System for yielding methane, device for producing reformed low-grade coal, subcritical-water treatment device for use in system for yielding methane, system for utilizing reformed low-grade coal, method for yielding methane, method for producing reformed low-grade coal, and method for utilizing reformed low-grade coal

Abstract

The present invention easily yields, in a short time, a gas consisting mainly of high-concentration methane, by gasifying a yielded biocoal carbonization product. In this subcritical-water treatment device, a first-stage treatment at 150-220°C for a predetermined and prescribed treatment time is set in a first-stage temperature range not higher than 220°C, and a second-stage treatment at 110-130°C for a predetermined and prescribed treatment time is set in a second-stage temperature range not higher than 130°C. In the first-stage treatment, low-grade coal as a raw material to be treated is deprived of moisture to form voids in a volume amount of 20% or larger per unit volume of the low-grade coal, and molten / liquefied components are formed from some of the low-grade coal. In the second-stage treatment, the molten / liquefied components are solidified in the voids and caused to adhere to components in the other portions that have not been melted or liquefied, thereby filling the voids and yielding a biocoal carbonization product having a void content of 9% or less with respect to the entire volume. This device for utilizing reformed low-grade coal is equipped with a gasification means for methanating the biocoal carbonization product, the gasification means gasifying, in a non-oxidization state, the reformed low-grade coal yielded from a bio-based carbonization product to yield methane.

Description

System for producing methane, apparatus for producing reformed low-grade coal, subcritical water treatment apparatus used in the system for producing methane, reformed low-grade coal utilization system, method for producing methane, method for producing reformed low-grade coal, and method for utilizing reformed low-grade coal

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for producing methane, a gasifier used in the system for producing methane, an apparatus for producing reformed low-grade coal, a subcritical water treatment apparatus used in the system for producing methane or the apparatus for producing reformed low-grade coal, a reformed low-grade coal utilization system, a method for producing methane, a method for producing reformed low-grade coal, and a method for utilizing reformed low-grade coal.

[0002] When coal is roughly classified into two groups according to the degree of coalification, coal with a high degree of coalification is classified into bituminous coal and anthracite, and coal with a low degree of coalification is classified into peat, lignite, and sub-bituminous coal. Coal with a high degree of coalification and a high calorific value, such as bituminous coal and anthracite, is high-grade coal, and coal with a lower degree of coalification than high-grade coal, such as sub-bituminous coal, lignite, and peat, is low-grade coal.

[0003] The calorific value of coal by grade is such that high-grade coal has a high calorific value, and low-grade coal has a lower calorific value than high-grade coal.

[0004] Non-Patent Document 1 describes coal classification according to JIS. According to the coal classification according to JIS, it is described that high-grade coal has a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more, and sub-bituminous coal has a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or less. Therefore, the calorific value of low-grade coal is 8,100 kcal / kg or less. Non-Patent Document 1 describes that with respect to the moisture content, it is 9.0 to 11.08% (percentage in the whole) for high-grade coal and 26.0% for low-grade coal.

[0005] Due to poor transport efficiency and energy efficiency, low-grade coal has fewer transactions in the world market compared to high-grade coal. Also, since the CO2 emissions and soot of facilities burning low-grade coal are higher than those of factories and power plants burning high-grade coal, the use of low-grade coal with a large environmental load has become a political issue.

[0006] On the other hand, low-grade coal accounts for half of the world's coal reserves and has the advantage of being obtainable at a low cost. Therefore, research and development have been conducted on improvement technologies from the perspective of modifying and gasifying low-grade coal, such as removing moisture from low-grade coal, in order to improve the efficiency of transportation and combustion.

[0007] Burning coal emits an average of approximately 100 kg of CO2 per million BTU (British thermal units) of energy. There is a need to reduce CO2 emissions and create a society that does not burden the environment, and various measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions have been proposed.

[0008] Traditionally, coal carbonization is known as a method for obtaining coal gas. Coal carbonization involves heating and decomposing coal in an air-free environment to obtain coal gas, gaseous liquid, coal tar, coke, and other materials.

[0009] A technology for producing CWM (Chemical Water Mass) has been developed and put into practical use, which involves adding water to pulverized coal to prepare a slurry-like CWM, and then using this as a substitute fuel for heavy oil.

[0010] A method for producing synthesis gas from coal is known. This method involves introducing steam and oxygen into coal, for example, to carry out the following coal gasification reactions sequentially or concurrently, thereby producing synthesis gas from coal.

[0011] Non-patent document 2 contains the following description regarding the production of synthesis gas:

[0012] Coal ⇒ H2, CmHn, C 4000 kcal / kg (1) C + 2H2 → CH4 + 17900 cal (2) C + H2O → CO + H2 - 31100 cal (3) C + 2H2O → CO2 + 2H2 - 18200 cal (4) C + CO2 → 2CO - 40800 cal (5) C + H2O → CO2 + H2 + 9700 cal (6) C + O2 + 94000 cal (7) 2C + O2 → 2CO + 53200 cal (8) Equation (1) is the carbonization reaction that is fundamental to coal gasification. When coal is heated to above 350°C, it undergoes carbonization to produce H2, CO, CH4, hydrocarbons such as tar, and char. In high-temperature gasification, all hydrocarbons and char react again according to the reaction equations shown in (2) and below, ultimately producing synthesis gas of H2 and CO. Equations (7) and (8) are combustion reactions that supply the heat of these reactions.

[0013] Patent Document 1 describes a method and apparatus for converting coal into fuel for power generation equipment. This invention proposes a decomposition reaction step in which a coal-water mixture, which is a mixture of pulverized coal and water, is decomposed by maintaining the temperature and pressure of the water at a subcritical state, and a gasification step in which a carbon-hydrogen gas and a coal-oil mixture are supplied to a gasification reactor to gasify into a combustible gas mainly composed of CO and H2.

[0014] Patent Document 2 describes a woody biomass production system developed by the inventors of the present application. It describes a method for producing hydrothermally reacted semi-carbonized solids by introducing waste material into a pressure vessel, hydrolyzing it with subcritical water, and then performing a low-temperature semi-carbonization treatment, collecting the resulting hydrothermally reacted semi-carbonized solids, and assembling the hydrothermally reacted semi-carbonized solids to produce hydrothermally reacted semi-carbonized pellets. Furthermore, it describes that when the raw material is wood chips, the semi-carbonization treatment temperature should be around 200°C. It also describes that the hydrothermally reacted pellets can be used for power generation or as combustion fuel.

[0015] Patent No. 3947887 Patent No. 7441573

[0016] "Regarding the Classification of Coal" November 2022, Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC), Coal Development Department, Energy & Resources, Vol. 4, No. 6, Special Feature: C1 Chemical Technology, Synthesis Gas Production from Coal, pages 36-43

[0017] The coal carbonization process involves heating and decomposing coal to obtain volatile coal gas, non-volatile gases such as liquid gas, coal tar, and coke. However, when specializing in maximizing the production of volatile coal gas, there is a problem in maximizing the amount of volatile coal gas collected.

[0018] CWM (Chemical Water Modulation) technology involves carbonization at temperatures above 350°C to add water and oxygen to the coal used as raw material, generating a large amount of carbon dioxide. This results in a low calorific value, with an upper limit of approximately 4,000 kcal / kg.

[0019] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, a high-temperature subcritical water treatment method is employed to generate a coal-oil mixture, and a gasification process is employed in which the coal-oil mixture is supplied to a gasification reactor to gasify it into a combustible gas mainly composed of CO and H2. However, the high-temperature subcritical water treatment method must be subjected to high-temperature treatment to generate the coal-oil mixture.

[0020] According to the technology described in Patent Document 2, a subcritical water treatment method is employed, and the semi-carbonization treatment temperature can be set to around 200°C. Patent Document 2 describes the basic and fundamental technology of the subcritical water treatment method, but does not describe a coal gasification method using the subcritical water treatment method.

[0021] As mentioned above, low-grade coal is traded less in the global market than high-grade coal due to its poor transportation and energy efficiency. Furthermore, because facilities burning low-grade coal emit more CO2 and produce more soot than factories and power plants that burn high-grade coal, the use of low-grade coal, which has a greater environmental impact, has become a political issue.

[0022] In view of the foregoing, the present invention aims to easily generate a gas mainly composed of methane at a high concentration in a short time by gasifying the generated bio-coal char.

[0023] The present invention aims to modify coal, particularly low-grade coal, by producing bio-coal char, which is produced by bio-processing coal using a low-temperature, low-molecular-weight treatment during subcritical water treatment. This process facilitates gasification when coal is treated with subcritical water, allows for the acquisition of gas with a higher calorific value than that of high-grade coal in a short time, and improves the amount of gas produced compared to coal carbonization. In particular, the present invention aims to modify coal to have a calorific value exceeding that of high-grade coal by producing bio-coal char, which is suitable when the coal used as raw material is low-grade coal.

[0024] In the present invention, high-grade coal refers to bituminous coal, anthracite, or a mixture thereof, and low-grade coal refers to peat, lignite, subbituminous coal, or a mixture thereof, and in the case where high-grade coal is mixed with peat, lignite, or subbituminous coal, it refers to the case where peat, lignite, or subbituminous coal constitutes the main component.

[0025] The present invention relates to a system for producing methane from modified low-grade coal, comprising a modified low-grade coal production apparatus that produces low-grade coal by modifying the low-grade coal used as a processing raw material, and a gasification means for gasifying the resulting bio-coal char, wherein the modified low-grade coal production apparatus is equipped with a subcritical water treatment apparatus having a temperature curve characteristic in which the relationship between temperature X and weight loss rate Y during hydrolysis treatment is represented on the XY axis coordinate system by a portion where the temperature X is 220°C or less and the weight loss rate continues to a portion where the weight decreases sharply at the shoulder of a gradual weight loss line, and the gasification means is equipped with a gasification furnace. Inside the subcritical water treatment apparatus 11, a first-stage temperature region of 220°C or less and a second-stage temperature adjustment region adjusted to 130°C or less are formed at the temperature of the shoulder portion of the temperature curve. The subcritical water treatment apparatus is configured with a first-stage processing means set to 150 to 220°C for a predetermined processing time corresponding to the first-stage temperature region of 220°C or less, to remove the water contained in the low-grade coal raw material, creating voids, low-molecular-weight molten / liquefied components, and low-molecular-weight non-molten / liquefied components. The second-stage processing means is configured to 110 to 130°C for a predetermined processing time corresponding to the second-stage temperature region of 130°C or less, to fill the voids with the low-molecular-weight molten / liquefied components, thereby producing bio-coal char with a void ratio of 11% or less in the total volume of the bio-coal char after filling. The present invention provides a system for producing methane from modified low-grade coal, characterized in that the gasification means gasifies the generated biocarbon in a non-oxidizing state to produce methane.

[0026] The present invention provides a methane generating system characterized by comprising a gas holder for storing the generated methane, wherein the gasification means burns a portion of the stored methane to generate a combustion gas for a heat source, and heats and gasifies the bio-coal char in a non-oxidizing state with the combustion gas to generate methane.

[0027] The present invention provides a methane generating system characterized by setting the gasification means to a temperature of 350 to 450°C and a processing period of 15 to 30 minutes to generate methane with a concentration of 30% or more.

[0028] As described above, "modified coal" includes both modified high-grade coal and modified low-grade coal, and "bio-coal carbide" is used in connection with the subcritical water treatment of the raw material coal in the said subcritical water treatment device. When the raw material coal is low-grade coal, it is called "bio-low-grade coal carbide," and when the raw material coal is high-grade coal, it is called "bio-high-grade coal carbide." "Modified low-grade coal" mainly consists of the generated "bio-coal carbide" and is used in connection with the production in the modified low-grade coal production device. "Modification" means that the raw material coal in the said subcritical water treatment device is transformed into bio-coal carbide with an improved calorific value by subcritical water treatment. The "moisture" that reduces the calorific value is the moisture contained within the coal used as the raw material for processing, especially low-grade coal. When it evaporates during subcritical water treatment, it forms the basis for void formation. When the voids are reduced by the solidification of molten and liquefied components within the voids, bio-coal char is produced that retains a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more, similar to that of high-grade coal.

[0029] "Densification" refers to the structural state of modified coal achieved by fixing molten and liquefied components to non-molten and non-liquefied components, thereby reducing the void ratio in modified low-grade coal to 9% or less, preferably 5% or less, by filling and fixing voids where moisture is absent with molten and liquefied components.

[0030] "8,100 kcal / kg" is a standard value established by referring to the 8,100 kcal / kg value held by high-grade coal, and the standard value can be arbitrarily set at a value above 8,100 kcal / kg. For example, 8,400 kcal / kg for bituminous coal as specified in JIS M-1002 can be set.

[0031] According to the present invention, by gasifying the generated bio-coal char, a gas mainly composed of methane with a high concentration can be easily produced in a shorter time compared to various conventional methods.

[0032] According to the present invention, by producing bio-coal char, which is produced by bio-processing coal, the raw material coal, especially low-grade coal, is modified by producing bio-coal char, which is suitable in cases where the raw material coal is low-grade coal, the raw material coal is modified to have a calorific value greater than that of high-grade coal by producing bio-coal char, which is easily gasified when coal is treated with subcritical water and the treatment product is gasified, and which is capable of obtaining a gas with a higher calorific value than that of high-grade coal. According to the present invention, by producing bio-coal char, which is particularly suitable when the raw material coal is low-grade coal, the raw material coal can be modified to have a calorific value greater than that of high-grade coal.

[0033] According to the present invention, by setting a low processing temperature for the demolecular-weight treatment by hydrolysis, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the efficiency of utilizing the calorific value possessed by low-grade coal, thereby enabling the production of modified low-grade coal with a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more. This provides a modified low-grade coal production apparatus and method that can utilize modified low-grade coal to the same extent as high-grade coal, and is environmentally friendly by suppressing CO2 emissions.

[0034] Figures illustrating a modified low-grade coal production apparatus and methane gas production system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures illustrating the configuration of a fuel-self-sufficient methane gas production apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures illustrating the configuration of the first subcritical water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures illustrating the configuration of the second subcritical water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures showing the relationship between temperature X and weight loss rate Y on the XY axis coordinates. Figures illustrating the modified production of low-grade coal and the utilization of modified low-grade coal. Micrograph of lignite. Micrograph of peat (1). Micrograph of peat (2). Figures illustrating the voids generated by the present invention and the state in which molten / liquefied material is fixed within the voids. Figures illustrating the modified low-grade coal production method and the modified low-grade coal utilization system. Figures illustrating an operational system utilizing modified low-grade coal. Figures illustrating an operational system utilizing modified low-grade coal with a network for exchanging information on the production of modified low-grade coal and / or CO2 emission reduction information. Figures illustrating the internal configuration of the manufacturer / distributor terminal, the user terminal, and the administrator terminal. Figures illustrating the information generated by the manufacturer / distributor terminal, the user terminal, and the administrator terminal, and the exchange of this information.

[0035] The following describes an embodiment of the present invention: a modified low-grade coal utilization system.

[0036] As mentioned above, according to Non-Patent Document 1, although it varies depending on the place of origin, high-grade charcoal has a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more, while low-grade charcoal has a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or less. The moisture content is 9.0-11.08% (percentage of the total) for high-grade charcoal and 26.0% for low-grade charcoal.

[0037] Figure 1 shows a modified low-grade coal production and utilization system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Among the modified low-grade coal production and utilization systems, this figure shows a methane gas production and utilization system that produces and utilizes methane gas from modified low-grade coal.

[0038] The present invention relates to a modified low-grade coal production and utilization system 100 comprising a modified low-grade coal production apparatus 1 for modifying low-grade coal used as a processing raw material, and a modified low-grade coal utilization apparatus (also called a utilization apparatus) 2 for utilizing the modified low-grade coal as a heat source raw material, and more particularly to a methane gas production and utilization system.

[0039] The modified low-grade coal production and utilization system 100 consists of a modified low-grade coal production device 1 and a modified low-grade coal utilization device 2 that uses bio-coal char produced by the modified low-grade coal production device.

[0040] A transport means 3, such as a transport vehicle, is installed between the modified low-grade coal production apparatus 1 and the modified low-grade coal utilization apparatus 2.

[0041] When the low - grade carbon as a medium is represented by 12 and the bio - coal carbide is represented by 16, the modified low - grade carbon manufacturing apparatus 1 mainly consists of a sub - critical water treatment apparatus 11, a pulverization apparatus 13 for pulverizing the low - grade carbon 12 of the pulverized treatment raw material, a high - temperature and high - pressure steam generation apparatus 14 for generating high - temperature and high - pressure steam and supplying it to the sub - critical water treatment apparatus 11, and a carrying - out means 15 for carrying out the bio - coal carbide 16 from the sub - critical water treatment apparatus 11, and manufactures the modified low - grade carbon 17 which becomes the bio - coal carbide 16. The low - grade carbon 12 pulverized by the pulverization apparatus 13 is put into the sub - critical water treatment apparatus 11. The chipped ones are also treated as pulverized ones here.

[0042] The low - molecular carbides (also called semi - carbides) produced by the hydrolysis treatment of the low - grade carbon 12 by the sub - critical water treatment in the sub - critical water treatment apparatus 11 are referred to as bio - coal carbides here.

[0043] The sub - critical water treatment apparatus 11 has the characteristic of a temperature curve represented by the relationship between the temperature X and the weight loss rate Y during the hydrolysis treatment, on the XY coordinate axis, in the part where the temperature X is 220°C or less and continues to the part where the weight rapidly decreases at the shoulder of the gentle weight - loss straight line. Inside the sub - critical water treatment apparatus 11, an adjustment temperature region for adjusting to the temperature at the shoulder of the temperature curve and a temperature region of 220°C or less in the first stage and a temperature of 130°C or less in the second stage are formed. In the temperature region of 220°C or less in the first stage, voids with a volume amount of 20% or more in the unit volume of the low - grade carbon from which the moisture contained in the low - grade carbon of the treatment raw material has been removed are formed, and a molten / liquefied component is formed from a part of the low - grade carbon. In the adjustment temperature region adjusted to a temperature of 130°C or less in the second stage, the molten / liquefied component is solidified in the voids to fill and fix the components that do not liquefy in other parts, and the bio - coal carbide 16 that retains a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more held by high - grade carbon is generated.

[0044] Here, the treatment refers to the sub - critical water reaction treatment, and it means forming a bio - coal carbide in which a part of the low - grade carbon that has undergone sub - critical water reaction treatment, has been low - molecularized and solidified, adheres to other low - molecularized low - grade carbon. The bio - coal carbide呈现出略带黑色的碳化状态。

[0045] In this embodiment, the reformed low-quality coal production apparatus 1 includes the subcritical water treatment apparatus 11, thereby producing biochar carbide and manufacturing reformed low-quality coal. The reformed low-quality coal can be used as a heat source raw material for low-molecular carbide having a calorific value equal to or higher than that of high-quality coal retaining a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more per unit weight.

[0046] The low-quality coal is subjected to a subcritical water reaction treatment with superheated steam and carbonized as described later, serving as a basis for the formation of carbide, i.e., biochar carbide. The subcritical water reaction apparatus 11 can perform a subcritical water reaction treatment on the input low-quality coal 12 as a treatment raw material.

[0047] Note that the subcritical water reaction means that by confining water in a high-temperature and high-pressure state in a pressure vessel, the input high-molecular low-quality coal can be hydrolyzed and reduced to low molecules. The subcritical water reaction apparatus is also called a subcritical treatment apparatus or a subcritical apparatus.

[0048] The produced reformed low-quality coal 17 is transported by a transport means 3 to the reformed low-quality coal utilization apparatus 2. The transport means 3 is composed of a transporter, a biochar carbide storage machine, a belt conveyor having an input means, and the like.

[0049] As an example, the reformed low-quality coal utilization apparatus 2 includes, for example, a fuel self-sufficient methane gas production apparatus 20.

[0050] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the reformed low-quality coal utilization apparatus 2.

[0051] In FIG. 2, the reformed low-quality coal utilization apparatus 2 is composed of a gasification means 21, an activated carbide recovery means 22, a superheated steam generation means 23, a generated gas导出 means 24, a gas cooling means 25 for cooling the导出 gas, a dust separation means 26, a bag filter 27, and a gas holder 28.

[0052] The gasification means 21 is composed of a cylindrical gasification furnace 31, a burner 32, an internal pipe 33 connected to the burner 32, a superheated steam pipe 34 disposed at the center of the gasification furnace 31, a reformed low-quality coal input device 35, a gas outlet portion 36, and an activated carbide outlet portion 37.

[0053] The activated carbon recovery means 22 is connected to the activated carbon outlet 37 and receives the residual activated carbon generated by the gasification means 21. It consists of a cooling conveyor 41 equipped with a cooling device 42 around it to cool the activated carbon, and an activated carbon storage container 43 for storing and storing the activated carbon.

[0054] The superheated steam generating means 23 consists of a boiler 30 connected to a water supply device 29, a gas heating device 48 with piping 47 inside, and a burner 32 connected to a gas holder 28 that introduces the generated gas via piping 45. Steam at 160-180°C from the boiler 30 and generated gas from the gas outlet 36 are introduced into the gas heating device 48, where heat exchange takes place between the superheated steam and the generated gas, generating superheated steam at 500°C.

[0055] The generated 500°C superheated steam is supplied from the gas heating device 48 to the superheated steam pipe 34 via piping 46.

[0056] Superheated steam is introduced into the gasification means 21. Heat exchange takes place between the introduced reformed low-grade coal, the superheated steam, and the heated gas from the burner 32. Gas, specifically methane gas, is generated through this heat exchange. The generated gas is led to the gas outlet 36, and the residual activated carbon is led to the activated carbon outlet 37.

[0057] A portion of the generated gas is supplied to the superheated steam generating means 23 from the gas outlet 36, while another portion is branched off and supplied to the gas cooling means 25.

[0058] The gas cooling means 25 includes a condenser 50, which is a cooler. The condenser 50 is connected to the gas outlet 36 by piping 51 and to the dust separation means 26 by piping 52.

[0059] The dust separation means 26 consists of a dust separator 54 and a dust container 53 for storing dust. The dust separator 54 is connected to a bag filter 27 via piping 55, where impurities are removed.

[0060] The gas from which impurities have been removed is led through piping 56 to a gas holder 28 where it is stored. Piping 59 is provided connecting the gas holder 28 and the burner 32, and an LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) bank 57 is connected to piping 59. LPG gas 58 is flow-controlled and mixed with a portion of the flow-controlled gas from the gas holder 28 before being supplied to the burner 32 via piping 59.

[0061] The gas stored in the gas holder 28 is discharged to the gas transport vehicle 60 via the piping 61. The discharged gas is transported by the gas transport vehicle 60 and delivered to the power generation equipment 98 shown in Figure 1.

[0062] Gas supply is not limited to delivery by gas transport vehicles 60. As shown in Figure 1, gas may be delivered to the power generation equipment 98 using piping means 95.

[0063] The power generation equipment 98 consists of a generator 96 and a gas engine 97. Power transmission equipment (not shown) is connected to the power generation equipment 98.

[0064] The electricity generated by generator 96 is typically transmitted to the power grid after its voltage, current, and frequency are adjusted using commonly known power transmission equipment.

[0065] A branching device (not shown) can be installed in the gas holder 28 to branch the gas. The branched gas is then led to a reforming device (not shown) that constitutes the hydrogen production system.

[0066] A reforming unit can use steam to reform methane, the main component of gas, and produce hydrogen. In other words, a reforming unit can produce hydrogen from methane by steam reforming.

[0067] The hydrogen produced in the reforming unit is liquefied and stored in a hydrogen storage unit (not shown). The liquefied hydrogen is then used for various purposes.

[0068] In this example, a reforming device is used, but hydrogen and solid carbon may also be produced from methane using a plasma pyrolysis method.

[0069] The hydrogen generation method is not limited to the method described above, and other methods may be employed.

[0070] Methanol may be produced from methane.

[0071] The reforming device may be configured to generate ammonia gas.

[0072] Thus, the reformed low-grade coal production and utilization system 100 can be composed of a reformed low-grade coal production apparatus 1 and a reformed low-grade coal utilization apparatus 2 that uses the reformed low-grade coal produced by the reformed low-grade coal production apparatus. The reformed low-grade coal utilization apparatus 2 produces methane, and the produced methane is utilized not only directly but also by converting it into various gases using existing technologies. In the reformed low-grade coal production and utilization system shown in Figure 1, methane is produced, and an example is shown in which the produced methane is utilized as is without being converted into other gases and is used to generate electricity.

[0073] Figure 3 shows the configuration of a modified low-grade coal production apparatus, which is an embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] In Figure 3, the modified low-grade coal production apparatus includes a subcritical water reaction apparatus and comprises a raw material input system, a heat source for supplying heat, a hydrothermal reaction residue treatment system, and a control device. The general modified low-grade coal production apparatus itself has a configuration that is well known from the past.

[0075] In an embodiment of the present invention, the subcritical water reactor 11 includes a pressure vessel (also called a reactor) 101. The pressure vessel 101 is connected to a boiler 102 used as a heat source to supply steam using an aqueous medium, and is connected to a raw material input system, a methane recovery system, a hydrothermal reaction treatment system, and a semi-carbonization treatment system. A control device 105 is provided to control the temperature, pressure, and treatment time inside the pressure vessel. The control device 105 can control the first-stage treatment means formed inside the subcritical water reactor.

[0076] The control device 105 is linked to the manufacturer's terminal 66, which will be described later.

[0077] The pressure vessel 101 consists of an outer cylindrical container (also called an outer jacket) 111 and an inner cylindrical container (also called an inner jacket) 112 which is arranged with a space between it and the inner wall of the outer cylindrical container 111, and an agitator 113 is provided in the space (inner space) 106 inside the inner cylindrical container.

[0078] The pressure vessel 101 is provided with lids 114 and 115 on both ends for closing, and a drive motor 116 is provided on the side of one of the lids 115. The drive motor 116 is connected to an agitator 113 which has rotating blades.

[0079] An external temperature sensor and an external pressure sensor 121 are provided to measure the temperature and pressure in the space (external space) 107 between the outer cylindrical container 111 and the inner cylindrical container 112. An internal temperature sensor and an internal pressure sensor 122 are provided to measure the temperature and pressure in the space (internal space) 106 of the inner cylindrical container 112. A moisture sensor 123 is provided to measure the moisture content in the space of the inner cylindrical container 112. The temperature and pressure in the internal space 106 are measured, and the moisture content in the internal space 106 of the inner cylindrical container 112 is measured. These measured values ​​are transmitted as data signals to the control device 105 via an electronic circuit. These signal data are recorded in the recording means of the control device 105. The measured moisture content is used to set the control data for the semi-carbonization treatment time.

[0080] The pressure vessel 101 is equipped with a steam discharge pipe 118 connected to the inner cylindrical vessel 112, and a discharge control valve 119 is provided on the steam discharge pipe 118. This configuration allows steam in the inner space to be discharged to the outside. The pressure vessel 101 is equipped with an input hopper 125 connected to the inner cylindrical vessel 112, and an outlet with an outlet pipe 126 connected to the inner cylindrical vessel 112. An outlet discharge control valve 120 is provided on the outlet pipe 126. This configuration allows the char generated using the hydrothermal reaction process to be recovered to the outside, i.e., to a char recovery device.

[0081] The crusher 103 (corresponding to the pulverizing device 13 in Figure 1) receives the collected low-grade coal 131 (corresponding to the low-grade coal 12 in Figure 1), crushes and pulverizes the low-grade coal 131 in the pulverizing device 13, and then feeds the low-grade coal 131 into the input hopper 125. A control valve is provided in the input hopper 125, and the input of the low-grade coal 131, the subsequent processing, and the temperature adjustment are all controlled by the control device 105.

[0082] The crushing operation of the crusher 103 is controlled by a control device 105 connected by an electronic circuit.

[0083] The low-grade coal 131 used as raw material for processing is identified as peat, lignite, or sub-bituminous coal upon collection and purchased by the manufacturer / distributor 66A. The identification of the type of raw material is approved by the manufacturer / distributor 66A, who is also the operator. The data on the type of low-grade coal 131 used as raw material for processing is stored as low-grade coal information and used for control by the control device 105.

[0084] The boiler 102 is equipped with a steam supply passage 133 that supplies the generated steam to the pressure vessel 101. A high-temperature, high-pressure steam generator 140 (high-temperature, high-pressure steam generator 14 in Figure 1) is installed in the steam supply passage 133, and the generated high-temperature, high-pressure steam is supplied to the pressure vessel 101.

[0085] The steam supply passage 133 branches into a branch passage 134 that supplies high-temperature, high-pressure steam into the space between the outer cylindrical container 111 and the inner cylindrical container 112, and a branch passage 135 that supplies high-temperature, high-pressure steam into the space of the inner cylindrical container 112. Control valves 136 and 137 are installed in each branch passage. The control valves 136 and 137 are connected to a control device 105, and their opening and closing are controlled and adjusted by the control device 105. High-temperature, high-pressure steam is supplied to the space between the outer cylindrical container 111 and the inner cylindrical container 112, and / or to the space of the inner cylindrical container 112. By providing the high-temperature, high-pressure steam generator 140, the internal temperature, i.e., the hydrothermal reaction temperature, can be increased without being proportional to the pressure inside the inner cylindrical container.

[0086] The subcritical water reactor 11 consists of a pressure vessel equipped with an inlet for low-grade coal 131, a mechanism for homogenizing the hydrothermal reaction, and an outlet for removing the carbonized powder produced after the hydrothermal reaction treatment, a heat source for the hydrothermal reaction treatment and heat treatment, and a control device for controlling the hydrothermal reaction treatment and heat treatment. The hydrothermal reaction treatment and heat treatment produce a slightly blackish bio-coal char 16.

[0087] A pressure vessel consists of an outer cylindrical vessel and an inner cylindrical vessel, with the inner space within the inner cylindrical vessel and the outer space between the inner and outer cylindrical vessels being partitioned by the inner cylindrical vessel.

[0088] The control device 105 sets a hydrothermal reaction temperature in the subcritical reaction range of water under a predetermined pressure in the hydrolysis treatment region, and hydrolyzes the low-grade coal 131, the raw material for treatment, in the hydrolysis treatment region to produce a hydrolyzed substance, i.e., bio-coal char 16, which is the result of treating the low-grade coal 131, the raw material for treatment.

[0089] For example, by introducing steam into the internal space, employing a hydrothermal reaction temperature in the subcritical reaction region of water, and controlling the hydrothermal reaction pressure to be within 2.5 MPa, typically within a hydrothermal reaction pressure of 0.3 to 3.5 MPa, and for an appropriately set hydrothermal reaction treatment time, a hydrolysis treatment region is formed to hydrolyze the low-grade coal 131, which is the raw material for treatment, to produce powdery bio-coal char, which is a powdery hydrolyzed material.

[0090] The introduction of water vapor into the inner space is stopped, and the water vapor inside the inner space is discharged to the outside. The water vapor contains a large amount of moisture inside the low-grade coal 131 used as processing material compared to high-grade material, and is softer than high-grade material.

[0091] In the drying and carbonization treatment area, a carbonization and powdering treatment temperature obtained from the type of low-grade coal 131 used as the raw material is set under a predetermined pressure, and bio-coal char is produced from the hydrolysis treatment material that has a predetermined calorific value, a predetermined calorific value relative to the calorific value of the low-grade coal 131 used as the raw material, and a calorific value equal to that of high-grade coal, utilizing a carbonized hydrothermal reaction treatment.

[0092] Within the outer space, a carbonization treatment region is formed with a controlled treatment time at a carbonization temperature between 150 and 220°C, generating high-calorific value bio-coal char from hydrolyzed material through a hydrothermal reaction.

[0093] A melting and liquefaction processing region can be formed by controlling the processing time within a temperature range of 150 to 220°C.

[0094] During the recovery of bio-coal char after hydrothermal reaction carbonization into a recovery device 141, harmful substances are detoxified and their volume reduced 142.

[0095] Therefore, the following benefits are achieved: • High calorific value resource utilization: Production of bio-coal char with a calorific value of 1.5 or more relative to the calorific value of the low-grade coal 131 used as raw material. • Suppression of carbon dioxide, dioxins, and odors.

[0096] In this embodiment, a subcritical water reactor 11 was used.

[0097] The pressure vessel is composed of an outer cylindrical vessel and an inner cylindrical vessel, with the inner cylindrical vessel partitioning the inner space within the inner cylindrical vessel and the outer space formed between the inner and outer cylindrical vessels. A first heating means is provided to introduce high-temperature, high-pressure steam into the inner space and directly heat the inner space, and a second heating means is provided to directly heat the outer space and indirectly heat the inner space. Within the inner space, the first heating means can form a hydrolysis treatment region where a hydrothermal reaction is carried out by hydrolysis at hydrothermal reaction pressure, and within the inner space, the second heating means can form a drying and carbonization treatment region in place of the hydrolysis treatment region under a predetermined pressure.

[0098] The modified low-grade coal production apparatus 1 is configured to include a hydrothermal reaction treatment and carbonization treatment system 9 and a subcritical water reactor 11, which utilize a double-tube pressure vessel, and the subcritical water reactor 11 is configured to use a heating means, i.e., a heat source such as a boiler.

[0099] Figure 4 shows the configuration of another subcritical water reactor, which is an embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] The configuration of the subcritical water reactor 11 in this example is substantially the same as the configuration of the subcritical water reactor 11 shown in Figure 3.

[0101] The subcritical water reactor 11 shown in Figure 4 has a heating heater 117 installed in the external space 107, and a heating power supply 102A is installed in parallel with the boiler 102. The heating power supply 102A is connected to the control device 105 by an electrical circuit and is controlled to be ON and OFF.

[0102] The heating element 117 is electrically heated by the power supply from the heating power source 102A.

[0103] The configuration of the subcritical water reactor 11 shown in Figure 3 differs from that of the subcritical water reactor 11 shown in Figure 3 in that the outer space 107 is heated by a heat transfer medium from a heating heater 117 instead of steam heat, but the process of producing bio-coal char by hydrothermal reaction remains the same.

[0104] While the process of introducing high-temperature, high-pressure steam into the inner space to form a low-temperature hydrolysis treatment region controlled within a subcritical reaction temperature and hydrothermal reaction pressure of 3.5 MPa (typically 2.5 MPa) and for an appropriately set hydrothermal reaction treatment time, thereby hydrolyzing the low-grade coal 131 used as raw material to form bio-coal char, which is the hydrolysis treatment product, is no different from previous examples, the difference is that a carbonization treatment region is electrically heated and formed in the outer space by a heating heater 117 supplied with power from a heating power supply 102A, with a temperature above the hydrothermal reaction temperature and within 220°C, and a controlled treatment time.

[0105] Figure 5 shows the relationship between temperature X and weight loss rate Y on an XY axis coordinate system.

[0106] When the low-grade coal 131 used as the raw material for processing is subjected to carbonization treatment, the relationship between temperature X (horizontal axis: "processing temperature (°C)") and weight loss rate Y (vertical axis: "weight change of low-grade coal (%)") is shown on an XY axis coordinate system.

[0107] This figure shows the relationship between the processing temperature X and the weight change Y of the processed material (low-grade coal 131, the raw material for processing), with the processing temperature X and the weight change Y of the processed material being the XY axis coordinates. When the low-grade coal 131, the raw material for processing, is subjected to carbonization, it is known that the relationship between the temperature X and the weight reduction rate Y can be represented by an S-shaped curve on the XY axis coordinate system, which is divided into three sections: the shoulder of a gradual weight reduction line that continues into a section where the weight decreases sharply, the section of the S-shaped curve (temperature curve) where the weight decreases sharply, and the exit of the S-shaped curve where the sharp weight reduction ends and the decrease becomes gradual.

[0108] In heat treatment (dry distillation) of the raw material in an air-free environment, the weight change follows a course similar to the curve of weight change between the treatment temperature and the low-grade coal 131 raw material, known as the pyrolysis curve (dry distillation curve), as shown in Figure 5. Here, the horizontal axis represents the heating temperature, i.e., the treatment temperature, and the vertical axis represents the weight percentage of the remaining solid (residual carbon content) relative to the original low-grade coal 131 raw material. The decrease in residual carbon content occurs most rapidly around 250°C, and continues slowly even above 400°C, ultimately yielding carbides of about 1 / 3 to 1 / 4 of the original weight. Here, the shoulder of the gradual weight decrease line, the part that continues into the section of rapid weight decrease, is referred to as region (1), the section of the S-shaped curve of rapid weight decrease is referred to as region (2), and the exit of the S-shaped curve from the gradual decrease line is referred to as region (3).

[0109] As "torrefaction" is defined by the IEA (International Energy Agency) as "a heat treatment carried out at 250-320°C in a reduced oxygen atmosphere," conventionally, the formation of semicarbides was carried out at temperatures in the (2) range.

[0110] Low-grade coal is broken down into smaller molecules and solidified, and bio-coal char 16 is produced from the solidified portion and other portions that are broken down into smaller molecules and retain their original form.

[0111] Figure 6 shows the process of modifying and manufacturing low-grade coal and the utilization of modified low-grade coal.

[0112] This paper describes the process of producing bio-coal char at low temperatures associated with subcritical water reaction.

[0113] Low-temperature carbonization refers to a process in region (I) where carbonization is performed. Process (1) is made possible by performing a subcritical water reaction in the first stage at a temperature of 220°C or lower. By performing process (1) → process (2), low-temperature carbonization is achieved.

[0114] In process (1), hydrolysis treatment (subcritical water reaction treatment) is performed using high-temperature, high-pressure steam to reduce the molecular weight of the low-grade coal 131 used as raw material.

[0115] The temperature used is the subcritical water reaction temperature, typically ranging from 150 to 220°C.

[0116] First stage processing method: Temperature treatment at 150-220°C, processing time of 15-60 minutes. As the subcritical water reaction temperature, coal, regardless of whether it is high-quality or low-grade, can be melted and liquefied at a low temperature in a processing time of 15-60 minutes.

[0117] To melt and liquefy some of the low-grade coal used as processing material, it is heated to this temperature. Some of it vaporizes. The melted and liquefied low-grade coal exists among other low-molecular-weight, non-melting and non-liquefied low-grade coal.

[0118] In process (2), processing is performed in the adjustment temperature range of 110 to 130°C, which is below the second stage temperature of 130°C.

[0119] Second stage processing method: Temperature treatment at 110-130°C for 15-60 minutes, preferably 15-30 minutes. This temperature treatment can be performed immediately following the first stage treatment, and requires little to no energy for cooling. Taking advantage of the benefits of rapid melting and liquefaction, condensation and solidification occur in a short time without hindering these benefits.

[0120] By reducing the temperature to this level, the molten and liquefied low-grade coal solidifies and adheres to the other low-molecular-weight, non-molten and liquefied low-grade coal. Maintaining a low temperature through temperature control ensures proper adhesion. Rapidly reducing the temperature to room temperature should be avoided from the standpoint of maintaining the amount of adhesion.

[0121] By performing temperature control treatment, the porosity can be reduced from 20% to 9% or less, preferably 5% or less.

[0122] These two processes yield the desired bio-coal char 16.

[0123] Bio-coal char: This is produced primarily from molten and solidified low-molecular-weight, low-grade coal and other unmolten and unsolidified low-molecular-weight, low-grade coal.

[0124] Low-grade coal that is mined is characterized by containing a large amount of moisture internally. The moisture content is 20% or more by volume, for example, as high as 25%, and it is soft. Subcritical water reaction treatment is more suitable for modifying low-grade coal with these characteristics than for modifying high-quality coal with low moisture content and a hard texture.

[0125] In this invention, an invention relating to the modification and production of low-grade coal, and the utilization of modified low-grade coal, is proposed, taking advantage of this characteristic.

[0126] In Figure 6, the modification and production of modified low-grade coal S1 is formed from the preparation of low-grade coal as raw material S11, subcritical water treatment S12, and the generation of bio-coal char S13. The modified low-grade coal is then utilized, bio-coal char with a high calorific value is generated, and modified low-grade coal is produced and utilized in various forms.

[0127] The subcritical water treatment S12 is formed from a first-stage temperature treatment S121 at 220°C or lower and a second-stage temperature treatment S122 at 130°C or lower, which are two of the temperature treatments performed during the subcritical water treatment.

[0128] By producing biocoal char in step S13, high-calorific value biocoal char is obtained.

[0129] First, in step S11, the low-grade coal raw material is prepared. As mentioned above, the low-grade coal raw material is peat, lignite, subbituminous coal, or a mixture thereof. These are the main components, and bituminous coal or anthracite may be added as an auxiliary.

[0130] The low-grade coal used as raw material for processing is pulverized, and then subjected to the next steps of subcritical water treatment S12 and bio-coal char production S13.

[0131] In S12, the low-grade coal, which has been finely processed, is subjected to subcritical water treatment and then subjected to the temperature treatment required for subcritical water treatment.

[0132] In step S121, the first stage of temperature treatment at 220°C or below is performed.

[0133] The first stage of temperature treatment at 220°C or below consists of: removing moisture contained in the low-grade coal raw material; forming voids in the low-grade coal raw material that account for 20% or more of the volume of the low-grade coal as a unit volume; and melting and liquefying a portion of the low-grade coal raw material.

[0134] In step S122, a second stage of temperature treatment below 130°C is performed by adjusting the temperature and maintaining the adjusted temperature.

[0135] The second stage of temperature treatment below 130°C consists of: condensing the molten and liquefied components within the voids and adhering them to other non-molten and non-liquefied components; and obtaining a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more per unit weight, which is maintained by high-grade coal. By adjusting the temperature and maintaining the adjusted temperature, the molten and liquefied components of the low-grade coal can be sufficiently filled into the voids, for example, so that the void volume is within 9% or 5%.

[0136] Step S13 is used to produce bio-coal char.

[0137] The resulting bio-coal char is a bio-treated char formed by filling the voids with condensed molten and liquefied components, which then adhere to other non-molten and non-liquefied components.

[0138] By processing in this way, it is possible to produce modified low-grade coal from bio-coal char that has a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more per unit weight, which is the calorific value of high-grade coal.

[0139] As described above, the subcritical water treatment apparatus 11 used in a modified low-grade coal production apparatus is configured to produce bio-coal char that maintains a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more per unit weight, which is maintained by adjusting the temperature to 130°C or less in the first stage temperature range of 220°C or less in the temperature range of 220°C or less in the first stage temperature range of 220°C or less in the low-grade coal from which the water contained in the raw material has been removed, forming voids that account for 20% or more of the volume of the low-grade coal, which is the raw material for processing, forming molten and liquefied components from a portion of the low-grade coal, and in the second stage temperature range of 130°C or less in the adjustment temperature range, the molten and liquefied components solidify in the voids and adhere to the non-molten and non-liquefied components in other parts, filling the voids.

[0140] Through S2, modified low-grade coal is utilized, and modified low-grade coal with a high calorific value is produced. This modified low-grade coal is then used in various ways, including for power generation.

[0141] Figure 6 shows an example of the use of modified low-grade coal with a high calorific value.

[0142] Methane gasification treatment method: Treatment temperature 350-600°C, treatment time 60-120 minutes. The appropriate treatment temperature of 350-450°C is approximately 30-40 minutes.

[0143] In S21, methane gas is generated, and in S22, the combustion raw materials for the reformed low-grade coal combustion device are secured. The carbon (C) from the bio-coal char and the hydrogen (H2) from the superheated steam react under heat to produce methane (CH4).

[0144] Methane production treatment involves temperature treatment at 350-600°C, but generally, a low temperature of 350-450°C (below 500°C) is used for appropriate treatment, and the treatment time is set to 30-40 minutes.

[0145] As described above, the processing time required for the first-stage processing method, the second-stage processing method, and the methane gasification processing method is only a few tens of minutes, and compared to conventional methods, coal, preferably low-grade coal, can be converted into methane in a simple and extremely short time.

[0146] Therefore, the present invention can be applied in various ways to provide various modified low-grade coal utilization systems.

[0147] The methane produced is partially converted into ethane or propane upon heating, but basically, a gas primarily composed of methane and low-lying hydrocarbons is generated.

[0148] This gas is primarily composed of methane, and in the case of reformed low-grade coal, it can produce a gas with a methane concentration of 70-80%.

[0149] The small amounts of oxygen (O2), carbon dioxide (CO2), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) contained in methane can be removed.

[0150] As is well known, methane gas can be used to secure methane for power generator fuel and hydrogen.

[0151] Using existing technologies, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and ammonia gas can be produced from methane.

[0152] Returning to Figures 1 and 2, in the methane gas production and utilization system, the generation of methane-based gas involves gasifying the bio-coal char in a non-oxidizing state to produce methane.

[0153] A modified low-grade coal manufacturing and utilization system 100 is comprised of a low-grade coal modification and manufacturing apparatus and a modified low-grade coal utilization apparatus 2 that uses the modified low-grade coal produced by the modified low-grade coal manufacturing apparatus.

[0154] The modified low-grade coal production and utilization system 100 includes a modified low-grade coal utilization device 2 equipped with a gasification means 21 that converts bio-coal char into methane gas, wherein the void ratio of the bio-coal char to the total volume is less than or equal to the void ratio of 9-11% of high-grade coal, i.e., 11% or less, preferably 5% or less, and the gasification furnace can gasify the modified low-grade coal in an oxidation-free state to produce a methane-based gas with energy equivalent to the energy obtained when gasifying high-grade coal that maintains a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more per unit weight.

[0155] The modified low-grade coal production and utilization system 100 includes a modified low-grade coal utilization device 2, which is equipped with a gasification means 21 that converts the modified low-grade coal into methane gas.

[0156] The fuel-self-sufficient methane gas production apparatus 20 is configured such that the generated methane gas is stored in a gas holder 28, a portion of the stored methane gas is burned in a gasification means 21 to generate combustion gas, and the generated combustion gas can be used to gasify reformed low-grade coal.

[0157] The subcritical water treatment apparatus has a temperature characteristic curve on the XY axis coordinate system in which the relationship between temperature X and weight loss rate Y during hydrolysis treatment is represented by a portion where the temperature X is 220°C or less and the portion where the weight decreases sharply is the shoulder of a gradual weight loss line. Inside the subcritical water treatment apparatus 11, the temperature of the shoulder portion of the temperature characteristic curve is set to a first stage temperature region of 220°C or less and a second stage adjustment temperature region adjusted to a temperature of 130°C or less. The subcritical water treatment apparatus is set to have a first stage treatment means in the first stage temperature region of 220°C or less, which is set to 150 to 220°C and a predetermined treatment time. The second stage treatment means is set to have a second stage temperature region of 130°C or less, which is set to 110 to 130°C and a predetermined treatment time. In the first stage of processing, moisture contained in the low-grade coal raw material is removed, and molten and liquefied components are formed from voids accounting for 20% or more of the volume of the low-grade coal and a portion of the low-grade coal. In the second stage of processing, the molten and liquefied components are solidified in the voids and fixed to the non-molten and non-liquefied components in other parts, filling and fixing the voids. The modified low-grade coal production apparatus produces bio-coal char with a void ratio of 9 to 5% or less of the total volume. The modified low-grade coal utilization apparatus is equipped with a gasification means for converting the bio-coal char into methane, and the gasification means gasifies the bio-char in a non-oxidizing state to produce methane. This constitutes a modified low-grade coal utilization system.

[0158] The modified low-grade coal production and utilization system 100 may include a modified low-grade coal combustion device (not shown) that uses modified low-grade coal as fuel, in the modified low-grade coal utilization device 21.

[0159] The bio-coal char has a void ratio of 9% or less, preferably 5% or less, relative to its total volume, and the coal combustion device can burn the modified low-grade coal and recover combustion energy.

[0160] A gasification means 21 used in a modified low-grade coal production and utilization system 100, wherein the gasification means can gasify modified low-grade coal having a void ratio of 9% or less, preferably 5% or less, in a non-oxidizing state.

[0161] By gasifying the reformed low-grade coal 17 in a non-oxidizing state using a self-sufficient methane gas production device 20, CO2 emissions are prevented, thereby reducing CO2 emissions compared to conventional methods using high-grade coal as fuel. Furthermore, by using the self-sufficient methane gas production device 20, CO2 emission reduction can be effectively achieved in a self-contained manner using the methane produced from the reformed low-grade coal 17.

[0162] This embodiment has the advantage of producing reformed low-grade coal with a calorific value comparable to high-grade coal, which can then be used as fuel in conventional coal combustion equipment. Furthermore, by using the methane produced as described above, CO2 emissions can be prevented, resulting in a reduction in CO2 emissions compared to using reformed low-grade coal as fuel.

[0163] The following describes photographs obtained when the subcritical water reaction treatment was carried out according to this embodiment.

[0164] One example of lignite and two examples of peat are presented. The upper part shows a photograph of the raw material state of low-grade coal before treatment, i.e., before treatment in this embodiment, and the lower part shows a photograph of the bio-coal char after treatment, i.e., after treatment in this embodiment.

[0165] Figure 7 shows an example of lignite: microscopic images of lignite. The lower part shows a microscopic image obtained when biocoal char was formed from lignite.

[0166] Figure 8 shows an example of peat (1): a microscopic photograph of peat. The lower part of the image shows a microscopic photograph obtained when biocoal char was formed from peat.

[0167] Figure 9 shows peat example (2): microscopic images of peat. Below are other microscopic images obtained when biocoal char was formed from peat.

[0168] Furthermore, the microscopic images obtained when biocoal char is formed from lignite, and the microscopic images obtained when biocoal char is formed from peat, are also images of the modified low-grade coal obtained from the biocoal char.

[0169] As shown in each photograph, the molten / liquid components solidify, causing the low-molecular-weight bio-coal char to adhere to other low-molecular-weight bio-coal char that does not adhere to other molten / liquid components, integrating them together. The low-molecular-weight bio-coal char fills and solidifies the voids that existed before the subcritical water reaction treatment, resulting in a densified and modified structure. The bio-coal char has a porosity of 9% or less of its total volume. There is no water in the voids. Bio-coal char with a porosity of 9% or 5% or less of its total volume can be easily produced by temperature control.

[0170] By controlling and maintaining the controlled temperature, the voids can be sufficiently filled with the low-molecular-weight bio-coal char components solidified in molten or liquid form. For example, the voids can be filled and solidified to a level of 9% or even 5%. Compared to the void ratio of 9-11% found in high-grade coal, the voids can be sufficiently filled and solidified with the low-molecular-weight bio-coal char components solidified in molten or liquid form, resulting in a denser material.

[0171] As described above, the voids are filled with molten or liquid material, resulting in bio-coal char with a void structure in the cross-section that is smaller, similar to, or equivalent to that of high-grade coal, as can be seen in electron microscope images. Therefore, modified low-grade coal is produced with a void structure that is smaller, similar to, or equivalent to that of high-grade coal.

[0172] Coal is classified as either high-grade coal if it has a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more, or low-grade coal if it has a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or less. When the porosity of the high-grade coal is 9% or more and 11% or less, the modified coal produced by modifying the coal is formed from bio-coal char in which molten and liquefied low-molecular-weight low-grade coal is fixed to low-molecular-weight low-grade coal components that do not melt or liquefy, in the absence of moisture within the voids of the modified coal, which account for 9% or less of the total voids. Modified coal is produced that has a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more, the same as that of high-grade coal. Alternatively, coal is classified as either high-grade coal if it has a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more, or low-grade coal if it has a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or less, and when the porosity of the high-grade coal is 9% or more and 11% or less, the modified coal produced by modifying the coal is formed from bio-coal char in which molten and liquefied low-molecular-weight low-grade coal is fixed to low-molecular-weight low-grade coal components that do not melt or liquefy, in the absence of moisture within the voids of the modified coal, which account for 5% or less of the total voids, thus producing modified coal that has a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more, the same as that of high-grade coal.

[0173] Reformed coal includes reformed high-grade coal and reformed low-grade coal.

[0174] Figures 7 to 9 show examples of lignite and peat, but subbituminous coal has a better quality than lignite and peat, and similar photographs can be obtained for subbituminous coal as well.

[0175] Figure 10 illustrates the voids generated by the present invention and the state in which the molten / liquefied material is fixed within the voids. It schematically shows the formation morphology of modified low-grade coal when low-grade coal is modified and manufactured.

[0176] Figure 10(a) schematically shows the raw material form of low-grade coal before subcritical water treatment, Figure 10(b) schematically shows the formation form of modified low-grade coal after subcritical water treatment, and Figure 10(c) schematically shows the form of high-grade coal that has not been treated with subcritical water for comparison. In these figures, the state in which the voids are assumed to be aggregated, the state in which some low-grade coal is embedded in the voids, and the state in which some high-grade coal is embedded in the voids are exaggerated in order to make the explanation easier to understand.

[0177] In Figure 10(a), the prepared low-grade coal contains more than 20% porosity due to moisture. This moisture porosity includes air voids. As shown in the figure, moisture porosity accounts for a large portion of the volume in low-grade coal.

[0178] In Figure 10(b), the porosity of the modified low-grade coal is 9% or less, preferably 5% or less. The porosity can be reduced from 20% to, for example, 9% or less, preferably 5% or less, by temperature control treatment. No moisture is present in the voids.

[0179] As mentioned above, the moisture content of high-grade coal is 9.0-11.0%. By fixing the molten and liquefied components to the non-molten and liquefied components, and filling the voids in the modified low-grade coal with 9% or less, preferably 5% or less, where moisture is absent, with the molten and liquefied components, it is possible to produce dense bio-coal char, which offers significant advantages.

[0180] Within the voids, solidified material is formed in most areas through the cooling of molten or liquid substances. While some air is present, moisture is completely evaporated and therefore absent.

[0181] The composition of the modified low-grade coal shown in Figure 10(b) and the composition of the high-grade coal shown in Figure 10(c) are similar, and it is possible to produce modified low-grade coal that has a calorific value equivalent to or greater than the energy obtained when high-grade coal, which has a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more per unit weight, is gasified.

[0182] Through temperature control and continuous holding at the controlled temperature, the voids can be sufficiently filled with the components of the low-molecular-weight bio-coal char solidified with molten or liquid material. For example, the voids can be filled to 11% or less, preferably within 5%. Compared to the 20% void ratio of high-grade coal, the voids can be sufficiently filled and solidified with the components of the low-molecular-weight bio-coal char solidified with molten or liquid material.

[0183] According to embodiments of the present invention, when bituminous coal or unspoiled coal in coal is referred to as high-grade coal, and peat, lignite, or subbituminous coal is referred to as low-grade coal, the modified low-grade coal is formed from bio-coal charred material obtained by modifying low-grade coal, and has a void ratio of 11% or less, preferably 5% or less, in the entire modified low-grade coal, with some molten and liquefied low-grade coal solidifying within the voids and fixed to the non-molten and non-liquefied components of the other parts, and is provided with a calorific value per unit weight that corresponds to the calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more held by high-grade coal. According to the inventors' measurements, as an example, the calorific value of the raw material low-grade coal and the calorific value of the modified low-grade coal were obtained as follows: Calorific value of the raw material Low-grade coal Calorific value of the modified low-grade coal Difference in calorific value (1) Subbituminous coal: 8,050 kcal / kg → 11,000 kcal / kg 2,950 kcal / kg Lignite: 7,000 kcal / kg → 9,730 kcal / kg 2,730 kcal / kg Peat: 6,500 kcal / kg → 9,035 kcal / kg 2,535 kcal / kg The results obtained are as follows. According to these results, the calorific value of the modified low-grade coal is greater than 8,100 kcal / kg for all of them, and the calorific value of the modified low-grade coal is greater than the calorific value of the high-grade coal.

[0184] The comparison of the calorific value of modified low-grade charcoal to that of high-grade charcoal is as follows:

[0185] Calorific value of raw material high-grade coal Calorific value of modified low-grade coal Difference in calorific value (2) 8,100 kcal / kg (comparable to sub-bituminous coal) → 11,000 kcal / kg 2,900 kcal / kg 8,100 kcal / kg (comparable to lignite) → 9,730 kcal / kg 1,630 kcal / kg 8,100 kcal / kg (comparable to peat) → 9,035 kcal / kg 935 kcal / kg Difference in calorific value (1) and difference in calorific value (2) are used when generating information on reducing the use of high-grade coal or CO2 emission reductions during utilization.

[0186] The data regarding differential calorific value (1) and differential calorific value (2) are used in the evaluation of the introduction of the reformed low-grade coal production equipment shown in Figure 12, or in the evaluation when reformed low-grade coal and methane gas are introduced.

[0187] When reformed low-grade coal is converted into methane gas, bio-low-grade coal carbides are produced that retain a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more, similar to that of high-grade coal. This allows for the production of methane-based gas with a calorific value equal to or greater than that obtained from high-grade coal, while suppressing CO2 emissions.

[0188] It can be inferred that even with high-grade coal, it is possible to obtain bio-coal char with increased differential calorific value as described above. Specifically, the differential calorific value (1) and differential calorific value (2) would be 8,100 kcal / kg + 2,500 to 3,000 kcal / kg = 10,600 to 11,100 kcal / kg. It can be expected to reach 10,000 kcal / kg or more.

[0189] By similarly modifying high-grade coal, when the modified high-grade coal is methane-converted, it is possible to produce bio-high-grade coal carbide that retains a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more, the same as that of high-grade coal. This allows for the production of a methane-based gas with a calorific value equal to or greater than that obtained from high-grade coal, while suppressing CO2 emissions.

[0190] It is possible to produce modified low-grade coal for use as fuel in a low-grade coal combustion device that has energy equivalent to or greater than the energy obtained from high-grade coal that has a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more per unit weight. Furthermore, when the modified low-grade coal is gasified, for example, into methane gas, it is possible to produce an energy source, such as a gaseous fuel, that has energy equivalent to or greater than the energy obtained from high-grade coal that has a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more per unit weight, while suppressing CO2 emissions.

[0191] Figure 11 illustrates a method for producing modified low-grade coal and a method for utilizing modified low-grade coal using a modified low-grade coal utilization system.

[0192] When bituminous coal or unscented coal is referred to as high-grade coal, and peat, lignite, or sub-bituminous coal is referred to as low-grade coal, a method for producing modified low-grade coal using a modified low-grade coal production apparatus is proposed.

[0193] The system comprises a subcritical water treatment apparatus, a micronization apparatus for micronizing the low-grade coal used as the treatment raw material, and a discharge apparatus for discharging bio-coal char from the subcritical water treatment apparatus. The subcritical water treatment apparatus has a temperature curve characteristic in which the relationship between temperature X and weight loss rate Y during hydrolysis treatment is represented on the XY axis coordinate system by a portion where the temperature X is 220°C or less, and the shoulder of the gradual weight loss line is followed by a portion where the weight decreases sharply.

[0194] Inside the subcritical water treatment apparatus, a temperature range of 220°C or less for the first stage and a temperature adjustment range of 130°C or less for the second stage are formed at the shoulder of the temperature curve.

[0195] In the first stage, at a temperature of 220°C or lower, voids are formed that account for 20% or more of the volume of the low-grade coal, which is the raw material for processing, after removing the moisture contained in the low-grade coal.

[0196] The temperature range set for the first stage, corresponding to the temperature below 220°C, is 150 to 220°C.

[0197] A molten and liquefied component is formed from a portion of the low-grade coal, and in the second stage, in the temperature adjustment region where the temperature is adjusted to 130°C or lower, the molten and liquefied component solidifies in the voids and adheres to the non-molten and non-liquefied components in other parts, filling and solidifying the voids. This produces bio-coal char that maintains a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more per unit weight, the same as that of high-grade coal.

[0198] The temperature range set to correspond to the temperature adjustment range of 130°C or lower in the second stage is 110 to 130°C.

[0199] Bio-coal char with a void ratio of 11% or less, preferably 5% or less, relative to the total volume is produced.

[0200] A method for utilizing modified low-grade coal is proposed, comprising a modified low-grade coal production apparatus and a modified low-grade coal utilization apparatus that uses the modified low-grade coal produced by the modified low-grade coal production apparatus.

[0201] The apparatus for utilizing the modified low-grade coal is equipped with a gasification means for converting the bio-coal char into methane gas.

[0202] The biochar has a void ratio of 9% or less, preferably 5% or less, relative to its total volume, and the gasifier gasifies the biochar with a void ratio of 9% or less, preferably 5% or less, relative to its total volume in a non-oxidizing state.

[0203] The device for utilizing the modified low-grade coal includes a modified low-grade coal combustion device that uses the modified low-grade coal as fuel.

[0204] In this modified low-grade coal combustion device, modified low-grade coal with a void ratio of 9% or less, preferably 5% or less, relative to the total volume is burned, and the calorific value, i.e., the energy for generating heat, is recovered.

[0205] Figure 12 shows the results of methane extraction measurement.

[0206] Figure 12(a) shows one experimental result when bio-coal char produced from low-grade peat (moisture content 26%) was used as the processing material, and Figure 12(b) shows one experimental result when bio-coal char produced from high-grade anthracite (moisture content 11%) was used as the processing material. As the experimental apparatus, a reactor (subcritical water reactor) equipped with a heater as the reaction device and a CH4 measuring instrument were used, and the set temperature, reactor temperature, heater temperature, and CH4 measurement value were measured over time in an oxygen-free state.

[0207] The measurement line showing the CH4 measurement value represents the bio-coal char used as the processing material at each measurement point. For example, in Figure 12(a), at a set temperature of 405°C, the generated bio-coal char was used as the processing material, and a CH4 measurement value of 23.2% was obtained. At a set temperature of 450°C, newly generated bio-coal char was used as the processing material, and a CH4 measurement value of 80.1% was obtained. The measurement line connects these measurement points.

[0208] Regarding the measurement results, when using bio-coal charred material produced from low-grade peat as the raw material, a methane concentration of 80.1% could be recovered at a set temperature of 405°C. Furthermore, when using bio-coal charred material produced from high-grade anthracite as the raw material, a methane concentration of 62.8% could be recovered at 405°C.

[0209] High-concentration methane could be produced in the range of 400-450°C or 350-450°C. Therefore, by setting the processing temperature in the range of 350-450°C and maintaining a temperature of 350-450°C for a predetermined processing time and a processing period of 15-30 minutes, methane with a concentration of 30% or more can be produced.

[0210] Figures 12(a) and 12(b) also show that low-grade coal can produce methane at a higher concentration than high-grade coal. This is because low-grade coal is softer and has a higher porosity than high-grade coal.

[0211] Figure 13 shows an operational system utilizing modified low-grade coal.

[0212] Figure 13 shows an operational system 200 utilizing modified low-grade coal, which is configured by connecting a terminal for acquiring information on the production of modified low-grade coal and / or CO2 emission reduction information related to a low-grade coal modification and production device, a terminal for acquiring information on the utilization of modified low-grade coal and / or CO2 emission reduction information related to a modified low-grade coal utilization device, and an administrator terminal that handles system-related information, via a network.

[0213] A contract regarding the operation of the operational system 200 utilizing modified low-grade coal is concluded in advance between the manufacturer / distributor 66A, the user 67A, and the administrator 68A.

[0214] In Figure 13, the network 65 is formed by connecting the manufacturer / distributor terminal 66, the user terminal 67, and the administrator terminal 68 with communication means. By forming the network 65, an operating system 200 utilizing modified low-grade coal is constructed.

[0215] The administrator terminal 68 is a terminal operated by the operator (administrator) of the modified low-grade coal production and utilization system. The administrator terminal holds digitized low-grade coal information, digitized high-grade coal information, and digitized information on the modified low-grade coal production equipment, including the subcritical water treatment device. It also acquires digitized information on the production of modified low-grade coal and digitized information on the utilization of low-grade coal.

[0216] The manufacturer / distributor terminal 66 is a terminal handled by a company involved in the manufacture and sale of modified low-grade coal by modifying low-grade coal. It obtains digitized information regarding the manufacture of modified low-grade coal from the administrator terminal and information regarding the manufacture of modified low-grade coal obtained through the operation of the manufacturer / distributor's modified low-grade coal manufacturing equipment. Manufacturer / distributor 66A purchases and owns a modified low-grade coal manufacturing equipment.

[0217] The utilization operator terminal 67 is a terminal handled by utilization operators who utilize modified low-grade coal. The utilization operator terminal holds digitized information on low-grade and high-grade coal, and obtains digitized information on the use of low-grade coal from the administrator terminal, or information on the manufacture of modified low-grade coal from the manufacturer / distributor terminal. Utilization operator 67A owns a utilization facility that utilizes modified low-grade coal.

[0218] When the administrator terminal 68 produces modified low-grade coal with a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more using a modified low-grade coal production apparatus that includes a subcritical water treatment apparatus, it generates information on the reduction in high-grade coal usage during trial use by the modified low-grade coal production apparatus, or information on the reduction in CO2 emissions during trial use by the modified low-grade coal production apparatus and the gasification apparatus that gasifies the modified low-grade coal, and provides the information on the reduction in high-grade coal usage during trial use or the information on the reduction in CO2 emissions during trial use to the user terminal, or to the user terminal and the manufacturer / distributor terminal.

[0219] When the user's terminal 67 uses modified low-grade coal with a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more at a modified low-grade coal utilization facility owned by the user, it acquires information on the reduction in high-grade coal use during trials by the modified low-grade coal production device, or information on the reduction in high-grade coal use or CO2 emission reduction during trials by the gasification device that gasifies the modified low-grade coal, and generates information on the reduction in high-grade coal use or CO2 emission reduction at the modified low-grade coal utilization facility during use.

[0220] When the manufacturer's terminal 66 produces modified low-grade coal with a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more using a modified low-grade coal production apparatus including a subcritical water treatment apparatus owned by the manufacturer, it acquires information on the reduction in high-grade coal usage during trial use of the modified low-grade coal production apparatus, or information on the reduction in CO2 emissions during trial use of a gasification apparatus that gasifies the modified low-grade coal, and generates information on the reduction in high-grade coal usage during production or information on the reduction in CO2 emissions during production in the modified low-grade coal production apparatus including the subcritical water treatment apparatus.

[0221] The user terminal 68 may also retain the functions of a company that utilizes the modified low-grade coal manufacturing equipment. In this case, the company will manufacture and utilize the modified low-grade coal in-house.

[0222] Administrator 68A may also function as a manufacturer / distributor 66A, or it may be a trading company. In the case of a trading company, the trading company will obtain information regarding the manufacture of the modified low-grade coal manufacturing equipment from manufacturer / distributor 66A.

[0223] Administrator 68A generates information regarding the modified low-grade coal production apparatus 1 (or information regarding the modified low-grade coal production and utilization system 100; the same applies hereinafter) and transmits it to the manufacturer / seller 66A and the user 67A via the manufacturer / seller terminal 66 and the user terminal 67, respectively, thereby effectively operating the operational system 200 utilizing modified low-grade coal. Administrator 68A systematically executes the generation of information regarding the production and utilization of modified low-grade coal, as well as the generation of CO2 emission reduction information, at the administrator terminal and provides it to the user 67A, the manufacturer / seller 66A, or both.

[0224] Figure 14 shows the internal configuration of the manufacturer's terminal, the user's terminal, and the administrator's terminal.

[0225] The manufacturer / distributor terminal 66, the user terminal 67, and the administrator terminal 68 are all equipped with databases 71, 81, 91, input / output means 72, 82, 92, calculation processing means 73, 83, 93, and screen display means 74, 84, 94.

[0226] Information regarding the modified low-grade coal production apparatus 1 is stored in the database 71 of the manufacturer's terminal 66.

[0227] The database 81 of the user terminal 67 stores: information on the use of high-grade coal, information on the price of high-grade coal, and information on the current state of CO2 emissions. Information on the current state of CO2 emissions is stored for each user facility.

[0228] The database 91 on the administrator terminal 68 stores: information on low-grade coal, manufacturing information obtained from the production of modified low-grade coal, and CO2 emission information obtained from the utilization of modified low-grade coal.

[0229] The input / output means of the manufacturer / distributor terminal 66, the user terminal 67, and the administrator terminal 68 receive the information required for each calculation process, and the calculated result information is output to the inside and outside of each terminal.

[0230] Information regarding the modified low-grade coal production apparatus is provided to the manufacturer / distributor terminal 66 from the administrator terminal 68, and is used to help the manufacturer / distributor decide whether to introduce the modified low-grade coal production apparatus 1.

[0231] The input / output means of the administrator terminal 68 also stores information on the manufacturer / distributor and the user.

[0232] The processing means 73 of the manufacturer / distributor terminal 66 generates and obtains the following information as processing information using input information and stored data information: - Manufacturing information for reformed low-grade coal - Manufacturing information for methane (including gas information for various gases generated from methane) - Sales price information for reformed low-grade coal and methane.

[0233] The arithmetic processing means 93 of the administrator terminal 68 performs calculations using the input information and stored data information to generate information on the reduction of high-grade coal use during the trial period and information on the reduction of CO2 emissions during the trial period, and acquires them as processed information. The base information stored includes arbitrary low-grade coal information and high-grade coal information, high-grade coal information transmitted from the user terminal, and calculation processing results transmitted from the user terminal.

[0234] Here, "trial period" refers to generating the above-mentioned information based on the data information stored in the administrator terminal 68.

[0235] These calculation results are acquired by the user terminal 67 via the input / output means 82 of the user terminal 67 and used by the manufacturer / distributor 66A to make a purchase decision regarding the modified low-grade coal. In addition, sales price information for the modified low-grade coal provided by the manufacturer / distributor terminal 66 is also used to make a purchase decision regarding the modified low-grade coal.

[0236] The calculation processing means 83 of the user terminal 67 performs calculations using the input information and stored data information to generate information on the reduction of high-grade coal use and CO2 emission reduction for each user facility, and acquires them as processed information. The information on the reduction of high-grade coal use is used when the high-grade coal information stored in the user terminal 67 is used, and this processed information is transmitted to the administrator terminal 68 and converted into data. The reduction amount information is obtained using the information on the reduction of high-grade coal use, the sales price information of modified low-grade coal, and the converted high-grade coal price information.

[0237] Each drawing display device displays the respective processing information.

[0238] Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating the information provided by the manufacturer's terminal, the user's terminal, and the administrator's terminal, as well as the exchange of this information.

[0239] In Figure 15, the manufacturer / distributor terminal 66 provides the user terminal 67 and administrator terminal 68 with information regarding the manufacture and use of modified low-grade coal, information regarding methane production, and information regarding the sales price of modified low-grade coal, in accordance with the contract.

[0240] The administrator terminal 68: - Provides information regarding the modified low-grade coal production equipment to the manufacturer / distributor terminal 66 in accordance with the contract. Furthermore, - Provides information on the reduction of high-grade coal use during trials and information on the reduction of CO2 emissions during trials to the user terminal 67 and the manufacturer / distributor terminal 66 in accordance with the contract.

[0241] The user terminal 67 provides the administrator terminal 68 with information on the operation system using modified low-grade coal, information on the reduction of high-grade coal use, and information on CO2 emission reduction, in accordance with the contract.

[0242] Information provided by Administrator 68A is effective in effectively implementing the operational system that utilizes modified low-grade coal, and is effective in promoting and selling modified low-grade coal manufacturing equipment to the manufacturer / distributor 66A.

[0243] Information provided by manufacturer / distributor 66A is effective in effectively implementing the operational system utilizing modified low-grade coal, and is also effective in promoting and selling modified low-grade coal or methane to user 67A.

[0244] Information provided by the user 67A is effective in effectively implementing the operational system that utilizes modified low-grade coal, and is also effective in providing service feedback to the administrator 68A to improve the quality and quantity of manufacturing information obtained in the production of modified low-grade coal stored in the administrator terminal 68.

[0245] According to this embodiment, the administrator terminal has manufacturer information related to the manufacturer / distributor terminal and user information related to the user terminal, data calorific value information of coal including high-calorific value high-grade coal and low-calorific value low-grade coal, and calculation information used to calculate the amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal that corresponds to the reduction in the use of high-grade coal, from the high calorific value information of reformed coal that is 8,100 kcal / kg or more, and has a calculation function that calculates the amount of reduction in coal use from the data calorific value information and the calorific value information of reformed coal, and generates CO2 emission reduction information from the amount of reduction in coal use, and acquires the calorific value information of reformed coal obtained by operating the reformed coal manufacturing apparatus including the subcritical water treatment apparatus during trial use, From the data calorific value information of coal and the high calorific value information of reformed coal obtained through the operation of a reformed coal production apparatus including a subcritical water treatment device, which includes high calorific value information of 8,100 kcal / kg or more, the amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal that corresponds to the reduction in the use of high-grade coal is calculated to obtain the amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal during the trial period, and from the amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal during the trial period, CO2 emission reduction information during the trial period is generated and provided to the user terminal or the manufacturer / distributor terminal. The manufacturer / distributor terminal has calculation information used to calculate the amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal that corresponds to the reduction in the use of high-grade coal, from the data calorific value information of coal, which includes high-grade coal with high calorific value and low-grade coal with low calorific value, and the high calorific value information of reformed coal, which includes high calorific value information of 8,100 kcal / kg or more. It has a calculation function that calculates the amount of reduction in coal use from the data calorific value information of coal and the calorific value information of reformed coal, and generates CO2 emission reduction information from the amount of reduction in coal use. During the production of reformed coal, calorific value information of the reformed coal is obtained through the operation of the reformed coal production equipment, including the subcritical water treatment equipment. Of the data calorific value information and the higher calorific value of the reformed coal obtained through the operation of the reformed coal production equipment, including the subcritical water treatment equipment, 8,From high calorific value information of 100 kcal / kg or more, the amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal that corresponds to the reduction in the use of high-grade coal is calculated, and the amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal during production is obtained, and from the amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal during production, CO2 emission reduction information during production is generated and provided to the user terminal, The user terminal has data calorific value information of coal that has been digitized for coal including high-grade coal with high calorific value and low-grade coal with low calorific value, and calculation information used to calculate the amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal that corresponds to the reduction in the use of high-grade coal from high calorific value information of 8,100 kcal / kg or more among the high calorific values ​​of reformed coal, and has a calculation function that calculates the amount of reduction in coal use from the data calorific value information of coal and the calorific value information of reformed coal, and generates CO2 emission reduction information from the amount of reduction in coal use, When reformed coal is gas, calorific value information of reformed coal obtained by operating the reformed coal production equipment including a subcritical water treatment device is obtained, An operational system utilizing reformed coal is configured to calculate the amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal that corresponds to a reduction in the use of high-grade coal, based on the data calorific value information and the high calorific value information of 8,100 kcal / kg or more obtained from the operation of the reformed coal production equipment, including the subcritical water treatment device, to obtain the amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal during gaseous operation, and then generate CO2 emission reduction information during gaseous operation from the amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal during gaseous operation.

[0246] If the administrator terminal and the manufacturer / distributor terminal are a single terminal, the manufacturer / distributor terminal has calculation information used to calculate the amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal that corresponds to the reduction in the use of high-grade coal, from data calorific value information of coal, including high-grade coal with high calorific value and low-grade coal with low calorific value, and high calorific value information of reformed coal with a high calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more, and has a calculation function that calculates the amount of reduction in coal use from the data calorific value information and the calorific value information of reformed coal, and generates CO2 emission reduction information from the amount of reduction in coal use, and during trial use, it acquires the calorific value information of reformed coal obtained by operating the reformed coal manufacturing equipment, including the subcritical water treatment device, From the data calorific value information of coal and the high calorific value information of reformed coal obtained from the operation of the reformed coal manufacturing equipment including the subcritical water treatment equipment, which is 8,100 kcal / kg or higher, the amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal that corresponds to the reduction in the use of high-grade coal is calculated to obtain the amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal during the trial period, and from the amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal during the trial period, CO2 emission reduction information during the trial period is generated, and during the production of reformed coal, the calorific value information of reformed coal obtained from the operation of the reformed coal manufacturing equipment including the subcritical water treatment equipment is obtained, the amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal during production is obtained, and from the amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal during production, CO2 emission reduction information during production is generated and provided to the user terminal. The aforementioned user terminal has data calorific value information of coal, including high-grade coal with high calorific value and low-grade coal with low calorific value, and calculation information used to calculate the amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal that corresponds to a reduction in the use of high-grade coal, from the high calorific value information of the reformed coal that is 8,100 kcal / kg or higher, and has a calculation function that calculates the amount of reduction in coal use from the data calorific value information and the calorific value information of the reformed coal, and generates CO2 emission reduction information from the amount of reduction in coal use, and acquires the calorific value information of the reformed coal obtained by operating the reformed coal manufacturing equipment, including the subcritical water treatment equipment, when the reformed coal is in gas state, and acquires the calorific value information of the reformed coal obtained by operating the reformed coal manufacturing equipment, including the subcritical water treatment equipment, from the data calorific value information and the high calorific value information of the reformed coal obtained by operating the reformed coal manufacturing equipment, including the subcritical water treatment equipment,An operational system utilizing reformed coal is configured to calculate the amount of high-grade coal usage reduction corresponding to the reduction in high-grade coal usage based on high calorific value information of 100 kcal / kg or more, obtain the corresponding amount of high-grade coal usage reduction during gaseous operation, and generate CO2 emission reduction information during gaseous operation from the corresponding amount of high-grade coal usage reduction during gaseous operation.

[0247] When the administrator terminal, the manufacturer / distributor terminal, and the user terminal are a single terminal, the user terminal has calculation information used to calculate the amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal that corresponds to the reduction in the use of high-grade coal, from data calorific value information of coal, including high-grade coal with high calorific value and low-grade coal with low calorific value, and high calorific value information of reformed coal with a high calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more, and has a calculation function that calculates the amount of reduction in coal use from the data calorific value information and the calorific value information of reformed coal, and generates CO2 emission reduction information from the amount of reduction in coal use, and acquires the calorific value information of reformed coal obtained by operating the reformed coal production equipment including the subcritical water treatment device during trial use, From the data calorific value information of coal and the high calorific value information of reformed coal obtained from the operation of the reformed coal manufacturing equipment including the subcritical water treatment equipment, which is 8,100 kcal / kg or higher, the amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal that corresponds to the reduction in the use of high-grade coal is calculated to obtain the amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal during the trial period, and from the amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal during the trial period, CO2 emission reduction information during the trial period is generated, during the production of reformed coal, the calorific value information of reformed coal obtained from the operation of the reformed coal manufacturing equipment including the subcritical water treatment equipment is obtained, the amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal during production is obtained, and from the amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal during production, CO2 emission reduction information during production is generated, during the gaseous state of reformed coal, the calorific value information of reformed coal obtained from the operation of the reformed coal manufacturing equipment including the subcritical water treatment equipment is obtained, An operational system is configured that utilizes reformed coal to acquire the amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal during gas emissions and to generate CO2 emission reduction information for gas emissions from that amount of reduction in the use of high-grade coal during gas emissions.

[0248] 100...Reformed low-grade coal manufacturing and utilization system, 200...Operation system utilizing reformed low-grade coal, 1...Reformed low-grade coal manufacturing apparatus, 2...Reformed low-grade coal utilization apparatus, 3...Transportation means, 11...Subcritical water treatment apparatus, 12...Low-grade coal, 13...Low-grade coal micronization apparatus, 14...High-temperature high-pressure steam generator, 15...Transportation means, 16...Bio-coal char, 17...Reformed low-grade coal, 20...Fuel self-sufficient methane gas production apparatus, 21...Gasification means, 22...Activated char recovery means, 23...Superheated steam generation means, 24...Generated gas discharge means, 25...Gas cooling means, 26...Dust separation means, 27...Bag filter 28...Gas holder, 31...Gasifier, 32...Burner, 33...Internal piping connected to burner 32, 34...Superheated steam pipe, 35...Reformed low-grade coal feeding device, 36...Gas outlet, 37...Activated carbon outlet, 96...Generator, 97...Gas engine, 98...Power generation equipment, 65...Network, 65, 66...Manufacturer / distributor terminal, 67...User terminal, 68...Administrator terminal, 66A...Manufacturer / distributor, 67A...User, 68A...Administrator, 71, 81, 91...Database, 72, 82, 92...Input / output means, 73, 83, 93...Calculation processing means, 74, 84, 94...Screen display means.

Claims

1. In a system for producing methane from modified low-grade coal, where bituminous coal or anthracite is referred to as high-grade coal and peat, lignite, or sub-bituminous coal is referred to as low-grade coal, the system comprises a modified low-grade coal production apparatus for producing modified low-grade coal by modifying the low-grade coal used as processing material, and a gasification means for gasifying the resulting bio-coal char, wherein the modified low-grade coal production apparatus is equipped with a pressure vessel having an input port for the low-grade coal used as processing material and an output port for the modified low-grade coal, a heat source for supplying high-temperature, high-pressure steam to the pressure vessel, and a control device for controlling the heat treatment temperature inside the pressure vessel, and the gasification means is equipped with a gasifier, Inside the subcritical water treatment apparatus 11, a first-stage temperature region of 220°C or less and a second-stage temperature adjustment region adjusted to 130°C or less are formed at the temperature of the shoulder portion of the temperature curve. The subcritical water treatment apparatus is configured with a first-stage processing means set to 150 to 220°C for a predetermined processing time corresponding to the first-stage temperature region of 220°C or less, to remove moisture contained in the low-grade coal raw material, creating voids, low-molecular-weight molten / liquefied components, and low-molecular-weight non-molten / liquefied components. The second-stage processing means is configured to 110 to 130°C for a predetermined processing time corresponding to the second-stage temperature region of 130°C or less, to fix and fill the voids with the low-molecular-weight molten / liquefied components, and in the voids after filling, bio-coal char with a porosity of 9% or less in the total volume of the bio-coal char is generated. A system for producing methane from modified low-grade coal, characterized in that the gasification means gasifies the modified low-grade coal produced from the biocarbon in a non-oxidizing state to produce methane.

2. A system for producing methane as described in claim 1, comprising a gas holder for storing the produced methane, wherein the gasification means burns a portion of the stored methane to generate a combustion gas for a heat source, and heats and gasifies the bio-coal char in a non-oxidizing state with the combustion gas to produce methane.

3. A system for generating methane as described in claim 1, characterized in that the gasification means is set to a temperature of 350 to 450°C and a processing period of 15 to 30 minutes to generate methane with a concentration of 30% or more.

4. When bituminous coal or anthracite in coal is referred to as high-grade coal, and peat, lignite, or subbituminous coal is referred to as low-grade coal, a modified low-grade coal manufacturing apparatus is configured to produce modified low-grade coal by modifying the low-grade coal used as processing material, wherein the modified low-grade coal manufacturing apparatus comprises a pressure vessel having an input port for the low-grade coal used as processing material and an outlet for the modified low-grade coal, a heat source that supplies high-temperature, high-pressure steam to the pressure vessel, and a control device that controls the heat treatment temperature inside the pressure vessel, and inside the subcritical water processing apparatus 11, a first-stage temperature region of 220°C or less and a second-stage temperature adjustment region that adjusts the temperature to 130°C or less at the shoulder of the temperature curve, The modified low-grade coal manufacturing apparatus is characterized by the following: the subcritical water treatment apparatus sets a first-stage treatment means to a predetermined treatment time at 150 to 220°C corresponding to the first-stage temperature range of 220°C or less, to remove water contained in the low-grade coal raw material, forming voids, low-molecular-weight molten / liquefied components, and low-molecular-weight non-molten / liquefied components; the second-stage treatment means to a predetermined treatment time at 110 to 130°C corresponding to the second-stage temperature range of 130°C or less, to fill and solidify the low-molecular-weight molten / liquefied components within the voids, and to produce bio-coal char with a void ratio of 9% or less in the total volume of the bio-coal char and a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more, which is maintained by high-grade coal, within the voids after filling and solidification, thereby producing modified low-grade coal.

5. In a system for producing methane from modified low-grade coal, where bituminous coal or anthracite is referred to as high-grade coal and peat, lignite, or sub-bituminous coal is referred to as low-grade coal, the modified low-grade coal production apparatus comprises a device for producing modified low-grade coal by modifying low-grade coal as a processing raw material, and a gasification means for gasifying the resulting bio-coal char, wherein the modified low-grade coal production apparatus comprises a pressure vessel having an input port for low-grade coal as a processing raw material and an output port for modified low-grade coal, a heat source for supplying high-temperature, high-pressure steam to the pressure vessel, and a control device for controlling the heat treatment temperature inside the pressure vessel, and the gasification means comprises a gasifier, The modified low-grade coal production apparatus is a apparatus for producing modified low-grade coal, wherein coal is classified as high-grade coal if it has a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more and low-grade coal if it has a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or less, and when the porosity of the high-grade coal is 9% or more and 11% or less, the low-grade coal is modified to produce modified low-grade coal, wherein the porosity of the modified low-grade coal is 9% or less, and in the absence of moisture within the voids, the modified low-grade coal is formed of bio-coal char in which molten and liquefied low-molecular-weight low-grade coal is fixed to low-molecular-weight low-grade coal components that do not molten or liquefy, thereby producing modified low-grade coal that has a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more, the same as that of high-grade coal, and the gasification means gasifies the produced modified low-grade coal in a non-oxidizing state to produce methane.

6. A modified low-grade coal utilization system comprising a modified low-grade coal production apparatus as described in claim 4, wherein the modified low-grade coal production apparatus is an apparatus for producing modified low-grade coal when coal is classified into high-grade coal (coal with a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more) and low-grade coal (coal with a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or less), and the porosity of the high-grade coal is 9% or more and 11% or less, the modified low-grade coal is modified, and the modified low-grade coal is formed from bio-coal char in which molten and liquefied low-molecular-weight low-grade coal is fixed to low-molecular-weight low-grade coal components that do not melt or liquefy, in the voids of the modified low-grade coal with a porosity of 9% or less in the whole, in the absence of moisture, and modified coal is produced that has a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more, which is held by high-grade coal. A modified low-grade coal utilization system characterized in that the device for utilizing the modified low-grade coal includes a coal combustion device that uses the bio-coal char as fuel, and the coal combustion device burns the bio-coal char to recover combustion energy.

7. A subcritical water treatment apparatus used in a system for producing methane as described in claim 1, wherein the subcritical water treatment apparatus has a pressure vessel having an inlet for low-grade coal as a raw material for treatment and an outlet for modified low-grade coal, a heat source that supplies high-temperature, high-pressure steam to the pressure vessel, and a control device that controls the heat treatment temperature inside the pressure vessel, and the subcritical water treatment apparatus has a first-stage temperature region of 220°C or less and a second-stage temperature adjustment region that adjusts the temperature to 130°C or less at the shoulder of the temperature curve, and the subcritical water treatment apparatus has a first-stage treatment means set to 150 to 220°C and a predetermined treatment time corresponding to the first-stage temperature region of 220°C or less, and a second-stage treatment means set to 110 to 130°C and a predetermined treatment time corresponding to the second-stage temperature region of 130°C or less.

8. When bituminous coal or anthracite in coal is referred to as high-grade coal, and peat, lignite, or subbituminous coal is referred to as low-grade coal, the system comprises a modified low-grade coal production apparatus for producing modified low-grade coal by modifying the low-grade coal used as processing material, and a gasification means for gasifying the resulting bio-coal char, wherein the modified low-grade coal production apparatus is equipped with a pressure vessel having an input port for the low-grade coal used as processing material and an output port for the modified low-grade coal, a heat source for supplying high-temperature, high-pressure steam to the pressure vessel, and a control device for controlling the heat treatment temperature inside the pressure vessel, and the gasification means is equipped with a gasification furnace for producing methane from modified low-grade coal, wherein the inside of the subcritical water treatment apparatus is equipped with a first-stage temperature region of 220°C or less and a second-stage temperature adjustment region that adjusts the temperature to 130°C or less at the shoulder of the temperature curve, A methane production method using a system for producing methane from modified low-grade coal is characterized in that, using the subcritical water treatment apparatus, a first-stage treatment means is set to operate at a predetermined time of 150 to 220°C corresponding to a temperature range of 220°C or less for the first stage, thereby removing moisture contained in the low-grade coal raw material and creating voids, low-molecular-weight molten / liquefied components, and low-molecular-weight non-molten / liquefied components; a second-stage treatment means is set to operate at a predetermined time of 110 to 130°C corresponding to a temperature range of 130°C or less for the second stage, thereby fixing and filling the voids with the low-molecular-weight molten / liquefied components, and in the voids after filling, bio-coal char with a void ratio of 11% or less in the total volume of the bio-coal char is produced; and the modified low-grade coal produced from the bio-coal char is gasified in a non-oxidizing state by the gasification means to produce methane.

9. When bituminous coal or anthracite in coal is referred to as high-grade coal, and peat, lignite, or subbituminous coal is referred to as low-grade coal, the method for producing modified low-grade coal by modifying low-grade coal as a raw material is configured to include a modified low-grade coal production apparatus, wherein the modified low-grade coal production apparatus is equipped with a pressure vessel having an inlet for the low-grade coal raw material and an outlet for the modified low-grade coal, a heat source that supplies high-temperature, high-pressure steam to the pressure vessel, and a control device that controls the heat treatment temperature inside the pressure vessel, the method for producing modified low-grade coal by a modified low-grade coal production apparatus is configured to include a subcritical water treatment apparatus, wherein the subcritical water treatment apparatus 11 is equipped with a first-stage temperature region of 220°C or less and a second-stage temperature adjustment region that adjusts the temperature to 130°C or less at the shoulder of the temperature curve, A method for producing modified low-grade coal using a modified low-grade coal production apparatus, characterized in that, in the subcritical water treatment apparatus, a first-stage treatment means is set to operate at a predetermined time of 150 to 220°C corresponding to a temperature range of 220°C or less in the first stage, to remove water contained in the low-grade coal raw material, creating voids, low-molecular-weight molten / liquefied components, and low-molecular-weight non-molten / liquefied components; a second-stage treatment means is set to operate at a predetermined time of 110 to 130°C corresponding to a temperature range of 130°C or less in the second stage, to fix and fill the voids with the low-molecular-weight molten / liquefied components to the low-molecular-weight non-molten / liquefied components; and in the voids after filling, bio-coal char is produced with a void ratio of 11% or less in the total volume of the bio-coal char and maintaining a calorific value of 8,100 kcal / kg or more, which is maintained by high-grade coal.

10. When bituminous coal or anthracite coal in coal is referred to as high-grade coal, and peat, lignite, or subbituminous coal is referred to as low-grade coal, a modified coal production apparatus for producing modified coal by modifying the raw material coal is equipped with a pressure vessel having an inlet for the raw material low-grade coal and an outlet for the modified low-grade coal, a heat source that supplies high-temperature, high-pressure steam to the pressure vessel, and a control device that controls the heat treatment temperature inside the pressure vessel, The modified coal manufacturing apparatus is characterized by the following: Inside the subcritical water treatment apparatus 11, a first-stage temperature region of 220°C or less and a second-stage temperature adjustment region adjusted to 130°C or less are formed at the temperature of the shoulder portion of the temperature curve; the first-stage processing means is set in the subcritical water treatment apparatus to operate at 150 to 220°C for a predetermined processing time corresponding to the first-stage temperature region of 220°C or less, to remove moisture contained in the low-grade coal raw material, thereby forming voids, low-molecular-weight molten / liquefied components, and low-molecular-weight non-molten / liquefied components; the second-stage processing means is set at 110 to 130°C for a predetermined processing time corresponding to the second-stage temperature region of 130°C or less, to fix and fill the voids with the low-molecular-weight molten / liquefied components, and to produce bio-coal char with a void ratio of 9% or less in the total volume of the bio-coal char.

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