Fuel oil refining method, fuel oil refining apparatus, and fuel oil refining system

Abstract

According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for refining fuel oil is provided, comprising: a coarse filtration step to remove coarse particles from the fuel oil; a moisture removal step to remove water from the fuel oil; a microfiltration step to remove fine particles smaller in diameter than coarse particles from the fuel oil; a gas removal step to remove gases dissolved in the fuel oil by reducing the pressure of the fuel oil; a quality verification step to verify the quality of the fuel oil; and a shipment control step to permit shipment of the fuel oil only if the gas removal step has been performed and the quality satisfies all of the following conditions (i) to (iii): (i) a moisture content of 0.1 volume% or less as measured by the Karl Fischer method; (ii) a cleanliness code of 18 / 16 / 13 or less as defined in ISO 4406:2021; and (iii) a two-phase ratio of 0.05 volume% or less.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a fuel oil refining method, a fuel oil refining apparatus, and a fuel oil refining system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Documents 1 and 2 describe methods for improving the degree of purification of fuel oil produced by devising processes in the manufacturing process.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, regarding the method of storing (maintaining) already produced fuel oil in a high-quality state after purification, the study is insufficient.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, the present disclosure aims to provide a refining method and the like that can maintain fuel oil in a high-quality state.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for refining fuel oil is provided, comprising: a coarse filtration step to remove coarse particles from the fuel oil; a moisture removal step to remove water from the fuel oil; a microfiltration step to remove fine particles smaller in diameter than coarse particles from the fuel oil; a gas removal step to remove gases dissolved in the fuel oil by reducing the pressure of the fuel oil; a quality verification step to verify the quality of the fuel oil; and a shipment control step to permit shipment of the fuel oil only if the gas removal step has been performed and the quality satisfies all of the following conditions (i) to (iii): (i) a moisture content of 0.1 volume% or less as measured by the Karl Fischer method; (ii) a cleanliness code of 18 / 16 / 13 or less as defined in ISO 4406:2021; and (iii) a two-phase ratio of 0.05 volume% or less.

[0007] According to this embodiment, a refining method capable of maintaining fuel oil in a high-quality state can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of an example purification system. [Figure 2] This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the approach to optimizing conditions in the gas removal section. This diagram shows conceptual relationships (or estimated relationships) and is not limited to measured values. [Figure 3] These are conceptual diagrams (Figure 3(a)) for estimating the correlation between the two-phase rate estimated based on the drive gain or sound velocity index obtained from a Coriolis flow meter and the two-phase rate measured at a laboratory scale, and (Figure 3(b)) for estimating the correlation between the two-phase rate estimated based on the mass and volume differences before and after gas removal and the two-phase rate measured at a laboratory scale. These diagrams show conceptual relationships (or estimated relationships) and are not limited to measured values. [Figure 4] These are block diagrams showing the hardware configuration of the information processing device (Figure 4(a)) and the functional configuration of the information processing device (Figure 4(b)). [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a screen for an information processing device. [Figure 6]This flowchart outlines the fuel oil refining method according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart showing the process for optimizing conditions in the gas removal process. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows the flow of monitoring and cleaning methods for tanks during the storage process. [Figure 9] This flowchart details the return process. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The various features shown in the embodiments below can be combined with each other.

[0010] [Purification System] First, an embodiment of the purification system will be described. Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of an example of a purification system. The purification system 100 shown in Figure 1 comprises a purification device 1, an information processing device 10, a supply unit 20, a discharge unit 30, and a storage tank 9. In this specification, the upstream side with respect to the flow direction of the raw materials and products will also be simply referred to as the "upstream side," and the downstream side will also be simply referred to as the "downstream side."

[0011] <Supply section> The supply unit 20 supplies fuel oil to the refining unit 1. The supply unit 20 only needs to be able to supply fuel oil to be received by the refining unit 1. For example, the supply unit 20 could be a container such as a raw material tank, a pipe connected from a raw material hydrocarbon supply source such as an oil refinery, or other equipment.

[0012] The fuel oil is not particularly limited, but may include, for example, naphtha, gasoline, jet fuel, kerosene, diesel fuel, heavy oil, etc. In this embodiment, it is high-quality diesel fuel (fuel oil for emergency diesel generators) that can also be used in emergency diesel generators at nuclear facilities. The effect of using the refining system 100 is more pronounced when such high quality is required.

[0013] <Discharge section> The discharge section 30 discharges the fuel oil refined and stored by the refining device 1 when necessary. As the discharge section 30, it is only necessary that the refining device 1 can discharge (supply) the refined fuel oil, and for example, it can be a pipe connected to the supply destination of the fuel oil or other equipment. As the supply destination of the fuel oil, it can be a nuclear facility (such as a nuclear power plant), a construction machinery yard, etc.

[0014] <Refining device> (Overall structure) The refining device 1 is connected between the supply section 20 and the discharge section 30 as described above. The refining device 1 purifies the fuel oil supplied from the supply section 20 and is configured to be able to maintain (store) it in a high-quality state. As shown in FIG. 1, the refining device 1 mainly includes a coarse filtration section 2, a moisture removal section 3, a fine filtration section 4, a gas removal section 5, an adsorption polishing section 6, a quality verification section 7, and a shipping control section 8. In the refining device 1, these sections and the supply section 20 and the discharge section 30 are connected in series by a liquid line LL1. Thereby, the fuel oil can be refined to a high-quality state.

[0015] In the refining device 1, the liquid line LL1 and each line described later preferably include non-copper-based stainless steel, fluororesin, etc. as the constituent material of the liquid-wetted part (especially the inside) of the flow path and do not include copper or copper alloy. With such a configuration, explosion-proof performance can be imparted to the liquid line LL1 and each line described later, and the safety of the refining device 1 can be improved. The liquid line LL1 and each line described later more preferably conform to the standards of the Explosion-proof Equipment Conformity Assessment System (IECEx) of the Industrial Safety Technology Association (Technology Institution of Industrial Safety: TIIS) or the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). In addition, the sensors provided in each part of the refining device 1 (described later) also preferably have explosion-proof performance conforming to the standards of TIIS or IECEx.

[0016] If necessary, the liquid line LL1 and each of the lines described later may be equipped with a liquid or gas transfer pump (not shown). This allows for proper adjustment of the pressure in each part and smooth transfer of liquids or gases.

[0017] (Coarse filtration section) The coarse filtration section 2 is configured to remove coarse particles from the fuel oil. The coarse particles are not particularly limited, but may include foreign matter such as rust fragments and dust. Preferably, the coarse filtration section 2 is configured to remove coarse particles with a particle size of approximately 20 μm to 50 μm. Removing coarse particles of this size upstream of the purification device 1 makes it less likely to damage the downstream parts. The coarse filtration section 2 is not particularly limited as long as it can remove coarse particles, but may include, for example, a mesh filter, a pleated element, a strainer, etc., which include metal materials, fiber materials, etc. as constituent materials. The coarse particles removed by the coarse filtration section 2 are discharged outside the purification device 1.

[0018] (moisture removal section) The water removal unit 3 is configured to remove water from the fuel oil. More specifically, the water removal unit 3 includes a coalescer or centrifuge for separating free water and coarse droplets. By removing free water and coarse droplets upstream of the microfiltration unit 4, premature clogging and performance degradation of the filter element, described later, can be suppressed. The fuel oil from which water has been removed by the water removal unit 3 preferably has a water content of 0.1 volume% or less, and more preferably around 0.05 volume% or less, as measured by the Karl Fischer method. By removing water sufficiently in this way, the fuel oil can be refined to a high-quality state, and damage to downstream parts can be suitably reduced. The removed water is discharged outside the refining apparatus 1.

[0019] (Precision filtration section) The microfiltration unit 4 is configured to remove fine particles smaller in diameter than coarse particles from the fuel oil. More specifically, the microfiltration unit 4 preferably includes a filter element capable of removing fine particles of about 3 μm to 5 μm in size, more preferably a filter element having a performance of 5 μm absolute and a β value of 200 or more, and even more preferably a filter element having a 3 μm absolute size. With such a configuration, fine solid particles in the fuel oil can be removed with high efficiency, and the cleanliness of the fuel oil can be improved. The filter element is not particularly limited as long as it can remove fine particles, but may include, for example, a mesh filter, a pleated element, a strainer, etc., which include metal materials, fiber materials, etc. as constituent materials. The fine particles removed by the microfiltration unit 4 are discharged outside the purification apparatus 1.

[0020] (Gas removal section) The gas removal unit 5 is configured to remove gases dissolved in the fuel oil by reducing the pressure of the fuel oil. The gas removal unit 5 removes gases while maintaining quality, minimizing the power consumption per unit (kWh / kL) using the fuel oil temperature, processing flow rate, and vacuum level as variables. The power consumption per unit refers to the amount of electricity (kWh) required to refine one unit (1kL) of fuel oil.

[0021] Here, Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the concept of optimizing conditions in the gas removal section. This diagram shows conceptual relationships (or estimation relationships) and is not limited to measured values. As shown on the left side of Figure 2, if the absolute pressure in the gas removal section 5 is plotted on the horizontal axis and the residence time on the vertical axis, multiple contour lines for power consumption can be drawn. On the other hand, as shown on the right side of Figure 2, there is a KPI (Key Performance Indicator) conformity region, which is a region that satisfies the conditions for achieving the desired quality of fuel oil (described later). The KPI conformity region can shift up, down, left, or right on the graph due to other factors such as the temperature of the fuel oil in the gas removal unit 5.

[0022] If the residence time is too long compared to the KPI compliance range, the Karl Fischer moisture content in the fuel oil increases, making it difficult to achieve the desired degree of dryness. If the residence time is too short compared to the KPI compliance range, or if the vacuum level is too low (absolute pressure too high), gases cannot be sufficiently removed, making it easy for the two-phase ratio to increase. Therefore, it is preferable to set the final operating point to a point located near the center of the KPI-compliant area and on the contour line of power consumption. This makes it possible to reduce power consumption while improving the quality of fuel oil. In other words, it is possible to provide high-quality fuel oil with a low environmental impact. Specifically, the gas removal unit 5 preferably reduces the pressure (absolute pressure) of the fuel oil to approximately 50 kPaA to 70 kPaA, and more preferably to approximately 55 kPaA to 65 kPaA. Furthermore, the gas removal unit 5 preferably retains the fuel oil for approximately 2 minutes to 5 minutes, and more preferably for approximately 2.5 minutes to 4 minutes. The gas removed in the gas removal unit 5 is discharged outside the purification device 1.

[0023] (Adsorption polishing part) The adsorption polishing section 6 is positioned between the gas removal section 5 and the quality verification section 7 and has an adsorbent that removes impurities from the fuel oil. Examples of impurities removed by the adsorption polishing section 6 include polar compounds such as organic acids, aldehydes, and ketones, oxidative degradation products such as peroxides, and trace metal particles. The adsorbent is not particularly limited as long as it can remove impurities, but examples of adsorbents that can be used include inorganic compounds such as activated alumina and zeolite, carbon-based compounds such as activated carbon, metal oxides such as magnesium oxide and zinc oxide, polymer materials such as porous polymers, and clay. In the adsorption polishing section 6, for example, fuel oil is left for a predetermined period of time to adsorb and remove impurities. The predetermined period can be appropriately set according to the properties of the fuel oil, the amount of polar impurities, the type and capacity of the adsorbent, the flow rate of the fuel oil, the state of gas removal in the gas removal section 5, etc., and may be, for example, between 24 hours and 72 hours.

[0024] Adsorption in the adsorption polishing section 6 is preferably initiated or terminated based on at least one of the amount of polar compounds in the fuel oil, the moisture removal section 3, the microfiltration section 4, or the differential pressure profile in the gas removal section 5, and is preferably initiated or terminated based on at least one of the amount of polar compounds in the fuel oil and the differential pressure profile in the gas removal section 5. In other words, the outlet of the gas removal section 5 is connected to the quality verification section 7 via the bypass line LL2, and is configured to bypass (omit) the adsorption polishing section 6 when at least one of the amount of polar compounds and the differential pressure profile is within a predetermined threshold range. In this way, by bypassing the adsorption polishing section 6 when it is deemed unnecessary, it is possible to suppress unnecessary deterioration of the adsorbent material.

[0025] Polar compounds refer to compounds having polar functional groups such as carboxyl groups, aldehyde groups, and ketone groups. The amount of polar compounds can be obtained, for example, from measurement results using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) sensors, dielectric sensors, capacitance sensors, ultraviolet absorption sensors, etc., and based on indicators such as calibration curves and reference values ​​that have been acquired in advance. The differential pressure profile in the moisture removal section 3, the precision filtration section 4, or the gas removal section 5 refers to the fluctuation range of the pressure difference (ΔP) between their inlets and outlets. More specifically, the differential pressure profile can be defined as the fluctuation range of ΔP (the difference between the maximum and minimum values), the fluctuation rate (dΔP / dt), or the difference distance from a predetermined normal profile. The differential pressure profile can be obtained by pressure sensors installed at the inlet and outlet of the gas removal section 5. The impurities removed in the adsorption polishing section 6 are discharged outside the purification apparatus 1 (not shown).

[0026] (Quality Verification Department) The quality verification unit 7 is configured to verify the quality of the fuel oil. More specifically, the quality verification unit 7 is equipped with sensors to verify whether the fuel oil has achieved the desired quality. It is preferable that the verification is performed online or semi-online in the quality verification unit 7. In this embodiment, the items related to the desired quality include the water content measured by the Karl Fischer method, the cleanliness code specified in ISO 4406:2021, and the two-phase ratio. By guaranteeing these qualities, high-quality fuel oil can be provided. Furthermore, it is preferable that the items related to the desired quality also include water and sediment as specified in ASTM D2709-22 / ASTM D975-24 and Clear & Bright as specified in ASTM D4176-22. This further improves the guaranteed quality of the fuel oil.

[0027] More specifically, the quality verification unit 7 is equipped with sensors that detect numerical values ​​related to quality. The state of the fuel oil is then measured by various sensors, and the quality is determined in the information processing device 10. In other words, the quality verification unit 7 can be said to function as a quality verification unit in cooperation with the information processing device 10. For example, in the quality verification unit 7, the drive gain or sound velocity index of the fuel oil is acquired by a flow sensor such as a Coriolis flow meter, and the two-phase ratio can be estimated by the information processing device 10 (that is, the quality verification unit 7 is equipped with a two-phase ratio estimation means for estimating the two-phase ratio). Furthermore, the quality verification unit 7 can also verify the quality by integrating the conditions obtained at other parts of the purification apparatus 1. For example, the two-phase ratio may be estimated based on the mass difference or volume difference before and after the gas removal unit 5. The mass difference or volume difference can also be obtained, for example, by a Coriolis flow meter. Here, with reference to Figure 3, the method for estimating the two-phase ratio will be explained. Figure 3 is a conceptual diagram (Figure 3(a)) for estimating the correlation between the two-phase ratio estimated based on the drive gain or sound velocity index obtained from a Coriolis flow meter and the two-phase ratio measured on a laboratory scale, and a conceptual diagram (Figure 3(b)) for estimating the correlation between the two-phase ratio estimated based on the mass difference and volume difference before and after gas removal and the two-phase ratio measured on a laboratory scale. These figures show a conceptual relationship (or estimated relationship) and are not limited to measured values. As shown in Figure 3(a) and Figure 3(b), respectively, according to the inventors' studies, a correlation is expected to be observed between these estimated values ​​and the two-phase ratio measured on a laboratory scale. Therefore, the two-phase ratio can be obtained in the purification apparatus 1 using a flow sensor or the like.

[0028] Furthermore, in the quality verification unit 7, the moisture content of the fuel oil is obtained by a moisture sensor and converted to the moisture content according to the Karl Fischer method in the information processing device 10. The conversion is performed based on reference information (described later). In this way, since the moisture content according to the Karl Fischer method can be obtained by the moisture sensor, the moisture content can be measured (estimated) with simple equipment. Capacitive sensors, electrical resistance sensors, etc. can be used as moisture sensors. In addition, in the quality verification unit 7, the density of the fuel oil is obtained by a density sensor and converted to the density at 15°C in the information processing device 10. Furthermore, the quality verification unit 7 is equipped with a sample collection port, observation window, etc., for conducting cleanliness tests (ISO 4406:2021), water and sediment tests (ASTM D2709-22 / ASTM D975-24), and Clear & Bright (ASTM D4176-22) observations. The various quality values ​​verified by the quality verification unit 7 are input to the information processing device 10 via the input unit 104 (described later).

[0029] (Shipping Control Unit) The shipping control unit 8 is configured to permit the shipment of fuel oil only when the gas removal unit 5 is operating and the quality verified by the quality verification unit 7 meets all predetermined conditions. More specifically, the shipping control unit 8 is configured as, for example, a shipping valve. When the quality verified by the quality verification unit 7 and input via the input unit 104 of the information processing device 10 satisfies the predetermined conditions, the shipping valve, which is the shipping control unit 8, opens, the liquid line LL1 opens, and the shipment of fuel oil is permitted. The specified conditions include at least the following conditions (i) to (iii): (i) The moisture content measured by the Karl Fischer method is 0.1% by volume or less. (ii) Cleanliness code of 18 / 16 / 13 or less as defined in ISO 4406:2021 (iii) The two-phase ratio is 0.05% by volume or less. By satisfying these conditions, only high-quality fuel oil can be shipped.

[0030] Furthermore, the specified conditions preferably include the following condition (iv) in addition to conditions (i) to (iii), and more preferably include the following conditions (v) to (vii). (iv) The variation in density at 15°C is ±0.1 kg / m³ 3 (v) The water content measured by the Karl Fischer method is less than 0.05% by volume, and the total amount of water and precipitates according to ASTM D2709-22 / ASTM D975-24 is 0.05% by volume or less. (vi) Cleanliness code 17 / 15 / 12 or less according to ISO 4406:2021 (vii) Meets the Clear & Bright visual inspection standard based on ASTM D4176-22 (no free water or suspended matter). This allows for the shipment of higher-quality fuel oil. In other words, the fuel oil authorized for shipment by the shipment control unit 8 can be fuel oil whose quality during custody transfer is guaranteed.

[0031] Furthermore, the shipping control unit 8 may function in conjunction with the information processing device 10. For example, the shipping control unit 8 may be configured to switch between demo mode and shipping mode, and may include an interlock that prohibits the shipment of fuel oil when demo mode is selected. The demo mode is used to check whether each part of the refining unit 1 is operating normally. The demo mode can be set for purposes such as checking the startup of the refining unit 1, verifying operating conditions, and explaining the refining unit 1. The shipping mode is used to actually supply fuel oil to the refining unit 1 and perform refining. By switching between shipping and non-shipping modes in this way, maintenance and trial runs of the refining unit 1 can be easily performed.

[0032] The shipping control unit 8 returns the fuel oil to the gas removal unit 5 if at least one of the above conditions is not met. In other words, the refining apparatus 1 is equipped with a return line LL3 that returns the fuel oil from the shipping control unit 8 to the gas removal unit 5. This makes it possible to efficiently improve the conditions, particularly the moisture content, two-phase ratio, and density variation range according to the Karl Fischer method. On the other hand, if all the conditions are met, the shipping control unit 8 ships the fuel oil and supplies it to the storage tank 9 via the liquid line LL1.

[0033] According to the refining apparatus 1 described above, fuel oil can be maintained in a high-quality state through dry refining. In particular, it can be consistently maintained in a state suitable for shipment as fuel for emergency diesel generators at nuclear facilities. Furthermore, the size of the refining unit 1 can be kept down; for example, the fuel oil refining unit 1 can be assembled as a single skid. The refining unit 1 is connected to a liquid line (receiving line) LL1 that supplies fuel oil to the coarse filtration unit 2 and a storage tank 9 that stores the fuel oil shipped from the shipping control unit 8. This allows the refining unit 1 to be installed in existing facilities or nuclear power plants.

[0034] Furthermore, it is preferable that the refining apparatus 1 be installed based on the seismic hazard of the area in which it is installed. This allows for a stable supply of fuel oil, for example, for use as an emergency power source for a nuclear facility.

[0035] <Storage Tank> The storage tank 9 is configured to store fuel oil shipped from the shipping control unit 8. The storage tank 9 is equipped with sensors to monitor whether the quality of the fuel oil is deteriorating. In the storage tank 9, the condition of the fuel oil is measured by various sensors, and the quality is determined in the information processing device 10. In other words, the storage tank 9 can be said to function as a quality assurance unit in cooperation with the information processing device 10.

[0036] The quality items monitored in the storage tank 9 preferably include at least one of the following (a) to (c): (a) Exponential Moving Average (EWMA) of Particle Numbers in Fuel Oil (b) Residence time of fuel oil in storage tank 9 (c) Environmental relative humidity of fuel oil In this embodiment, all of (a) to (c) are included.

[0037] More specifically, in the storage tank 9, it is determined that at least one of EWMA, residence time, and ambient relative humidity is outside the threshold range, and accordingly, the fuel oil is returned to the coarse filtration section 2. In other words, the refining unit 1 includes a return line LL4 (kidney loop mechanism) that returns the fuel oil stored in the storage tank 9 to the coarse filtration section 2 based on at least one of (a) to (c). In this way, by refining the fuel oil as needed, the fuel in the storage tank 9 can be kept in a consistently high-quality state. Ambient relative humidity refers to a concept that includes the humidity of the gas phase inside the storage tank 9, the space above the storage tank 9, the ambient atmosphere surrounding the storage tank 9, or a combination thereof. Ambient relative humidity affects the moisture behavior of fuel oil, so monitoring it contributes to maintaining the quality of the fuel oil.

[0038] Furthermore, it is preferable to monitor either (d) or (e) below in the storage tank 9. (d) Microbial content in fuel oil (e) Oxidation stability of fuel oil based on ASTM D2274-14 (2019) By monitoring (d) or (e) and performing cleaning treatment according to the item, the deterioration of fuel oil quality can be more effectively prevented. In this embodiment, both (d) and (e) are monitored.

[0039] Specifically, the storage tank 9 is equipped with a sample collection port for measuring microbial amounts using the ATP method, etc., and for performing measurements in accordance with ASTM D2274-14 (2019), thereby enabling monitoring of (d) and (e) above. Furthermore, if the results of these measurements exceed a threshold, disinfectants or treatment agents (antioxidants or metal deactivators) are added as a cleaning treatment according to the item. As disinfectants, for example, biosides such as isothiazolinolines can be used. The storage tank 9 is equipped with an inlet for adding disinfectants, etc.

[0040] When a disinfectant is added to the storage tank 9, the fuel oil is returned to the microfiltration unit 4. In other words, the refining apparatus 1 is further equipped with a liquid line LL5 for returning the fuel oil from the storage tank 9 to the microfiltration unit 4. This allows for the efficient removal of microbial residues and other contaminants. In other words, the fuel oil stored in the storage tank 9 is returned to the coarse filtration section 2 or the fine filtration section 4, or discharged to the discharge section 30, depending on the conditions.

[0041] Furthermore, it is preferable to monitor the following (f) in the storage tank 9. (f) Moisture at the bottom of storage tank 9 Furthermore, by monitoring (f) and discharging water from the storage tank 9 when moisture is detected, the deterioration of fuel oil quality can be more effectively prevented, and the growth of microorganisms can also be suppressed. In this case, the storage tank 9 is further equipped with a drain port at the bottom and a moisture detection sensor.

[0042] (Fungicide storage section) The purification apparatus 1 further includes a disinfectant storage unit 91 for storing disinfectants to be introduced into the storage tank 9. The disinfectant storage unit 91 is configured to introduce disinfectants into the storage tank 9 via the input line L5 when the amount of microorganisms in the fuel oil in the storage tank 9 is above a threshold.

[0043] (Antioxidant storage section) The refining apparatus 1 further includes a treatment agent storage unit 92 for storing treatment agents to be introduced into the storage tank 9. The treatment agent storage unit 92 is configured to introduce the treatment agent into the storage tank 9 via the input line L6 when the oxidation stability of the fuel oil in the storage tank 9, according to ASTM D2274-14 (2019), is above a threshold.

[0044] <Information Processing Device> The information processing device 10 is configured to perform various information processing, such as monitoring the status and controlling the operation, for various devices included in the purification system 100 (e.g., the purification device 1, the supply unit 20, the discharge unit 30, etc.). The information processing device 10 may be a device independent of the purification device 1, the supply unit 20, and the discharge unit 30 (e.g., a management terminal), or it may be implemented in at least one of these units.

[0045] (Hardware configuration) Figure 4 shows a block diagram (Figure 4(a)) illustrating the hardware configuration of the information processing device and a block diagram (Figure 4(b)) illustrating the functional configuration of the information processing device. As shown in Figure 4(a), the information processing device 10 comprises a processor 101, a storage unit 102, a communication unit 103, an input unit 104, and an output unit 105. The processor 101, storage unit 102, communication unit 103, input unit 104, and output unit 105 are electrically connected within the information processing device 10 via a communication bus 106.

[0046] The processor 101 performs processing and control of the overall operation related to the information processing device 10. The processor 101 is, for example, a Central Processing Unit (CPU). The processor 101 realizes various functions related to the information processing device 10 by reading predetermined programs stored in the memory unit 102. That is, information processing by software stored in the memory unit 102 can be concretely realized by the processor 101, which is an example of hardware, and executed as each functional unit of the processor 101. In other words, the processor 101 can execute programs so that each functional unit is performed. These will be described in more detail in the next section. Note that the processor 101 is not limited to being a single unit, and the information processing device 10 may be implemented to have multiple processors 101 for each function. Furthermore, the information processing device 10 may be composed of a combination of these. For example, the information processing device 10 causes the processor 101 to control the verification in the quality verification unit 7 of the refining device 1 and the approval in the shipping control unit 8.

[0047] The memory unit 102 stores various types of information as defined above. This can be done, for example, as a storage device such as a solid-state drive (SSD) that stores various programs related to the information processing device 10 executed by the processor 101, or as memory such as random access memory (RAM) that stores temporarily necessary information (arguments, arrays, etc.) related to program calculations. The memory unit 102 stores various programs, variables, etc., related to the information processing device 10 executed by the processor 101. The storage unit 102 preferably has tamper-proof storage. This improves reliability regarding the quality of the fuel oil.

[0048] The communication unit 103 may be a wired communication means such as USB, IEEE1394, Thunderbolt®, or wired LAN network communication, or it may be a wireless communication means such as mobile communication such as 3G / LTE / 5G, Bluetooth® communication, or wireless LAN network communication. Furthermore, it is preferable that the communication unit 103 be implemented as a collection of these multiple communication means. In other words, the information processing device 10 may communicate various types of information with the outside world via the communication unit 103 and the network. For example, the information processing device 10 may be configured to download control programs from the outside world via the communication unit 103 and the network.

[0049] The input unit 104 receives operation inputs made by the user. The operation inputs are transmitted as command signals to the processor 101 via the communication bus 106. The processor 101 can perform predetermined controls and calculations based on the transmitted command signals as needed. The processor 101 may be included in the housing of the information processing device 10 or it may be external. For example, if the input unit 104 is implemented as a touch panel, the user can input tap operations, swipe operations, etc. to the input unit 104. Instead of a touch panel, the input unit 104 can be a switch button, mouse, trackpad, QWERTY keyboard, etc. For example, the user can manually input desired conditions (objective function, etc.) regarding the quality of fuel oil, or various states related to the refining apparatus 1, via the input unit 104.

[0050] The output unit 105 outputs electrical signals to each part of the refining apparatus 1 to change various conditions. For example, the output unit 105 is configured to output electrical signals to the gas removal unit 5, etc., to adjust the fuel oil temperature, vacuum level (absolute pressure), residence time, etc.

[0051] (Functional Configuration) The information processing performed by the software stored in the memory unit 102 is concretely realized by the processor 101, which is an example of hardware, and can be executed as each functional unit included in the processor 101 (at least one processor provided by the information processing device 10).

[0052] As shown in Figure 4(b), the processor 101 (information processing device 10) comprises an acquisition unit 111, an arithmetic unit 112, and an output control unit 113.

[0053] The acquisition unit 111 is configured to receive various data from the storage unit 102, various parts of the refining system 100, or other information processing terminals as an acquisition step. For example, the acquisition unit 111 is configured to acquire information about the status of various parts of the refining system 100, such as the measurement results of fuel oil by sensors in the quality verification unit 7 and the storage tank 9.

[0054] The arithmetic unit 112 is configured to perform various calculations as calculation steps. For example, the arithmetic unit 112 is configured to calculate whether or not to execute a kidney loop based on state information and reference information.

[0055] The output control unit 113 outputs a signal as an output step to change the conditions of each part of the refining apparatus 1. For example, based on the results calculated by the calculation unit 112, the output control unit 113 outputs an electrical signal to the shipping control unit 8, which is the target of adjustment, via the output unit 105.

[0056] The output control unit 113 outputs a screen S1, for example, as shown in Figure 5, to the output unit 105. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the screen of the information processing device. Screen S1 displays a list of items monitored and judged by the information processing device 10, as well as the history of judgments. Screen S1 includes, as an example, areas A1 to A4. Area A1 contains information on the quality of the fuel oil obtained most recently. More specifically, it shows the numerical values ​​or status of Karl Fischer moisture content, moisture and sediment, cleanliness, two-phase ratio, Clear & Bright, and 15°C equivalent density obtained by the quality verification unit 7, and whether or not they are within the threshold range (satisfying the conditions of the shipping control unit 8) (pass or fail). These numerical values ​​or statuses and the pass / fail status may be manually entered by the user or may be automatically displayed as a result of information processing by the processor 101. Area A2 contains information regarding whether all the various quality criteria shown in Area A1 have passed (satisfying the conditions of the shipping control unit 8). This allows the user to easily understand the quality of the fuel oil. Area A2 also contains information regarding whether the shipping control unit 8 is in demo mode or shipping mode. In other words, by simply referring to Area A2, the user can understand whether the conditions for shipping are in which the shipping control unit 8 is authorized.

[0057] Area A3 includes a sub-area A31 that indicates whether or not shipment has been authorized by the shipment control unit 8. Because area A3, including this sub-area A31, is located adjacent to area A2, the user can immediately confirm and determine whether the judgment and mode and the shipment status are operating in a consistent manner (i.e., whether or not there are any malfunctions). Area A3 further includes a sub-area A32 that contains information indicating the status of return from the shipment control unit 8 to the gas removal unit 5. If area A2 indicates that all quality standards have passed, the fuel oil is not automatically returned from the shipment control unit 8 to the gas removal unit 5, but it can be manually returned by the user. On the other hand, if area A2 indicates that any quality standard is unsatisfactory, the fuel oil is automatically returned from the shipment control unit 8 to the gas removal unit 5. In the state shown in Figure 5, sub-area A32 indicates that it is possible to manually return the fuel oil from the shipment control unit 8 to the gas removal unit 5.

[0058] Area A4 displays a list of information I1 to I5 at time T1 when the quality measurements were obtained. Information I1 includes the quality measurements obtained (measured or input) at time T1. Information I2 includes the judgment result regarding whether all quality conditions were met ("AND met") or not ("not met") at time T1. Information I3 concerns whether the product was shipped from the shipping control unit 8 to the storage tank 9, returned to the gas removal unit 5, or is in a waiting state. Information I4 indicates the state as a result of one of the actions indicated by information I3. Information I5 concerns the hash value representing information I1 to I4 at each time T1. By displaying this information I1 to I5 in a list, the user can quickly grasp whether the purification system 100 is operating normally or not.

[0059] [Purification method] <Overall Structure> Next, with reference to Figure 6, a method for refining fuel oil using the refining system 100 will be described. Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the fuel oil refining method according to this embodiment. The fuel oil refining method includes, in part, information processing by the information processing device 10. In this information processing, a program stored in the storage unit (storage medium) 102 is read by the processor 101, and the following steps are executed. That is, the information processing method comprises each step of the program. The program causes at least one computer to execute each step of the information processing method (the program causes the processor to execute the fuel oil refining method). In the following explanation, we will assume that the shipping control unit 8 is in shipping mode.

[0060] First, in step S001, as a receiving process, fuel oil is received from the supply unit 20 into the refining unit 1. Next, in step S002, coarse particles are removed from the fuel oil supplied to the coarse filtration section 2 (coarse filtration step). Coarse particles may have a particle size of, for example, 20 μm to 50 μm.

[0061] Next, in step S003, water is removed from the fuel oil supplied from the coarse filtration section 2 to the water removal section 3 (water removal step). More specifically, in the water removal step, free water and coarse droplets are removed using a coalescer or a centrifugal separator. Next, in step S004, fine particles smaller in size than coarse particles are removed from the fuel oil supplied from the moisture removal unit 3 to the microfiltration unit 4 (microfiltration step). The microfiltration step is performed using a filter element having a performance of 5 μm absolute and a β value of 200 or more.

[0062] Next, in step S005, the gas dissolved in the fuel oil is removed by reducing the pressure of the fuel oil supplied from the precision filtration section 4 to the gas removal section 5 (gas removal step). The gas removal step is preferably performed under reduced pressure of 50 kPaA to 70 kPaA with a residence time of 2 minutes to 5 minutes. The gas removal process is carried out to minimize power consumption (kWh / kL) while maintaining quality, using fuel oil temperature, processing flow rate, and vacuum level as variables. Details of the control in the gas removal process will be described later.

[0063] Next, in step S006, the information processing device 10 preferably decides whether to execute or discontinue the adsorption polishing process in the next step S007 based on at least one of the amount of polar compounds in the fuel oil and the differential pressure profile in the water removal process, the microfiltration process, or the gas removal process, and more preferably decides whether to execute or discontinue the adsorption polishing process based on the amount of polar compounds in the fuel oil and at least one of the differential pressure profile in the gas removal process. More specifically, first, the information processing device 10 (acquisition unit 111) acquires at least one of the amount of polar compounds in the fuel oil and the differential pressure profile based on the measurement values ​​of sensors provided in the water removal unit 3, the microfiltration unit 4, or the gas removal unit 5. In this embodiment, this is both the amount of polar compounds and the differential pressure profile of the gas removal unit 5. Next, the information processing device 10 (calculation unit 112) calculates and determines whether the amount of polar compounds and the differential pressure profile are above their respective thresholds. Then, if at least one of the amount of polar compounds or the differential pressure profile is above the threshold, the information processing device 10 (output control unit 113) supplies fuel oil from the gas removal unit 5 to the adsorption polishing unit 6 via the liquid line LL1 (i.e., proceeds to step S007). On the other hand, if both the amount of polar compounds and the differential pressure profile are below the threshold, the fuel oil from the gas removal unit 5 is supplied to the quality verification unit 7 via the bypass line LL2 (i.e., proceeds to step S008).

[0064] In step S007, as an adsorption polishing process, impurities are removed from the fuel oil using an adsorbent between the gas removal process and the quality verification process. Examples of impurities removed include organic acids, polar compounds such as aldehydes, oxidative degradation products such as peroxides, and trace metal particles.

[0065] Step S008 is a quality verification process in which the fuel oil quality is verified. In the quality verification process, various sensors are used to measure the desired quality items. In this embodiment, the desired quality items include the moisture content measured by the Karl Fischer method, the cleanliness code specified in ISO 4406:2021, and the two-phase ratio. Preferably, the desired quality items also include moisture and precipitate as specified in ASTM D2709-22 / ASTM D975-24 and Clear & Bright as specified in ASTM D4176-22. The items acquired by the sensors are input to the information processing device 10 (the acquisition unit 111 acquires the items).

[0066] The moisture content measured by the Karl Fischer method is obtained based on measurements from a moisture sensor and reference information. Specifically, first, the information processing device 10 (acquisition unit 111) acquires measurement values ​​(moisture content) sequentially and continuously measured using a moisture sensor provided in the quality verification unit 7. The acquisition unit 111 also acquires reference information stored in the storage unit 102. The reference information shows the relationship between the moisture content of the fuel oil measured by the moisture sensor and the moisture content according to the Karl Fischer method, and can be, for example, a predetermined function or artificial intelligence (AI). Then, the information processing device 10 (calculation unit 112) converts the measured moisture content into the moisture content according to the Karl Fischer method based on the reference information. This conversion allows moisture to be measured with simple equipment. Then, it is determined whether the converted moisture content is below a threshold (for example, 0.1 volume%) (within the range of condition (i)). The converted moisture content, threshold, and determination result are automatically saved in the storage unit 102 as audit history information.

[0067] Furthermore, the two-phase ratio is obtained (estimated) based on the drive gain or sound velocity index of the Coriolis flow meter, or the mass difference or volume difference before and after the gas removal process. Specifically, first, the information processing device 10 (acquisition unit 111) acquires measured values ​​from sensors such as Coriolis flow meters provided in the quality verification unit 7 or the gas removal unit 5. The acquisition unit 111 also acquires reference information stored in the storage unit 102. The reference information shows the relationship between the drive gain, sound velocity index, mass difference, or volume difference and the two-phase ratio, and may be, for example, a predetermined function or artificial intelligence (AI). The information processing device 10 (calculation unit 112) estimates the two-phase ratio (obtains the two-phase ratio) based on the measured values ​​and the reference information. Then, it determines whether the estimated two-phase ratio is within a threshold (for example, 0.05 volume% or less) (within the range of condition (iii)). As described above with reference to Figure 3, a correlation is expected to be observed between the two-phase ratio estimated from these measured values ​​and the two-phase ratio measured on a laboratory scale. This conversion method allows for the simple acquisition of two-phase ratios. In this manner, the information processing device 10 causes the processor 101 to acquire the detection results from the sensor. Based on the detection results, it then causes the processor 101 to determine whether or not the quality satisfies each condition in the shipping control process.

[0068] Next, in step S009, the fuel oil supplied from the quality verification unit 7 to the shipping control unit 8 is subjected to a gas removal process, and only if the quality meets all predetermined conditions is shipping permitted (shipping control process). The predetermined conditions include the following conditions (i) to (iii). (i) The moisture content measured by the Karl Fischer method is 0.1% by volume or less. (ii) Cleanliness code of 18 / 16 / 13 or less as defined in ISO 4406:2021 (iii) The two-phase ratio is 0.05% by volume or less.

[0069] Furthermore, in the shipment control process, it is preferable that the predetermined conditions include the following condition (iv) in addition to conditions (i) to (iii) (in the shipment mode, shipment of fuel oil is permitted only if the quality satisfies all of conditions (i) to (iv)), and it is even more preferable that the conditions include (v) to (vii). (iv) The variation in density at 15°C is ±0.1 kg / m³ 3 (v) The water content measured by the Karl Fischer method is less than 0.05% by volume, and the total amount of water and precipitates according to ASTM D2709-22 / ASTM D975-24 is 0.05% by volume or less. (vi) Cleanliness code 17 / 15 / 12 or less according to ISO 4406:2021 (vii) Meets the Clear & Bright visual inspection standard based on ASTM D4176-22 (no free water or suspended matter). This allows for the shipment of higher-quality fuel oil. For example, fuel oil can be shipped for use in emergency diesel generators at nuclear facilities. In particular, fuel oil shipped through the shipping control process can be guaranteed to be of high quality during custody transfer.

[0070] Then, in the shipping control process, if at least one of the predetermined conditions is not met, the fuel oil is returned to the gas removal process (step S005). In other words, if the information processing device 10 (calculation unit 112) determines that at least one of the predetermined conditions is not met, it instructs the output control unit 113 to return the fuel oil to the gas removal unit 5 via the return line LL3. On the other hand, if all predetermined conditions are met, the fuel oil is sent to the storage process (step S010). In other words, if the information processing device 10 (arithmetic unit 112) determines that all predetermined conditions are met, it authorizes the output control unit 113 to ship the fuel oil and supply it to the storage tank 9 via the liquid line LL1. Also, if the information processing device 10 (processor 101) is authorized to ship the fuel oil, it causes the quality verification results to be stored in the storage unit 102.

[0071] In step S010, as a storage process, the fuel oil authorized for shipment in the shipment control process (step S009) is stored in the storage tank 9. In the storage process, the quality of the fuel oil is further monitored under predetermined conditions and timings, and the storage tank 9 is cleaned. Specifically, it is preferable to monitor (d) or (e) below in the storage tank 9. (d) Microbial content in fuel oil (e) Oxidation stability of fuel oil based on ASTM D2274-14 (2019) By monitoring (d) or (e) and performing cleaning treatments according to the item, the deterioration of fuel oil quality can be prevented. In this embodiment, (d) and (e) are further monitored and cleaning treatments are performed. As an example of these treatments, the monitoring of (d) and the corresponding cleaning treatment will be described in detail later.

[0072] Furthermore, it is preferable to monitor (f) below during the storage process. (f) Moisture at the bottom of storage tank 9 In other words, the information processing device 10 (acquisition unit 111) acquires whether the moisture level at the bottom of the storage tank 9 is above a threshold (moisture is present) or not (moisture is absent) based on the measurement value of the moisture detection sensor. Then, if the calculation unit 112 determines that the moisture level is above a threshold (or moisture is present), the output control unit 113 discharges the water from the drain port provided at the bottom of the storage tank 9.

[0073] Next, in step S011, as a return process, the fuel oil stored in the storage tank 9 is returned to the rough filtration process based on at least one of (a) to (c). Alternatively, the fuel oil is discharged (supplied to the outside) to the discharge section 30. The return process will be described in detail later.

[0074] In this way, fuel oil can be refined to a high-quality state. Furthermore, it is preferable that the fuel oil refining method incorporates operational procedures for maintenance and annual testing in accordance with NFPA 110 and a fuel oil quality control plan (receiving inspection, storage monitoring, and corrective actions) referring to NRC RG 1.137 / ANSI / ANS-59.51. Such a method can also be used to ensure quality in the receiving, storage, and shipment of fuel for emergency diesel generators (DGs) at nuclear facilities (refer to NFPA 110 and NRC RG 1.137 / ANSI / ANS-59.51).

[0075] The above explanation describes the shipping mode, but the demo mode is performed using generally similar procedures. In demo mode, the shipping control process in step S009 does not proceed to the storage process in step S010, but instead always returns to the gas removal process in step S005. In addition, in demo mode, even if the apparent volume of fuel oil fluctuates, it is not recognized as an abnormality. In other words, the shipping control process is equipped with the ability to switch between a demo mode and a shipping mode. In demo mode, the shipment of fuel oil is prohibited while allowing fluctuations in the apparent volume of the fuel oil. By including such a demo mode, it is possible to verify the procedures and operation of the refining method (refining system 100) regardless of the quality of the fuel oil.

[0076] <Method for optimizing the gas removal process> Next, referring to Figure 7, we will explain the optimization of conditions performed in the gas removal process in step S005 of Figure 6. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of conditions optimization in the gas removal process. In step S101, the information processing device 10 (acquisition unit 111) acquires information about various states. This information includes information about the operating state of the gas removal unit 5, information about the power consumption of the gas removal unit 5, and information about the quality of the fuel oil.

[0077] Information regarding the operating status of the gas removal unit 5 includes the temperature of the fuel oil in the gas removal unit 5 and the vacuum level (absolute pressure) of the gas removal unit 5. Information regarding the power consumption per unit of gas removal unit 5 includes the power consumption (kWh) (power consumption per unit (kWh / kL)) used to refine a unit amount (kL) of fuel oil in the gas removal unit 5. Information regarding the operating status of the gas removal unit 5 and information regarding the power consumption of the gas removal unit 5 may be obtained by online monitoring using various sensors installed in the gas removal unit 5, such as temperature sensors, flow rate sensors, vacuum sensors, and power sensors installed in the power source. Alternatively, it may be obtained based on user input via the input unit 104. Alternatively, it may be obtained based on set values ​​stored in the storage unit 102. In this embodiment, measured values ​​from sensors are used; that is, online analysis is performed.

[0078] Information regarding the quality of fuel oil includes various quality characteristics verified (obtained) in the quality verification process, preferably including at least one of the results of the Clear & Bright visual inspection based on ASTM D4176-22 and the moisture and precipitate results based on ASTM D2709-22 / ASTM D975-24, and more preferably including all of the following: moisture content measured by the Karl Fischer method, cleanliness code as defined in ISO 4406:2021, two-phase ratio, variation range of density at 15°C, moisture and precipitate results, and the results of the Clear & Bright visual inspection. In this embodiment, all of these are included. Furthermore, information regarding the quality of fuel oil is acquired based on various sensors, such as moisture sensors, installed in the quality verification unit 7, and user input via the input unit 104. In other words, it is acquired by combining online and offline analysis.

[0079] Next, in step S102, the calculation unit 112 calculates the conditions to be adjusted based on the acquired state information and reference information as a calculation step. The reference information includes various functions, artificial intelligence (AI), etc., stored in the memory unit 102, and a combination of these may be used.

[0080] Examples of various functions include functions based on classical control, such as PID control and feedback control, and functions based on modern control, such as state feedback control, robust control, and model predictive control. Examples of AI include trained models that have been pre-trained with information about the state and the conditions for obtaining the desired state. In this embodiment, the reference information includes the predictive model, objective function, and constraints of the model predictive control. In other words, in this embodiment, the calculation unit 112 is a model predictive controller (MPC).

[0081] The calculation unit 112 is more preferably a hierarchical MPC, which improves the real-time performance of the method. More specifically, the calculation unit 112 has, for example, a two-stage configuration. In the first stage, which is one of the two stages, information regarding the operating status of the gas removal unit 5 is used. On the other hand, the second stage of the two-stage configuration uses information regarding the power consumption unit of the gas removal unit 5 and information regarding the quality of the fuel oil. The calculation unit 112 then calculates information regarding conditions to be adjusted in order to minimize the power consumption per unit while maintaining the quality of the fuel oil, based on the information regarding the state and the reference information. The conditions to be adjusted include the temperature of the fuel oil in the gas removal unit 5, the processing flow rate, and the vacuum level.

[0082] In step S103, the output control unit 113 adjusts the operating state of the gas removal unit 5 based on the information regarding the conditions to be adjusted, calculated by the calculation unit 112, as an output step. Specifically, the output control unit 113 outputs electrical signals to change the fuel oil temperature, processing flow rate, and vacuum level (i.e., the rotation speed of the pressure reducing pump) in the gas removal unit 5.

[0083] As described above, the gas removal process (step S005 in Figure 6) is performed in a manner that minimizes the power consumption per unit (kWh / kL) while maintaining quality, with the fuel oil temperature, processing flow rate, and vacuum level as variables. At this time, the information processing device 10 causes the processor 101 to control the fuel oil temperature, processing flow rate, and vacuum level in the gas removal unit 5 in a manner that minimizes the power consumption per unit (kWh / kL) while maintaining quality. The information processing device 10 also causes the processor 101 to adjust the fuel oil temperature, processing flow rate, and vacuum level so as to improve the degree of the Clear & Bright visual inspection results based on ASTM D4176-22, or reduce the total amount of water and sediment based on ASTM D2709-22 / ASTM D975-24. This adjustment is more preferably carried out in such a way that the degree of Clear & Bright results is improved, the total amount of water and precipitate is reduced, and the variation in water content, cleanliness code as defined in ISO 4406:2021, two-phase ratio is 0.05 vol% or less, and density at 15°C is reduced, as measured by the Karl Fischer method.

[0084] <Methods for monitoring and cleaning tanks in the storage process> Next, referring to Figure 8, the monitoring and cleaning methods for the storage tank 9 performed in the storage process of step S010 in Figure 6 will be described. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the tank monitoring and cleaning methods in the storage process. Here, (d) monitoring of the amount of microorganisms in the fuel oil and the corresponding cleaning treatment will be described.

[0085] First, in step S201, a sample of fuel oil stored in the storage tank 9 is taken, and its ATP is measured. Sampling is performed via a sampling port provided in the storage tank 9 according to a predetermined schedule. The schedule may be, for example, every 72 hours, every 96 hours, every 3 days, every 7 days, every 10 days, etc. In other words, the information processing device 10 (acquisition unit 111) either causes the output control unit 113 to perform sampling or notifies the system that the sampling schedule has arrived, at the scheduled timing stored in the storage unit 102. The ATP measurement is not particularly limited, but for example, it can be performed manually or automatically by ATP swab testing (A3 method).

[0086] Next, in step S202, it is determined whether the growth rate of microorganisms exceeds an acceptable range (positive) or not (negative). More specifically, for example, the information processing device 10 (acquisition unit 111) acquires the ATP measurement result based on user input via the input unit 104. Then, the information processing device 10 (calculation unit 112) determines whether the measurement result regarding microorganisms is positive or negative based on the ATP measurement result. In other words, the information processing device 10 causes the processor 101 to monitor the state of microorganisms in the storage tank 9. If the measurement result for microorganisms is determined to be negative, return to step S201. On the other hand, if the measurement result for microorganisms is determined to be positive, proceed to step S203.

[0087] In step S203, the disinfectant is introduced. More specifically, for example, the information processing device 10 (output control unit 113) introduces the disinfectant from the disinfectant storage unit 91 through the inlet of the storage tank 9. That is, the information processing device 10 introduces the disinfectant into the inlet based on the introduction schedule. Next, in step S204, the processes from the coarse filtration stage onward are carried out. Specifically, the fuel oil is returned to the fine filtration section 4 via the liquid line LL5. This removes microbial residues and other impurities from the fuel oil.

[0088] In step S205, sampling and ATP measurement are performed again according to a predetermined schedule. This schedule can be determined, for example, depending on when step S204 was performed. The schedule could be, for example, 24 hours, 72 hours, or 96 hours after step S204 was performed. The schedule could also be, for example, after step S204 has been performed and the time required for the microfiltration process, gas removal process, adsorption polishing process, quality verification process, and shipping control process has elapsed. The sampling and ATP measurement in step S205 are performed in the same manner as in step S201. Next, in step S206, the result of the measurement regarding microorganisms is determined to be positive or negative, in the same manner as in step S202. If the result of the measurement regarding microorganisms is determined to be negative, the process returns to step S201. On the other hand, if the result of the measurement regarding microorganisms is determined to be positive, the process proceeds to step S207.

[0089] In step S207, replacement or cleaning operations are performed, such as replacing or cleaning the filter in the microfiltration unit 4, replacing or cleaning the adsorbent in the adsorption polishing unit 6, or cleaning the storage tank 9 or piping. With this configuration, it is possible to monitor and maintain the functions of each part from the microfiltration unit 4 to the storage tank 9, along with monitoring the microorganisms.

[0090] Next, in step S208, similar to step S204, the fuel oil is returned to the precision filtration unit 4 again via the liquid line LL5. Next, in steps S209 and S210, sampling and ATP measurement, and determination of whether the measurement result for microorganisms is positive or negative are performed, in the same manner as in steps S201 and S202, respectively. If the measurement result for microorganisms is determined to be positive, the process returns to step S207. On the other hand, if the measurement result for microorganisms is determined to be negative, the process is terminated.

[0091] As described above, the storage process (step 010 in Figure 6) involves monitoring and cleaning the storage tank. In the above method, it is preferable to update each schedule at the time it is determined whether the measurement results for microorganisms are positive or negative (steps S202, S206, S210). That is, it is preferable for the information processing device 10 to output a disinfectant injection schedule based on the monitored results. For example, if the measurement results for microorganisms are negative, the sampling interval can be extended, and if the measurement results for microorganisms are positive, the sampling interval can be shortened. Furthermore, it is preferable that the information processing device 10 records the determination result, the date and time of the determination or response, the amount of disinfectant added, the time of circulating polishing, the person in charge, etc., in the storage unit 102 at the time when it is determined whether the measurement result for microorganisms is positive or negative, and at the time when a corresponding action is taken. It is also preferable that the device be configured to output these records. Using the method described above, maintenance and annual testing schedules and microbial control workflows in accordance with NFPA 110 can be output from the HMI (control unit) as operational documents.

[0092] Furthermore, the oxidation stability of the fuel oil, as measured by (e) ASTM D2274-14 (2019), which is also monitored in the storage process (storage tank 9), can be monitored and the condition of the fuel oil improved in the same manner as described above. In this case, instead of ATP measurement, a pre-oxidation test in accordance with ASTM D2274-14 (2019) may be performed. Also, instead of a disinfectant, a treatment agent (antioxidant or metal deactivator) can be added. In this case, since residue is less likely to be generated after addition, circulating polishing can be omitted. These methods are not limited to those described above. For example, instead of having the device actually add a disinfectant or treatment agent, the output control unit 113 may output (display, sound, etc.) information suggesting the addition of a disinfectant or treatment agent to the output unit 105.

[0093] <Details of the return process> Next, with reference to Figure 9, the return process performed in step S011 of Figure 6 will be explained. Figure 9 is a flowchart detailing the return process. First, in step S301, at least one of the following (a) to (c) is obtained according to a predetermined schedule. (a) Exponential Moving Average (EWMA) of Particle Numbers in Fuel Oil (b) Residence time of fuel oil in storage tank 9 (c) Environmental relative humidity of fuel oil More specifically, in order to obtain (a), first, fuel oil is sampled from the sampling port of the storage tank 9, and the number of particles in the fuel oil is obtained in accordance with ISO 4406:2021. Then, the exponential moving average (EWMA) is calculated, for example, with α = 0.2. Then, the information processing device 10 (acquisition unit 111) obtains (a) through user input via the input unit 104. Furthermore, the information processing device 10 (acquisition unit 111) can acquire (b) based on the information stored in the storage unit 102, and (c) based on the measurement values ​​of the sensors installed in the storage tank 9. The predetermined schedule could be, for example, every 12 hours, every 24 hours, every 72 hours, or every week.

[0094] Next, in step S302, it is determined whether at least one of the conditions obtained in step S301 is outside the threshold range. If all of the acquired information is within the threshold range, the process proceeds to step S306. In step S306, the acquired information is stored in the storage unit 102. On the other hand, if at least one condition is outside the threshold range, proceed to step S303.

[0095] In step S303, it is determined whether or not a kidney loop is possible. Specifically, the acquisition unit 111 of the information processing device 10 acquires whether or not any one of the following (I) to (III) applies. (I) The shipping control unit 8 is performing the shipping process to the storage tank 9. (II) The gas removal unit 5 is undergoing maintenance. (III) High temperature, high pressure, or leakage is detected. Then, if at least one of (I) to (III) is met, the system waits for a predetermined time in step S304, and then repeats step S303. On the other hand, if none of (I) to (III) apply, it is determined that the kidney loop can be executed, and the process proceeds to step S305.

[0096] In step S305, the kidney loop is initiated. In other words, the information processing device 10 (output control unit 113) returns the fuel oil to the coarse filtration unit 2 (the coarse filtration step in step S002 in Figure 6) via the return line LL4. In this way, the refining system 100 can monitor the condition of the fuel oil stored in the storage tank 9 and automatically perform a cleaning process (kidney loop). This prevents a deterioration in the quality of the fuel oil, making it usable in nuclear power plants and other facilities.

[0097] The disclosure described above is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, the acquisition unit 111 of the information processing device 10 may acquire various measurement results based on measurement results from a detection device such as a camera, rather than from user operation input via the input unit 104. Furthermore, for example, the inlet for disinfectants, etc., may be located in the middle of the return line LL4 downstream of the storage tank 9, instead of being located on the storage tank 9 itself. The sample collection port may be located in the middle of the liquid line LL1 downstream of the quality verification unit 7 or the storage tank 9, instead of being located on the quality verification unit 7 or the storage tank 9 itself.

[0098] Furthermore, the destination to which fuel oil is returned from the shipping control unit 8 via the return line LL3 is not limited to the gas removal unit 5. For example, fuel oil may be returned from the shipping control unit 8 to the coarse filtration unit 2, the water removal unit 3, the fine filtration unit 4, or the adsorption polishing unit 6, or the return destination may be configured to differ depending on the condition of the fuel oil. Similarly, the return destination of fuel oil from the storage tank 9 via the liquid line LL5 may be other than the fine filtration unit 4, or it may be configured to differ depending on the situation. Furthermore, they may be provided in the following embodiments.

[0099] (1) A method for refining fuel oil, comprising: a coarse filtration step to remove coarse particles from the fuel oil; a moisture removal step to remove water from the fuel oil; a fine filtration step to remove fine particles smaller in diameter than the coarse particles from the fuel oil; a gas removal step to remove gas dissolved in the fuel oil by reducing the pressure of the fuel oil; a quality verification step to verify the quality of the fuel oil; and a shipment control step to permit shipment of the fuel oil only if the gas removal step has been performed and the quality satisfies all of the following conditions (i) to (iii): (i) water content measured by the Karl Fischer method is 0.1 volume% or less; (ii) cleanliness code as defined in ISO 4406:2021 is 18 / 16 / 13 or less; (iii) two-phase ratio is 0.05 volume% or less.

[0100] (2) A fuel oil refining method according to (1) above, wherein the water removal step is performed by removing free water and coarse droplets using a coalescer or a centrifugal separator.

[0101] (3) A fuel oil refining method according to (1) or (2) above, wherein the microfiltration step is performed using a filter element having a performance of 5 μm absolute and a β value of 200 or more.

[0102] (4) A fuel oil refining method according to any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein the gas removal step is performed under reduced pressure of 50 kPaA or more and 70 kPaA or less, with a residence time of 2 minutes or more and 5 minutes or less.

[0103] (5) A fuel oil refining method according to any one of (1) to (4) above, wherein the gas removal step is performed in such a way as to minimize the power consumption per unit (kWh / kL) while maintaining the quality, with the temperature, processing flow rate, and vacuum degree of the fuel oil as variables.

[0104] (6) A fuel oil refining method according to any one of (1) to (5) above, further comprising an adsorption polishing step between the gas removal step and the quality verification step, wherein an adsorbent is used to remove impurities from the fuel oil.

[0105] (7) A fuel oil refining method according to (6) above, wherein the adsorption polishing step is performed or stopped based on at least one of the amount of polar compounds in the fuel oil and the differential pressure profile in the gas removal step.

[0106] (8) A fuel oil refining method according to any one of (1) to (7) above, wherein in the quality verification step, the two-phase ratio is estimated based on the drive gain or sound velocity index of a Coriolis flow meter, or the mass difference or volume difference before and after the gas removal step.

[0107] (9) A fuel oil refining method according to any one of (1) to (8) above, wherein in the shipment control step, shipment of the fuel oil is permitted only if the quality satisfies the following condition (iv) in addition to the conditions (i) to (iii): (iv) The variation range of the density converted to 15℃ is ±0.1 kg / m³ 3

[0108] (10) A fuel oil refining method according to (9) above, wherein in the shipment control step, if at least one of the above conditions (i) to (iv) is not met, the fuel oil is returned to the gas removal step.

[0109] (11) A fuel oil refining method as described in (9) above, wherein the shipping control step is switchable between a demo mode and a shipping mode, wherein in the demo mode, the shipping of the fuel oil is prohibited while allowing fluctuations in the apparent volume of the fuel oil, and in the shipping mode, the shipping of the fuel oil is permitted only when the quality satisfies all of the above conditions (i) to (iv).

[0110] (12) A fuel oil refining method according to any one of (1) to (11) above, wherein in a storage step, the fuel oil authorized for shipment in the shipment control step is stored in a storage tank, and in a return step, the fuel oil stored in the storage tank is returned to the coarse filtration step based on at least one of the exponential moving average (EWMA) of the number of particles in the fuel oil, the residence time of the fuel oil in the storage tank, and the ambient relative humidity of the fuel oil.

[0111] (13) A fuel oil refining method according to any one of (1) to (12) above, wherein the fuel oil shipped in the shipping control step is fuel oil whose quality at the time of custody transfer is guaranteed.

[0112] (14) The fuel oil refining method described in (13) above, wherein the shipment control step permits the shipment of the fuel oil only if the fuel oil to be shipped is fuel oil for emergency diesel generators of nuclear facilities, and the criteria of the quality verification step further satisfy all of the following conditions (v) to (vii): (v) The water content measured by the Karl Fischer method is less than 0.05 volume%, and the total amount of water and precipitates according to ASTM D2709-22 / ASTM D975-24 is 0.05 volume% or less; (vi) The cleanliness code according to ISO 4406:2021 is 17 / 15 / 12 or less; (vii) It conforms to the Clear & Bright visual inspection according to ASTM D4176-22.

[0113] (15) A fuel oil refining method according to any one of (1) to (14) above, wherein in the quality verification step, the amount of water is measured sequentially and continuously using a water sensor, the measured amount of water is converted to a water content according to the Karl Fischer method based on reference information, it is determined whether the converted water content is within the range of condition (i), the converted water content, condition (i), and the determination result are automatically saved as audit history information, and the reference information shows the relationship between the amount of water of the fuel oil measured by the water sensor and the amount of water according to the Karl Fischer method, the fuel oil refining method.

[0114] (16) A fuel oil refining apparatus comprising: a coarse filtration section for removing coarse particles from fuel oil; a moisture removal section for removing water from fuel oil; a fine filtration section for removing fine particles smaller in diameter than the coarse particles from fuel oil; a gas removal section for removing gas dissolved in fuel oil by reducing the pressure of the fuel oil; a quality verification section for verifying the quality of the fuel oil; and a shipment control section for permitting the shipment of the fuel oil only when the gas removal section is in operation and the quality satisfies all of the following conditions (i) to (iii): (i) Moisture content measured by the Karl Fischer method is 0.1 volume% or less; (ii) Cleanliness code as defined in ISO 4406:2021 is 18 / 16 / 13 or less; (iii) Two-phase ratio is 0.05 volume% or less.

[0115] (17) A fuel oil refining apparatus as described in (16) above, wherein the water removal unit is equipped with a coalescer or centrifuge for separating free water and coarse droplets.

[0116] (18) A fuel oil refining apparatus according to (16) or (17) above, wherein the precision filtration section is equipped with a filter element having a performance of 5 μm absolute and a β value of 200 or more.

[0117] (19) A fuel oil refining apparatus according to any one of (16) to (18) above, further comprising an adsorption polishing section disposed between the gas removal section and the quality verification section, and having an adsorbent for removing impurities from the fuel oil.

[0118] (20) A fuel oil refining apparatus according to any one of (16) to (19) above, wherein the quality verification unit is equipped with a two-phase ratio estimation means for estimating the two-phase ratio based on the drive gain or sound velocity index of a Coriolis flow meter, or the mass difference or volume difference before and after the gas removal unit.

[0119] (21) A fuel oil refining apparatus according to any one of (16) to (20) above, wherein the fuel oil refining apparatus is assembled as a single skid and is connected to a receiving line for supplying the fuel oil to the coarse filtration section and a storage tank for storing the fuel oil shipped from the shipping control unit.

[0120] (22) A fuel oil refining apparatus as described in (21) above, further comprising a kidney loop mechanism for returning the fuel oil stored in the storage tank to the coarse filtration section based on at least one of the exponential moving average (EWMA) of the number of particles in the fuel oil, the residence time of the fuel oil in the storage tank, and the ambient relative humidity of the fuel oil.

[0121] (23) A fuel oil refining apparatus according to any one of (16) to (22) above, wherein the shipping control unit is configured to switch between a demo mode and a shipping mode, and includes an interlock that prohibits the shipping of the fuel oil when the demo mode is selected.

[0122] (24) A fuel oil refining system comprising a fuel oil refining apparatus according to any one of (16) to (23) above, and an information processing device that causes a processor to control the verification in the quality verification unit and the authorization in the shipment control unit.

[0123] (25) A fuel oil refining system as described in (24) above, further comprising a storage tank having an inlet for storing the fuel oil shipped from the shipping control unit, wherein the information processing device causes the processor to monitor the state of microorganisms in the storage tank, outputs a schedule for adding a disinfectant based on the monitoring results, and adds the disinfectant to the inlet based on the adding schedule.

[0124] (26) A fuel oil refining system according to (24) or (25) above, wherein the information processing device causes the processor to control the fuel oil in the gas removal section to maintain the quality while minimizing the power consumption per unit (kWh / kL).

[0125] (27) A fuel oil refining system as described in (26) above, wherein the information processing device causes the processor to adjust the temperature, processing flow rate, and vacuum level of the fuel oil so as to improve the degree of the Clear & Bright visual inspection results based on ASTM D4176-22 or reduce the total amount of water and sediment based on ASTM D2709-22 / ASTM D975-24.

[0126] (28) A fuel oil refining system according to any one of (24) to (27) above, wherein the quality verification unit is equipped with a sensor for detecting numerical values ​​related to the quality, and the information processing device causes the processor to acquire the detection result from the sensor and, based on the detection result, determine whether or not the quality satisfies the conditions (i) to (iii).

[0127] (29) A fuel oil refining system as described in (28) above, wherein the information processing device comprises a storage unit having tamper-proof storage, and when the shipment of the fuel oil is permitted, the system causes the quality verification results to be stored in the storage unit.

[0128] (30) A program that causes a processor to execute any one of the fuel oil refining methods described in (1) to (15) above.

[0129] (31) A computer-readable storage medium storing a program that causes a processor to execute any one of the fuel oil refining methods described in (1) to (15) above. Of course, this is not always the case.

[0130] Finally, various embodiments of the present invention have been described, but these are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0131] 1: Purification equipment 10: Information Processing Device 100: Refining System 101: Processor 102: Storage section 103: Communications Department 104: Input section 105: Output section 106: Communications bus 111: Acquisition Department 112: Arithmetic section 113: Output Control Unit 2: Coarse filtration section 20: Supply section 3: Moisture removal section 30: Discharge section 4: Precision filtration section 5: Gas removal section 6: Adsorption polishing section 7: Quality Verification Department 8: Shipping Control Unit 9: Storage tank 91: Disinfectant storage section 92: Treatment agent storage section A1 :Area A2 :Area A3 :Area A31 :Small area A32 :Small area A4 :Area I1: Information I2: Information I3: Information I4: Information I5: Information L5: Input line L6: Input line LL1: Liquid line LL2: Bypass Line LL3: Return Line LL4: Return Line LL5: Liquid line

Claims

1. A method for refining fuel oil, A coarse filtration step to remove coarse particles from the fuel oil, A water removal step to remove water from the fuel oil, A precision filtration process to remove fine particles with a particle size smaller than the coarse particles from the fuel oil, A gas removal step is performed by reducing the pressure of the fuel oil to remove gases dissolved in the fuel oil, A quality verification process for verifying the quality of the aforementioned fuel oil, A fuel oil refining method comprising a shipping control step that permits the shipment of the fuel oil only when the gas removal step has been performed and the quality satisfies all of the following conditions (i) to (iii). (i) The moisture content measured by the Karl Fischer method is 0.1% by volume or less. (ii) Cleanliness code of 18 / 16 / 13 or less as defined in ISO 4406:2021 (iii) The two-phase ratio is 0.05% by volume or less.

2. In the fuel oil refining method described in claim 1, The fuel oil refining method wherein the water removal step is performed by removing free water and coarse droplets using a coalescer or a centrifuge.

3. In the fuel oil refining method described in claim 1, The aforementioned precision filtration step is carried out using a filter element having a performance of 5 μm absolute and a β value of 200 or more, in a method for refining fuel oil.

4. In the fuel oil refining method described in claim 1, The gas removal step is performed under reduced pressure of 50 kPaA to 70 kPaA, with a residence time of 2 minutes to 5 minutes, in a fuel oil refining method.

5. In the fuel oil refining method described in claim 1, A fuel oil refining method wherein the gas removal step is performed in such a way as to minimize the power consumption per unit (kWh / kL) while maintaining the quality, with the temperature, processing flow rate, and vacuum level of the fuel oil as variables.

6. In the fuel oil refining method described in claim 1, Furthermore, a fuel oil refining method comprising an adsorption polishing step between the gas removal step and the quality verification step, wherein an adsorption polishing step is included to remove impurities from the fuel oil using an adsorbent.

7. In the fuel oil refining method according to claim 6, A fuel oil refining method wherein the adsorption polishing step is performed or discontinued based on the amount of polar compounds in the fuel oil and at least one of the differential pressure profile in the gas removal step.

8. In the fuel oil refining method described in claim 1, A fuel oil refining method in which, in the quality verification step, the two-phase ratio is estimated based on the drive gain or sound velocity index of a Coriolis flow meter, or the mass difference or volume difference before and after the gas removal step.

9. In the fuel oil refining method described in claim 1, A fuel oil refining method in which, in the aforementioned shipment control step, shipment of the fuel oil is permitted only if the quality satisfies the following condition (iv) in addition to the aforementioned conditions (i) to (iii). (iv) Variation range of density at 15°C is ±0.1 kg / m³ ３

10. In the fuel oil refining method according to claim 9, A fuel oil refining method comprising the following steps: in the shipment control step, if at least one of the above conditions (i) to (iv) is not met, the fuel oil is returned to the gas removal step.

11. In the fuel oil refining method according to claim 9, The aforementioned shipping control process is equipped with a switchable demo mode and shipping mode. In the aforementioned demo mode, while allowing fluctuations in the apparent volume of the fuel oil, the shipment of the fuel oil is prohibited. A fuel oil refining method in which, in the aforementioned shipping mode, the fuel oil is permitted to be shipped only if the quality satisfies all of the aforementioned conditions (i) to (iv).

12. In the fuel oil refining method according to claim 1, further, In the storage process, the fuel oil authorized for shipment in the shipment control process is stored in a storage tank. A fuel oil refining method comprising a return step in which the fuel oil stored in the storage tank is returned to the coarse filtration step based on at least one of the following: the exponential moving average (EWMA) of the number of particles in the fuel oil, the residence time of the fuel oil in the storage tank, and the ambient relative humidity of the fuel oil.

13. In the fuel oil refining method described in claim 1, A fuel oil refining method wherein the fuel oil shipped in the aforementioned shipping control process is fuel oil whose quality during custody transfer is guaranteed.

14. In the fuel oil refining method according to claim 13, In the aforementioned shipping control process, The fuel oil being shipped is fuel oil for emergency diesel generators at nuclear facilities. A fuel oil refining method that permits the shipment of the fuel oil only if the criteria for the quality verification process described above also satisfy all of the following conditions (v) to (vii). (v) The water content measured by the Karl Fischer method is less than 0.05% by volume, and the total amount of water and precipitates according to ASTM D2709-22 / ASTM D975-24 is 0.05% by volume or less. (vi) Cleanliness code 17 / 15 / 12 or less according to ISO 4406:2021 (vii) Complies with Clear & Bright visual inspection based on ASTM D4176-22

15. In the fuel oil refining method described in claim 1, In the quality verification process, the moisture content is measured sequentially and continuously using a moisture sensor, the measured moisture content is converted to a moisture content according to the Karl Fischer method based on reference information, it is determined whether the converted moisture content is within the range of condition (i), and the converted moisture content, condition (i), and the determination result are automatically saved as audit history information. The aforementioned reference information shows the relationship between the moisture content of the fuel oil as measured by the moisture sensor and the moisture content according to the Karl Fischer method. Fuel oil refining method.

16. A device for refining fuel oil, A coarse filtration section for removing coarse particles from fuel oil, A water removal unit that removes water from the fuel oil, A precision filtration unit that removes fine particles with a particle size smaller than the coarse particles from the fuel oil, A gas removal unit removes gases dissolved in the fuel oil by reducing the pressure of the fuel oil, A quality verification unit for verifying the quality of the aforementioned fuel oil, A fuel oil refining apparatus, comprising a shipping control unit that permits the shipment of the fuel oil only when the gas removal unit is in operation and the quality satisfies all of the following conditions (i) to (iii). (i) The moisture content measured by the Karl Fischer method is 0.1% by volume or less. (ii) Cleanliness code of 18 / 16 / 13 or less as defined in ISO 4406:2021 (iii) The two-phase ratio is 0.05% by volume or less.

17. In the fuel oil refining apparatus according to claim 16, The fuel oil refining apparatus comprises a water removal unit equipped with a coalescer or centrifuge for separating free water and coarse droplets.

18. In the fuel oil refining apparatus according to claim 16, The fuel oil refining apparatus comprises a precision filtration section equipped with a filter element having a performance of 5 μm absolute and a β value of 200 or more.

19. In the fuel oil refining apparatus according to claim 16, Furthermore, the fuel oil refining apparatus includes an adsorption polishing section, which is positioned between the gas removal section and the quality verification section and has an adsorbent material for removing impurities from the fuel oil.

20. In the fuel oil refining apparatus according to claim 16, A fuel oil refining apparatus comprising a quality verification unit equipped with a two-phase ratio estimation means for estimating the two-phase ratio based on the drive gain or sound velocity index of a Coriolis flow meter, or the mass difference or volume difference before and after the gas removal unit.

21. In the fuel oil refining apparatus according to claim 16, The fuel oil refining apparatus is assembled as a single skid and is connected to a receiving line that supplies the fuel oil to the coarse filtration section and a storage tank that stores the fuel oil shipped from the shipping control unit.

22. In the fuel oil refining apparatus according to claim 21, Furthermore, a fuel oil refining apparatus including a kidney loop mechanism for returning the fuel oil stored in the storage tank to the coarse filtration section based on at least one of the exponential moving average (EWMA) of the number of particles in the fuel oil, the residence time of the fuel oil in the storage tank, and the ambient relative humidity of the fuel oil.

23. In the fuel oil refining apparatus according to claim 16, The fuel oil refining apparatus is configured such that the shipping control unit can switch between a demo mode and a shipping mode, and includes an interlock that prohibits the shipping of the fuel oil when the demo mode is selected.

24. A fuel oil refining system, A fuel oil refining apparatus according to claim 16, A fuel oil refining system comprising a processor and an information processing device that causes the processor to control the verification in the quality verification unit and the authorization in the shipment control unit.

25. In the fuel oil refining system according to claim 24, Furthermore, the storage tank, which stores the fuel oil shipped from the shipping control unit, is equipped with an inlet. The information processing device includes the processor, The state of microorganisms in the aforementioned storage tank is monitored. Based on the monitoring results, output the disinfectant application schedule. A fuel oil refining system that introduces the disinfectant into the input port based on the aforementioned input schedule.

26. In the fuel oil refining system according to claim 24, The information processing device includes the processor, A fuel oil refining system that controls the temperature, processing flow rate, and vacuum level of the fuel oil in the gas removal section to minimize power consumption (kWh / kL) while maintaining the quality.

27. In the fuel oil refining system according to claim 26, A fuel oil refining system comprising: an information processing device causing the processor to adjust the temperature, processing flow rate, and vacuum level of the fuel oil so as to improve the degree of the Clear & Bright visual inspection results according to ASTM D4176-22, or reduce the total amount of water and sediment according to ASTM D2709-22 / ASTM D975-24.

28. In the fuel oil refining system according to claim 24, The quality verification unit includes a sensor that detects numerical values ​​related to the quality, The information processing device includes the processor, The detection result is obtained from the aforementioned sensor. A fuel oil refining system that determines whether the quality satisfies the conditions (i) to (iii) based on the detection results.

29. In the fuel oil refining system according to claim 28, The aforementioned information processing device is It comprises a storage unit having tamper-proof storage, A fuel oil refining system that, when the shipment of the fuel oil is permitted, stores the results of the quality verification in the memory unit.

30. A program for causing a processor to execute the fuel oil refining method described in any one of claims 1 to 15.

31. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a processor to execute the fuel oil refining method described in any one of claims 1 to 15.

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