WO2007061111A1

WO2007061111A1 - Fuel reforming apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2007061111A1
Application number: PCT/JP2006/323701
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kunio Tokushige
Original assignee: Akaike, Masazumi; Ebarashoji Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2005-11-28
Filing date: 2006-11-28
Publication date: 2007-05-31
Also published as: JPWO2007061111A1

Abstract

A fuel reforming apparatus equipped with a service tank (1) for storing liquid fuel and a catalyst-packed cylinder (2) packed with catalyst pieces, at least the surfaces of which pieces are made of titanium dioxide. One end of the cylinder (2) is connected to the neighborhood of bottom of the tank (1) through a pipe (8) and the other end thereof is connected to the top of the tank (1) through a pipe (9). The pipe (8) is provided with a circulating pump (4), whereby liquid fuel is circulated through the inside of the cylinder (2). The catalyst pieces in the cylinder (2) are set in such a way as to be immersed in the circulating liquid fuel.

Description

Specification

Fuel reformer

Technical field

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a fuel reformer that reforms liquid fuel such as heavy oil, light oil, and kerosene so that its combustion is close to complete combustion.

Background art

[0002] Fuels for various power generation boilers and heat generators include gaseous fuels (gas), liquid fuels (oil), and solid fuels (coal, etc.). A heavy oil is widely used because a high calorific value can be obtained at a relatively low cost. Although technological improvements have been made for such liquid fuel combustion devices, it is considered impossible to completely burn liquid fuel. If the fuel does not burn completely, the fuel efficiency will be reduced accordingly, and incomplete combustion of the fuel will result in the combustion gas containing monoxide, carbon (CO), nitrogen oxides (NO), Hazardous substances such as Particulate Matter (PM)

X

It is a factor that occurs or increases.

[0003] In order to improve the combustion of liquid fuel, it is known to add an additive such as a combustion aid to the liquid fuel. Various fuel reformers have also been proposed. As such a fuel reformer, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-130062 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-176615 disclose devices for reforming fuel by applying magnetic force or ultrasonic waves thereto. . Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-33923 discloses a fuel reformer utilizing the catalytic action of a metal oxide film. These fuel reformers are thought to have the effect of facilitating combustion by making the constituent particles of liquid fuel finer or finer.

[0004] However, although various conventional fuel reforming technologies as described above can be expected to have a certain reforming effect, it is difficult to say that a practical level of reforming is possible. In particular, A heavy oil contains some sludge, which is thought to be composed of minerals, carbon particles, organometallic salts, and other components. Such sludge can reduce fuel consumption due to incomplete combustion that is difficult to burn. It is easy to become a factor of occurrence. If such sludge can be burned effectively, it is thought that it will greatly contribute to improving fuel consumption and reducing the generation of harmful substances. However, in order to combust combustible components contained in sludge effectively by miniaturization, a high level of miniaturization is required, and this is difficult to achieve with the prior art. In particular, when the amount of combustion per unit time is large, it is difficult for conventional technology to supply a sufficiently reformed fuel.

Disclosure of the invention

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a fuel reformer that can effectively improve the combustibility of liquid fuel.

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, a fuel reformer of the present invention is a fuel reformer for reforming liquid fuel, which includes a service tank for storing liquid fuel, and a liquid in the service tank. A circulation pipe that forms a circulation flow path for taking out the fuel and returning it to the service tank; a circulation pump that is connected to the circulation pipe and circulates the liquid fuel in the circulation flow path; and at least the surface has titanium dioxide A catalyst-filled cylinder filled with a catalyst piece, and the liquid fuel circulating in the circulation path flows inside the catalyst-filled cylinder, and the catalyst piece is circulated in the liquid fuel flowing inside. And a catalyst-filled cylinder connected to the pipe.

[0007] According to this configuration, the liquid fuel can be repeatedly brought into contact with the catalyst piece by circulating the liquid fuel. Since the catalyst piece is immersed in the liquid fuel in the catalyst-filled cylinder, the entire surface of the catalyst piece comes into contact with the liquid fuel. Since the liquid fuel flows through a small gap formed between the plurality of catalyst pieces, the amount of liquid fuel that passes without contacting the catalyst pieces can be kept small. As a result, the liquid fuel can be brought into contact with the surface of the catalyst piece with high contact efficiency. Therefore, the catalytic action (decomposition of organic matter, redox action) by the catalyst piece with high efficiency with respect to the liquid fuel. Can be exerted.

[0008] It is preferable to connect a heating machine for heating the liquid fuel passing through the circulation pipe to the circulation pipe. By heating the liquid fuel, the catalytic action of the catalyst pieces on the liquid fuel can be promoted. In addition, the fluidity of the liquid fuel can be increased and smoothly circulated. [0009] A catalyst piece may also be arranged in the service tank. As a result, the frequency with which the liquid fuel is subjected to catalytic action can be further increased.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the catalyst filling cylinder is disposed in the service tank, the lower end of the catalyst filling cylinder is connected to a circulation pipe, and liquid fuel is supplied to the upper end of the catalyst filling cylinder in the service tank. A cap member having an opening for spraying into the air is attached. With this configuration, oxygen can be efficiently taken into the liquid fuel by injecting the liquid fuel into the air. Since the liquid fuel is refined by the catalytic action of the catalyst pieces, oxygen uptake into the liquid fuel is promoted. Oxygen incorporated into the liquid fuel contributes effectively to combustion when the liquid fuel is burned, thereby promoting an improvement in the combustibility of the liquid fuel.

[0011] In the case of the configuration in which the catalyst filling cylinder is arranged to rise as described above, it is preferable to secure a space in the catalyst filling cylinder in which the catalyst piece filled therein can move. Then, the catalyst piece in the catalyst filling cylinder moves during the circulation of the liquid fuel by the action due to the upward flow of the liquid fuel and the action of gravity. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a portion where the flow of the liquid fuel stagnates in the catalyst filling cylinder.

[0012] It is preferable that the catalyst-filled cylinder is connected to a circulation pipe via a reducer on the upstream side in the circulation direction of the liquid fuel, and the reducer is preferably filled with a fibrous member. Such a fibrous member can disperse the liquid fuel flowing into the catalyst-filled cylinder, so that the liquid fuel flows throughout the interior of the catalyst-filled cylinder, and the liquid fuel, the catalyst piece, and the like. Can improve the contact efficiency.

[0013] A spiral member may be disposed in the catalyst-filled cylinder, and a plurality of spherical catalyst pieces may be disposed in the spiral member along the axis thereof. With this configuration, the position of the catalyst piece is regulated by the spiral member, a desired gap is secured between the plurality of catalyst pieces, and the flow of liquid fuel in the catalyst filling cylinder is smoothly performed. can do.

[0014] When the helical member as described above is used, catalyst pieces having different diameters may be arranged on the helical member. As a result, the relatively small catalyst piece can move relatively large, and the action of suppressing the occurrence of the portion where the flow of the liquid fuel stagnates in the catalyst filling cylinder can be enhanced. [0015] If the fuel reformer of the present invention is incorporated in a combustion apparatus system such as various boilers and heat generators for power generation, the fuel efficiency can be improved by the reforming action of liquid fuel. At this time, since the combustion efficiency of the liquid fuel is increased by the reforming action, in particular, the injection flow rate of the liquid fuel from the burner and the flow rate of the combustion air sent to the burner are compared with the case of using unreformed liquid fuel. Even if it is set to a small value, the performance is not impaired. By making such a setting, it is possible to improve fuel efficiency more effectively without compromising performance.

As described above, according to the fuel reforming apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to exert a high-efficiency and refining action based on repeated catalytic action on the liquid fuel in the service tank. As a result, the entire liquid fuel in the service tank can be brought into a highly miniaturized state and maintained in that state. By subjecting the liquid fuel in such a highly refined state to combustion, the combustibility of the liquid fuel can be effectively improved. Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a fuel reformer of a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a part of a service tank and a second catalyst filling cylinder of the fuel reformer of FIG.

3 is a perspective view showing a part of the first catalyst filling cylinder of the fuel reformer of FIG.圆 4] Configuration diagram schematically showing a fuel reformer of a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view showing the inside of a catalyst filling cylinder having a configuration in which a spiral member is arranged inside the catalyst filling cylinder of FIG.

FIG. 5B is a plan view showing the inside of the catalyst filling cylinder having a configuration in which a spiral member is arranged inside the catalyst filling cylinder of FIG.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view showing the inside of a catalyst-filled cylinder of the modification of FIGS. 5A and 5B.

FIG. 6B is a plan view showing the inside of the catalyst-filled cylinder of the modification of FIGS. 5A and 5B.

FIG. 7A is a plan view showing another modification of FIGS. 5A and 5B.

FIG. 7B is a plan view showing still another modified example of FIGS. 5A and 5B.

FIG. 8A is a plan view showing still another modification of FIGS. 5A and 5B.

FIG. 8B is a plan view showing still another modified example of FIGS. 5A and 5B. FIG. 8C is a plan view showing still another modification of FIGS. 5A and 5B.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a boiler as an example combustion apparatus system incorporating the fuel reformer of the present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0018] First, the background to the present invention will be described.

[0019] The inventor of the present application exerts a refinement effect on the liquid fuel only in the liquid fuel supply part, a part of the fuel storage tank, etc., for which the sufficient fuel reforming effect cannot be obtained in the prior art. I thought it was because it was not. That is, in the prior art, the refining action is only partially and Z or temporarily applied to the liquid fuel. Even if a part of the liquid fuel is made finer, if it is made finer and mixed with the components and supplied to the combustor, sufficient improvement in combustibility cannot be expected. Moreover, even if the liquid fuel is once miniaturized, recombination proceeds with time, and the reforming effect is impaired.

[0020] From this point of view, the inventors of the present application have made a fuel modification utilizing the photocatalytic action of titanium dioxide, which makes it possible to repetitively refine the whole liquid fuel to be supplied. A quality device is proposed in Utility Model Registration No. 3086082. In this way, by repetitively miniaturizing the liquid fuel, the miniaturization of the liquid fuel is promoted, the miniaturized state is maintained, and the effectiveness of improving the combustibility of the liquid fuel is enhanced. You can

[0021] On the other hand, in recent years, it has been found that the catalytic action of titanium dioxide is effectively promoted by ultraviolet irradiation, but is induced not only by ultraviolet rays but also by other electromagnetic waves. In particular, PIP (Powder Impact Plating) is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-52601 as a catalyst capable of obtaining a relatively high catalytic action in response to electromagnetic waves existing in a normal environment even in a dark place where ultraviolet rays are not irradiated. ) Titanium is known.

[0022] By utilizing the micronization action of liquid fuel based on the catalytic action by the electromagnetic wave response of titanium dioxide as described above, a lamp for irradiating ultraviolet rays, which is necessary when using the photocatalytic action, is unnecessary. Become. As a result, it is possible to reduce the size and cost of the apparatus and use less power. Further, it is not necessary to arrange the catalyst so that the ultraviolet rays from the lamp act, and the degree of freedom in arranging the catalyst is increased. The present inventor has By utilizing the catalytic action of the above, it is possible to further improve the contact efficiency between the liquid fuel and the catalyst, and as a result, as described later, a configuration capable of obtaining a practical high-level fuel reforming action has been found, The present invention has been achieved.

Hereinafter, such an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0024] (First embodiment)

1 to 3 show a fuel reformer of a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the whole, Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the service tank 1 and the second catalyst filling cylinder 10 in a partially broken view, and Fig. 3 is a diagram of the first catalyst filling cylinder 2. It is a perspective view which fractures | ruptures and shows a part.

The fuel reformer of this embodiment is configured to supply liquid fuel to an oil burner of a combustion apparatus such as a boiler, and has a service tank 1 that stores the supplied liquid fuel. The service tank 1 is connected to an oil supply pipe 6 for supplying liquid fuel therein and a connection pipe 11 for supplying liquid fuel to a combustion apparatus (not shown). In addition, the service tank 1 is provided with an air vent 13 and a drain vent 12, and has a predetermined height suitable for storing the oil level force of the liquid fuel in the service tank 1. Level switch 7 to be detected is installed. The level switch 7 can be connected to a display device or a refueling device, and can be used to replenish an appropriate amount of liquid fuel.

The service tank 1 is connected to the first catalyst filling cylinder 2 via the pipes 8 and 9 before and after the first catalyst filling cylinder 2. The first catalyst-filled cylinder 2 has a cylindrical shape, and both ends in the axial direction are closed by the lid flange 14, and the pipes 8 and 9 are in the vicinity of the ends opposite to each other in the axial direction. Are connected to each. As shown in FIG. 3, the first catalyst filling cylinder 2 is filled with a plurality of spherical catalyst pieces 16. The catalyst piece 16 is made of titanium dioxide (ΉΟ) at least on its surface, and in response to electromagnetic waves normally present in the environment, the catalyst piece 16

2

It causes a catalytic action to decompose organic substances that come into contact with the surface.

One pipe 8 connected to the first catalyst filling cylinder 2 is connected to the vicinity of the lower end of the service tank 1, and the warmer 3 and the circulation pump 4 are connected on the way. The other pipe 9 connected to the first catalyst filling cylinder 2 is connected to the ceiling of the service tank 1.

[0028] Power! ] In the warmer 3, the temperature at which the warmer 3 is controlled so that the temperature of the liquid fuel becomes a predetermined temperature. The degree adjuster is connected. As the warmer 3, a commercial product using a plug heater can be used, which has an appropriate performance capable of heating the liquid fuel to a predetermined temperature according to the capacity of the service tank 1 or the type of the liquid fuel. Use things. As the circulation pump 4, a commercially available oil pump can be used, and a pump with an appropriate performance is used according to the desired circulation capacity.

As shown in FIG. 2, the catalyst pieces 16 are also held and arranged in the service tank 1 by the tray 15. The tray 15 is also configured with a mesh member having an appropriately sized mesh through which the catalyst pieces 16 do not pass. A cylindrical second catalyst filling cylinder 10 filled with a catalyst piece 16 is also connected to the connection pipe 11 to the combustion apparatus.

In the fuel reformer of the present embodiment, the liquid fuel is circulated by the circulation pump 4 during the supply of the liquid fuel or before the start of the supply. It is preferable to circulate the liquid fuel several times before supply. In other words, the entire liquid fuel in the service tank 1 is circulated several times before the start of supply and after the supply of liquid fuel. After that, it is preferable to continuously circulate the liquid fuel even during the supply of the liquid fuel, etc. At least the refining action will not be lost over time! It is preferable to drive.

In this way, the liquid fuel is repeatedly brought into contact with the first catalyst filling cylinder 2 and the catalyst pieces 16 in the service tank 1 and is subjected to a miniaturization action. As a result, miniaturization of the liquid fuel is promoted, and the miniaturized state of the liquid fuel is maintained. Therefore, the entire liquid fuel in the service tank 1 can be highly refined and maintained in a miniaturized state, and it can be effectively combusted by supplying it to the combustion device via the connecting pipe 11. The improvement effect can be obtained.

[0032] Further, by returning the circulated liquid fuel into the service tank 1 through the pipe 9 connected to the ceiling of the service tank 1, the liquid fuel is rubbed so that oxygen is efficiently taken in. be able to. That is, the liquid fuel also flies over the ceiling, and the liquid fuel bubbles in the service tank 1 so that oxygen is efficiently taken into the liquid fuel. At this time, since the liquid fuel is miniaturized, the binding property between oxygen and the liquid fuel is increased, and the amount of oxygen taken up is increased. In this way, the bondability between liquid fuel and oxygen is increased. Therefore, when the liquid fuel is burned by increasing the amount of oxygen taken into the liquid fuel, combustion is promoted by the oxygen taken into the liquid fuel, and the combustion of the liquid fuel is brought close to complete combustion. The effect of improving sex can be promoted.

[0033] Further, by providing the second catalyst-filled cylinder 10 in the connection pipe 11, the liquid fuel can be refined immediately before the supply, thereby improving the reliability of the combustibility improvement. Can be increased.

[0034] The temperature setting of the liquid fuel by the warmer 3 can be 30 to 50 ° C. By heating the liquid fuel to 30 ° C or higher, the catalytic action can be promoted, and the liquid fuel can have an appropriate fluidity. By setting the temperature of the liquid fuel to 50 ° C or less, adverse effects due to the vaporization of oil and fat in the liquid fuel can be suppressed.

[0035] In the catalyst filling cylinders 2, 10, there are gaps between the plurality of catalyst pieces 16 filled therein, and the liquid fuel passes through the gaps. Therefore, the catalyst piece 16 is immersed in the passing liquid fuel, and the entire surface thereof is in contact with the liquid fuel. Further, since the liquid fuel passes through a small gap formed between a plurality of catalyst pieces 16 that are tightly packed, the amount of liquid fuel that flows without contacting the surface of the catalyst pieces 16 can be kept small. Is possible. Thus, according to the catalyst filling cylinders 2 and 10 of the present embodiment, the liquid fuel can be efficiently brought into contact with the surface of the catalyst piece 16, and as a result, the liquid fuel can be efficiently refined. Can affect. Such high contact efficiency cannot be achieved when photocatalysis is used because the catalyst pieces cannot be immersed in the liquid fuel.

[0036] The diameter of the catalyst filling cylinders 2 and 10 is an appropriate size that is not too large so that the liquid fuel flows over the entire catalyst filling cylinders 2 and 10 and that a desired flow rate is obtained. It is preferable to set this value. As a result, the packed catalyst pieces 16 can function effectively. In addition, by flowing the liquid fuel through the first catalyst filling cylinder 2 without causing any partial stagnation, the entire liquid fuel can be reliably brought into contact with the surface of the catalyst piece 16 repeatedly. Thus, it can be ensured that the refining effect is repeatedly exerted on the whole. Such selection of the diameters of the catalyst-filled cylinders 2 and 10 can be made according to the pressure applied by the circulation pump 4 and the supply pump (not shown) to the combustion device, the viscosity of the liquid fuel, and the like. [0037] The catalyst-filled cylinder 2 is not limited to a cylindrical shape, but it is preferable that the catalyst-filled cylinder 2 has a cylindrical shape because the liquid fuel easily flows without causing partial stagnation. The catalyst piece 16 is not limited to a sphere, but if it is a sphere, the ratio of the surface area to the volume is the largest, so the catalyst action on the surface can be efficiently performed while keeping the installation space of the catalyst piece 16 small. can get. The amount of the catalyst pieces 16 filled in the catalyst filling cylinder 2 is the total liquid fuel stored in the service tank 1 within a practical time period or at least within a time period during which the refining action is not impaired by the passage of time. It is set so that it can have a finer effect. Specifically, it is preferable that the spherical catalyst piece 16 has an amount of about 1 kg or more with respect to 1 liter of liquid fuel stored in the service tank 1.

[0038] The tray 15 for holding the catalyst piece 16 in the service tank 1 is not limited to the net-like member shown in the figure as long as the catalyst piece 16 can be held and the liquid fuel can pass smoothly. It may be formed using a punching plate or the like. The tray 15 may be divided into about 3 to 4 stages to hold the catalyst pieces 16, whereby a large number of catalyst pieces 16 can be held while the required strength of the tray 15 is kept low.

[0039] (Second Embodiment)

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a fuel reformer according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

In the present embodiment, the catalyst filling cylinder 30 filled with the catalyst pieces 16 is disposed so as to stand upright in the service tank 1. The number of catalyst filling cylinders 30 may be only one, but in the example shown in the figure, a plurality of catalyst filling cylinders 30 are arranged at a predetermined pitch apart in the horizontal direction. Although not shown, a plurality of catalyst filling cylinders 30 may also be arranged in a direction perpendicular to the drawing sheet.

[0041] The lower end of the catalyst filling cylinder 30 is connected to the pipe 20 via a reducer 31. The pipe 20 extends from the portion connected to the catalyst filling cylinder 30 to the outside of the service tank 1, and the end on the side extending to the outside is connected to the vicinity of the lower end of the service tank 1. A circulation pump 4 and a heater 3 are connected to a portion extending outside the pipe 20.

[0042] The upper end of the catalyst filling cylinder 30 is located above the oil level 25 of the liquid fuel in the service tank 1. And is covered with a cap member 32. A plurality of openings 33 are formed in the cap member 32. The opening 33 has a size that allows the liquid fuel to pass smoothly. The catalyst piece 16 has an appropriate size that the catalyst piece 16 cannot pass through, thereby preventing the catalyst piece 16 from falling off the catalyst filling cylinder 30. ing.

A catalyst holding pocket 22 is disposed on the inner wall surface of the service tank 1, and the catalyst piece 16 is also held therein, and is immersed in the liquid fuel in the service tank 1. The catalyst holding pocket 22 can be constituted by a mesh member, a punching plate, or the like, like the tray 15 in the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, the service tank 1 is also provided with a tank heater 21. This makes it possible to better control the temperature of the liquid fuel.

[0045] Also in the configuration of the present embodiment, by recirculating the liquid fuel through the pipe 20 and the catalyst filling cylinder 30, the entire liquid fuel in the service tank 1 is repeatedly refined by the catalyst pieces 16, An effective fuel reforming effect can be obtained. Further, in the configuration of the present embodiment, by injecting liquid fuel from the plurality of openings 33 of the cap member 32 attached to the upper end of the catalyst filling cylinder 30, it is possible to promote oxygen uptake into the liquid fuel. . In order to enhance the action of promoting the uptake of oxygen into the liquid fuel, it is preferable that the cap member 32 be positioned sufficiently high from the oil level 25.

Further, in the configuration of the present embodiment, the amount of the catalyst pieces 16 filled in the catalyst filling cylinder 30 is set so that some space remains in the catalyst filling cylinder 30, and the catalyst pieces 16 are made of liquid fuel. It is preferable to allow movement within the catalyst-filled cylinder 30 by the action of flow and gravity. As a result, the flow is concentrated in the region where the flow resistance is relatively low due to variations in the filling state of the catalyst pieces 16 and the stagnation of the viscous component of the liquid fuel, and flows in other regions. It is possible to suppress the stagnation of the stagnation and to obtain an action for eliminating such a stagnation. That is, as the catalyst piece 16 moves, the flow resistance in each partial region in the catalyst filling cylinder 30 changes, so that the flow of liquid fuel is guided to various partial regions, and the average flow rate through each partial region is reduced. The values are equalized. In addition, a pressure wave generated in the liquid fuel as the catalyst piece 16 moves is applied to the portion where the flow is stagnated, thereby obtaining an action of dispersing the viscous component and eliminating the stagnation. As a result, the entire catalyst filling cylinder 30 By flowing the liquid fuel smoothly, all the catalyst pieces 16 can function effectively, and it can be ensured that the entire liquid fuel is repeatedly refined. Similarly, for the catalyst filling cylinders 2 and 10 in the first embodiment, the axial direction is directed to the vertical direction, and the filling rate of the catalyst pieces 16 is adjusted so that the catalyst pieces 16 can move. Also good.

[0047] The reducer 31 is preferably configured to hold the catalyst-filled cylinder 30 in a removable manner. As a result, the catalyst filling cylinder 30 should be replaced as appropriate so that the fuel reforming effect is not impaired by the deterioration of the catalyst piece 16 over time or the adhesion of liquid fuel components to the catalyst filling cylinder 30. Is possible.

[0048] Similar to the catalyst filling cylinders 2 and 10 of the first embodiment, the catalyst filling cylinder 30 is preferably cylindrical, and the diameter of the catalyst filling cylinder 30 is liquid fuel throughout the catalyst filling cylinder 30. It is preferable to set it appropriately so that it does not become too large to flow. Further, it is preferable that the reducer 31 has a structure in which the liquid fuel flowing from the pipe 20 side is dispersed in the entire radial direction of the catalyst filling cylinder 30. As described above, as a structure for dispersing the liquid fuel, a structure in which a fibrous member is filled in the reducer 31 can be employed. That is, in this case, a complicated fine path is formed between the filled fibrous members, whereby the supplied liquid fuel is dispersed in various directions along the fine path. As a result, the flow of the liquid fuel can be equalized over the entire radial direction of the catalyst-filled cylinder 30, and the effect of suppressing the concentration of the liquid fuel flow to a part as described above is enhanced. It is possible. As such a fibrous member, it is preferable to use a material that is not easily affected by the liquid fuel such as corrosion.

In the catalyst filling cylinder 30, a member for regulating the position of the catalyst piece 16 may be arranged. FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B show an example in which a plurality of helical members 40 are arranged as such a suitable position restricting member. 5A is a perspective view showing the inside of the catalyst filling cylinder 30, and FIG. 5B is a plan view.

[0050] Each helical member 40 is arranged so as to surround the periphery of the spherical catalyst piece 16a.

Further, a spherical catalyst piece 16b having a diameter smaller than that of the catalyst piece 16a is disposed in a plane region remaining between the inner surface of the catalyst filling cylinder 30 and the periphery of the spiral member 40, thereby increasing the charging efficiency of the catalyst piece. ing. By arranging the helical member 40 like this, the catalyst pieces 16a, 16b In the meantime, a desired interval can be secured so that the liquid fuel can flow smoothly in the catalyst filling cylinder 30. The position restricting member is not limited to the spiral structure, but the spiral structure is a desired distance between the catalyst pieces 16a and 16b while keeping the volume occupied by the position restricting member small. Can be effectively secured.

[0051] The helical member 40 is preferably composed of a wire made of a metal that is not easily adversely affected by the liquid fuel. By adjusting the diameter of the helical member 40 and the diameter of the winding, the distance between the catalyst pieces 16a and 16b can be adjusted. If the inner diameter of the spiral member 40 is preferably slightly larger than the catalyst piece 16a, the catalyst piece 16a can be moved to some extent, so that the flow is uniform as described above. It is possible to suppress the concentration on the part and to secure the action of equalizing the flow. The winding interval of the spiral member 40 is preferably smaller than the diameter of the catalyst piece 16a so that the catalyst member 16a does not come out of the spiral member.

As a modified example, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, some of the catalyst pieces 16 in the spiral member 40 may be smaller catalyst pieces 16c. Such a catalyst piece 16c can move so as to vibrate relatively large with the flow of the liquid fuel as a result of an increase in the amount of movement as compared with the catalyst piece 16a. As a result, as described above, it is possible to suppress the concentration of the flow to a part and enhance the action of equalizing the flow. Such a configuration in which the relatively large movable catalyst piece 16c is arranged particularly in the case where the liquid fuel has a high viscosity, a high viscosity, and a large amount of components. It is preferable because a smooth flow can be secured by suppressing the stagnation of the flow.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, a plurality of spiral members 40 may be arranged so as to partially overlap each other. In this way, the catalyst pieces 16a are not located close to each other, and an interval greater than or equal to a desired interval can always be ensured between the catalyst pieces 16a. Also in this case, as shown in FIG. 7A, the catalyst pieces 16a of the same size may be arranged in each helical member 40, but it is preferable to arrange the catalyst pieces 16 that can move larger. Alternatively, a smaller catalyst piece 16c may be arranged as shown in FIG. 7B.

[0054] The shape of the helical member 40 viewed in the axial direction is not limited to a circle, and may be a quadrangle shown in Fig. 8A, a triangle shown in Fig. 8B, an octagon shown in Fig. 8C, or the like. . This In other words, the shape of the space between the catalyst pieces 16 can be variously changed by using various shapes of the spiral members 40, or by using a combination of the spiral members 40 of different shapes. 16 can do various exercises. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the flow from being concentrated on a part and to enhance the action of equalizing the flow.

It should be noted that the helical member 40 as described above can also be applied to the catalyst-filled cylinders 2 and 10 in the first embodiment. In each of the above-described embodiments, various fuels such as heavy oil, light oil, and kerosene can be used as the liquid fuel. Since the present invention can exert a high degree of refinement on liquid fuel, it is particularly suitable for reforming A heavy oil containing relatively large particles such as sludge. Further, in the present invention, since liquid fuel is reformed in advance and then supplied to the combustion device, the amount of liquid fuel supplied per unit time is large, unlike when reforming liquid fuel being supplied. Even in this case, a sufficiently reformed liquid fuel can be supplied. For this reason, the present invention is particularly suitable as an apparatus for supplying 5 liters or more of A heavy oil per hour.

[0056] (Combustion test result)

Next, we will explain the results of reforming A heavy oil using a fuel reformer with a structure equivalent to that shown in Fig. 4 and conducting a combustion test of A heavy oil before and after the reforming. Table 1 shows the test results. In the results in Table 1, each value is an average value of test results of a plurality of times.

[0057] [Table 1]

From Table 1, it can be seen that the combustion temperature of the A heavy oil after reforming is higher than that before the reforming. Therefore, the heat generated in the A heavy oil after reforming is higher than that before the reforming. It can be considered that it is growing. In addition, the modified A heavy oil has a lower concentration of carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides in the combustion gas than before the reforming, and has the effect of suppressing the generation of harmful substances. I understand that These are thought to be due to the fact that the combustion approached complete combustion due to the reforming of liquid fuel. Here, it is generally thought that an increase in the combustion temperature leads to an increase in the concentration of nitrogen oxides in the combustion gas, whereas in this way the nitrogen is increased despite the increase in the combustion temperature. The decrease in the concentration of the oxide is considered to be an effect unique to the fuel reforming of the present invention. In addition, the decrease in the acid-oxygen reaction of nitrogen, which is an endothermic reaction, is thought to lead to the suppression of energy loss reduction due to endotherm.

[0058] Further, in other combustion test results, it was confirmed that the nitrogen oxide concentration in the exhaust gas was reduced by about 8 to 13% by the fuel reforming based on the present invention. It has also been confirmed that the fuel consumption has improved by 2-5% and the amount of PM in the exhaust gas has been reduced by 12-16%. Improved fuel economy also leads to a reduction in carbon dioxide (CO) and sulfur oxide (SO).

2 X

[0059] Further, as a result of the examination of the flash point based on JIS K 2265 (Benschramtens sealed type), the present invention was applied to A heavy oil whose flash point was 74.0 ° C before reforming. After the reforming based on the above, it was confirmed that the flash point was 66.0 ° C. In other words, the fuel reforming based on the present invention is considered to improve the ignitability. Thus, the effect of lowering the flash point due to fuel modification has not been confirmed in the past, and the fuel reforming based on the present invention is considered to be an epoch-making thing that cannot be obtained with the prior art. It is done.

[0060] (Application to combustion system)

Next, an example in which the fuel reformer is incorporated into a boiler burner supply system will be described as an example of a combustion system incorporating the fuel reformer of the present invention. Figure 9 shows a schematic block diagram of the boiler.

The boiler has a heat exchanging unit 50, and a water supply system 51 and a fuel supply system 60 are connected to the heat exchanging unit 50. The fuel supply system 60 is provided with a supply pump 61, a pilot valve 62, a main valve 63, and the like, and is connected to a burner 65 disposed in the heat exchange section 50. Further, the heat exchanging unit 50 is provided with a fan 70 for supplying combustion air.

In this boiler, the liquid fuel burner 63 supplied from the water supply system 51 to the heat exchanging unit 50 is heated by the combustion of the liquid fuel to become steam, which is taken out via the steam take-off valve 54. The steam extraction valve 54 is opened and closed according to the required amount of steam.

[0063] The water supply system 51 is connected to the heat exchanging unit 50 by a water level regulator 52 provided in the heat exchanging unit 50. It is controlled to keep the water level within a predetermined range. The burner 65 is ONZOFF controlled by a steam pressure switch 53 provided in the heat exchange unit 50. The ONZO FF of the burner 65 is executed by predetermined control of the supply pump 61, the pilot valve 62, the main valve 63, the fan 70, and the igniter of the damper 70 burner 65 (not shown).

[0064] The fuel reformer of the present invention was incorporated in front of the supply pump 61 of the fuel supply system 60 of such a boiler. As a result, it was confirmed that the ON time of the burner 65 was shortened and fuel consumption was improved.

As a result of further investigation, it was confirmed that when the fuel reformer was incorporated, the amount of exhaust gas from the heat exchanging unit 50 increased and the exhaust gas temperature was higher than when the fuel reformer was not incorporated. This means that the heat generated by the combustion of the liquid fuel is wasted. Therefore, the nozzle of burner 65 was replaced with one with a smaller injection flow rate, and the opening of the damper of fan 70 was adjusted to reduce the amount of combustion air. As a result, it was confirmed that the fuel cost was further improved.

[0066] Also, as shown in the figure, the steam generated in the heat exchanging section 50 is taken out from the steam take-off valve 54 and then supplied to steam-using equipment with the pressure further lowered. Therefore, adjustment was made to lower the set pressure of the steam generated in the heat exchange section 50. It has been confirmed that even if such adjustments are made, the steam generation capacity has increased due to the reforming of the fuel, so that there is no effect on the secondary pressure of steam when it is supplied to steam-using equipment. Thus, it has been confirmed that the fuel efficiency is further improved by lowering the set pressure of the generated steam in the heat exchange section 50.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A fuel reformer for reforming liquid fuel,

A service tank for storing the liquid fuel;

A circulation pipe for forming a circulation path for taking out the liquid fuel in the service tank and returning it to the service tank;

A circulation pump connected to the circulation pipe and circulating the liquid fuel in the circulation flow path;

A catalyst-filled cylinder, at least a surface of which is filled with a catalyst piece having titanium dioxide strength, and the liquid fuel circulating in the circulation channel flows through the catalyst-filled cylinder, and the liquid fuel flows through the inside. A catalyst-filled cylinder connected to the circulation pipe so that the catalyst piece is immersed therein;

A fuel reformer comprising:

[2] The fuel reformer according to claim 1, further comprising a heater connected to the circulation pipe and configured to heat the liquid fuel passing through the circulation pipe.

[3] The fuel reformer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the catalyst piece is also disposed in the service tank.

[4] The catalyst filling cylinder is disposed in the service tank, the lower end of the catalyst filling cylinder is connected to the circulation pipe, and the liquid fuel is added to the upper end of the catalyst filling cylinder. The fuel reformer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a cap member in which an opening for injecting air into the service tank is formed is attached.

[5] The fuel reformer according to claim 4, wherein a space is secured in the catalyst filling cylinder so that the catalyst pieces filled therein can move.

[6] The catalyst-filled cylinder is connected to the circulation pipe via a reducer on the upstream side in the circulation direction of the liquid fuel, and the reducer is filled with a fibrous member. 6. The fuel reformer according to any one of 1 to 5.

[7] A spiral member is disposed in the catalyst-filled cylinder, and a plurality of spherical catalyst pieces are disposed along the axis of the spiral member. The fuel reformer according to claim 1.

[8] The catalyst pieces having different diameters are disposed in the spiral member.

7. The fuel reformer according to 7.

[9] The fuel reformer according to any one of claims 1 to 8,

A burner for burning the liquid fuel reformed by the fuel reformer; a mechanism for sending combustion air to the burner;

Have

A combustion apparatus system in which an injection flow rate of the liquid fuel from the burner and a flow rate of the combustion air to be sent to the burner are set smaller than when the liquid fuel is combusted after being reformed!