JP5364329B2 - Liquid fuel mixing system, liquid fuel synthesizing system, and liquid fuel mixing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To mix all types of liquid fuel stored within each intermediate tank in a fuel mixing flow passage. <P>SOLUTION: This liquid fuel mixing system 100 for mixing a plurality of types of liquid fuel converted from hydrocarbon materials includes: the plurality of intermediate tanks 80 to which different types of liquid fuel is made to flow in and stored, respectively; the fuel mixing flow passage 82 formed by assembling branch flow passages 88 communicated with the intermediate tanks, respectively and arranged on the downstream side; liquid level position detecting means 84 for detecting the liquid level position of the liquid fuel in each intermediate tank; a plurality of transfer means 86 for transferring the liquid fuel in the respective intermediate tanks to the fuel mixing flow passage while adjusting the outflow amount of the liquid fuel; and a control part 98 for controlling the outflow amount of the liquid fuel by the respective transfer means based on the liquid level position of each intermediate tank detected by the liquid level position detecting means so that all of the liquid fuel in the intermediate tanks is mixed in the fuel mixing flow passage. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid fuel mixing system, a liquid fuel synthesis system, and a liquid fuel mixing method.

In recent years, as one of the methods for synthesizing liquid fuel from natural gas, natural gas is reformed to produce synthesis gas mainly composed of carbon monoxide gas (CO) and hydrogen gas (H ₂ ). By synthesizing liquid hydrocarbons by Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reaction (hereinafter referred to as “FT synthesis reaction”) using this synthesis gas as a raw material gas, and further hydrogenating and purifying the liquid hydrocarbon, naphtha (crude gasoline) ), GTL (Gas To Liquids) technology for producing liquid fuel products such as kerosene, light oil and wax has been developed.

  Conventionally, as a liquid fuel mixing system in a liquid fuel synthesizing system for producing liquid fuel using this GTL technology, a plurality of intermediate tanks in which different types of liquid fuel are introduced and stored, and the intermediate tanks communicate with each other. In addition, there is known a configuration including a fuel mixing channel that collects and transfers the liquid fuel that flows out from these intermediate tanks. In the fuel mixing flow path of this liquid fuel mixing system, it is necessary to mix all kinds of liquid fuel stored in each intermediate tank.

By the way, generally, as a method of transferring a liquid from a tank, a method using a liquid fixed amount supply apparatus shown in Patent Document 1 below is known. This liquid fixed amount supply device includes a container that can be moved up and down in conjunction with the liquid level of the liquid stored in the tank, and one end of the liquid immersed in the liquid stored in the tank. In addition, the other end of the container is connected to the liquid take-out pipe positioned at a position lower than the liquid level by a predetermined height in the container, and communicated with the container and led from the tank through the liquid take-out pipe into the container. A hose for supplying liquid to the outside and a flow rate adjusting means for changing the amount of liquid outflow from the hose are provided.
JP 2002-370799 A

  However, since this liquid fixed amount supply device transfers the liquid in the tank by a fixed amount adjusted in advance by the flow rate adjusting means, this liquid fixed amount supply device is used for all the intermediate tanks of the liquid fuel mixing system described above. When the liquid is transferred from each intermediate tank, the liquid fuel in any of the intermediate tanks may flow out and the intermediate tank may be emptied. As a result, the liquid fuel stored in the emptied intermediate tank is not supplied to the fuel mixing passage, and all types of liquid fuel stored in each intermediate tank may not be mixed in the fuel mixing path. .

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object thereof is a liquid fuel mixing system capable of mixing all kinds of liquid fuel stored in each intermediate tank in a fuel mixing channel, and A liquid fuel synthesis system including the liquid fuel mixing system and a liquid fuel mixing method are provided.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention proposes the following means.
The liquid fuel mixing system according to the present invention is a liquid fuel mixing system for converting a hydrocarbon raw material into a plurality of types of liquid fuels in a liquid fuel synthesis system, wherein the different types of liquid fuels are respectively introduced and stored. A plurality of intermediate tanks, a fuel mixing passage provided on the downstream side where the branch passages communicated with each of the intermediate tanks are gathered, and a liquid for detecting a liquid level position of the liquid fuel in each of the intermediate tanks Surface position detection means, a plurality of transfer means for adjusting the outflow amount of the liquid fuel in each of the intermediate tanks to the fuel mixing flow path, and the liquid fuel in all of the intermediate tanks Based on the liquid level position of each of the intermediate tanks detected by the liquid level position detecting means, the amount of liquid fuel flowing out by each of the transfer means is controlled so as to be mixed in the fuel mixing channel. And a control unit for the said control unit, said outflow when the liquid level position of each said intermediate tank has reached the upper limit position and lower limit position of a preset the liquid surface position at each said intermediate tank And the control unit stops outflow of the liquid fuel in all the intermediate tanks when the liquid level position of any one of the plurality of intermediate tanks reaches the lower limit position of the intermediate tank. In addition, when the liquid level position of any one of the plurality of intermediate tanks reaches the upper limit position of the intermediate tank, the outflow of the liquid fuel in all the intermediate tanks is started. It is.

The liquid fuel mixing method according to the present invention is a liquid fuel mixing method for transferring a plurality of types of liquid fuel converted from a hydrocarbon raw material to a fuel mixing channel in a liquid fuel synthesizing system. A liquid fuel inflow step for storing the liquid fuel in a plurality of intermediate tanks; a liquid level position detecting step for detecting a liquid level position of the liquid fuel in each of the intermediate tanks; A transfer step of adjusting the outflow amount and transferring the liquid fuel to the fuel mixing flow path, respectively, and mixing the liquid fuel in all the intermediate tanks in the fuel mixing flow path during the transfer step. as will be to control the outflow of the liquid fuel based on the liquid surface position of each of the intermediate tank detected by the liquid surface position detecting process, when the transfer step, the liquid surface position of each of the intermediate tank The flow rate is controlled when the upper limit position and the lower limit position of the liquid level position set in advance in the intermediate tank are reached, and the liquid level position of any one of the plurality of intermediate tanks during the transfer step Stops the outflow of the liquid fuel in all the intermediate tanks when the intermediate tank reaches the lower limit position, and the liquid level position of any one of the plurality of intermediate tanks When the upper limit position is reached, the outflow of the liquid fuel in all the intermediate tanks is started .

In the liquid fuel mixing system and the liquid fuel mixing method according to the present invention, as the liquid fuel inflow process, different types of liquid fuels are respectively introduced into and stored in a plurality of intermediate tanks.
Further, the liquid level position of the liquid fuel in each intermediate tank is detected as a liquid level position detection process at the same time as or before and after the liquid fuel inflow process.
Then, as a transfer step, the liquid fuel in each intermediate tank is transferred to the fuel mixing channel with the outflow amount adjusted.

In particular, during the transfer process, the outflow amount is controlled so that the liquid fuel in all the intermediate tanks is mixed in the fuel mixing channel. At this time, since the outflow amount is controlled based on the liquid level position of each intermediate tank detected in the liquid level position detection step, it is possible to prevent the intermediate tank from being emptied. All kinds of stored liquid fuel can be reliably mixed in the fuel mixing channel.
Also, during the transfer process, the outflow amount is changed when the liquid level position of each intermediate tank reaches the upper limit position and the lower limit position of the liquid level position set in advance in each intermediate tank. It is possible to prevent the liquid fuel from being excessively introduced into the intermediate tank while preventing it from becoming empty.
Further, when the liquid level position of any one of the plurality of intermediate tanks reaches the lower limit position of the intermediate tank, the flow of the liquid fuel in all the intermediate tanks is stopped, and any one of the plurality of intermediate tanks is stopped. When the liquid level reaches the upper limit position of the intermediate tank, the liquid fuel starts to flow out in all the intermediate tanks, so it is simple to start and stop the liquid fuel outflow in each intermediate tank all at once. In this way, all types of liquid fuel stored in each intermediate tank can be mixed in the fuel mixing channel.

In the liquid fuel mixing system according to the present invention, when the control unit starts the outflow of the liquid fuel in all the intermediate tanks, the control unit determines the outflow amount of each of the intermediate tanks when the outflow starts. When the inflow of the liquid fuel to all the intermediate tanks is stopped, it is preferable that the liquid fuel in all the intermediate tanks is set to finish out in a certain time .

Further, in the liquid fuel mixing method according to the present invention, when starting the outflow of the liquid fuel in all the intermediate tanks in the transfer step, the outflow amount of each of the intermediate tanks is temporarily determined at the time when the outflow starts. When the inflow of the liquid fuel to all the intermediate tanks is stopped, it is preferable that the liquid fuel in all the intermediate tanks is set to finish out in a certain time .

In the liquid fuel mixing system according to the present invention, the control unit calculates a storage amount of the liquid fuel stored in each intermediate tank from the liquid surface position of each intermediate tank. A second step of setting the intermediate tank whose liquid level has reached the upper limit position as a reference tank to be a reference for determining the outflow amount of each intermediate tank, and the reference tank corresponding to the tank A third step of setting the upper limit of the capacity of the transfer means provided as the outflow amount F of the tank, and when the inflow of the liquid fuel is stopped when the outflow of the reference tank is temporarily started And a fourth step of calculating a time T required to finish the storage amount in the tank at the outflow amount F, and the intermediate tanks other than the reference tank, A fifth step of calculating an outflow amount required to finish outflow of the storage amount in the intermediate tank at the time T, and an outflow amount in the intermediate tank other than the reference tank calculated in the fifth step A sixth step of determining whether or not the upper limit of the capacity of the transfer means provided corresponding to the intermediate tank has been exceeded, and setting the outflow amount of each of the intermediate tanks. In the step, when it is determined that the outflow amount in the intermediate tanks other than the reference tank exceeds the upper limit of the capacity of the transfer means provided corresponding to each intermediate tank, the outflow amount is calculated. When the intermediate tank is set as the reference tank and the process returns to the third step, and the sixth step is repeated from the third step, The outflow amount calculated for the tank, it is preferable to set the outflow of the said intermediate tank.

Further, in the liquid fuel mixing method according to the present invention, the liquid fuel in each intermediate tank is transferred to the fuel mixing flow path by adjusting the outflow amount by a transfer means provided corresponding to the tank, During the transfer step, a first step of calculating a storage amount of the liquid fuel stored in each intermediate tank from the liquid level position of each intermediate tank, and the liquid level position reaches an upper limit position. A second step of setting the intermediate tank as a reference tank serving as a reference for determining the outflow amount of each of the intermediate tanks, and the capability of the transfer means provided corresponding to the reference tank. The third step of setting the upper limit as the outflow amount F of the tank, and the reference tank, when the inflow of the liquid fuel is stopped at the time of starting outflow, A fourth step of calculating a time T required for the storage amount to finish flowing out at the outflow amount F, and for the intermediate tanks other than the reference tank, the storage amount in each intermediate tank finishes flowing out at the time T. A fifth step of calculating an outflow amount required for the operation, and an outflow amount in the intermediate tank other than the reference tank calculated in the fifth step is an upper limit of the capacity of the transfer means provided corresponding to each of the intermediate tanks And a sixth step for determining whether or not the amount exceeds the intermediate tank outflow amount. In the sixth step, the outflow amount in the intermediate tank other than the reference tank is When it is determined that the capacity upper limit of the transfer means provided corresponding to the tank is exceeded, the intermediate tank for which the outflow amount is calculated is set as the reference tank. Returning to the serial third step, repeating the sixth step from the third step, if it is determined that it is not exceeded, that the outflow amount calculated for each said intermediate tank, is set as runoff each said intermediate tank Is preferred.

  In the liquid fuel mixing system according to the present invention, it is preferable that the fuel mixing passage is provided with a fuel agitation means for agitating the liquid fuel mixed in the fuel mixing passage.

  The liquid fuel mixing method according to the present invention preferably includes a fuel agitation step for agitating each of the liquid fuels mixed in the fuel mixing channel.

  In this case, since each liquid fuel in the fuel mixing channel is agitated as a fuel agitation step, it is not necessary to agitate the liquid fuel that has circulated in the fuel mixing channel by separately providing an agitation tank or the like. The man-hours required can be reduced.

  The liquid fuel synthesizing system according to the present invention includes the liquid fuel mixing system according to the present invention, and converts the hydrocarbon raw material into a plurality of types of liquid fuels, and corresponds to the converted plurality of types of liquid fuels. It is made to flow into the intermediate tank.

  Since the liquid fuel synthesizing system according to the present invention includes the liquid fuel mixing system according to the present invention, all kinds of liquid fuel converted from hydrocarbon raw materials can be mixed in the fuel mixing flow path.

  In the liquid fuel synthesis system according to the present invention, it is preferable to convert the hydrocarbon raw material into the plurality of types of liquid fuels using a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reaction.

  According to the liquid fuel mixing system, the liquid fuel mixing system, and the liquid fuel mixing method according to the present invention, all types of liquid fuel stored in each intermediate tank can be mixed in the fuel mixing flow path.

  Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in this specification and drawing, about the component which has the substantially same function structure, duplication description is abbreviate | omitted by attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol.

  First, an overall configuration of a liquid fuel synthesizing system 1 that executes a GTL (Gas To Liquids) process according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a liquid fuel synthesis system 1 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a liquid fuel synthesis system 1 according to the present embodiment is a plant facility that executes a GTL process for converting a hydrocarbon raw material such as natural gas into liquid fuel. The liquid fuel synthesis system 1 includes a synthesis gas generation unit 3, an FT synthesis unit 5, and a product purification unit 7. The synthesis gas generation unit 3 reforms natural gas that is a hydrocarbon raw material to generate synthesis gas containing carbon monoxide gas and hydrogen gas. The FT synthesis unit 5 generates liquid hydrocarbons from the generated synthesis gas by a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reaction (hereinafter referred to as “FT synthesis reaction”). The product refining unit 7 produces liquid fuel products (naphtha, kerosene, light oil, wax, etc.) by hydrogenating and refining the liquid hydrocarbons produced by the FT synthesis reaction. Hereinafter, components of each unit will be described.

First, the synthesis gas generation unit 3 will be described. The synthesis gas generation unit 3 mainly includes, for example, a desulfurization reactor 10, a reformer 12, an exhaust heat boiler 14, gas-liquid separators 16 and 18, a decarboxylation device 20, and a hydrogen separation device 26. Prepare. The desulfurization reactor 10 is composed of a hydrodesulfurization device or the like and removes sulfur components from natural gas as a raw material. The reformer 12 reforms the natural gas supplied from the desulfurization reactor 10 to generate a synthesis gas containing carbon monoxide gas (CO) and hydrogen gas (H ₂ ) as main components. The exhaust heat boiler 14 recovers the exhaust heat of the synthesis gas generated in the reformer 12 and generates high-pressure steam. The gas-liquid separator 16 separates water heated by heat exchange with the synthesis gas in the exhaust heat boiler 14 into a gas (high-pressure steam) and a liquid. The gas-liquid separator 18 removes the condensate from the synthesis gas cooled by the exhaust heat boiler 14 and supplies the gas to the decarboxylation device 20. The decarboxylation device 20 uses an absorption liquid from the synthesis gas supplied from the gas-liquid separator 18 to remove the carbon dioxide gas, and regenerates the carbon dioxide gas from the absorption liquid containing the carbon dioxide gas for regeneration. Tower 24. The hydrogen separation device 26 separates a part of the hydrogen gas contained in the synthesis gas from the synthesis gas from which the carbon dioxide gas has been separated by the decarbonation device 20. However, the decarboxylation device 20 may not be provided depending on circumstances.

  Among these, the reformer 12 reforms natural gas using carbon dioxide and steam by, for example, the steam / carbon dioxide reforming method represented by the following chemical reaction formulas (1) and (2). Thus, a high-temperature synthesis gas mainly composed of carbon monoxide gas and hydrogen gas is generated. The reforming method in the reformer 12 is not limited to the steam / carbon dioxide reforming method described above, but includes, for example, a steam reforming method, a partial oxidation reforming method (POX) using oxygen, and a partial oxidation method. An autothermal reforming method (ATR), a carbon dioxide gas reforming method, or the like, which is a combination of the reforming method and the steam reforming method, can also be used.

CH ₄ + H ₂ O → CO + 3H ₂ (1)
CH ₄ + CO ₂ → 2CO + 2H ₂ (2)

  Further, the hydrogen separator 26 is provided on a branch line branched from a main pipe connecting the decarbonator 20 or the gas-liquid separator 18 and the bubble column reactor 30. The hydrogen separator 26 can be constituted by, for example, a hydrogen PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) device that performs adsorption and desorption of hydrogen using a pressure difference. This hydrogen PSA apparatus has an adsorbent (zeolite adsorbent, activated carbon, alumina, silica gel, etc.) in a plurality of adsorption towers (not shown) arranged in parallel, and hydrogen is added to each adsorption tower. By repeating each step of pressure, adsorption, desorption (decompression), and purge in order, high-purity hydrogen gas separated from synthesis gas (for example, about 99.999%) can be continuously supplied.

  Note that the hydrogen gas separation method in the hydrogen separator 26 is not limited to the pressure fluctuation adsorption method such as the hydrogen PSA device described above, and for example, a hydrogen storage alloy adsorption method, a membrane separation method, or a combination thereof. There may be.

The hydrogen storage alloy method is, for example, a hydrogen storage alloy having a property of adsorbing / releasing hydrogen by being cooled / heated (TiFe, LaNi ₅ , TiFe _{0.7 to 0.9} Mn _{0.3 to 0.1} , Alternatively, TiMn _1.5 or the like) is used to separate hydrogen gas. A plurality of adsorption towers containing hydrogen storage alloys are provided, and in each of the adsorption towers, hydrogen adsorption by cooling the hydrogen storage alloys and hydrogen release by heating the hydrogen storage alloys are alternately repeated, so that the inside of the synthesis gas Of hydrogen gas can be separated and recovered.

  The membrane separation method is a method of separating hydrogen gas having excellent membrane permeability from a mixed gas using a membrane made of a polymer material such as aromatic polyimide. Since this membrane separation method does not involve a phase change, the energy required for operation is small, and the running cost is low. Further, since the structure of the membrane separation apparatus is simple and compact, the equipment cost is low and the required area of the equipment is small. Further, the separation membrane has no driving device and has a wide stable operation range, so that there is an advantage that maintenance management is easy.

  Next, the FT synthesis unit 5 will be described. The FT synthesis unit 5 mainly includes, for example, a bubble column reactor 30, a gas-liquid separator 34, a separator 36, a gas-liquid separator 38, and a first rectifying column 40. The bubble column reactor 30 generates a liquid hydrocarbon by performing an FT synthesis reaction of the synthesis gas produced by the synthesis gas production unit 3, that is, carbon monoxide gas and hydrogen gas. The gas-liquid separator 34 separates water heated through circulation in the heat transfer tube 32 disposed in the bubble column reactor 30 into water vapor (medium pressure steam) and liquid. The separator 36 is connected to the center of the bubble column reactor 30 and separates the catalyst and the liquid hydrocarbon product. The gas-liquid separator 38 is connected to the upper part of the bubble column reactor 30 and cools the unreacted synthesis gas and the gaseous hydrocarbon product. The first rectifying column 40 distills the liquid hydrocarbons supplied from the bubble column reactor 30 through the separator 36 and the gas-liquid separator 38, and separates and purifies each fraction according to the boiling point.

  Among these, the bubble column reactor 30 is an example of a reactor that synthesizes synthesis gas into liquid hydrocarbons, and functions as a reactor for FT synthesis that synthesizes liquid hydrocarbons from synthesis gas by an FT synthesis reaction. The bubble column reactor 30 is constituted by, for example, a bubble column type slurry bed type reactor in which a slurry composed of a catalyst and a medium oil is stored inside a column type container. The bubble column reactor 30 generates liquid hydrocarbons from synthesis gas by an FT synthesis reaction. Specifically, in this bubble column reactor 30, the synthesis gas, which is a raw material gas, is supplied as bubbles from the dispersion plate at the bottom of the bubble column reactor 30, and passes through the slurry composed of catalyst and medium oil. Then, as shown in the chemical reaction formula (3) below, the hydrogen gas and the carbon monoxide gas cause a synthesis reaction in the suspended state.

2nH ₂ + nCO → − (CH ₂ ) _n − + nH ₂ O (3)

  Since this FT synthesis reaction is an exothermic reaction, the bubble column reactor 30 is a heat exchanger type in which a heat transfer tube 32 is disposed inside, and supplies, for example, water (BFW: Boiler Feed Water) as a refrigerant. The heat of reaction of the FT synthesis reaction can be recovered as medium pressure steam by heat exchange between the slurry and water.

  Finally, the product purification unit 7 will be described. The product refining unit 7 includes, for example, a WAX fraction hydrocracking reactor 50, a kerosene / light oil fraction hydrotreating reactor 52, a naphtha fraction hydrotreating reactor 54, and gas-liquid separators 56, 58, 60, a second rectifying column 70, and a naphtha stabilizer 72. The WAX fraction hydrocracking reactor 50 is connected to the lower part of the first fractionator 40. The kerosene / light oil fraction hydrotreating reactor 52 is connected to the center of the first fractionator 40. The naphtha fraction hydrotreating reactor 54 is connected to the upper part of the first fractionator 40. The gas-liquid separators 56, 58 and 60 are provided corresponding to the hydrogenation reactors 50, 52 and 54, respectively. The second rectification column 70 separates and purifies the liquid hydrocarbons supplied from the gas-liquid separators 56 and 58 according to the boiling point. The naphtha stabilizer 72 rectifies liquid hydrocarbons of the naphtha fraction supplied from the gas-liquid separator 60 and the second rectifying column 70, and discharges lighter components than butane to the flare gas side, and has 5 or more carbon atoms. The components are separated and recovered as naphtha of the product.

  Next, a process (GTL process) of synthesizing liquid fuel from natural gas by the liquid fuel synthesizing system 1 having the above configuration will be described.

The liquid fuel synthesis system 1 is supplied with natural gas (main component is CH ₄ ) as a hydrocarbon feedstock from an external natural gas supply source (not shown) such as a natural gas field or a natural gas plant. The synthesis gas generation unit 3 reforms the natural gas to produce a synthesis gas (a mixed gas containing carbon monoxide gas and hydrogen gas as main components).

  Specifically, first, the natural gas is supplied to the desulfurization reactor 10 together with the hydrogen gas separated by the hydrogen separator 26. The desulfurization reactor 10 hydrodesulfurizes sulfur contained in natural gas using the hydrogen gas, for example, with a ZnO catalyst. By desulfurizing the natural gas in advance in this way, it is possible to prevent the activity of the catalyst used in the reformer 12 and the bubble column reactor 30 or the like from being reduced by sulfur.

The natural gas (which may contain carbon dioxide) desulfurized in this way is generated in carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ) gas supplied from a carbon dioxide supply source (not shown) and the exhaust heat boiler 14. After being mixed with water vapor, it is supplied to the reformer 12. For example, the reformer 12 reforms the natural gas using carbon dioxide and steam by the steam / carbon dioxide reforming method described above, so that the reformer 12 has a high temperature mainly composed of carbon monoxide gas and hydrogen gas. Generate synthesis gas. At this time, the reformer 12 is supplied with, for example, fuel gas and air for the burner included in the reformer 12, and the steam / carbonic acid that is endothermic by the combustion heat of the fuel gas in the burner. The reaction heat necessary for the gas reforming reaction is covered.

  The high-temperature synthesis gas (for example, 900 ° C., 2.0 MPaG) generated in the reformer 12 in this manner is supplied to the exhaust heat boiler 14 and is exchanged by heat exchange with the water flowing in the exhaust heat boiler 14. It is cooled (for example, 400 ° C.) and the exhaust heat is recovered. At this time, water heated by the synthesis gas in the exhaust heat boiler 14 is supplied to the gas-liquid separator 16, and the gas component is reformed as high-pressure steam (for example, 3.4 to 10.0 MPaG) from the gas-liquid separator 16. The water in the liquid is returned to the exhaust heat boiler 14 after being supplied to the vessel 12 or other external device.

  On the other hand, the synthesis gas cooled in the exhaust heat boiler 14 is supplied to the absorption tower 22 or the bubble column reactor 30 of the decarboxylation device 20 after the condensed liquid is separated and removed in the gas-liquid separator 18. The The absorption tower 22 removes carbon dioxide from the synthesis gas by absorbing the carbon dioxide contained in the synthesis gas in the stored absorption liquid. The absorption liquid containing carbon dioxide gas in the absorption tower 22 is sent to the regeneration tower 24, and the absorption liquid containing carbon dioxide gas is heated by, for example, steam and stripped. To the reformer 12 and reused in the reforming reaction.

In this way, the synthesis gas produced by the synthesis gas production unit 3 is supplied to the bubble column reactor 30 of the FT synthesis unit 5. At this time, the composition ratio of the synthesis gas supplied to the bubble column reactor 30 is adjusted to a composition ratio (for example, H ₂ : CO = 2: 1 (molar ratio)) suitable for the FT synthesis reaction. The synthesis gas supplied to the bubble column reactor 30 is subjected to an FT synthesis reaction by a compressor (not shown) provided in a pipe connecting the decarboxylation device 20 and the bubble column reactor 30. The pressure is increased to an appropriate pressure (for example, about 3.6 MPaG).

  A part of the synthesis gas from which the carbon dioxide gas has been separated by the decarbonation device 20 is also supplied to the hydrogen separation device 26. The hydrogen separator 26 separates the hydrogen gas contained in the synthesis gas by adsorption and desorption (hydrogen PSA) using the pressure difference as described above. The separated hydrogen is subjected to various hydrogen utilization reactions in which a predetermined reaction is performed using hydrogen in the liquid fuel synthesizing system 1 from a gas holder (not shown) or the like via a compressor (not shown). It supplies continuously to the apparatus (for example, desulfurization reactor 10, WAX fraction hydrocracking reactor 50, kerosene / light oil fraction hydrotreating reactor 52, naphtha fraction hydrotreating reactor 54, etc.).

  Next, the FT synthesis unit 5 synthesizes liquid hydrocarbons from the synthesis gas produced by the synthesis gas production unit 3 by an FT synthesis reaction.

  Specifically, the synthesis gas from which the carbon dioxide gas has been separated in the decarboxylation device 20 flows from the bottom of the bubble column reactor 30 and rises in the catalyst slurry stored in the bubble column reactor 30. To do. At this time, in the bubble column reactor 30, the carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas contained in the synthesis gas react with each other by the above-described FT synthesis reaction to generate hydrocarbons. Furthermore, at the time of this synthesis reaction, water is circulated through the heat transfer tube 32 of the bubble column reactor 30 to remove the reaction heat of the FT synthesis reaction. Become. As for this water vapor, the water liquefied by the gas-liquid separator 34 is returned to the heat transfer tube 32, and the gas component is supplied to the external device as medium pressure steam (for example, 1.0 to 2.5 MPaG).

In this way, the liquid hydrocarbon synthesized in the bubble column reactor 30 is taken out from the center of the bubble column reactor 30 and sent to the separator 36. The separator 36 separates the catalyst (solid content) in the extracted slurry into a liquid content containing the liquid hydrocarbon product. A part of the separated catalyst is returned to the bubble column reactor 30, and the liquid is supplied to the first rectifying column 40. Further, unreacted synthesis gas and synthesized hydrocarbon gas are introduced into the gas-liquid separator 38 from the top of the bubble column reactor 30. The gas-liquid separator 38 cools these gases, separates some of the condensed liquid hydrocarbons, and introduces them into the first fractionator 40. On the other hand, with respect to the gas component separated by the gas-liquid separator 38, the unreacted synthesis gas (CO and H ₂ ) is reintroduced into the bottom of the bubble column reactor 30 and reused for the FT synthesis reaction. . Further, exhaust gas (flare gas) mainly composed of hydrocarbon gas having a low carbon number (C ₄ or less) that is not a product target is introduced into an external combustion facility (not shown) and burned into the atmosphere. Released.

Next, the first rectifying column 40 heats the liquid hydrocarbon (having various carbon numbers) supplied from the bubble column reactor 30 through the separator 36 and the gas-liquid separator 38 as described above. , Fractionation using the difference in boiling point, naphtha fraction (boiling point less than about 150 ° C), kerosene / light oil fraction (boiling point about 150-350 ° C), and WAX (boiling point from about 350 ° C) Large) and separated and purified. Wax liquid hydrocarbons (mainly C ₂₁ or more) taken out from the bottom of the first fractionator 40 are transferred to the WAX fraction hydrocracking reactor 50 and taken out from the center of the first fractionator 40. The liquid hydrocarbon (mainly C _{11 to} C ₂₀ ) of the kerosene / light oil fraction is transferred to the kerosene / light oil fraction hydrotreating reactor 52 and taken out from the upper part of the first rectifying column 40. Hydrocarbons (mainly C ₅ -C ₁₀ ) are transferred to the naphtha fraction hydrotreating reactor 54.

The WAX fraction hydrocracking reactor 50 is a liquid fed from the lower part of the first rectifying column 40 to a liquid hydrocarbon having a high carbon number (approximately C ₂₁ or more) and hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen separator 26. Hydrocracking using gas to reduce the carbon number to ₂₀ or less. In this hydrocracking reaction, a C—C bond of a hydrocarbon having a large number of carbon atoms is cut using a catalyst and heat to generate a low molecular weight hydrocarbon having a small number of carbon atoms. A product containing liquid hydrocarbons hydrocracked by the WAX hydrocracking reactor 50 is separated into a gas and a liquid by a gas-liquid separator 56, and the liquid hydrocarbons are separated from the second fractionator. The gas component (including hydrogen gas) is transferred to a kerosene / light oil fraction hydrotreating reactor 52 and a naphtha fraction hydrotreating reactor 54.

The kerosene / light oil fraction hydrotreating reactor 52 is a liquid hydrocarbon (generally C _{11 to} C ₂₀ ) of the kerosene / light oil fraction supplied from the center of the first fractionator 40 and having a medium number of carbon atoms. Is hydrorefined using the hydrogen gas supplied from the hydrogen separator 26 via the WAX fraction hydrocracking reactor 50. This hydrorefining reaction is a reaction in which hydrogen is added to the unsaturated bond of the liquid hydrocarbon to saturate to produce a linear saturated hydrocarbon. As a result, the hydrorefined liquid hydrocarbon-containing product is separated into a gas and a liquid by the gas-liquid separator 58, and the liquid hydrocarbon is transferred to the second rectifying column 70, where the gas component (hydrogen Gas is reused) in the hydrogenation reaction.

The naphtha fraction hydrotreating reactor 54, the upper supplied from the naphtha fraction of liquid hydrocarbons having a small number of carbon atoms of the first fractionator 40 (approximately _of C ₁₀ or less), WAX fraction hydrogen from the hydrogen separator 26 Hydrotreating is performed using the hydrogen gas supplied through the hydrocracking reactor 50. As a result, the hydrorefined liquid hydrocarbon-containing product is separated into a gas and a liquid by the gas-liquid separator 60, and the liquid hydrocarbon is transferred to the naphtha stabilizer 72, where the gas component (hydrogen gas is removed). Is reused in the hydrogenation reaction.

Next, the second rectifying column 70 distills the liquid hydrocarbons supplied from the WAX fraction hydrocracking reactor 50 and the kerosene / light oil fraction hydrotreating reactor 52 as described above to obtain a carbon number. and _of C ₁₀ or less hydrocarbons (having a boiling point of approximately less than 0.99 ° C.), kerosene (whose boiling point is about 150 to 250 ° C.), and gas oil (boiling point of about 250 to 350 ° C.), from WAX fraction hydrocracking reactor 50 Separation and purification into undecomposed WAX fraction (boiling point greater than about 350 ° C.). Light oil is taken out from the lower part of the second fractionator 70, and kerosene is taken out from the center. On the other hand, a hydrocarbon gas having a carbon number of ₁₀ or less is taken out from the top of the second rectifying column 70 and supplied to the naphtha stabilizer 72.

Further, the naphtha stabilizer 72 distills hydrocarbons having a carbon number of ₁₀ or less supplied from the naphtha fraction hydrotreating reactor 54 and the second rectifying tower 70 to obtain naphtha (C ₅ as a product). ~C ₁₀₎ are separated and purified. Thereby, high-purity naphtha is taken out from the lower part of the naphtha stabilizer 72. Meanwhile, from the top of the naphtha stabilizer 72, the exhaust gas carbon number of target products composed mainly of hydrocarbons below predetermined number (C ₄ or less) (flare gas) is discharged.

The process of the liquid fuel synthesis system 1 (GTL process) has been described above. By such a GTL process, natural gas is cleaned into high purity naphtha (C _{5 to} C ₁₀ : crude gasoline), kerosene (C _{11 to} C ₁₅ : kerosene) and light oil (C _{16 to} C ₂₀ : gas oil). It can be easily and economically converted to liquid fuel. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the steam / carbon dioxide reforming method is adopted in the reformer 12, carbon dioxide contained in natural gas as a raw material is effectively used, and the FT synthesis is performed. A composition ratio (for example, H ₂ : CO = 2: 1 (molar ratio)) of synthesis gas suitable for the reaction can be efficiently generated by one reaction of the reformer 12, and a hydrogen concentration adjusting device, etc. There is an advantage that is unnecessary.

Next, the liquid fuel mixing system 100 included in the liquid fuel synthesizing system 1 for mixing the liquid fuel after the hydrocarbon fuel is converted into a plurality of types of liquid fuel will be described with reference to FIG.
In addition to the above-described components, the liquid fuel mixing system 100 includes a plurality of intermediate tanks 80 in which different types of liquid fuels are introduced and stored, and a fuel mixing flow path 82 communicated with each intermediate tank 80. The liquid level position detecting means 84 for detecting the liquid level position of the liquid fuel in each intermediate tank 80, and the plurality of liquid fuels in the respective intermediate tanks 80 are respectively transferred to the fuel mixing channel 82 while adjusting the outflow amount. Transporting means 86. Hereinafter, the liquid level position of the liquid fuel in the intermediate tank 80 is simply referred to as the liquid level position of the intermediate tank 80.

In the present embodiment, three intermediate tanks 80 are provided, and the full capacity of these three intermediate tanks 80 is equal. These three intermediate tanks 80 include a light oil tank into which the light oil taken out from the second rectifying tower 70 flows, a kerosene tank into which the kerosene taken out from the second rectifying tower 70 flows, and a naphtha stabilizer. The naphtha tank into which the naphtha taken out at 72 is introduced.
The fuel mixing channel 82 is a pipe through which liquid fuel flows, and one end thereof communicates with each of the intermediate tanks 80 by a plurality of branch pipes (branch channels) 88 provided corresponding to the respective intermediate tanks 80. Has been. That is, the fuel mixing channel 82 is provided on the downstream side where the branch pipes 88 communicated with the intermediate tanks 80 are gathered. The other end of the fuel mixing channel 82 is communicated with a blending tank 92 that stores the mixed liquid fuel. Further, the fuel mixing channel 82 is provided with an in-line mixer (fuel agitating means) 90 for agitating each liquid fuel mixed in the fuel mixing channel 82. The downstream side mentioned above means a direction from the intermediate tank 80 toward the blending tank 92 among the directions in which the liquid fuel flows in the liquid fuel mixing system 100.

The liquid surface position detecting means 84 is provided in each intermediate tank 80 and detects the liquid surface position of the intermediate tank 80. Further, the liquid surface position detecting means 84 sends liquid surface position data relating to the detected liquid surface position to the control unit 98 described later.
Three transfer means 86 are provided corresponding to each intermediate tank 80. In the illustrated example, each transfer means 86 is provided in a branch pipe 88 corresponding to each intermediate tank 80. Each transfer means 86 includes a pump 94 for transferring the liquid fuel in the intermediate tank 80 to the fuel mixing passage 82, and a flow rate adjusting valve 96 for adjusting the outflow amount of the liquid fuel transferred by the pump 94. I have. The pump 94 is capable of quantitative transfer of liquid fuel by ON-OFF control. According to this transfer means 86, the liquid fuel in the corresponding intermediate tank 80 is transferred to the fuel mixing flow path 82 by adjusting the outflow amount by the ON / OFF control of the pump 94 and the outflow amount adjustment of the flow rate adjusting valve 96. can do.

In the present embodiment, the liquid fuel mixing system 100 includes each intermediate tank 80 detected by the liquid level position detection unit 84 so that the liquid fuel in all the intermediate tanks 80 is mixed in the fuel mixing flow channel 82. A control unit 98 is provided for controlling the amount of liquid fuel discharged by each transfer means 86 based on the liquid level position. The control unit 98 controls the amount of liquid fuel to flow out when the liquid level position of each intermediate tank 80 reaches the upper limit position and the lower limit position of the liquid level position set in advance in each intermediate tank 80.
In the present embodiment, the control unit 98 is electrically connected to each liquid level position detection unit 84 and each transfer unit 86, and each transfer is performed based on the liquid level position data sent from the liquid level position detection unit 84. The outflow amount of the means 86 is calculated by a method described later, and a control signal for controlling each transfer means 86 is generated and sent out. Further, the control unit 98 can calculate the storage amount of the liquid fuel stored in each intermediate tank 80 based on the liquid level position data. Further, the control unit 98 stores in advance the upper limit position and lower limit position of the liquid surface position for each intermediate tank 80 and the upper limit capacity of each transfer means 86. The device configuration of the control unit 98 is, for example, hardware such as a computer having a CPU, a RAM, and an external storage device.

  Here, the upper limit position and the lower limit position of the liquid level position of each intermediate tank 80 are, for example, an upper limit position of about 80% with respect to the full amount of the intermediate tank 80 and a lower limit position with respect to the full amount of the intermediate tank 80. About 20% is preferred. The lower limit position is preferably higher than the position where the transfer function pump 94 provided in each intermediate tank 80 is idle. Hereinafter, the upper limit position and the lower limit position of the liquid fuel in the intermediate tank 80 are simply referred to as the upper limit position and the lower limit position of the intermediate tank 80, respectively.

  Next, in the liquid fuel mixing system 100 configured as described above, a method for mixing all types of liquid fuel stored in each intermediate tank 80 in the fuel mixing flow channel 82 will be described. In the following description, liquid fuel is preliminarily stored in each intermediate tank 80 as an initial stage so that the liquid level position of each intermediate tank 80 is higher than the lower limit position of the intermediate tank 80 and lower than the upper limit position. It is assumed that the transfer means 86 are stopped and the outflow of the liquid fuel in the intermediate tank 80 is stopped.

First, as a liquid fuel inflow process, light oil, kerosene, and naphtha are respectively introduced into each intermediate tank 80 and stored. At this time, since each transfer means 86 stops the outflow of the liquid fuel at the initial stage, the liquid level position of each intermediate tank 80 rises.
In parallel with the liquid fuel inflow process, as the liquid level position detection process, the liquid level position of the liquid fuel in each intermediate tank 80 is detected by the liquid level position detection means 84. At this time, the control unit 98 acquires the liquid level position of each intermediate tank 80 from the liquid level position data sent from the liquid level position detecting means 84.
The liquid fuel inflow step and the liquid level position detection step are continuously performed unless a trouble or the like occurs on the upstream side of the liquid fuel synthesis system 1.

  In parallel with the liquid level position detection step, as a transfer step, the liquid fuel in each intermediate tank 80 is transferred to the fuel mixing channel 82 while adjusting the outflow amount. At this time, the outflow amount of the liquid fuel is determined based on the liquid level position of each intermediate tank 80 detected in the liquid level position detecting step so that the liquid fuel in all the intermediate tanks 80 is mixed in the fuel mixing flow path 82. Control.

Here, the control of the outflow amount of the liquid fuel in the transfer process will be described in detail.
First, since the liquid level position of each intermediate tank 80 rises through the liquid fuel inflow process, any one liquid level position of the three intermediate tanks 80 becomes the upper limit position of the intermediate tank 80 when a predetermined time elapses. Reach. At this time, the control part 98 starts the outflow of the liquid fuel in the intermediate tank 80 with which each transfer means 86 respond | corresponds, respectively. At this time, when the inflow of liquid fuel into all the intermediate tanks 80 is stopped at the time when the outflow starts, the liquid fuel in all the intermediate tanks 80 flows out in a certain time. Set to finish.
Hereinafter, the calculation method of the outflow amount will be described in detail.

First, as a first step, the control unit 98 calculates the amount of liquid fuel stored in each intermediate tank 80 from the liquid level position of each intermediate tank 80.
Next, as a second step, the control unit 98 sets the intermediate tank 80 whose liquid level has reached the upper limit position as a reference tank that serves as a reference for determining the outflow amount of each intermediate tank 80. Hereinafter, the storage amount V of the liquid fuel in the reference tank is referred to as a storage amount V.
Next, as the third step, the control unit 98 sets, as the outflow amount of the tank, the capacity upper limit of the transfer means 86 provided corresponding to the reference tank set in the previous step. . Hereinafter, this outflow amount is referred to as an outflow amount F.

Next, as a fourth step, when the inflow of liquid fuel is stopped at the time when the outflow starts for the reference tank, the control unit 98 finishes out the storage amount V in the tank with the outflow amount F. The time T required for this is calculated. Note that (time T) = (reserved amount V) / (outflow amount F).
Next, as a fifth step, the control unit 98 calculates the outflow amount required to finish the outflow of the storage amount in each intermediate tank 80 at time T for the intermediate tanks 80 other than the reference tank. If the storage amount of one intermediate tank 80 different from the reference tank is the storage amount v, and the outflow amount obtained in the intermediate tank 80 is the outflow amount f, (outflow amount f) = (storage amount v) / (time T) Can be obtained.

  Next, as a sixth step, the control unit 98 determines that the outflow amount in the intermediate tank 80 other than the reference tank calculated in the fifth step exceeds the upper limit of the capacity of the transfer means 86 provided corresponding to each intermediate tank 80. Judge whether it is. If it exceeds, the intermediate tank 80 for which the outflow amount has been calculated is set as the reference tank, the process returns to the third step, and the third to sixth steps are repeated. If not, the outflow amount calculated for each intermediate tank 80 is set as the outflow amount of each intermediate tank 80.

  Through the above steps, the outflow amount of each intermediate tank 80 set when the liquid level position of any one of the three intermediate tanks 80 reaches the upper limit position of the intermediate tank 80 is calculated. Thereafter, the control unit 98 generates a control signal and sends it to each transfer means 86. Accordingly, each transfer means 86 can cause the liquid fuel in each intermediate tank 80 to flow out with the flow amount calculated by the control unit 98.

When the liquid fuel in each intermediate tank 80 flows out by the transfer means 86, the liquid level position in each intermediate tank 80 is lowered. The lower limit position of the intermediate tank 80 is reached. At this time, the control unit 98 generates a control signal and stops the outflow of the liquid fuel in all the intermediate tanks 80 by the transfer means 86. And since the liquid fuel inflow process is performed in parallel with the transfer process, after the outflow of the liquid fuel is stopped, the liquid fuel flows in and is stored in the intermediate tank 80, and the liquid level is raised again. To do.
In the transfer process, the flow amount of the liquid fuel in each intermediate tank 80 is controlled as described above. With this control, the liquid fuel can be stored in all the intermediate tanks 80 in such an amount that the liquid surface position reaches at least the lower limit position of each intermediate tank 80.

  Each liquid fuel that has flowed into the fuel mixing channel 82 through the transfer process is stirred by the in-line mixer 90 as a fuel stirring process. Then, the stirred liquid fuel is introduced into the preparation tank 92. In addition, since the liquid fuel introduced into the blending tank 92 has undergone the fuel agitation process, it does not need to be agitated thereafter, and the man-hour required for agitation can be reduced.

According to the liquid fuel mixing system 100 described above, when controlling the outflow amount so that the liquid fuel in all the intermediate tanks 80 is mixed in the fuel mixing channel 82 in the transfer step, the liquid level position detection step. Since the outflow amount is controlled based on the liquid level position detected in each intermediate tank 80, it is possible to prevent the intermediate tank 80 from becoming empty, and the liquid fuel stored in each intermediate tank 80 can be prevented. All of these can be reliably mixed in the fuel mixing channel 82.
Even if the inflow amount of the liquid fuel flowing into each intermediate tank 80 in the liquid fuel inflow step changes with time, and the amount of liquid fuel stored in each intermediate tank 80 changes, the intermediate tank 80 Can be prevented from becoming empty.

  Further, during the transfer process, the outflow amount is changed when the liquid level position of each intermediate tank 80 reaches the upper limit position and the lower limit position of the liquid level position set in advance in each intermediate tank 80. It is possible to prevent the liquid fuel from flowing excessively into the intermediate tank 80 while preventing the liquid fuel from becoming empty. When the liquid fuel is excessively flowed into the intermediate tank 80, the entire liquid fuel synthesizing system 1 is mixed before all kinds of liquid fuel stored in the intermediate tank 80 are mixed in the fuel mixing channel 82. May be forced to stop. However, in the liquid fuel mixing system 100 of the present embodiment, the liquid fuel does not flow excessively into the intermediate tank 80, so there is no fear that the liquid fuel synthesizing system 1 is stopped due to this, and this system 1 Can be operated stably. As a result, all types of liquid fuel stored in each intermediate tank 80 can be continuously mixed in the fuel mixing channel 82.

  Also, when any one of the plurality of intermediate tanks 80 reaches the lower limit position of the intermediate tank 80, the liquid fuel in all the intermediate tanks 80 is stopped from flowing out, and the plurality of intermediate tanks 80 When any one of the liquid level positions reaches the upper limit position of the intermediate tank 80, the flow of the liquid fuel in all the intermediate tanks 80 is started, so the start and stop of the liquid fuel flow in each of the intermediate tanks 80 is started. All types of liquid fuel stored in the intermediate tanks 80 can be mixed in the fuel mixing flow channel 82 by a simple method that only performs the above.

  Further, in the transfer process, when any one liquid level position of the intermediate tank 80 reaches the upper limit position of the intermediate tank 80, the amount of the outflow of each intermediate tank 80 is changed to the amount of all the intermediate tanks when the outflow is temporarily started. When the inflow of the liquid fuel to 80 is stopped, the liquid fuel in all the intermediate tanks 80 is set to finish out simultaneously in a certain time. Therefore, even if a trouble or the like occurs on the upstream side of the liquid fuel synthesizing system 1 and the inflow of the liquid fuel is stopped, the outflow amount set at that time in each intermediate tank 80 is maintained. All types of liquid fuel stored in each intermediate tank 80 can be mixed in the fuel mixing channel 82 for a long period of time.

  Further, since the liquid fuel synthesizing system 1 according to the present embodiment includes the liquid fuel mixing system 100, all types of liquid fuel converted from hydrocarbon raw materials can be mixed in the fuel mixing channel 82.

  As mentioned above, although preferred embodiment of this invention was described referring an accompanying drawing, it cannot be overemphasized that this invention is not limited to this example. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and these are naturally within the technical scope of the present invention. Understood.

  For example, in the above embodiment, natural gas is used as the hydrocarbon raw material supplied to the liquid fuel synthesizing system 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and other hydrocarbon raw materials such as asphalt and residual oil are used. May be.

Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the liquid hydrocarbon was synthesize | combined by FT synthesis reaction as a synthesis reaction in the bubble column reactor 30, this invention is not limited to this example. Examples of the synthesis reaction in the bubble column reactor include oxo synthesis (hydroformylation reaction) “R—CH═CH ₂ + CO + H ₂ → R—CH ₂ CH ₂ CHO”, methanol synthesis “CO + 2H ₂ → CH ₃ OH”, The present invention can also be applied to dimethyl ether (DME) synthesis “3CO + 3H ₂ → CH ₃ OCH ₃ + CO ₂ ”.

  In the above embodiment, the control unit 98 controls the flow rate of liquid fuel when the liquid level position of each intermediate tank 80 reaches the upper limit position and the lower limit position of each intermediate tank 80. For example, the outflow amount may be constantly controlled based on the liquid level position of the intermediate tank 80 without setting the upper limit position and the lower limit position. Even when the upper limit position and the lower limit position are set, one or more intermediate positions are set between the two positions, and the outflow amount is controlled at the intermediate position in addition to the upper limit position and the lower limit position. May be.

In the above embodiment, the control unit 98 controls the liquid fuel in all the intermediate tanks 80 when any one liquid level position of the intermediate tank 80 reaches the lower limit position or the upper limit position of the intermediate tank 80. Although the outflow was controlled, instead of this, each intermediate tank 80 is independently controlled so that only the intermediate tank 80 controls the outflow amount when the liquid level position of each intermediate tank 80 reaches the lower limit position or the upper limit position. The flow rate may be controlled.
Further, the method for calculating the outflow amount when any one liquid surface position of the intermediate tank 80 reaches the upper limit position of the intermediate tank 80 is not limited to that shown in the above embodiment. For example, when reaching the upper limit position, it may be controlled to flow out by a preset flow amount.

In the above embodiment, the in-line mixer 90 is not necessarily provided.
In the above embodiment, three intermediate tanks 80 are used. However, the number of intermediate tanks 80 is not limited to three as long as there are a plurality of intermediate tanks 80. Furthermore, although the full capacity of each intermediate tank 80 is assumed to be equal, the capacity of each intermediate tank 80 may be different from each other.
Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the transfer means 86 shall be provided with the pump 94 and the flow regulating valve 96, it is good also as a structure which consists only of a pump which can adjust flow volume, for example.

  In the above embodiment, the liquid fuel is stored in each intermediate tank 80 so that the liquid level is at a position higher than the lower limit position of each intermediate tank 80 in the initial stage. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In this case, for example, when the liquid level position detecting means 84 detects the transition direction (rising or descending) of the liquid level position and the liquid level position becomes the lower limit position of the intermediate tank 80, the transition of the liquid level position is performed. The outflow amount may be controlled on the basis of the direction.

It is a figure showing the whole liquid fuel synthesizing system composition of one embodiment concerning the present invention. It is the schematic which shows the liquid fuel mixing system with which the liquid fuel synthesis system shown in FIG. 1 is provided.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Liquid fuel synthesis system 80 Intermediate tank 82 Fuel mixing flow path 84 Liquid level position detection means 86 Transfer means 88 Branch piping (branch flow path)
90 In-line mixer (fuel stirring means)
98 Control Unit 100 Liquid Fuel Mixing System

Claims (10)

A liquid fuel mixing system for mixing a plurality of types of liquid fuel converted from hydrocarbon feedstock in a liquid fuel synthesis system ,
A plurality of intermediate tanks in which the different types of liquid fuels are respectively introduced and stored;
A fuel mixing flow path provided on the downstream side where the respective branch flow paths communicating with each of the intermediate tanks are gathered;
Liquid level position detecting means for detecting the liquid level position of the liquid fuel in each of the intermediate tanks;
A plurality of transfer means for adjusting the amount of outflow and transferring the liquid fuel in each of the intermediate tanks to the fuel mixing channel;
The liquid by each transfer means based on the liquid level position of each intermediate tank detected by the liquid level position detection means so that the liquid fuel in all the intermediate tanks is mixed in the fuel mixing flow path. A control unit for controlling the flow rate of fuel;
Equipped with a,
The control unit controls the outflow amount when a liquid level position of each intermediate tank reaches an upper limit position and a lower limit position of the liquid level position set in advance in each intermediate tank,
The control unit stops outflow of the liquid fuel in all the intermediate tanks when the liquid level position of any one of the plurality of intermediate tanks reaches the lower limit position of the intermediate tank, and A liquid fuel mixing system that starts outflow of the liquid fuel in all the intermediate tanks when the liquid level position of any one of a plurality of intermediate tanks reaches the upper limit position of the intermediate tanks . The liquid fuel mixing system according to claim 1.
When starting the outflow of the liquid fuel in all the intermediate tanks, the control unit determines the outflow amount of each of the intermediate tanks so that the inflow of the liquid fuel into all the intermediate tanks is started. A liquid fuel mixing system , wherein the liquid fuel in all the intermediate tanks is set to flow out in a predetermined time when stopped . The liquid fuel mixing system according to claim 2.
The controller is
A first step of calculating a storage amount of the liquid fuel stored in each intermediate tank from the liquid level position of each intermediate tank;
A second step of setting the intermediate tank whose liquid level position has reached the upper limit position as a reference tank serving as a reference for determining the outflow amount of each intermediate tank;
A third step of setting, as the outflow amount F of the tank, the upper limit of the capacity of the transfer means provided corresponding to the tank for the reference tank;
A fourth step of calculating the time T required for the reference tank to finish flowing out of the storage amount in the tank when the inflow of the liquid fuel is stopped at the time of starting the outflow When,
A fifth step of calculating an outflow amount required to finish outflow of the storage amount in each intermediate tank at the time T for the intermediate tanks other than the reference tank;
A sixth step of determining whether the outflow amount in the intermediate tanks other than the reference tank calculated in the fifth step exceeds the upper limit of the capacity of the transfer means provided corresponding to each of the intermediate tanks; After that, set the outflow amount of each intermediate tank,
When the control unit determines that the outflow amount in the intermediate tank other than the reference tank exceeds the upper limit of the capacity of the transfer means provided corresponding to each of the intermediate tanks during the sixth step. Set the intermediate tank whose outflow amount is calculated as the reference tank, return to the third step, repeat the sixth step from the third step, and if it is determined that it does not exceed, The liquid fuel mixing system , wherein the outflow amount calculated for the intermediate tank is set as the outflow amount of each of the intermediate tanks . The liquid fuel mixing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A liquid fuel mixing system, wherein the fuel mixing passage is provided with a fuel stirring means for stirring each liquid fuel mixed in the fuel mixing passage. A liquid fuel mixing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising:
A liquid fuel synthesizing system, wherein the hydrocarbon raw material is converted into a plurality of types of liquid fuels, and the plurality of types of converted liquid fuels are caused to flow into the corresponding intermediate tanks. The liquid fuel synthesis system according to claim 5,
A liquid fuel synthesis system characterized in that the hydrocarbon feedstock is converted into the plurality of types of liquid fuels using a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reaction. A liquid fuel mixing method in which a plurality of types of liquid fuels converted from hydrocarbon raw materials in a liquid fuel synthesis system are transferred to a fuel mixing channel and mixed.
A liquid fuel inflow process in which the different types of liquid fuel are respectively introduced into and stored in a plurality of intermediate tanks;
A liquid level position detecting step for detecting a liquid level position of the liquid fuel in each of the intermediate tanks;
A transfer step of adjusting the outflow amount and transferring the liquid fuel in each intermediate tank to the fuel mixing flow path, respectively.
Based on the liquid level position of each of the intermediate tanks detected in the liquid level position detection step so that the liquid fuel in all the intermediate tanks is mixed in the fuel mixing flow path during the transfer step. Control the flow rate of liquid fuel ,
During the transfer step, when the liquid level position of each of the intermediate tanks reaches the upper limit position and the lower limit position of the liquid level position preset in each of the intermediate tanks, to control the outflow amount,
During the transfer step, when the liquid level position of any one of the plurality of intermediate tanks reaches the lower limit position of the intermediate tank, the outflow of the liquid fuel in all the intermediate tanks is stopped, Liquid fuel mixing, characterized in that the liquid fuel mixing in all the intermediate tanks starts when the liquid level position of any one of the plurality of intermediate tanks reaches the upper limit position of the intermediate tank Method. The liquid fuel mixing method according to claim 7,
In the transfer step, when starting outflow of the liquid fuel in all the intermediate tanks, the amount of outflow from each of the intermediate tanks is determined based on the amount of inflow of the liquid fuel into all the intermediate tanks when the outflow starts. A liquid fuel mixing method , wherein the liquid fuel in all the intermediate tanks is set to flow out in a predetermined time when stopped . The liquid fuel mixing method according to claim 8, wherein
The liquid fuel in each of the intermediate tanks is transferred to the fuel mixing flow path by adjusting the outflow amount by transfer means provided corresponding to the tank,
During the transfer process,
A first step of calculating a storage amount of the liquid fuel stored in each intermediate tank from the liquid level position of each intermediate tank;
A second step of setting the intermediate tank whose liquid level position has reached the upper limit position as a reference tank serving as a reference for determining the outflow amount of each intermediate tank;
A third step of setting, as the outflow amount F of the tank, the upper limit of the capacity of the transfer means provided corresponding to the tank for the reference tank;
A fourth step of calculating the time T required for the reference tank to finish flowing out of the storage amount in the tank when the inflow of the liquid fuel is stopped at the time of starting the outflow When,
A fifth step of calculating an outflow amount required to finish outflow of the storage amount in each intermediate tank at the time T for the intermediate tanks other than the reference tank;
A sixth step of determining whether the outflow amount in the intermediate tanks other than the reference tank calculated in the fifth step exceeds the upper limit of the capacity of the transfer means provided corresponding to each of the intermediate tanks; After that, set the outflow amount of each intermediate tank,
In the sixth step, when it is determined that the outflow amount in the intermediate tank other than the reference tank exceeds the capacity upper limit of the transfer means provided corresponding to each intermediate tank, the outflow amount Is set as the reference tank, the process returns to the third step, and the sixth step is repeated from the third step. A liquid fuel mixing method , wherein an outflow amount is set as an outflow amount of each of the intermediate tanks . The liquid fuel mixing method according to any one of claims 7 to 9,
A liquid fuel mixing method comprising a fuel agitation step of agitating each of the liquid fuels mixed in the fuel mixing channel.

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