Decomposition device, decomposition method, and method for producing hydrocarbon compound

Abstract

One embodiment of a decomposition device according to the present disclosure comprises: a reaction furnace; a processing target supply unit that supplies a processing target to the inside of the reaction furnace; a steam generation unit that generates steam; a steam supply unit that is connected to the reaction furnace and the steam generation unit; and a gas-liquid discharge unit that discharges at least one of a gas and a liquid inside the reaction furnace to the outside of the reaction furnace.

Description

Decomposition apparatus, decomposition method, and method for producing hydrocarbon compounds

[0001] This disclosure relates to a decomposition apparatus, a decomposition method, and a method for producing hydrocarbon compounds.

[0002] One method of recycling waste plastics is chemical recycling, which involves decomposing the waste plastics, monomerizing and gasifying them, or using them as blast furnace reducing agents or coke oven raw materials. For example, a fluidized bed reactor is generally used in a continuous reactor that uses a material 20 containing polyolefins as a raw material to obtain basic chemicals in a single stage without going through intermediate products such as pyrolysis oil.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses that a plastic powder, which is a mixture of polyolefins, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), etc., is supplied to a fluidized bed reactor and decomposed to obtain C2 to C4 olefins, that the heating medium in the fluidized bed is a mixture of used fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalyst and ZSM-5, and that these catalysts may contain binder materials such as alumina or silica.

[0004] However, conventional decomposition devices heat the material being processed by directly heating it with a heating device or similar, and there have been no devices or methods available that use steam to decompose the material being processed.

[0005] Special table 2016-513147 publication

[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a decomposition apparatus that can efficiently thermally decompose a material to be processed using steam.

[0007] The means for solving the above-mentioned problems is as follows: <1> A decomposition apparatus comprising a reactor, a material supply unit for supplying the material to be processed into the reactor, a steam generating unit for generating steam, a steam supply unit connected to the reactor and the steam generating unit, and a gas-liquid discharge unit for discharging at least one of the gas and liquid inside the reactor to the outside of the reactor.

[0008] <2> The decomposition apparatus described in <1> above, wherein the steam is water vapor.

[0009] <3> The decomposition apparatus according to <1> or <2> above, wherein the steam supply unit supplies steam at 500°C or higher and 1,200°C or lower into the inside of the reactor.

[0010] <4> The disassembly apparatus according to any one of the above <1> to <3>, wherein an insulating section containing an insulating material is arranged on the outer surface of the reactor, or the reactor contains an insulating material.

[0011] <5> The decomposition apparatus according to <4>, wherein the heat insulating material is either ceramic or glass fiber.

[0012] <6> The decomposition apparatus according to any one of the above <1> to <5> is wherein the reactor is equipped with a disperser having a plurality of through holes inside the reactor.

[0013] <7> The decomposition apparatus according to <6>, wherein a filler layer is arranged inside the reactor, and the filler layer is either a fluidized bed or a fixed bed.

[0014] <8> The decomposition apparatus according to any one of <1> to <7>, wherein the gas-liquid discharge section comprises a disperser having a plurality of through holes, which are arranged so that at least one of the gas and liquid flows through it.

[0015] <9> The decomposition apparatus according to any one of <1> to <8> above, comprising: a residue discharge section arranged in the reactor for discharging residue from the reactor; a residue discharge channel connected to the residue discharge section; a first valve arranged in the residue discharge channel for allowing or stopping the flow of the residue flowing in the residue discharge channel; an air generating section for generating air; an air flow passage branching off from the residue discharge channel and connected to the air generating section for the flow of the air; and a second valve arranged in the air flow passage for allowing or stopping the flow of the air flowing in the air flow passage.

[0016] <10> The decomposition apparatus according to any one of <1> to <9> above, comprising a cooling unit arranged in connection with the gas-liquid discharge unit and for cooling at least one of the gas and liquid.

[0017] <11> The decomposition apparatus according to <10>, wherein the apparatus is connected to at least one member selected from the group consisting of the cooling unit and the steam generating unit, and includes a recovery unit that recovers the steam contained in at least one of the gas and liquid in the cooling unit back into the steam generating unit.

[0018] <12> A decomposition method comprising: supplying a material to be processed into the inside of a reactor from a material to be processed supply unit located in the reactor; generating steam in a steam generating unit; supplying the steam into the inside of the reactor from a steam supply unit located in the reactor and supplying the steam into the inside of the reactor; and discharging at least one of the gas and liquid inside the reactor to the outside of the reactor from a gas-liquid discharge unit located in the reactor.

[0019] <13> A method for producing a hydrocarbon compound, comprising: supplying a material to be processed into the inside of a reactor from a material to be processed supply unit located in the reactor; generating steam in a steam generation unit; supplying the steam into the inside of the reactor from a steam supply unit located in the reactor and supplying the steam into the inside of the reactor; and bringing the material to be processed and the steam into contact inside the reactor to produce a hydrocarbon compound.

[0020] According to embodiments of this disclosure, it is possible to provide a decomposition apparatus that can efficiently thermally decompose a material to be processed using steam.

[0021] Figure 1A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a decomposition apparatus according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 1B is a block diagram showing an example of a control unit of a decomposition apparatus according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a decomposition apparatus according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 3A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a decomposition apparatus according to the third embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 3B is a block diagram showing an example of a control unit of a decomposition apparatus according to the third embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 4 is an example of a flowchart of a decomposition method according to one embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 5 is an example of a flowchart of a method for producing a hydrocarbon compound according to one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0022] The disassembly apparatus and disassembly method according to the embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments described below are illustrative examples of disassembly apparatus and disassembly method for realizing the technical concept of this disclosure and are not limited to those described below, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the gist of this disclosure.

[0023] Furthermore, the dimensions, materials, shapes, numbers, and relative arrangements of the components described in the embodiments are merely illustrative examples and not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure unless otherwise specified. Note that the size and positional relationships of the components shown in each drawing may be exaggerated for clarity. Also, in the following description, the same name and reference numeral indicate the same or identical components, and detailed explanations are omitted as appropriate. To avoid overly complex drawings, schematic diagrams may be used with some elements omitted, or end views showing only the cross-section may be used as cross-sectional views.

[0024] Furthermore, in this disclosure, with regard to polygons such as rectangles, triangles, and quadrilaterals, the term "polygon" shall also include shapes in which the corners of the polygon have been processed, such as rounded corners, chamfers, or bevels. Similarly, shapes in which processing has been applied not only to the corners (ends of the sides) but also to the middle parts of the sides shall also be referred to as polygons. In other words, shapes that retain the shape of a polygon as a base but have been partially processed shall be included in the interpretation of "polygon" as described in this disclosure.

[0025] Furthermore, the same applies not only to polygons, but also to terms describing specific shapes such as cylinders, rectangular prisms, trapezoids, circles, and tapered shapes. The same also applies when dealing with each side that forms such a shape. In other words, even if a side has been processed at a corner or in the middle, the interpretation of "side" includes the processed part. When distinguishing a "polygon" or "side" without partial processing from a processed shape, the term "strictly" should be added, for example, "strictly quadrilateral."

[0026] Furthermore, the following description uses terms that indicate specific directions or positions as needed (e.g., "up," "down," "side," "top surface," "bottom surface," "side," "X," "Y," "Z," and other terms including these terms). However, the use of these terms is solely to facilitate understanding of the invention with reference to the drawings, and the meaning of these terms does not excessively limit the technical scope of the present invention. For example, if "top surface" is mentioned, the invention must not always be used in a way that faces upwards.

[0027] Furthermore, in this specification, the "~" indicating a numerical range means that the numbers before and after it are included as the lower and upper limits, respectively, unless otherwise specified.

[0028] In numerical ranges described in stages within this disclosure, the upper or lower limit of one numerical range may be replaced with the upper or lower limit of another numerical range described in stages. Furthermore, in numerical ranges described within this disclosure, the upper or lower limit of that range may be replaced with the values ​​shown in the examples.

[0029] (Disassembly Apparatus) <First Embodiment> The disassembly apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a reactor 1, a material supply unit 2 disposed in the reactor 1 and supplying a material to be processed into the reactor, a steam generating unit 3 that generates steam 16, a steam supply unit 4 connected to the reactor 1 and the steam generating unit 3 and supplying steam 16 into the reactor 1, and a gas-liquid discharge unit 5 disposed in the reactor 1 and discharging at least one of the gas and liquid inside the reactor 1 to the outside of the reactor 1. The disassembly apparatus according to one embodiment may further comprise other components as needed.

[0030] Figure 1A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a decomposition device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The decomposition device 100 includes a reaction furnace 1, a processing object supply unit 2, a steam generation unit 3, a steam supply unit 4, and a gas-liquid discharge unit 5. In the reaction furnace 1, a disperser 6, a filler layer 7, etc. are arranged.

[0031] In the decomposition device 100, the direction in which the fillers in the filler layer 7 accumulate due to their own weight is defined as the Y-axis direction, the direction substantially orthogonal to the Y-axis direction is defined as the X-axis direction, and the direction substantially orthogonal to the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction is defined as the Z-axis direction. The X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis are orthogonal to each other.

[0032] In the present disclosure, "substantially orthogonal" is not limited to 90°, but allows a difference within 90° ± 5°.

[0033] In the first embodiment, the steam generation unit 3 and the steam supply unit 4 are connected to the lower part of the reaction furnace 1 in the Y-axis direction, and the gas-liquid discharge unit 5 is arranged at the upper part of the reaction furnace 1 in the Y-axis direction. As a result, the steam 16 generated in the steam generation unit 3 flows in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 1, and the filler layer 7 forms a fluidized bed.

[0034] <<Reaction Furnace 1>> The reaction furnace 1 is a member that can accommodate the processing object 20 and has a certain internal space for ensuring the flow path of the processing object and steam. In the reaction furnace 1, the filler layer 7 arranged in the reaction furnace 1 is heated by steam to heat the processing object supplied into the reaction furnace 1.

[0035] A heat insulation part including a heat-insulating material may be arranged on the outer surface of the reaction furnace 1. By arranging a heat insulation part on the outer surface of the reaction furnace 1, the temperature of the steam 16 in the reaction furnace 1 can be kept constant. When a heat insulation part is not arranged on the outer surface of the reaction furnace 1, it is preferable that the reaction furnace 1 includes a heat-insulating material. Note that the reaction furnace 1 may include a heat-insulating material and a heat insulation part may be arranged on the outer surface of the reaction furnace 1. The heat insulation part may be arranged on all of the outer walls of the reaction furnace 1, or may be arranged on a part of the outer walls of the reaction furnace 1.

[0036] Examples of the heat-insulating material include ceramics, glass fibers, etc.

[0037] As the material of the reactor 1, there is no particular limitation as long as it is stable in terms of the surface temperature and atmosphere on the inner side of the reactor 1, that is, the side where the object to be processed 20 of the reactor 1 is accommodated, but it is preferable to include a material having heat insulation properties. Examples of the material having heat insulation properties include glass wool, rock wool, silica wool, refractory ceramic fiber, insulating brick, high alumina castable, clay brick, magnesia-carbon brick, SiC brick, low cement castable, and the like.

[0038] For example, when the steam 16 is water vapor and the surface temperature inside the reactor 1 is 700 °C or lower, as the material of the reactor 1, alumina (Al ２ O ３ ), zirconia (ZrO ３ ), silicon carbide (SiC), silicon nitride (Si ３ N ４ ), mullite (3Al ２ O ３ ·2SiO ２ ), and other inorganic compounds or their ceramics; alloys such as stainless steel (e.g., SUS316, SUS316L, SUS310S, etc.), Inconel INCONEL (registered trademark), Hastelloy (HASTELLOY (registered trademark)), etc. can be used.

[0039] For example, when the steam 16 is water vapor and the surface temperature inside the reactor 1 is above 700 °C and 950 °C or lower, as the material of the reactor 1, alumina (Al ２ O ３ ), zirconia (ZrO ３ ), silicon carbide (SiC), silicon nitride (Si ３ N ４ ), mullite (3Al ２ O ３ ·2SiO ２ ), and other inorganic compounds or their ceramics; alloys such as Inconel INCONEL (registered trademark), Hastelloy (HASTELLOY (registered trademark)), etc. can be used.

[0040] The shape, structure, and size of the reactor 1 are not particularly limited as long as they are capable of accommodating the material to be processed 20. However, from the viewpoint of heating the material to be processed 20 for an appropriate amount of time, it is preferable that the shape is longer in the Y-axis direction than in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction.

[0041] Examples of the shape of the reactor 1 include cylindrical, rectangular, conical, and frustoconical shapes.

[0042] The size of the reactor 1 is not particularly limited, as long as it has a length and inner diameter that can accommodate the material to be processed 20.

[0043] A disperser 6, a filler layer 7, and the like may be placed inside the reactor 1.

[0044] - Disperser 6 - The disperser 6 is a component that straightens the flow of steam 16 supplied from the steam supply unit 4. Preferably, the disperser 6 is a component that can allow steam 16 to pass through but does not allow the material to be processed 20, the filler forming the filler layer 7, and the reaction residue to pass through. Therefore, the reaction residue after the material to be processed 20 has been decomposed is suitably accumulated on the disperser 6. Specifically, the reaction residue refers to solids derived from the material to be processed 20 that remain in the reactor 1 after the material to be processed 20 has been decomposed, such as undecomposed plastic, wax components generated by the decomposition of plastic, carbides of plastic and other organic components in the material to be processed 20, and inorganic solids in the material to be processed 20. In the first embodiment, steam 16 flows in the direction of the arrow in Figure 1, and the filler layer 7 forms a fluidized bed. The disperser 6 supports the filler layer 7. In this disclosure, "disperser" means a component having through holes that allow gases such as gas to pass through but do not allow solids such as particles to pass through.

[0045] There are no particular restrictions on the material of the disperser 6; for example, it can be appropriately selected from the same materials as those used for the reactor 1, depending on the purpose.

[0046] The disperser 6 has a plurality of through holes arranged to allow steam 16 supplied to the inside of the reactor 1 to flow through. There are no particular restrictions on the inner diameter of the through holes, and they can be appropriately selected according to the purpose, but it is preferable that they be less than or equal to the minimum particle size distribution of the filler in order to allow steam 16 to flow through. This allows the filler layer 7 to be supported.

[0047] - Filler layer 7 - The filler layer 7 is a layer formed when the filler is filled into the reactor 1, causing the filler to accumulate in the +Y axis direction. The filler layer is preferably either a fluidized bed or a fixed bed, and more preferably a fluidized bed. In the first embodiment, steam 16 flows in the direction of the arrow in Figure 1, so the filler layer 7 forms a fluidized bed. In this disclosure, "filler layer" means a layered structure in which multiple fillers are stacked on top of each other.

[0048] The filler layer 7 preferably has a certain amount of voids to ensure a flow path for the material to be treated 20 and the steam 16 when the material to be treated 20 is thermally decomposed. There are no particular restrictions on the void ratio φ of the filler layer 7, and it can be set appropriately depending on the properties of the material to be treated 20 used, the conditions for thermal decomposition of the material to be treated 20, etc. However, from the viewpoint of ensuring a sufficient flow path for the material to be treated 20 and the steam 16 and ensuring sufficient contact between the filler and the material to be treated 20, a void ratio of 20% to 80% is preferred, 30% to 70% is more preferred, and 40% to 60% is even more preferred.

[0049] In this disclosure, "porosity φ" is the proportion of voids in the filler layer 7, and is determined based on the following formulas 1 and 2. [Formula 1] Porosity φ (%) = (1 - Vs / V) × 100 (In formula 1, "Vs" is the volume of the filler (cm³) determined by formula 2 below. ３ ) indicates that "V" is the volume of the filler layer (cm³). ３ ) shows. Note that the volume of the filler layer 7 is the volume of the filler-filled section in the reactor 1.) [Equation 2] Vs = Wf / TD (In Equation 2, "Wf" is the mass (g) of the filler packed into the filler layer 7, and "TD" is the true density (g / cm³) of the filler. ３ ) indicates.

[0050] There are no particular restrictions on the shape and structure of the filler layer 7, and they can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. However, from the viewpoint of allowing the material to be processed 20 and the generated chemicals to flow smoothly and ensuring sufficient contact time between the material to be processed 20 and the filler, it is preferable that the flow direction of the material to be processed 20 is perpendicular to the flow direction, i.e., longer than the inner diameter of the reactor.

[0051] - Filler - The filler is used to maintain a constant temperature in the reaction system when the material to be processed 20 is thermally decomposed.

[0052] There are no particular restrictions on the filler, and it can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. However, it is preferable that the filler is a material that is stable in the thermal decomposition temperature range when the material to be treated 20 is thermally decomposed, does not undergo reduction by by-products such as carbon and hydrogen generated by the thermal decomposition of the material to be treated 20, and does not react with the vapor 16.

[0053] Specific examples of fillers include zirconium oxide, yttria-stabilized zirconium oxide, calcia-stabilized zirconium oxide, magnesium oxide, calcium oxide, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, silicon oxide, aluminum oxide, tantalum oxide, niobium oxide, beryllium oxide, lanthanum oxide, manganese(II) oxide, chromium(III) oxide, gallium oxide, forsterite, and cordierite. Furthermore, the filler may be a surface-treated version of the above materials for purposes such as surface deactivation or improvement of the fluidity of the object to be treated 20. These may be used individually or in combination of two or more. Among these, it is preferable to use one or more of silicon carbide, aluminum oxide, silicon oxide, or surface-treated versions thereof as fillers. More preferably, one or more selected from the group consisting of silicon carbide and aluminum oxide is used, which has an inert surface that does not catalyze the oxidative decomposition reaction between water vapor and hydrocarbons and the carbon deposition reaction, and has good thermal conductivity.

[0054] There are no particular restrictions on the surface-treated filler, and it can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. Examples include fillers having an oxide film on the surface and fillers having a carbon film on the surface. Among these, fillers having a carbon film on the surface are preferred as surface-treated fillers because they are less likely to generate active sites due to surface treatment and can prevent side reactions.

[0055] There are no particular restrictions on the method for surface-treating the filler, and any known method can be appropriately selected.

[0056] For example, when preparing a filler having an oxide film on its surface, one method is to form an oxide film on the surface of the filler by oxidation.

[0057] Furthermore, when producing a filler having a carbon film on its surface, one method involves attaching an organic compound to the surface of the filler, followed by firing in the presence of an inert gas to form the carbon film. When producing a filler having a carbon film on its surface, it is preferable to use organic compounds such as hydroxycarboxylic acid, sucrose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, or carboxymethyl cellulose, from the viewpoint of easily forming a uniform and homogeneous carbon film.

[0058] There are no particular restrictions on the hydroxycarboxylic acid, and it can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples include malic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, gallic acid, and salicylic acid. These may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0059] The structure of surface-treated fillers can be confirmed, for example, by observation using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), a transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), or micro-Raman spectroscopy.

[0060] In a filler having a carbon film on its surface, there are no particular restrictions on the coverage rate of the filler by the carbon film, and it can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. However, the mass ratio [carbon / filler] of carbon forming the carbon film to the filler is preferably 0.0001 or more and 0.5 or less, more preferably 0.0005 or more and 0.3 or less, even more preferably 0.001 or more and 0.1 or less, and particularly preferably 0.002 or more and 0.08 or less. When the mass ratio [carbon / filler] is 0.0001 or more and 0.5 or less, the material to be treated 20 can be efficiently thermally decomposed in the thermal decomposition temperature range when the material to be treated 20 is thermally decomposed while effectively assisting contact between the fillers. The mass ratio [carbon / filler] is calculated from the mass of the organic compound that serves as the carbon source in a filler having a carbon film on its surface and the mass of the filler. Therefore, the coating of the filler with a carbon film may be complete or partial. Therefore, the carbon film includes not only layered structures but also those that appear as sea-island-like structures when observed on the surface.

[0061] In fillers having a carbon film on their surface, the coverage rate of the filler by the carbon film can be determined by methods such as calculating it from the amount of material used, or by analyzing the weight change of the carbon film based on weight changes using thermogravimetric differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA).

[0062] There are no particular restrictions on the size of the filler, and it can be appropriately selected according to the purpose, but a nominal mesh opening of 90 μm to 125 mm is preferred, 100 μm to 100 mm is more preferred, and 125 μm to 90 mm is even more preferred. The size of the filler should be measured in accordance with JIS Z 8801-1:2019.

[0063] There are no particular restrictions on the shape and structure of the filler, and it can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. However, the shape of the filler is preferably such that the molten material of the object to be processed 20 does not easily accumulate on the filler, and a spherical shape is preferred, with a perfectly spherical shape being more preferred.

[0064] <<Processing Material Supply Unit 2>> The processing material supply unit 2 is a component that is connected to the reactor 1 and supplies the processing material 20 to the reactor 1. The processing material supply unit 2 includes a processing material distribution unit for circulating the processing material 20, a processing material input unit for introducing the processing material 20 into the reactor 1, and the like. The processing material supply unit 2 may supply the processing material 20 to the reactor 1 using a known pump or the like.

[0065] In this disclosure, "connection" of the material to be processed supply unit 2 to the reactor 1 means that the inside of the material to be processed supply unit 2 and the inside of the reactor 1 are in communication so that the material to be processed 20 can pass through them.

[0066] There are no particular restrictions on the material of the material supply unit 2 to be processed; for example, it can be appropriately selected from the same materials as those used for the reactor 1, depending on the purpose.

[0067] The shape, structure, and size of the material supply unit 2 are not particularly limited as long as it can be connected to the reactor 1 and supply the material to be processed 20 to the reactor 1. They can be appropriately selected according to the purpose, for example, a cylindrical shape or a rectangular parallelepiped. Also, if a part of the reactor 1 has an opening, this opening can be used as the material supply unit 2.

[0068] <<Steam Generating Unit 3>> The steam generating unit 3 is a component that generates steam 16. The steam generating unit 3 is connected to the steam supply unit 4, and the steam 16 generated in the steam generating unit 3 is supplied to the reactor 1 via the steam supply unit 4.

[0069] In this disclosure, "connection" of the steam generating unit 3 to the steam supply unit 4 means that the inside of the steam generating unit 3 and the inside of the steam supply unit 4 are in communication so that steam 16 can pass through them.

[0070] The structure, shape, material, and size of the steam generating unit 3 are not particularly limited as long as they can generate steam 16, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. Examples include cylindrical shapes and rectangular parallelepipeds.

[0071] There are no particular restrictions on the steam 16, and it can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, but water vapor is preferred.

[0072] <<Steam Supply Unit 4>> The steam supply unit 4 is connected to the reactor 1 and the steam generation unit 3, and the steam 16 generated in the steam generation unit 3 is supplied to the reactor 1 via the steam supply unit 4.

[0073] In this disclosure, "connection" of the steam supply unit 4 to the reactor 1 means that the inside of the steam supply unit 4 and the inside of the reactor 1 are in communication so that steam 16 can pass through them.

[0074] There are no particular restrictions on the material of the steam supply unit 4; for example, it can be appropriately selected from the same materials as those used for the reactor 1, depending on the purpose.

[0075] The shape, structure, and size of the steam supply unit 4 are not particularly limited as long as it can be connected to the reactor 1 and supply the material to be processed 20 to the reactor 1, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.

[0076] The steam supply unit 4 supplies steam 16 at a temperature of 500°C to 1,200°C into the reactor 1. The temperature of the steam 16 is preferably 600°C to 1,100°C, and more preferably 700°C to 1,000°C, from the standpoint of easily decomposing the material to be processed.

[0077] <<Gas and Liquid Discharge Section 5>> The gas and liquid discharge section 5 is connected to the reactor 1 and is a component that discharges at least one of the gas and liquid inside the reactor 1 to the outside of the reactor 1. At least one of the gas and liquid contains at least the product 21. Examples of the gas and liquid discharge section 5 include a gas and liquid circulation section through which at least one of the gas and liquid flows, and a pump that circulates at least one of the gas and liquid in a fixed amount for a fixed period of time.

[0078] The gas-liquid discharge section 5 may include a disperser having a plurality of through holes. The disperser is arranged so that at least one of the gas and liquid to be discharged to the outside of the reactor 1 flows through it. The disperser can be the same as the disperser 6 arranged inside the reactor 1.

[0079] In this disclosure, "connection" of the gas-liquid discharge section 5 to the reactor 1 means that the inside of the gas-liquid discharge section 5 and the inside of the reactor 1 are in communication, allowing gas and liquid to pass through.

[0080] There are no particular restrictions on the material of the gas-liquid discharge section 5; for example, it can be appropriately selected from the same materials as those used for the reactor 1, depending on the purpose.

[0081] -Product 21- Examples of product 21 include hydrocarbon compounds having 1 to 10 carbon atoms. Examples of hydrocarbon compounds include at least one chemical selected from the group consisting of olefins and aromatic hydrocarbons. Therefore, the decomposition apparatus 100 can be suitably used as a production apparatus for at least one chemical selected from the group consisting of olefins having 2 to 10 carbon atoms and aromatic hydrocarbons. In addition to at least one chemical selected from the group consisting of olefins having 2 to 10 carbon atoms and aromatic hydrocarbons, product 21 may also include by-products. In that case, product 21 will include at least one chemical selected from the group consisting of olefins having 2 to 10 carbon atoms and aromatic hydrocarbons, as well as the by-products.

[0082] <<Other Components>> The decomposition apparatus 100 may include other components besides the reactor 1, the material to be processed supply unit 2, the steam generation unit 3, the steam supply unit 4, and the gas-liquid discharge unit 5. There are no particular limitations on the other components as long as they do not impair the effects of the decomposition apparatus according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. Examples include a temperature sensor 8, a supply rate adjustment unit 9, a supply rate sensor 10, a separation device 11, a cooling unit 12, a re-recovery unit 13, a recovery unit 14, and a control unit 200. Furthermore, depending on the type of material to be processed 20 and the product 21, it may also include a separation and processing unit for the product 21.

[0083] -Temperature Sensor 8- The temperature sensor 8 is a component that measures the temperature inside the reactor 1. The temperature detection signal from the temperature sensor 8 is preferably transmitted to the temperature controller 206a of the control unit 200. It is preferable for the decomposition device 100 to have the temperature sensor 8 because the temperature controller 206a can provide feedback control to the temperature inside the reactor 1.

[0084] There are no particular restrictions on the temperature sensor 8, as long as it can accurately measure the temperature inside the reactor 1. Although the diagram here shows the temperature sensor 8 measuring the temperature by contacting the gas inside the reactor 1, it is not limited to this, and the temperature sensor 8 may measure the temperature without contacting the gas inside the reactor 1.

[0085] If the temperature sensor 8 measures temperature by coming into contact with the gas inside the reactor 1, examples include thermocouples and platinum thermometers.

[0086] If the temperature sensor 8 measures the temperature of the gas inside the reactor 1 without contact, examples include a radiation thermometer and an infrared thermographic camera.

[0087] - Supply Speed ​​Adjustment Unit 9 - The supply speed adjustment unit 9 is a component that adjusts the supply speed at which the material to be processed supply unit 2 supplies the material to be processed 20 to the reactor 1, or stops the material to be processed supply unit 2 from supplying the material to be processed 20 to the reactor 1.

[0088] For example, a known pump, a cock, etc., can be used as the supply speed adjustment unit 9.

[0089] The rate at which the material to be processed 20 is supplied to the reactor 1 by the supply rate adjustment unit 9 can be adjusted by the supply rate controller 206b of the control unit 200, which will be described later.

[0090] - Supply Speed ​​Sensor 10 - The supply speed sensor 10 is a component that measures the supply speed of the material to be processed 20 by the supply speed adjustment unit 9. There are no particular restrictions on the supply speed sensor 10 as long as it can accurately measure the supply speed of the material to be processed 20 by the supply speed adjustment unit 9. For example, a known flow sensor for liquids or gases can be used.

[0091] The supply speed detection signal from the supply speed sensor 10 is suitably transmitted to the supply speed controller 206b of the control unit 200. The decomposition apparatus 100 is preferable because it has a supply speed sensor 10, which can improve the yield of the product 21, and the supply speed controller 206b can provide feedback control of the supply speed of the material to be processed supply unit 2.

[0092] -Separation device 11- The separation device 11 is positioned connected to the gas-liquid discharge section 5 and is a component that separates solid matter from the mixture that is generated by the heating of the material to be processed in the reactor 1 and enters the gas-liquid discharge section 5, thereby obtaining gas and liquid. This makes it possible to separate the gas and liquid from the solid from the mixture.

[0093] The structure, shape, material, and size of the separation device 11 are not particularly limited as long as they can separate solid matter from the mixture, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. For example, a cyclone-type dust collector can be used as the separation device 11.

[0094] -Cooling section 12- The cooling section 12 is positioned connected to the gas-liquid discharge section 5 and is a component that cools at least one of the gas and liquid. It performs heat exchange using water as a refrigerant to separate the generated gas and the vapor 16.

[0095] The cooling section 12 uses a refrigerant to perform heat exchange between the gas and liquid in the gas-liquid discharge section. Examples of the cooling section 12 include a cooling trap for cooling the product 21 and a refrigerant containment section for cooling the cooling trap. The structure, shape, material, and size of the cooling section 12 are not particularly limited as long as they can cool the product, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.

[0096] As a refrigerant, there are no particular restrictions as long as it can cool the gas and liquid in the gas-liquid discharge section (i.e., perform heat exchange), and it can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples include water, ice water, and non-aqueous solvents.

[0097] The temperature of the refrigerant is not particularly limited as long as it can cool the gas and liquid in the gas-liquid discharge section (i.e., perform heat exchange), and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.

[0098] In the cooling unit 12, heat is recovered simultaneously with the cooling of gases and liquids to generate steam 16, and the generated steam 16 may be recovered back to the steam generating unit 3 via the recovery unit 13.

[0099] -Recovery Unit 13- The recovery unit 13 is positioned in connection with the cooling unit 12 and the steam generating unit 3, and is a component that recovers the steam 16 contained in at least one of the gas and liquid in the cooling unit 12 back into the steam generating unit 3.

[0100] The structure, shape, material, and size of the recovery unit 13 are not particularly limited as long as they can generate steam 16, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. As for the material, it can be appropriately selected from the same materials as those used for the reactor 1, according to the purpose.

[0101] The recovery unit 13 may have an insulating section on its outer surface that includes a material with heat insulating properties. By placing an insulating section on the outer surface of the recovery unit 13, the temperature drop of the recovered steam 16 can be suppressed, and the recovered steam 16 can be reused efficiently. As the material with heat insulating properties, the same material as the insulating section in the reactor 1 can be used.

[0102] -Recovery Unit 14- The recovery unit 14 is a component that recovers product gases and liquid products containing useful components from the gases and liquids produced by the decomposition device 100. The recovery unit 14 may consist of only one unit or two or more units.

[0103] There are no particular restrictions on the structure, shape, material, and size of the recovery unit 14, and they can be appropriately selected according to the purpose and the type of gas produced, and known containers are examples.

[0104] Furthermore, the recovery unit 14 may contain a solvent capable of separating the useful components. There are no particular restrictions on the solvent, and it can be appropriately selected depending on the type of useful component to be recovered. For example, ethanol, hexane, dimethylformamide, cyclopentane, and water can be used as solvents for extracting useful components from liquid products.

[0105] The useful components in the generated gas can be suitably separated by further pressurized distillation.

[0106] -Steam supply rate sensor 15- The steam supply rate sensor 15 is a component that measures the supply rate of steam 16 by the steam generation unit 3 and the steam supply unit 4. There are no particular restrictions on the steam supply rate sensor 15 as long as it can accurately measure the supply rate of steam 16 by the steam generation unit 3 and the steam supply unit 4. For example, a known flow sensor for liquids or gases can be used.

[0107] -Control Unit 200- Figure 1B is a block diagram showing an example of the control unit of a disassembly apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0108] The control unit 200 is a component that appropriately controls each component of the decomposition apparatus 100. For example, depending on the type of material to be processed 20, it controls each component based on processing recipe data 208, which consists of processing conditions such as the temperature of the steam 16 and the rate at which the material to be processed 20 is supplied to the reactor 1 by the supply rate adjustment unit 9.

[0109] The control unit 200 may include, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a memory 202, a display unit 203, an input / output unit 204, a communication unit 205, various controllers 206, and a storage unit 207.

[0110] --CPU 201-- The CPU 201 is a unit that reads various programs and data necessary for program execution from the storage unit 207 as needed and uses them.

[0111] --Memory 202-- Memory 202 is a unit used for various processes performed by the CPU 201.

[0112] --Display Unit 203-- The display unit 203 is a liquid crystal display that displays the operation screen, selection screen, etc., of the disassembly device 100.

[0113] --Input / Output Unit 204-- The input / output unit 204 is a component that inputs and outputs signals based on various settings and the operation of each component. The input / output unit 204 may include an operation panel, keyboard, etc., for the operator to perform various operations such as inputting various data and outputting various data to a predetermined storage medium.

[0114] --Communication Unit 205-- The communication unit 205 is a component that connects the CPU 201 to a communication line and performs data exchange via a network or the like.

[0115] --Controller 206-- Various controllers 206 are components that control various parts of the disassembly device 100. Examples of various controllers 206 include a temperature controller 206a, a supply rate controller 206b, and a steam supply rate controller 206c.

[0116] ---Temperature Controller 206a--- The temperature controller 206a is a component that controls the temperature inside the reactor 1 by controlling the temperature of the steam 16 generated by the steam generation unit 3. The temperature controller 206a can use semiconductor-based phase control, semiconductor-based PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control, etc. The temperature controller 206a can also take in a temperature detection signal from the temperature sensor 8 inside the reactor 1 and provide feedback control of the temperature of the steam 16 generated by the steam generation unit 3 using PID (Proportional-Integral-Differental) control or on-off control. Among these, PID control is preferred for the temperature controller 206a from the viewpoint of suppressing temperature overshoot inside the reactor 1 and suppressing side reactions at high temperatures.

[0117] ---Supply Rate Controller 206b--- The supply rate controller 206b is a component that controls the supply rate of the material to be processed 20 to the reactor 1 by the supply rate adjustment unit 9. The supply rate controller 206b receives the supply rate detection signal from the supply rate sensor 10 and can feedback control the supply rate of the material to be processed 20 using PID control or on-off control.

[0118] ---Steam supply rate controller 206c--- The steam supply rate controller 206c is a component that controls the supply rate of steam 16 by the steam generation unit 3 and the steam supply unit 4. The steam supply rate controller 206c takes in the steam supply rate detection signal from the steam supply rate sensor 15 and can feedback control the amount of steam 16 supplied by PID control or on-off control.

[0119] --Storage Unit 207-- The storage unit 207 is a component that stores various programs executed by the CPU 201 and data necessary for the execution of those programs, and is composed of, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD).

[0120] [Example of operation of the disassembly apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment] Next, a specific example of the operation of the disassembly apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment will be described. First, the material to be processed 20 is supplied from the material to be processed supply unit 2 into the reactor 1. At this time, the supply rate adjustment unit 9 adjusts the supply rate of the material to be processed 20 into the reactor 1. The supply rate of the material to be processed 20 is measured by the supply rate sensor 10, and the supply rate detection signal is transmitted to the supply rate controller 206b of the control unit 200 and controlled.

[0121] The material to be processed 20 supplied into the reactor 1 comes into contact with the steam 16 inside the reactor 1 and is heated. At this time, the temperature of the steam 16 is measured by a temperature sensor 8. The temperature detection signal from the temperature sensor 8 is suitably transmitted to the temperature controller 206a of the control unit 200. Inside the reactor 1, the material to be processed 20 is heated, and gas and liquid are generated as products 21.

[0122] If the temperature inside the reactor 1 is not constant, the temperature of the steam 16 generated by the steam generation unit 3 can be adjusted by feedback control by the temperature controller 206a of the control unit 200 so that the temperature inside the reactor 1 becomes constant. The generated steam 16 is supplied into the reactor 1 via the steam supply unit 4, and as shown in Figure 1A, the steam 16 flows from the bottom to the top of the reactor 1. This causes the filler layer 7 to form a fluidized bed. Furthermore, if the temperature inside the reactor 1 is to be lowered or raised, the operator can adjust the temperature of the steam 16 generated by the steam generation unit 3 to achieve the desired temperature by changing the input value to the input / output unit 204.

[0123] In the case of a batch reaction, the gas-liquid discharge unit 5 operates after a desired time has elapsed since the supply of the material to be processed 20. In the case of a continuous reaction, the gas-liquid discharge unit 5 operates simultaneously with the operation of the material to be processed supply unit 2. As a result, gas and liquid as the product 21 are discharged from the gas-liquid discharge unit 5. At this time, the supply rate adjustment unit 9 adjusts the supply rate of the material to be processed 20 to the reactor 1.

[0124] In a continuous reaction, if the supply rate of the material to be processed 20 exceeds the extraction rate of the product 21, and the material to be processed 20 in the reactor 1 is likely to overflow, the supply rate of the material to be processed 20 can be slowed down by feedback control of the supply rate controller 206b. This allows a constant amount of the material to be processed 20 to come into contact with the steam 16 in the reactor 1.

[0125] These operations can be stored in the memory unit 207, and the desired reaction conditions can be read from the memory unit 207 and used as appropriate.

[0126] In this way, the decomposition apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment can efficiently thermally decompose the material to be processed using steam 16.

[0127] <Second Embodiment> Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a decomposition apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. The decomposition apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure differs from the decomposition apparatus according to the first embodiment in that the steam generation unit 3 and the steam supply unit 4 are connected to the upper part of the reactor 1 in the Y-axis direction, and the gas-liquid discharge unit 5 is located at the lower part of the reactor 1 in the Y-axis direction. As a result, the steam 16 generated in the steam generation unit 3 flows in the direction of the arrow in Figure 2, and the filler layer 7 forms a fixed bed.

[0128] <<Other Components>> There are no particular restrictions on other components as long as they do not impair the effectiveness of the disassembly apparatus according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. For example, the same components as those used in the disassembly apparatus according to the first embodiment can be used. Examples include a temperature sensor 8, a supply speed adjustment unit 9, a supply speed sensor 10, a separation device 11, a cooling unit 12, a re-recovery unit 13, a recovery unit 14, and a control unit 200.

[0129] [Example of operation of the disassembly apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment] The differences between the disassembly apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment and the disassembly apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment will be explained below.

[0130] In the second embodiment, if the temperature inside the reactor 1 is not constant, the temperature of the steam 16 generated by the steam generation unit 3 is adjusted by feedback control by the temperature controller 206a included in the control unit 200 so that the temperature inside the reactor 1 becomes constant.

[0131] The adjusted steam 16 is supplied into the reactor 1 via the steam supply unit 4. As shown in Figure 2, the steam 16 flows from top to bottom in the Y-axis direction within the reactor 1. Due to this flow, the filler layer 7 does not flow and forms a fixed bed.

[0132] In this way, the decomposition apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment can further efficiently thermally decompose the material to be processed 20.

[0133] <Third Embodiment> Figure 3A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a disassembly apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. The disassembly apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure differs from the disassembly apparatus according to the first embodiment in that it further comprises a residue discharge unit 30, a residue discharge channel 31, a first valve 32, an air generating unit 33, an air flow passage 34, and a second valve 35.

[0134] Furthermore, the disassembly apparatus according to the third embodiment may be the disassembly apparatus according to the second embodiment, further comprising a residue discharge unit 30, a residue discharge channel 31, a first valve 32, an air generating unit 33, an air flow passage 34, and a second valve 35.

[0135] <<Residue Discharge Section 30>> The residue discharge section 30 is a component placed in the reaction furnace 1 and discharges the reaction residue from within the reaction furnace 1. The structure, shape, material, and size of the residue discharge section 30 are not particularly limited as long as they can discharge the reaction residue, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.

[0136] <<Residue Discharge Channel 31>> The residue discharge channel 31 indicates a channel through which the residue passes, and may or may not be connected to the residue discharge section 30. Here, "connected" means that the inside of the residue discharge channel 31 and the inside of the residue discharge section 30 are in communication in a manner that allows the reaction residue to pass through. A first valve 32 is provided inside the residue discharge channel 31. When the first valve 32 is closed, the reaction residue accumulates inside the residue discharge channel 31. When the first valve 32 is open, the reaction residue passes through the residue discharge channel 31 and is discharged to the outside of the decomposition device 100.

[0137] There are no particular restrictions on the structure, shape, material, and size of the residue discharge channel 31, and they can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.

[0138] <<First Valve 32>> The first valve 32 is an openable and closable member located within the residue discharge channel 31. The opening and closing of the first valve 32 has the function of switching the flow or stopping of reaction residue in the residue discharge channel 31. The flow or stopping of reaction residue can be controlled by the residue amount controller 206d included in the control unit 200.

[0139] <<Air Generating Unit 33>> The air generating unit 33 is a component that generates air and sends the generated air to the air flow passage 34. The air generated by the air generating unit 33 flows through the residue discharge passage 31 via the air flow passage 34 which is connected to the residue discharge passage 31. This adjusts the oxygen concentration in the residue discharge passage 31 and promotes the combustion of the reaction residue. As air, atmospheric air may be used as is.

[0140] The structure, shape, material, and size of the air generating unit 33 are not particularly limited as long as they can generate air, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.

[0141] <<Airflow passage 34>> The airflow passage 34 branches off from the residue discharge passage 31 and is connected to the air generation unit 33. It is a passage through which air generated in the air generation unit 33 passes. As a result, air flows through the airflow passage 34.

[0142] There are no particular restrictions on the structure, shape, material, and size of the air passage 34, and they can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.

[0143] <<Second Valve 35>> The second valve 35 is a component located within the air passage 34 that can be opened and closed. The opening and closing of the second valve 35 has the function of switching the flow of air in the air passage 34 on or off.

[0144] There are no particular restrictions on the structure, shape, material, and size of the second valve 35, and they can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.

[0145] <<Other Components>> Other components are not particularly limited as long as they do not impair the effectiveness of the disassembly apparatus according to the third embodiment of this disclosure. Examples include a residue amount sensor 36 and a residue amount controller 206d as the controller 206 of the control unit 200.

[0146] - Residue Amount Sensor 36 - The residue amount sensor 36 is a component that measures the amount of reaction residue accumulated in the residue discharge channel 31. The residue amount detection signal from the residue amount sensor 36 is suitably transmitted to the residue amount controller 206d of the control unit 200. It is preferable for the decomposition device 100 to have the residue amount sensor 36 in that the amount of reaction residue can be feedback controlled by the residue amount controller 206d.

[0147] [Example of operation of the disassembly apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment] Next, a specific example of the operation of the disassembly apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment will be explained, in terms of differences from the disassembly apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment and the disassembly apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment. The reaction residue generated in the reactor 1 is discharged from the residue discharge section 30 into the residue discharge channel 31. At this time, the first valve 32 adjusts the flow or stop of the reaction residue in the residue discharge channel 31. The amount of reaction residue accumulated in the residue discharge channel 31 is measured by the residue amount sensor 36, and the residue amount detection signal is transmitted to the residue amount controller 206d of the control unit 200.

[0148] The air generated in the air generation unit 33 is circulated through the air flow passage 34 into the residue discharge channel 31, thereby burning the reaction residue accumulated in the residue discharge channel 31. After the reaction residue has been burned, the decomposition device 100 is stopped and the reaction residue in the residue discharge channel 31 is discharged to the outside of the decomposition device 100 by opening the first valve 32.

[0149] In this way, the decomposition apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment can efficiently discharge the reaction residue while promoting the combustion of the reaction residue.

[0150] (Disassembly Method) A disassembly method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes supplying a material to be processed into the reactor from a material to be processed supply unit located in the reactor, generating steam 16 in a steam generation unit, supplying steam 16 into the reactor from a steam supply unit located in the reactor that supplies steam 16 into the reactor, and discharging at least one of the gas and liquid inside the reactor to the outside of the reactor from a gas-liquid discharge unit located in the reactor. The disassembly method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include other processes as necessary.

[0151] In one embodiment of the disassembly method of this disclosure, it is preferable to heat-treat the object to be processed using the disassembly apparatus of this disclosure.

[0152] Figure 4 is an example of a flowchart of a disassembly method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0153] <Supplying the material to be processed S101> Supplying the material to be processed S101 involves supplying the material to be processed 20 into the reactor 1 from the material to be processed supply unit 2 located in the reactor 1.

[0154] There are no particular restrictions on the supply rate of the material to be processed 20 to the reactor 1, and it can be selected as appropriate for the purpose.

[0155] <Generating steam S102> Generating steam S102 involves generating steam 16 in the steam generating unit 3. Supplying the material to be processed S101 and generating steam S102 may be done separately or simultaneously.

[0156] The temperature of the steam 16 in steam generation S102 is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose, but 500°C to 1,200°C is preferred, 600°C to 1,100°C is more preferred, and 700°C to 1,000°C is even more preferred because the material to be processed is easily decomposed.

[0157] <Supplying steam S103> Supplying steam S103 is done by supplying steam 16 from a steam supply unit 4 located in the reactor 1 and supplying steam 16 into the inside of the reactor 1. Supplying the material to be processed S101, generating steam S102, and supplying steam S103 may be done separately or simultaneously.

[0158] <Discharging to the outside of the reactor S104> Discharging to the outside of the reactor S104 may be performed together with or between any of the processes in the flowchart 300. That is, discharging to the outside of the reactor S104 may be performed intermittently before or after an appropriately selected process between each of the processes in the flowchart 300, or it may be performed continuously during or together with each of the processes in the flowchart 300. From the viewpoint of achieving a higher yield of the product, it is preferable that discharging to the outside of the reactor S104 is not performed simultaneously with supplying the material to be processed S101.

[0159] <Other Processing> There are no particular restrictions on other processing methods, and they can be selected as appropriate depending on the purpose. Examples include removing residue, performing heat exchange, and recycling.

[0160] (Method for producing hydrocarbon compounds) A method for producing hydrocarbon compounds according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes supplying a material to be processed into the inside of a reactor from a material to be processed supply unit located in the reactor, generating steam in a steam generation unit, supplying steam into the inside of the reactor from a steam supply unit located in the reactor and supplying steam into the inside of the reactor, and producing a hydrocarbon compound by bringing the material to be processed and the steam into contact inside the reactor. The method for producing hydrocarbon compounds according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include other processes as necessary.

[0161] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for producing a hydrocarbon compound preferably involves heat-treating the material to be treated using the decomposition apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0162] Figure 5 is an example of a flowchart of a method for producing a hydrocarbon compound according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0163] <Supplying the material to be processed S201> Supplying the material to be processed S201 involves supplying the material to be processed 20 into the reactor 1 from the material to be processed supply unit 2 located in the reactor 1.

[0164] There are no particular restrictions on the supply rate of the material to be processed 20 to the reactor 1, and it can be selected as appropriate for the purpose.

[0165] <Generating steam S202> Generating steam S202 involves generating steam 16 in the steam generating unit 3. Supplying the material to be processed S201 and generating steam S202 may be performed separately or simultaneously.

[0166] There are no particular restrictions on the temperature of the steam 16 in S202 when generating steam, and it can be appropriately selected according to the purpose, but 500°C to 1,200°C is preferred, 600°C to 1,100°C is more preferred, and 700°C to 1,000°C is even more preferred because the material to be processed is easily decomposed.

[0167] <Supplying steam S203> Supplying steam S203 is done by supplying steam 16 from a steam supply unit 4 located in the reactor 1 and supplying steam 16 into the inside of the reactor 1. Supplying the material to be processed S201, generating steam S202, and supplying steam S203 may be done separately or simultaneously.

[0168] <Generating hydrocarbon compounds S204> In generating hydrocarbon compounds S204, the material to be processed 20 and steam 16 are brought into contact inside the reactor 1 to generate hydrocarbon compounds.

[0169] The hydrocarbon compound is preferably a hydrocarbon compound having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and is, for example, at least one chemical selected from the group consisting of olefins and aromatic hydrocarbons.

[0170] <Other Processing> There are no particular restrictions on other processing, and they can be selected as appropriate according to the purpose. Other processing can be carried out in the same way as other processing in the operation method of the decomposition apparatus. Examples include discharge of residue, heat exchange, and recovery.

[0171] As described above, this disclosure has been explained based on specific embodiments, but these embodiments are merely examples, and this disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. The above embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various combinations, omissions, substitutions, additions, modifications, etc., are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents.

[0172] This international application claims priority under Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-226816, filed on 23 December 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference to the entire contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-226816.

[0173] 1...Reactor 2...Processing material supply unit 3...Steam generation unit 4...Steam supply unit 5...Gas-liquid discharge unit 6...Disperser 7...Filler layer 8...Temperature sensor 9...Supply rate adjustment unit 10...Supply rate sensor 11...Separation device 12...Cooling unit 13...Recovery unit 14...Recovery unit 15...Steam supply rate sensor 21...Product 30...Residue discharge unit 31...Residue discharge channel 32...First valve 33...Air generation unit 34...Air flow passage 35...Second valve 36...Residue amount sensor 100...Decomposition device 200...Control unit 202...Memory 203...Display unit 204...Input / output unit 205...Communication unit 206...Various controllers 206a...Temperature controller 206b...Supply rate controller 206c...Steam supply rate controller 206d...Residue amount controller 207...Storage unit 208... Processing recipe data

Claims

1. A decomposition apparatus comprising: a reactor; a material supply unit for supplying material to be processed into the reactor; a steam generating unit for generating steam; a steam supply unit connected to the reactor and the steam generating unit; and a gas-liquid discharge unit for discharging at least one of the gas and liquid inside the reactor to the outside of the reactor.

2. The decomposition apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the steam is water vapor.

3. The decomposition apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the steam supply unit supplies steam at a temperature of 500°C or higher and 1,200°C or lower into the inside of the reactor.

4. The disassembly apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an insulating section containing an insulating material is arranged on the outer surface of the reactor, or the reactor contains an insulating material.

5. The disassembly apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the heat insulating material is either ceramic or glass fiber.

6. The decomposition apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the reactor comprises a disperser having a plurality of through holes inside the reactor.

7. The decomposition apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a filler layer is arranged inside the reactor, and the filler layer is either a fluidized bed or a fixed bed.

8. The decomposition apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the gas-liquid discharge section comprises a disperser having a plurality of through holes, through which at least one of the gas and liquid flows.

9. The decomposition apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising: a residue discharge unit disposed in the reactor for discharging residue from within the reactor; a residue discharge channel connected to the residue discharge unit; a first valve disposed within the residue discharge channel for allowing or stopping the flow of the residue flowing through the residue discharge channel; an air generating unit for generating air; an air flow passage branching from the residue discharge channel and connected to the air generating unit for the flow of the air; and a second valve disposed within the air flow passage for allowing or stopping the flow of the air flowing through the air flow passage.

10. The decomposition apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a cooling unit arranged in connection with the gas-liquid discharge unit for cooling at least one of the gas and the liquid.

11. The decomposition apparatus according to claim 10, comprising a recovery unit which is connected to at least one member selected from the group consisting of the cooling unit and the steam generating unit, and recovers the steam contained in at least one of the gas and liquid in the cooling unit back into the steam generating unit.

12. A decomposition method comprising: supplying a material to be processed into the inside of a reactor from a material to be processed supply unit located in the reactor; generating steam in a steam generating unit; supplying the steam to the inside of the reactor from a steam supply unit located in the reactor; and discharging at least one of the gas and liquid inside the reactor to the outside of the reactor from a gas-liquid discharge unit located in the reactor.

13. A method for producing a hydrocarbon compound, comprising: supplying a material to be processed into the inside of a reactor from a material to be processed supply unit located in the reactor; generating steam in a steam generating unit; supplying the steam from a steam supply unit located in the reactor to the inside of the reactor; and bringing the material to be processed and the steam into contact inside the reactor to produce a hydrocarbon compound.

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