Radiation-utilizing biomass processing device and radiation-utilizing biomass processing method

Abstract

Provided are a radiation-utilizing biomass processing device and a radiation-utilizing biomass processing method which make it possible for radiation processing with respect to a large volume of radiation target to finish in a substantially uniform state. A radiation-utilizing biomass processing device (1) according to the present invention is characterized by comprising a radiation source (100) that generates radiation and a reaction process container (200) that holds biomass, which is a radiation target, and that is for irradiating the radiation target with the radiation, wherein the reaction process container (200) is disposed such that processing of the loaded radiation target with the radiation progresses uniformly.

Description

Radiation-Utilizing Biomass Treatment Device and Radiation-Utilizing Biomass Treatment Method

[0001] The present invention relates to a radiation-utilizing biomass treatment device and a radiation-utilizing biomass treatment method.

[0002] Organic wastes such as biomass foods, plants (e.g., grass, trees, seaweed, algae, etc.) and the shells of crustaceans are attracting attention as raw materials for new fuels and materials. For example, bioethanol fuel produced using plant raw materials is superior in chemical safety, portability, and storage compared to current energy technologies such as fossil fuels like petroleum, hydrogen, and nuclear power, and is promising as an energy source without depletion problems. In addition, organic acids are used as raw materials for chemical substances.

[0003] As production technologies for valuable substances such as fuels and materials from plant wastes, etc., there are alcohol production methods by fermentation and brewing methods that decompose biomass such as sugarcane, starch-based cassava, corn, rice, and tubers by the action of microorganisms. In addition, as the production technology, there are biochemical treatment methods that convert cellulose, etc. into sugars by the action of enzymes. Furthermore, as the production technology, there are thermochemical treatment methods that thermally decompose and gasify algae and cellulose under heat and pressure conditions, and hydrothermal treatment methods that treat them in high-temperature and high-pressure water.

[0004] Among these, for example, the biochemical treatment method does not require much thermal energy and is excellent in economy. However, for example, in order to decompose and remove lignin contained in plants, pretreatment by physical, chemical, and electrochemical methods, etc. is required in advance. In addition, as a more efficient treatment method, a method of directly using radiation energy or indirectly generating highly chemically reactive excited species (radicals) in water to break bonds such as lignin and reduce the molecular weight is effective.

[0005] While radiation irradiation is used in a variety of applications including medicine, agriculture, industry, and environmental protection, in agriculture, only its use in preventing potato sprouting is approved in Japan, and there is limited knowledge regarding the irradiation of biomass. However, it has been confirmed that irradiating woody biomass improves the rate of saccharification.

[0006] Radiation at low energies of around 1 MeV poses no risk of activation from irradiation. Furthermore, even with higher energy levels, there are no restrictions on the non-food use of the radiation. In Japan, suitable radiation sources are difficult to obtain, and imported cobalt-60 is expensive, so the use of electron beams and powerful X-ray generators has increased in recent years. However, electron beams and X-rays are often generated by specific devices and require energy for irradiation.

[0007] As a known technology in this field, for example, there is Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 describes an apparatus and system for producing a biomass preparation liquid in which the area ratio of the heterophase interface consisting of gas phase / liquid phase / solid phase is increased, irradiating the biomass preparation liquid with gamma rays, generating atomic oxygen through a reaction caused by low-energy electron excitation at the heterophase interface by gamma ray irradiation, and directly reacting the generated atomic oxygen with the biomass in the biomass preparation liquid to produce a saccharified biomass starch saccharification treatment liquid.

[0008] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-070243

[0009] However, Patent Document 1, mentioned above, does not describe using multiple reaction vessels (reaction process containers) or continuously moving the irradiated objects in order to perform radiation treatment on a large quantity of objects. Naturally, Patent Document 1 does not describe completing the radiation treatment on a large quantity of objects in a nearly uniform state. Furthermore, although Patent Document 1 describes the addition of chemicals, it does not describe any control over them.

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. The object of the present invention is to provide a radiation-utilizing biomass processing apparatus and a radiation-utilizing biomass processing method that can complete the radiation treatment of a large amount of irradiated material in a substantially uniform state.

[0011] The biomass treatment apparatus utilizing radiation according to the present invention, which solves the above problems, comprises a radiation source that generates radiation, and a reaction process vessel that holds biomass to be irradiated and irradiates the biomass to be irradiated with the radiation, characterized in that the reaction process vessel is arranged so as to uniformly carry out the radiation treatment on the biomass to be irradiated that has been introduced.

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a radiation-utilizing biomass processing apparatus and a radiation-utilizing biomass processing method that can complete the radiation treatment of a large amount of irradiated material in a substantially uniform state. Problems, configurations, and effects other than those mentioned above will be clarified by the following description of embodiments. Further features related to the present invention will be evident from the description herein and the accompanying drawings.

[0013] This is a configuration diagram showing an example of a radiation-utilizing biomass processing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. This is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the content of valuable materials and the radiation irradiation time in the first embodiment. This is a configuration diagram showing another example of a radiation-utilizing biomass processing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. This is a configuration diagram showing another example of a radiation-utilizing biomass processing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. This is a configuration diagram showing another example of a radiation-utilizing biomass processing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. This is a configuration diagram showing another example of a radiation-utilizing biomass processing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. This is a configuration diagram showing an example of a radiation-utilizing biomass processing apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment. This is a configuration diagram showing another example of a radiation-utilizing biomass processing apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment. This is a graph showing an example of the relationship between dose and chemical addition amount in the second embodiment. This is a flowchart explaining the contents of the radiation-utilizing biomass processing method according to the third embodiment.

[0014] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings as appropriate, a radiation-utilizing biomass processing apparatus and a radiation-utilizing biomass processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that common components in the following description and drawings may be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. Moreover, the description herein is merely a typical example and does not limit the claims or applications in any sense.

[0015] [Radiation-Utilizing Biomass Processing Device] (First Embodiment) In this embodiment, an example of the arrangement of the radiation source 100 and the reaction process vessel 200 of the radiation-utilizing biomass processing device 1 will be described. Figure 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the radiation-utilizing biomass processing device 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 1 is an overhead view of the radiation-utilizing biomass processing device 1. Figure 1 shows the radiation-utilizing biomass processing device 1 equipped with a plurality of batch-type reaction process vessels 200 (reaction tanks).

[0016] As shown in Figure 1, the radiation-utilizing biomass processing apparatus 1 comprises a radiation source 100 and a reaction process vessel 200. The radiation source 100 generates radiation. The reaction process vessel 200 holds the biomass to be irradiated and irradiates the biomass with the aforementioned radiation. In this embodiment, the reaction process vessel 200 of the radiation-utilizing biomass processing apparatus 1 is arranged so as to uniformly carry out the radiation treatment on the held biomass to be irradiated.

[0017] In this embodiment, the radiation source 100 is assumed to be low-level radioactive waste and radioactive waste that requires strict storage over a long period of time, such as vitrified waste. However, the radiation source 100 can be anything that has the function of generating radiation, and is not limited to these. As the radiation source 100, for example, cobalt 60 can be used, although it is expensive, or an electron beam or a powerful X-ray generator can be used.

[0018] Examples of radiation include, but are not limited to, gamma rays emitted from low-level radioactive waste. In this embodiment, any radiation with sufficient energy to directly break bonds in lignin and other materials, or indirectly by generating highly chemically reactive excited species (radicals) in water, thereby reducing the molecular weight, can be suitably used.

[0019] One example of an application site for the radiation-utilizing biomass treatment device 1 is a storage and waste facility that stores low-level radioactive waste or vitrified waste. However, the application site for the radiation-utilizing biomass treatment device 1 is not limited to the above. For example, low-level radioactive waste or vitrified waste may be transported to a facility containing irradiated materials such as biomass and irradiated there. Here, low-level radioactive waste and vitrified waste are generally stored in cylindrical containers or the like. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, a cylindrical shape is exemplified as the shape of the radiation source 100, but the shape of the radiation source 100 is not particularly limited as long as uniform processing is possible.

[0020] The radiation source 100 is installed together with a shielding mechanism (not shown) that can irradiate the reaction process vessel 200 (and consequently the object to be irradiated) with radiation, and can shield the radiation source 100 when it is not irradiating. For example, when the radiation source 100 is installed in the center of building 2 as shown in Figure 1, a shielding mechanism that can shield the area around the radiation source 100 is installed (not shown in Figure 1) when performing maintenance on building 2. Such a shielding mechanism is particularly preferable when the radiation source 100 is low-level radioactive waste or vitrified waste. The means and methods for shielding the radiation source 100 shall conform to radiation safety management standards for nuclear facilities and the like.

[0021] The reaction process vessel 200 is a cylindrical sealed container or a stirable container, as shown in Figure 1. The reaction process vessel 200 holds the biomass that has been transported for radiation treatment as the material to be irradiated. The material of the reaction process vessel 200 is preferably one that does not shield from radiation and is not easily degraded by radiation. Examples of such materials include radiation-resistant plastics, but any material that can hold the material to be irradiated without problems and can irradiate the material with radiation is acceptable and is not particularly limited.

[0022] Examples of biomass include organic waste such as food, plants (e.g., grass, wood, seaweed, and algae), and crustacean shells. In this embodiment, woody biomass will be described as the main component. The main components of woody biomass are cellulose and lignin. Lignin plays a role in strengthening cell walls. Therefore, in order to convert biomass into valuable materials such as fuel and raw materials, it is necessary to decompose and remove cellulose and lignin. The radiation-utilizing biomass processing device 1 can decompose the cellulose and lignin of woody biomass from a high-molecular-weight state to a low-molecular-weight state through radiation treatment. Therefore, the radiation-utilizing biomass processing device 1 can facilitate the production of valuable materials after radiation treatment, such as alcohol production. In other words, the irradiation of the material to be irradiated with radiation in the radiation-utilizing biomass processing device 1 can be considered a pretreatment for efficiently obtaining valuable materials such as fuel and raw materials.

[0023] In this embodiment, a target material such as woody biomass is irradiated with radiation, and the bonds of lignin and other materials are broken and the molecular weight reduced, either directly using the radiation energy or indirectly by generating highly chemically reactive excited species (radicals) in water. At this time, the process can be accelerated by combining it with physical, chemical, and electrochemical methods.

[0024] The intensity of radiation decreases inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the radiation source 100. For example, the radiation at a distance of 10 meters from the radiation source 100 is reduced to 1 / 100 compared to a distance of 1 meter. Therefore, when processing using only radiation, the irradiation time required for processing will change depending on the distance between the radiation source 100 and the reaction process vessel 200.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, when there are multiple reaction process vessels 200, it is easier to operate and less burdensome for workers to transport all of them simultaneously after filling them with the material to be irradiated, rather than installing them sequentially into the building 2 as the material to be irradiated is filled into the reaction process vessels 200. This is also true for removal after the irradiation and processing are completed. In other words, when there are multiple reaction process vessels 200, it is easier to operate and less burdensome for workers to remove all of them simultaneously. In order to remove all of the reaction process vessels 200 simultaneously, it is preferable that the radiation treatment is completed almost simultaneously. For this to happen, the radiation treatment of a large amount of material to be irradiated must be completed in a nearly uniform state. However, as mentioned above, the irradiation time required for processing changes depending on the distance between the radiation source 100 and the reaction process vessels 200. This embodiment embodies the simultaneous initiation of radiation treatment on multiple reaction process vessels 200 (i.e., on a large quantity of irradiated material), the uniform progression of radiation treatment on a large quantity of irradiated material, and the completion of radiation treatment on a large quantity of irradiated material in a substantially uniform state (substantially). "Substantially uniform state" means that, at a certain irradiation time, the amount of valuable material produced by the decomposition of the irradiated material (i.e., a large quantity of irradiated material) filled in the multiple reaction process vessels 200 is uniformly within a plateau range (for example, the range where the curve of reaction process vessel A in Figure 2, described later, is flat).

[0026] Here, Figure 2 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the content of valuable substances and the radiation irradiation time in the first embodiment. In the case of woody biomass, polysaccharides and high molecular weight cellulose decompose to produce valuable monosaccharides, such as glucose, and further decomposition produces low molecular weight alcohols, methane, hydrogen, and other combustible gases, and finally decomposes to carbon dioxide. In Figure 2, monosaccharides that are raw materials for chemicals, alcohols that are fuels, and combustible gases are assumed to be valuable substances, and the distance between the radiation source 100 in reaction process container A and reaction process container B is assumed to be in the relationship reaction process container A < reaction process container B. In this case, the amount of valuable substances in reaction process container A increases with the passage of time up to irradiation time T1, but once irradiation time T1 is exceeded and the plateau range is passed, the decomposition of the valuable substances themselves progresses and the amount of valuable substances decreases. On the other hand, the amount of valuable substances in reaction process container B does not increase at irradiation time T1 because the irradiation dose is smaller than that of reaction process container A.

[0027] Therefore, assuming simultaneous loading and unloading, it is undesirable for multiple reaction vessels, i.e., reaction process containers 200, to be at different distances from the radiation source 100. Accordingly, in the first embodiment, in order to ensure uniform radiation treatment, multiple reaction vessels (reaction process containers 200) (i.e., the irradiated objects) are arranged so that they are at the same distance from the radiation source 100. For example, as shown in Figure 1, multiple reaction process containers 200 are arranged so that their centers overlap on a circle that is at the same distance from the cylindrical radiation source 100. Note that the same distance in this embodiment is not limited to this, and the distance is determined within a range that is effective, and is not limited to being completely identical. This ensures that radiation treatment of the irradiated objects proceeds uniformly. Here, even within a single reaction process container 200, the reaction rate will differ between the side closer to the radiation source 100 and the side further away. However, for example, if the reaction process container 200 is a container equipped with a stirring mechanism (not shown), such as a stirring blade, further uniformity of treatment can be achieved by stirring the irradiated objects with the stirring mechanism. Furthermore, if the reaction process vessel 200 does not have a stirring mechanism as described above, further uniformity of the process can be achieved by rotating (spinning) the reaction process vessel 200 during irradiation, or by equipping it with a mechanism to rotate the reaction process vessel 200.

[0028] Figure 3 is a configuration diagram showing another example of the radiation-utilizing biomass processing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. Similar to Figure 1, Figure 3 shows an overhead view of the radiation-utilizing biomass processing apparatus 1. Figure 3 shows the radiation-utilizing biomass processing apparatus 1 equipped with multiple batch-type reaction process vessels 200 (reaction tanks).

[0029] In Figure 3, multiple cylindrical radiation sources 100 are stored in parallel along the wall of building 2, and multiple reaction process vessels 200 are arranged so that they are at the same distance from each radiation source 100. In this configuration, the processing of objects to be irradiated by radiation can be carried out uniformly. In this case, by providing a variable shielding wall (not shown) between the radiation source 100 and the reaction process vessels 200, the radiation source 100 can be shielded more easily than in the configuration of Figure 1.

[0030] In the example shown in Figure 3, when loading and unloading the reaction process vessel 200 into and out of the building 2, it is preferable to prepare scaffolding such as rails to automatically load and unload the reaction process vessel 200. However, the method of loading and unloading the reaction process vessel 200 is not limited to this embodiment, as long as it is easy to operate and places little burden on the workers.

[0031] Figure 4 is a configuration diagram showing another example of the radiation-utilizing biomass processing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. Like Figure 1, Figure 4 is an overhead view of the radiation-utilizing biomass processing apparatus 1. Figure 4 shows a continuous-type radiation-utilizing biomass processing apparatus 1. In Figure 4, the reaction process vessel 200 is shown as a reactor that moves irradiated material such as biomass using a conveyor. In this embodiment, it is sufficient that irradiated material such as biomass can be continuously brought into and out of the building 2; it is not limited to a conveyor. The reactor in this embodiment may, for example, use a pressure pump to cause the irradiated material to flow through a pipe. When using a conveyor as in this embodiment, the biomass itself, or the containers filled with the aforementioned biomass, can be continuously brought in from outside the building 2 where the radiation processing is performed. Therefore, in this embodiment, a larger amount of biomass can be easily processed than in the batch-type processing embodiment.

[0032] As shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment, multiple cylindrical radiation sources 100 are stored along the wall surface of the building 2. A reaction process vessel 200 (reactor) is installed parallel to these radiation sources 100, allowing the irradiated material, such as biomass, to pass through. Specifically, in the example shown in Figure 4, two rows of radiation sources 100 are stored along opposing walls, with the reaction process vessel 200 installed between them. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the reaction process vessel 200 (reactor) and the radiation sources 100 are arranged to be the same distance apart. This ensures uniform radiation treatment of the irradiated material, such as biomass. In this case, similar to Figure 3, the radiation sources 100 can be shielded more easily than in the embodiment of Figure 1 by providing a variable shielding wall (not shown) between the radiation sources 100 and the reaction process vessel 200.

[0033] Figure 5 is a configuration diagram showing another example of the radiation-utilizing biomass processing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 5 shows an example of a continuous-type radiation-utilizing biomass processing apparatus 1 that differs from the embodiment shown in Figure 4. Figure 5 also illustrates the radiation-utilizing biomass processing apparatus 1 as viewed from the side. In Figure 5, a pipe-type reaction process vessel 200 has a structure that spirally surrounds the radiation source 100. The reaction process vessel 200 is arranged to surround the radiation source 100 at a certain distance. As the irradiated material flows inside the reaction process vessel 200, the radiation treatment of the irradiated material can be carried out uniformly.

[0034] Figure 6 is a configuration diagram showing another example of the radiation-utilizing biomass processing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. Like Figure 1, Figure 6 is an overhead view of the radiation-utilizing biomass processing apparatus 1. Figure 6 shows a continuous-type radiation-utilizing biomass processing apparatus 1. Figure 6 shows an example of the continuous-type radiation-utilizing biomass processing apparatus 1 shown in Figure 4, equipped with a chemical addition control function 300, a heating control function 400, and a moisture content control function 500. While Figure 6 illustrates the radiation-utilizing biomass processing apparatus 1 equipped with all three functions, it is sufficient to have one or more of these functions.

[0035] The chemical addition control function 300 is a function that adds chemicals to change the reaction rate of radiation treatment on the irradiated material, such as biomass. In other words, the chemical addition control function 300 adds chemicals into the reaction process vessel 200 and controls the amount of chemicals added. Examples of chemicals include acidic or alkaline chemicals. Examples of acidic chemicals include acids such as sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid. Examples of alkaline chemicals include alkalis such as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide. Examples of alkaline chemicals include ammonia for the purpose of lignin removal. The chemicals used will be changed according to the purpose and type of biomass, so as long as they can change the reaction rate of radiation treatment, they are not particularly limited. In this embodiment, sodium hydroxide can be suitably used to break the bonds of lignin and other materials contained in woody biomass and reduce the molecular weight, as it promotes the dissolution of woody tissue and the generation of excited species (radicals) with high chemical reaction efficiency by radiation, such as OH radicals (hydroxyl radicals).

[0036] The concentration of sodium hydroxide in the liquid (treatment solution) into which the irradiated material, such as biomass, is impregnated is preferably in the range of 1 w / v% to 10 w / v%. This is considered desirable from the viewpoint of reaction acceleration and chemical usage, but the optimal sodium hydroxide concentration varies depending on the type of biomass. For example, even in woody biomass, the lignin content differs depending on the plant species. Therefore, even when treating different biomass at the same distance from the radiation source 100, the sodium hydroxide concentration should be higher for treatment solutions of plants with a high lignin content, and conversely, lower for treatment solutions of plants with a low lignin content. By controlling the concentration of the sodium hydroxide aqueous solution added in this way, the radiation irradiation time for different biomass can be kept constant, and the radiation treatment of different biomass can be completed in a nearly uniform state (almost simultaneously). This simplifies operations and reduces the burden on workers.

[0037] The heating control function 400 is a function that heats the irradiated material, such as biomass, in order to change the reaction rate of radiation treatment of the irradiated material. In other words, the heating control function 400 heats the reaction process vessel 200 and controls its operation. The heating method in the heating control function 400 is not particularly limited as long as it can heat the irradiated material. For example, the heating control function 400 can be implemented by installing heating mechanisms such as electric heating wires inside or outside the reaction process vessel 200. For example, the irradiated material can be heated by directly injecting heated hot water or steam, or by passing it around the outer circumference of the reaction process vessel 200. Also, if the radiation source 100 is low-level radioactive waste or vitrified waste, it can be heated by utilizing the heat generated from the radiation source 100 itself.

[0038] When the biomass to be irradiated is heated to around 150°C, its cellular structure is destroyed, increasing the fluidity of the raw material and facilitating continuous operation. Therefore, radiation treatment proceeds more easily within the reaction process vessel 200. Furthermore, heating the biomass to around 200°C to 250°C allows its constituent components to dissolve. If the irradiated material is woody biomass, gradually increasing the temperature to dissolve it allows for the separation of lignocellulosic biomass components. If only lignin and hemicellulose can be extracted, only cellulose remains. Normally, hydrolytic enzymes that are hindered by lignin and hemicellulose and cannot effectively act on cellulose can efficiently hydrolyze it. Additionally, dissolving cellulose at higher temperatures may allow for rapid hydrolysis without being hindered by the cellulose's crystalline structure. The above describes the effects of the hydrothermal reaction, but the addition of radiation irradiation further accelerates the processing of biomass.

[0039] The moisture content control function 500 is a function that injects water into the irradiated material, such as biomass. In other words, the moisture content control function 500 controls the moisture content of the irradiated material in the reaction process vessel 200. In particular, biomass with low moisture content has a low penetration rate of chemicals and generates less OH radicals due to radiation. Therefore, by appropriately adding water to biomass with low moisture content, the radiation treatment can be promoted. Water may be injected at a constant amount, but for example, the moisture content of the input biomass may be measured in advance before radiation treatment, and the water injection may be controlled according to that moisture content. When the biomass has an appropriate moisture content, the radiation treatment can proceed more uniformly within the reaction process vessel 200.

[0040] Figure 7 is a configuration diagram showing another example of the radiation-utilizing biomass processing device 1 according to the first embodiment. Like Figure 1, Figure 7 also shows an overhead view of the radiation-utilizing biomass processing device 1. Figure 7 shows a continuous-type radiation-utilizing biomass processing device 1. Figure 7 shows an example of the continuous-type radiation-utilizing biomass processing device 1 shown in Figure 4, equipped with an irradiation time control function 600.

[0041] The irradiation time control function 600 controls the radiation irradiation time by changing the transit time (i.e., the transit speed of the reactor) of the reactor through the radiation irradiation section, when the reaction process vessel 200 is a reactor that moves the object to be irradiated, such as a continuous pipe or conveyor. Figure 7 illustrates the case of a conveyor-type reactor.

[0042] Irradiated objects such as biomass have different optimal irradiation times depending on their type and quantity. For example, as described above, even in the case of lignocellulosic biomass, the lignin content varies depending on the type of plant. Therefore, when treating biomass with different types and quantities under the same condition of the distance from the radiation source 100, if the conditions for changing the reaction rate of the treatment such as chemical addition are the same, it is preferable to appropriately change the irradiation time. For example, when the lignin content is high, it is preferable to control the passing speed of the reactor so that the irradiation time becomes longer. By doing so, even for biomass with different types and quantities, the treatment by radiation can be completed (completed almost simultaneously) in a substantially uniform state.

[0043] In the present embodiment, it is preferable to determine the type and / or quantity of an irradiated object such as biomass carried in advance by visual observation, camera image, etc., calculate the irradiation time corresponding thereto, and control the passing speed of the reactor accordingly. By doing so, the radiation-utilizing biomass treatment apparatus 1 can appropriately adjust the irradiation time of radiation to the irradiated object. Examples of the method for determining the type and quantity of an irradiated object such as biomass for controlling the irradiation time include, as described above, visual observation and camera image, but are not limited thereto. As the determination method, for example, a part of the irradiated object may be sampled and the result of quantifying a contained chemical substance, for example, lignin, etc. may be used.

[0044] In the first embodiment, the reaction process container 200 is arranged so that the irradiated object such as biomass and the radiation source 100 are at the same distance, thereby allowing the treatment by radiation to proceed uniformly. In the case of a batch type, the irradiation time that maximizes the production amount of valuable substances is the same for each reaction process container 200.Consequently, a plurality of reaction process containers 200 can be carried in and out simultaneously, which facilitates the operation and reduces the workload of the operator. Also, in the case of a continuous type, whether the number of irradiation lines is single or plural, arranging the reaction process container 200 so that the irradiated object such as biomass and the radiation source 100 are at the same distance has the same effect as the batch type.

[0045] In the first embodiment, the radiation-utilizing biomass processing device 1 is equipped with one or more of the following functions: chemical addition control function 300, heating control function 400, and moisture content control function 500. This allows the reaction rate of radiation treatment on the irradiated material, such as biomass, to be changed. This facilitates the control of the conversion of biomass into a valuable material. Furthermore, the radiation-utilizing biomass processing device 1 is equipped with an irradiation time control function 600. This allows the optimal irradiation time to be set according to the type and amount of the irradiated material, such as biomass.

[0046] The radiation-utilizing biomass processing device 1 can easily convert irradiated materials such as biomass into valuable materials, thus enabling the production of valuable materials at low cost. Furthermore, the radiation-utilizing biomass processing device 1 can utilize low-level radioactive waste and radioactive waste that requires strict long-term storage, such as vitrified waste, as the radiation source 100, rather than expensive cobalt 60 or electron beam or high-power X-ray generators. In this case, since the radiation-utilizing biomass processing device 1 does not incur the cost of irradiation with radiation energy, it can produce valuable materials at an even lower cost.

[0047] (Second Embodiment) Figure 8 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a radiation-utilizing biomass processing apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment. As with Figure 1, Figure 8 is an overhead view of the radiation-utilizing biomass processing apparatus 1. Figure 8 shows a radiation-utilizing biomass processing apparatus 1 equipped with multiple batch-type reaction process vessels 200 (reaction tanks). These reaction process vessels 200 (reaction tanks) are cylindrical sealed containers or agitable containers, etc.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 8, the radiation-utilizing biomass treatment apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment includes a radiation source 100 and a reaction process vessel 200. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, in the radiation-utilizing biomass treatment apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment, the reaction process vessel 200 is arranged concentrically around the radiation source 100. That is, in the second embodiment, as described above, it includes a plurality of reaction tanks with different distances from the radiation source 100, that is, the reaction process vessel 200. Thus, the radiation-utilizing biomass treatment apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment is different from an example of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in that it includes a plurality of reaction process vessels 200 with different distances from the radiation source 100 (among the plurality of batch-type reaction tanks, some are close to the radiation source 100 and some are far from it).

[0049] FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram showing another example of the radiation-utilizing biomass treatment apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment. In another example shown in FIG. 9, similar to the aspect shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of cylindrical radiation sources 100 are stored in parallel along the wall surface of the building 2. And in this aspect, a plurality of reaction process vessels 200 are arranged in a plurality of rows so as to be parallel to the plurality of radiation sources 100. Note that this reaction process vessel 200 (reaction tank) is also a cylindrical sealed container or a stirrable container, etc. In this aspect, it is different from another example of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3 in that it includes those with different distances from the radiation source 100 (among the plurality of batch-type reaction tanks, some are close to the radiation source 100 and some are far from it).

[0050] As described above, radiation weakens in inverse proportion to the square of the distance from the radiation source 100. When simply performing treatment with only radiation, the time required for treatment changes depending on the distance between the radiation source 100 and the reaction process vessel 200. Therefore, when the timing for maximizing the production amount of valuable substances is different for each of the plurality of containers, if the loading and unloading operations are performed at individual timings, the operation becomes complicated and the burden on the operator increases.

[0051] Therefore, in the second embodiment, it is preferable that the radiation-utilizing biomass processing apparatus 1 is equipped with a function for changing the reaction rate of radiation treatment of irradiated material such as biomass (not shown in Figures 8 and 9). Examples of such functions include the chemical addition control function 300, heating control function 400, and moisture content control function 500 described in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, one or more of these functions are provided, and the reaction is controlled for each container. For example, the concentration of sodium hydroxide in the reaction process container 200 that is farther from the radiation source 100 is increased, and the concentration of sodium hydroxide in the reaction process container 200 that is closer to the radiation source 100 is decreased. In this way, the amount of valuable material produced in all containers can be maximized with the same irradiation time. Furthermore, in this embodiment, radiation treatment of a large amount of irradiated material can be completed in a nearly uniform state. Moreover, in this embodiment, operation is made easier and the burden on workers can be reduced.

[0052] Here, in the second embodiment described above, three functions for changing the reaction rate of radiation treatment on irradiated materials such as biomass were explained. Among these, the case in which the chemical addition control function 300 is used will be explained as a representative example.

[0053] Figure 10 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between dose and amount of chemical added in the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 10, the dose is higher the closer the distance from the radiation source 100, and the dose is lower the further the distance from the radiation source 100 is (the dose decreases inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the radiation source 100). Therefore, as shown in Figure 10, by increasing the amount of chemical added to compensate for the reduced dose, it becomes possible to carry out the radiation treatment uniformly.

[0054] As mentioned above, sodium hydroxide, used as a chemical, can promote the dissolution of woody tissue and the generation of highly reactive species (radicals) with high chemical reaction efficiency due to radiation, such as OH-radicals. This allows sodium hydroxide to cleave bonds in lignin and other materials contained in woody biomass, thereby reducing their molecular weight. Therefore, when there is a reaction process container C (see, for example, Figure 9) located close to the radiation source 100 and a reaction process container D (see, for example, Figure 9) located farther from the radiation source 100, adding a large amount of the chemical to reaction process container D before processing can promote the generation of OH-radicals even at low doses, maximizing the production of valuable materials at the same timing as reaction process container C.

[0055] The amount of chemicals to be added varies depending on the type and amount of biomass. Therefore, it is preferable to confirm the amount of chemicals to be added according to the type and amount of biomass in advance through experiments or simulations. The confirmed amount of chemicals to be added should be recorded on a recording medium such as an HDD (not shown) and made available to workers on a display or other device. This allows workers to manually control the amount of chemicals to be added. Alternatively, the recording medium containing the confirmed amount of chemicals to be added may be provided to the chemical addition control function 300, and the chemical addition control function 300 may automatically control the amount of chemicals to be added by referring to this recording medium. The method of adding the chemicals is not particularly limited, as long as the chemicals are added appropriately. The same applies to the heating control function 400 and the moisture content control function 500. In other words, it is preferable to confirm the heating control and moisture content according to the type and amount of biomass in advance through experiments or simulations, record this on a recording medium such as an HDD (not shown), and make it available to workers on a display or other device. Alternatively, a recording medium containing the confirmed heating control and moisture content may be provided in the heating control function 400 and the moisture content control function 500, and the heating control function 400 and the moisture content control function 500 may refer to this recording medium to automatically perform heating control or moisture content control.

[0056] In the second embodiment, by using one or more functions for changing the reaction rate of the process of irradiating the object with radiation, namely the chemical addition control function 300, the heating control function 400, and the moisture content control function 500, the amount of valuable material produced can be maximized in the same irradiation time, even when there are reaction process vessels 200 at different distances from the radiation source 100. Therefore, in the second embodiment as well, operation becomes easier and the burden on workers can be reduced.

[0057] [Radiation-Utilizing Biomass Treatment Method] (Third Embodiment) Next, a radiation-utilizing biomass treatment method will be described. Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating the contents of the radiation-utilizing biomass treatment method according to the third embodiment. As shown in Figure 11, the radiation-utilizing biomass treatment method has a placement step S1 and a radiation treatment step S2. In the placement step S1, a reaction process container 200 holding biomass as the material to be irradiated is placed relative to a radiation source 100 that generates radiation, so that the radiation treatment of the material to be irradiated proceeds uniformly. Next, in the radiation treatment step S2, the material to be irradiated is treated with radiation after the placement step S1.

[0058] The radiation-utilizing biomass processing device 1 is equipped with one or more of the following functions: a chemical addition control function 300, a heating control function 400, and a moisture content control function 500, and these functions can be used in the radiation treatment process S2. The radiation-utilizing biomass processing device 1 is also equipped with an irradiation time control function 600, and this function can be used in the radiation treatment process S2. The effects obtained by the chemical addition control function 300, the heating control function 400, the moisture content control function 500, and the irradiation time control function 600 have been described above, so their explanation is omitted here. Because the radiation-utilizing biomass processing method according to this embodiment has these steps, the radiation treatment of a large amount of irradiated material can be completed in a nearly uniform state.

[0059] Although the biomass processing apparatus and biomass processing method according to the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and includes various modifications. For example, the embodiments described above are described in detail for the purpose of explaining the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner and are not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations described. Furthermore, it is possible to replace a part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. In addition, it is possible to add, delete, or replace parts of the configuration of each embodiment with other configurations.

[0060] 1. Radiation-Utilizing Biomass Processing System 100 Radiation Source 200 Reaction Process Vessel 300 Chemical Addition Control Function 400 Heating Control Function 500 Moisture Content Control Function 600 Irradiation Time Control Function

Claims

1. A radiation-utilizing biomass processing apparatus comprising: a radiation source that generates radiation; and a reaction process vessel that holds biomass to be irradiated and irradiates the biomass to be irradiated with the radiation, wherein the reaction process vessel is arranged to ensure uniform treatment of the irradiated biomass with the radiation.

2. A radiation-utilizing biomass processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises one or more of the following: a chemical addition control function for adding a chemical to the reaction process vessel and controlling the amount of the chemical added; a heating control function for heating the reaction process vessel and controlling the heating; and a moisture content control function for controlling the moisture content of the irradiated material in the reaction process vessel.

3. A biomass treatment apparatus utilizing radiation according to claim 2, characterized in that the chemical is an acidic chemical or an alkaline chemical.

4. A radiation-utilizing biomass processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that sodium hydroxide is used as the chemical, and the concentration of sodium hydroxide in the liquid in which the irradiated object is immersed is in the range of 1 w / v% to 10 w / v%.

5. The radiation-utilizing biomass processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reaction process vessel is a plurality of batch-type reaction vessels and is a sealed container or a stirable container, and the plurality of batch-type reaction vessels are arranged at the same distance from the radiation source.

6. The radiation-utilizing biomass processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the reaction process vessel is a plurality of batch-type reaction vessels, and is a sealed container or a stirable container, the plurality of batch-type reaction vessels include those that are close to the radiation source and those that are far from it, and the plurality of batch-type reaction vessels are equipped with one or more of the chemical addition control function, the heating control function and the moisture content control function according to the distance from the radiation source.

7. A radiation-utilizing biomass processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the reaction process vessel is a reactor that continuously moves the irradiated material, and the reactor and the radiation source are arranged to be the same distance apart.

8. A radiation-utilizing biomass processing apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that it is equipped with an irradiation time control function that controls the irradiation time of the radiation by controlling the passage speed of the reactor according to the type and / or amount of the material to be irradiated that is fed into the reactor, and by changing the passage time of the reactor as it passes through the radiation irradiation section.

9. A method for processing biomass using radiation, characterized by comprising: a placement step of arranging a reaction process container holding biomass to be irradiated with respect to a radiation source that emits radiation, such that the radiation treatment of the biomass to be irradiated proceeds uniformly; and a radiation treatment step of treating the biomass to be irradiated with radiation after the placement step.

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