] As a result, the semi-carbide generating apparatus 1 can bring the upper surfaces 31c, 41c of the housing (drying passage housing 31, carbonization passage housing 41) closer to the upper ends of the screw feeders 32, 42 in the drying passage 3 and the semi-carburization passage 4, thereby shortening the distance between the tip of the steam introduction passage 9 and the bottom surfaces 31a, 41a of the housing (drying passage housing 31, carbonization passage housing 41).

[0176] Therefore, the semi-carbide generating apparatus 1 can uniformly distribute superheated steam to the bottom surfaces 31a and 41a of the housing (drying housing 31, carbonization housing 41) in the drying passage 3 and the semi-carburization passage 4.

[0177] Furthermore, since the wound-up wood chips pass through the internal space adjacent to the upper part of the screw feeders 32 and 42 in the front-to-back direction X, the semi-carbide generating device 1 can efficiently and reliably bring the wood chips into contact with superheated steam. Therefore, since the semi-carbonized material generating device 1 can heat the wood chips evenly, it can produce semi-carbonized material with uniform quality as a solid fuel.

[0178] Furthermore, the steam introduction passage 9 is equipped with diffusion nozzles 94 and 97 that diffuse and inject superheated steam toward the screw feeders 32 and 42. With this configuration, superheated steam can be diffused and injected into the interior of the enclosure (drying passage enclosure 31, carbonization passage enclosure 41), allowing the semi-carbide generating apparatus 1 to more effectively distribute the superheated steam to the bottom surface 31a of the drying passage 3 and the bottom surface 41a of the semi-carbide passage 4.

[0179] Therefore, the semi-carbide generating apparatus 1 can make the internal temperature of the drying passage 3 and the semi-carbide passage 4 more uniform, and can also ensure that the wood chips come into contact with superheated steam more reliably. This allows the semi-carbide generating device 1 to heat the wood chips more evenly.

[0180] Furthermore, the steam introduction passage 9 is configured such that, outside the housing (drying passage housing 31, carbonization passage housing 41), the ends of which are equally branched at predetermined branching points are connected to the corners on both sides of the housing (drying passage housing 31, carbonization passage housing 41).

[0181] In this configuration, since the steam introduction passage 9 branches equally outside the casing (drying passage casing 31, carbonization passage casing 41), it is connected to the two corners of the casing. Therefore, the semi-carbide generating apparatus 1 can more evenly fill the inside of the drying passage 3 and the semi-carbide passage 4 with superheated steam compared to when the steam introduction passage is connected to only one corner.

[0182] In this case, since the steam inlet passage 9 is equally branched, the semi-carbide generating device 1 can suppress fluctuations in the injection pressure of superheated steam. As a result, the semi-carbide generating apparatus 1 can evenly distribute superheated steam to the bottom surfaces 31a and 41a of the housing in the drying path 3 and the semi-carburization path 4, thereby enabling more uniform heating of the wood chips.

[0183] Furthermore, the drying passage 3 is configured such that steam introduction passages 9 are connected to the hopper 36 and the first connecting passage 6 at predetermined intervals in the first conveying direction T3. In addition, the semi-carbonization passage 4 is configured such that steam introduction passages 9 are connected to the first connecting passage 6 and the second connecting passage 7 at predetermined intervals in the second conveying direction T5.

[0184] With this configuration, the semi-carbonized material generating apparatus 1 can continuously heat the wood chips being transported from the hopper 36 to the first connecting passage 6 inside the drying passage 3, and the wood chips being transported from the first connecting passage 6 to the second connecting passage 7 inside the semi-carbonization passage 4. As a result, the semi-carbide generating device 1 can produce semi-carbides with more uniform quality as solid fuel.

[0185] Furthermore, the steam introduction passage 9 consists of a first steam introduction passage 91 that connects the steam generator 8 and the semi-carbonization passage 4, and a second steam introduction passage 92 that connects the semi-carbonization passage 4 and the drying passage 3.

[0186] With this configuration, the superheated steam generated in the steam generator 8 can be directly introduced into the semi-carbonization passage 4 via the first steam introduction passage 91, allowing the semi-carbide production device 1 to easily control the internal temperature of the semi-carbide passage 4 to the desired temperature. As a result, the semi-carbide production device 1 can produce semi-carbides of the desired quality in the semi-carbide passage 4.

[0187] Furthermore, since the semi-carbonization path 4 and the drying path 3 are connected by the second steam introduction path 92, the superheated steam generated in the steam generator 8 is introduced into the drying path 3 through the first steam introduction path 91, the semi-carbonization path 4, and the second steam introduction path 92.

[0188] In this case, the superheated steam cooled inside the semi-carbonization path 4 flows into the second steam inlet path 92. Therefore, the semi-carbide generating apparatus 1 can lower the temperature of the superheated steam introduced into the drying path 3 to a lower temperature than the superheated steam introduced into the semi-carbization path 4, without requiring a separate adjustment unit to adjust the temperature of the superheated steam.

[0189] As a result, the semi-carbonized material generating device 1 can more reliably dry the wood chips while preventing them from being semi-carbonized or carbonized inside the drying passage 3. Therefore, the semi-carbide production apparatus 1 can suppress the increase in the number of parts and the size of the apparatus, while producing semi-carbides of even more stable quality.

[0190] Furthermore, the internal temperature of the semi-carbonization path 4, to which the first steam introduction path 91 is connected, is in the range of 300°C to 350°C. In addition, the internal temperature of the drying path 3, to which the second steam introduction path 92 is connected, is in the range of 150°C to 200°C.

[0191] With this configuration, the temperature range of the drying path 3, which is suitable for drying wood chips, is lower than the temperature range of the semi-carbonization path 4, which is suitable for semi-carbonization of wood chips. Therefore, the semi-carbonized material generator 1 can use the superheated steam cooled in the semi-carbonization path 4 to dry the wood chips without raising the temperature again. As a result, the semi-carbonized material generator 1 can efficiently heat the wood chips in the drying path 3 and the semi-carbonization path 4.

[0192] Furthermore, by controlling, for example, the conveying speed of the wood chips in the semi-carbonization path 4 and / or the flow rate of superheated steam, the semi-carbonized product generating apparatus 1 can adjust the temperature of the superheated steam introduced from the second steam inlet path 92 into the drying path 3, thus easily controlling the temperature inside the drying path 3 within a range of 150°C to 200°C.

[0193] Furthermore, the steam generator 8 is configured to generate superheated steam by electromagnetic induction heating. With this configuration, the semi-carbide generating apparatus 1 can easily and accurately control the heating temperature of the pure water, thereby continuously supplying superheated steam with minimal temperature variation to the steam introduction passage 9. Therefore, since the semi-carbonized material generating device 1 can stably heat wood chips, it can produce semi-carbonized material with even less variation in quality as a solid fuel.

[0194] Furthermore, the semi-carbide generating apparatus 1 is equipped with an inlet-side temperature sensor 44 that detects the internal temperature on the first-side passage 6 side between the first-side passage 6 and the second-side passage 7 in the semi-carbide path 4, and an outlet-side temperature sensor 45 that detects the internal temperature on the second-side passage 7 side between the first-side passage 6 and the second-side passage 7 in the semi-carbide path 4.

[0195] Furthermore, the semi-carbide generating apparatus 1 is equipped with a semi-carbide steam flow rate control means (flow rate control valve 84, control unit 11d) that controls the flow rate of superheated steam introduced into the semi-carbide passage 4 based on the internal temperature of the semi-carbide passage 4 detected by the inlet temperature sensor 44 and the outlet temperature sensor 45.

[0196] With this configuration, the semi-carbide generating apparatus 1 can maintain the internal temperature of the semi-carbide path 4 at a desired temperature between the first communication passage 6 and the second communication passage 7. Therefore, the semi-carbide generating apparatus 1 can stably heat the wood chips inside the semi-carbide path 4 while preventing spontaneous combustion of the wood chips.

[0197] Furthermore, the cooling passage 5 consists of a roughly cylindrical cooling passage housing 51 that pivotally supports the screw feeder 52, a water jacket 54 provided on the outer surface of the cooling passage housing 51 through which cooling water flows, an outlet 56 for discharging semi-carbides to the outside, and a cooling passage temperature sensor 55 located between the second connecting passage 7 and the outlet 56 for detecting the internal temperature on the outlet 56 side.

[0198] Furthermore, the semi-carbide generating apparatus 1 is equipped with a cooling water supply means (water supply pipe 54a, pressure pump 57, water injection valve 58, control unit 11d) that supplies cooling water to the water jacket 54 when the internal temperature of the cooling passage 5 exceeds a predetermined temperature.

[0199] With this configuration, the temperature of the semi-carbide can be indirectly lowered by the cooling water, so the semi-carbide generating apparatus 1 can cool the semi-carbide more efficiently and reliably than when the temperature of the semi-carbide is lowered by natural cooling.

[0200] Furthermore, since the internal temperature on the outlet 56 side of the cooling passage 5 is detected, the semi-carbide generating device 1 can prevent the semi-carbide from being discharged to the outside without being sufficiently cooled and thus preventing spontaneous combustion.

[0201] As a result, the semi-carbide generating apparatus 1 can safely discharge semi-carbides of uniform quality to the outside. Therefore, the semi-carbide generating apparatus 1 can reduce the overall length of the cooling passage 5 compared to when the semi-carbides are naturally cooled during the transport process.

[0202] Furthermore, the semi-carbonized material generating apparatus 1 is equipped with an inlet passage 2 for transporting wood chips toward the hopper 36 of the drying passage 3. This inlet passage 2 is equipped with a screw feeder 22 for transporting wood chips.

[0203] With this configuration, the semi-carbonized material generating device 1 can transport wood chips, even if they are compressed into blocks, towards the hopper 36 in the drying path 3 while the screw feeder 22 in the input path 2 breaks up the clumps of wood chips. Therefore, the semi-carbide generating apparatus 1 can ensure that the wood chips are evenly brought into contact with superheated steam inside the drying passage 3.

[0204] Furthermore, by forming the input passage 2 with a smaller diameter than, for example, the drying passage housing 31 of the drying passage 3, the carbonization passage housing 41 of the semi-carbonization passage 4, and the cooling passage housing 51 of the cooling passage 5, the wood chips being transported can be fed into the drying passage 3 without blocking the inside of the small-diameter input passage 2. Therefore, the semi-carbonized material generating apparatus 1 can prevent the drying passage 3, semi-carbonization passage 4, and cooling passage 5, which have larger diameters than the input passage 2, from being blocked by the wood chips.

[0205] In addition, since blockages due to clogging of wood chips are more likely to occur in the small-diameter loading passage 2, the semi-carbonized material generating device 1 can prevent wood chips of a size that easily causes blockages from being fed into the drying passage 3 by blocking the loading passage 2, and even if a blockage does occur, it can easily identify the location of the blockage.

[0206] Furthermore, the semi-carbide generating apparatus 1 has a gas separator 10 connected near the first connecting passage 6 in the drying passage 3, which separates the gas inside the drying passage 3 into a gas containing water vapor and a liquid containing oil by centrifugal force.

[0207] With this configuration, the gas inside the drying passage 3 can be separated into a gas containing water vapor and a liquid containing oil, so the semi-carbide generating device 1 can safely discharge the gas inside the drying passage 3 to the outside. Furthermore, the semi-carbide generating device 1 can more safely discharge the gas to the outside by further separating the oil-containing liquid into oil and water in the gas separator 10.

[0208] Furthermore, in a configuration where, for example, a long nozzle pipe with one end closed in the direction of transport is provided inside the housing, and superheated steam is injected from nozzle openings that are spaced at predetermined intervals in the direction of transport, condensed water is likely to form inside the tip of the nozzle pipe where no nozzle opening is provided.

[0209] In contrast, the semi-carbide generating device 1 has an open steam inlet 9, and superheated steam is injected from the inlet, thus suppressing the generation of condensed water inside the steam inlet 9. Even if condensed water does occur inside the steam inlet 9, the semi-carbide generating device 1 can inject the generated condensed water together with the superheated steam. Therefore, the semi-carbide generating device 1 can prevent unintended malfunctions in the steam inlet 9 caused by the generation of condensed water.

[0210] In the correspondence between the structure of this invention and the embodiments described above, The input port of this invention corresponds to the hopper 36 of the embodiment, The same applies to the following: The steam generating means corresponds to the steam generator 8 and the control unit 11d. The drying path enclosure corresponds to the drying path enclosure 31. The semi-carbonization circuit enclosure corresponds to the carbonization circuit enclosure 41. The semi-carbonization steam flow rate control means corresponds to the flow rate control valve 84 and the control unit 11d, The cooling duct housing corresponds to the cooling duct housing 51. The cooling water supply means corresponds to the water supply pipe 54a, the pressure pump 57, the water injection valve 58, and the control unit 11d, This invention is not limited to the configuration of the embodiments described above, and many other embodiments can be obtained.

[0211] For example, in the embodiment described above, the semi-carbonized material generating apparatus 1 is equipped with an input passage 2 that transports wood chips from below diagonally upward, but it is not limited to this, and the semi-carbonized material generating apparatus may also be equipped with an input passage that transports wood chips in the width direction Y. Alternatively, the semi-carbonized material generating device may not have an input passage 2, and the wood chips may be directly fed into the hopper 36 of the drying passage 3.

[0212] Furthermore, while the semi-carbide production apparatus 1 is described as having a drying passage 3, a semi-carbide passage 4, and a cooling passage 5 arranged in this order from above, it is not limited to this configuration. For example, the drying passage, semi-carbide passage, and cooling passage may be arranged in a stepped manner in this order from above, such that the conveying direction in the drying passage, the conveying direction in the semi-carbide passage, and the conveying direction in the cooling passage are all in the same direction.

[0213] Furthermore, although wood chips with a moisture content of 33% or less were used, the process is not limited to this; for example, wood chips with a moisture content of 50% or more may also be used. In this case, the control unit 11d adjusts the heating time of the wood chips by controlling the rotation speed of the screw feeder 32 in the drying path 3, the rotation speed of the screw feeder 42 in the semi-carbonization path 4, and the opening degree of the flow control valve 84 of the steam generator 8.

[0214] Furthermore, although the loading path 2 is shown as having a screw feeder 22 that rotates to transport wood chips in the transport direction indicated by arrow T1 in Figure 1, it is not limited to this, and the screw feeder 22 of the loading path 2 may be able to switch its rotation direction based on a control signal from the control unit 11d. This allows, for example, if wood chips become jammed inside the loading path 2, the jam can be easily cleared by rotating the screw feeder 22 in the reverse direction.

[0215] Furthermore, although the input passage 2, drying passage 3, semi-carbonization passage 4, cooling passage 5, and steam generator 8 are configured to be operated by the control unit 11d of the control device 11, the system is not limited to this configuration, and they may be operated by a control unit separate from the control unit 11d.

[0216] Furthermore, although the cooling passage 5 is provided with one cooling passage temperature sensor 55, it is not limited to this configuration. The cooling passage 5 may also be configured with an inlet temperature sensor on the second communication passage 7 side and an outlet temperature sensor on the outlet 25 side, between the second communication passage 7 and the outlet 25.

[0217] Furthermore, the flow rate of superheated steam introduced into the drying passage 3 was adjusted so that the internal temperature of the drying passage 3 was between 150°C and 20°C. However, the method is not limited to this, and the internal temperature of the drying passage 3 may also be maintained by adjusting the rotation speed of the screw feeder 32 of the drying passage 3. Similarly, the flow rate of superheated steam introduced into the semi-carbonization path 4 was adjusted so that the internal temperature of the semi-carbonization path 4 was between 300°C and 350°C. However, the method is not limited to this, and the internal temperature of the semi-carbonization path 4 may also be maintained by adjusting the rotation speed of the screw feeder 42 of the semi-carbonization path 4.

[0218] Furthermore, although the flow rate of superheated steam introduced into the semi-carbonization path 4 was adjusted by the flow control valve 84 of the steam generator 8, the method is not limited to this. In addition to the flow control valve 84 of the steam generator 8, a flow control valve for adjusting the flow rate of superheated steam may also be provided in the first steam inlet path 91 of the steam inlet path 9.

[0219] For example, in the first branch pipe 93b of the first steam introduction passage 91, flow control valves may be provided in the portion that branches toward one side in the width direction Y, and in the portion that branches toward the other side in the width direction Y.

[0220] Alternatively, in the second branch pipe 93c of the first steam introduction passage 91, flow control valves may be provided at each of the portions that branch in the forward / backward direction X.

[0221] In this case, the flow control valve may be either a manual valve whose opening degree can be adjusted by an operator, or a solenoid valve electrically connected to the control device 11, but a solenoid valve is preferable as it facilitates the maintenance of the internal temperature of the semi-carbonization passage 4.

[0222] Furthermore, although the flow control valve 96 of the second steam inlet passage 92 of the steam inlet passage 9 is a manually operated valve whose opening degree can be adjusted by an operator, it is not limited to this and may be an electromagnetic valve electrically connected to the control device 11.

[0223] In this case, the control unit 11d of the control device 11 adjusts the flow rate of superheated steam from the semi-carbonization path 4 to the drying path 3 using a flow control valve, based on the internal temperature detected by the inlet-side temperature sensor 34 and the outlet-side temperature sensor 35 of the drying path 3, so that the internal temperature of the drying path 3 is between 150°C and 200°C.

[0224] In this process, the control unit 11d compares and determines the opening degree of the flow control valve by comparing the low-temperature threshold in the temperature range of 150°C to 200°C with the internal temperature detected by the inlet-side temperature sensor 34, and by comparing and determining the high-temperature threshold with the internal temperature detected by the outlet-side temperature sensor 35.

[0225] For example, if the low-temperature threshold is set to 145°C and the high-temperature threshold is set to 155°C, and the temperature detected by the inlet temperature sensor 34 of the drying passage 3 is less than 145°C, the control unit 11d increases the opening of the flow control valve and increases the flow rate of superheated steam introduced into the drying passage 3.

[0226] On the other hand, if the temperature detected by the outlet temperature sensor 35 of the drying passage 3 exceeds 155°C, the control unit 11d reduces the opening of the flow control valve, thereby reducing the flow rate of superheated steam introduced into the drying passage 3.

[0227] Thus, the semi-carbide generating apparatus 1 may also include a drying path steam flow rate control means (flow rate control valve, control unit 11d) that controls the flow rate of superheated steam introduced into the drying path 3 based on the internal temperature of the drying path 3 detected by the inlet temperature sensor 34 and the outlet temperature sensor 35.

[0228] With this configuration, the semi-carbonized material generating device 1 can maintain the internal temperature of the drying passage 3 at a desired temperature between the hopper 36 and the first connecting passage 6. Therefore, the semi-carbonized material generating device 1 can stably dry the wood chips inside the drying passage 3 while preventing them from becoming semi-carbonized or completely carbonized.

[0229] Furthermore, while the drive motor 33 for the drying passage 3 and the drive motor 43 for the semi-carbonization passage 4 are configured to be driven at predetermined rotational speeds, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, in the drying passage 3, the control unit 11d of the control device 11 may control the rotational speed of the drive motor 33 based on the internal temperature detected by the inlet-side temperature sensor 34 and the outlet-side temperature sensor 35.

[0230] In this process, the control unit 11d determines the rotation speed of the drive motor 33 based on the internal temperature detected by the inlet-side temperature sensor 34 and the outlet-side temperature sensor 35, so that the wood chips reach the desired dry state.

[0231] Thus, the semi-carbide generating apparatus 1 may include a drying path control means (drive motor 33, control unit 11d) that controls the rotational speed of the screw feeder 32 of the drying path 3 based on the internal temperature of the drying path 3 detected by the inlet side temperature sensor 34 and the outlet side temperature sensor 35 of the drying path 3.

[0232] With this configuration, the wood chip transport speed can be adjusted by the drying path control means that controls the rotational speed of the screw feeder 32. Therefore, the semi-carbide generating device 1 can easily change the heating time of the wood chips based on the internal temperature of the drying path 3. As a result, the semi-carbide generating device 1 can reliably dry the wood chips. Furthermore, when wood chips with different moisture content and shapes are introduced into the semi-carbide generating apparatus 1, for example, by changing the heating time of the wood chips, the wood chips can be dried to the desired moisture content without changing the temperature of the superheated steam.

[0233] Similarly, in the drying passage 3, the control unit 11d of the control device 11 may control the rotational speed of the drive motor 43 based on the internal temperature detected by the inlet-side temperature sensor 44 and the outlet-side temperature sensor 45.

[0234] In this process, the control unit 11d determines the rotation speed of the drive motor 43 based on the internal temperature detected by the inlet temperature sensor 44 and the outlet temperature sensor 45, so that semi-carbonized material of the desired quality is produced from the wood chips.

[0235] Thus, the semi-carbide generating apparatus 1 may include a semi-carbide path control means (drive motor 43, control unit 11d) that controls the rotational speed of the screw feeder 42 of the semi-carbide path 4 based on the internal temperature of the semi-carbide path 4 detected by the inlet side temperature sensor 44 and the outlet side temperature sensor 45 of the semi-carbide path 4.

[0236] With this configuration, the conveying speed of the wood chips can be adjusted by the semi-carbonization path control means that controls the rotational speed of the screw feeder 42. Therefore, the semi-carbonized material generating device 1 can easily change the heating time of the wood chips based on the internal temperature of the semi-carbonization path 4. As a result, the semi-carbonized material generating device 1 can heat the wood chips more reliably. Furthermore, when wood chips with different moisture content or shapes are introduced into the semi-carbide generating apparatus 1, for example, by changing the heating time of the wood chips, the semi-carbide can be generated from the wood chips without changing the temperature of the superheated steam. [Explanation of symbols]

[0237] 1…Semi-carbide generator 2…Loading route 3…Dry road 4…Trefoil road 5…Cooling path 6…1st communication passage 7…Second communication passage 8... Steam generator 9... Steam intake 10…Gas separator 11d... Control Unit 22, 32, 42, 52… Screw feeders 31... Drying path enclosure 33, 43… Drive motor 34, 44… Inlet side temperature sensor 35, 45... Outlet side temperature sensor 36...Hopper 41…Carbonization path enclosure 51...Cooling duct housing 54…Water Jacket 54a…Water supply pipe 55...Cooling path temperature sensor 56…Discharge port 57... Pressure pump 58...Water inlet valve 84… Flow control valve 91...First steam intake 92...Second steam intake channel 94, 97… Diffusion nozzle C... Wood chips T3...First transport direction T5...Second transport direction T7...Third transport direction Y...Width direction

Claims

1. It has an input port into which wood chips are fed, and a drying path that dries the wood chips while transporting them in a first transport direction by a screw feeder, A semi-carbonization path is used to partially carbonize the dried wood chips while they are being transported in a second transport direction by a screw feeder. A semi-carbonized material generating apparatus is provided, in which a cooling passage for transporting the semi-carbonized material, which is made from the wood chips that have been semi-carbonized, in a third transport direction by a screw feeder while cooling it, is arranged in this order. A first connecting passage that connects the downstream side in the first conveying direction of the drying path and the upstream side in the second conveying direction of the semi-carbonization path, A second connecting passage that connects the downstream side in the second transport direction of the semi-carbonization passage and the upstream side in the third transport direction of the cooling passage, A steam generating means that generates superheated steam by heating water, The system includes a steam introduction passage for introducing the superheated steam generated by the steam generating means into the internal space of the drying passage and the internal space of the semi-carbonization passage, The drying path and the semi-carbonization path are, The aforementioned screw feeder is supported by a cylindrical housing with a roughly inverted semi-circular cross-section, whose arc-shaped surface protrudes downwards. The steam introduction passage is connected to the upper corner of the housing, The aforementioned steam introduction passage is A first steam introduction path connecting the steam generating means and the semi-carbonization path, It consists of a second steam introduction path connecting the aforementioned semi-carbonization path and the aforementioned drying path. Half-carbide generator.

2. The internal temperature of the semi-carbonization path to which the first steam introduction path is connected is in the range of 300°C or more and 350°C or less. The internal temperature of the drying path to which the second steam introduction path is connected is in the range of 150°C to 200°C. The semi-carbide generating apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned steam introduction passage is The screw feeder is equipped with a diffusion nozzle that diffuses and injects superheated steam toward the screw feeder. The semi-carbide generating apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The aforementioned steam introduction passage is The configuration is such that, outside the housing, the ends of the branches that are equally branched at predetermined branching points are connected to the corners on both sides of the housing. A semi-carbide generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The aforementioned drying path is The steam introduction passages are connected between the input port and the first connecting passage at predetermined intervals in the first transport direction. The aforementioned semi-carbonization path is The steam introduction passages are connected between the first and second connecting passages at predetermined intervals in the second transport direction. A semi-carbide generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The steam generating means is This configuration generates the superheated steam by electromagnetic induction heating. A semi-carbide generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. Between the first connecting passage and the second connecting passage in the semi-carbonization path, an inlet-side temperature sensor is provided to detect the internal temperature on the first connecting passage side, Between the first connecting passage and the second connecting passage in the semi-carbonization path, an outlet-side temperature sensor is provided to detect the internal temperature on the second connecting passage side of the semi-carbonization path. The system includes a semi-carbonization steam flow rate control means that controls the flow rate of superheated steam introduced into the semi-carbonization path based on the internal temperature of the semi-carbonization path detected by the inlet temperature sensor and the outlet temperature sensor. A semi-carbide generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The system may also include a semi-carbonization path control means that controls the rotational speed of the screw feeder in the semi-carbonization path based on the internal temperature of the semi-carbonization path detected by the inlet-side temperature sensor and the outlet-side temperature sensor of the semi-carbonization path. The semi-carbide generating apparatus according to claim 7.

9. Between the input port and the first connecting passage in the drying path, an inlet-side temperature sensor is provided to detect the internal temperature on the input port side, Between the input port and the first connecting passage in the drying path, an outlet-side temperature sensor is provided to detect the internal temperature on the first connecting passage side. The system includes a drying path steam flow rate control means that controls the flow rate of superheated steam introduced into the drying path based on the internal temperature of the drying path detected by the inlet temperature sensor and the outlet temperature sensor. A semi-carbide generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The drying path includes a drying path control means that controls the rotational speed of the screw feeder in the drying path based on the internal temperature of the drying path detected by the inlet temperature sensor and the outlet temperature sensor of the drying path. The semi-carbide generating apparatus according to claim 9.

11. The aforementioned cooling passage is A substantially cylindrical housing that supports the aforementioned screw feeder, A water jacket is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the housing through which cooling water flows, An outlet for discharging the aforementioned semi-carbide to the outside, Between the second connecting passage and the outlet, there is a cooling passage temperature sensor that detects the internal temperature on the outlet side, If the internal temperature of the cooling passage exceeds a predetermined temperature, the system is equipped with a cooling water supply means for supplying the cooling water to the water jacket. A semi-carbide generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The drying path is provided with an input path for transporting the wood chips toward the input port, The loading route is equipped with a screw feeder for transporting the wood chips. A semi-carbide generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A gas separator is connected near the first connecting passage in the drying path to separate the gas inside the drying path into a gas containing water vapor and a liquid containing oil by centrifugal force. A semi-carbide generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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