Biomass solid fuel production system

Abstract

The present disclosure describes a biomass fuel production system with which it is possible to suppress the cost of producing biomass solid fuel.　This biomass solid fuel production system comprises first fuel production equipment configured to produce a first biomass solid fuel, and second fuel production equipment configured to produce a second biomass solid fuel. The first fuel production equipment includes: a first heating device configured to heat a first biomass raw material to generate the first biomass solid fuel; a first combustion furnace configured to combust a first pyrolysis gas generated by heating the first biomass raw material in the first heating device to generate a first combustion gas; and a first flow path configured to introduce a first low-temperature combustion gas that, of the first combustion gas, is discharged from the first heating device after heating of the first biomass raw material into the second fuel production equipment in order for the first low-temperature combustion gas to be used in production of the second biomass solid fuel.

Description

Biomass Solid Fuel Production System

[0001] This disclosure relates to a biomass solid fuel production system.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a biomass solid fuel (PBT (registered trademark): Pelletizing Before Torrefaction) production device. The device of Patent Document 1 includes an externally heated rotary kiln and a combustion furnace. The rotary kiln is configured to heat (low-temperature carbonize) a pellet-shaped biomass formed body (WP: White Pellet) input as a raw material to produce a biomass solid fuel.

[0003] The rotary kiln includes a cylindrical main body into which the biomass formed body before heating is input from one end side and from which the biomass solid fuel after heating is discharged from the other end side, and a heating part arranged to cover the outer peripheral part of the cylindrical main body and configured to heat the biomass formed body flowing inside the cylindrical main body. The inside of the cylindrical main body is maintained in a low-oxygen atmosphere (reducing atmosphere) by supplying an inert gas. The pyrolysis gas (biogas) generated by heating the biomass formed body inside the cylindrical main body is supplied to the combustion furnace.

[0004] The combustion furnace is configured to burn the pyrolysis gas supplied from the rotary kiln to generate combustion gas and supply the combustion gas to the heating part. That is, the pyrolysis gas generated by heating the biomass formed body in the rotary kiln is used as fuel for the combustion furnace, and the heat of the combustion gas generated by burning the pyrolysis gas in the combustion furnace is used for heating the biomass formed body in the rotary kiln, enabling the production of a self-sustaining biomass solid fuel.

[0005] International Publication No. 2022 / 209196

[0006] Incidentally, depending on the intended use of the biomass solid fuel, it may be necessary to produce biomass solid fuels with different degrees of carbonization. In this book, "degree of carbonization" refers to the degree of carbonization of the biomass solid fuel, and can be evaluated by, for example, the solid (material) yield and the energy yield. The solid (material) yield is defined as the ratio of the amount of product produced to the amount of raw material supplied (solid (material) yield = amount of product produced / amount of raw material supplied × 100), and the lower the solid (material) yield, the more advanced the carbonization of the biomass solid fuel is considered to be. The energy yield is defined as the ratio of the calorific value of the product to the calorific value of the raw material (energy yield = calorific value of the product / calorific value of the raw material × 100), and the lower the energy yield, the more advanced the carbonization of the biomass solid fuel is considered to be. In this book, a "high" degree of carbonization refers to a solid (material) yield of 80% or less, or an energy yield of 90% or less. On the other hand, in this book, a "low" degree of carbide refers to a case where the solid (substance) yield is 85% or higher, or where the energy yield is 95% or higher.

[0007] However, when producing biomass solid fuel with a high degree of carbonization, the amount of heat supplied to the biomass molded body is relatively large, which tends to increase the amount of pyrolysis gas generated from the biomass molded body. Consequently, the amount of combustion gas produced by the combustion of the pyrolysis gas in the combustion furnace also increases. Therefore, in order to exhaust the combustion gas used to heat the biomass molded body in the heating section, it may be necessary to use a relatively large fan, which can increase power consumption and thus increase costs.

[0008] On the other hand, when attempting to produce biomass solid fuel with a low degree of carbonization, the amount of heat supplied to the biomass molded body is relatively small, which tends to reduce the amount of pyrolysis gas generated from the biomass molded body. Therefore, it may not be possible to secure the necessary amount of heat by burning the pyrolysis gas as fuel in the combustion furnace. In this case, it may be possible to add fuel from an external source (for example, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)) to the combustion furnace to secure the necessary heat, but this may increase the cost of the additional fuel.

[0009] Therefore, this disclosure describes a biomass fuel production system that can suppress the production costs of biomass solid fuels.

[0010] An example of a biomass solid fuel production system comprises a first fuel production facility configured to produce a first biomass solid fuel from a first biomass raw material, and a second fuel production facility configured to produce a second biomass solid fuel from a second biomass raw material. The first fuel production facility includes a first heating device configured to heat the first biomass raw material to produce a first biomass solid fuel, a first combustion furnace configured to burn a first pyrolysis gas generated by heating the first biomass raw material in the first heating device to produce a first combustion gas, and a first flow path configured to introduce a first low-temperature combustion gas, which is discharged from the first heating device after heating the first biomass raw material, into the second fuel production facility for use in the production of the second biomass solid fuel.

[0011] The biomass solid fuel manufacturing system described in this disclosure makes it possible to reduce the manufacturing costs of biomass solid fuel.

[0012] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a biomass solid fuel production system according to the first embodiment (Example 1-1). Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the main part of the production system in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a controller according to the first embodiment. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a biomass solid fuel production system according to the first embodiment (Example 1-2). Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a biomass solid fuel production system according to the first embodiment (Example 1-3). Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a biomass solid fuel production system according to the first embodiment (Example 1-4). Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a biomass solid fuel production system according to the first embodiment (Example 1-5). Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a biomass solid fuel production system according to the first embodiment (Example 1-6). Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a biomass solid fuel production system according to the first embodiment (Example 1-7). Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a biomass solid fuel production system according to the second embodiment (Example 2-1). Figure 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the main part of the production system in Figure 10. Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a controller according to the second embodiment. Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a biomass solid fuel production system according to the second embodiment (Example 2-2). Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a biomass solid fuel production system according to the second embodiment (Example 2-3). Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a biomass solid fuel production system according to the second embodiment (Example 2-4). Figure 16 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a biomass solid fuel production system according to the second embodiment (Example 2-5). Figure 17 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a biomass solid fuel production system according to the second embodiment (Example 2-6). Figure 18 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a biomass solid fuel production system according to the second embodiment (Example 2-7). Figure 19 is a schematic diagram showing another example (Example 2-8) of a biomass solid fuel production system according to the second embodiment. Figure 20 is a schematic diagram showing another example (Example 9) of a biomass solid fuel production system according to the second embodiment.Figure 21 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a biomass solid fuel production system according to the third form (Example 3-1). Figure 22 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a biomass solid fuel production system according to the third form (Example 3-2).

[0013] In the following descriptions, the same reference numeral will be used for identical elements or elements with the same function, and redundant explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, in this specification, when referring to the top, bottom, right, and left of a figure, the direction of the reference numeral in the figure will be used as the reference.

[0014] <First Embodiment (Corresponding to Claims 1-17)> [Biomass Solid Fuel Manufacturing System] First, with reference to Figure 1, the configuration of the biomass solid fuel manufacturing system 1 (Example 1-1) according to the first embodiment will be described. The manufacturing system 1 is configured to manufacture biomass solid fuel BF1 (first biomass solid fuel) from biomass raw material BM1 (first biomass raw material), and biomass solid fuel BF2 (second biomass solid fuel) from biomass raw material BM2 (second biomass raw material). That is, as illustrated in Figure 1, the manufacturing system 1 comprises a fuel manufacturing facility 100 (first fuel manufacturing facility) for manufacturing biomass solid fuel BF1, a fuel manufacturing facility 200 (second fuel manufacturing facility) for manufacturing biomass solid fuel BF2, and a controller Ctr (control unit).

[0015] The biomass raw materials BM1 and BM2 used in manufacturing system 1 are not particularly limited. For example, the biomass raw materials BM1 and BM2 may be woody biomass or herbaceous biomass. The woody biomass may be obtained by crushing at least one of wood chips and waste wood. The woody biomass may be, for example, construction waste wood, forest residue, sawmill residue, palm kernel shells, rice husks, rice straw, wheat straw, animal feed, waste paper, etc., or crushed materials thereof. The biomass raw materials BM1 and BM2 used in manufacturing system 1 may also be biomass molded bodies that have been pressure-molded into a predetermined shape (e.g., pellet or briquette) by a molding machine (e.g., pelletizer or briquette machine).

[0016] The degree of carbonization of the biomass solid fuels BF1 and BF2 produced in manufacturing system 1 is not particularly limited. That is, the degree of carbonization of biomass solid fuels BF1 and BF2 may be high or low. Alternatively, the degree of carbonization of biomass solid fuel BF1 may be higher than that of biomass solid fuel BF2.

[0017] [Fuel Manufacturing Equipment 100] The fuel manufacturing equipment 100 includes a heating device 110 (first heating device) and a combustion furnace 120 (first combustion furnace), as illustrated in Figure 1.

[0018] The heating device 110 is configured to produce biomass solid fuel BF1 by carbonizing the biomass raw material BM1 by heating it with combustion gas CG1 (first combustion gas) supplied from the combustion furnace 120. The heating device 110 includes a cylindrical body 111 (first cylindrical body), a girth gear 112, a plurality of tires 113 (first tires), a plurality of support parts 114 (first support parts), a discharge part 115, and a heating part 116 (first heating part). The heating device 110 may be, for example, an externally heated rotary kiln.

[0019] The cylindrical body 111 is a long, roughly cylindrical object. The cylindrical body 111 includes one end 111a (inlet) into which the biomass raw material BM1 is fed, and the other end 111b (outlet) from which the biomass solid fuel BF1 is discharged. That is, the biomass raw material BM1 flows through the inside of the cylindrical body 111 from the one end 111a to the other end 111b. The cylindrical body 111 may be installed so that its longitudinal direction extends along the horizontal direction, or it may be installed so that its longitudinal direction is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. In the latter case, the cylindrical body 111 may be installed so that it slopes downward from the one end 111a to the other end 111b.

[0020] The girth gear 112 is fixed to the outer surface of the cylindrical body 111 so as to extend along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body 111. That is, the girth gear 112 has a substantially annular shape. The girth gear 112 has a gear shape with alternating bumps and grooves in its circumferential direction. The girth gear 112 meshes with a pinion gear (not shown), and rotates when a drive source (e.g., an electric motor) (not shown) rotates the pinion gear. As a result, the rotational force of the pinion gear is transmitted to the cylindrical body 111 via the girth gear 112. Consequently, the cylindrical body 111 rotates around a rotation axis that extends along its longitudinal direction.

[0021] The installation position of the girth gear 112 relative to the cylindrical body 111 is not particularly limited. The girth gear 112 may be located in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical body 111, closer to one end 111a of the cylindrical body 111, as illustrated in Figure 1. Multiple girth gears 112 may be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 111.

[0022] Each of the multiple tires 113 is fixed to the outer surface of the cylindrical body 111 so as to extend along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body 111. That is, each of the multiple tires 113 has a substantially annular shape. Each tire 113 is supported by a support part 114 (for example, a support roller). That is, the outer surface of the tire 113 is in direct contact with the outer surface of the support part 114. Therefore, the outer surfaces of the tires 113 and the outer surfaces of the support part 114 may be smoothed to reduce frictional resistance.

[0023] Multiple tires 113 may be arranged at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical body 111. As illustrated in Figure 1, the heating device 110 may include two tires 113 (a pair of first tires) and two support parts 114 (a pair of first support parts) that support each tire 113. In this case, one tire 113 may be located closer to one end 111a of the cylindrical body 111, and the other tire 113 may be located closer to the other end 111b of the cylindrical body 111.

[0024] The discharge section 115 is connected to the other end 111b of the cylindrical body 111 and forms a discharge space connected to the internal space of the cylindrical body 111. The discharge section 115 receives the biomass solid fuel BF1 discharged from the other end 111b of the cylindrical body 111 and discharges the biomass solid fuel BF1 from an outlet provided at the lower end. The discharge section 115 receives the pyrolysis gas PG1 (first pyrolysis gas) generated by heating the biomass raw material BM1 inside the cylindrical body 111 and discharges the pyrolysis gas PG1 from an exhaust port provided at the upper end toward the combustion furnace 120 through piping D11.

[0025] The heating element 116 is positioned to cover the outer circumference of the cylindrical body 111, and the overall shape is cylindrical. The heating element 116 may be positioned in the central part of the cylindrical body 111 in its extending direction. As illustrated in Figure 1, the heating element 116 may extend between the two tires 113 along the extending direction of the cylindrical body 111.

[0026] The heating unit 116 is connected to the combustion furnace 120 by piping D12. Therefore, high-temperature combustion gas CG1 (high-temperature combustion gas CG1a) discharged from the combustion furnace 120 is introduced into the heating unit 116 through piping D12. In other words, the heating unit 116 is configured to indirectly heat the biomass raw material BM1 flowing inside the cylindrical body 111 by heating the outer wall (outer surface) of the cylindrical body 111 with the high-temperature combustion gas CG1a. The temperature of the high-temperature combustion gas CG1a may be, for example, around 1000°C.

[0027] The heating unit 116 may, for example, heat the biomass raw material BM1 to about 240°C to 700°C in a low-oxygen atmosphere (for example, with an oxygen concentration of 10% or less inside the cylindrical body 111). When the biomass raw material BM1 inside the cylindrical body 111 is heated by the heating unit 116, pyrolysis gas PG1 is generated from the biomass raw material BM1, and the biomass raw material BM1 is carbonized to become a char. Pyrolysis gas PG1 is a mixed gas of gaseous organic components and water vapor.

[0028] The high-temperature combustion gas CG1a introduced into the heating unit 116 heats the outer wall (outer surface) of the cylindrical body 111, causing the temperature of the high-temperature combustion gas CG1a to decrease and become a low-temperature combustion gas CG1 (low-temperature combustion gas CG1b (first low-temperature combustion gas)). The temperature of the low-temperature combustion gas CG1b may be, for example, around 200°C to 500°C. The low-temperature combustion gas CG1b may be exhausted to the outside of the system (for example, the atmosphere) through the piping D13 connected to the heating unit 116 by a blower F1. The blower F1 is controlled based on a control signal from the controller Ctr. This controls the operation (driving or stopping) of the blower F1 and adjusts the airflow rate of the blower F1. The blower F1 may be, for example, an induced draft fan. In addition, a dust collector (for example, a cyclone) configured to collect dust contained in the low-temperature combustion gas CG1b may be provided between the blower F1 and the heating unit 116 in the piping D13.

[0029] A valve V11 is provided on the upstream side of the blower F1 in the piping D13. The valve V11 is controlled based on a control signal from the controller Ctr and is configured to adjust the opening degree by opening and closing the piping D13 before and after the valve V11.

[0030] As illustrated in Figure 1, the downstream end of pipe D12 may be connected to the other end 111b of the cylindrical body 111 within the heating section 116. The upstream end of pipe D13 may be connected to the one end 111a of the cylindrical body 111 within the heating section 116. In this case, the high-temperature combustion gas CG1a introduced into the heating section 116 from pipe D12 heats the outer wall (outer surface) of the cylindrical body 111, flows towards the one end 111a of the cylindrical body 111 within the heating section 116, and becomes low-temperature combustion gas CG1b. Subsequently, the low-temperature combustion gas CG1b is discharged from the heating section 116 to the outside of the system through pipe D13. Thus, the heating device 110 illustrated in Figure 1 is a counter-flow type in which the flow direction of the biomass raw material BM1 flowing inside the cylindrical body 111 and the flow direction of the high-temperature combustion gas CG1a flowing inside the heating section 116 are opposite. The heating device 110 may be a parallel flow type in which these flow directions are the same.

[0031] From the middle of pipe D13 (upstream of valve V11), pipe D14 branches off and extends. The downstream end of pipe D14 is connected to pipe D22 (described later) of the fuel production equipment 200. Therefore, the low-temperature combustion gas CG1b discharged from the heating section 116 can be supplied to the heating section 216 (described later) of the fuel production equipment 200 through pipes D13 and D14. In other words, a portion of pipe D13 (the part of pipe D13 from the upstream end to the branching point of pipe D14) and pipe D14 constitute a flow path (first flow path) for introducing the low-temperature combustion gas CG1b into the fuel production equipment 200 (heating section 216).

[0032] A valve V12 is provided in the piping D14. The valve V12 is controlled based on a control signal from the controller Ctr and is configured to adjust the opening degree by opening and closing the piping D14 before and after the valve V12. Note that the piping D14 does not necessarily have to be branched from the piping D13. That is, the upstream end of the piping D14 may be connected to the heating unit 116.

[0033] The combustion furnace 120 is configured to generate combustion gas CG1 by burning the pyrolysis gas PG1 generated by heating the biomass raw material BM1 in the heating device 110. In the combustion furnace 120, at least one of the pyrolysis gas PG1 supplied through piping D11 and fuel supplied from the outside (e.g., liquefied petroleum gas) is mixed with air (oxygen-containing gas) supplied from the outside and burned at a high temperature. The pyrolysis gas PG1 is completely combusted. The high-temperature combustion gas CG1a produced by the combustion is supplied to the heating unit 116 through piping D12.

[0034] [Fuel Manufacturing Equipment 200] The fuel manufacturing equipment 200 includes a heating device 210 (second heating device) and a combustion furnace 220 (second combustion furnace), as illustrated in Figure 1.

[0035] The heating device 210 is configured to produce biomass solid fuel BF2 by carbonizing the biomass raw material BM2 by heating it with combustion gas CG2 (second combustion gas) supplied from the combustion furnace 220. The heating device 210 includes a cylindrical body 211 (second cylindrical body), a girth gear 212, a plurality of tires 213 (second tires), a plurality of support parts 214 (second support parts), a discharge part 215, and a heating part 216 (second heating part). The heating device 210 may be, for example, an externally heated rotary kiln.

[0036] The cylindrical body 211 is a long, roughly cylindrical object. The cylindrical body 211 includes one end 211a (inlet) into which the biomass raw material BM2 is fed, and the other end 211b (outlet) from which the biomass solid fuel BF2 is discharged. That is, the biomass raw material BM2 flows through the inside of the cylindrical body 211 from the one end 211a to the other end 211b. The cylindrical body 211 may be installed so that its longitudinal direction extends along the horizontal direction, or it may be installed so that its longitudinal direction is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. In the latter case, the cylindrical body 211 may be installed so that it slopes downward from the one end 211a to the other end 211b.

[0037] The girth gear 212 is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 211 so as to extend along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body 211. That is, the girth gear 212 has a substantially annular shape. The girth gear 212 has a gear shape with alternating bumps and grooves in its circumferential direction. The girth gear 212 meshes with a pinion gear (not shown), and rotates when a drive source (e.g., an electric motor) (not shown) rotates the pinion gear. As a result, the rotational force of the pinion gear is transmitted to the cylindrical body 211 via the girth gear 212. Consequently, the cylindrical body 211 rotates around a rotation axis that extends along its longitudinal direction.

[0038] The installation position of the girth gear 212 relative to the cylindrical body 211 is not particularly limited. The girth gear 212 may be located in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical body 211, closer to one end 211a of the cylindrical body 211, as illustrated in Figure 1. Multiple girth gears 212 may be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 211.

[0039] Each of the multiple tires 213 is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 211 so as to extend along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body 211. That is, each of the multiple tires 213 has a substantially annular shape. Each of the tires 213 is supported by a support part 214 (for example, a support roller). That is, the outer circumferential surface of the tire 213 is in direct contact with the outer circumferential surface of the support part 214. Therefore, the outer circumferential surfaces of the tires 213 and the outer circumferential surfaces of the support part 214 may be smoothed to reduce frictional resistance.

[0040] Multiple tires 213 may be arranged at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical body 211. As illustrated in Figure 1, the heating device 210 may include two tires 213 (a pair of second tires) and two support parts 214 (a pair of second support parts) that support each tire 213. In this case, one tire 213 may be located closer to one end 211a of the cylindrical body 211, and the other tire 213 may be located closer to the other end 211b of the cylindrical body 211.

[0041] The discharge section 215 is connected to the other end 211b of the cylindrical body 211 and forms a discharge space connected to the internal space of the cylindrical body 211. The discharge section 215 receives the biomass solid fuel BF2 discharged from the other end 211b of the cylindrical body 211 and discharges the biomass solid fuel BF2 from an outlet provided at the lower end. The discharge section 215 receives the pyrolysis gas PG2 (second pyrolysis gas) generated by heating the biomass raw material BM2 inside the cylindrical body 211 and discharges the pyrolysis gas PG2 from an exhaust port provided at the upper end toward the combustion furnace 220 through piping D21.

[0042] The heating unit 216 is arranged to cover the outer peripheral portion of the cylindrical main body 211 and has an overall cylindrical shape. The heating unit 216 may be arranged at the central portion of the cylindrical main body 211 in its extending direction. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the heating unit 216 may extend along the extending direction of the cylindrical main body 211 between the two tires 213.

[0043] The heating unit 216 is connected to the combustion furnace 220 by a pipe D22. Therefore, high-temperature combustion gas CG2 (high-temperature combustion gas CG2a) discharged from the combustion furnace 220 is introduced into the heating unit 216 through the pipe D22. Further, since the downstream end of the pipe D14 is connected to the pipe D22, low-temperature combustion gas CG1b is introduced into the heating unit 216 through the pipes D14 and D22. That is, the heating unit 216 is configured to indirectly heat the biomass raw material BM2 flowing inside the cylindrical main body 211 by heating the outer wall (outer surface) of the cylindrical main body 211 with the mixed gas MG1 of the low-temperature combustion gas CG1b and the high-temperature combustion gas CG2a. The temperature of the mixed gas MG1 may be, for example, about 400°C to 700°C. Note that the mixed gas MG1 may contain at least one of the low-temperature combustion gas CG1b and the high-temperature combustion gas CG2a.

[0044] The heating unit 216 may heat the biomass raw material BM2 to about 200°C to 400°C in a low-oxygen atmosphere (for example, the oxygen concentration in the cylindrical main body 211 is 10% or less). When the biomass raw material BM2 in the cylindrical main body 211 is heated by the heating unit 216, pyrolysis gas PG2 is generated from the biomass raw material BM2, and the biomass raw material BM2 is carbonized into carbide. The pyrolysis gas PG2 is a mixed gas of gaseous organic components (bio-oil) and water vapor.

[0045] The high-temperature combustion gas CG2a introduced into the heating section 216 heats the outer wall (outer surface) of the cylindrical body 211, causing the temperature of the high-temperature combustion gas CG2a to decrease and become a low-temperature combustion gas CG2 (low-temperature combustion gas CG2b (second low-temperature combustion gas)). The temperature of the low-temperature combustion gas CG2b may be, for example, around 200°C to 500°C. The low-temperature combustion gas CG2b may be exhausted to the outside of the system (for example, the atmosphere) through the piping D23 connected to the heating section 216 by a blower F2. The blower F2 is controlled based on a control signal from the controller Ctr. This controls the operation of the blower F2 (driving or stopping) and the adjustment of the airflow rate by the blower F2 (for example, adjusting the rotation speed of the blower F2 or adjusting the opening degree of the valve V21). The blower F2 may be, for example, an induced draft fan.

[0046] A valve V21 is provided on the upstream side of the blower F2 in the piping D23. The valve V21 is controlled based on a control signal from the controller Ctr and is configured to adjust the opening degree by opening and closing the piping D23 before and after the valve V21. A dust collector (e.g., a cyclone) configured to collect dust contained in the low-temperature combustion gas CG2b may be provided between the blower F2 and the valve V21 in the piping D23, or between the valve V21 and the heating unit 216.

[0047] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the downstream end of the pipe D22 may be connected near the other end 211b of the cylindrical main body 211 in the heating section 216. The upstream end of the pipe D23 may be connected near one end 211a of the cylindrical main body 211 in the heating section 216. In this case, the high-temperature combustion gas CG2a introduced from the pipe D22 into the heating section 216 flows toward the vicinity of one end 211a of the cylindrical main body 211 in the heating section 216 while heating the outer wall (outer surface) of the cylindrical main body 211, and becomes the low-temperature combustion gas CG2b. Then, the low-temperature combustion gas CG2b is discharged from the heating section 216 to the outside of the system through the pipe D23. Thus, the heating device 210 illustrated in FIG. 1 is a countercurrent type in which the flow direction of the biomass raw material BM2 flowing in the cylindrical main body 211 and the flow direction of the high-temperature combustion gas CG2a flowing in the heating section 216 are opposite. The heating device 210 may be a cocurrent type in which these flow directions are the same direction.

[0048] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a sensor SE1 is provided in the middle of the pipe D22 (a portion downstream of the confluence point of the pipe D14 to the pipe D22). The sensor SE1 is a thermometer configured to measure the temperature of the mixed gas MG1 supplied to the heating section 216. The sensor SE1 is configured to transmit the measured temperature data to the controller Ctr.

[0049] The combustion furnace 220 is configured to burn the pyrolysis gas PG2 generated by heating the biomass raw material BM2 in the heating device 210 to generate the combustion gas CG2. In the combustion furnace 220, at least one of the pyrolysis gas PG2 supplied through the pipe D21 and the fuel (for example, liquefied petroleum gas) supplied from the outside is mixed with the air (oxygen-containing gas) supplied from the outside and burned at a high temperature. The pyrolysis gas PG2 is completely burned. The high-temperature combustion gas CG2a generated by the combustion is supplied to the heating section 216 through the pipe D22.

[0050] [Controller] As illustrated in Figure 2, the controller Ctr has a reading unit M1, a storage unit M2, a processing unit M3, and an instruction unit M4 as functional modules. These functional modules are merely a convenient division of the controller Ct's functions into multiple modules, and do not necessarily mean that the hardware constituting the controller Ct is divided into such modules. Each functional module is not limited to being realized by program execution, but may also be realized by a dedicated electrical circuit (e.g., a logic circuit), or an integrated circuit (ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit) that integrates these.

[0051] The reading unit M1 is configured to read a program from a computer-readable recording medium RM. The recording medium RM stores programs for operating each part of the manufacturing system 1 (for example, blowers F1, F2, valves V11, V12, V21, etc.). The recording medium RM may be, for example, a semiconductor memory, an optical recording disk, a magnetic recording disk, or a magneto-optical recording disk. The recording medium RM may be built into the same enclosure as the controller Ctr, or it may be a separate enclosure (so-called external type) from the enclosure containing the controller Ctr.

[0052] The storage unit M2 is configured to store various types of data. For example, the storage unit M2 may store programs read from the recording medium RM by the reading unit M1, setting data input from the operator via an external input device (not shown), etc. The storage unit M2 may also store temperature data measured by the sensor SE1, for example.

[0053] The processing unit M3 is configured to process various types of data. For example, the processing unit M3 may be configured to generate control signals for controlling each part of the manufacturing system 1 based on various types of data stored in the storage unit M2.

[0054] The processing unit M3 may perform a process to adjust the opening degree of valve V12 so that the temperature Tg of the mixed gas MG1 measured by sensor SE1 becomes a predetermined target temperature Tset (for example, around 400°C to 700°C). The processing unit M3 may, for example, use PID control to adjust the opening degree of valve V12 so that the deviation ΔT (= Tset - Tg) between the target temperature Tset and the temperature Tg becomes 0.

[0055] The instruction unit M4 is configured to transmit the control signals generated in the processing unit M3 to each part of the manufacturing system 1.

[0056] The hardware of the controller Ctr may consist of, for example, one or more control computers. The controller Ctr may include, as a hardware configuration, the circuit C1 illustrated in Figure 3. The circuit C1 may consist of electrical circuit elements. The circuit C1 may include, for example, a processor C2, a memory C3 (storage unit), a storage C4 (storage unit), a driver C5, and an input / output port C6. The processor C2 executes a program in cooperation with at least one of the memory C3 and the storage C4, and performs input and output of signals via the input / output port C6, thereby configuring each of the above-mentioned functional modules. The memory C3 and the storage C4 function as storage unit M2. The driver C5 is a circuit that drives each part of the manufacturing system 1. The input / output port C6 performs input and output of signals between the driver C5 and each part of the manufacturing system 1.

[0057] The manufacturing system 1 may have one controller Ctr, or it may have a controller group (control unit) composed of multiple controllers Ctr. In the latter case, each of the above-mentioned functional modules may be realized by one controller Ctr, or by a combination of two or more controllers Ctr. If the controller Ctr is composed of multiple computers (circuit C1), each of the above-mentioned functional modules may be realized by one computer (circuit C1), or by a combination of two or more computers (circuit C1). The controller Ctr may include multiple processors C2. In this case, each of the above-mentioned functional modules may be realized by one processor C2, or by a combination of two or more processors C2.

[0058] [Effect] In the example of 1-1, the low-temperature combustion gas CG1b used to heat the biomass raw material BM1 in the heating device 110 is introduced into the fuel production equipment 200 for use in the production of biomass solid fuel BF2. As a result, the amount of low-temperature combustion gas CG1b exhausted by the blower F1 is reduced, so the size of the blower F1 used to exhaust the low-temperature combustion gas CG1b can be reduced. Consequently, the power consumption for the blower F1 is suppressed, making it possible to reduce the production cost of biomass solid fuel BF1.

[0059] According to the example in 1-1, the low-temperature combustion gas CG1b is introduced into the fuel production facility 200 and used to heat the biomass raw material BM2. That is, the amount of heat required to produce the biomass solid fuel BF2 in the fuel production facility 200 is at least partially supplied by the low-temperature combustion gas CG1b. Therefore, the use of external fuel (e.g., liquefied petroleum gas) as the heat supplied to the fuel production facility 200 can be reduced. Consequently, the amount of external fuel consumed is reduced, making it possible to reduce the production cost of the biomass solid fuel BF2.

[0060] Therefore, according to the example in Section 1-1, it is possible to suppress the overall manufacturing costs of biomass solid fuels BF1 and BF2.

[0061] In the example of the first-first model, the heating unit 116 is a so-called external heating unit that covers the outer circumference of the cylindrical body 111. Therefore, the biomass raw material BM1 inside the cylindrical body 111 is indirectly heated by the combustion gas CG1. As a result, a relatively uniform temperature distribution can be obtained inside the cylindrical body 111. Consequently, the heating of the biomass raw material BM1 inside the cylindrical body 111 can be performed almost uniformly, making it possible to homogenize the quality of the biomass solid fuel BF1 produced. Similar effects can be obtained with respect to the heating unit 216.

[0062] In the first example, the heating section 116 is provided on the outer surface of the cylindrical body 111 without being divided by the two tires 113. Therefore, if the heating section 116 were divided, it would be necessary to install further structures such as piping to connect the parts of the heating section 116, but in the first example, such structures are unnecessary. Thus, it is possible to simplify the structure of the heating section 116 and reduce the installation cost of the heating device 110. Similar effects can be obtained for the heating section 216.

[0063] Incidentally, when the biomass raw material BM1 is heated inside the cylindrical body 111, tar is generated during the carbonization process of the biomass raw material BM1, and this tar becomes gaseous and mixes with the pyrolysis gas PG1. If the heating section 116 is divided, an unheated region will be created between the parts of the heating section 116 where the cylindrical body 111 is not covered by the heating section 116. As a result, the pyrolysis gas PG1 generated inside the cylindrical body 111 will cool and condense in this unheated region, causing the gaseous tar to liquefy and potentially solidify inside the cylindrical body 111. However, according to the first example, since the heating section 116 is not divided by the tire 113, the solidification of tar inside the cylindrical body 111 is suppressed. Therefore, the frequency and cost of maintenance in the heating device 110 are reduced, making it possible to increase the productivity of the biomass solid fuel BF1. Similar effects can be obtained with respect to the heating section 216.

[0064] In the example of 1-1, the low-temperature combustion gas CG1b used to heat the biomass raw material BM1 in the heating device 110 is introduced into the heating device 210. Therefore, in order to heat the biomass raw material BM2 in the heating device 210, both the low-temperature combustion gas CG1b from the heating device 110 and the combustion gas CG2 (high-temperature combustion gas CG2a) from the combustion furnace 220 can be used. Consequently, the amount of heat supplied to the heating device 210 increases, so that the amount of heat transferred to the biomass raw material BM2 can be ensured even if the heat transfer area in the heating device 210 is reduced. As a result, it becomes possible to make the heating device 210 more compact.

[0065] According to the example in 1-1, the amount of heat supplied to the heating device 210 by the low-temperature combustion gas CG1b increases, so it is not necessary to preheat the oxygen-containing gas for burning the pyrolysis gas PG2 in the combustion furnace 220 using a heat exchanger or the like. Therefore, since there is no need to install a heat exchanger, it is possible to reduce the installation cost of the fuel production equipment 200.

[0066] According to the example in 1-1, at least one of the biomass raw materials BM1 and BM2 may be a molded body in which powdered biomass is pressure-molded into a predetermined shape. In this case, the handling of the biomass raw materials BM1 and BM2 becomes easier.

[0067] According to the example in 1-1, the degree of carbonization of biomass solid fuel BF1 may be higher than that of biomass solid fuel BF2. In this case, it becomes possible to produce multiple types of biomass solid fuels BF1 and BF2 in a single production system 1 while suppressing the production costs of biomass solid fuels BF1 and BF2.

[0068] [Variations] The disclosures herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. Various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made to the above examples without departing from the claims and the gist of the claims.

[0069] (1) As illustrated in Figure 4, another example of the manufacturing system 1 according to the first embodiment (the first-second example) differs from the manufacturing system 1 according to the first-first example, mainly in that the fuel manufacturing equipment 100 further includes a dryer 130. The dryer 130 is configured to dry the biomass raw material BM1 and introduce the dried biomass raw material BM1 into a heating device 110 (cylindrical body 111). The moisture content per unit volume of the biomass raw material BM1 after drying by the dryer 130 is less than the moisture content per unit volume of the biomass raw material BM1 before drying by the dryer 130.

[0070] A sensor SE2 (measuring unit) is provided near the outlet of the dryer 130. Sensor SE2 is a moisture meter configured to measure the moisture content of the biomass raw material BM1 after drying by the dryer 130. Sensor SE2 may be a non-contact sensor configured to measure the moisture content of the dried biomass raw material BM1 in real time without contact. Sensor SE2 is configured to transmit the measured moisture content data to the controller Ctr. Sensor SE2 may also be configured to measure the moisture content of the dried biomass raw material BM1 while it is being transported from the dryer 130 to the cylindrical body 111 by a transport unit (not shown).

[0071] A pipe D15 is connected to the dryer 130, branching off from the middle of pipe D13 (upstream of valve V11). Therefore, the low-temperature combustion gas CG1b discharged from the heating section 116 can be supplied to the dryer 130 through pipes D13 and D15. In other words, a portion of pipe D13 (the portion of pipe D13 from the upstream end to the branching point of pipe D15) and pipe D15 constitute a flow path (third flow path) for introducing the low-temperature combustion gas CG1b into the dryer 130. After being used to dry the biomass raw material BM1 in the dryer 130, the low-temperature combustion gas CG1b may be exhausted outside the dryer 130 (for example, into the atmosphere).

[0072] Note that pipe D15 does not necessarily have to be branched from pipe D13. That is, the upstream end of pipe D15 may be connected to the heating section 116. The mixed gas MG2 may contain at least one of the low-temperature combustion gas CG1b and air.

[0073] The piping D15 is equipped with a valve V13 (adjustment unit) and sensors SE3 and SE4, in order from the upstream side. The valve V13 is controlled based on a control signal from the controller Ctr and is configured to adjust the opening degree by opening and closing the piping D15 before and after the valve V13.

[0074] Sensor SE3 is a thermometer configured to measure the temperature of the combustion gas CG1 (as described later, a mixed gas MG2 of low-temperature combustion gas CG1b and air) supplied to the dryer 130. Sensor SE3 is configured to transmit the measured temperature data to controller Ctr. Sensor SE4 is a flow meter configured to measure the flow rate of the combustion gas CG1 (mixed gas MG2) supplied to the dryer 130. Sensor SE4 is configured to transmit the measured flow rate data to controller Ctr.

[0075] In the middle of piping D15 (between valve V13 and sensor SE3), piping D16 is connected to supply air (cooling gas) from the outside to piping D15. A valve V14 (adjustment unit) is provided in piping D16. Valve V14 is controlled based on a control signal from controller Ctr and is configured to adjust the opening degree by opening and closing piping D16 before and after valve V14. By controlling the opening degree of valve V14 by controller Ctr, the flow rate of air flowing through piping D15 is adjusted. That is, the amount of air mixed with the low-temperature combustion gas CG1b flowing through piping D15 increases or decreases according to the opening degree of valve V14, and the temperature of the mixed gas MG2 supplied to the dryer 130 is adjusted.

[0076] In the first and second examples illustrated in Figure 4, the processing unit M3 may perform a process to adjust the opening degree of valves V13 and V14 so that the measured moisture content MC measured by the sensor SE2 becomes a predetermined target moisture content MCset (for example, about 5% to 15%). The processing unit M3 may, for example, use PID control to adjust the opening degree of valves V13 and V14 so that the deviation ΔMC (= MCset - MC) between the target moisture content MCset and the measured moisture content MC becomes 0. In addition to controlling the opening degree of valves V13 and V14 so that the deviation ΔMC becomes 0, the processing unit M3 may also control the opening degree of valves V13 and V14 so that the flow rate measured by the sensor SE4 becomes a predetermined target flow rate.

[0077] Alternatively, the processing unit M3 may perform a process to adjust the opening degrees of valves V13 and V14 by cascade control so that the measured moisture content MC becomes a predetermined target moisture content MCset. For example, the processing unit M3 calculates the deviation ΔMC (= MCset - MC) between the target moisture content MCset and the measured moisture content MC. Next, the processing unit M3 calculates the target temperature Tset (Tset = K・ΔMC) of the mixed gas MG2 supplied to the dryer 130 by multiplying the deviation ΔMC by a predetermined proportionality constant K. Next, the processing unit M3 calculates the deviation ΔT (= Tset - T) between the temperature T of the mixed gas MG2 measured by the sensor SE3 and the target temperature Tset. After that, the processing unit M3 may, for example, perform PID control to adjust the opening degrees of valves V13 and V14 so that the deviation ΔT becomes 0. In addition to controlling the opening of valves V13 and V14 so that the deviation ΔT becomes 0, the processing unit M3 may also control the opening of valves V13 and V14 so that the flow rate measured by sensor SE4 becomes a predetermined target flow rate.

[0078] In the first and second examples illustrated in Figure 4, the biomass raw material BM1, which has been dried by the dryer 130, is introduced into the heating device 110. As a result, less heat is required to heat the biomass raw material BM1 to produce the biomass solid fuel BF1. Therefore, it becomes possible to produce a larger amount of biomass solid fuel BF1 while making the heating device 110 more compact.

[0079] In the first and second examples illustrated in Figure 4, valves V13 and V14 are controlled by controller Ctr so that the moisture content measured by sensor SE2 reaches a predetermined target value. As a result, the moisture content of the biomass raw material BM1 after drying by the dryer 130 becomes approximately constant. Therefore, it becomes possible to further homogenize the quality of the biomass solid fuel BF1 produced in the heating device 110.

[0080] (2) As illustrated in Figure 5, other examples of the manufacturing system 1 according to the first embodiment (examples 1-3) differ from the manufacturing system 1 according to example 1-1, mainly in that the fuel manufacturing equipment 200 further includes piping D24. Piping D24 branches off from the middle of piping D23 (upstream of valve V21) and is connected to the middle of piping D14 (downstream of valve V12). Therefore, the low-temperature combustion gas CG2b discharged from the heating section 216 can be returned to the heating section 216 through piping D23, D24, D14, and D22. In other words, a portion of piping D23 (the portion of piping D23 from the upstream end to the branching point of piping D24), piping D24, a portion of piping D14 (the portion of piping D14 from the confluence point with piping D24 to the downstream end), and a portion of piping D22 (the portion of piping D22 from the confluence point with piping D22 to the downstream end) constitute a circulation channel (second channel) for reintroducing the low-temperature combustion gas CG2b to the heating section 216. Note that piping D24 does not necessarily have to branch off from piping D23. In other words, the upstream end of piping D24 may be connected to the heating section 216. Piping D24 does not necessarily have to merge with piping D14. In other words, the downstream end of piping D24 may be connected to the heating section 216.

[0081] In the first to third examples illustrated in Figure 5, the low-temperature combustion gas CG2b discharged from the heating device 210 is reintroduced into the heating device 210 and used to heat the biomass raw material BM2. This makes it possible to heat the biomass raw material BM2 more thoroughly and to improve the thermal efficiency of the fuel production facility 200.

[0082] Furthermore, the fuel production equipment 100 may include a circulation channel for reintroducing the low-temperature combustion gas CG1b discharged from the heating section 116 into the heating section 116, similar to the fuel production equipment 200. Alternatively, the fuel production equipment 100 may not include a circulation channel for reintroducing the low-temperature combustion gas CG1b discharged from the heating section 116 into the heating section 116, as illustrated in Figure 5. In the latter case, the fuel production equipment 100, which tends to have a higher heating temperature than the fuel production equipment 200, does not return heat to the heating section 116 through the circulation channel. Therefore, it is possible to effectively utilize the heat of the low-temperature combustion gas CG1b in the fuel production equipment 200, which tends to have a lower heating temperature, while suppressing the temperature of the biomass solid fuel BF1 in the heating device 110 from rising excessively (for example, above 500°C).

[0083] (3) As illustrated in Figure 6, other examples of the manufacturing system 1 according to the first embodiment (examples 1-4) differ from the manufacturing system 1 according to example 1-1, mainly in that the fuel manufacturing equipment 200 further includes a heat exchanger 230, and the low-temperature combustion gas CG1b discharged from the heating section 116 is introduced into the heat exchanger 230 through piping D14. That is, in example 1-4 illustrated in Figure 6, the downstream end of piping D14 is connected to the heat exchanger 230.

[0084] The heat exchanger 230 is configured to preheat the air (oxygen-containing gas) flowing through the pipe D25 using the heat from the low-temperature combustion gas CG1b discharged from the heating section 116. The pipe D25 extends through the inside of the heat exchanger 230, and its downstream end is connected to the combustion furnace 220. Therefore, the air preheated by the heat from the low-temperature combustion gas CG1b is mixed in the combustion furnace 220 with at least one of the pyrolysis gas PG2 supplied through the pipe D21 and a fuel supplied from the outside (e.g., liquefied petroleum gas), and then burned.

[0085] According to the first to fourth examples illustrated in Figure 6, by adjusting the flow rate of air introduced into the heat exchanger 230, it becomes possible to recover the amount of heat required by the heating device 210 from the low-temperature combustion gas CG1b.

[0086] In the first to fourth examples illustrated in Figure 6, the air in the heat exchanger 230 is heated by the low-temperature combustion gas CG1b. Therefore, the heated air is supplied to the combustion furnace 220, allowing the combustion furnace 220 to be preheated by the heated air during non-steady-state operations (for example, during temperature rise at startup, in emergencies, etc.). Consequently, the use of external fuel can be suppressed during non-steady-state operations of the combustion furnace 220. As a result, the amount of external fuel consumed is reduced, making it possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the biomass solid fuel BF2.

[0087] Incidentally, the heat exchanger 230 is generally smaller than the heating device 210. Therefore, even if the low-temperature combustion gas CG1b contains corrosive gases (such as chlorine) or has other properties that affect the equipment, by implementing countermeasures in the relatively small heat exchanger 230, it is possible to effectively utilize the heat of the low-temperature combustion gas CG1b while suppressing the cost of countermeasures.

[0088] (4) As illustrated in Figure 7, other examples of the manufacturing system 1 according to the first embodiment (examples 1-5) differ from the manufacturing system 1 according to example 1-4, mainly in that the fuel manufacturing equipment 200 further includes piping D24. Piping D24 branches off from the middle of piping D23 (upstream of valve V21) and is connected to the middle of piping D22. The structure of piping D24 and its surroundings is substantially the same as that of the manufacturing system 1 according to example 1-3, so no explanation is given. The manufacturing system 1 according to example 1-5 also provides the same effects and advantages as the manufacturing system 1 according to example 1-3.

[0089] (5) As illustrated in Figure 8, other examples of the manufacturing system 1 according to the first embodiment (examples 1-6) differ from the manufacturing system 1 according to example 1-1 in that the fuel manufacturing equipment 200 further includes a heat exchanger 230, and the fuel manufacturing equipment 100 further includes a pipe D17 that branches off from the middle of pipe D14 (upstream of valve V12). The structure of the heat exchanger 230 and its surroundings is the same as that of the manufacturing system 1 according to example 1-4, so no explanation is given.

[0090] Pipe D17 is connected to the heat exchanger 230. Therefore, the low-temperature combustion gas CG1b discharged from the heating section 116 is introduced into the heat exchanger 230 through a portion of pipe D13 (the portion of pipe D13 from the upstream end to the branching point of pipe D14), a portion of pipe D14 (the portion of pipe D14 from the upstream end to the branching point of pipe D17), and pipe D17. Note that pipe D17 does not necessarily have to branch off from pipe D14. That is, the upstream end of pipe D17 may branch off from pipe D13 or may be connected to the heating section 116.

[0091] A valve V15 is provided in the piping D17. The valve V15 is controlled based on a control signal from the controller Ctr and is configured to adjust the opening degree by opening and closing the piping D17 before and after the valve V15.

[0092] In the first to sixth examples illustrated in Figure 8, the low-temperature combustion gas CG1b used to heat the biomass raw material BM1 in the heating device 110 is introduced into the heating device 210. Therefore, in order to heat the biomass raw material BM2 in the heating device 210, both the low-temperature combustion gas CG1b from the heating device 110 and the combustion gas CG2 (high-temperature combustion gas CG2a) from the combustion furnace 220 can be used. Consequently, the amount of heat supplied to the heating device 210 increases, so that the amount of heat transferred to the biomass raw material BM2 can be ensured even if the heat transfer area in the heating device 210 is reduced. As a result, it becomes possible to make the heating device 210 more compact.

[0093] According to the examples 1-6 illustrated in Figure 8, by adjusting the flow rate of air introduced into the heat exchanger 230, it becomes possible to recover the amount of heat required by the heating device 210 from the low-temperature combustion gas CG1b.

[0094] In the first to sixth examples illustrated in Figure 8, the air in the heat exchanger 230 is heated by the low-temperature combustion gas CG1b. As a result, the heated air is supplied to the combustion furnace 220, allowing the furnace 220 to be preheated by the heated air during non-steady-state operations (e.g., during startup, emergencies, etc.). Therefore, the use of external fuel can be suppressed during non-steady-state operations of the combustion furnace 220. Consequently, the amount of external fuel consumed is reduced, making it possible to lower the manufacturing cost of the biomass solid fuel BF2.

[0095] (6) As illustrated in Figure 9, other examples of the manufacturing system 1 according to the first embodiment (examples 1-7) differ from the manufacturing system 1 according to example 1-1, mainly in that the fuel manufacturing equipment 100 further includes piping D18, and the fuel manufacturing equipment 200 further includes piping D26, D27. The manufacturing system 1 according to example 1-7 may include at least one of piping D18, D26, and D27.

[0096] Pipe D18 branches off from pipe D12 midway and is connected to pipe D22. Therefore, the high-temperature combustion gas CG1a discharged from the combustion furnace 120 is introduced to the heating section 216 through a bypass passage (first bypass passage) which is composed of a part of pipe D12 (the portion of pipe D12 from the upstream end to the branching point of pipe D18), pipe D18, and a part of pipe D22 (the portion of pipe D22 from the confluence point with pipe D18 to the downstream end).

[0097] In this case, if the temperature of the biomass solid fuel BF1 in the heating device 110 rises excessively (for example, to 500°C or higher), the high-temperature combustion gas CG1a from the combustion furnace 120 is released to the heating device 210 through the piping D12, D18, and D22 that constitute the bypass flow path. This protects the heating device 110 while enhancing the overall safety of the manufacturing system 1.

[0098] Furthermore, pipe D18 does not necessarily have to branch off from pipe D12. That is, the upstream end of pipe D18 may be connected to the combustion furnace 120. Pipe D18 does not necessarily have to merge with pipe D22. That is, the downstream end of pipe D18 may be connected to the heating section 216.

[0099] A valve V16 is provided in the piping D18. The valve V16 is controlled based on a control signal from the controller Ctr and is configured to adjust the opening degree by opening and closing the piping D18 before and after the valve V16.

[0100] Pipe D26 branches off from pipe D22 midway and connects to pipe D12. Therefore, the high-temperature combustion gas CG2a discharged from the combustion furnace 220 is introduced to the heating section 116 through a bypass channel (second bypass channel) which is composed of a part of pipe D22 (the portion of pipe D22 from the upstream end to the branching point of pipe D26), pipe D26, and a part of pipe D12 (the portion of pipe D12 from the junction with pipe D26 to the downstream end).

[0101] In this case, if the temperature of the biomass solid fuel BF2 in the heating device 210 rises excessively (for example, to 300°C or higher), the high-temperature combustion gas CG2a from the combustion furnace 220 is released to the heating device 110 through the piping D22, D26, and D12 that constitute the bypass flow path. This protects the heating device 210 while enhancing the overall safety of the manufacturing system 1.

[0102] Furthermore, pipe D26 does not necessarily have to branch off from pipe D22. That is, the upstream end of pipe D26 may be connected to the combustion furnace 220. Pipe D26 does not necessarily have to merge with pipe D12. That is, the downstream end of pipe D26 may be connected to the heating section 116.

[0103] A valve V23 is provided in the piping D26. The valve V23 is controlled based on a control signal from the controller Ctr and is configured to adjust the opening degree by opening and closing the piping D26 before and after the valve V23.

[0104] Pipe D27 branches off from the middle of pipe D23 and connects to the middle of pipe D26 (downstream of valve V23 in pipe D26). Therefore, the low-temperature combustion gas CG2b discharged from the heating section 216 is introduced into the heating section 116 through a pre-flow channel consisting of a part of pipe D23 (the part of pipe D23 from the upstream end to the branching point of pipe D27), pipe D27, a part of pipe D26 (the part of pipe D26 from the junction with pipe D27 to the downstream end), and a part of pipe D12 (the part of pipe D12 from the junction with pipe D26 to the downstream end).

[0105] In this case, the heating device 110 is heated by low-temperature combustion gas CG2b from the heating device 210, supplied through the pipes D23, D27, D26, and D12 that constitute the pre-flow channels, as needed. Therefore, during non-steady-state operation of the heating device 110 (for example, during startup or in emergencies), the heating device 110 can be preheated by the low-temperature combustion gas CG2b. Consequently, the use of external fuel can be suppressed during non-steady-state operation of the heating device 110. As a result, the amount of external fuel consumed is reduced, making it possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the biomass solid fuel BF1.

[0106] Furthermore, pipe D27 does not necessarily have to branch off from pipe D23. That is, the upstream end of pipe D27 may be connected to the heating unit 216. Pipe D27 does not necessarily have to merge with pipe D26. That is, the downstream end of pipe D27 may be connected to pipe D12 or to the heating unit 116.

[0107] A valve V24 is provided in the piping D27. The valve V24 is controlled based on a control signal from the controller Ctr and is configured to adjust the opening degree by opening and closing the piping D27 before and after the valve V24.

[0108] [Other Examples] Example 1-1. An example of a biomass solid fuel production system comprises a first fuel production facility configured to produce a first biomass solid fuel from a first biomass raw material, and a second fuel production facility configured to produce a second biomass solid fuel from a second biomass raw material. The first fuel production facility includes a first heating device configured to heat the first biomass raw material to produce a first biomass solid fuel, a first combustion furnace configured to burn a first pyrolysis gas generated by heating the first biomass raw material in the first heating device to produce a first combustion gas, and a first flow path configured to introduce a first low-temperature combustion gas, which is discharged from the first heating device after heating the first biomass raw material, into the second fuel production facility for use in the production of the second biomass solid fuel.

[0109] In this case, the first low-temperature combustion gas, which has been used to heat the first biomass raw material in the first heating device, is introduced into the second fuel production facility for use in the production of the second biomass solid fuel. As a result, the amount of the first low-temperature combustion gas exhausted by the fan is reduced, allowing the size of the fan used to exhaust the first low-temperature combustion gas to be reduced. Consequently, the power consumption for the fan is suppressed, making it possible to reduce the production cost of the first biomass solid fuel.

[0110] In this case, the first low-temperature combustion gas is introduced into the second fuel production facility and used to heat the second biomass raw material. That is, the heat required to produce the second biomass solid fuel in the second fuel production facility is at least partially supplied by the first low-temperature combustion gas. Therefore, the use of external fuel (e.g., liquefied petroleum gas) as the heat supplied to the second fuel production facility can be reduced. Consequently, the consumption of external fuel is reduced, making it possible to lower the production cost of the second biomass solid fuel.

[0111] Based on the above, the manufacturing system in Example 1-1 makes it possible to reduce the overall cost of manufacturing biomass solid fuel.

[0112] Example 1-2. In the system of Example 1-1, the first heating device may include a first cylindrical body having one end into which the first biomass raw material is fed and the other end from which the first biomass solid fuel is discharged, and a first heating unit arranged to cover the outer circumference of the first cylindrical body and configured to heat the first biomass raw material flowing inside the first cylindrical body. In this case, since the first heating unit is a so-called external heating unit that covers the outer circumference of the first cylindrical body, the first biomass raw material inside the first cylindrical body is indirectly heated by the first combustion gas. As a result, a relatively uniform temperature distribution can be obtained inside the first cylindrical body. Therefore, since the first biomass raw material can be heated substantially uniformly inside the first cylindrical body, it is possible to homogenize the quality of the first biomass solid fuel produced.

[0113] Example 1-3. In the system of Example 1-2, the first heating device further includes a pair of first tires provided on the outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical body so as to be located at one end and the other end of the first cylindrical body, and a pair of first support parts configured to support the pair of first tires, wherein the first heating part may extend between the pair of first tires along the extending direction of the first cylindrical body.

[0114] In this case, the first heating element is provided on the outer surface of the first cylindrical body without being divided by a pair of first tires. Therefore, if the first heating element were divided, it would be necessary to install further structures such as piping to connect the parts of the first heating element, but according to Example 1-3, such structures are unnecessary. Thus, it is possible to simplify the structure of the first heating element and reduce the installation cost of the first heating device.

[0115] Incidentally, when biomass raw material is heated inside the first cylindrical body, tar is generated during the carbonization process of the biomass raw material, and this tar becomes gaseous and mixes with the first pyrolysis gas. If the first heating section is divided, an unheated region will be created between the parts of the first heating section where the first cylindrical body is not covered by the first heating section. As a result, the first pyrolysis gas generated inside the first cylindrical body will cool and condense in this unheated region, causing the gaseous tar to liquefy and potentially solidify inside the first cylindrical body. However, according to Example 1-3, since the first heating section is not divided by a pair of first tires, the solidification of tar inside the first cylindrical body is suppressed. Therefore, the frequency and cost of maintenance in the first heating device are reduced, making it possible to increase the productivity of biomass solid fuel.

[0116] Example 1-4. In any of the systems in Examples 1-1 to 1-3, the second fuel production equipment includes a second heating device configured to heat a second biomass raw material to produce a second biomass solid fuel, and a second combustion furnace configured to burn a second pyrolysis gas generated by heating the second biomass raw material in the second heating device to produce a second combustion gas, wherein the first flow path may be configured to introduce a first low-temperature combustion gas into the second heating device.

[0117] In this case, the first low-temperature combustion gas, which has been used to heat the first biomass raw material in the first heating device, is introduced into the second heating device. Therefore, in order to heat the second biomass raw material in the second heating device, both the first low-temperature combustion gas from the first heating device and the second combustion gas from the second combustion furnace can be used. Consequently, the amount of heat supplied to the second heating device increases, so that the amount of heat transferred to the second biomass raw material can be ensured even if the heat transfer area in the second heating device is reduced. As a result, it becomes possible to make the second heating device more compact.

[0118] Furthermore, as described above, since the amount of heat supplied to the second heating device increases due to the first low-temperature combustion gas, it is not necessary to preheat the oxygen-containing gas for burning the second pyrolysis gas in the second combustion furnace using a heat exchanger or the like. Therefore, since the installation of a heat exchanger is not required, it is possible to reduce the installation cost of the second fuel production equipment.

[0119] Example 1-5. In the system of Example 1-4, the second fuel production equipment may further include a second flow path configured to return the second low-temperature combustion gas, which is discharged from the second heating device after heating the second biomass raw material, back to the second heating device for heating the second biomass raw material. In this case, the second low-temperature combustion gas discharged from the second heating device is reintroduced into the second heating device and used for heating the second biomass raw material. This makes it possible to heat the second biomass raw material more thoroughly and to increase the thermal efficiency of the second fuel production equipment.

[0120] Example 1-6. In the system of Example 1-4 or Example 1-5, the second heating device may include a second cylindrical body having one end into which the second biomass raw material is fed and the other end from which the second biomass solid fuel is discharged, and a second heating unit arranged to cover the outer circumference of the second cylindrical body and configured to heat the second biomass raw material flowing inside the second cylindrical body. In this case, the same effects as the system of Example 1-2 can be obtained.

[0121] Example 1-7. In the system of Example 1-6, the second heating device further includes a pair of second tires provided on the outer circumferential surface of the second cylindrical body so as to be located at one end and the other end of the second cylindrical body, and a pair of second support parts configured to support the pair of second tires, wherein the second heating part may extend between the pair of second tires along the extending direction of the second cylindrical body. In this case, the same effects as the system of Example 1-3 can be obtained.

[0122] Example 1-8. In the system of Example 1-1, the second fuel production equipment includes a second heating device configured to heat a second biomass raw material to produce a second biomass solid fuel, a second combustion furnace configured to burn a second pyrolysis gas generated by heating the second biomass raw material in the second heating device to produce a second combustion gas, and a heat exchanger configured to heat an oxygen-containing gas for burning the second pyrolysis gas, wherein the first flow path may be configured to introduce a first low-temperature combustion gas into the heat exchanger for heat exchange with the oxygen-containing gas.

[0123] In this case, by adjusting the flow rate of the oxygen-containing gas introduced into the heat exchanger, it becomes possible to recover the amount of heat required by the second heating device from the first low-temperature combustion gas.

[0124] In this case, the oxygen-containing gas is heated by the first low-temperature combustion gas in the heat exchanger. Therefore, the heated oxygen-containing gas is supplied to the second combustion furnace, allowing the second combustion furnace to be preheated by the heated oxygen-containing gas during non-steady-state operations (e.g., during startup, emergencies, etc.). Consequently, the use of external fuel can be suppressed during non-steady-state operations of the second combustion furnace. As a result, the amount of external fuel consumed is reduced, making it possible to lower the manufacturing cost of the second biomass solid fuel.

[0125] Incidentally, the heat exchanger is generally smaller in size than the second heating device. Therefore, even if the first low-temperature combustion gas contains corrosive gases (such as chlorine) or other properties that affect the equipment, it is possible to effectively utilize the heat of the first low-temperature combustion gas while suppressing the cost of countermeasures by implementing countermeasures in a relatively small heat exchanger.

[0126] Example 1-9. In the system of Example 1-8, the second fuel production equipment may further include a second flow path configured to return the second low-temperature combustion gas, which is discharged from the second heating device after heating the second biomass raw material from the second combustion gas, back to the second heating device for heating the second biomass raw material. In this case, the same effects as the system of Example 1-5 can be obtained.

[0127] Example 1-10. In the system of Example 1-8 or Example 1-9, the first flow path may be configured to introduce the first low-temperature combustion gas to the heat exchanger and the second heating device, respectively.

[0128] In this case, the first low-temperature combustion gas, which has been used to heat the first biomass raw material in the first heating device, is introduced into the second heating device. Therefore, in order to heat the second biomass raw material in the second heating device, both the first low-temperature combustion gas from the first heating device and the second combustion gas from the second combustion furnace can be used. Consequently, the amount of heat supplied to the second heating device increases, so that the amount of heat transferred to the second biomass raw material can be ensured even if the heat transfer area in the second heating device is reduced. As a result, it becomes possible to make the second heating device more compact.

[0129] Furthermore, in this case, by adjusting the flow rate of the oxygen-containing gas introduced into the heat exchanger, it becomes possible to recover the amount of heat required by the second heating device from the first low-temperature combustion gas.

[0130] Furthermore, in this case, the oxygen-containing gas is heated by the first low-temperature combustion gas in the heat exchanger. Therefore, by supplying the heated oxygen-containing gas to the second combustion furnace, the second combustion furnace can be preheated by the heated oxygen-containing gas during its non-steady-state operation. Consequently, the use of external fuel can be suppressed during the non-steady-state operation of the second combustion furnace. As a result, the amount of external fuel consumed is reduced, making it possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the second biomass solid fuel.

[0131] Example 1-11. In any of the systems in Examples 1-8 to 1-10, the second heating device may include a second cylindrical body having one end into which the second biomass raw material is fed and the other end from which the second biomass solid fuel is discharged, and a second heating unit arranged to cover the outer circumference of the second cylindrical body and configured to heat the second biomass raw material flowing inside the second cylindrical body. In this case, the same effects as the system in Example 1-2 can be obtained.

[0132] Example 1-12. In the system of Example 1-11, the second heating device further includes a pair of second tires provided on the outer circumferential surface of the second cylindrical body so as to be located at one end and the other end of the second cylindrical body, and a pair of second support parts configured to support the pair of second tires, wherein the second heating part may extend between the pair of second tires along the extending direction of the second cylindrical body. In this case, the same effects as the system of Example 1-3 can be obtained.

[0133] Example 1-13. Any system of Examples 1-4 to 1-10 may further include at least one of the following: a first bypass channel configured to introduce a first combustion gas discharged from a first combustion furnace into a second heating device without introducing it into a first heating device; a second bypass channel configured to introduce a second combustion gas discharged from a second combustion furnace into the first heating device without introducing it into a second heating device; and a pre-channel configured to introduce a second low-temperature combustion gas, which is discharged from the second heating device after heating a second biomass raw material from the second combustion gas, into the first heating device.

[0134] According to Example 1-13, when the temperature in the first heating device rises excessively, the first combustion gas from the first combustion furnace is released to the second heating device through the first bypass channel, thereby protecting the first heating device and enhancing the overall safety of the manufacturing system. According to Example 1-13, when the temperature in the second heating device rises excessively, the second combustion gas from the second combustion furnace is released to the first heating device through the second bypass channel, thereby protecting the second heating device and enhancing the overall safety of the manufacturing system. According to Example 1-13, the first heating device is heated by the second low-temperature combustion gas from the second heating device supplied through a pre-flow channel as needed. Therefore, during non-steady-state operations of the first heating device (e.g., during startup, in emergencies, etc.), the first heating device can be preheated by the second low-temperature combustion gas. Thus, the use of external fuel can be suppressed during non-steady-state operations of the first heating device. As a result, the consumption of fuel from external sources is reduced, making it possible to lower the production cost of the first biomass solid fuel.

[0135] Example 1-14. In any of the systems in Examples 1-1 to 1-13, the first fuel production equipment may further include a dryer configured to dry the first biomass raw material and introduce the dried first biomass raw material into a first heating device, and a third flow path configured to introduce the first low-temperature combustion gas into the dryer. In this case, the first biomass raw material, after being dried by the dryer, is introduced into the first heating device. Therefore, less heat is required to heat the first biomass raw material to produce the first biomass solid fuel. Consequently, it becomes possible to produce a larger amount of the first biomass solid fuel while making the first heating device more compact.

[0136] Example 1-15. The system of Example 1-14 further comprises a measuring unit configured to measure the moisture content of the first biomass raw material after drying by a dryer, a adjusting unit configured to adjust the temperature of the first low-temperature combustion gas supplied to the dryer, and a control unit, wherein the control unit may be configured to perform a process to control the adjusting unit so that the moisture content measured by the measuring unit becomes a predetermined target value. In this case, the moisture content of the first biomass raw material after drying by the dryer becomes substantially constant. Therefore, it becomes possible to further homogenize the quality of the first biomass solid fuel produced in the first heating device.

[0137] Example 1-16. In any of the systems in Examples 1-1 to 1-15, at least one of the first biomass raw material and the second biomass raw material may be a molded body in which powdered biomass is pressure-molded into a predetermined shape. In this case, handling of the first and / or second biomass raw materials becomes easier.

[0138] Example 1-17. In any of the systems in Examples 1-1 to 1-16, the degree of carbonization of the first biomass solid fuel may be higher than that of the second biomass solid fuel. In this case, it becomes possible to produce multiple types of biomass solid fuel in a single production system while suppressing the production cost of biomass solid fuel.

[0139] <Second Embodiment (Corresponding to Claims 18-39)> [Biomass Solid Fuel Manufacturing System] First, with reference to Figure 10, the configuration of the biomass solid fuel manufacturing system 1 (Example 2-1) according to the second embodiment will be described. The manufacturing system 1 is configured to manufacture biomass solid fuel BF1 (first biomass solid fuel) from biomass raw material BM1 (first biomass raw material), and biomass solid fuel BF2 (fuel, second biomass solid fuel) from biomass raw material BM2 (raw material, second biomass raw material). That is, as illustrated in Figure 10, the manufacturing system 1 comprises a fuel manufacturing facility 100 (first fuel manufacturing facility) for manufacturing biomass solid fuel BF1, a fuel manufacturing facility 200 (second fuel manufacturing facility) for manufacturing biomass solid fuel BF2, and a controller Ctr (control unit).

[0140] The biomass raw materials BM1 and BM2 used in manufacturing system 1 are not particularly limited. For example, the biomass raw materials BM1 and BM2 may be woody biomass or herbaceous biomass. The woody biomass may be obtained by crushing at least one of wood chips and waste wood. The woody biomass may be, for example, construction waste wood, forest residue, sawmill residue, palm kernel shells, rice husks, rice straw, wheat straw, animal feed, waste paper, etc., or crushed materials thereof. The biomass raw materials BM1 and BM2 used in manufacturing system 1 may also be biomass molded bodies that have been pressure-molded into a predetermined shape (e.g., pellet or briquette) by a molding machine (e.g., pelletizer or briquette machine).

[0141] The degree of carbonization of the biomass solid fuels BF1 and BF2 produced in manufacturing system 1 is not particularly limited. That is, the degree of carbonization of biomass solid fuels BF1 and BF2 may be high or low. Alternatively, the degree of carbonization of biomass solid fuel BF1 may be higher than that of biomass solid fuel BF2.

[0142] [Fuel Manufacturing Equipment 100] The fuel manufacturing equipment 100 includes a heating device 110 (first heating device) and a combustion furnace 120 (first combustion furnace), as illustrated in Figure 10.

[0143] The heating device 110 is configured to produce biomass solid fuel BF1 by carbonizing the biomass raw material BM1 by heating it with combustion gas CG1 (first combustion gas) supplied from the combustion furnace 120. The heating device 110 includes a cylindrical body 111 (first cylindrical body), a girth gear 112, a plurality of tires 113 (first tires), a plurality of support parts 114 (first support parts), a discharge part 115, and a heating part 116 (first heating part). The heating device 110 may be, for example, an externally heated rotary kiln.

[0144] The cylindrical body 111 is a long, roughly cylindrical object. The cylindrical body 111 includes one end 111a (inlet) into which the biomass raw material BM1 is fed, and the other end 111b (outlet) from which the biomass solid fuel BF1 is discharged. That is, the biomass raw material BM1 flows through the inside of the cylindrical body 111 from the one end 111a to the other end 111b. The cylindrical body 111 may be installed so that its longitudinal direction extends along the horizontal direction, or it may be installed so that its longitudinal direction is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. In the latter case, the cylindrical body 111 may be installed so that it slopes downward from the one end 111a to the other end 111b.

[0145] The girth gear 112 is fixed to the outer surface of the cylindrical body 111 so as to extend along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body 111. That is, the girth gear 112 has a substantially annular shape. The girth gear 112 has a gear shape with alternating bumps and grooves in its circumferential direction. The girth gear 112 meshes with a pinion gear (not shown), and rotates when a drive source (e.g., an electric motor) (not shown) rotates the pinion gear. As a result, the rotational force of the pinion gear is transmitted to the cylindrical body 111 via the girth gear 112. Consequently, the cylindrical body 111 rotates around a rotation axis that extends along its longitudinal direction.

[0146] The installation position of the girth gear 112 relative to the cylindrical body 111 is not particularly limited. The girth gear 112 may be located in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical body 111, closer to one end 111a of the cylindrical body 111, as illustrated in Figure 10. Multiple girth gears 112 may be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 111.

[0147] Each of the multiple tires 113 is fixed to the outer surface of the cylindrical body 111 so as to extend along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body 111. That is, each of the multiple tires 113 has a substantially annular shape. Each tire 113 is supported by a support part 114 (for example, a support roller). That is, the outer surface of the tire 113 is in direct contact with the outer surface of the support part 114. Therefore, the outer surfaces of the tires 113 and the outer surfaces of the support part 114 may be smoothed to reduce frictional resistance.

[0148] Multiple tires 113 may be arranged at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical body 111. As illustrated in Figure 10, the heating device 110 may include two tires 113 (a pair of first tires) and two support parts 114 (a pair of first support parts) that support each tire 113. In this case, one tire 113 may be located closer to one end 111a of the cylindrical body 111, and the other tire 113 may be located closer to the other end 111b of the cylindrical body 111.

[0149] The discharge section 115 is connected to the other end 111b of the cylindrical body 111 and forms a discharge space connected to the internal space of the cylindrical body 111. The discharge section 115 receives the biomass solid fuel BF1 discharged from the other end 111b of the cylindrical body 111 and discharges the biomass solid fuel BF1 from an outlet provided at the lower end. The discharge section 115 receives the pyrolysis gas PG1 (first pyrolysis gas) generated by heating the biomass raw material BM1 inside the cylindrical body 111 and discharges the pyrolysis gas PG1 from an exhaust port provided at the upper end toward the combustion furnace 120 through piping D11.

[0150] As illustrated in Figure 10, the discharge section 115 is provided with a sensor SE11 (first measuring unit). The sensor SE11 is configured to measure the thermal state in the heating device 110. As an example of the thermal state, the sensor SE11 may be a thermometer configured to measure the temperature of the biomass solid fuel BF1 produced in the heating device 110. The sensor SE11 is configured to transmit the measured temperature data to the controller Ctr.

[0151] The heating element 116 is positioned to cover the outer circumference of the cylindrical body 111, and the overall shape is cylindrical. The heating element 116 may be positioned in the central part of the cylindrical body 111 in its extending direction. As illustrated in Figure 10, the heating element 116 may extend between the two tires 113 along the extending direction of the cylindrical body 111.

[0152] The heating unit 116 is connected to the combustion furnace 120 by piping D12. Therefore, high-temperature combustion gas CG1 (high-temperature combustion gas CG1a (first high-temperature combustion gas)) discharged from the combustion furnace 120 is introduced into the heating unit 116 through piping D12. In other words, the heating unit 116 is configured to indirectly heat the biomass raw material BM1 flowing inside the cylindrical body 111 by heating the outer wall (outer surface) of the cylindrical body 111 with the high-temperature combustion gas CG1a. The temperature of the high-temperature combustion gas CG1a may be, for example, around 1000°C.

[0153] The heating unit 116 may, for example, heat the biomass raw material BM1 to about 400°C to 700°C in a low-oxygen atmosphere (for example, with an oxygen concentration of 10% or less inside the cylindrical body 111). When the biomass raw material BM1 inside the cylindrical body 111 is heated by the heating unit 116, pyrolysis gas PG1 is generated from the biomass raw material BM1, and the biomass raw material BM1 is carbonized to become a char. Pyrolysis gas PG1 is a mixed gas of gaseous organic components and water vapor.

[0154] The high-temperature combustion gas CG1a introduced into the heating unit 116 heats the outer wall (outer surface) of the cylindrical body 111, causing the temperature of the high-temperature combustion gas CG1a to decrease and become a low-temperature combustion gas CG1 (low-temperature combustion gas CG1b (first low-temperature combustion gas)). The temperature of the low-temperature combustion gas CG1b may be, for example, around 200°C to 500°C. The low-temperature combustion gas CG1b may be exhausted to the outside of the system (for example, the atmosphere) through the piping D13 connected to the heating unit 116 by a blower F1. The blower F1 is controlled based on a control signal from the controller Ctr. This controls the operation (driving or stopping) of the blower F1 and adjusts the airflow rate of the blower F1. The blower F1 may be, for example, an induced draft fan. In addition, a dust collector (for example, a cyclone) configured to collect dust contained in the low-temperature combustion gas CG1b may be provided between the blower F1 and the heating unit 116 in the piping D13.

[0155] A valve V11 is provided on the upstream side of the blower F1 in the piping D13. The valve V11 is controlled based on a control signal from the controller Ctr and is configured to adjust the opening degree by opening and closing the piping D13 before and after the valve V11.

[0156] As illustrated in Figure 10, the downstream end of pipe D12 may be connected to the other end 111b of the cylindrical body 111 within the heating section 116. The upstream end of pipe D13 may be connected to the one end 111a of the cylindrical body 111 within the heating section 116. In this case, the high-temperature combustion gas CG1a introduced into the heating section 116 from pipe D12 heats the outer wall (outer surface) of the cylindrical body 111, flows towards the one end 111a of the cylindrical body 111 within the heating section 116, and becomes low-temperature combustion gas CG1b. Subsequently, the low-temperature combustion gas CG1b is discharged from the heating section 116 to the outside of the system through pipe D13. Thus, the heating device 110 illustrated in Figure 10 is a counter-flow type in which the flow direction of the biomass raw material BM1 flowing inside the cylindrical body 111 and the flow direction of the high-temperature combustion gas CG1a flowing inside the heating section 116 are opposite. The heating device 110 may be a parallel flow type in which these flow directions are the same.

[0157] As illustrated in Figure 10, a sensor SE12 (first measuring unit) is provided in the piping D12. The sensor SE12 is configured to measure the thermal state in the heating device 110. As an example of the thermal state, the sensor SE12 may be a thermometer configured to measure the temperature of the high-temperature combustion gas CG1a supplied to the heating unit 116. The sensor SE12 is configured to transmit the measured temperature data to the controller Ctr.

[0158] From the middle of pipe D12 (the portion upstream of the measurement point by sensor SE12), pipe D14 branches off and extends. The downstream end of pipe D14 is connected to pipe D22 (described later) of the fuel production facility 200. Therefore, the high-temperature combustion gas CG1a discharged from the combustion furnace 120 can be supplied to the heating section 216 (described later) of the fuel production facility 200 through pipes D12, D14, and D22. In other words, a portion of pipe D12 (the portion of pipe D12 from the upstream end to the branching point of pipe D14), pipe D14, and a portion of pipe D22 (the portion of pipe D22 from the junction with pipe D14 to the downstream end) constitute a flow path (first flow path) for introducing the high-temperature combustion gas CG1a into the fuel production facility 200 (heating section 216).

[0159] A valve V12 (adjustment unit) is provided in the piping D14. The valve V12 is controlled based on a control signal from the controller Ctr and is configured to adjust the opening degree by opening and closing the piping D14 before and after the valve V12. Note that the piping D14 does not have to branch off from the piping D12. That is, the upstream end of the piping D14 may be connected to the combustion furnace 120. The piping D14 does not have to merge with the piping D22. That is, the downstream end of the piping D14 may be connected to the heating unit 216.

[0160] In the middle of pipe D14, pipe D15 is connected to supply air (cooling gas) from the outside to pipe D14. A valve V13 (adjustment unit) is provided in pipe D15. Valve V13 is controlled based on a control signal from controller Ctr and is configured to open and close pipe D15 before and after valve V13 to adjust the opening degree. By controlling the opening degree of valve V15 by controller Ctr, the flow rate of air flowing through pipe D15 is adjusted. That is, the amount of air mixed with the high-temperature combustion gas CG1a flowing through pipe D14 increases or decreases according to the opening degree of valve V13, and the temperature of the combustion gas CG1 (mixed gas MG1 of high-temperature combustion gas CG1a and air) supplied to the heating unit 216 of the fuel production equipment 200 is adjusted. The mixed gas MG1 contains at least high-temperature combustion gas CG1a.

[0161] The combustion furnace 120 is configured to generate combustion gas CG1 by burning the pyrolysis gas PG1 generated by heating the biomass raw material BM1 in the heating device 110. In the combustion furnace 120, at least one of the pyrolysis gas PG1 supplied through piping D11 and fuel supplied from the outside (e.g., liquefied petroleum gas) is mixed with air (oxygen-containing gas) supplied from the outside and burned at a high temperature. The pyrolysis gas PG1 is completely combusted. The high-temperature combustion gas CG1a produced by the combustion is supplied to the heating unit 116 through piping D12.

[0162] [Fuel Manufacturing Equipment 200] The fuel manufacturing equipment 200 includes a heating device 210 (second heating device) and a combustion furnace 220 (second combustion furnace), as illustrated in Figure 10.

[0163] The heating device 210 is configured to produce biomass solid fuel BF2 by carbonizing the biomass raw material BM2 by heating it with combustion gas CG2 (second combustion gas) supplied from the combustion furnace 220. The heating device 210 includes a cylindrical body 211 (second cylindrical body), a girth gear 212, a plurality of tires 213 (second tires), a plurality of support parts 214 (second support parts), a discharge part 215, and a heating part 216 (second heating part). The heating device 210 may be, for example, an externally heated rotary kiln.

[0164] The cylindrical body 211 is a long, roughly cylindrical object. The cylindrical body 211 includes one end 211a (inlet) into which the biomass raw material BM2 is fed, and the other end 211b (outlet) from which the biomass solid fuel BF2 is discharged. That is, the biomass raw material BM2 flows through the inside of the cylindrical body 211 from the one end 211a to the other end 211b. The cylindrical body 211 may be installed so that its longitudinal direction extends along the horizontal direction, or it may be installed so that its longitudinal direction is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. In the latter case, the cylindrical body 211 may be installed so that it slopes downward from the one end 211a to the other end 211b.

[0165] The girth gear 212 is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 211 so as to extend along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body 211. That is, the girth gear 212 has a substantially annular shape. The girth gear 212 has a gear shape with alternating bumps and grooves in its circumferential direction. The girth gear 212 meshes with a pinion gear (not shown), and rotates when a drive source (e.g., an electric motor) (not shown) rotates the pinion gear. As a result, the rotational force of the pinion gear is transmitted to the cylindrical body 211 via the girth gear 212. Consequently, the cylindrical body 211 rotates around a rotation axis that extends along its longitudinal direction.

[0166] The installation position of the girth gear 212 relative to the cylindrical body 211 is not particularly limited. The girth gear 212 may be located in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical body 211, closer to one end 211a of the cylindrical body 211, as illustrated in Figure 10. Multiple girth gears 212 may be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 211.

[0167] Each of the multiple tires 213 is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 211 so as to extend along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body 211. That is, each of the multiple tires 213 has a substantially annular shape. Each of the tires 213 is supported by a support part 214 (for example, a support roller). That is, the outer circumferential surface of the tire 213 is in direct contact with the outer circumferential surface of the support part 214. Therefore, the outer circumferential surfaces of the tires 213 and the outer circumferential surfaces of the support part 214 may be smoothed to reduce frictional resistance.

[0168] Multiple tires 213 may be arranged at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical body 211. As illustrated in Figure 10, the heating device 210 may include two tires 213 (a pair of second tires) and two support parts 214 (a pair of second support parts) that support each tire 213. In this case, one tire 213 may be located closer to one end 211a of the cylindrical body 211, and the other tire 213 may be located closer to the other end 211b of the cylindrical body 211.

[0169] The discharge section 215 is connected to the other end 211b of the cylindrical body 211 and forms a discharge space connected to the internal space of the cylindrical body 211. The discharge section 215 receives the biomass solid fuel BF2 discharged from the other end 211b of the cylindrical body 211 and discharges the biomass solid fuel BF2 from an outlet provided at the lower end. The discharge section 215 receives the pyrolysis gas PG2 (second pyrolysis gas) generated by heating the biomass raw material BM2 inside the cylindrical body 211 and discharges the pyrolysis gas PG2 from an exhaust port provided at the upper end toward the combustion furnace 220 through piping D21.

[0170] As illustrated in Figure 10, the discharge section 215 is provided with a sensor SE21 (second measuring section). The sensor SE21 is configured to measure the thermal state in the heating device 210. As an example of the thermal state, the sensor SE21 may be a thermometer configured to measure the temperature of the biomass solid fuel BF2 produced in the heating device 210. The sensor SE21 is configured to transmit the measured temperature data to the controller Ctr.

[0171] The heating element 216 is positioned to cover the outer circumference of the cylindrical body 211, and the overall shape is cylindrical. The heating element 216 may be positioned in the central part of the cylindrical body 211 in its extending direction. As illustrated in Figure 10, the heating element 216 may extend along the extending direction of the cylindrical body 211 between the two tires 213.

[0172] The heating unit 216 is connected to the combustion furnace 220 by piping D22. Therefore, high-temperature combustion gas CG2 (high-temperature combustion gas CG2a) discharged from the combustion furnace 220 is introduced into the heating unit 216 through piping D22. In addition, since the downstream end of piping D14 is connected to piping D22, mixed gas MG1 is introduced into the heating unit 216 through piping D14 and D22. That is, the heating unit 216 is configured to indirectly heat the biomass raw material BM2 flowing inside the cylindrical body 211 by heating the outer wall (outer surface) of the cylindrical body 211 with mixed gas MG2, which is a mixture of mixed gas MG1 and high-temperature combustion gas CG2a. The temperature of mixed gas MG2 may be, for example, 700°C or less, taking into consideration the heat resistance of the materials constituting piping D14 and D22. Mixed gas MG2 may contain at least one of mixed gas MG1 and high-temperature combustion gas CG2a.

[0173] The heating unit 216 may, for example, heat the biomass raw material BM2 to about 150°C to 300°C in a low-oxygen atmosphere (for example, with an oxygen concentration of 10% or less inside the cylindrical body 111). When the biomass raw material BM2 inside the cylindrical body 211 is heated by the heating unit 216, pyrolysis gas PG2 is generated from the biomass raw material BM2, and the biomass raw material BM2 is carbonized to become a char. Pyrolysis gas PG2 is a mixed gas of gaseous organic components and water vapor.

[0174] The mixed gas MG2 introduced into the heating unit 216 heats the outer wall (outer surface) of the cylindrical body 211, causing the temperature of the mixed gas MG2 to decrease and become a low-temperature combustion gas CG2 (low-temperature combustion gas CG2b (second low-temperature combustion gas)). The temperature of the low-temperature combustion gas CG2b may be, for example, around 200°C to 500°C. The low-temperature combustion gas CG2b may be exhausted to the outside of the system (for example, the atmosphere) through the piping D23 connected to the heating unit 216 by a blower F2. The blower F2 is controlled based on a control signal from the controller Ctr. This controls the operation (driving or stopping) of the blower F2 and adjusts the airflow rate of the blower F2. The blower F2 may be, for example, an induced draft fan.

[0175] A valve V21 is provided on the upstream side of the blower F2 in the piping D23. The valve V21 is controlled based on a control signal from the controller Ctr and is configured to adjust the opening degree by opening and closing the piping D23 before and after the valve V21. A dust collector (e.g., a cyclone) configured to collect dust contained in the low-temperature combustion gas CG2b may be provided between the blower F2 and the valve V21 in the piping D23.

[0176] As illustrated in Figure 10, the downstream end of pipe D22 may be connected to the other end 211b of the cylindrical body 211 within the heating section 216. The upstream end of pipe D23 may be connected to the one end 211a of the cylindrical body 211 within the heating section 216. In this case, the mixed gas MG2 introduced into the heating section 216 from pipe D22 heats the outer wall (outer surface) of the cylindrical body 211, flows towards the one end 211a of the cylindrical body 211 within the heating section 216, and becomes the low-temperature combustion gas CG2b. Subsequently, the low-temperature combustion gas CG2b is discharged from the heating section 216 to the outside of the system through pipe D23. Thus, the heating device 210 illustrated in Figure 10 is a counter-flow type in which the flow direction of the biomass raw material BM2 flowing inside the cylindrical body 211 and the flow direction of the high-temperature combustion gas CG2a flowing inside the heating section 216 are opposite. The heating device 210 may be a parallel flow type in which these flow directions are the same.

[0177] As illustrated in Figure 10, a sensor SE22 (second measuring unit) is provided in the middle of the piping D22 (downstream of the point where piping D14 joins piping D22). Sensor SE22 is configured to measure the thermal state in the heating device 210. As an example of the thermal state, sensor SE22 may be a thermometer configured to measure the temperature of the mixed gas MG2 supplied to the heating unit 216. Sensor SE22 is configured to transmit the measured temperature data to controller Ctr.

[0178] The combustion furnace 220 is configured to generate combustion gas CG2 by burning the pyrolysis gas PG2 produced by heating the biomass raw material BM2 in the heating device 210. In the combustion furnace 220, at least one of the pyrolysis gas PG2 supplied through piping D21 and fuel supplied from the outside (e.g., liquefied petroleum gas) is mixed with air (oxygen-containing gas) supplied from the outside and burned at a high temperature. The pyrolysis gas PG2 is completely combusted. The high-temperature combustion gas CG2a produced by the combustion is supplied to the heating unit 216 through piping D22.

[0179] [Controller] As illustrated in Figure 11, the controller Ctr has a reading unit M1, a storage unit M2, a processing unit M3, and an instruction unit M4 as functional modules. These functional modules are merely a convenient division of the controller Ct's functions into multiple modules, and do not necessarily mean that the hardware constituting the controller Ct is divided into such modules. Each functional module is not limited to being realized by program execution, but may also be realized by a dedicated electrical circuit (e.g., a logic circuit), or an integrated circuit (ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit) that integrates these.

[0180] The reading unit M1 is configured to read a program from a computer-readable recording medium RM. The recording medium RM stores programs for operating each part of the manufacturing system 1 (for example, blowers F1, F2, valves V11 to V13, V21, etc.). The recording medium RM may be, for example, a semiconductor memory, an optical recording disk, a magnetic recording disk, or a magneto-optical recording disk. The recording medium RM may be built into the same enclosure as the controller Ctr, or it may be a separate enclosure (so-called external type) from the enclosure containing the controller Ctr.

[0181] The storage unit M2 is configured to store various types of data. For example, the storage unit M2 may store programs read from the recording medium RM by the reading unit M1, setting data input from the operator via an external input device (not shown), etc. The storage unit M2 may also store temperature data measured by sensors SE11, SE12, SE21, and SE22, for example.

[0182] The processing unit M3 is configured to process various types of data. For example, the processing unit M3 may be configured to generate control signals for controlling each part of the manufacturing system 1 based on various types of data stored in the storage unit M2.

[0183] The processing unit M3 may perform a process to adjust the opening degree of the valve V12 so that the temperature Tb1 of the biomass solid fuel BF1 measured by the sensor SE11 becomes a predetermined target temperature Tb1_set (for example, around 400°C to 700°C). The processing unit M3 may, for example, use PID control to adjust the opening degree of the valve V12 so that the deviation ΔTb1 (= Tb1_set - Tb1) between the target temperature Tb1_set and the temperature Tb1 becomes 0.

[0184] The processing unit M3 may perform a process to adjust the opening degree of the valve V12 so that the temperature Tg1 of the high-temperature combustion gas CG1a measured by the sensor SE12 becomes a predetermined target temperature Tg1_set (for example, around 400°C to 700°C). The processing unit M3 may, for example, use PID control to adjust the opening degree of the valve V12 so that the deviation ΔTg1 (= Tg1_set - Tg1) between the target temperature Tg1_set and the temperature Tg1 becomes 0.

[0185] For example, if temperature Tb1 is higher than the target temperature Tb1_set, or if temperature Tg1 is higher than the target temperature Tg1_set, it is determined that the supply amount and / or temperature of the high-temperature combustion gas CG1a supplied to the heating unit 116 is relatively large. In this case, the processing unit M3 may control valve V12 so that the opening degree of valve V12 becomes smaller. On the other hand, if temperature Tb1 is lower than the target temperature Tb1_set, or if temperature Tg1 is lower than the target temperature Tg1_set, it is determined that the supply amount and / or temperature of the high-temperature combustion gas CG1a supplied to the heating unit 116 is relatively small. In this case, the processing unit M3 may control valve V12 so that the opening degree of valve V12 becomes larger.

[0186] Furthermore, when the temperature Tg1 reaches a predetermined upper limit temperature Tg1_max (when Tg1 ≥ Tg1_max), the processing unit M3 may perform a process to prevent the temperature in the heating device 110 from rising excessively. For example, if this condition is met, the processing unit M3 may control the valve V12 so that the opening degree of the valve V12 is greater than or equal to a predetermined size (for example, fully open).

[0187] The processing unit M3 may perform a process to adjust the opening degrees of valves V12 and V13 so that the temperature Tb2 of the biomass solid fuel BF2 measured by the sensor SE21 becomes a predetermined target temperature Tb2_set (for example, around 150°C to 300°C). The processing unit M3 may, for example, use PID control to adjust the opening degrees of valves V12 and V13 so that the deviation ΔTb2 (= Tb2_set - Tb2) between the target temperature Tb2_set and the temperature Tb2 becomes 0.

[0188] The processing unit M3 may perform a process to adjust the opening degree of valves V12 and V13 so that the temperature Tg2 of the mixed gas MG2 measured by the sensor SE22 becomes a predetermined target temperature Tg2_set (for example, around 400°C to 700°C). The processing unit M3 may, for example, use PID control to adjust the opening degree of valves V12 and V13 so that the deviation ΔTg2 (= Tg2_set - Tg2) between the target temperature Tg2_set and the temperature Tg2 becomes 0.

[0189] For example, if temperature Tb2 is higher than the target temperature Tb2_set, or if temperature Tg2 is higher than the target temperature Tg2_set, it is determined that the supply amount and / or temperature of the mixed gas MG2 supplied to the heating unit 216 is relatively large. In this case, the processing unit M3 may control valve V12 so that its opening degree decreases, or control valve V13 so that its opening degree increases. On the other hand, if temperature Tb2 is lower than the target temperature Tb2_set, or if temperature Tg2 is lower than the target temperature Tg2_set, it is determined that the supply amount and / or temperature of the mixed gas MG2 supplied to the heating unit 216 is relatively small. In this case, the processing unit M3 may control valve V12 so that its opening degree increases, or control valve V13 so that its opening degree decreases.

[0190] Furthermore, when the temperature Tg2 reaches a predetermined upper limit temperature Tg2_max (when the condition Tg2 ≥ Tg2_max is met), the processing unit M3 may perform a process to prevent the temperature in the heating device 210 from rising excessively. For example, when this condition is met, the processing unit M3 may perform at least one of the following: control valve V12 so that the opening degree of valve V12 is less than or equal to a predetermined amount (e.g., fully closed), and control valve V13 so that the opening degree of valve V13 is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount (e.g., fully open).

[0191] The instruction unit M4 is configured to transmit the control signals generated in the processing unit M3 to each part of the manufacturing system 1.

[0192] The hardware of the controller Ctr may consist of, for example, one or more control computers. The controller Ctr may include, as a hardware configuration, the circuit C1 illustrated in Figure 12. The circuit C1 may consist of electrical circuit elements. The circuit C1 may include, for example, a processor C2, a memory C3 (storage unit), a storage C4 (storage unit), a driver C5, and an input / output port C6. The processor C2 executes a program in cooperation with at least one of the memory C3 and the storage C4, and performs input and output of signals via the input / output port C6, thereby configuring each of the above-mentioned functional modules. The memory C3 and the storage C4 function as storage units M2. The driver C5 is a circuit that drives each part of the manufacturing system 1. The input / output port C6 performs input and output of signals between the driver C5 and each part of the manufacturing system 1.

[0193] The manufacturing system 1 may have one controller Ctr, or it may have a controller group (control unit) composed of multiple controllers Ctr. In the latter case, each of the above-mentioned functional modules may be realized by one controller Ctr, or by a combination of two or more controllers Ctr. If the controller Ctr is composed of multiple computers (circuit C1), each of the above-mentioned functional modules may be realized by one computer (circuit C1), or by a combination of two or more computers (circuit C1). The controller Ctr may include multiple processors C2. In this case, each of the above-mentioned functional modules may be realized by one processor C2, or by a combination of two or more processors C2.

[0194] [Effect] According to the example in 2-1, the high-temperature combustion gas CG1a discharged from the combustion furnace 120 is introduced into the fuel manufacturing facility 200 for use in the production of biomass solid fuel BF2 in the fuel manufacturing facility 200. As a result, the amount of low-temperature combustion gas CG1b discharged from the heating device 110 after heating the biomass raw material BM1 from the combustion gas CG1 is reduced, so the size of the blower F1 for exhausting the low-temperature combustion gas CG1b can be reduced. Consequently, the power consumption for the blower F1 is suppressed, making it possible to reduce the production cost of biomass solid fuel BF1.

[0195] According to the example in Section 2-1, high-temperature combustion gas CG1a is introduced into the fuel production facility 200 and used to heat the biomass raw material BM2. That is, the amount of heat required to produce the biomass solid fuel BF2 in the fuel production facility 200 is at least partially supplied by the high-temperature combustion gas CG1a. Therefore, the use of external fuel (e.g., liquefied petroleum gas) as the heat supplied to the fuel production facility 200 can be reduced. Consequently, the consumption of external fuel is reduced, making it possible to reduce the production cost of the biomass solid fuel BF2.

[0196] Therefore, according to the example in Section 2-1, it is possible to suppress the overall manufacturing costs of biomass solid fuels BF1 and BF2.

[0197] According to the example in 2-1, the high-temperature combustion gas CG1a is introduced into the fuel production equipment 200 through the pipes D12, D14, and D22. Therefore, for example, if the temperature in the heating device 110 rises excessively, the combustion gas CG from the combustion furnace 120 is released into the fuel production equipment 200 through the pipes D12, D14, and D22, thereby protecting the heating device 110 and enhancing the overall safety of the production system 1.

[0198] In the example of 2-1, the heating section 116 is a so-called external heating section that covers the outer circumference of the cylindrical body 111, so the biomass raw material BM1 inside the cylindrical body 111 is indirectly heated by the combustion gas CG1. As a result, a relatively uniform temperature distribution can be obtained inside the cylindrical body 111. Therefore, since the heating of the biomass raw material BM1 inside the cylindrical body 111 can be performed almost uniformly, it is possible to homogenize the quality of the biomass solid fuel BF1 produced. Similar effects can be obtained with respect to the heating section 216.

[0199] In the example of 2-1, the heating section 116 is provided on the outer surface of the cylindrical body 111 without being divided by the two tires 113. Therefore, if the heating section 116 were divided, it would be necessary to install further structures such as piping to connect the parts of the heating section 116, but in the example of 2-1, such structures are unnecessary. Thus, it is possible to simplify the structure of the heating section 116 and reduce the installation cost of the heating device 110. Similar effects can be obtained for the heating section 216.

[0200] Incidentally, when the biomass raw material BM1 is heated inside the cylindrical body 111, tar is generated during the carbonization process of the biomass raw material BM1, and this tar becomes gaseous and mixes with the pyrolysis gas PG1. If the heating section 116 is divided, an unheated region will be created between the parts of the heating section 116 where the cylindrical body 111 is not covered by the heating section 116. As a result, the pyrolysis gas PG1 generated inside the cylindrical body 111 will cool and condense in this unheated region, causing the gaseous tar to liquefy and potentially solidify inside the cylindrical body 111. However, according to the example in 2-1, since the heating section 116 is not divided by the tire 113, the solidification of tar inside the cylindrical body 111 is suppressed. Therefore, the frequency and cost of maintenance in the heating device 110 are reduced, making it possible to increase the productivity of the biomass solid fuel BF1. Similar effects can be obtained with respect to the heating section 216.

[0201] According to example 2-1, the high-temperature combustion gas CG1a discharged from the combustion furnace 120 is introduced into the heating device 210. Therefore, in order to heat the biomass raw material BM2 in the heating device 210, both the high-temperature combustion gas CG1a from the heating device 110 and the combustion gas CG2 (high-temperature combustion gas CG2a) from the combustion furnace 220 can be used. Consequently, the amount of heat supplied to the heating device 210 increases, so even if the heat transfer area in the heating device 210 is reduced, the amount of heat transferred to the biomass raw material BM2 can be secured. As a result, it becomes possible to make the heating device 210 more compact.

[0202] According to the example in 2-1, the amount of heat supplied to the heating device 210 by the high-temperature combustion gas CG1a increases, so it is not necessary to preheat the oxygen-containing gas for burning the pyrolysis gas PG2 in the combustion furnace 220 using a heat exchanger or the like. Therefore, since there is no need to install a heat exchanger, it is possible to reduce the installation cost of the fuel production equipment 200.

[0203] According to the example in 2-1, the controller Ctr controls valves V12 and V13 based on the thermal state of heating device 110 measured by sensor SE1 and the thermal state of heating device 210 measured by sensor SE2. Therefore, it is possible to operate the manufacturing system 1 while taking into account the heat resistance of heating devices 110 and 210 and the degree of carbonization of the biomass solid fuels BF1 and BF2 produced.

[0204] According to the example in 2-1, at least one of the biomass raw materials BM1 and BM2 may be a molded body obtained by pressurizing powdered biomass into a predetermined shape. In this case, handling of the biomass raw materials BM1 and BM2 becomes easier.

[0205] According to the example in Section 2-1, the degree of carbonization of biomass solid fuel BF1 may be higher than that of biomass solid fuel BF2. In this case, it becomes possible to produce multiple types of biomass solid fuels BF1 and BF2 in a single production system 1 while suppressing the production costs of biomass solid fuels BF1 and BF2.

[0206] [Variations] The disclosures herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. Various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made to the above examples without departing from the claims and the gist of the claims.

[0207] (1) As illustrated in Figure 13, another example of the manufacturing system 1 according to the second embodiment (Example 2-2) differs from the manufacturing system 1 according to Example 2-1, mainly in that the fuel manufacturing equipment 100 further includes a dryer 130 (first dryer).

[0208] The dryer 130 is configured to dry the biomass raw material BM1 and then introduce the dried biomass raw material BM1 into the heating device 110 (cylindrical body 111). The moisture content per unit volume of the biomass raw material BM1 after drying by the dryer 130 is less than the moisture content per unit volume of the biomass raw material BM1 before drying by the dryer 130.

[0209] A sensor SE13 is provided near the outlet of the dryer 130. The sensor SE13 is a moisture meter configured to measure the moisture content of the biomass raw material BM1 after drying by the dryer 130. The sensor SE13 may be a non-contact sensor configured to measure the moisture content of the dried biomass raw material BM1 in real time without contact. The sensor SE13 is configured to transmit the measured moisture content data to the controller Ctr. The sensor SE13 may also be configured to measure the moisture content of the dried biomass raw material BM1 while it is being transported from the dryer 130 to the cylindrical body 111 by a transport unit (not shown).

[0210] The dryer 130 is connected to a pipe D16 that branches off from the middle of pipe D13 (upstream of valve V11). Therefore, the low-temperature combustion gas CG1b discharged from the heating section 116 can be supplied to the dryer 130 through pipes D13 and D16. In other words, a portion of pipe D13 (the portion of pipe D13 from the upstream end to the branching point of pipe D16) and pipe D16 constitute a flow path (third flow path) for introducing the low-temperature combustion gas CG1b into the dryer 130. After being used to dry the biomass raw material BM1 in the dryer 130, the low-temperature combustion gas CG1b may be exhausted outside the dryer 130 (for example, into the atmosphere).

[0211] The piping D13 is provided with a valve V14 and a sensor SE14, in that order from the upstream side. The valve V14 is controlled based on a control signal from the controller Ctr and is configured to adjust the opening degree by opening and closing the piping D16 before and after the valve V14. The sensor SE14 is a thermometer configured to measure the temperature of the combustion gas CG1 (as described later, a mixed gas MG3 of low-temperature combustion gas CG1b and air) supplied to the dryer 130. The sensor SE14 is configured to transmit the measured temperature data to the controller Ctr. Note that the piping D16 does not have to be branched from the piping D13. That is, the upstream end of the piping D16 may be connected to the heating unit 116. The mixed gas MG3 may contain at least one of the low-temperature combustion gas CG1b and air.

[0212] In the middle of piping D16 (between valve V14 and sensor SE14), piping D17 is connected to supply air (cooling gas) from the outside to piping D16. Valve V15 is provided in piping D17. Valve V15 is controlled based on a control signal from controller Ctr and is configured to open and close piping D17 before and after valve V15 to adjust the opening degree. By controlling the opening degree of valve V15 by controller Ctr, the flow rate of air flowing through piping D17 is adjusted. That is, the amount of air mixed with the low-temperature combustion gas CG1b flowing through piping D17 increases or decreases according to the opening degree of valve V15, and the temperature of the mixed gas MG3 supplied to the dryer 130 is adjusted.

[0213] In the example shown in Figure 13, the processing unit M3 may perform a process to adjust the opening degree of valves V14 and V15 so that the measured moisture content MC measured by the sensor SE13 becomes a predetermined target moisture content MCset (for example, about 5% to 15%). The processing unit M3 may, for example, use PID control to adjust the opening degree of valves V14 and V15 so that the deviation ΔMC (= MCset - MC) between the target moisture content MCset and the measured moisture content MC becomes 0.

[0214] Alternatively, the processing unit M3 may perform a process to adjust the opening of valves V14 and V15 by cascade control so that the measured moisture content MC becomes a predetermined target moisture content MCset. For example, the processing unit M3 calculates the deviation ΔMC (= MCset - MC) between the target moisture content MCset and the measured moisture content MC. Next, the processing unit M3 calculates the target temperature Tset (Tset = K・ΔMC) of the mixed gas MG3 supplied to the dryer 130 by multiplying the deviation ΔMC by a predetermined proportionality constant K. Next, the processing unit M3 calculates the deviation ΔT (= Tset - T) between the temperature T of the mixed gas MG3 measured by sensor SE14 and the target temperature Tset. After that, the processing unit M3 may, for example, perform PID control to adjust the opening of valves V14 and V15 so that the deviation ΔT becomes 0.

[0215] In the example shown in Figure 13, the biomass raw material BM1, which has been dried by the dryer 130, is introduced into the heating device 110. As a result, less heat is required to heat the biomass raw material BM1 to produce the biomass solid fuel BF1. Therefore, it becomes possible to produce a larger amount of biomass solid fuel BF1 while making the heating device 110 more compact.

[0216] In the example shown in Figure 13, valves V14 and V15 are controlled by controller Ctr so that the moisture content measured by sensor SE13 reaches a predetermined target value. As a result, the moisture content of the biomass raw material BM1 after drying by the dryer 130 becomes approximately constant. Therefore, it becomes possible to further homogenize the quality of the biomass solid fuel BF1 produced in the heating device 110.

[0217] (2) As illustrated in Figure 14, another example of the manufacturing system 1 according to the second embodiment (the second-third example) differs from the manufacturing system 1 according to the second-first example, mainly in that the fuel manufacturing equipment 200 further includes piping D24. Piping D24 branches off from the middle of piping D23 (upstream of valve V21) and is connected to the middle of piping D22 (upstream of sensor SE22). Therefore, the low-temperature combustion gas CG2b discharged from the heating section 216 can be returned to the heating section 216 through piping D23, D24, and D22. That is, a part of piping D23 (the part of piping D23 from the upstream end to the branching point of piping D24), piping D24, and a part of piping D22 (the part of piping D22 from the confluence point with piping D22 to the downstream end) constitute a circulation path (second path) for reintroducing the low-temperature combustion gas CG2b into the heating section 216. Note that pipe D24 does not necessarily have to branch off from pipe D23. That is, the upstream end of pipe D24 may be connected to the heating unit 216. Pipe D24 does not necessarily have to merge with pipe D22. That is, the downstream end of pipe D24 may be connected to the heating unit 216.

[0218] In the second and third examples illustrated in Figure 14, the low-temperature combustion gas CG2b discharged from the heating device 210 is reintroduced into the heating device 210 and used to heat the biomass raw material BM2. This makes it possible to heat the biomass raw material BM2 more thoroughly and to increase the thermal efficiency of the fuel production equipment 200.

[0219] Furthermore, the fuel manufacturing equipment 100 may include a circulation channel for reintroducing the low-temperature combustion gas CG1b discharged from the heating section 116 into the heating section 116, similar to the fuel manufacturing equipment 200. Alternatively, the fuel manufacturing equipment 100 may not include a circulation channel for reintroducing the low-temperature combustion gas CG1b discharged from the heating section 116 into the heating section 116, as illustrated in Figure 14. In the latter case, in the fuel manufacturing equipment 100, which tends to have a higher heating temperature than the fuel manufacturing equipment 200, heat is not returned to the heating section 116 through the circulation channel. Therefore, in the fuel manufacturing equipment 200, which tends to have a lower heating temperature, it is possible to effectively utilize the heat of the low-temperature combustion gas CG1b while suppressing the temperature in the heating device 110 from rising excessively (for example, above 500°C).

[0220] (3) As illustrated in Figure 15, another example of the manufacturing system 1 according to the second embodiment (Example 2-4) differs from the manufacturing system 1 according to Example 2-1, mainly in that the fuel manufacturing equipment 200 further includes a heat exchanger 230.

[0221] In the second-to-fourth example illustrated in Figure 15, a valve V14 is provided in the portion of piping D14 downstream of the confluence with piping D15. Valve V14 is controlled based on a control signal from controller Ctr and is configured to open and close piping D14 before and after valve V14 to adjust the opening degree. By controlling the opening degree of valve V14 by controller Ctr, the flow rate of the mixed gas MG2 flowing through piping D14 is adjusted. That is, the flow rate of the mixed gas MG2 supplied to the heating unit 216 is adjusted according to the opening degree of valve V14.

[0222] In the second-to-fourth example illustrated in Figure 15, pipe D18 branches off from the middle of pipe D14 (the portion between the junction with pipe D15 and valve V14). Pipe D18 is connected to the heat exchanger 230. A valve V15 is provided on pipe D18. Valve V15 is controlled based on a control signal from controller Ctr and is configured to open and close pipe D18 before and after valve V15 to adjust the opening degree. By controlling the opening degree of valve V15 by controller Ctr, the flow rate of the mixed gas MG2 flowing through pipe D18 is adjusted. That is, the flow rate of the mixed gas MG2 supplied to the heat exchanger 230 is adjusted according to the opening degree of valve V15.

[0223] The heat exchanger 230 is configured to preheat the air (oxygen-containing gas) flowing through the pipe D25 using the heat from the high-temperature combustion gas CG1a discharged from the combustion furnace 120. The pipe D25 extends through the inside of the heat exchanger 230, and its downstream end is connected to the combustion furnace 220. Therefore, the air preheated by the heat from the high-temperature combustion gas CG1a is mixed in the combustion furnace 220 with at least one of the pyrolysis gas PG2 supplied through the pipe D21 and a fuel supplied from the outside (e.g., liquefied petroleum gas), and then burned.

[0224] In the example shown in Figure 15, the high-temperature combustion gas CG1a discharged from the combustion furnace 120 is introduced into the heating device 210. Therefore, both the high-temperature combustion gas CG1a from the heating device 110 and the combustion gas CG2 (high-temperature combustion gas CG2a) from the combustion furnace 220 can be used to heat the biomass raw material BM2 in the heating device 210. Consequently, the amount of heat supplied to the heating device 210 increases, so that the amount of heat transferred to the biomass raw material BM2 can be ensured even if the heat transfer area in the heating device 210 is reduced. As a result, it becomes possible to make the heating device 210 more compact.

[0225] According to the second-to-fourth example illustrated in Figure 15, by adjusting the flow rate of air introduced into the heat exchanger 230, it becomes possible to recover the amount of heat required by the heating device 210 from the high-temperature combustion gas CG1a.

[0226] In the second-to-fourth example illustrated in Figure 15, the air in the heat exchanger 230 is heated by the high-temperature combustion gas CG1a. As a result, the heated air is supplied to the combustion furnace 220, allowing the furnace 220 to be preheated by the heated air during non-steady-state operations (e.g., during startup, emergencies, etc.). Therefore, the use of external fuel can be suppressed during non-steady-state operations of the combustion furnace 220. Consequently, the amount of external fuel consumed is reduced, making it possible to lower the manufacturing cost of the biomass solid fuel BF2.

[0227] Incidentally, the heat exchanger 230 is generally smaller than the heating device 210. Therefore, even if the high-temperature combustion gas CG1a contains corrosive gases (such as chlorine) or has other properties that affect the equipment, by implementing countermeasures in the relatively small heat exchanger 230, it is possible to effectively utilize the heat of the high-temperature combustion gas CG1a while suppressing the cost of countermeasures.

[0228] In the second to fourth example illustrated in Figure 15, the mixed gas MG2 may be supplied to at least one of the heating section 216 and the heat exchanger 230 depending on the opening of valves V14 and V15, or it may be supplied to only one of the heating section 216 and the heat exchanger 230. When the mixed gas MG2 is supplied to the heating section 216, the fuel production equipment 100 does not need to have valve V15 and piping D18. When the mixed gas MG2 is supplied to the heat exchanger 230, the fuel production equipment 100 does not need to have valve V14, and the downstream end of piping D14 may be connected to piping D18 instead of piping D22.

[0229] In addition, in the second-fourth example illustrated in Figure 15, similar to the fuel manufacturing equipment 200 in the second-third example illustrated in Figure 14, the fuel manufacturing equipment 200 may include a circulation channel for reintroducing the low-temperature combustion gas CG2b discharged from the heating section 216 into the heating section 216. Also, in the second-fourth example illustrated in Figure 15, similar to the fuel manufacturing equipment 200 in the second-third example illustrated in Figure 14, the fuel manufacturing equipment 100 may include a circulation channel for reintroducing the low-temperature combustion gas CG1b discharged from the heating section 116 into the heating section 116.

[0230] (4) As illustrated in Figure 16, another example of the manufacturing system 1 according to the second embodiment (Example 2-5) differs from the manufacturing system 1 according to Example 2-1, mainly in that the fuel manufacturing equipment 200 further includes a recovery device 240.

[0231] In the second-fifth example illustrated in Figure 16, the downstream end of the piping D14 is connected to the heating section 216. On the other hand, the heating section 216 is not connected to the combustion furnace 220. Therefore, although the mixed gas MG1 is introduced into the heating section 216, the combustion gas CG2 (high-temperature combustion gas CG2a) discharged from the combustion furnace 220 is not introduced into it.

[0232] In the second-fifth example illustrated in Figure 16, the heating device 210 is connected to the recovery device 240 via piping D26. Therefore, the pyrolysis gas PG2 generated in the heating device 210 is introduced into the recovery device 240 through piping D26.

[0233] The recovery device 240 is configured to cool the pyrolysis gas PG2 introduced from the heating device 210 and recover liquid fuel LF (oil) from the pyrolysis gas PG2. The recovery device 240 recovers liquid fuel LF by, for example, bringing a cooling liquid into contact with the pyrolysis gas PG2 inside the housing. The cooling liquid brought into contact with the pyrolysis gas PG2 may contain a portion of the liquid fuel LF already generated by cooling in the recovery device 240.

[0234] The recovery device 240 is connected to the combustion furnace 220 via piping D27. Therefore, the residual gas RG after the liquid fuel LF is recovered in the recovery device 240 is introduced into the combustion furnace 220 through piping D27.

[0235] In the second-fifth example illustrated in Figure 16, the combustion furnace 220 is configured to generate combustion gas by burning the residual gas RG introduced from the recovery device 240. The combustion furnace 220 burns the residual gas RG supplied through piping D27, which is mixed with air (oxygen-containing gas) supplied from the outside. The residual gas RG is completely combusted. The combustion gas produced by the combustion may be exhausted outside the system (for example, into the atmosphere).

[0236] In the example shown in Figure 16, the high-temperature combustion gas CG1a discharged from the combustion furnace 120 is introduced into the heating device 210. As a result, the operation of the heating device 210 is less affected by the operating conditions of the recovery device 240. Therefore, it becomes possible to simplify the operation of the heating device 210.

[0237] In the example shown in Figure 16, as shown in the second-fifth example, the heating device 210 is operated by the high-temperature combustion gas CG1a discharged from the combustion furnace 120, thus eliminating the need for a separate heat source for operating the heating device 210. Therefore, since there is no need to install a separate heat source, the installation cost of the fuel production equipment 200 can be reduced.

[0238] (5) As illustrated in Figure 17, another example of the manufacturing system 1 according to the second embodiment (Example 2-6) differs from the manufacturing system 1 according to Example 2-5 mainly in that the fuel manufacturing equipment 200 further includes a dryer 250 (second dryer). The structure of the dryer 250 and its surroundings is the same as that of the manufacturing system 1 according to Example 2-2, so no explanation is given. That is, the dryer 250 according to Example 2-6 corresponds to the dryer 130 according to Example 2-2. The piping D28 and D29 according to Example 2-6 correspond to the piping D16 and D17 according to Example 2-2, respectively. The valve V23 according to Example 2-6 corresponds to the valve V15 according to Example 2-2. The sensors SE23 and SE24 according to Example 2-6 correspond to the sensors SE13 and SE14 according to Example 2-2, respectively. In other words, a portion of piping D23 (the portion of piping D23 from the upstream end to the branching point of piping D28) and piping D28 constitute a flow path (fourth flow path) for introducing the low-temperature combustion gas CG2b into the dryer 250. By introducing the low-temperature combustion gas CG2b into the dryer 250 through piping D23 and D28, the same effects and advantages as those of the manufacturing system 1 in example 2-2 can be obtained in the manufacturing system 1 according to example 2-6.

[0239] (6) As illustrated in Figure 18, another example of the manufacturing system 1 according to the second embodiment (Example 2-7) differs from the manufacturing system 1 according to Example 2-1, mainly in that the fuel manufacturing equipment 200 further includes an absorption tower 260.

[0240] In the example 2-7 illustrated in Figure 18, the downstream end of piping D14 is connected to the heating section 216. On the other hand, the heating section 216 is not connected to the combustion furnace 220. Therefore, although the mixed gas MG1 is introduced into the heating section 216, the combustion gas CG3 (high-temperature combustion gas CG3) discharged from the combustion furnace 220 is not introduced into it.

[0241] In the example 2-7 illustrated in Figure 18, the heating device 210 is configured to generate a carbonized product CP (fuel) by carbonizing the waste WM (raw material) by heating it with a mixed gas MG1 supplied from the fuel manufacturing equipment 100. The waste WM includes, for example, shredder dust (SR), automobile shredder dust (ASR), and ordinary waste plastics. Ordinary waste plastics refer to waste plastics other than shredder dust and automobile shredder dust, and include, for example, construction waste plastics and municipal solid waste generated at construction sites.

[0242] The waste WM flows through the inside of the cylindrical body 211 from one end 211a to the other end 211b, and is heated by the heating unit 216, causing it to carbonize and become the carbonized product CP. The carbonized product CP generated in the heating device 210 is discharged to the outside through an outlet provided at the lower end of the discharge unit 215. The pyrolysis gas PG3 generated by heating the waste WM inside the cylindrical body 211 is discharged through piping D21 towards the combustion furnace 220 from an exhaust port provided at the upper end of the discharge unit 215.

[0243] In the second-seventh example illustrated in Figure 18, the combustion furnace 220 is configured to generate combustion gas CG3 by burning the pyrolysis gas PG3 generated by heating the waste WM in the heating device 210. At least one of the pyrolysis gas PG3 supplied through piping D21 and fuel supplied from the outside (e.g., liquefied petroleum gas) is mixed with air (oxygen-containing gas) supplied from the outside and burned. The combustion gas CG3 produced by the combustion is supplied to the absorption tower 260 through piping D30. Alternatively, the combustion gas CG3 discharged from the combustion furnace 220 may be rapidly cooled by a cooling device (e.g., a cooling tower) before being supplied to the absorption tower 260.

[0244] The absorption tower 260 is configured to recover predetermined gas components from the combustion gas CG3 generated by the combustion of the pyrolysis gas PG3 in the combustion furnace 220 into an absorbent liquid. The absorption tower 260 is configured to absorb predetermined gas components from the combustion gas CG3 into the absorbent liquid by spraying the absorbent liquid from the top of the housing onto the combustion gas CG3 introduced from the bottom of the housing, for example. The predetermined gas components include, for example, chlorine, hydrogen chloride, and carbon dioxide. The absorbent liquid, after absorbing the predetermined gas components, is discharged to the outside from, for example, the bottom of the absorption tower 260. On the other hand, the remaining gas after the predetermined gas components have been removed from the combustion gas CG3 may be exhausted outside the system (for example, into the atmosphere).

[0245] By introducing the mixed gas MG1 containing the high-temperature combustion gas CG1a from the combustion furnace 120 into the heating device 210, the same effects and advantages as those of the manufacturing system 1 in example 2-7 can be obtained in the manufacturing system 1 in example 2-5.

[0246] (7) As illustrated in Figure 19, another example of the manufacturing system 1 according to the second embodiment (Example 2-8) differs from the manufacturing system 1 according to Example 2-7 mainly in that the fuel manufacturing equipment 100 further includes a classifier 140 and a specific gravity difference separator 150.

[0247] The classifier 140 is controlled based on a control signal from the controller Ctr and is configured to sieve the biomass solid fuel BF1 discharged from the discharge port of the discharge section 115 into sieved material with a particle size larger than a predetermined size and unsieved material. The classifier 140 may be, for example, a vibrating screen. The sieved material (biomass solid fuel BF1 with a relatively large particle size) may be shipped externally as a product, for example. The unsieved material (biomass solid fuel BF1 with a relatively small particle size) is transported to the specific gravity difference sorter 150.

[0248] The gravity differential separator 150 is controlled based on a control signal from the controller Ctr and is configured to separate the sieved material, which has been screened in the classifier 140, into heavy and light materials using characteristics such as the difference in specific gravity. The gravity differential separator 150 may be, for example, an air separator that separates the target material into heavy and light materials by the action of wind. Various types of air separators can be used, for example, an updraft type, a suction type, or a closed type. The heavy material (relatively heavy biomass solid fuel BF1 among the sieved material) may be shipped to an external facility as a product. The light material (relatively light biomass solid fuel BF1 among the sieved material) may be transported to another facility for use as a secondary raw material. The other facility may be, for example, a heating device 210 of the fuel manufacturing facility 200.

[0249] In the example 2-8 illustrated in Figure 19, the heating device 210 is supplied with waste WM (raw material) and lightweight material (auxiliary material) conveyed from the gravity separator 150. The heating device 210 may be supplied with the waste WM and lightweight material in the form of a pre-mixed mixture. Alternatively, the waste WM and lightweight material may be supplied to the heating device 210 individually (independently) and then mixed within the cylindrical body 211.

[0250] Lightweight materials used as auxiliary materials in the heating device 210 may, for example, exhibit functions such as combustion aids, chlorine immobilizers, crushing aids, and anti-fusing agents. By introducing an anti-fusing agent into the heating device 210, it is possible to suppress the fusion of molten plastics and the adhesion of molten plastics to the inside of the heating device 210 (inside the cylindrical body 211). By introducing a chlorine immobilizer into the heating device 210, it is possible to immobilize chlorine generated from chlorine-containing waste WM.

[0251] According to the example of 2-8 illustrated in Figure 19, a finely powdered biomass solid fuel BF1 with a relatively small particle size is supplied to the heating device 210 as a secondary raw material, and the heating device 210 can be operated stably due to the action of this secondary raw material.

[0252] According to the example 2-8 illustrated in Figure 19, when the biomass solid fuel BF1 is sorted in the specific gravity separator 150, the biomass solid fuel BF1 is cooled, which makes it possible to suppress unexpected ignition when the finely powdered biomass solid fuel BF1 is mixed with waste WM.

[0253] (8) As illustrated in Figure 20, another example of the manufacturing system 1 according to the second embodiment (Example 2-9) differs from the manufacturing system 1 according to Example 2-8 mainly in that the fuel manufacturing equipment 100 includes a crusher 160 instead of a gravity differential separator 150.

[0254] The crusher 160 is controlled based on a control signal from the controller Ctr and is configured to crush the sieved material separated in the classifier 140 into a fine powder. The crusher 160 may be, for example, a vertical crusher. The fine biomass solid fuel BF1 produced by the crusher 160 may be transported to another device for use as a secondary raw material. The other device may be, for example, the heating device 210 of the fuel production facility 200.

[0255] In the example shown in Figure 20, as shown in the second-ninth example, a finely powdered biomass solid fuel BF1 with a relatively small particle size is supplied to the heating device 210 as a secondary raw material. As a result of the action of this secondary raw material, the heating device 210 can be operated stably.

[0256] According to the example 2-9 illustrated in Figure 20, when the biomass solid fuel BF1 is crushed in the crusher 160, the biomass solid fuel BF1 is cooled, which makes it possible to suppress unexpected ignition when the finely powdered biomass solid fuel BF1 is mixed with waste WM.

[0257] [Other Examples] Example 2-1. An example of a biomass solid fuel production system comprises a first fuel production facility configured to produce a first biomass solid fuel from a first biomass raw material, and a second fuel production facility configured to produce fuel from the raw material. The first fuel production facility includes a first heating device configured to heat a first biomass raw material to produce a first biomass solid fuel, a first combustion furnace configured to burn a first pyrolysis gas generated by heating the first biomass raw material in the first heating device to produce a first combustion gas, and a first flow path configured to introduce a first high-temperature combustion gas discharged from the first combustion furnace into the second fuel production facility for use in fuel production.

[0258] In this case, the first high-temperature combustion gas discharged from the first combustion furnace is introduced into the second fuel manufacturing facility for use in fuel production. As a result, the amount of the first low-temperature combustion gas discharged from the first heating device after heating the first biomass raw material from the first combustion gas is reduced, allowing for a smaller fan size to be used to exhaust the first low-temperature combustion gas. Consequently, power consumption for the fan is reduced, making it possible to lower the production cost of the first biomass solid fuel.

[0259] Furthermore, in Example 2-1, the first high-temperature combustion gas is introduced into the second fuel production facility and used to heat the raw materials. That is, the amount of heat required to produce fuel in the second fuel production facility is at least partially supplied by the first high-temperature combustion gas. Therefore, the use of external fuel (e.g., liquefied petroleum gas) as the heat supplied to the second fuel production facility can be reduced. Consequently, the amount of external fuel consumed is reduced, making it possible to lower the cost of fuel production.

[0260] Based on the above, the manufacturing system in Example 2-1 makes it possible to reduce the overall cost of producing biomass solid fuel.

[0261] Furthermore, in Example 2-1, the first high-temperature combustion gas is introduced into the second fuel production facility through the first flow path. Therefore, for example, if the temperature in the first heating device rises excessively, the first combustion gas from the first combustion furnace is released into the second fuel production facility through the first flow path, thereby protecting the first heating device while enhancing the overall safety of the production system.

[0262] Example 2-2. In the system of Example 2-1, the first heating device may include a first cylindrical body having one end into which the first biomass raw material is fed and the other end from which the first biomass solid fuel is discharged, and a first heating unit arranged to cover the outer circumference of the first cylindrical body and configured to heat the first biomass raw material flowing inside the first cylindrical body. In this case, since the first heating unit is a so-called external heating unit that covers the outer circumference of the first cylindrical body, the first biomass raw material inside the first cylindrical body is indirectly heated by the first combustion gas. As a result, a relatively uniform temperature distribution can be obtained inside the first cylindrical body. Therefore, since the first biomass raw material can be heated substantially uniformly inside the first cylindrical body, it is possible to homogenize the quality of the first biomass solid fuel produced.

[0263] Example 2-3. In the system of Example 2-2, the first heating device further includes a pair of first tires provided on the outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical body so as to be located at one end and the other end of the first cylindrical body, and a pair of first support parts configured to support the pair of first tires, wherein the first heating part may extend between the pair of first tires along the extending direction of the first cylindrical body.

[0264] In this case, the first heating element is provided on the outer surface of the first cylindrical body without being divided by a pair of first tires. Therefore, if the first heating element were divided, it would be necessary to install further structures such as piping to connect the parts of the first heating element, but according to Example 2-3, such structures are unnecessary. Thus, it is possible to simplify the structure of the first heating element and reduce the installation cost of the first heating device.

[0265] Incidentally, when biomass raw material is heated inside the first cylindrical body, tar is generated during the carbonization process of the biomass raw material, and this tar becomes gaseous and mixes with the first pyrolysis gas. If the first heating section is divided, an unheated region will be created between the parts of the first heating section where the first cylindrical body is not covered by the first heating section. As a result, the first pyrolysis gas generated inside the first cylindrical body will cool and condense in this unheated region, causing the gaseous tar to liquefy and potentially solidify inside the first cylindrical body. However, according to Example 2-3, since the first heating section is not divided by a pair of first tires, the solidification of tar inside the first cylindrical body is suppressed. Therefore, the frequency and cost of maintenance in the first heating device are reduced, making it possible to increase the productivity of biomass solid fuel.

[0266] Example 2-4. In any of the systems in Examples 2-1 to 2-3, the second fuel production equipment includes a second heating device configured to heat a second biomass raw material as a raw material to produce a second biomass solid fuel as fuel, and a second combustion furnace configured to burn a second pyrolysis gas generated by heating the second biomass raw material in the second heating device to produce a second combustion gas, and the first flow path may be configured to introduce the first high-temperature combustion gas into the second heating device.

[0267] In this case, the first high-temperature combustion gas discharged from the first combustion furnace is introduced into the second heating device. Therefore, both the first high-temperature combustion gas from the first heating device and the second combustion gas from the second combustion furnace can be used to heat the second biomass raw material in the second heating device. Consequently, the amount of heat supplied to the second heating device increases, so that the amount of heat transferred to the second biomass raw material can be ensured even if the heat transfer area in the second heating device is reduced. As a result, it becomes possible to make the second heating device more compact.

[0268] Furthermore, as described above, since the amount of heat supplied to the second heating device increases due to the first high-temperature combustion gas, it is not necessary to preheat the oxygen-containing gas for burning the second pyrolysis gas in the second combustion furnace using a heat exchanger or the like. Therefore, since the installation of a heat exchanger is not required, it is possible to reduce the installation cost of the second fuel production equipment.

[0269] Example 2-5. The system of Example 2-4 further comprises a first measuring unit configured to measure the thermal state of a first heating device, a second measuring unit configured to measure the thermal state of a second heating device, a adjusting unit configured to adjust at least one of the flow rate and temperature of a first high-temperature combustion gas flowing through a first flow path toward the second heating device, and a control unit, wherein the control unit may be configured to perform a process to control the adjusting unit based on the thermal state measured by the first measuring unit and the thermal state measured by the second measuring unit. In this case, since the adjusting unit is controlled based on the thermal states of the first and second heating devices, it becomes possible to operate the manufacturing system while taking into account the heat resistance of the first and second heating devices and the degree of carbonization of the first and second biomass solid fuels produced.

[0270] Example 2-6. In the system of Example 2-5, the first measuring unit is configured to measure at least one of the temperature of the first combustion gas introduced into the first heating device and the temperature of the first biomass solid fuel produced by the first heating device as the thermal state of the first heating device, and the second measuring unit is configured to measure at least one of the temperature of the first combustion gas and the second combustion gas introduced into the second heating device and the temperature of the second biomass solid fuel produced by the second heating device as the thermal state of the second heating device.

[0271] Example 2-7. In any of the systems in Examples 2-4 to 2-6, the second fuel production equipment may further include a second flow path configured to return the second low-temperature combustion gas, which is discharged from the second heating device after heating the second biomass raw material, back to the second heating device for heating the second biomass raw material. In this case, the second low-temperature combustion gas discharged from the second heating device is reintroduced into the second heating device and used for heating the second biomass raw material. This makes it possible to heat the second biomass raw material more thoroughly and to increase the thermal efficiency of the second fuel production equipment.

[0272] Example 2-8. In any of the systems in Examples 2-4 to 2-7, the second heating device may include a second cylindrical body having one end into which the second biomass raw material is fed and the other end from which the second biomass solid fuel is discharged, and a second heating unit arranged to cover the outer circumference of the second cylindrical body and configured to heat the second biomass raw material flowing inside the second cylindrical body. In this case, the same effects as the system in Example 2-2 can be obtained.

[0273] Example 2-9. In the system of Example 2-8, the second heating device further includes a pair of second tires provided on the outer circumferential surface of the second cylindrical body so as to be located at one end and the other end of the second cylindrical body, and a pair of second support parts configured to support the pair of second tires, wherein the second heating part may extend between the pair of second tires along the extending direction of the second cylindrical body. In this case, the same effects as the system of Example 2-3 can be obtained.

[0274] Example 2-10. In any of the systems in Examples 2-1 to 2-3, the second fuel production equipment includes a second heating device configured to heat a second biomass raw material as a raw material to produce a second biomass solid fuel as fuel, a second combustion furnace configured to burn a second pyrolysis gas generated by heating the second biomass raw material in the second heating device to produce a second combustion gas, and a heat exchanger configured to heat an oxygen-containing gas for burning the second pyrolysis gas, wherein the first flow path may be configured to introduce a first high-temperature combustion gas into the heat exchanger for heat exchange with the oxygen-containing gas.

[0275] In this case, by adjusting the flow rate of the oxygen-containing gas introduced into the heat exchanger, it becomes possible to recover the amount of heat required by the second heating device from the first high-temperature combustion gas.

[0276] Furthermore, in this case, the oxygen-containing gas is heated by the first high-temperature combustion gas in the heat exchanger. Therefore, by supplying the heated oxygen-containing gas to the second combustion furnace, the second combustion furnace can be preheated by the heated oxygen-containing gas during non-steady-state operations (e.g., during startup, emergencies, etc.). Consequently, the use of external fuel can be suppressed during non-steady-state operations of the second combustion furnace. As a result, the amount of external fuel consumed is reduced, making it possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the second biomass solid fuel.

[0277] Incidentally, the heat exchanger is generally smaller in size than the second heating device. Therefore, even if the first high-temperature combustion gas contains corrosive gases (such as chlorine) or other properties that affect the equipment, it is possible to effectively utilize the heat of the first high-temperature combustion gas while suppressing the cost of countermeasures by implementing countermeasures in a relatively small heat exchanger.

[0278] Example 2-11. In the system of Example 2-10, the second fuel production equipment may further include a second flow path configured to return the second low-temperature combustion gas, which is discharged from the second heating device after heating the second biomass raw material from the second combustion gas, back to the second heating device for heating the second biomass raw material. In this case, the same effects as the system of Example 2-7 can be obtained.

[0279] Example 2-12. In the system of Example 2-10, the first flow path may be configured to introduce the first high-temperature combustion gas to the heat exchanger and the second heating device, respectively.

[0280] In this case, the first high-temperature combustion gas discharged from the first combustion furnace is introduced into the second heating device. Therefore, both the first high-temperature combustion gas from the first heating device and the second combustion gas from the second combustion furnace can be used to heat the second biomass raw material in the second heating device. Consequently, the amount of heat supplied to the second heating device increases, so that the amount of heat transferred to the second biomass raw material can be ensured even if the heat transfer area in the second heating device is reduced. As a result, it becomes possible to make the second heating device more compact.

[0281] Furthermore, in this case, by adjusting the flow rate of the oxygen-containing gas introduced into the heat exchanger, it becomes possible to recover the amount of heat required by the second heating device from the first high-temperature combustion gas.

[0282] Furthermore, in this case, the oxygen-containing gas is heated by the first high-temperature combustion gas in the heat exchanger. Therefore, by supplying the heated oxygen-containing gas to the second combustion furnace, the second combustion furnace can be preheated by the heated oxygen-containing gas during its non-steady-state operation. Consequently, the use of external fuel can be suppressed during the non-steady-state operation of the second combustion furnace. As a result, the amount of external fuel consumed is reduced, making it possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the second biomass solid fuel.

[0283] Example 2-13. In any of the systems in Examples 2-10 to 2-12, the second heating device may include a second cylindrical body having one end into which the second biomass raw material is fed and the other end from which the second biomass solid fuel is discharged, and a second heating unit arranged to cover the outer circumference of the second cylindrical body and configured to heat the second biomass raw material flowing inside the second cylindrical body. In this case, the same effects as the system in Example 2-2 can be obtained.

[0284] Example 2-14. In the system of Example 2-13, the second heating device further includes a pair of second tires provided on the outer circumferential surface of the second cylindrical body so as to be located at one end and the other end of the second cylindrical body, and a pair of second support parts configured to support the pair of second tires, wherein the second heating part may extend between the pair of second tires along the extending direction of the second cylindrical body. In this case, the same effects as the system of Example 2-3 can be obtained.

[0285] Example 2-15. In any of the systems in Examples 2-4 to 2-14, at least one of the first biomass raw material and the second biomass raw material may be a molded body in which powdered biomass is pressure-molded into a predetermined shape. In this case, handling of the first and / or second biomass raw materials becomes easier.

[0286] Example 2-16. In any of the systems in Examples 2-4 to 2-15, the degree of carbonization of the first biomass solid fuel may be higher than that of the second biomass solid fuel. In this case, it becomes possible to produce multiple types of biomass solid fuel in a single production system while suppressing the production cost of biomass solid fuel.

[0287] Example 2-17. In any of the systems in Examples 2-1 to 2-16, the first fuel production equipment may further include a first dryer configured to dry the first biomass raw material and introduce the dried first biomass raw material into a first heating device, and a third flow path configured to introduce the first low-temperature combustion gas, which is discharged from the first heating device after heating the first biomass raw material, into the first dryer. In this case, the first biomass raw material, after being dried by the first dryer, is introduced into the first heating device. Therefore, less heat is required to heat the first biomass raw material and produce the first biomass solid fuel. Consequently, it becomes possible to produce a larger amount of the first biomass solid fuel while making the first heating device more compact.

[0288] Example 2-18. In any of the systems in Examples 2-1 to 2-3, the second fuel production equipment further includes a second heating device configured to heat a second biomass raw material with a first high-temperature combustion gas to produce a second biomass solid fuel as fuel, and a recovery device for recovering liquid fuel from a second pyrolysis gas generated by heating the second biomass raw material in the second heating device, wherein the first flow path may be configured to introduce the first high-temperature combustion gas into the second heating device.

[0289] In this case, the first high-temperature combustion gas discharged from the first combustion furnace is introduced into the second heating device. Therefore, the operation of the second heating device becomes less susceptible to the operating conditions of the recovery device. Consequently, it becomes possible to simplify the operation of the second heating device.

[0290] Furthermore, in this case, the second heating device is operated by the first high-temperature combustion gas discharged from the first combustion furnace, eliminating the need for a separate heat source for the second heating device. Therefore, since there is no need to install a separate heat source, the installation cost of the second fuel production equipment can be reduced.

[0291] Example 2-19. In the system of Example 2-18, the second fuel production equipment may further include a second dryer configured to dry the second biomass raw material and introduce the dried second biomass raw material into a second heating device, and a fourth flow path configured to introduce the second low-temperature combustion gas, which is discharged from the second heating device after heating the second biomass raw material from the first high-temperature combustion gas, into the second dryer. In this case, the same effects as the system of Example 2-17 can be obtained.

[0292] Example 2-20. In any of the systems in Examples 2-1 to 2-3, the second fuel production equipment further includes a second heating device configured to heat waste as a raw material to produce a carbide product as fuel, and an absorption tower that recovers predetermined gas components from a second pyrolysis gas generated by heating the waste in the second heating device into an absorption liquid, and the first flow path may be configured to introduce a first high-temperature combustion gas into the second heating device. In this case, the same effects as the system in Example 2-18 can be obtained.

[0293] Example 2-21. The system of Example 2-20 may further include a gravity differential separator configured to separate the biomass solid fuel produced in the first heating device into heavier particles larger than a predetermined particle size and lighter particles, and to supply the lighter particles as a secondary raw material to the second heating device. In this case, since the first biomass solid fuel, which is in the form of a relatively small particle size, is supplied to the second heating device as a secondary raw material, the second heating device can be operated stably due to the action of this secondary raw material. In addition, in this case, the first biomass solid fuel is cooled during the separation of the first biomass solid fuel in the gravity differential separator, so it is possible to suppress unexpected ignition when the finely powdered first biomass solid fuel is mixed with the raw material.

[0294] Example 2-22. The system of Example 2-20 may further include a crusher configured to crush the biomass solid fuel produced in the first heating device and supply it to the second heating device as a secondary material. In this case, the finely powdered first biomass solid fuel crushed in the crusher is supplied to the second heating device as a secondary material, and the second heating device can be operated stably due to the action of this secondary material. In this case, the first biomass solid fuel is cooled when it is crushed in the crusher, so it is possible to suppress unexpected ignition when the finely powdered first biomass solid fuel is mixed with the raw material.

[0295] <Third Embodiment (Corresponding to Claims 40-45)> When producing biomass solid fuel with a high degree of carbonization, a large amount of pyrolysis gas is generated by heating the biomass molded body, and the treatment of the excess pyrolysis gas becomes a challenge. If all of this is supplied to the combustion furnace and used as combustion gas, an excess amount of heat is generated, which is more than the amount of heat required to produce biomass solid fuel, and if it is discharged as is, it cannot be said to be efficient operation.

[0296] Furthermore, when biomass raw materials are heated inside the cylindrical body, tar is generated during the carbonization process of the biomass raw materials, and this tar becomes gaseous and mixes with the pyrolysis gas. Therefore, as the pyrolysis gas cools due to its flow, the gaseous tar may liquefy, potentially causing blockage of the equipment. In this case, the operating efficiency of the biomass solid fuel production equipment may decrease.

[0297] Therefore, the third embodiment describes a biomass solid fuel production system that enables efficient operation.

[0298] [Biomass Solid Fuel Manufacturing System] First, with reference to Figure 21, the configuration of the biomass solid fuel manufacturing system 1 (Example 3-1) according to the third embodiment will be described. The manufacturing system 1 is configured to manufacture biomass solid fuel BF1 from biomass raw material BM1, and also to manufacture biomass solid fuel BF2 (another biomass solid fuel) from biomass raw material BM2 (another biomass raw material). That is, as illustrated in Figure 21, the manufacturing system 1 comprises a fuel manufacturing facility 100 for manufacturing biomass solid fuel BF1, a fuel manufacturing facility 200 (processing facility, another fuel manufacturing facility) for manufacturing biomass solid fuel BF2, and a controller Ctr (control unit).

[0299] The biomass raw materials BM1 and BM2 used in manufacturing system 1 are not particularly limited. For example, the biomass raw materials BM1 and BM2 may be woody biomass or herbaceous biomass. The woody biomass may be obtained by crushing at least one of wood chips and waste wood. The woody biomass may be, for example, construction waste wood, forest residue, sawmill residue, palm kernel shells, rice husks, rice straw, wheat straw, animal feed, waste paper, etc., or crushed materials thereof. The biomass raw materials BM1 and BM2 used in manufacturing system 1 may also be biomass molded bodies that have been pressure-molded into a predetermined shape (e.g., pellet or briquette) by a molding machine (e.g., pelletizer or briquette machine).

[0300] The degree of carbonization of the biomass solid fuels BF1 and BF2 produced in manufacturing system 1 is not particularly limited. That is, the degree of carbonization of biomass solid fuels BF1 and BF2 may be high or low. Alternatively, the degree of carbonization of biomass solid fuel BF1 may be higher than that of biomass solid fuel BF2.

[0301] In this book, "degree of carbonization" refers to the degree of carbonization of biomass solid fuel, and can be evaluated by, for example, solid (material) yield and energy yield. Solid (material) yield is defined as the ratio of the amount of product produced to the amount of raw material supplied (solid (material) yield = amount of product produced / amount of raw material supplied × 100), and the lower the solid (material) yield, the more advanced the carbonization of the biomass solid fuel is considered to be. Energy yield is defined as the ratio of the calorific value of the product to the calorific value of the raw material (energy yield = calorific value of the product / calorific value of the raw material × 100), and the lower the energy yield, the more advanced the carbonization of the biomass solid fuel is considered to be. In this book, a "high" degree of carbonization refers to a solid (material) yield of 80% or less, or an energy yield of 90% or less. On the other hand, in this book, a "low" degree of carbonization refers to a solid (material) yield of 85% or more, or an energy yield of 95% or more.

[0302] [Fuel Manufacturing Equipment 100] The fuel manufacturing equipment 100 includes a heating device 110 and a combustion furnace 120, as illustrated in Figure 21.

[0303] The heating device 110 is configured to produce biomass solid fuel BF1 by carbonizing the biomass raw material BM1 with combustion gas CG1 supplied from the combustion furnace 120. The heating device 110 includes a cylindrical body 111, a girth gear 112, a plurality of tires 113, a plurality of support parts 114, a discharge part 115, and a heating part 116 (first heating part). The heating device 110 may be, for example, an externally heated rotary kiln.

[0304] The cylindrical body 111 is a long, roughly cylindrical object. The cylindrical body 111 includes one end 111a (inlet) into which the biomass raw material BM1 is fed, and the other end 111b (outlet) from which the biomass solid fuel BF1 is discharged. That is, the biomass raw material BM1 flows through the inside of the cylindrical body 111 from the one end 111a to the other end 111b. The cylindrical body 111 may be installed so that its longitudinal direction extends along the horizontal direction, or it may be installed so that its longitudinal direction is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. In the latter case, the cylindrical body 111 may be installed so that it slopes downward from the one end 111a to the other end 111b.

[0305] The girth gear 112 is fixed to the outer surface of the cylindrical body 111 so as to extend along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body 111. That is, the girth gear 112 has a substantially annular shape. The girth gear 112 has a gear shape with alternating bumps and grooves in its circumferential direction. The girth gear 112 meshes with a pinion gear (not shown), and rotates when a drive source (e.g., an electric motor) (not shown) rotates the pinion gear. As a result, the rotational force of the pinion gear is transmitted to the cylindrical body 111 via the girth gear 112. Consequently, the cylindrical body 111 rotates around a rotation axis that extends along its longitudinal direction.

[0306] The installation position of the girth gear 112 relative to the cylindrical body 111 is not particularly limited. The girth gear 112 may be located in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical body 111, closer to one end 111a of the cylindrical body 111, as illustrated in Figure 21. Multiple girth gears 112 may be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 111.

[0307] Each of the multiple tires 113 is fixed to the outer surface of the cylindrical body 111 so as to extend along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body 111. That is, each of the multiple tires 113 has a substantially annular shape. Each tire 113 is supported by a support part 114 (for example, a support roller). That is, the outer surface of the tire 113 is in direct contact with the outer surface of the support part 114. Therefore, the outer surfaces of the tires 113 and the outer surfaces of the support part 114 may be smoothed to reduce frictional resistance.

[0308] Multiple tires 113 may be arranged at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical body 111. As illustrated in Figure 21, the heating device 110 may include two tires 113 and two support parts 114 that support each tire 113. In this case, one tire 113 may be located closer to one end 111a of the cylindrical body 111, and the other tire 113 may be located closer to the other end 111b of the cylindrical body 111.

[0309] The discharge section 115 is connected to the other end 111b of the cylindrical body 111 and forms a discharge space connected to the internal space of the cylindrical body 111. The discharge section 115 receives the biomass solid fuel BF1 discharged from the other end 111b of the cylindrical body 111 and discharges the biomass solid fuel BF1 from an outlet provided at the lower end. The discharge section 115 receives the pyrolysis gas PG1 generated by heating the biomass raw material BM1 inside the cylindrical body 111 and discharges the pyrolysis gas PG1 from an exhaust port provided at the upper end toward the combustion furnace 120 through piping D11 (first flow path).

[0310] The heating element 116 is positioned to cover the outer circumference of the cylindrical body 111, and the overall shape is cylindrical. The heating element 116 may be positioned in the central part of the cylindrical body 111 in its extending direction. As illustrated in Figure 21, the heating element 116 may extend between the two tires 113 along the extending direction of the cylindrical body 111.

[0311] The heating unit 116 is connected to the combustion furnace 120 by piping D12. Therefore, high-temperature combustion gas CG1 (high-temperature combustion gas CG1a) discharged from the combustion furnace 120 is introduced into the heating unit 116 through piping D12. In other words, the heating unit 116 is configured to indirectly heat the biomass raw material BM1 flowing inside the cylindrical body 111 by heating the outer wall (outer surface) of the cylindrical body 111 with the high-temperature combustion gas CG1a. The temperature of the high-temperature combustion gas CG1a may be, for example, around 1000°C.

[0312] The heating unit 116 may, for example, heat the biomass raw material BM1 to about 240°C to 700°C in a low-oxygen atmosphere (for example, with an oxygen concentration of 10% or less inside the cylindrical body 111). When the biomass raw material BM1 inside the cylindrical body 111 is heated by the heating unit 116, pyrolysis gas PG1 is generated from the biomass raw material BM1, and the biomass raw material BM1 is carbonized to become a char. Pyrolysis gas PG1 is a mixed gas of gaseous organic components and water vapor. In addition, a dust collector (for example, a cyclone) configured to collect dust contained in the low-temperature combustion gas CG1b may be provided between the blower F1 and the heating unit 116 in the piping D13.

[0313] The high-temperature combustion gas CG1a introduced into the heating unit 116 heats the outer wall (outer surface) of the cylindrical body 111, causing the temperature of the high-temperature combustion gas CG1a to decrease and become low-temperature combustion gas CG1 (low-temperature combustion gas CG1b). The temperature of the low-temperature combustion gas CG1b may be, for example, around 300°C. The low-temperature combustion gas CG1b may be exhausted to the outside of the system (for example, the atmosphere) through the piping D13 connected to the heating unit 116 by a blower F1. The blower F1 is controlled based on a control signal from the controller Ctr. This controls the operation (driving or stopping) of the blower F1 and adjusts the airflow rate of the blower F1. The blower F1 may be, for example, an induced draft fan.

[0314] A valve V11 is provided on the upstream side of the blower F1 in the piping D13. The valve V11 is controlled based on a control signal from the controller Ctr and is configured to adjust the opening degree by opening and closing the piping D13 before and after the valve V11.

[0315] As illustrated in Figure 21, the downstream end of pipe D12 may be connected to the other end 111b of the cylindrical body 111 within the heating section 116. The upstream end of pipe D13 may be connected to the one end 111a of the cylindrical body 111 within the heating section 116. In this case, the high-temperature combustion gas CG1a introduced into the heating section 116 from pipe D12 heats the outer wall (outer surface) of the cylindrical body 111, flows towards the one end 111a of the cylindrical body 111 within the heating section 116, and becomes low-temperature combustion gas CG1b. Subsequently, the low-temperature combustion gas CG1b is discharged from the heating section 116 to the outside of the system through pipe D13. Thus, the heating device 110 illustrated in Figure 21 is a counter-flow type in which the flow direction of the biomass raw material BM1 flowing inside the cylindrical body 111 and the flow direction of the high-temperature combustion gas CG1a flowing inside the heating section 116 are opposite. The heating device 110 may be a parallel flow type in which these flow directions are the same.

[0316] As illustrated in Figure 21, the discharge section 115 and the combustion furnace 220 (described later) of the fuel production facility 200 are connected by piping D14. That is, the pyrolysis gas PG1 is introduced from the discharge section 115 to the combustion furnace 220 via piping D14.

[0317] The upstream end of pipe D14 is connected to the discharge section 115. The point where the upstream end of pipe D14 is connected to the discharge section 115 is different from the point where the upstream end of pipe D11 is connected to the discharge section 115. In other words, pipe D14 is a physically separate pipe from pipe D11.

[0318] The combustion furnace 120 is configured to generate combustion gas CG1 by burning the pyrolysis gas PG1 generated by heating the biomass raw material BM1 in the heating device 110. In the combustion furnace 120, at least one of the pyrolysis gas PG1 supplied through piping D11 and fuel supplied from the outside (for example, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)) is mixed with air (oxygen-containing gas) supplied from the outside and burned at a high temperature. The pyrolysis gas PG1 is completely combusted. The high-temperature combustion gas CG1a produced by the combustion is supplied to the heating unit 116 through piping D12.

[0319] [Fuel Manufacturing Equipment 200] The fuel manufacturing equipment 200 includes a heating device 210 (another heating device) and a combustion furnace 220 (another combustion furnace), as illustrated in Figure 21.

[0320] The heating device 210 is configured to carbonize the biomass raw material BM2 by heating it with combustion gas CG2 supplied from the combustion furnace 220, thereby producing biomass solid fuel BF2. The heating device 210 includes a cylindrical body 211, a girth gear 212, a plurality of tires 213, a plurality of support parts 214, a discharge part 215, and a heating part 216. The heating device 210 may be, for example, an externally heated rotary kiln.

[0321] The cylindrical body 211 is a long, roughly cylindrical object. The cylindrical body 211 includes one end 211a (inlet) into which the biomass raw material BM2 is fed, and the other end 211b (outlet) from which the biomass solid fuel BF2 is discharged. That is, the biomass raw material BM2 flows through the inside of the cylindrical body 211 from the one end 211a to the other end 211b. The cylindrical body 211 may be installed so that its longitudinal direction extends along the horizontal direction, or it may be installed so that its longitudinal direction is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. In the latter case, the cylindrical body 211 may be installed so that it slopes downward from the one end 211a to the other end 211b.

[0322] The girth gear 212 is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 211 so as to extend along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body 211. That is, the girth gear 212 has a substantially annular shape. The girth gear 212 has a gear shape with alternating bumps and grooves in its circumferential direction. The girth gear 212 meshes with a pinion gear (not shown), and rotates when a drive source (e.g., an electric motor) (not shown) rotates the pinion gear. As a result, the rotational force of the pinion gear is transmitted to the cylindrical body 211 via the girth gear 212. Consequently, the cylindrical body 211 rotates around a rotation axis that extends along its longitudinal direction.

[0323] The installation position of the girth gear 212 relative to the cylindrical body 211 is not particularly limited. The girth gear 212 may be located in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical body 211, closer to one end 211a of the cylindrical body 211, as illustrated in Figure 21. Multiple girth gears 212 may be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 211.

[0324] Each of the multiple tires 213 is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 211 so as to extend along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body 211. That is, each of the multiple tires 213 has a substantially annular shape. Each of the tires 213 is supported by a support part 214 (for example, a support roller). That is, the outer circumferential surface of the tire 213 is in direct contact with the outer circumferential surface of the support part 214. Therefore, the outer circumferential surfaces of the tires 213 and the outer circumferential surfaces of the support part 214 may be smoothed to reduce frictional resistance.

[0325] Multiple tires 213 may be arranged at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical body 211. As illustrated in Figure 21, the heating device 210 may include two tires 213 and two support parts 214 that support each tire 213. In this case, one tire 213 may be located closer to one end 211a of the cylindrical body 211, and the other tire 213 may be located closer to the other end 211b of the cylindrical body 211.

[0326] The discharge section 215 is connected to the other end 211b of the cylindrical body 211 and forms a discharge space connected to the internal space of the cylindrical body 211. The discharge section 215 receives the biomass solid fuel BF2 discharged from the other end 211b of the cylindrical body 211 and discharges the biomass solid fuel BF2 from the discharge port provided at the lower end. The discharge section 215 receives the pyrolysis gas PG2 (another pyrolysis gas) generated by heating the biomass raw material BM2 inside the cylindrical body 211 and discharges the pyrolysis gas PG2 from the exhaust port provided at the upper end toward the combustion furnace 220 through the piping D21 (third flow path).

[0327] The heating element 216 is positioned to cover the outer circumference of the cylindrical body 211, and the overall shape is cylindrical. The heating element 216 may be positioned in the central part of the cylindrical body 211 in its extending direction. As illustrated in Figure 21, the heating element 216 may extend along the extending direction of the cylindrical body 211 between the two tires 213.

[0328] The heating unit 216 is connected to the combustion furnace 220 by piping D22. Therefore, high-temperature combustion gas CG2 (high-temperature combustion gas CG2a) discharged from the combustion furnace 220 is introduced into the heating unit 216 through piping D22. In other words, the heating unit 216 is configured to indirectly heat the biomass raw material BM2 flowing inside the cylindrical body 211 by heating the outer wall (outer surface) of the cylindrical body 211 with the high-temperature combustion gas CG2a. The temperature of the high-temperature combustion gas CG2a may be, for example, around 400°C to 700°C.

[0329] The heating unit 216 may, for example, heat the biomass raw material BM2 to about 200°C to 400°C in a low-oxygen atmosphere (for example, with an oxygen concentration of 10% or less inside the cylindrical body 111). When the biomass raw material BM2 inside the cylindrical body 211 is heated by the heating unit 216, pyrolysis gas PG2 is generated from the biomass raw material BM2, and the biomass raw material BM2 is carbonized to become a char. Pyrolysis gas PG2 is a mixed gas of gaseous organic components and water vapor.

[0330] The high-temperature combustion gas CG2a introduced into the heating section 216 heats the outer wall (outer surface) of the cylindrical body 211, causing the temperature of the high-temperature combustion gas CG2a to decrease and become low-temperature combustion gas CG2 (low-temperature combustion gas CG2b). The temperature of the low-temperature combustion gas CG2b may be, for example, around 200°C to 500°C. The low-temperature combustion gas CG2b may be exhausted to the outside of the system (for example, the atmosphere) through the piping D23 connected to the heating section 216 by a blower F2. The blower F2 is controlled based on a control signal from the controller Ctr. This controls the operation of the blower F2 (driving or stopping) and the adjustment of the airflow rate by the blower F2 (for example, adjusting the rotation speed of the blower F2 or adjusting the opening degree of the valve V21). The blower F2 may be, for example, an induced draft fan.

[0331] A valve V21 is provided on the upstream side of the blower F2 in the piping D23. The valve V21 is controlled based on a control signal from the controller Ctr and is configured to adjust the opening degree by opening and closing the piping D23 before and after the valve V21. A dust collector (e.g., a cyclone) configured to collect dust contained in the low-temperature combustion gas CG2b may be provided between the blower F2 and the valve V21 in the piping D23, or between the valve V21 and the heating unit 216.

[0332] As illustrated in Figure 21, the downstream end of pipe D22 may be connected to the other end 211b of the cylindrical body 211 within the heating section 216. The upstream end of pipe D23 may be connected to the one end 211a of the cylindrical body 211 within the heating section 216. In this case, the high-temperature combustion gas CG2a introduced into the heating section 216 from pipe D22 heats the outer wall (outer surface) of the cylindrical body 211, flows towards the one end 211a of the cylindrical body 211 within the heating section 216, and becomes low-temperature combustion gas CG2b. Subsequently, the low-temperature combustion gas CG2b is discharged from the heating section 216 to the outside of the system through pipe D23. Thus, the heating device 210 illustrated in Figure 21 is a counter-flow type in which the flow direction of the biomass raw material BM2 flowing inside the cylindrical body 211 and the flow direction of the high-temperature combustion gas CG2a flowing inside the heating section 216 are opposite. The heating device 210 may be a parallel flow type in which these flow directions are the same.

[0333] The combustion furnace 220 is configured to generate combustion gas CG2 by burning pyrolysis gas PG1 generated by heating biomass raw material BM1 in the heating device 110, and / or pyrolysis gas PG2 generated by heating biomass raw material BM2 in the heating device 210. The combustion furnace 220 mixes pyrolysis gas PG1 supplied through piping D14, pyrolysis gas PG2 supplied through piping D21, and at least one of the fuel supplied from the outside (e.g., liquefied petroleum gas) with air (oxygen-containing gas) supplied from the outside, and burns them at a high temperature. Pyrolysis gases PG1 and PG2 are completely combusted. The high-temperature combustion gas CG2a produced by the combustion is supplied to the heating section 216 through piping D22.

[0334] The downstream end of pipe D14 is connected to the combustion furnace 220. The point where the downstream end of pipe D14 is connected to the combustion furnace 220 is different from the point where the downstream end of pipe D22 is connected to the combustion furnace 220. In other words, pipe D14 is a physically separate pipe from pipe D22.

[0335] [Operation] In the example of 3-1, the upstream end of the pipe D11 that introduces the pyrolysis gas PG1 to the combustion furnace 120 and the upstream end of the pipe D14 that introduces the pyrolysis gas PG1 to the fuel production equipment 200 are each connected to different locations on the heating device 210 (discharge section 115). Therefore, the pyrolysis gas PG1 is supplied to the combustion furnace 220 and the fuel production equipment 200 by independent flow paths, rather than branched flow paths. Consequently, the pyrolysis gas PG1 is cooled at the branching points of the flow paths, making it less likely for tar to accumulate in the flow paths. As a result, blockage of the equipment due to tar buildup is suppressed, enabling efficient operation of the biomass solid fuel BF1 and BF2 production system 1.

[0336] According to the example in 3-1, the pyrolysis gas PG1 discharged from the heating device 110 is introduced into the combustion furnace 120 via piping D11 and into the fuel production equipment 200 via piping D14. As a result, the amount of pyrolysis gas PG1 introduced into the combustion furnace 120 is relatively small, and therefore the amount of combustion gas CG1 discharged from the combustion furnace 120 is also relatively small. Consequently, the size of the blower F1 used to exhaust the combustion gas CG1 (low-temperature combustion gas CG1b) after it has been used to heat the biomass raw material BM1 in the heating device 110 can be reduced. Therefore, the power consumption for the blower F1 is suppressed, making it possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the biomass solid fuel BF1.

[0337] According to example 3-1, the pyrolysis gas PG1 is introduced into the fuel production equipment 200 through piping D14. Therefore, for example, if the temperature in the heating device 110 rises excessively, the amount of combustion gas CG1 generated in the combustion furnace 120 can be reduced by releasing the pyrolysis gas PG1 into the fuel production equipment 200 through piping D14. Thus, it is possible to protect the heating device 110 while increasing the overall safety of the production system 1.

[0338] According to the example in Section 3-1, pyrolysis gas PG1 is introduced into the combustion furnace 220 and burned to produce combustion gas CG2 for heating the biomass raw material BM2. In other words, the amount of heat required to produce the biomass solid fuel BF2 in the fuel production facility 200 is at least partially supplied by the pyrolysis gas PG1. Therefore, the use of external fuel (e.g., liquefied petroleum gas) as the heat supplied to the fuel production facility 200 can be reduced. Consequently, the consumption of external fuel is reduced, making it possible to reduce the production cost of the biomass solid fuel BF2.

[0339] According to the example in Section 3-1, in order to heat the biomass raw material BM2 in the heating device 210, pyrolysis gas PG1 from the heating device 110 and fuel from an external source can be used in the combustion furnace 220. As a result, the amount of heat supplied to the heating device 210 increases, so that the amount of heat transferred to the biomass raw material BM2 can be ensured even if the heat transfer area in the heating device 210 is reduced. As a result, it becomes possible to make the heating device 210 more compact.

[0340] According to the example in Section 3-1, at least one of the biomass raw materials BM1 and BM2 may be a molded body in which powdered biomass is pressure-molded into a predetermined shape. In this case, handling of the biomass raw materials BM1 and BM2 becomes easier.

[0341] According to the example in Section 3-1, the degree of carbonization of biomass solid fuel BF1 may be higher than that of biomass solid fuel BF2. In this case, it becomes possible to produce multiple types of biomass solid fuels BF1 and BF2 in a single production system 1 while suppressing the production costs of biomass solid fuels BF1 and BF2.

[0342] [Variations] The disclosures herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. Various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made to the above examples without departing from the claims and the gist of the claims.

[0343] As illustrated in Figure 22, another example of the manufacturing system 1 according to the third embodiment (example 3-2) differs from the manufacturing system 1 according to example 3-1, mainly in that the fuel manufacturing equipment 200 includes a recovery device 230 instead of a heating device 210.

[0344] In the third example illustrated in Figure 22, the downstream end of piping D14 is connected to the recovery device 230. On the other hand, the heating device 110 is not connected to the combustion furnace 220. Therefore, the pyrolysis gas PG1 is introduced into the recovery device 230 but not into the combustion furnace 220.

[0345] The recovery device 230 is configured to cool the pyrolysis gas PG1 introduced from the heating device 110 and recover liquid fuel LF (oil) from the pyrolysis gas PG1. The recovery device 230 recovers the liquid fuel LF by, for example, bringing a cooling liquid into contact with the pyrolysis gas PG1 inside the housing. The cooling liquid brought into contact with the pyrolysis gas PG1 may contain a portion of the liquid fuel LF already generated by cooling in the recovery device 230.

[0346] The recovery device 230 is connected to the combustion furnace 220 via piping D24. Therefore, the residual gas RG after the liquid fuel LF is recovered in the recovery device 230 is introduced into the combustion furnace 220 through piping D24.

[0347] In the third example illustrated in Figure 22, the combustion furnace 220 is configured to generate combustion gas by burning the residual gas RG introduced from the recovery device 230. The combustion furnace 220 burns the residual gas RG supplied through the piping D24, which is mixed with air (oxygen-containing gas) supplied from the outside. The residual gas RG is completely combusted. The combustion gas produced by the combustion may be exhausted outside the system (for example, into the atmosphere).

[0348] According to the example shown in Figure 22, in the third-second example, it is possible to effectively utilize the pyrolysis gas PG1 by recovering liquid fuel LF from the excess pyrolysis gas PG1.

[0349] According to the third example illustrated in Figure 22, for example, by keeping the flow rate of the pyrolysis gas PG1 introduced into the recovery device 230 through piping D14 approximately constant, the operation of the recovery device 230 becomes less susceptible to the operating conditions of the heating device 110. As a result, the recovery device 230 can be operated stably.

[0350] [Other Examples] Example 3-1. An example of a biomass solid fuel production system comprises a fuel production facility configured to produce biomass solid fuel from biomass raw materials, and a processing facility configured to process the pyrolysis gas produced in the fuel production facility. The fuel production facility includes a heating device configured to heat biomass raw materials to produce biomass solid fuel, a combustion furnace configured to burn the pyrolysis gas generated by heating the biomass raw materials in the heating device to produce combustion gas, a first flow path configured to introduce the pyrolysis gas into the combustion furnace, and a second flow path configured to introduce the pyrolysis gas into the processing facility. The upstream end of the second flow path is connected to the heating device at a point different from the upstream end of the first flow path is connected to the heating device.

[0351] In this case, the upstream end of the first flow path that introduces the pyrolysis gas into the combustion furnace and the upstream end of the second flow path that introduces the pyrolysis gas into the processing equipment are connected to different points on the heating device. Therefore, the pyrolysis gas is supplied to the combustion furnace and the processing equipment by independent flow paths, rather than branched flow paths. Consequently, the pyrolysis gas is cooled at the branching points of the flow paths, making it less likely for tar to accumulate in the flow paths. As a result, blockage of the equipment due to tar buildup is suppressed, enabling efficient operation of the biomass solid fuel production system.

[0352] Furthermore, in this case, the pyrolysis gas discharged from the heating device is introduced into the combustion furnace through the first flow path and into the manufacturing equipment through the second flow path. As a result, the amount of pyrolysis gas introduced into the combustion furnace is relatively small, and therefore the amount of combustion gas discharged from the combustion furnace is also relatively small. Consequently, the size of the fan used to exhaust the combustion gas after it has been used to heat the biomass raw material in the heating device can be reduced. Therefore, the power consumption for the fan is suppressed, making it possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of biomass solid fuel.

[0353] Furthermore, in this case, the pyrolysis gas is introduced into the processing equipment through the second flow path. Therefore, for example, if the temperature in the heating device rises excessively, the amount of combustion gas generated in the combustion furnace can be reduced by releasing the pyrolysis gas into the processing equipment through the second flow path. Thus, it is possible to protect the heating device while improving the overall safety of the manufacturing system.

[0354] Example 3-2. In the system of Example 3-1, the processing equipment may be a recovery device configured to recover liquid fuel from the pyrolysis gas. In this case, by recovering liquid fuel from the excess pyrolysis gas, it becomes possible to effectively utilize the pyrolysis gas. Furthermore, in this case, for example, by keeping the flow rate of the pyrolysis gas introduced into the processing equipment through the second flow path approximately constant, the operation of the recovery device becomes less susceptible to the operating conditions of the heating device. Therefore, it becomes possible to operate the recovery device stably.

[0355] Example 3-3. In the system of Example 3-2, the biomass raw material may be a molded body in which powdered biomass is pressure-molded into a predetermined shape. In this case, handling of the biomass raw material becomes easier.

[0356] Example 3-4. In the system of Example 3-1, the processing equipment is a separate fuel production equipment configured to produce a separate biomass solid fuel from a separate biomass raw material, and includes a separate heating device configured to heat a separate biomass raw material to produce a separate biomass solid fuel, a separate combustion furnace configured to burn a pyrolysis gas introduced through a second flow path and a separate pyrolysis gas generated by heating the separate biomass raw material in the separate heating device to produce a separate combustion gas, and a third flow path configured to introduce the separate pyrolysis gas into the separate combustion furnace, wherein the location where the downstream end of the second flow path is connected to the separate heating device may be different from the location where the downstream end of the third flow path is connected to the separate heating device.

[0357] In this case, the pyrolysis gas is introduced into another combustion furnace and burned, generating combustion gas for heating another biomass raw material. That is, the heat required to produce another biomass solid fuel in the second fuel production facility is at least partially supplied by the pyrolysis gas. Therefore, the use of external fuel (e.g., liquefied petroleum gas) as the heat supplied to the second fuel production facility can be reduced. Consequently, the consumption of external fuel is reduced, making it possible to lower the production cost of the other biomass solid fuel.

[0358] Furthermore, in this case, the pyrolysis gas from the heating device and external fuel can be used in a separate combustion furnace to heat a different biomass raw material in a separate heating device. As a result, the amount of heat supplied to the separate heating device increases, so that the amount of heat transferred to the other biomass raw material can be ensured even if the heat transfer area of ​​the separate heating device is reduced. Consequently, it becomes possible to make the separate heating device more compact.

[0359] Example 3-5. In the system of Example 3-4, at least one of the biomass raw material and the other biomass raw material may be a molded body in which powdered biomass is pressure-molded into a predetermined shape. In this case, handling of the biomass raw material and / or the other biomass raw material becomes easier.

[0360] Example 3-6. In the system of Example 3-4 or Example 3-5, the degree of carbonization of one biomass solid fuel may be higher than that of another biomass solid fuel. In this case, it becomes possible to produce multiple types of biomass solid fuels in a single production system while suppressing the production cost of the biomass solid fuels.

[0361] <Explanation of symbols related to the first embodiment> 1...Manufacturing system, 100...Fuel manufacturing equipment (first fuel manufacturing equipment), 110...Heating device (first heating device), 111...Cylindrical body (first cylindrical body), 111a...One end, 111b...Other end, 113...Tire (first tire), 114...Support part (first support part), 116...Heating part (first heating part), 120...Combustion furnace (first combustion furnace), 130...Dryer, 200...Fuel manufacturing equipment (second fuel manufacturing equipment) ), 210... Heating device (second heating device), 211... Cylindrical body (second cylindrical body), 211a... One end, 211b... Other end, 213... Tire (second tire), 214... Support part (second support part), 216... Heating part (second heating part), 220... Combustion furnace (second combustion furnace), 230... Heat exchanger, BF1... Biomass solid fuel (first biomass solid fuel), BF2... Biomass solid fuel (second biomass solid fuel) Mass solid fuel), BM1... Biomass raw material (first biomass raw material), BM2... Biomass raw material (second biomass raw material), CG1... Combustion gas (first combustion gas), CG1b... Low-temperature combustion gas (first low-temperature combustion gas), CG2... Combustion gas (second combustion gas), CG2b... Low-temperature combustion gas (second low-temperature combustion gas), Ctr... Controller (control unit), D12, D18, D22... Piping (first bypass flow path) D12, D22, D26... Piping (second bypass channel), D12, D23, D26, D27... Piping (alternative channel), D13, D14... Piping (first channel), D13, D15... Piping (third channel), D14, D22-D24... Piping (second channel), PG1... Pyrolysis gas (first pyrolysis gas), PG2... Pyrolysis gas (second pyrolysis gas), SE2... Sensor (measuring unit), V13, V14... Valve (adjustment unit).

[0362] <Explanation of symbols related to the second embodiment> 1...Manufacturing system, 100...Fuel manufacturing equipment (first fuel manufacturing equipment), 110...Heating device (first heating device), 111...Cylindrical body (first cylindrical body), 111a...One end, 111b...Other end, 113...Tire (first tire), 114...Support part (first support part), 116...Heating part (first heating part), 120...Combustion furnace (first combustion furnace), 130...Dryer (first dryer), 150...Specific gravity difference sorter, 160...Crusher, 200...Fuel manufacturing equipment Equipment (second fuel manufacturing equipment), 210... Heating device (second heating device), 211... Cylindrical body (second cylindrical body), 211a... One end, 211b... Other end, 213... Tire (second tire), 214... Support part (second support part), 216... Heating part (second heating part), 220... Combustion furnace (second combustion furnace), 230... Heat exchanger, 240... Recovery device, 250... Dryer (second dryer), 260... Absorption tower, BF1... Biomass solid fuel (first biomass BF2... Biomass solid fuel (fuel, second biomass solid fuel), BM1... Biomass raw material (first biomass raw material), BM2... Biomass raw material (raw material, second biomass raw material), CG1... Combustion gas (first combustion gas), CG2... Combustion gas (second combustion gas), CG1a... High-temperature combustion gas (first high-temperature combustion gas), CG1b... Low-temperature combustion gas (first low-temperature combustion gas), CG2b... Low-temperature combustion gas (second low-temperature combustion gas) ,Ctr...Controller (control unit), D13, D14, D22...Piping (first flow path), D13, D16...Piping (third flow path), D22-D24...Piping (second flow path), D23, D28...Piping (fourth flow path), PG1...Pyrolysis gas (first pyrolysis gas), PG2...Pyrolysis gas (second pyrolysis gas), SE11, SE12...Sensors (first measuring unit), SE21, SE22...Sensors (second measuring unit), V12, V13...Valves (adjustment unit).

[0363] <Explanation of symbols related to the third form> 1...Manufacturing system, 100...Fuel manufacturing equipment, 110...Heating device, 120...Combustion furnace, 200...Fuel manufacturing equipment (processing equipment, another fuel manufacturing equipment), 210...Heating device (another heating device), 220...Combustion furnace (another combustion furnace), 230...Recovery device (processing equipment), BF1...Biomass solid fuel, BF2...Biomass solid fuel (another biomass solid fuel), BM1...Biomass raw material (biomass raw material), BM2...Biomass raw material (another biomass raw material), D11...Piping (first flow path), D14...Piping (second flow path), D21...Piping (third flow path), PG1...Pyrolysis gas, PG2...Pyrolysis gas (another pyrolysis gas).

Claims

A first fuel production facility configured to produce a first biomass solid fuel from a first biomass raw material, The system comprises a second fuel production facility configured to produce a second biomass solid fuel from a second biomass raw material, The first fuel manufacturing facility is, A first heating device configured to heat the first biomass raw material to produce the first biomass solid fuel, A first combustion furnace is configured to generate a first combustion gas by burning the first pyrolysis gas generated by heating the first biomass raw material in the first heating device, A biomass solid fuel production system, comprising: a first flow path configured to introduce a first low-temperature combustion gas, which is discharged from the first heating device after heating the first biomass raw material, into a second fuel production facility for use in the production of the second biomass solid fuel. 　 The first heating device is A first cylindrical body including one end into which the first biomass raw material is fed and the other end from which the first biomass solid fuel is discharged, The system according to claim 1, further comprising: a first heating unit disposed so as to cover the outer circumference of the first cylindrical body and configured to heat the first biomass raw material flowing inside the first cylindrical body. 　 The first heating device is A pair of first tires are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical body so as to be located at one end and the other end of the first cylindrical body, It further includes a pair of first support parts configured to support the pair of first tires, The system according to claim 2, wherein the first heating element extends between the pair of first tires along the extending direction of the first cylindrical body. 　 The second fuel manufacturing facility described above is: A second heating device configured to heat the second biomass raw material to produce the second biomass solid fuel, The device includes a second combustion furnace configured to generate a second combustion gas by burning the second pyrolysis gas generated by heating the second biomass raw material in the second heating device, The system according to claim 1, wherein the first flow path is configured to introduce the first low-temperature combustion gas into the second heating device. 　 The system according to claim 4, wherein the second fuel production equipment further includes a second flow path configured to return the second low-temperature combustion gas, which is discharged from the second heating device after heating the second biomass raw material, back to the second heating device for heating the second biomass raw material. 　 The second heating device described above is A second cylindrical body including one end into which the second biomass raw material is fed and the other end from which the second biomass solid fuel is discharged, The system according to claim 4, further comprising: a second heating unit disposed so as to cover the outer circumference of the second cylindrical body and configured to heat the second biomass raw material flowing inside the second cylindrical body. 　 The second heating device described above is A pair of second tires are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the second cylindrical body so as to be located at one end and the other end of the second cylindrical body, It further includes a pair of second support parts configured to support the pair of second tires, The system according to claim 6, wherein the second heating element extends between the pair of second tires along the direction of extension of the second cylindrical body. 　 The second fuel manufacturing facility described above is: A second heating device configured to heat the second biomass raw material to produce the second biomass solid fuel, A second combustion furnace is configured to generate a second combustion gas by burning the second pyrolysis gas generated by heating the second biomass raw material in the second heating device, The system includes a heat exchanger configured to heat an oxygen-containing gas for burning the second pyrolysis gas, The system according to claim 1, wherein the first flow path is configured to introduce the first low-temperature combustion gas into the heat exchanger for heat exchange with the oxygen-containing gas. 　 The system according to claim 8, wherein the second fuel production equipment further includes a second flow path configured to return the second low-temperature combustion gas, which is discharged from the second heating device after heating the second biomass raw material, back to the second heating device for heating the second biomass raw material. 　 The system according to claim 8, wherein the first flow path is configured to introduce the first low-temperature combustion gas to the heat exchanger and the second heating device, respectively. 　 The second heating device described above is A second cylindrical body including one end into which the second biomass raw material is fed and the other end from which the second biomass solid fuel is discharged, The system according to claim 8, further comprising a second heating unit disposed to cover the outer circumference of the second cylindrical body and configured to heat the second biomass raw material flowing inside the second cylindrical body. 　 The second heating device described above is A pair of second tires are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the second cylindrical body so as to be located at one end and the other end of the second cylindrical body, It further includes a pair of second support parts configured to support the pair of second tires, The system according to claim 11, wherein the second heating element extends between the pair of second tires along the direction of extension of the second cylindrical body. 　 A first bypass channel is configured to introduce the first combustion gas discharged from the first combustion furnace into the second heating device, without introducing it into the first heating device, A second bypass channel is configured to introduce the second combustion gas discharged from the second combustion furnace into the first heating device, without introducing it into the second heating device, The system according to any one of claims 4 to 12, further comprising at least one of the following: a pre-flow channel configured to introduce a second low-temperature combustion gas, which is discharged from the second heating device after heating the second biomass raw material, into the first heating device. 　 The first fuel manufacturing facility is, A dryer configured to dry the first biomass raw material and to introduce the dried first biomass raw material into a first heating device, The system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a third flow path configured to introduce the first low-temperature combustion gas into the dryer. 　 A measuring unit configured to measure the moisture content of the first biomass raw material after drying by the dryer, A control unit configured to adjust the temperature of the first low-temperature combustion gas supplied to the dryer, It further comprises a control unit, The system according to claim 14, wherein the control unit is configured to perform a process to control the adjustment unit so that the amount of moisture measured by the measuring unit becomes a predetermined target value. 　 The system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein at least one of the first biomass raw material and the second biomass raw material is a molded body obtained by pressurizing powdered biomass into a predetermined shape. 　 The system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the degree of carbonization of the first biomass solid fuel is higher than the degree of carbonization of the second biomass solid fuel. 　 A first fuel production facility configured to produce a first biomass solid fuel from a first biomass raw material, It comprises a second fuel manufacturing facility configured to produce fuel from raw materials, The first fuel manufacturing facility is, A first heating device configured to heat the first biomass raw material to produce the first biomass solid fuel, A first combustion furnace is configured to generate a first combustion gas by burning the first pyrolysis gas generated by heating the first biomass raw material in the first heating device, A biomass solid fuel production system comprising: a first flow path configured to introduce a first high-temperature combustion gas, which is discharged from the first combustion furnace, into a second fuel production facility for use in the production of the fuel. 　 The first heating device is A first cylindrical body including one end into which the first biomass raw material is fed and the other end from which the first biomass solid fuel is discharged, The system according to claim 18, further comprising: a first heating unit disposed so as to cover the outer circumference of the first cylindrical body and configured to heat the first biomass raw material flowing inside the first cylindrical body. 　 The first heating device is A pair of first tires are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical body so as to be located at one end and the other end of the first cylindrical body, It further includes a pair of first support parts configured to support the pair of first tires, The system according to claim 19, wherein the first heating element extends between the pair of first tires along the direction of extension of the first cylindrical body. 　 The second fuel manufacturing facility described above is: A second heating device configured to heat a second biomass raw material as the raw material to produce a second biomass solid fuel as the fuel, The device includes a second combustion furnace configured to generate a second combustion gas by burning the second pyrolysis gas generated by heating the second biomass raw material in the second heating device, The system according to claim 18, wherein the first flow path is configured to introduce the first high-temperature combustion gas into the second heating device. 　 A first measuring unit configured to measure the thermal state in the first heating device, A second measuring unit configured to measure the thermal state in the second heating device, A control unit configured to adjust at least one of the flow rate and temperature of the first high-temperature combustion gas flowing through the first flow path toward the second heating device, It further comprises a control unit, The system according to claim 21, wherein the control unit is configured to perform a process to control the adjustment unit based on the thermal state measured by the first measuring unit and the thermal state measured by the second measuring unit. 　 The first measuring unit is configured to measure, as the thermal state in the first heating device, at least one of the temperature of the first combustion gas introduced into the first heating device and the temperature of the first biomass solid fuel produced by the first heating device. The system according to claim 22, wherein the second measuring unit is configured to measure, as a thermal state in the second heating device, at least one of the temperature of at least one of the first combustion gas and the second combustion gas introduced into the second heating device and the temperature of the second biomass solid fuel produced by the second heating device. 　 The system according to claim 21, wherein the second fuel production equipment further includes a second flow path configured to return the second low-temperature combustion gas, which is discharged from the second heating device after heating the second biomass raw material, to the second heating device for heating the second biomass raw material. The second heating device described above is A second cylindrical body including one end into which the second biomass raw material is fed and the other end from which the second biomass solid fuel is discharged, The system according to claim 21, further comprising: a second heating unit disposed so as to cover the outer circumference of the second cylindrical body and configured to heat the second biomass raw material flowing inside the second cylindrical body. 　 The second heating device described above is A pair of second tires are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the second cylindrical body so as to be located at one end and the other end of the second cylindrical body, It further includes a pair of second support parts configured to support the pair of second tires, The system according to claim 25, wherein the second heating element extends between the pair of second tires along the extending direction of the second cylindrical body. 　 The second fuel manufacturing facility described above is: A second heating device configured to heat a second biomass raw material as the raw material to produce a second biomass solid fuel as the fuel, A second combustion furnace is configured to generate a second combustion gas by burning the second pyrolysis gas generated by heating the second biomass raw material in the second heating device, The system includes a heat exchanger configured to heat an oxygen-containing gas for burning the second pyrolysis gas, The system according to claim 18, wherein the first flow path is configured to introduce the first high-temperature combustion gas into the heat exchanger for heat exchange with the oxygen-containing gas. 　 The system according to claim 27, wherein the second fuel production equipment further includes a second flow path configured to return the second low-temperature combustion gas, which is discharged from the second heating device after heating the second biomass raw material, to the second heating device for heating the second biomass raw material. 　 The system according to claim 27, wherein the first flow path is configured to introduce the first high-temperature combustion gas to the heat exchanger and the second heating device, respectively. 　 The second heating device described above is A second cylindrical body including one end into which the second biomass raw material is fed and the other end from which the second biomass solid fuel is discharged, The system according to claim 27, further comprising: a second heating unit disposed so as to cover the outer circumference of the second cylindrical body and configured to heat the second biomass raw material flowing inside the second cylindrical body. 　 The second heating device described above is A pair of second tires are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the second cylindrical body so as to be located at one end and the other end of the second cylindrical body, It further includes a pair of second support parts configured to support the pair of second tires, The system according to claim 30, wherein the second heating element extends between the pair of second tires along the direction of extension of the second cylindrical body. 　 The system according to any one of claims 21 to 31, wherein at least one of the first biomass raw material and the second biomass raw material is a molded body obtained by pressurizing powdered biomass into a predetermined shape. 　 The system according to any one of claims 21 to 31, wherein the degree of carbonization of the first biomass solid fuel is higher than the degree of carbonization of the second biomass solid fuel. 　 The first fuel manufacturing facility is, A first dryer configured to dry the first biomass raw material and to introduce the dried first biomass raw material into a first heating device, The system according to any one of claims 18 to 33, further comprising a third flow path configured to introduce a first low-temperature combustion gas, which is discharged from the first heating device after heating the first biomass raw material, into the first dryer. 　 The second fuel manufacturing facility described above is: A second heating device is configured to heat a second biomass raw material as the raw material with the first high-temperature combustion gas to produce a second biomass solid fuel as the fuel, The present invention further includes a recovery device for recovering liquid fuel from a second pyrolysis gas generated by heating the second biomass raw material in the second heating device, The system according to claim 18, wherein the first flow path is configured to introduce the first high-temperature combustion gas into the second heating device. 　 The second fuel manufacturing facility described above is: A second dryer configured to dry the second biomass raw material and introduce the dried second biomass raw material into the second heating device, The system according to claim 35, further comprising a fourth flow path configured to introduce a second low-temperature combustion gas, which is discharged from the second heating device after heating the second biomass raw material from the first high-temperature combustion gas, into the second dryer. 　 The second fuel manufacturing facility described above is: A second heating device configured to heat waste as a raw material to produce a carbonized product as fuel, The system further includes an absorption tower for recovering predetermined gas components from a second pyrolysis gas generated by heating the waste in the second heating device into an absorption liquid, The system according to claim 18, wherein the first flow path is configured to introduce the first high-temperature combustion gas into the second heating device. 　 The system according to claim 37, further comprising a specific gravity difference separator configured to separate the biomass solid fuel produced by the first heating device into heavier particles larger than a predetermined particle size and lighter particles, and to supply the lighter particles as a secondary raw material to the second heating device. The system according to claim 37, further comprising a pulverizer configured to pulverize the biomass solid fuel produced by the first heating device and supply it to the second heating device as a secondary raw material. 　 A fuel manufacturing facility configured to produce biomass solid fuel from biomass raw materials, The facility includes a processing facility configured to process the pyrolysis gas generated in the aforementioned fuel manufacturing facility, The aforementioned fuel manufacturing equipment is A heating device configured to heat the biomass raw material to produce the biomass solid fuel, A combustion furnace configured to generate combustion gas by burning the pyrolysis gas generated by heating the biomass raw material in the heating device, A first flow path configured to introduce the pyrolysis gas into the combustion furnace, The facility includes a second flow path configured to introduce the pyrolysis gas into the processing equipment, A biomass solid fuel production system wherein the upstream end of the second flow path is connected to the heating device at a location different from the upstream end of the first flow path is connected to the heating device. 　 The system according to claim 40, wherein the processing equipment is a recovery device configured to recover liquid fuel from the pyrolysis gas. 　 The system according to claim 41, wherein the biomass raw material is a molded body obtained by pressurizing powdered biomass into a predetermined shape. 　 The aforementioned processing equipment is Another fuel production facility configured to produce another biomass solid fuel from another biomass raw material, Another heating device configured to heat the aforementioned other biomass raw material to produce the aforementioned other biomass solid fuel, A separate combustion furnace is configured to burn the pyrolysis gas introduced through the second flow path and another pyrolysis gas generated by heating the other biomass raw material in the other heating device to produce another combustion gas, It includes a third flow path configured to introduce the aforementioned other pyrolysis gas into the aforementioned other combustion furnace, The system according to claim 40, wherein the downstream end of the second flow path is connected to the other heating device at a location different from the downstream end of the third flow path is connected to the other heating device. 　 The system according to claim 43, wherein at least one of the biomass raw material and the other biomass raw material is a molded body obtained by pressurizing powdered biomass into a predetermined shape. 　 The system according to claim 43 or 44, wherein the degree of carbonization of the biomass solid fuel is higher than that of the other biomass solid fuel.

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