JP2014066433A - Neutralizer and combustor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a neutralizer capable of accurately detecting the liquid level of drain stored inside, and a combustor including the neutralizer.SOLUTION: In a neutralizer 15 used in a state where liquid is stored so that the height of an inside liquid surface becomes a reference liquid level Lα to be a predetermined liquid level, an attached detection part 28 of liquid level detection means is surrounded by a protective member 30. The protective member 30 surrounds the whole part from the upper end of a part positioned in a storage part 20 of the detection part 28 to the lower end thereof, and is in a state of opening the lower end part with respect to the outside. Further, a ventilation hole 36 is formed on the lateral upper side of the protective member 30.

Description

  The present invention relates to a neutralizer for neutralizing drain generated when the latent heat of a combustion gas is recovered by a latent heat recovery type combustion apparatus. Moreover, it is related with the combustion apparatus which attached such a neutralization apparatus.

  In recent years, in order to improve the heat exchange efficiency of heat generated when a combustion operation is performed with a burner, a latent heat recovery type combustion apparatus that recovers not only sensible heat of combustion gas but also latent heat has been widely used in the market. This latent heat recovery type combustion apparatus is equipped with a secondary heat exchanger that recovers latent heat in addition to a primary heat exchanger that mainly recovers sensible heat of combustion gas, and has high heat exchange efficiency. .

  In such a combustion apparatus, the combustion gas generated by performing the combustion operation with the burner is introduced into the secondary heat exchanger to recover the latent heat, so that the water vapor in the combustion gas introduced into the secondary heat exchanger is recovered. Becomes liquefied at low temperature and drainage is generated. At this time, the combustion gas contains nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur oxides (SOx), and the generated drain exhibits a strong acidity. That is, in such a latent heat recovery type combustion apparatus, drainage having strong acidity is generated due to its structure.

  There is a concern that this acidic drain may have an adverse effect on the environment and the like if drained to the outside without being treated. For this reason, some latent heat recovery type combustion apparatuses are provided with a drain discharge system for guiding the drain to the outside, and a neutralization device for neutralizing acidic drain in the middle of the drain discharge system. In this type of combustion apparatus, since the drain generated in the secondary heat exchanger is neutralized by the neutralization apparatus and then drained to the outside, there is no adverse effect on the environment and the like.

As such a neutralization apparatus, there exists a neutralization apparatus disclosed by patent document 1, for example. In Patent Document 1, the inside is divided into two tanks, an inflow layer and a discharge tank, so that the liquid level of the inflow tank located on the upstream side in the drain flow direction can be detected.
More specifically, in the neutralization device disclosed in Patent Document 1, a plurality of electrodes having different lengths are provided, and each electrode is suspended from the top surface inside the inflow layer. When the liquid level rises in the inflow layer, not only the longest electrode but also other electrodes are immersed in the liquid, and the longest electrode and the other electrode are energized via the liquid. This detects that the liquid level has risen to the lower end of the longest electrode and the energized electrode. That is, it is detected that the liquid level has risen to the lower end of the short electrode among the electrodes energized through the liquid.

JP 2008-298367 A

  By the way, when drain flows from the drain introduction pipe into the neutralizing device, soot and dust may flow along with the drain. That is, soot generated by burning with the burner, dust or the like sucked together with the air when supplying the combustion air to the burner flows into the drain discharge system together with the drain by operating the combustion device. Sometimes.

  Further, in a combustion apparatus that burns kerosene with a burner, unburned kerosene may flow into the drain discharge system. More specifically, in a combustion apparatus that burns kerosene with a burner, the burning operation is performed by atomizing or vaporizing kerosene. At this time, kerosene that has not been burned for some reason among the injected kerosene may be mixed into the combustion gas and discharged to the secondary heat exchanger side. Then, this unburned kerosene may flow from the secondary heat exchanger side to the drain discharge system.

In the state where soot, dust and unburned kerosene flow into the neutralization device and are mixed into the drain stored in the neutralization device, bubbles are generated in the drain surface and in the liquid. If this happens, there is a problem that the bubbles accumulate without disappearing.
More specifically, when soot, dust, unburned kerosene, etc. are mixed in the drain, the viscosity of the drain increases. Here, the bubbles are formed when the drain is rounded with air inside, but when the viscosity of the drain becomes high, the air moves onto the liquid surface when the air enters the liquid. It becomes difficult to come off and bubbles are easily generated. Further, when the viscosity of the drain increases, the strength of the drain film that encloses the air when bubbles are formed increases. Then, the generated bubbles are difficult to disappear. That is, bubbles are likely to be generated, and the generated bubbles are difficult to disappear, so that bubbles inside the neutralizing device are accumulated.

  If bubbles accumulate on the drain liquid surface in this way, a problem arises that the liquid level detection means of the neutralizer cannot detect the exact drain liquid level. That is, in a state where bubbles are accumulated on the drain liquid level, the bubbles are naturally positioned at a position higher than the drain liquid level. If the liquid level detecting means attached to the neutralizing device detects the position of the bubble as the level of the drain liquid level, the drain level is low even though the actual drain liquid level is low. Will be erroneously detected that the liquid level has reached a predetermined height.

  Furthermore, if the temperature at the place where the combustion device is installed falls and a temperature difference occurs between the inside and outside of the neutralizing device, condensation may occur inside the neutralizing device. In this case, water droplets may adhere to the top surface of the internal space of the neutralizing device, and a plurality of water droplets may be combined. And when several water droplets couple | bond together in this way, the mass of the water which will elongate will be formed in the top | upper surface of internal space. Here, if the elongated water mass comes into contact with the liquid level detecting means at a high position near the top surface, the drain liquid level is predetermined even though the actual drain liquid level is low. Will be erroneously detected as having reached the height of.

  Therefore, in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, the present invention provides a neutralizing device that can accurately detect the liquid level of the drain stored therein, and a combustion device including such a neutralizing device. Let it be an issue.

  The invention according to claim 1 for solving the above-mentioned problem is provided in a combustion apparatus having a burner and a heat exchanger that recovers latent heat of combustion gas generated by the combustion operation of the burner. A neutralization device for neutralizing generated drain and discharging the drain to the outside, wherein a reservoir for storing drain is formed inside, and the reservoir has a liquid level of a predetermined liquid level. The liquid level detecting means is used in a state where the liquid is stored so as to be a reference liquid level, and has a liquid level detecting means capable of detecting the liquid level of the storing portion, and each of the liquid level detecting means has a length. A plurality of rod-shaped detection units different from each other, the detection unit is surrounded by a protection member, and the protection member extends at least from the upper end of the storage unit to below the reference liquid level, and the detection unit From the upper end of the part located in the storage part among the parts The neutralization characterized in that it surrounds the entire end, and further, the protective member has a lower end portion opened to the outside, and has a vent hole communicating with the inside and outside on the side upper side. Device.

  The neutralization device of the present invention surrounds the detection portion extending in a rod shape of the liquid level detection means with a protective member, and the entire portion from the upper end to the lower end of the portion located in the storage portion of the detection portion is surrounded. . As a result, when dew condensation occurs on the inner peripheral surface of the storage unit, or when bubbles accumulate on the liquid surface of the drain stored in the storage unit, the dew condensation water or accumulated bubble detection unit Can be prevented from touching. For this reason, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection of the liquid level in the reservoir due to the fact that they contact the detector.

  Furthermore, the neutralization device of the present invention is used in a state where the liquid is stored so that the liquid level of the storage portion becomes a reference liquid level that is a predetermined liquid level, and the protective member is used as a reference. It extends to below the liquid level. As a result, even when the liquid level in the reservoir has risen for some reason in the state where bubbles have accumulated on the liquid level of the liquid stored in the reservoir, the intrusion of bubbles into the inside of the protective member Can be prevented. That is, since it is possible to prevent the bubbles from contacting the detection unit located inside the protective member, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection of the liquid level in the storage unit due to the bubbles contacting the detection unit.

Specifically, when the lower end portion of the protective member opened is at a position higher than the reference liquid level, if the liquid level of the reservoir rises for some reason, it will be on the stored liquid level. The accumulated bubbles also move upward as the liquid level rises, so that they enter the inside from the lower end of the protective member.
In contrast, in the neutralization device of the present invention, the lower end portion of the protective member that is opened is positioned below the reference liquid level, so that bubbles accumulate on the liquid level of the drain stored in the storage portion. If this happens, the bubbles will be located on the side of the protective member. In this state, even if the liquid level in the reservoir rises and the bubbles move upward, the lower end opened to the outside of the protective member is located below, so that the bubbles move from the lower end of the protective member to the inside. There is no intrusion. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent bubbles from contacting the detection unit located inside the protective member.

Similarly, when unburned liquid fuel (kerosene or the like) flows into the storage portion, the liquid fuel can be prevented from entering the protective member. This can prevent erroneous detection of the liquid level in the reservoir due to the liquid fuel coming into contact with the detector.
That is, since liquid fuel such as kerosene generally has a low specific gravity, when it flows into the storage part, it floats on the liquid stored in the storage part. Then, a layer of liquid fuel is formed on the liquid level of the stored liquid. In this state, even if the liquid level in the reservoir rises and the liquid fuel layer moves upward, the lower end opened to the outside of the protective member is located below, so that liquid fuel such as kerosene is It does not enter the inside of the protective member. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the liquid fuel from contacting the detection unit located inside the protective member.

  Moreover, the neutralization apparatus of this invention is equipped with the ventilation hole which connects the inside and outside to the side upper side of a protection member. For this reason, when the liquid level in the reservoir rises due to a large amount of drain flowing in, the liquid level inside the protective member can be raised according to the increase in the surrounding liquid level. Therefore, the rise in the liquid level in the reservoir can be reliably detected by the detector located inside the protective member.

More specifically, if the vent hole is not formed, the air in the internal space of the protective member is discharged to the outside if the opened lower end portion of the protective member is blocked by the liquid stored in the storage portion. It becomes impossible.
In this state, when the liquid level in the reservoir rises, the air inside the protective member is not discharged, and the liquid does not flow into the protective member. That is, the liquid level does not rise inside the protective member, although the liquid level rises around the protective member. Then, the detection part of the liquid level detection means located inside the protective member cannot detect the rise in the liquid level.
On the other hand, in the neutralization device of the present invention, the protective member has a vent hole, and the inside of the protective member can be used even when the lower end of the protective member is closed with the liquid stored in the storage portion. The liquid is able to enter. For this reason, when the liquid level rises around the protective member, the liquid level also rises inside the protective member, so that the detection unit located inside the protective member reliably increases the liquid level in the reservoir. Can be detected.

  Therefore, in the neutralization apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that the vent hole is located above the reference liquid level (claim 2).

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the storage section, the drain flows from the drain introduction port side to the drain discharge port side, and the vent hole opens toward the downstream side in the drain flow direction. It is a neutralization apparatus of Claim 1 or 2 characterized by the above-mentioned.

According to such a configuration, when bubbles accumulated on the liquid level of the drain stored in the storage portion move with the flow of the drain, the invasion of the bubbles into the protective member due to the movement of the bubbles is prevented. it can.
In other words, when bubbles accumulate on the liquid level of the drain stored in the storage part and a lump of foam is formed, when the drain flows in the storage part, the lump of foam moves along the flow of the drain. It is possible to end up. At this time, if the opening of the vent hole is opened toward the upstream side in the drain flow direction, the lump of foam may enter the protective member from the vent hole as the lump of foam moves. Conceivable.
On the other hand, in the neutralization device of the present invention, the air holes are opened toward the downstream side in the drain flow direction in the reservoir, and bubbles formed on the drain surface stored in the reservoir are formed. It does not enter the inside of the protective member. Therefore, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection of the liquid level detection means due to the contact of bubbles with the detection part located inside the protective member.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a combustion apparatus comprising the neutralization apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects.

  A combustion apparatus of the present invention includes the neutralization apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, and even if condensed water or bubbles are generated inside the neutralization apparatus, these are liquid level detection means. There is no contact with the detection part. Therefore, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection of the liquid level in the reservoir due to the contact of condensed water or bubbles with the detection unit. Furthermore, a vent hole that communicates the inside and the outside is provided on the side upper side of the protection member, and the liquid level inside the protection member can be raised in accordance with an increase in the surrounding liquid level. From these things, since the detection part located inside a protection member can detect the raise of the liquid level of a storage part reliably, the various control concerning drain discharge | emission operation | movement can be implemented correctly.

In the neutralizing device of the present invention, the detection part of the liquid level detecting means is surrounded by a protective member, and even if condensed water or bubbles are generated inside the neutralizing device, the condensed water or bubbles are not contained in the liquid level detecting means. There is no contact with the detector. Moreover, the ventilation hole which connects the inside and outside is provided in the side upper side of the protection member, and the liquid level inside a protection member can be raised according to the raise of the surrounding liquid level. For this reason, the liquid of the liquid stored in the storage part by the detection part located inside a protective member does not generate | occur | produce by the detection part located inside a protection member, without the false detection resulting from the generated condensed water and foam contacting the detection part of a liquid level detection means The effect is that the position can be accurately detected.
Since the combustion apparatus of the present invention can also accurately detect the liquid level inside the neutralization apparatus, various operations relating to drainage can be performed with higher accuracy.

It is a block diagram which shows the combustion apparatus concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a partially broken perspective view which shows the neutralization apparatus of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state at the time of operation | use of the neutralization apparatus of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the periphery of an electrode cover among the neutralization apparatuses of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the neutralization apparatus different from embodiment of this invention, (a) shows the state by which dew condensation has arisen inside the neutralization apparatus, (b) is stored inside the neutralization apparatus. It shows a state in which bubbles have accumulated on the liquid surface of the drain.

  Hereinafter, although the neutralization apparatus 15 concerning embodiment of this invention and the combustion apparatus 1 which incorporates this neutralization apparatus 15 are demonstrated in detail, this invention is not limited to these examples. In the following description, the positional relationship between front, rear, up, down, left and right will be described based on a normal installation state unless otherwise specified.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the combustion apparatus 1 includes a combustion unit 3 in a housing 2, a primary heat exchanger 4 that mainly recovers sensible heat, and a secondary heat exchanger 5 (heat) that mainly recovers latent heat. And a so-called latent heat recovery type combustion apparatus. Further, the combustion apparatus 1 includes a control device (not shown), and various control operations can be performed by controlling each device constituting the combustion device 1.

  The combustion unit 3 is configured to generate a high-temperature combustion gas by burning fuel supplied from the outside by a burner (not shown). In this embodiment, the burner (not shown) is a known gun type burner, and burns liquid fuel sprayed with pressure (using kerosene in this embodiment). Moreover, the burner of this embodiment is called what is called a reverse combustion type | mold, and can form a flame toward the downward direction.

In the combustion apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the combustion part 3 is located near the upper end of the housing 2, and the primary heat exchanger 4 is located below the combustion part 3. Furthermore, there is a storage case 7 for storing the secondary heat exchanger 5 below the primary heat exchanger 4, and the silencer 8 is located above the storage case 7 and to the side of the primary heat exchanger 4. . Further, an exhaust part 9 is provided above the muffler part 8.
And the space which connects each inside of the primary heat exchanger 4, the storage case 7, the muffling part 8, and the exhaust part 9 from the inside of the combustion part 3 is formed, and the combustion gas generated in the combustion part 3 can flow. Yes.

  Therefore, when the combustion apparatus 1 is operated, the combustion gas generated in the combustion unit 3 flows to the primary heat exchanger 4, the storage case 7, and the muffler unit 8, and reaches the exhaust unit 9. And it is discharged | emitted from the exhaust port of the exhaust part 9 outside. On the other hand, hot water supplied from the outside is supplied to the secondary heat exchanger 5 via a water inlet pipe (not shown). And hot water flows into the primary heat exchanger 4 through the secondary heat exchanger 5. At this time, hot water is heated by the heat of the combustion gas recovered by the secondary heat exchanger 5 and the primary heat exchanger 4. And the heated hot water flows out from the water outlet of the primary heat exchanger 4, and is supplied toward the curan, a bathtub, etc. used as a hot-water supply destination.

  Here, as described above, since the secondary heat exchanger 5 mainly recovers latent heat of the combustion gas, in the secondary heat exchanger 5, the temperature of the combustion gas is lowered to a certain value or less. As a result, water vapor contained in the combustion gas is liquefied and drainage is generated. The generated drain is exposed to the combustion gas, so that nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides generated by combustion dissolve and exhibit acidity.

  Therefore, the combustion apparatus 1 of the present embodiment has a configuration including a drain discharge system 6 for neutralizing the generated drain and discharging it to the outside.

  The drain discharge system 6 includes a drain discharge portion (not shown) formed at the bottom of the storage case 7, an upstream piping member 14, a neutralization device 15, and a downstream piping member 16 in order from the upstream side in the drain flow direction. It is constituted by.

  At this time, the internal space of the neutralization apparatus 15 is divided into a plurality of spaces by the partition walls, and each space functions as a storage tank for storing drain. Moreover, the neutralizing agent is filled into at least one or more storage tanks. And the drain which flowed into the neutralization apparatus 15 flows through these several storage tanks sequentially. At this time, in each storage tank, the drain that has flowed into the storage tank once stays and flows out of the space when the liquid level exceeds a certain level. That is, the drain that has flowed into the neutralization device 15 flows out after remaining in the respective storage tanks in the neutralization device 15 for a predetermined time. Therefore, when the drain passes through the space filled with the neutralizing agent, it slowly passes over time. Further, the drain is neutralized by reacting with the neutralizing agent while remaining in the storage tank filled with the neutralizing agent.

  That is, the drain that has flowed into the neutralizing device 15 is stored in the neutralizing device 15 for a predetermined time, and is neutralized by reacting with the neutralizing agent while being stored. The neutralized drain flows to the discharge port of the neutralization device 15 and is discharged from the discharge port of the neutralization device 15 to the outside of the housing 2 through the downstream side piping member 16.

  Here, the neutralizing device 15 which is a characteristic component of the present invention will be described in detail.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the neutralization device 15 is a box-shaped member and can store a liquid (drain) therein. More specifically, the internal space of the neutralization device 15 is, from the upstream side in the drain flow direction, the first storage tank 20 (storage section), the second storage tank 21, the third storage tank, the fourth storage tank,.・ ・ Etc., it is divided into multiple storage tanks. In addition, detailed illustration is abbreviate | omitted about the storage tank after a 3rd storage tank.

In addition, a drain introduction pipe 25 for introducing drain into the first storage tank 20 and an electrode installation portion 26 are provided in a portion forming the first storage tank 20.
Furthermore, a wall-shaped first partition portion 23 extending in the vertical direction is provided at a portion that becomes a boundary between the first storage tank 20 and the second storage tank 21.

  The drain introduction pipe 25 is a cylindrical pipe body extending along the vertical direction, and protrudes upward from the top surface of the neutralization device 15. The end opening of the drain introduction pipe 25 functions as a drain introduction port for introducing drain into the neutralization device 15.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the electrode installation portion 26 has an electrode mounting hole 27 (not shown in FIG. A plurality of electrode mounting holes 27 (see FIG. 3) are arranged at intervals. More specifically, four electrode mounting holes 27 (see FIG. 3) are arranged in a matrix, and electrodes 28 (detecting portions) having different lengths are inserted into the respective electrode mounting holes 27. ing.

More specifically, each of the four electrodes 28 is a round bar-like electrode, and is in a state where a conductive wire for electrical connection with a device (not shown) is connected to the upper portion. The four electrodes 28 have different lengths, and are, in order from the longest, a ground electrode 28a, a low liquid level side detection electrode 28b, a high liquid level side detection electrode 28c, and an overflow electrode 28d. And these four electrodes 28 are attached so that the length in the downward side of the top plate part 20a which covers the upper side of the 1st storage tank 20, ie, the protrusion length from the lower surface of the top plate part 20a, differs. .
In addition, illustration is abbreviate | omitted about the whole length of the low liquid level side detection electrode 28b and the high liquid level side detection electrode 28c.

The four electrodes 28 respectively inserted into the electrode mounting holes 27 function as liquid level detection means for detecting the liquid level of a drain or the like stored in the first storage tank 20.
When the liquid level of the drain or the like stored in the first storage tank 20 rises, the longest ground electrode 28a and the other electrodes 28 (low liquid level side detection electrodes) among the four electrodes 28 having different lengths. 28b, the high liquid level side detection electrode 28c, and the overflow electrode 28d) are immersed in a liquid such as drain. Then, the ground electrode 28a and the other electrode 28 are energized through a liquid such as drain. And the liquid level of the 1st storage tank 20 is detected by specifying the electrode 28 (The low liquid level side detection electrode 28b, the high liquid level side detection electrode 28c, and the overflow electrode 28d) which supplied with the ground electrode 28a.

  The neutralization device 15 is provided with an electrode cover 30 (protective member) for protecting the shortest overflow electrode 28d among the four electrodes 28, as shown in FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 4, the electrode cover 30 is a cylindrical body that extends in a direction including a vertical component, and as shown in FIG. 3, extends downward from the top plate portion 20 a of the first storage tank 20. ing. That is, most of the electrode cover 30 is located inside the first storage tank 20, and a part of the electrode cover 30 penetrates the top plate portion 20a and protrudes above the top plate portion 20a.
As shown in FIG. 3, the upper end portion of the electrode cover 30 is positioned below the electrode mounting member 33. More specifically, the upper end portion of the electrode cover 30 is located between the lower surface of the electrode mounting member 33 and the upper surface of the top plate portion 20a, and between the electrode mounting member 33 and the top plate portion 20a. It extends through the seal member 34 sandwiched between the two.
The seal member 34 is a plate-like member formed of an elastic material that has a water-stopping property when compressed, such as butyl rubber.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a vent hole 36 is provided on the side of the electrode cover 30 at a position slightly away from the upper end. The vent hole 36 is a state where the inside and outside of the electrode cover 30 communicate with each other, and the opening shape is a substantially circular through hole.

  Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, an opening is located at the lower end portion of the electrode cover 30. In other words, the internal space 37 formed inside the electrode cover 30 is open to the outside at the lower end portion of the electrode cover 30.

  The overflow electrode 28d is positioned in the internal space 37 of the electrode cover 30. In other words, the electrode cover 30 is in a state of surrounding the overflow electrode 28d at a position away from the overflow electrode 28d. That is, the inner peripheral surface of the electrode cover 30 and the side surface of the overflow electrode 28d are in a separated state.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the first partition 23 is located between the first storage tank 20 and the second storage tank 21 and divides them, and is downward from the top surface side of the neutralization device 15. Are formed by a hanging wall portion 23a extending toward the bottom and a standing wall portion 23b extending upward from the bottom surface side. Here, the lower end of the hanging wall portion 23a and the upper end of the standing wall portion 23b are in a state of facing each other with a space therebetween. In other words, a slit-shaped first storage tank communication hole 40 (drain discharge port) is formed between the hanging wall part 23a and the standing wall part 23b.

  The first storage tank communication hole 40 is located in the vicinity of the bottom surface of the neutralization device 15 and extends from the front side to the back side of the neutralization device 15. The storage tank 21 is communicated.

That is, between the first storage tank 20 and the second storage tank 21, the drooping wall portion 23a and the standing wall portion 23b prevent the liquid such as drain from moving in the vertical direction. In addition, only liquid such as drain that has passed through the first storage tank communication hole 40 can move between the first storage tank 20 and the second storage tank 21. That is, between the first storage tank 20 and the second storage tank 21, the liquid such as drain can be moved only at a portion slightly above the bottom surface.
Although detailed explanation is omitted, between the second storage tank 21 and the third storage tank (not shown), between the third storage tank (not shown) and the fourth storage tank (not shown). ... Are also provided with a partition, and a liquid such as drain can be circulated only through a communication hole provided at a predetermined height of each partition. And the position of the communicating hole formed in each partition part is not necessarily the same height, and has different heights as appropriate.

  By the way, when the combustion apparatus 1 is operated, the ambient temperature may be lowered at the place where the combustion apparatus 1 is installed. And if the temperature difference arises in the inside and outside of the neutralization apparatus 15 because the surrounding temperature of the combustion apparatus 1 falls, dew condensation may arise on the internal peripheral surface of the 1st storage tank 20. FIG.

  In the neutralization apparatus 15 of this embodiment, the electrode cover 30 for protecting the electrode 28 (overflow electrode 28d) is provided, and the dew condensation water generated on the inner peripheral surface of the first storage tank 20 is the electrode 28 (overflow). The electrode 28d) is not in contact with the electrode. For this reason, the misdetection of the liquid level resulting from this dew condensation water can be prevented.

Specifically, when condensation occurs on the inner peripheral surface of the first storage tank 20, a plurality of water droplets may adhere to the top surface of the first storage tank 20 (the lower surface of the top plate portion 20a). is there. And when these water droplets are connected to each other, an elongated water mass adheres to the top surface of the first storage tank 20. Here, if the electrode cover 30 is not provided, a water mass extends in a bridge shape between the two electrodes 28 as shown in FIG. 5A, and contacts with each of the two electrodes 28. There is a risk that. In such a state, the two electrodes 28 are energized through the water mass. That is, although the drain liquid level L1 stored in the first storage tank 20 is located below the lower end of the short-length electrode 28 (overflow electrode 28d), the short-length electrode 28 is disposed. The liquid level L1 is erroneously detected as being in contact with the lower end of the (overflow electrode 28d).
On the other hand, in the neutralization device 15 of the present embodiment, the electrode cover 30 for protecting the electrode 28 (overflow electrode 28d) is provided, and dew condensation water does not contact the protected electrode 28. No false positives occur.

  Here, there is a possibility that bubbles may be generated on the liquid level of the drain stored in the first storage tank 20 due to the fact that the drain flows vigorously when the drain is introduced into the first storage tank 20. . At this time, if the soot and dust generated by the combustion operation of the combustion device 1 and unburned kerosene are mixed in the drain, the viscosity of the drain stored in the first storage tank 20 is increased, It is considered that the generated bubbles are accumulated without disappearing.

  In the neutralization device 15 of the present embodiment, an electrode cover 30 for protecting the electrode 28 (overflow electrode 28d) is provided, and bubbles accumulated on the liquid surface of the drain stored in the first storage tank 20 are provided. The electrode 28 (overflow electrode 28d) is not contacted. For this reason, the misdetection of the liquid level resulting from this bubble can be prevented.

More specifically, if the electrode cover 30 is not provided, if bubbles are accumulated on the liquid surface of the drain stored in the first storage tank 20, as shown in FIG. There is a risk of contact with each of the two electrodes 28. That is, there is a possibility that a lump of bubbles is located between the two electrodes 28 and comes into contact with both of them. In such a state, the two electrodes 28 are energized through the lump of bubbles. That is, although the drain liquid level L1 stored in the first storage tank 20 is located below the lower end of the short-length electrode 28 (overflow electrode 28d), the short-length electrode 28 is disposed. The liquid level L1 is erroneously detected as being in contact with the lower end of the (overflow electrode 28d).
On the other hand, in the neutralization device 15 of the present embodiment, the electrode cover 30 for protecting the electrode 28 (overflow electrode 28d) is provided, and bubbles are not in contact with the protected electrode 28. There is no false detection.

  Further, as described above, the electrode cover 30 of the present embodiment has a lower end opened to the outside, and a vent hole 36 is provided on the upper side (see FIG. 3). That is, the vent hole 36 is provided above the reference liquid level Lα (described later in detail), in the vicinity of the top surface of the first storage tank 20, and at a position slightly below the top surface. Thereby, since the liquid level of the 1st storage tank 20 can be raised uniformly, the raise of the liquid level in the 1st storage tank 20 can be detected correctly.

Specifically, if the vent hole 36 is not formed, if the open portion at the lower end of the electrode cover 30 is blocked by the drain stored in the first storage tank 20, it is formed inside the electrode cover 30. The air in the inner space 37 thus made cannot be discharged to the outside.
In this state, when the liquid level in the first storage tank 20 rises, the air inside the electrode cover 30 is not discharged, and the drain does not flow into the electrode cover 30. In other words, the drain liquid level does not increase inside the electrode cover 30 even though the drain liquid level increases around the electrode cover 30. Then, even if the liquid level of the drain rises, the drain does not come into contact with the electrode 28, so that the rise of the drain liquid level cannot be detected. As a result, when the liquid level in the first storage tank 20 rises greatly for some reason, the drain is discharged from the first storage tank 20 without the liquid level detection means detecting the increase in the liquid level in the first storage tank 20. There is a risk of overflowing to the outside of the neutralizing device 15.
On the other hand, in the neutralization device 15 of the present embodiment, the air hole 36 is formed in the upper portion of the electrode cover 30, and the open portion at the lower end of the electrode cover 30 is blocked by the drain stored in the first storage tank 20. From this state, the drain can enter the electrode cover 30. For this reason, when the drain level rises around the electrode cover 30, the drain level also rises inside the electrode cover 30, and accordingly, when the liquid level in the first storage tank 20 rises by a predetermined amount or more. The liquid level of the drain contacts the electrode 28 reliably. Thereby, the rise in the liquid level in the first storage tank 20 can be accurately detected.

Here, in the present embodiment, the vent hole 36 is open toward the downstream side in the drain flow direction in the first storage tank 20.
Specifically, in the first storage tank 20, as described above, drain flows from the drain introduction pipe 25 and is discharged to the outside from the first storage tank communication hole 40 (see FIG. 3). Therefore, the drain flows from the drain introduction pipe 25 side to the first storage tank communication hole 40 side. In the present embodiment, the vent hole 36 is formed so that the opening faces the first storage tank communication hole 40 side, and is provided so as to be open toward the downstream side in the drain flow direction. And by making the vent hole 36 open toward the downstream side in the drain flow direction, it is possible to prevent bubbles from entering the electrode cover 30 from the vent hole 36.

  That is, as described above, when bubbles accumulate on the liquid surface of the drain stored in the first storage tank 20 to form a lump of bubbles, if the drain flows in the first storage tank 20, It is conceivable that the lump of bubbles moves along the flow. That is, it is conceivable that the lump of bubbles moves from the drain introduction pipe 25 side to the first storage tank communication hole 40 side. At this time, if the opening of the vent hole is opened toward the upstream side in the drain flow direction, the lump of foam may enter the inside of the electrode cover 30 from the vent hole as the lump of the bubble moves. Can be considered. That is, when a lump of bubbles moves from the drain introduction pipe 25 side to the first storage tank communication hole 40 side in a state where the opening of the vent hole faces the drain introduction pipe 25 side, the vent hole enters the inside of the electrode cover 30. It is conceivable that bubbles infiltrate. As described above, when the bubbles formed on the drain liquid surface enter the electrode cover 30 and come into contact with the electrode 28, the liquid level detection means stores the drain liquid stored in the first storage tank 20. There is a possibility of misdetecting the position.

That is, if the short electrode 28 (overflow electrode 28d) comes into contact with the liquid level of the drain through the lump of bubbles while the ground electrode 28a is in contact with the stored liquid level of the drain, the ground electrode The electrode 28a having a short length 28a is energized through the lump of bubbles and the stored drain. That is, although the drain liquid level L1 stored in the first storage tank 20 is located below the lower end of the short-length electrode 28 (overflow electrode 28d), the short-length electrode 28 is disposed. The liquid level L1 is erroneously detected as being in contact with the lower end of the (overflow electrode 28d).
On the other hand, in the neutralization device 15 of the present embodiment, the vent hole 36 is open toward the downstream side in the drain flow direction in the first storage tank 20, and the drain stored in the first storage tank 20. Since the bubbles formed on the liquid surface do not enter the inside of the electrode cover 30, such erroneous detection does not occur.

  By the way, when hot water or the like is heated by the combustion device 1, the combustion gas passes through the storage case 7 that stores the secondary heat exchanger 5. At this time, the combustion gas may flow from the storage case 7 into the upstream piping member 14.

  Therefore, in the neutralization device 15 of the present embodiment, even if the combustion gas flows in the upstream side piping member 14 and flows into the neutralization device 15, the combustion gas that has flowed into the neutralization device 15 remains. A drain trap can be formed in the neutralizing device 15 so as not to flow downstream in the drain flow direction in the drain discharge system 6, that is, downstream of the downstream piping member 16 (see FIG. 1).

  That is, in the combustion apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, when a sufficient amount of drain is not stored in the neutralizer 15 as at the start of operation, the water injection operation of pouring hot water or the like into the neutralizer 15 To form a drain trap and then start operation.

When a predetermined amount or more of liquid is injected into the neutralization device 15, when drain is newly introduced, the drain corresponding to the amount of the drained water is discharged from the neutralization device 15 to the downstream piping member. 16 will be discharged to the outside. For this reason, when the neutralizer 15 is operated, the neutralizer 15 is operated in a state where a liquid level of a predetermined height or more is maintained.
From this, when the neutralizer 15 is used, as shown in FIG. 3, a predetermined amount or more of liquid is also stored in the first storage tank 20, and a liquid level Lα (hereinafter, “predetermined height” or more). (Referred to as the reference liquid level Lα).

  Here, in this embodiment, the lower end of the electrode cover 30 is located below the reference liquid level Lα. That is, the electrode cover 30 extends from the upper side of the first storage tank 20 to the lower side of the reference liquid level Lα. As a result, even if unburned kerosene enters the first storage tank 20 together with the drain, it does not enter the electrode cover 30.

More specifically, when kerosene flows into the first storage tank 20, the kerosene generally has a low specific gravity, so that it floats on the drain. Then, a kerosene layer is formed on the liquid level of the stored drain.
If the lower end of the electrode cover 30 is above the reference liquid level Lα, when the liquid level rises with the kerosene layer formed on the drain liquid level, the drain with the kerosene layer on top is It enters the inside of the electrode cover 30. When the liquid level rises as it is, the kerosene layer comes into contact with the electrode 28 located inside the electrode cover 30.
Here, when the ground electrode 28a is in contact with the stored drain and the short-length electrode 28 (overflow electrode 28d) is in contact with the kerosene layer, the ground electrode 28a and the short-length electrode 28 are not energized. That is, even when the liquid level rises and the upper end of the liquid level comes into contact with the electrode 28 having a short length, the current cannot be confirmed if it comes into contact with the kerosene layer. That is, the liquid level detection means cannot detect the rise in the liquid level.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the lower end of the electrode cover 30 is located on the lower end side from the reference liquid level Lα. Therefore, even if kerosene flows into the first storage tank 20 after starting operation and forms a layer above the liquid level, the lower end of the electrode cover 30 is located below the liquid level, Kerosene that has flowed into the first storage tank 20 does not enter the electrode cover 30. That is, the problem that the rise in the liquid level cannot be detected due to the electrode 28 coming into contact with the kerosene layer when the liquid level rises does not occur, and the liquid level in the first storage tank 20 is accurately determined. Can be detected.

Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the lower end of the electrode cover 30 is positioned upward from the upper end of the first storage tank communication hole 40 by a predetermined distance Lβ. As a result, even if the soot and dust accumulated on the bottom surface of the first storage tank 20 is rolled up by the flow of the drain and the like, the soot and dust do not enter the inside of the electrode cover 30. ing. According to such a structure, the liquid level detection operation by the electrode 28 inside the electrode cover 30 can be performed in a state in which the liquid level is hardly affected by soot and dust, so that the liquid level in the first storage tank 20 can be more accurately set. Can be detected.
The predetermined distance Lβ is 10 mm to 15 mm, preferably about 15 mm. In other words, the predetermined distance Lβ is 16 to 25 percent, preferably about 25 percent, of the distance Lγ (about 60 mm) from the upper end of the first storage tank communication hole 40 to the reference liquid level Lα.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the vent hole 36 is opened toward the downstream side in the drain flow direction has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the vent hole 36 may be provided so as to open in a direction crossing the drain flow direction. That is, the position may be about 90 degrees away from the upstream side in the drain flow direction in the circumferential direction of the electrode cover 30.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which only the shortest overflow electrode 28d of the plurality of electrodes 28 is protected by the electrode cover 30 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, not only the overflow electrode 28d but the other electrode 28 may be protected. Moreover, the structure which protects not only one but the some electrode 28 with the electrode cover 30 may be sufficient.

1 Combustion device 5 Secondary heat exchanger (heat exchanger)
6 Drain discharge system 15 Neutralizer 20 First storage tank (storage part)
28 electrodes (detector)
30 Electrode cover (protective member)
36 Ventilation hole 40 1st storage tank communication hole (drain discharge port)

Claims (4)

Neutralization provided in a combustion apparatus having a burner and a heat exchanger for recovering the latent heat of combustion gas generated by the combustion operation of the burner, and neutralizing the drain generated in the heat exchanger and discharging it to the outside A device,
A storage part for storing drain is formed inside,
The storage unit is used in a state where the liquid is stored so that the liquid level is a reference liquid level that is a predetermined liquid level,
It has a liquid level detection means capable of detecting the liquid level of the storage section, the liquid level detection means each includes a plurality of rod-shaped detection parts having different lengths,
The detection unit is surrounded by a protective member,
The protective member extends at least from the upper end of the reservoir to a position below the reference liquid level, and surrounds the entire portion from the upper end to the lower end of the part located in the reservoir in the detection unit. And
Furthermore, the said protection member is in the state by which the lower end part was open | released outside, and is equipped with the vent hole which connects inside and outside to the side upper side, The neutralization apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned.   The neutralization device according to claim 1, wherein the vent hole is located above the reference liquid level. In the storage part, the drain flows from the drain inlet side to the drain outlet side,
The neutralization device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the vent hole opens toward a downstream side in a drain flow direction.   A combustion apparatus comprising the neutralization apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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