Carbon dioxide supply system

Abstract

The present invention provides a carbon dioxide supply system that can suppress the release of carbon dioxide along with the air when releasing air from the processing chamber. [Solution] According to the present invention, a carbon dioxide supply system is provided, comprising a processing chamber and a gas supply unit, wherein the processing chamber is configured to house a material to be processed and perform a carbon dioxide reaction treatment, the gas supply unit is configured to supply carbon dioxide into the processing chamber from above, and the system has an expandable duct, the expandable duct is configured to expand and contract in the height direction of the processing chamber.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a carbon dioxide supply system applicable to a carbon dioxide fixation device.

Background Art

[0002] Carbonation devices have sometimes been used for purposes such as countermeasures against global warming and improvement of material performance. Carbonation devices are usually used for applications in which carbon dioxide is absorbed and fixed in calcium-containing materials such as concrete and cement-related materials.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a carbonation device (a curing device for a hardened body) configured to supply carbon dioxide into a container serving as a treatment chamber through a gas supply pipe connected to the upper part of the side surface of the container.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In Patent Document 1, since carbon dioxide, which is heavier than air, is supplied to the upper part of the container, the air and carbon dioxide present in the container are likely to mix. Therefore, when discharging air from the container, carbon dioxide is likely to be discharged outside the container together with the air.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a carbon dioxide supply system capable of suppressing carbon dioxide from being discharged outside the treatment chamber together with air when discharging air from the treatment chamber.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] According to the present invention, the following inventions are provided. [1] A carbon dioxide supply system comprising a processing chamber and a gas supply unit, wherein the processing chamber is configured to house a material to be processed and perform a carbon dioxide reaction treatment, and the gas supply unit has an expandable duct, the expandable duct is configured to supply carbon dioxide into the processing chamber, and the gas supply unit is configured to be expandable and contractible in the height direction of the processing chamber. A carbon dioxide supply system according to [2][1], wherein the gas supply unit comprises a lid and a lifting mechanism, the lid is connected to the lower end of the expandable duct, and the lifting mechanism is configured to raise and lower the lid. A carbon dioxide supply system as described in [3][2], wherein the lid is composed of a disc-shaped lower part and a conical upper part, and is configured to extend by applying a downward force to the expandable duct. A carbon dioxide supply system according to any one of [4][1] to [3], further comprising a stirrer, wherein the stirrer is configured to stir the material to be processed in a stirring space located below the processing chamber, and the telescopic duct is configured to be extendable to reach the stirring space. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, carbon dioxide is supplied into the processing chamber using an expandable duct that can expand and contract vertically, making it possible to supply carbon dioxide to the optimal height within the processing chamber. For example, since carbon dioxide (molecular weight approximately 44) is heavier than air (average molecular weight approximately 29), by supplying carbon dioxide near the material to be processed, which is contained in the lower part of the processing chamber, the supplied carbon dioxide accumulates in the lower part of the space within the processing chamber of the stirring tank, thereby suppressing the mixing of carbon dioxide and air within the processing chamber. As a result, when air is released from the processing chamber, it is possible to suppress the release of carbon dioxide along with the air outside the processing chamber. Moreover, since the expandable duct can be compactly stored in the gas supply section, the carbon dioxide supply system does not become larger. Furthermore, when the expandable duct expands and contracts vertically, physical interference with surrounding components is less likely to occur. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure shows a schematic configuration of carbon dioxide supply system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2A is a schematic diagram showing the gas supply section 42A of the carbon dioxide supply system 1, and Figure 2B is an enlarged view of the cover 47 in Figure 2A. [Figure 3] Figure 3A shows a schematic configuration of the gas receiving section 6 of the carbon dioxide supply system 1, and Figure 3B shows the gas bag 61 of the gas receiving section 6 in an expanded state. [Figure 4] This figure shows the state in which the expandable duct 45 of the gas supply unit 42A extends to the agitation space. [Figure 5] Figure 5A shows the state of the gas bag 61 in the gas receiving section 6 before it expands, and Figure 5B shows the state of the gas bag 61 in the gas receiving section 6 after it has expanded. [Figure 6] This figure shows the state in which the expandable duct 45 of the gas supply unit 42A is retracted to above the stirring space. [Figure 7] This figure shows the gas supply section 42A's expandable duct 45 in its most retracted position (closed position). [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In each drawing, components denoted by the same reference numerals have the same or similar configurations.

[0011] <Overall configuration of carbon dioxide supply system 1> As shown in Figure 1, the carbon dioxide supply system 1 comprises a main body 2, a lid 3, a supply unit 4, and a gas discharge unit 5. The main body 2 is in the shape of an open container and is configured to contain the material to be treated 7 (see Figure 4) which is subjected to carbon dioxide reaction treatment (which may also be called carbon dioxide fixation treatment, carbon dioxide adsorption treatment, carbonation treatment, etc.). A door (not shown) is provided at the bottom of the main body 2 for selectively discharging the material to be treated 7.

[0012] The main body 2 is equipped with stirrers 20A and 20B for stirring the material to be treated 7. The stirrers 20A and 20B are configured to stir the material to be treated 7 in the stirring space located at the bottom of the treatment chamber 20. In this embodiment, an example is described in which the material to be treated 7 is a calcium-containing material (concrete or cement-related material), but the material to be treated 7 is not limited to this. Furthermore, if the material to be treated 7 does not require stirring during the carbon dioxide reaction treatment, it is not necessary to provide the stirrers 20A and 20B.

[0013] The lid 3 is positioned to cover the top of the main body 2. Since the lid 3 is tightly connected to the top of the main body 2, the combination of the lid 3 and the main body 2 forms a processing chamber 20 of the carbon dioxide supply system 1 inside. This processing chamber 20 is configured to contain the material to be treated 7 and perform carbon dioxide reaction treatment. The supply unit 4 and the gas discharge unit 5 are connected to the lid 3. Therefore, the introduction of the material to be treated 7 and gas to the main body 2, as well as the discharge of gas, are performed through the lid 3.

[0014] <Supply section 4> The supply unit 4 includes a workpiece supply unit 41 and gas supply units 42A and 42B. The workpiece supply unit 41 is connected to a storage unit (not shown) that stores the workpiece 7. The workpiece supply unit 41 is preferably connected to the storage unit via, for example, a hopper or the like. The workpiece supply unit 41 constitutes a supply path that receives materials such as the workpiece 7 from plant facilities such as the storage unit and introduces them into the processing chamber 20. The workpiece supply unit 41 includes an opening / closing mechanism that can be opened and closed in the middle of the internal supply path. Therefore, the workpiece supply unit 41 can selectively introduce the material from the storage unit into the main body 2.

[0015] The gas supply units 42A and 42B are configured to supply carbon dioxide gas to the main body 2 from above. Since the basic configuration and connection state of the gas supply units 42A and 42B are the same, for the sake of convenience of explanation, only the gas supply unit 42A will be described here, and the description of the gas supply unit 42B will be omitted.

[0016] The gas supply unit 42A is connected to a carbon dioxide tank 44 via a gas supply line 43. It is preferable to provide a flow rate control unit in the gas supply line 43. Further, when the carbon dioxide tank 44 contains liquefied carbon dioxide, a vaporizer is provided in the gas supply line 43.

[0017] <Gas discharge unit 5> The gas discharge unit 5 is configured to selectively discharge the air, carbon dioxide, etc. in the main body 2 to the external atmospheric environment. The gas discharge unit 5 includes a first exhaust unit 51 and a second exhaust unit 52. For example, the first exhaust unit 51 is connected to the lid 3, and the second exhaust unit 52 is connected to the workpiece supply unit 41. However, it is not limited to such a configuration. The first exhaust unit 51 and the second exhaust unit 52 are respectively connected to a first exhaust line 53A and a second exhaust line 53B. In this embodiment, the combination of the first exhaust unit 51 and the first exhaust line 53A, and the combination of the second exhaust unit 52 and the second exhaust line 53B may be respectively referred to as the main exhaust path.

[0018] Carbon dioxide concentration meters 54A and 54B are provided in the first exhaust line 53A and the second exhaust line 53B, respectively. Here, optical concentration meters are used as carbon dioxide concentration meters 54A and 54B, but the system is not limited to these. Carbon dioxide concentration meters 54A and 54B may also be referred to as the first carbon dioxide concentration detection unit.

[0019] The first exhaust line 53A and the second exhaust line 53B are provided with a route switching unit 55. The route switching unit 55 is configured to selectively introduce the gas (air, carbon dioxide, etc.) flowing through the first exhaust line 53A and the second exhaust line 53B into the first branch line 56A and the second branch line 56B. The route switching unit 55 preferably includes, for example, a solenoid valve and a control unit.

[0020] The first branch line 56A and the second branch line 56B are connected to the gas receiving section 6. The gas receiving section 6 is in communication with the first branch line 56A and the second branch line 56B and is configured to receive gas introduced via the first branch line 56A and the second branch line 56B. The configuration of the gas receiving section 6 will be described later.

[0021] <Gas supply unit 42A> Next, the configuration of the gas supply unit 42A will be explained using Figure 2A. The gas supply unit 42A has a rectangular parallelepiped housing 40 with an open bottom. An opening is provided at the position where the housing 40 is located in the lid 3. Therefore, the housing 40 is in communication with the processing chamber 20 of the carbon dioxide supply system 1.

[0022] The gas supply unit 42A comprises an expandable duct 45, a chain block (which may also be called a hoist) 46, and a cover 47. The expandable duct 45 has a cylindrical structure and is configured to expand and contract vertically. The expandable duct 45 is extendable to reach at least the aforementioned stirring space. In this embodiment, the expandable duct 45 achieves expandability by employing a bellows-like structure, but is not limited to this configuration. For example, expandability can also be achieved by employing an elastic material for the expandable duct 45. The expandable duct 45 is connected to the gas supply line 43 and is configured to supply carbon dioxide to a desired height within the processing chamber 20 of the carbon dioxide supply system 1.

[0023] The chain block 46 is suspended from the top of the housing 40 of the gas supply unit 42A. An electrically powered configuration is used here, but it is not limited to this. The chain block 46 is connected to the lid 47 via a chain. The lid 47 rises when the chain is wound up by the roll of the chain block 46, and lowers when the chain is released from the roll. In addition to the chain block, a winch or the like can also be used as a mechanism to raise and lower the lid 47. In this embodiment, the chain block 46 corresponds to the lifting mechanism of the present invention.

[0024] The cover 47 is connected to the lower end of the expandable duct 45 via connecting rods 48. As a result, a gap (carbon dioxide inlet) equivalent to the length of the connecting rods 48 is formed between the opening of the expandable duct 45 and the cover 47. Carbon dioxide flowing through the expandable duct 45 is guided through this gap to the upper part 47B of the cover 47 and introduced into the processing chamber 20. Although four connecting rods 48 are used here, the number of connecting rods 48 is not limited to four.

[0025] The lid 47 is circular in plan view, and a chain is connected to the center of the circle. As shown in Figure 2B, the lid 47 has a configuration that combines a disc-shaped lower part 47A and a conical upper part 47B. The lid 47 only needs to function as a weight that applies a downward force to extend the expandable duct 45 and as a closing member that closes the opening at the top of the lid 3 (the opening located below the housing 40), so the upper part of the lid 47 does not necessarily need to be conical. However, the configuration in which the upper part of the lid 47 tapers upward makes it easier to align the lid 47 when it is raised and used as a closing member. In other words, as the lid 47 is pulled up, its center is more easily guided to the center of the opening of the lid 3 by the inclined surface of the upper part of the lid 47 contacting the lid 3.

[0026] <Gas receiving section 6> Next, the gas receiving section 6 of the gas discharge section 5 described above will be explained using Figures 3A and 3B. The gas receiving section 6 comprises a protective container 60, a gas bag 61 (which may also be called a "gas collection bag," "gas sampling bag," "balloon," etc.), a guide pole 62, and an exhaust port 63. The gas bag 61 is connected to the first branch line 56A and the second branch line 56B, respectively, and is configured to expand with the gas introduced through the first branch line 56A and the second branch line 56B. In this embodiment, the material of the gas bag 61 is polyvinyl chloride (PVC). However, other materials such as fluororesin and polyethylene (PE) may be used as needed, or a composite film made by laminating multiple materials may be used.

[0027] The guide pole 62 is positioned inside the protective container 60 so as to surround the gas bag 61 in order to inflate the gas bag 61 vertically upward. Guide rings 61A, which are provided at multiple positions on the outer surface of the gas bag 61, pass through the guide pole 62. The exhaust port 63 is configured to selectively discharge gas from inside the protective container 60. A carbon dioxide concentration meter 63A (see Figure 5A) may also be provided at the exhaust port 63. Adopting such a configuration makes it possible to detect carbon dioxide leakage early even if the gas bag 61 is damaged or otherwise compromised. The carbon dioxide concentration meter 63A may also be called a second carbon dioxide concentration detection unit. Furthermore, the protective container 60 is equipped with a distance sensor 64 on its inner ceiling surface to measure the position of the top surface of the gas bag 61, and controls the amount of carbon dioxide supplied from the gas supply units 42A and 42B according to the distance Z from the top surface of the gas bag. The distance sensor 64 may also be called a measurement unit. When a distance sensor 64 is used as the measuring unit, it is preferable that the measuring unit be positioned opposite the upper surface of the gas bag 61. However, the type of sensor and its position are not limited to any particular type, as long as the measuring unit can suitably measure the position of the upper surface of the gas bag 61.

[0028] <Operation of carbon dioxide supply system 1> Next, the operation of the carbon dioxide supply system 1 will be briefly explained. When performing carbon dioxide reaction processing with the carbon dioxide supply system 1, the material to be processed 7 is introduced into the processing chamber 20 of the carbon dioxide supply system 1 via the material to be processed supply unit 41. Subsequently, as shown in Figure 4, the lid 47 is lowered by the chain block 46. When the lid 47 is lowered, the weight of the lid 47 causes the expandable duct 45 to extend. The position of the lid 47, which determines the degree of extension of the expandable duct 45, can be adjusted by appropriately setting the operating time of the chain block 46. The position of the lid 47 is preferably the lowest position possible without causing physical interference with the material to be processed 7. This is because carbon dioxide is heavier than air, so the lower the supply position, the less likely it is to mix with air.

[0029] Normally, the processing chamber 20 of the carbon dioxide supply system 1 is filled with air before carbon dioxide is supplied. In order to increase the carbon dioxide concentration in the processing chamber 20 of the carbon dioxide supply system 1 from this state, carbon dioxide is supplied until it reaches a predetermined concentration. As carbon dioxide is supplied, the air that was originally present is released from the processing chamber 20 via the first exhaust line 53A and the second exhaust line 53B. In particular, by supplying carbon dioxide to the lower part of the processing chamber 20 (for example, below the center in the height direction of the processing chamber 20), it is easier to release only the air present in the upper part of the processing chamber 20 first via the first exhaust line 53A and the second exhaust line 53B.

[0030] In this embodiment, an example of the operating conditions for the carbon dioxide supply system 1 is as follows. However, this is merely an example and is not limited to these. <Conditions for supplying carbon dioxide, etc.> • Gas density of carbon dioxide: 1.97 kg / m³ 3 • Carbon dioxide supply mechanism: 2 locations (gas supply sections 42A, 42B) • Flow rate of carbon dioxide from each carbon dioxide supply mechanism: 600 L / min (19.7 g / s) • Gas is released into the atmosphere from the opening mechanism at a flow rate of 1,200 L / min. • Diameter of expandable duct 45: φ75mm • Diameter of the first exhaust line 53A and the second exhaust line 53B: φ100mm

[0031] As described above, the carbon dioxide concentration of the gas flowing through the first exhaust line 53A and the second exhaust line 53B can be measured by carbon dioxide concentration meters 54A and 54B. Therefore, when carbon dioxide from the treatment chamber 20 flows out into the first exhaust line 53A and the second exhaust line 53B, this condition can be detected by carbon dioxide concentration meters 54A and 54B.

[0032] In this embodiment, when the detected carbon dioxide concentration in the first exhaust line 53A and the second exhaust line 53B exceeds a predetermined value (for example, 5% or more), the route switching unit 55 introduces the carbon dioxide flowing through the first exhaust line 53A and the second exhaust line 53B into the first branch line 56A and the second branch line 56B. The first branch line 56A and the second branch line 56B may also be referred to as branch routes.

[0033] Therefore, even if the supply of carbon dioxide becomes excessive and the processing chamber 20 becomes positively pressurized, causing carbon dioxide to flow into the first exhaust line 53A and the second exhaust line 53B, it is possible to recover the carbon dioxide through the first branch line 56A and the second branch line 56B using the gas bag 61 without releasing it into the atmosphere. Since the gas bag 61 is configured to expand even under weak pressure, it can accept carbon dioxide even if the pressure rise in the processing chamber 20 is slight.

[0034] As described above, since the guide ring 61A of the gas bag 61 is guided by the guide pole 62, the gas bag 61 inflates straight upward. For this reason, as shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the distance sensor 64 can easily detect the degree of inflation of the gas bag 61. For example, the amount of carbon dioxide supplied from the gas supply units 42A and 42B can be controlled according to the distance Z between the upper surface of the gas bag 61 and the distance sensor 64.

[0035] Furthermore, as long as the gas bag 61 is not damaged, it can be said that there is no carbon dioxide leakage, and therefore it is possible to detect whether or not the gas bag 61 is damaged based on the detection results of the carbon dioxide concentration meter 63A.

[0036] As described above, the carbon dioxide supply system 1 is capable of supplying carbon dioxide to the bottom of the processing chamber 20 at a predetermined wind speed while releasing only air into the atmosphere from the first exhaust line 53A and the second exhaust line 53B. By setting the wind speed of the carbon dioxide to approximately 0-5 m / s, turbulence in the gas phase within the processing chamber 20 can be suppressed, making it easier to push the air up to the first exhaust line 53A and the second exhaust line 53B while suppressing the mixing of air and carbon dioxide.

[0037] Once the carbon dioxide concentration in the processing chamber 20 of the carbon dioxide supply system 1 reaches the desired value, the material to be processed 7 is left undisturbed for a predetermined time while carbon dioxide is supplied to maintain this carbon dioxide concentration, that is, to maintain the distance Z from the upper surface of the gas bag 61 detected by the distance sensor 64. If it is necessary to agitate the material to be processed 7, the agitators 20A and 20B are operated. However, before operating the agitators 20A and 20B, the lid 47 is raised so that the expandable duct 45 is moved out of the operating range of the agitators 20A and 20B. Specifically, the lid 47 is raised above the agitation space by winding the chain with the roll of the chain block 46. Figure 6 shows the state in which the expandable duct 45 has contracted to its minimum length and carbon dioxide is being supplied from a position where there is no physical interference with the agitators 20A and 20B.

[0038] On the other hand, when carbon dioxide supply is not required when stirring the material to be processed 7, as shown in Figure 7, the opening of the lid 3 can be closed with the lid 47 and the lid 47 can be raised to its highest position so that the processing chamber 20 and the expandable duct 45 are completely separated. Covering the expandable duct 45 with the lid 47 prevents contamination of the expandable duct 45 by flying debris scattered from the processing chamber 20 during stirring by the agitators 20A and 20B.

[0039] Thus, by using the expandable duct 45 that constitutes the present invention, it becomes possible to supply carbon dioxide from a desired height within the processing chamber 20. Moreover, since the mechanism for adjusting the carbon dioxide supply height is compact, it is possible to prevent an increase in the size of the carbon dioxide supply system 1. Furthermore, even if the space above the installation location of the carbon dioxide supply system 1 is narrow, physical interference with surrounding components (e.g., chutes) is less likely to occur. In addition, compared to a telescopic mechanism in which multiple cylindrical bodies are stored in sequence and extend when pulled out, malfunctions due to the adhesion of dust and other airborne particles are less likely to occur. Furthermore, the structure is simpler and power transmission is easier than with such telescopic mechanisms, making the design easier. Even if the processing chamber 20 becomes larger and the distance to which the carbon dioxide inlet needs to be lowered increases, it is still easy to accommodate.

[0040] Furthermore, since carbon dioxide in the first exhaust line 53A and the second exhaust line 53B can be recovered by the gas bag 61, it is possible to suppress the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Even if the supply of carbon dioxide is excessive and the pressure in the processing chamber 20 rises, the pressure in the processing chamber 20 is absorbed by the expansion of the gas bag 61, making it easy to maintain a constant pressure in the processing chamber 20.

[0041] The calcium-containing material to be treated 7 is, for example, a material containing calcium capable of absorbing carbon dioxide. The calcium-containing material may be, for example, concrete, cement, waste concrete, coal ash, incinerator ash, gypsum, quicklime, slaked lime, or a mixture of two or more of these materials.

[0042] <Other Embodiments> • The material to be treated 7 is suitable for carbon dioxide absorption Any material that possesses the property of doing so may be other than a calcium-containing material. In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which two agitators 20A and 20B are provided in the carbon dioxide supply system 1, but it is also possible to provide one agitator or three or more. In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which two gas supply units 42A and 42B are provided in the carbon dioxide supply system 1, but there may be one gas supply unit, or it is possible to provide three or more. The external form of the carbon dioxide supply system 1 is not limited to that of the embodiment described above, and various external forms can be adopted depending on the environment in which it is installed.

[0043] Furthermore, the embodiments described above are merely examples of how the present invention may be implemented, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited by these embodiments. In other words, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from its gist or its main features. [Explanation of symbols]

[0044] 1: Carbon dioxide supply system 7: Items to be processed 20: Processing Room 20A: Agitator 20B: Agitator 42A: Gas supply unit 42B: Gas supply unit 45: Expandable duct 46: Chain Block 47: Lid 47A: Lower part 47B: Upper part

Claims

1. A carbon dioxide supply system comprising a processing chamber and a gas supply unit, The aforementioned processing chamber is configured to contain the material to be processed and undergo carbon dioxide reaction treatment. The gas supply unit is mounted above the processing chamber and has an expandable duct. The expandable duct is, It is configured to supply carbon dioxide to a desired height within the processing chamber, Within the processing chamber, a device is configured to be expandable and contractible in the height direction of the processing chamber. Carbon dioxide supply system.

2. A carbon dioxide supply system according to claim 1, The gas supply unit has a cover and a lifting mechanism. The cover is connected to the lower end of the expandable duct, The lifting mechanism is configured to raise and lower the lid, and is part of a carbon dioxide supply system.

3. A carbon dioxide supply system according to claim 2, The lid is composed of a disc-shaped lower part and a conical upper part, and is configured to extend by applying a downward force to the expandable duct, thereby providing a carbon dioxide supply system.

4. A carbon dioxide supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a stirrer, The agitator is configured to agitate the material to be processed in the agitation space located at the bottom of the processing chamber. The aforementioned expandable duct is configured to be extendable to reach the stirring space, and is part of a carbon dioxide supply system.

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