Method for operating lock hopper and solid movement device

Abstract

This method for operating a lock hopper (34) comprises a solid movement step. The solid movement step is for moving a solid from one of the inside and the outside of a combustible gas generation system to the other by introducing the solid into the lock hopper or discharging the solid from the lock hopper. The combustible gas generation system is for generating a combustible gas. The method for operating a lock hopper comprises a non-combustible gas introduction step and a discharge step. The non-combustible gas introduction step is for introducing a non-combustible gas into the lock hopper from a path different from a solid introduction opening and a solid discharge opening. The discharge step is for discharging, from the lock hopper, a gas inside the lock hopper using a path different from the solid introduction opening and the solid discharge opening.

Description

Method for operating a lock hopper and solids transfer device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method of operating a lock hopper and a solids moving device.

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 listed below describes a dust collector that removes solids generated when flammable gas is generated. This dust collector includes a filter device that removes solids from the flammable gas. The filter device is connected to a lock hopper via a receiving valve. While the receiving valve is open, solids are accumulated in the lock hopper from the filter. When the amount of solids accumulated in the lock hopper reaches a predetermined amount, the receiving valve is closed. Nitrogen is then supplied as a non-flammable gas into the lock hopper. The solids are then discharged from the lock hopper.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-110166

[0004] In the above-mentioned device, nitrogen supplied into the lock hopper may increase the nitrogen concentration in the flammable gas generation path, and when solids are released from the lock hopper into a space open to the atmosphere, flammable gas may leak into the atmosphere.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for operating a lock hopper having a solid transfer step. The solid transfer step is a step of transferring solids from either inside or outside the flammable gas generation system to the other by introducing solids into the lock hopper or discharging the solids from the lock hopper. The flammable gas generation system is a system for generating flammable gas. The method for operating a lock hopper includes a non-flammable gas introduction step and a discharge step. The non-flammable gas introduction step is a step of introducing non-flammable gas into the lock hopper via a path separate from the solid inlet and the solid discharge outlet. The discharge step is a step of discharging gas from the lock hopper via a path separate from the solid inlet and the solid discharge outlet.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a solid transfer device including a lock hopper used to transfer solids from one side of a flammable gas generation system to the other side of the flammable gas generation system. The flammable gas generation system is a system that generates flammable gas. The lock hopper is connected to a discharge path and a non-flammable gas supply path, separate from the solid inlet and the solid outlet. The flammable gas discharge path is a path through which gas containing flammable gas is discharged from the lock hopper. The non-flammable gas supply path is a path through which non-flammable gas is supplied to the lock hopper.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a fuel gas generation system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing one step of a carbon discharge process according to the same embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing one step of a carbon discharge process according to the same embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing one step of a carbon discharge process according to the same embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing one step of a carbon discharge process according to the same embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing one step of a carbon discharge process according to the same embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing one step of a catalyst supply process according to the same embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing one step of a catalyst supply process according to the same embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing one step of a catalyst supply process according to the same embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing one step of a catalyst supply process according to the same embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing one step of a catalyst supply process according to the same embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing one step of a catalyst supply process according to the same embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing one step of a catalyst supply process according to the same embodiment.

[0008] <First Embodiment> A first embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. "System Configuration" Fig. 1 shows the configuration of a flammable gas production system according to this embodiment. The system shown in Fig. 1 is a system that produces hydrogen using methane as a raw material. As an example, hydrogen may be used as fuel for a gas turbine for power generation.

[0009] As shown in FIG. 1 , methane supplied to the system is pressurized by a compressor 10 and supplied to a combustible gas supply line 50. A raw material gas line 12 is connected to the combustible gas supply line 50. The methane in the raw material gas line 12 is heated by a heat exchanger 14 and then supplied to a reactor 16. The reactor 16 is a device that decomposes methane into hydrogen and carbon by thermal decomposition. The reactor 16 is provided with a catalyst. For example, the catalyst is iron. In the reactor 16, the catalyst is in a fluidized bed catalyst state, for example. In the reactor 16, the temperature of the reacting methane and catalyst is set to, for example, 750 to 900° C. Furthermore, the pressure in the reactor 16 is higher than atmospheric pressure. The pressure in the reactor 16 may be, for example, several ata to several tens of ata.

[0010] The hydrogen and carbon produced by pyrolysis in the reactor 16 and the methane in the reactor 16 flow into the heat exchanger 14. The methane and hydrogen mixture and carbon flowing out of the heat exchanger 14 flow into a cyclone 20. The cyclone 20 is a centrifugal separator that separates carbon from the mixture of the mixture and carbon. The cyclone 20 is connected to a filter device 22. This filter device captures carbon that could not be separated by the cyclone 20. The mixture flowing out of the filter device 22 is compressed by a compressor 24 and then supplied to a hydrogen purification device 26. One example of the hydrogen purification device 26 is a PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) system. The hydrogen extracted from the mixture by the hydrogen purification device 26 is the hydrogen produced by this system.

[0011] The methane separated by the hydrogen purification device 26 is compressed by the off-gas compressor 28 and then returned to the raw material gas path 12. Since hydrogen is used when separating methane in the hydrogen purification device 26, hydrogen flows into the off-gas compressor 28 in addition to methane.

[0012] The carbon separated from the air-fuel mixture by the cyclone 20 and the filter device 22 flows into a feed hopper 30. The feed hopper 30 is connected to a lock hopper 34 via an inlet valve 32. The lock hopper 34 discharges the carbon into a storage tank 38 via a discharge valve 36. The storage tank 38 is open to the atmosphere.

[0013] A flammable gas supply line 50 is connected to the lock hopper 34 via a flammable gas supply valve 52. A non-flammable gas supply line 56 is also connected to the lock hopper 34 via a non-flammable gas supply valve 58. Nitrogen to be supplied to the system is pressurized by a compressor 54 and supplied to the non-flammable gas supply line 56.

[0014] The lock hopper 34 is connected to a product gas line 60 via a product gas valve 62. The product gas line 60 is connected to the off-gas compressor 28. The lock hopper 34 is connected to a mixed gas line 64 via a mixed gas valve 66. A mixture of methane, hydrogen, and nitrogen is discharged from the lock hopper 34 to the mixed gas line 64. This mixture is pressurized by a mixed gas compressor 72 and supplied to a hydrogen purification device 74. One example of the hydrogen purification device 74 is a PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) system. The hydrogen extracted from the mixture by the hydrogen purification device 74 is also hydrogen produced by this system. The mixture of methane and nitrogen separated from the mixture by the hydrogen purification device 74 may be removed, for example, by combustion.

[0015] The lock hopper 34 is connected to a non-combustible gas discharge line 68 via a non-combustible gas discharge valve 70. The non-combustible gas discharge line 68 is open to the atmosphere. Strictly speaking, the solids discharged to the storage tank 38 include not only carbon but also a compound of iron and carbon, which acts as a catalyst. The regeneration device 40 extracts iron from this compound. The iron extracted by the regeneration device 40 is combined with iron newly supplied to the system and supplied to the supply hopper 80.

[0016] The supply hopper 80 is connected to a lock hopper 84 via an inlet valve 82. The lock hopper 84 is connected to the reactor 16 via a discharge valve 86. A flammable gas supply line 90 is connected to the lock hopper 84 via a flammable gas supply valve 92. The flammable gas supply line 90 is connected to the flammable gas supply line 50. The lock hopper 84 is connected to a non-flammable gas supply line 94 via a non-flammable gas supply valve 96. Nitrogen compressed by the compressor 54 is supplied to the non-flammable gas supply line 94.

[0017] The lock hopper 84 is connected to a product gas line 100 via a product gas valve 102. The product gas line 100 is connected to the off-gas compressor 28. The lock hopper 84 is connected to a mixed gas line 104 via a mixed gas valve 106. A mixture of methane, hydrogen, and nitrogen is discharged from the lock hopper 84 to the mixed gas line 104. This mixture is pressurized by the mixed gas compressor 72 and supplied to the hydrogen purification device 74. The lock hopper 84 is connected to a non-combustible gas discharge line 108 via a non-combustible gas discharge valve 110. The non-combustible gas discharge line 108 is open to the atmosphere.

[0018] The control device 200 controls the above-mentioned generation system. The control device 200 operates the inlet valve 32, the outlet valve 36, the flammable gas supply valve 52, the non-flammable gas supply valve 58, the product gas valve 62, the mixed gas valve 66, and the non-flammable gas outlet valve 70. The control device 200 also operates the inlet valve 82, the outlet valve 86, the flammable gas supply valve 92, the non-flammable gas supply valve 96, the product gas valve 102, the mixed gas valve 106, and the non-flammable gas outlet valve 110.

[0019] The control device 200 includes a PU 202 and a storage device 204. The PU 202 is a software processing device including at least one of a CPU, a GPU, a TPU, etc. A program including commands for opening and closing the 14 valves is stored in the storage device 204. The PU 202 executes this program to realize the opening and closing control of the 14 valves.

[0020] "Carbon Discharge Treatment" As described above, the pressure inside the reactor 16 is higher than atmospheric pressure. As a result, the pressure inside the cyclone 20 and the pressure inside the filter device 22 are also higher than atmospheric pressure. Meanwhile, the storage tank 38 is open to the atmosphere. Therefore, the lock hopper 34 is used to discharge carbon from the pressurized system while maintaining the pressure inside the pressurized system including the reactor 16. The carbon discharge treatment using the lock hopper 34 will be described below with reference to Figures 2 to 9. Note that the numbers in Figures 2 to 9 correspond to the chronological order of the processes.

[0021] FIG. 2 shows a state in which solid carbon-112 has accumulated in the lock hopper 34. In FIG. 2, the open / closed states of the inlet valve 32, the outlet valve 36, the combustible gas supply valve 52, the non-combustible gas supply valve 58, the product gas valve 62, the mixed gas valve 66, and the non-combustible gas outlet valve 70 are indicated by different colors. That is, the black valves indicate a closed state, while the white valves indicate an open state. As shown in FIG. 2, in the process of accumulating carbon-112 in the lock hopper 34, only the inlet valve 32 of the seven valves is open. As a result, the carbon-112 that has flowed into the supply hopper 30 flows into the lock hopper 34. The lock hopper 34 also receives a mixture of hydrogen and methane that has flowed out of the reactor 16.

[0022] 3 shows the process of depressurizing the lock hopper 34. This process is executed under the condition that the state shown in FIG. 2 is achieved. In this process, the PU 202 opens only the product gas valve 62 out of the seven valves. This causes the product gas, which is a mixture of hydrogen and methane in the lock hopper 34, to flow into the product gas path 60.

[0023] 4 shows the process of expelling the produced gas from the lock hopper 34. This process follows the process shown in FIG. 3. In this process, the PU 202 opens only the non-combustible gas supply valve 58 and the mixed gas valve 66 out of the seven valves. This causes nitrogen to flow from the non-combustible gas supply path 56 into the lock hopper 34. This causes the produced gas in the lock hopper 34 to flow out into the mixed gas path 64.

[0024] Figure 5 shows the process of discharging the carbon 112 from the lock hopper 34. This process follows the process shown in Figure 4. In this process, the PU 202 opens only the discharge valve 36 out of the seven valves. This causes the carbon 112 to fall into the storage bin 38 under the action of gravity.

[0025] Figure 6 shows the process of expelling oxygen from the lock hopper 34. This process follows the process shown in Figure 5. In this process, the PU 202 opens only two of the seven valves: the non-combustible gas supply valve 58 and the non-combustible gas discharge valve 70. This causes nitrogen to flow from the non-combustible gas supply path 56 into the lock hopper 34. Oxygen has flowed into the lock hopper 34 from the discharge port 34b in the process shown in Figure 5. Therefore, this oxygen flows out into the non-combustible gas discharge path 68 as nitrogen flows into the lock hopper 34.

[0026] 7 shows the process of expelling nitrogen from the lock hopper 34. This process follows the process shown in FIG. 6. In this process, the PU 202 opens only two of the seven valves: the combustible gas supply valve 52 and the mixed gas valve 66. This causes methane to flow from the combustible gas supply valve 52 into the lock hopper 34. As a result, the nitrogen in the lock hopper 34 is discharged into the mixed gas path 64.

[0027] Figure 8 shows the process of pressurizing the inside of the lock hopper 34. This process follows the process shown in Figure 7. In this process, the PU 202 opens only the combustible gas supply valve 52 out of the seven valves. This increases the methane loading concentration in the lock hopper 34, and the pressure in the lock hopper 34 increases. This process is intended to reduce the difference between the pressure in the lock hopper 34 and the pressure in the reactor 16. In this process, it is desirable to equalize the pressure in the supply hopper 30 and the pressure in the lock hopper 34.

[0028] 9 shows the process of depositing carbon in the lock hopper 34. This process follows the process shown in FIG. 8. In this process, the PU 202 opens only the inlet valve 32 of the seven valves. This allows carbon to accumulate, resulting in the state shown in FIG. 2.

[0029] "Catalyst Supply Process" Iron is supplied to the above-described supply hopper 80 in a state open to the atmosphere. A lock hopper 84 is used to supply the iron supplied under atmospheric pressure to a pressurized system including the reactor 16. The catalyst supply process using the lock hopper 84 will be described below with reference to Figures 10 to 18.

[0030] 10 shows a state in which iron 114 as a catalyst has been supplied into the supply hopper 80. In this state, all seven valves, namely, the inlet valve 82, the outlet valve 86, the combustible gas supply valve 92, the non-combustible gas supply valve 96, the product gas valve 102, the mixed gas valve 106, and the non-combustible gas outlet valve 110, are closed.

[0031] Figure 11 shows the process of supplying iron 114 to the lock hopper 84. This process is executed under the condition that the state shown in Figure 10 is achieved. In this process, the PU 202 opens only the inlet valve 82 of the seven valves. As a result, the iron 114 in the supply hopper 80 falls into the inlet 84b of the lock hopper 84 by the action of gravity.

[0032] Figure 12 shows the process of purging oxygen from the lock hopper 84. This process follows the process shown in Figure 11. In this process, the PU 202 opens only two of the seven valves: the non-combustible gas supply valve 96 and the non-combustible gas discharge valve 110. This causes nitrogen to be supplied from the non-combustible gas supply valve 96 to the lock hopper 84. Oxygen has been flowing into the lock hopper 84 from the supply hopper 80 in the process shown in Figure 11. This oxygen is discharged from the non-combustible gas discharge path 108 as nitrogen flows into the lock hopper 84.

[0033] Figure 13 shows the process of purging nitrogen from the lock hopper 84. The process shown in Figure 13 is a process that follows the process shown in Figure 12. In this process, the PU 202 opens only two of the seven valves: the combustible gas supply valve 92 and the mixed gas valve 106. This causes methane to flow from the combustible gas supply path 90 into the lock hopper 84. As a result, the nitrogen in the lock hopper 84 is purged into the mixed gas path 104.

[0034] 14 shows the process of pressurizing the inside of the lock hopper 84. This process follows the process shown in FIG. 13. In this process, the PU 202 opens only the combustible gas supply valve 92 out of the seven valves. This causes methane to flow into the lock hopper 84 from the combustible gas supply line 90. This increases the concentration of methane in the lock hopper 84, thereby pressurizing the inside of the lock hopper 84. This process is provided to reduce the difference between the pressure in the lock hopper 84 and the pressure in the reactor 16. In this process, it is desirable to equalize the pressure in the lock hopper 84 with the pressure downstream of the discharge valve 86.

[0035] 15 shows a process for supplying iron 114 to reactor 16. This process follows the process shown in FIG. 14. In this process, PU 202 opens only discharge valve 86 out of the seven valves. This causes iron 114 in lock hopper 84 to be discharged from lock hopper 84 by the action of gravity.

[0036] Figure 16 shows the process of reducing the pressure in the lock hopper 84. This process follows the process shown in Figure 15. In this process, the PU 202 opens only the product gas valve 102 out of the seven valves. This causes the product gas in the lock hopper 84 to flow into the product gas path 100. In the process shown in Figure 15, the product gas flows into the lock hopper 84 from the reactor 16 side. Therefore, product gas is present in the lock hopper 84 when the process shown in Figure 16 is started.

[0037] 17 shows the process of purging the produced gas from the lock hopper 84. This process follows the process shown in FIG. 16. In this process, the PU 202 opens only two of the seven valves: the non-combustible gas supply valve 96 and the mixed gas valve 106. This causes nitrogen to flow from the non-combustible gas supply path 94 into the lock hopper 84. This causes the produced gas from the lock hopper 84 to be purged into the mixed gas path 104.

[0038] Figure 18 shows the process of depressurizing the lock hopper 84. This process follows the process shown in Figure 17. In this process, the PU 202 opens only the non-combustible gas discharge valve 110 out of the seven valves. As a result, nitrogen in the lock hopper 84 flows out to the non-combustible gas discharge valve 110, and the pressure in the lock hopper 84 becomes equivalent to atmospheric pressure.

[0039] "Actions and Effects of the Present Embodiment" (1-1) In the process shown in Fig. 6, the PU 202 purges oxygen from the lock hopper 34 by using nitrogen, and then supplies methane to the lock hopper 34 to purge nitrogen from the lock hopper 34. This makes it possible to prevent nitrogen from flowing into the reactor 16 when the inlet valve 32 is opened.

[0040] (1-2) As shown in FIG. 8, the PU 202 pressurized the lock hopper 34 before opening the inlet valve 32. This reduces the load required to open the inlet valve 32. In particular, if the area of ​​the inlet port 34a is large and there is a large difference in pressure between the upstream and downstream of the inlet valve 32, the load required to open the valve becomes significantly large. In contrast, by pressurizing the inside of the lock hopper 34 before opening the inlet valve 32, the load required to open the valve can be reduced.

[0041] Furthermore, pressure fluctuations on the reactor 16 side that would occur when the inlet valve 32 is opened can be suppressed. (1-3) After storing carbon-112 in the lock hopper 34, the PU 202 opened the product gas valve 62 in the process shown in FIG. 3. This allows the methane and hydrogen mixture in the lock hopper 34 to flow into the product gas path 60. This mixture is compressed by the off-gas compressor 28 and then supplied to the reactor 16. This makes it possible to increase the hydrogen production efficiency, which is the ratio of hydrogen produced by the system to methane supplied to the system.

[0042] (1-4) Prior to the step of expelling carbon 112 from the lock hopper 34 shown in FIG. 5, the PU 202 expelled the hydrogen and methane mixture from the lock hopper 34 to the mixed gas path 64 by supplying nitrogen to the lock hopper 34 according to the step shown in FIG. 4. This prevents flammable gas from being released into the atmosphere when the exhaust valve 36 is opened. Furthermore, the mixture in the mixed gas path 64 is pressurized by the mixed gas compressor 72, and then hydrogen is extracted by the hydrogen purification device 74. This increases the hydrogen production efficiency, which is the ratio of hydrogen produced by the system to methane supplied to the system.

[0043] (1-5) After filling the lock hopper 84 with catalyst, the PU 202 supplied nitrogen to the lock hopper 84 in the process shown in Fig. 12. This allows the oxygen that flowed into the lock hopper 84 in the process shown in Fig. 11 to be expelled from the lock hopper 84 to the non-combustible gas discharge path 108.

[0044] (1-6) Prior to opening the discharge valve 86, in the process shown in Fig. 13, the PU 202 supplied methane to the lock hopper 84 to expel nitrogen from the lock hopper 84 to the mixed gas path 104. This prevents nitrogen from flowing into the reactor 16 from the lock hopper 84.

[0045] (1-7) Prior to opening the discharge valve 86, the PU 202 pressurized the lock hopper 84 by increasing the methane concentration in the lock hopper 84 in the process shown in FIG. 14 . This reduces the load required to open the discharge valve 86. In particular, if the area of ​​the discharge port 84a is large and there is a large difference in pressure between the upstream and downstream of the discharge valve 86, the load required to open the valve becomes significantly large. In contrast, by pressurizing the lock hopper 84 prior to opening the discharge valve 86, the load required to open the valve can be reduced.

[0046] Furthermore, pressure fluctuations on the reactor 16 side that would occur when the discharge valve 86 is opened can be suppressed. (1-8) After the PU 202 supplied iron 114 from the lock hopper 84 to the reactor 16, the PU 202 opened the product gas valve 102. This allows the methane and hydrogen mixture in the lock hopper 84 to flow into the product gas path 100. This mixture is compressed by the off-gas compressor 28 and then supplied to the reactor 16. This makes it possible to increase the hydrogen production efficiency, which is the ratio of hydrogen produced by the system to methane supplied to the system.

[0047] (1-9) After the process shown in FIG. 16 , the PU 202 supplies nitrogen into the lock hopper 84, thereby expelling the hydrogen and methane mixture in the lock hopper 84 to the mixed gas path 104. The mixture in the mixed gas path 104 is pressurized by the mixed gas compressor 72, and then hydrogen is extracted by the hydrogen purification device 74. This makes it possible to increase the hydrogen production efficiency, which is the ratio of hydrogen produced by the system to methane supplied to the system.

[0048] (1-10) After PU 202 expelled the hydrogen and methane mixture in lock hopper 84 to mixed gas path 104, it opened non-combustible gas discharge valve 110 according to the process shown in Fig. 18, thereby opening the lock hopper 84 to the atmosphere. This reduces the pressure difference between upstream and downstream of inlet valve 82 when inlet valve 82 is subsequently opened.

[0049] Second Embodiment A second embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings, focusing on differences from the first embodiment.

[0050] Figure 19 shows a combustion gas generation system according to this embodiment. In Figure 19, components corresponding to those shown in Figure 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals for convenience. In this embodiment, the mixture of hydrogen and methane flowing out of the filter device 22 is supplied to a hydrogen purifier 120. The hydrogen purifier 120 is equipped with a separation membrane and separates hydrogen from the mixture. The hydrogen separated by the hydrogen purifier 120 has a lower pressure than the hydrogen extracted by the hydrogen purifier 26. Therefore, in this embodiment, the hydrogen separated by the hydrogen purifier 120 is pressurized by a compressor 124.

[0051] Furthermore, the methane separated by the hydrogen purification device 120 is under high pressure. Therefore, the methane separated by the hydrogen purification device 120 is returned to the raw material gas path 12 without passing through the off-gas compressor 28.

[0052] Third Embodiment A third embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings, focusing on differences from the second embodiment.

[0053] Figure 20 shows a combustion gas generation system according to this embodiment. For convenience, components in Figure 20 that correspond to those shown in Figure 19 are given the same reference numerals. In this embodiment, the mixture in the generated gas paths 60 and 100 is supplied to a compressor 124. This causes a trace amount of methane to be mixed into the final generated gas of the system. This embodiment is a system that allows a trace amount of methane to be mixed into the final product.

[0054] Fourth Embodiment Hereinafter, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings, focusing on differences from the first embodiment.

[0055] In this embodiment, one step is added to each of the steps shown in Figures 2 to 9 and the steps shown in Figures 10 to 18. Figure 21 shows a part of the carbon discharge process. The step shown in the upper part of Figure 21 is the step shown in Figure 3. The step shown in the lower part of Figure 21 is the step shown in Figure 4. In this embodiment, the step shown in the middle part of Figure 21 is added between these steps.

[0056] The process shown in the middle of Figure 21 is a process of expelling the product gas, which is a mixture of hydrogen and methane, from the lock hopper 34. In this process, the PU 202 opens only two of the seven valves: the flammable gas supply valve 52 and the product gas valve 62. This causes methane to flow from the flammable gas supply path 50 into the lock hopper 34. As a result, the product gas in the lock hopper 34 is expelled into the product gas path 60. Therefore, in the process shown in the lower part of Figure 21, the gas flowing out into the mixed gas path 64 becomes a mixture of methane and nitrogen.

[0057] Fig. 22 shows a part of the catalyst supply process. The process shown in the upper part of Fig. 22 is the process shown in Fig. 16. The process shown in the lower part of Fig. 22 is the process shown in Fig. 17. In this embodiment, the process shown in the middle part of Fig. 22 is added between these processes.

[0058] The process shown in the middle of Figure 22 is a process of expelling the product gas, which is a mixture of hydrogen and methane, from the lock hopper 84. In this process, the PU 202 opens only two of the seven valves: the flammable gas supply valve 92 and the product gas valve 102. This causes methane to flow from the flammable gas supply path 90 into the lock hopper 84. As a result, the product gas in the lock hopper 84 is expelled into the product gas path 100. Therefore, in the process shown in the lower part of Figure 22, the gas flowing out into the mixed gas path 104 becomes a mixture of methane and nitrogen.

[0059] Therefore, the hydrogen purification device 74 shown in Fig. 1 is not required. <Correspondence> The correspondence between the matters in the above embodiment and the matters described in the "Notes" column below is as follows. Below, the correspondence is shown for each number of the solution described in the "Notes" column.

[0060] [1] The solid transfer process corresponds to the process shown in Fig. 5 and the process shown in Fig. 15. The non-flammable gas introduction process corresponds to the process shown in Fig. 6 and the process shown in Fig. 12. The discharge process corresponds to the process shown in Fig. 7 and the process shown in Fig. 13.

[0061] [2] The flammable gas exhaust passage corresponds to the produced gas path 60 and the mixed gas path 64 in Figures 2 to 9 and the produced gas path 100 and the mixed gas path 104 in Figures 10 to 18. The non-flammable gas exhaust path corresponds to the non-flammable gas exhaust path 68 in Figures 2 to 9 and the non-flammable gas exhaust path 108 in Figures 10 to 18. The non-flammable gas supply path corresponds to the non-flammable gas supply path 56 in Figures 2 to 9 and the non-flammable gas supply path 94 in Figures 10 to 18. The oxygen purging process corresponds to the process shown in Figure 6 and the process shown in Figure 12. The non-flammable gas purging process corresponds to the process shown in Figure 7 and the process shown in Figure 13.

[0062] [3] The combustible gas purging step corresponds to the step shown in Figure 4 and the step shown in Figure 17. [4] The generated gas extraction step corresponds to the step shown in Figure 3 and the step shown in Figure 16.

[0063] [5] The flammable gas supply path corresponds to the flammable gas supply path 50 in Figures 2 to 9 and the flammable gas supply path 90 in Figures 10 to 18. [6] The pressurizing step corresponds to the steps shown in Figures 8 and 14.

[0064] [7] The solid matter discharge step corresponds to the step shown in Figure 5. [8] The solid matter storage step corresponds to the step shown in Figure 9. The depressurization step corresponds to the step shown in Figure 3. The produced gas expulsion step corresponds to the step shown in Figure 4.

[0065] [9] The product gas recovery step corresponds to the step shown in the middle of Figure 21.

[10] The pressurization step corresponds to the step shown in Figure 8.

[11] The solid receiving step corresponds to the step shown in Figure 11. The catalyst corresponds to iron 114.

[0066]

[12] The flammable gas supply path corresponds to the flammable gas supply path 90. The pressurizing step corresponds to the step shown in Figure 14. The solid matter discharging step corresponds to the step shown in Figure 15.

[13] The depressurizing step corresponds to the step shown in Figure 16.

[0067]

[14] The produced gas purging step corresponds to the step shown in Figure 17.

[15] The produced gas recovery step corresponds to the step shown in the middle part of Figure 22.

[16] The non-combustible gas discharge step corresponds to the step shown in Figure 18.

[0068]

[17] In Figures 1 and 19, the product gas lines 60 and 100 are connected to the off-gas compressor 28. In Figures 1, 19, and 20, the mixed gas line 64 is connected to the hydrogen purifier 74. In Figure 20, the product gas lines 60 and 100 are connected to the compressor 124.

[0069]

[18] The flammable gas discharge passage corresponds to the produced gas path 60 and the mixed gas path 64 in Figures 2 to 9, and to the produced gas path 100 and the mixed gas path 104 in Figures 10 to 18. The non-flammable gas supply path corresponds to the non-flammable gas supply path 56 in Figures 2 to 9, and to the non-flammable gas supply path 94 in Figures 10 to 18.

[0070]

[19] The non-combustible gas discharge path corresponds to the non-combustible gas discharge path 68 in Figures 2 to 9 and the non-combustible gas discharge path 108 in Figures 10 to 18.

[20] Corresponds to the produced gas paths 60, 100 and the mixed gas paths 64, 104.

[0071]

[21] The flammable gas supply path corresponds to the flammable gas supply path 50 in Figures 2 to 9 and the flammable gas supply path 90 in Figures 10 to 18. <Other Embodiments> This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modifications can be implemented in combination with each other to the extent that there is no technical contradiction.

[0072] "Connection of the produced gas path" For example, by providing a compressor that compresses the mixture of hydrogen and methane in the produced gas path 60 and supplies it to the compressor 24, the produced gas path 60 may be connected to the compressor.

[0073] For example, the product gas path 100 may be connected to the compressor 24 by providing a compressor that compresses the mixture of hydrogen and methane in the product gas path 100 and supplies the compressed mixture to the compressor 24 .

[0074] Regarding the connection destination of the mixed gas path: The mixed gas path 64 may be connected to, for example, the inlet of a gas turbine. In this case, a compressor may be provided between the mixed gas path 64 and the gas turbine.

[0075] The mixed gas path 104 may be connected to, for example, the inlet of a gas turbine. In this case, a compressor may be provided between the mixed gas path 104 and the gas turbine. "Regarding the Combustible Gas Generation System" The hydrogen purifiers 26 and 74 may be omitted from the systems illustrated in Figures 1 and 20. In that case, for example, a gas turbine may be placed in the position of the hydrogen purifiers 26 and 74. This makes it possible to configure a power generation system that uses hydrogen as part of the fuel.

[0076] The hydrogen purifier 120 and the hydrogen purifier 74 may be omitted from the system illustrated in Fig. 19. In this case, gas turbines may be placed in the positions of the hydrogen purifier 120 and the hydrogen purifier 74. This allows the construction of a power generation system that uses hydrogen as part of the fuel.

[0077] Regarding the flammable gas discharge path: The flammable gas discharge path connected to the lock hopper 34 does not necessarily have to include the produced gas path 60 and the mixed gas path 64. For example, they may be a common path. In that case, a hydrogen purification device may be provided to extract hydrogen from the gas mixture flowing out from the flammable gas discharge path.

[0078] The flammable gas discharge path connected to the lock hopper 84 does not necessarily have to include the produced gas path 100 and the mixed gas path 104. For example, they may be a common path. In that case, a hydrogen purification device may be provided to extract hydrogen from the gas mixture flowing out from the flammable gas discharge path.

[0079] Regarding the flammable gas supply path: It is not essential to provide the flammable gas supply path 50. If the flammable gas supply path 50 is not provided, a step of opening the introduction valve 32 while keeping the mixed gas valve 66 open may be provided instead of the steps shown in Figures 7 and 8. This allows nitrogen to be expelled into the mixed gas path 64 by the intrusion of substances from the supply hopper 30 side.

[0080] Regarding the solid moving device: As described in the "Regarding the flammable gas exhaust path" section, if the produced gas path 60 and the mixed gas path 64 are used as a single common path, the produced gas valve 62 and the mixed gas valve 66 may be replaced by a single valve.

[0081] - As described in the section "Regarding the flammable gas discharge route," if the produced gas route 100 and the mixed gas route 104 are used as a single common route, the produced gas valve 102 and the mixed gas valve 106 may be replaced by a single valve.

[0082] Regarding hydrocarbons: Hydrocarbons that can be thermally cracked are not limited to methane. For example, propane can also be used.

[0083] Regarding the non-flammable gas: The non-flammable gas supplied to the lock hopper from the non-flammable gas supply line is not limited to nitrogen. For example, helium may be used.

[0084] Regarding the system pressure: It is not essential that either the inlet or outlet of the lock hopper be open to the atmosphere and the other be higher than atmospheric pressure. For example, one may be open to the atmosphere and the other may be lower than atmospheric pressure. Also, for example, both may be higher than atmospheric pressure, but there may be a large difference in pressure between them.

[0085] "Regarding the control device" The control device is not limited to one that executes software processing. For example, it may be equipped with a dedicated hardware circuit, such as an ASIC, that executes at least part of the processing executed in the above embodiments. That is, the control device may include a processing circuit having any of the following configurations (a) to (c): (a) A processing circuit that includes a processing device that executes all of the above processing in accordance with a program, and a program storage device, such as a memory device, that stores the program. (b) A processing circuit that includes a processing device and program storage device that executes part of the above processing in accordance with a program, and a dedicated hardware circuit that executes the remaining processing. (c) A processing circuit that includes a dedicated hardware circuit that executes all of the above processing. Here, there may be multiple software execution devices that include a processing device and a program storage device. Also, there may be multiple dedicated hardware circuits.

[0086] <Additional Notes> Solution 1. A method for operating a lock hopper having a solid moving step, wherein the solid moving step is a step of moving solids from either inside or outside the flammable gas generation system to the other by introducing solids into the lock hopper or discharging the solids from the lock hopper, the flammable gas generation system being a system that generates flammable gas, and having a non-flammable gas introducing step and a discharging step, wherein the non-flammable gas introducing step is a step of introducing the non-flammable gas into the lock hopper via a path separate from the solid inlet and the solid discharge outlet, and the discharging step is a step of discharging gas within the lock hopper from the lock hopper using a path separate from the solid inlet and the solid discharge outlet.

[0087] If the non-combustible gas introduced in the non-combustible gas introduction step is discharged in the discharge step, it is possible to prevent the concentration of the non-combustible gas from increasing in paths on either the inlet or the outlet of the lock hopper that are not intended for the non-combustible gas to be mixed in. Furthermore, if the non-combustible gas introduced in the non-combustible gas introduction step expels the flammable gas from the lock hopper in the discharge step, it is possible to prevent the flammable gas from leaking out of the system in the solid transfer step.

[0088] Solution 2. The non-combustible gas introduction step includes an oxygen purging step, the discharge step includes a non-combustible gas purging step, the lock hopper is connected to a flammable gas discharge path, a non-combustible gas discharge path, and a non-combustible gas supply path separately from the solid inlet and the solid discharge port, the flammable gas discharge path is a path through which gas containing flammable gas is discharged from the lock hopper, and the oxygen purging step is a step of purging oxygen from the lock hopper with non-combustible gas when oxygen is present in the lock hopper. the non-combustible gas purging step is a step of supplying the non-combustible gas from the non-combustible gas supply path to the lock hopper while maintaining communication between the lock hopper and the non-combustible gas discharge path, thereby discharging the non-combustible gas in the lock hopper to the flammable gas discharge path from the lock hopper, and is a step that is performed after the oxygen purging step.

[0089] According to the above method, the oxygen in the lock hopper is purged with the non-combustible gas, and then the flammable gas is supplied to the lock hopper. This allows the non-combustible gas used to purge the oxygen to be purged from the lock hopper.

[0090] Solution 3. A method of operating a lock hopper according to Solution 1 above, wherein the lock hopper is connected to a flammable gas discharge path and a non-flammable gas supply path separately from the solid inlet and the solid outlet, the flammable gas discharge path is a path through which gas containing flammable gas is discharged from the lock hopper, the non-flammable gas introduction step and the discharge step include a flammable gas purging step, which is a step of supplying non-flammable gas to the lock hopper from the non-flammable gas supply path while maintaining communication between the lock hopper and the flammable gas discharge path when the flammable gas is contained in the lock hopper, and the solid moving step is performed after the flammable gas purging step.

[0091] In the above method, the flammable gas can be expelled from the lock hopper by supplying non-flammable gas to the lock hopper prior to the solid transfer step, thereby preventing the flammable gas from leaking out of the flammable gas generation system during the solid transfer step.

[0092] Solution 4. A method of operating a lock hopper according to Solution 2 above, wherein the flammable gas discharge path includes a produced gas path and a mixed gas path, the produced gas path is a path for removing the flammable gas from the lock hopper, the mixed gas path is a path for removing the flammable gas and the non-flammable gas from the lock hopper, the non-flammable gas purging step is a step of discharging the non-flammable gas in the lock hopper to the mixed gas path, and the method further includes a produced gas removing step, the produced gas removing step is a step of causing the produced gas in the lock hopper to flow into the produced gas path by bringing the lock hopper into communication with the produced gas path while produced gas is present in the lock hopper, and the produced gas is the flammable gas generated by the flammable gas generation system.

[0093] According to the above-described produced gas removal process, the produced gas in the lock hopper can be discharged into a produced gas path separate from the mixed gas path, thereby making it possible to treat the produced gas in the produced gas path separately from the gas in the mixed gas path.

[0094] Solution 5. A method of operating a lock hopper as recited in Solution 2 or 4 above, wherein the flammable gas supplied to the lock hopper is a hydrocarbon, the raw material used by the flammable gas generation system is a hydrocarbon, the flammable gas to be generated by the flammable gas generation system is hydrogen, the lock hopper is connected to a flammable gas supply path, and the non-flammable gas purging step is a step of supplying the hydrocarbon to the lock hopper from the flammable gas supply path while maintaining communication between the lock hopper and the flammable gas discharge path.

[0095] In the above method, by supplying hydrocarbons to the lock hopper, the non-combustible gas inside the lock hopper can be expelled into the flammable gas discharge path.Solution 6. A method for operating a lock hopper according to Solution 5 above, further comprising a pressurizing step, wherein the pressurizing step is a step of supplying the hydrocarbons to the lock hopper from the flammable gas supply path while isolating the interior of the lock hopper from the flammable gas discharge path, and is a step that is carried out after the non-combustible gas expulsion step.

[0096] The pressurization step described above allows the interior of the lock hopper to be pressurized. This reduces the pressure difference between the lock hopper and the pressurized space that can communicate with it. Solution 7. The method for operating a lock hopper described in any one of Solutions 2 and 4 to 6 above, wherein the solid moving step is a solid matter discharging step, in which the carbon of the solid carbon and the product gas, which is a mixture of hydrocarbons and hydrogen produced by the thermal decomposition of hydrocarbons, is discharged from the lock hopper to the outside of the combustible gas generation system by opening the discharge port while the lock hopper is filled with the carbon, and the oxygen purging step is a step of purging oxygen that has entered the lock hopper by the solid matter discharging step from the lock hopper.

[0097] The solids discharging step causes oxygen to enter the lock hopper through the discharge port. Therefore, in the method described above, the oxygen purging step can purge the invaded oxygen to the outside of the lock hopper.

[0098] Solution 8. A method of operating a lock hopper according to Solution 7 above, comprising a solids storage step, a depressurization step, and a produced gas purging step, wherein the solids storage step is a step of receiving the carbon produced by the pyrolysis into the lock hopper from the inlet, the depressurization step is a step of discharging the produced gas from the lock hopper to the flammable gas discharge path while the inlet is blocked, the produced gas purging step is a step of supplying the non-flammable gas from the non-flammable gas supply path to the lock hopper after the depressurization step, thereby discharging the produced gas in the lock hopper to the flammable gas discharge path, and the solids discharge step is performed after the produced gas purging step.

[0099] According to the produced gas purging step, the produced gas in the lock hopper can be purged out of the lock hopper before the carbon in the lock hopper is discharged from the discharge port, thereby preventing the produced gas from leaking out of the discharge port.

[0100] Solution 9. A method of operating a lock hopper according to Solution 8 above, wherein the flammable gas discharge path includes a product gas path and a mixed gas path, the product gas path is a path for removing the product gas from the lock hopper, and the mixed gas path is a path for removing the flammable gas and the non-flammable gas from the lock hopper, the lock hopper is connected to a flammable gas supply path, and the method comprises a product gas recovery step, the product gas recovery step being a step of supplying the hydrocarbons from the flammable gas supply path to the lock hopper to discharge the product gas in the lock hopper to the product gas path, and the product gas recovery step being a step executed between the depressurization step and the product gas purging step, and the product gas purging step being a step of discharging the hydrocarbons in the lock hopper to the mixed gas path.

[0101] According to the above-mentioned produced gas recovery step, the produced gas can be recovered in the produced gas line.Solution 10. A method of operating a lock hopper according to Solution 8 or 9, wherein the thermal cracking of the hydrocarbons is carried out in a state where the pressure of the hydrocarbons is higher than atmospheric pressure, the lock hopper is connected to a combustible gas supply line, and the pressurizing step includes a pressurizing step of pressurizing the inside of the lock hopper by supplying the hydrocarbons from the combustible gas supply line to the lock hopper, and the solids storage step is carried out after the pressurizing step.

[0102] The pressurization step reduces the pressure difference between the pressure inside the lock hopper and the pressure inside the space where pyrolysis occurs.Solution 11. A method of operating a lock hopper according to any one of Solutions 2 to 10 above, wherein the combustible gas supplied to the lock hopper is a hydrocarbon, the raw material used by the combustible gas generation system is a hydrocarbon, the combustible gas to be produced by the combustible gas generation system is hydrogen, the solid transfer step includes a solid receiving step, in which a solid catalyst for thermally decomposing the hydrocarbon into hydrogen and carbon is supplied to the lock hopper from outside the combustible gas generation system via the inlet, and the oxygen purging step is a step of purging oxygen that has entered the lock hopper by the solid receiving step from the lock hopper.

[0103] The solids receiving step causes oxygen to flow into the lock hopper. Therefore, in the above method, by providing an oxygen purging step, the oxygen that has flowed into the lock hopper can be purged out of the lock hopper.

[0104] Solution 12. A method for operating a lock hopper according to Solution 11, wherein the lock hopper is connected to a combustible gas supply line and includes a pressurizing step and a solid discharging step, the pressurizing step is a step of pressurizing the inside of the lock hopper by supplying the hydrocarbons from the combustible gas supply line to the lock hopper, and the solid discharging step is a step of discharging the catalyst from the discharge port to supply the catalyst to a reactor side for thermal cracking, and is a step that is performed after the pressurizing step, and the pressure in the reactor is higher than atmospheric pressure.

[0105] The pressurization step reduces the pressure difference between the inside of the lock hopper and the reactor side.Solution 13. A method for operating a lock hopper according to Solution 12, further comprising a depressurization step, in which the product gas that has flowed into the lock hopper by the solids discharge step is discharged from the combustible gas discharge path, and the product gas is a mixture of the hydrocarbons and hydrogen produced by thermal decomposition of the hydrocarbons.

[0106] The depressurization step can reduce the concentration of the produced gas in the lock hopper.Solution 14. A method of operating a lock hopper according to Solution 13, further comprising a produced gas purging step, in which, after the depressurization step, the lock hopper and the flammable gas discharge path are connected to each other and non-flammable gas is supplied to the lock hopper from the non-flammable gas supply path, thereby discharging the produced gas from the lock hopper to the flammable gas discharge path.

[0107] According to the above-mentioned flammable gas purging step, the produced gas in the lock hopper can be purged by non-flammable gas.Solution 15. The method of operating a lock hopper according to Solution 14, wherein the flammable gas discharge path includes a produced gas path and a mixed gas path, the produced gas path is a path for removing the produced gas from the lock hopper, the mixed gas path is a path for removing the produced gas and the non-flammable gas from the lock hopper, the depressurization step is a step of discharging the produced gas into the produced gas path, and the produced gas purging step is a step of discharging the produced gas from the lock hopper to the mixed gas path, the lock hopper is connected to a flammable gas supply path, and the method includes a produced gas recovery step, the produced gas recovery step is a step of discharging the produced gas in the lock hopper into the produced gas path by supplying the hydrocarbons from the flammable gas supply path to the lock hopper, and the product gas recovery step is performed between the depressurization step and the product gas purging step.

[0108] According to the above-mentioned produced gas recovery process, the produced gas can be recovered in the produced gas path. Therefore, the produced gas can be prevented from flowing into the mixed gas path. Solution 16. A method for operating a lock hopper according to above-mentioned Solution 14 or 15, further comprising a non-combustible gas discharge process, in which the non-combustible gas is discharged from the lock hopper to the non-combustible gas discharge path after the produced gas purging process, and the solids receiving process is performed after the non-combustible gas purging process.

[0109] By providing the non-combustible gas purging process, the pressure inside the lock hopper immediately before the solids receiving process can be lowered compared to when the non-combustible gas purging process is not provided.Solution 17. A method of operating a lock hopper according to Solution 3, in which the flammable gas discharged from the lock hopper to the flammable gas discharge path is returned to the path for generating target gas in the flammable gas generation system.

[0110] According to the above method, the flammable gas can be effectively used to generate the target gas.Solution 18. A solid moving device including a lock hopper used to move solids from either inside or outside the flammable gas generation system to the other, wherein the flammable gas generation system is a system that generates flammable gas, the lock hopper is connected to a discharge path and a non-flammable gas supply path separately from an inlet for the solids and an outlet for the solids, the flammable gas discharge path is a path through which gas containing flammable gas is discharged from the lock hopper, and the non-flammable gas supply path is a path through which non-flammable gas is supplied to the lock hopper.

[0111] If the non-combustible gas introduced from the non-combustible gas supply path is discharged from the discharge path, it is possible to prevent the concentration of the non-combustible gas from increasing in paths on either the inlet or outlet side of the lock hopper that are not intended for the non-combustible gas to be mixed in. Furthermore, if the non-combustible gas introduced from the non-combustible gas supply path is used to expel the flammable gas from the lock hopper to the discharge path, it is possible to prevent the flammable gas from leaking out of the system when moving solids from either inside or outside the system to the other.

[0112] Solution 19. The solid moving apparatus according to Solution 18, wherein the discharge path includes a flammable gas discharge path and a non-flammable gas discharge path, the flammable gas discharge path is a path through which gas containing flammable gas in the lock hopper is discharged, and the non-flammable gas discharge path is a path through which non-flammable gas in the lock hopper is released to the atmosphere.

[0113] In the above configuration, the discharge path includes a path for releasing non-combustible gas into the atmosphere and a path for discharging flammable gas, thereby preventing flammable gas from leaking into the atmosphere.Solution 20. A solid moving apparatus according to Solution 19, wherein the flammable gas discharge path includes a produced gas path and a mixed gas path, the produced gas path is a path for removing the flammable gas from the lock hopper, and the mixed gas path is a path for removing the flammable gas and the non-combustible gas from the lock hopper.

[0114] In the above configuration, the flammable gas discharge path includes a generated gas path and a mixed gas path, so that when expelling flammable gas from the lock hopper, different paths can be used depending on whether or not non-flammable gas is contained in the lock hopper.

[0115] Solution 21. The solid moving apparatus according to any one of Solutions 18 to 20, wherein the lock hopper is connected to a flammable gas supply path, and the flammable gas supply path is a path for supplying flammable gas to the lock hopper.

[0116] In the above configuration, by supplying flammable gas from the flammable gas supply path to the lock hopper, the non-flammable gas in the lock hopper can be expelled from the lock hopper.

Claims

1. A method for operating a lock hopper having a solid moving process, wherein the solid moving process is a process for moving a solid from either inside or outside a flammable gas generation system to the other by introducing a solid into the lock hopper or discharging the solid from the lock hopper, the flammable gas generation system being a system for generating flammable gas, the method having a non-flammable gas introduction process and a discharge process, wherein the non-flammable gas introduction process is a process for introducing a non-flammable gas into the lock hopper from a path other than the solid inlet and the solid discharge outlet, and the discharge process is a process for discharging gas within the lock hopper from the lock hopper using a path other than the solid inlet and the solid discharge outlet.

2. The non-combustible gas introduction step includes an oxygen purging step, and the discharge step includes a non-combustible gas purging step, and the lock hopper is connected to a flammable gas discharge path, a non-combustible gas discharge path, and a non-combustible gas supply path separately from the solid inlet and the solid discharge port, and the flammable gas discharge path is a path through which gas containing flammable gas is discharged from the lock hopper, and the oxygen purging step is a step of supplying the non-combustible gas from the non-combustible gas supply path to the lock hopper while keeping the lock hopper and the non-combustible gas discharge path in communication with each other in a state in which oxygen is present in the lock hopper, so as to purge the oxygen with the non-combustible gas, 2. The method of operating a lock hopper according to claim 1, wherein the non-combustible gas purging step is a step of discharging the non-combustible gas in the lock hopper from the lock hopper to the flammable gas discharge path by supplying flammable gas to the lock hopper while the lock hopper and the flammable gas discharge path are in a communication state, and is a step that is executed after the oxygen purging step.

3. A method of operating a lock hopper as described in claim 1, wherein the lock hopper is connected to a flammable gas discharge path and a non-flammable gas supply path separately from the solid inlet and solid discharge outlet, the flammable gas discharge path is a path through which gas containing flammable gas is discharged from the lock hopper, the non-flammable gas introduction process and the discharge process include a flammable gas expulsion process, the flammable gas expulsion process is a process of supplying non-flammable gas to the lock hopper from the non-flammable gas supply path while maintaining communication between the lock hopper and the flammable gas discharge path when the flammable gas is contained in the lock hopper, and the solid moving process is performed after the flammable gas expulsion process.

4. A method of operating a lock hopper as described in claim 2, wherein the flammable gas discharge path includes a produced gas path and a mixed gas path, the produced gas path is a path for extracting the flammable gas from the lock hopper, and the mixed gas path is a path for extracting the flammable gas and the non-flammable gas from the lock hopper, the non-flammable gas expulsion process is a process for discharging the non-flammable gas in the lock hopper to the mixed gas path, and the method further includes a produced gas extraction process, wherein the produced gas extraction process is a process for causing the produced gas in the lock hopper to flow into the produced gas path by bringing the lock hopper into communication with the produced gas path while produced gas is present in the lock hopper, and the produced gas is the flammable gas generated by the flammable gas generation system.

5. A method of operating a lock hopper as described in claim 2, wherein the flammable gas supplied to the lock hopper is a hydrocarbon, the raw material used by the flammable gas generation system is a hydrocarbon, the flammable gas to be generated by the flammable gas generation system is hydrogen, the lock hopper is connected to a flammable gas supply path, and the non-flammable gas expulsion process is a process of supplying the hydrocarbon to the lock hopper from the flammable gas supply path while maintaining communication between the lock hopper and the flammable gas discharge path.

6. A method for operating a lock hopper as described in claim 5, further comprising a pressurizing step of supplying the hydrocarbons from the combustible gas supply path to the lock hopper while isolating the inside of the lock hopper from the combustible gas discharge path, the pressurizing step being a step executed after the non-combustible gas expulsion step.

7. A method of operating a lock hopper as described in claim 2, wherein the solid moving process is a solid discharge process, the solid discharge process is a process of discharging carbon from the lock hopper to outside the combustible gas generation system by opening the discharge outlet in a state in which the lock hopper is filled with carbon as a solid and a product gas, which is a mixture of hydrocarbons and hydrogen produced by thermal decomposition of hydrocarbons, and the carbon, and the oxygen expulsion process is a process of expelling oxygen that has entered the lock hopper by the solid discharge process from the lock hopper.

8. A method of operating a lock hopper as described in claim 7, comprising a solids storage process, a depressurization process, and a produced gas expulsion process, wherein the solids storage process is a process of receiving the carbon produced by the pyrolysis into the lock hopper from the inlet, the depressurization process is a process of discharging the produced gas from the lock hopper to the flammable gas discharge path while the inlet is blocked, the produced gas expulsion process is a process of discharging the produced gas in the lock hopper to the flammable gas discharge path by supplying the non-flammable gas from the non-flammable gas supply path to the lock hopper after the depressurization process, and the solids discharge process is executed after the produced gas expulsion process.

9. A method of operating a lock hopper as described in claim 8, wherein the flammable gas discharge path includes a produced gas path and a mixed gas path, the produced gas path is a path for removing the produced gas from the lock hopper, and the mixed gas path is a path for removing the flammable gas and the non-flammable gas from the lock hopper, the lock hopper is connected to a flammable gas supply path, and the method has a produced gas recovery process, the produced gas recovery process is a process of discharging the produced gas in the lock hopper to the produced gas path by supplying the hydrocarbons from the flammable gas supply path to the lock hopper, and is a process that is executed between the depressurization process and the produced gas expulsion process, and the produced gas expulsion process is a process of discharging the hydrocarbons in the lock hopper to the mixed gas path.

10. A method of operating a lock hopper as described in claim 8, wherein the thermal decomposition of the hydrocarbons is performed under a condition in which the pressure of the hydrocarbons is higher than atmospheric pressure, the lock hopper is connected to a combustible gas supply path, and the method includes a pressurizing step, the pressurizing step being a step of pressurizing the inside of the lock hopper by supplying the hydrocarbons from the combustible gas supply path to the lock hopper, and the solids storage step being performed after the pressurizing step.

11. A method of operating a lock hopper as described in claim 2, wherein the combustible gas supplied to the lock hopper is a hydrocarbon, the raw material used by the combustible gas generation system is a hydrocarbon, the combustible gas to be generated by the combustible gas generation system is hydrogen, the solid moving process includes a solid receiving process, the solid receiving process is a process of supplying the solid catalyst for thermally decomposing the hydrocarbon into hydrogen and carbon from outside the combustible gas generation system to the lock hopper via the inlet, and the oxygen expulsion process is a process of expelling oxygen that has entered the lock hopper by the solid receiving process from the lock hopper.

12. A method of operating a lock hopper as described in claim 11, wherein the lock hopper is connected to a combustible gas supply path and has a pressurizing process and a solid discharge process, the pressurizing process being a process of pressurizing the inside of the lock hopper by supplying the hydrocarbons from the combustible gas supply path to the lock hopper, and the solid discharge process being a process of discharging the catalyst from the outlet to supply the catalyst to a reactor side for pyrolysis, and being a process that is executed after the pressurizing process, and the pressure in the reactor is higher than atmospheric pressure.

13. A method for operating a lock hopper as described in claim 12, further comprising a depressurization process, which is a process for discharging the product gas that has flowed into the lock hopper by the solid discharge process from the combustible gas discharge path, and the product gas is a mixture of the hydrocarbons and hydrogen produced by thermal decomposition of the hydrocarbons.

14. A method for operating a lock hopper as described in claim 13, further comprising a generated gas exhaust process, which is a process for exhausting the generated gas from the lock hopper to the flammable gas exhaust path by supplying non-flammable gas from the non-flammable gas supply path to the lock hopper while maintaining communication between the lock hopper and the flammable gas exhaust path after the depressurization process.

15. A method of operating a lock hopper as described in claim 14, wherein the flammable gas discharge path includes a produced gas path and a mixed gas path, the produced gas path is a path for removing the produced gas from the lock hopper, and the mixed gas path is a path for removing the produced gas and the non-flammable gas from the lock hopper, the depressurization process is a process for discharging the produced gas into the produced gas path, and the produced gas expulsion process is a process for discharging the produced gas from the lock hopper into the mixed gas path, the lock hopper is connected to a flammable gas supply path, and has a produced gas recovery process, the produced gas recovery process is a process for discharging the produced gas in the lock hopper to the produced gas path by supplying the hydrocarbons from the flammable gas supply path to the lock hopper, and is performed between the depressurization process and the produced gas expulsion process.

16. A method of operating a lock hopper as described in claim 14, further comprising a non-combustible gas discharge step, the non-combustible gas discharge step being a step of discharging the non-combustible gas from the lock hopper to the non-combustible gas discharge path after the generated gas expulsion step, and the solids receiving step being carried out after the non-combustible gas expulsion step.

17. A method of operating a lock hopper as described in claim 3, wherein the flammable gas discharged from the lock hopper into the flammable gas discharge path is returned to a path for generating target gas in the flammable gas generation system.

18. A solid moving device having a lock hopper used to move solids from either inside or outside a flammable gas generation system to the other, wherein the flammable gas generation system is a system that generates flammable gas, the lock hopper is connected to a discharge path and a non-flammable gas supply path separately from an inlet for the solid and an outlet for the solid, the flammable gas discharge path is a path through which gas containing flammable gas is discharged from the lock hopper, and the non-flammable gas supply path is a path through which non-flammable gas is supplied to the lock hopper.

19. A solid moving device as described in claim 18, wherein the exhaust path includes a flammable gas exhaust path and a non-flammable gas exhaust path, the flammable gas exhaust path is a path through which gas containing flammable gas in the lock hopper is exhausted, and the non-flammable gas exhaust path is a path through which the non-flammable gas in the lock hopper is released into the atmosphere.

20. A solid moving device as described in claim 19, wherein the flammable gas discharge path includes a produced gas path and a mixed gas path, the produced gas path is a path for removing the flammable gas from the lock hopper, and the mixed gas path is a path for removing the flammable gas and the non-flammable gas from the lock hopper.

21. The solid moving device according to claim 18, wherein the lock hopper is connected to a flammable gas supply path, and the flammable gas supply path is a path for supplying flammable gas to the lock hopper.

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