阅读说明：本技术 过热水蒸气生成装置 (Superheated steam generator ) 是由 藤本泰広 外村徹 于 2021-04-21 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明提供一种过热水蒸气生成装置,使过热水蒸气的生成大容量化,过热水蒸气生成装置(100)对从导入口(P1)导入的水蒸气进行加热并从导出口(P2)导出过热水蒸气,所述过热水蒸气生成装置(100)具备：多个或多组的过热水蒸气生成部(2),对水蒸气进行加热而生成过热水蒸气；分配管(3),将从导入口(P1)导入的水蒸气分配并导入多个或多组的过热水蒸气生成部(2)；以及汇合管(4),将由多个或多组的过热水蒸气生成部(2)生成的过热水蒸气汇合并从导出口(P2)导出。(The invention provides a superheated steam generator, which can generate superheated steam with large capacity, wherein the superheated steam generator (100) heats the steam introduced from an introduction port (P1) and leads out the superheated steam from an outlet port (P2), and the superheated steam generator (100) comprises: a plurality of or a plurality of groups of superheated steam generation units (2) that generate superheated steam by heating steam; a distribution pipe (3) for distributing and guiding the water vapor introduced from the introduction port (P1) to the plurality of or the plurality of groups of superheated water vapor generation parts (2); and a merging pipe (4) that merges superheated steam generated by the plurality of or more sets of superheated steam generators (2) and leads the merged superheated steam out of the lead-out opening (P2).)

1. A superheated steam generator that heats steam introduced from an inlet port and that discharges superheated steam from an outlet port, the superheated steam generator comprising:

a plurality of or a plurality of groups of superheated steam generators for generating superheated steam by heating steam;

a distribution pipe for distributing and guiding the water vapor introduced from the introduction port to the plurality or plurality of groups of superheated water vapor generation parts; and

and a merging pipe that merges the superheated steam generated by the plurality or plurality of groups of superheated steam generators and leads the merged superheated steam out from the lead-out port.

2. A superheated steam generator according to claim 1, further comprising a distribution pipe heating unit that heats the distribution pipe.

3. A superheated steam generator according to claim 1, further comprising a junction pipe heating unit that heats the junction pipe.

4. A superheated steam-generating device according to claim 1,

the plurality of groups of superheated steam generation parts are even number groups,

the multiple groups of superheated steam generation parts are arranged in 2 rows on the left and right sides in a manner that the superheated steam outlet openings face each other.

5. A superheated steam generating device according to claim 4,

the multiple groups of superheated steam generating parts are arranged in 2 rows in a left-right symmetrical mode,

the merging pipe passes through the space between the superheated steam generators in the left and right 2 rows and is connected with the multiple groups of superheated steam generators.

6. A superheated steam-generating device according to claim 1,

further comprises a water discharge prevention mechanism for preventing the water liquefied by the steam from being discharged from the outlet,

the water discharge prevention mechanism includes: a temperature sensor that detects a temperature of the superheated steam generator; and a control device for controlling the superheated steam generation unit,

the control device controls the superheated steam generator so that the temperature detected by the temperature sensor becomes 100 ℃ or higher before the steam is introduced into the introduction port.

7. A superheated steam generating device according to claim 6,

the superheated steam generator has a connection port connected to the junction pipe,

the temperature sensor is provided on the connection port side in the superheated steam generator.

8. A superheated steam generating device according to claim 6,

a switch electromagnetic valve is arranged at the side of the lead-in port,

when the detected temperature of the temperature sensor becomes 100 ℃ or higher, the control device opens the on-off solenoid valve.

9. A superheated steam generating device according to claim 8,

the switch electromagnetic valve is an electric proportional valve,

the control device opens the electric proportional valve so that the valve opening degree of the electric proportional valve gradually increases.

10. A superheated steam generator as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a lead-out side collecting means provided on the lead-out side for collecting water liquefied by the steam.

11. A superheated steam generator according to claim 1, further comprising an introduction-side collecting means provided on the introduction side and collecting the water liquefied by the steam.

12. A superheated steam generator according to claim 1, wherein the superheated steam generator comprises a spirally wound cylindrical conductor pipe, and the conductor pipe is induction-heated or current-heated.

13. A superheated steam-generating device according to claim 1,

the superheated steam generation unit short-circuits a cylindrical conductor pipe wound in a spiral shape in the axial direction, and heats steam flowing through the conductor pipe by induction heating by a magnetic flux generation mechanism provided on one or both of the inner side and the outer side of the conductor pipe, thereby generating superheated steam.

14. A superheated steam generating device according to claim 13,

the magnetic flux generating mechanism comprises an induction coil and an iron core arranged at the inner side of the induction coil,

two or more of the iron cores in the plurality of superheated steam generators are connected by a connecting iron core to form a closed magnetic circuit.

15. A superheated steam generating device according to claim 1, further comprising a thermal expansion absorbing structure that absorbs a difference in thermal expansion among the superheated steam generating part, the distribution pipe, and the junction pipe.

16. A superheated steam-generating device according to claim 1,

the distribution pipe has branch pipes corresponding to the plurality or plurality of groups of superheated steam generators,

the branch pipe is provided with an on-off valve, and the number of superheated steam generators to which steam is distributed or the steam distribution amount ratio can be changed.

17. A superheated steam-generating device according to claim 1,

the distribution pipe has branch pipes corresponding to the plurality or plurality of groups of superheated steam generators,

the flow rate of the steam introduced into each superheated steam generator is made the same by adjusting the pipe diameter and length of the branch pipe.

18. A superheated steam-generating device according to claim 1,

temperature sensors are provided individually on the respective leading-out sides of the superheated steam generators,

the temperature control unit performs control so that the temperature of the superheated steam output from each superheated steam generator is the same, based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a superheated steam generator.

Background

In recent years, a superheated steam treatment apparatus has been considered which cleans, dries, or sterilizes an object to be treated using superheated steam (for example, patent document 1).

The superheated steam generator is provided with: a saturated steam generation unit that generates saturated steam by heating water; and a superheated steam generator that generates superheated steam by heating the saturated steam. In addition, as the superheated steam generator, there is a superheated steam generator that does not include a saturated steam generator and generates superheated steam by supplying saturated steam generated externally.

In order to increase the capacity of the superheated steam generated in these superheated steam generators, it is conceivable to increase the size of the superheated steam generator. For example, when the superheated water vapor generation unit inductively heats or electrically heats the conductor pipe, it is conceivable to increase the diameter of the conductor pipe.

However, if the diameter of the conductor tube is increased, the bending of the conductor tube becomes difficult, and the degree of freedom in design is lost. Further, if one superheated steam generator is enlarged, the test facility used for product inspection of the superheated steam generator is also enlarged, and the production thereof is also difficult.

Documents of the prior art

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2006-

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and a main object of the present invention is to increase the capacity of superheated steam generation without increasing the size of one superheated steam generation unit.

That is, the superheated steam generator of the present invention heats steam introduced from an inlet port and guides the superheated steam from an outlet port, and includes: a plurality of or a plurality of groups of superheated steam generators for generating superheated steam by heating steam; a distribution pipe for distributing and guiding the water vapor introduced from the introduction port to the plurality or plurality of groups of superheated water vapor generation parts; and a merging pipe that merges the superheated steam generated by the plurality or plurality of groups of superheated steam generators and leads out the merged superheated steam from the lead-out port.

In the superheated steam generator, since the superheated steam generated by the plurality of or plurality of groups of superheated steam generators is collected and led out by supplying the steam to the plurality of or plurality of groups of superheated steam generators, the superheated steam can be generated with a large capacity without increasing the size of one superheated steam generator.

The water vapor flows to the distribution pipe, but if the water vapor is liquefied in the distribution pipe, the liquefied water may be finally discharged from the outlet.

In order to prevent liquefaction of the steam, the superheated steam generator preferably further includes a distribution pipe heating unit that heats the distribution pipe. Preferably, the distribution pipe heating section heats the distribution pipe to 100 ℃.

The superheated steam flows to the junction pipe, but if the steam is liquefied in the junction pipe, there is a possibility that the liquefied water is finally led out from the lead-out port. In addition, superheated steam at a desired temperature cannot be led out from the lead-out port.

In order to prevent liquefaction of the steam and to lead out superheated steam at a desired temperature, the superheated steam generator preferably further includes a junction pipe heating unit that heats the junction pipe. Further preferably, the merged pipe heating unit heats the merged pipe to a set temperature of the superheated steam.

In a specific embodiment, the plurality of groups of superheated steam generators may be an even number of groups, and the plurality of groups of superheated steam generators may be arranged in 2 rows on the left and right sides so that the superheated steam outlet ports thereof face each other.

With this configuration, since the superheated steam outlet ports of the superheated steam generators in the left and right 2 rows are arranged to face each other, the connection configuration between the respective superheated steam outlet ports and the junction pipe can be simplified.

In order to simplify the handling of the piping of the entire apparatus, it is preferable that the plurality of sets of superheated steam generators are arranged in 2 rows in bilateral symmetry, and the junction pipe passes between the 2 rows of superheated steam generators on the left and right sides and is connected to the plurality of sets of superheated steam generators.

In order to prevent the liquefied water from being discharged from the superheated steam generator, it is preferable that the superheated steam generator further includes a water discharge prevention mechanism that prevents the liquefied water from being discharged from the outlet port, and the water discharge prevention mechanism includes: a temperature sensor that detects a temperature of the superheated steam generator; and a control device that controls the superheated steam generator, wherein the control device controls the superheated steam generator so that the temperature detected by the temperature sensor becomes 100 ℃ or higher before the steam is introduced into the introduction port.

With this configuration, since the temperature of the outlet side is heated to 100 ℃ or higher by the water discharge prevention mechanism and then the water vapor is introduced into the inlet port, it is possible to prevent the water vaporized from being discharged from the outlet port. As a result, it is possible to suppress the water after liquefaction from adversely affecting the object to be treated which is heat-treated with the superheated steam.

Specifically, the superheated steam generator has a connection port connected to the junction pipe.

Further, since it is necessary not to lead out the liquefied water from the superheated steam generator in order not to lead out the liquefied water from the lead-out port, it is necessary to set at least the temperature of the lead-out port in the superheated steam generator to 100 ℃. Therefore, it is preferable that the temperature sensor is provided on the conductor tube at the outlet side.

The superheated steam generator according to the present invention may be configured such that an on-off solenoid valve is provided on the side of the introduction port.

In this configuration, in order to automatically activate the water outflow prevention function, it is preferable that the controller opens the on-off solenoid valve to introduce the water vapor into the introduction port when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor becomes 100 ℃. In addition, even in the case of a device configuration separate from the saturated steam generator, the superheated steam generator can be controlled so that no steam is introduced before the superheated steam generator reaches 100 ℃.

In order to alleviate the thermal shock of the superheated water vapor generation device, it is preferable that the switching solenoid valve is an electric proportional valve, and the control device opens the electric proportional valve so that the valve opening degree of the electric proportional valve is gradually increased.

Preferably, the superheated steam generator according to the present invention further includes a lead-out side collecting means provided on the lead-out side and collecting the water liquefied by the steam.

With this configuration, it is possible to further prevent the liquefied water from being discharged from the superheated steam generator.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the superheated steam generator further includes an introduction-side collecting means provided on the introduction port side and collecting the water liquefied by the steam.

With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the water after the steam is liquefied from being introduced into the superheated steam generator, and further prevent the liquefied water from being discharged from the superheated steam generator.

As a specific embodiment of the superheated steam generator, it is preferable that the superheated steam generator has a cylindrical conductor pipe wound spirally, and the conductor pipe is induction-heated or current-heated.

When the superheated steam generator having this configuration is increased in capacity, it is conceivable to increase the diameter of the conductor tube, but if the diameter of the conductor tube is increased, it is difficult to bend the conductor tube, which is not practical. In order to make the conductor tube easily deformable, the coil diameter is usually about 10 times the tube diameter. For example, in order to wind a pipe having a diameter of 100mm spirally, it is necessary to wind the pipe to a diameter of about 1000mm, and thus it is very difficult to manufacture the pipe.

On the other hand, in the present invention, since a plurality of or a plurality of sets of superheated steam generators are provided, it is easy to increase the capacity without increasing the diameter of the conductor pipe of each superheated steam generator.

The superheated steam generator of the present invention may be configured in a so-called transformer type. Specifically, it is conceivable that the superheated steam generation unit short-circuits a cylindrical conductor pipe wound in a spiral shape in the axial direction, and induction-heats the conductor pipe by a magnetic flux generation mechanism provided on one or both of the inner side and the outer side of the conductor pipe to heat steam flowing through the conductor pipe, thereby generating superheated steam.

In order to improve the heating efficiency of each of the plurality of superheated steam generators and simplify the configuration of the plurality of superheated steam generators, it is preferable that the magnetic flux generating means includes an induction coil and an iron core provided inside the induction coil, and two or more of the iron cores of the plurality of superheated steam generators are connected by a connecting iron core to form a closed magnetic circuit.

Since the superheated steam generator, the branch pipe, and the junction pipe have different temperatures, the degrees of thermal expansion are different from each other. Therefore, it is preferable that the superheated water vapor generation device further has a thermal expansion absorption structure that absorbs a difference in thermal expansion among the superheated water vapor generation part, the distribution pipe, and the junction pipe.

In order to change the capacity of the generated superheated steam, the following configuration may be considered: the distribution pipe has branch pipes corresponding to the plurality of superheated steam generators, and the branch pipes are provided with on-off valves, so that the number of superheated steam generators to which steam is distributed or the steam distribution flow rate ratio can be changed. In addition, with this configuration, it is possible to prevent water vapor from being distributed to the superheated water vapor generation portion that needs to be maintained.

Preferably, the distribution pipe has branch pipes corresponding to the plurality or plurality of groups of superheated steam generators, and the flow rate of the steam introduced into each superheated steam generator is made the same by adjusting the pipe diameters and lengths of the branch pipes.

In this way, by making the flow rate of the steam introduced into each superheated steam generator the same, each superheated steam generator can be controlled in common, and superheated steam at the same temperature can be easily obtained.

In the superheated steam generator according to the present invention, it is preferable that a temperature sensor is provided on each of the lead-out sides of the superheated steam generators, and control is performed based on a temperature detected by the temperature sensor so that the superheated steam output from each of the superheated steam generators has the same temperature.

In this configuration, the superheated steam temperature derived from the superheated steam generator is controlled electrically based on the detected temperature of the temperature sensor on the outlet side, and the balance is controlled so that the superheated steam temperatures output from the superheated steam generators are the same based on the detected temperatures of the individual temperature sensors provided in the superheated steam generators.

According to the present invention thus constituted, the superheated steam can be generated with a large capacity without enlarging one superheated steam generating unit.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a superheated steam generator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing a specific configuration of the superheated steam generator according to the embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view schematically showing a specific configuration of the superheated steam generator according to the embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing a specific configuration of a conductor tube according to the same embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view showing a core structure of the magnetic flux generating mechanism according to the embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the distribution pipe according to the same embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the junction pipe according to the embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the operation from the stop state to the introduction of the water vapor into the introduction port according to the embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a view schematically showing the configuration of the superheated steam generator according to the modified embodiment.

Fig. 10 is a view schematically showing the configuration of the superheated steam generator according to the modified embodiment.

Description of the reference numerals

100 superheated steam generator

P1 introducing port

P2 outlet

21 conductor tube

5 Water-out preventing mechanism

51 temperature sensor

52 control device

53 switch electromagnetic valve (electric proportional valve)

6 leading-out side collecting mechanism

7 leading-in side collecting mechanism

Detailed Description

An embodiment of the superheated steam generator according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

< 1. device constitution >

The superheated steam generator 100 of the present embodiment heats externally generated steam to generate superheated steam exceeding 100 ℃ (200 to 2000 ℃). As the apparatus for generating water vapor externally (water vapor generating apparatus), any of various boilers (Boiler) can be used as long as water vapor can be generated from water.

As shown in fig. 1, the superheated steam generator 100 of the present embodiment generates superheated steam by heating steam introduced from the introduction port P1 and discharges the superheated steam from the discharge port P2.

Specifically, the superheated steam generator 100 includes: a plurality of superheated steam generators 2 for generating superheated steam by heating steam; a distribution pipe 3 for distributing and introducing the steam introduced from the introduction port P1 to the plurality of superheated steam generators 2; and a merging pipe 4 that merges the superheated steam generated by the plurality of superheated steam generators 2 and leads the merged superheated steam out of the lead-out port P2. Although the present embodiment has a configuration including 6 superheated steam generators 2, the number of superheated steam generators is not limited to this. The superheated steam generators 2, the distribution pipes 3, and the junction pipe 4 are housed in a casing, and the introduction port P1 and the discharge port P2 protrude from a side surface of the casing.

First, the superheated steam generator 2 will be described.

As shown in fig. 1, an even number of superheated steam generators 2 are provided, and 3 superheated steam generators are connected as 1 group by a connecting iron core (not shown in fig. 1). The superheated steam generators 2 of the 2 groups are arranged in 2 rows on the left and right sides so as to be bilaterally symmetrical. The plurality of superheated steam generators 2 arranged in this manner may be provided in a plurality of stages.

As shown in fig. 2 and 3, each superheated steam generation unit 2 short-circuits a cylindrical conductor tube 21 wound in a spiral shape in the axial direction, and generates superheated steam by heating the steam flowing through the conductor tube 21 by induction heating by a magnetic flux generation mechanism 22 provided on one or both of the inner and outer sides of the conductor tube 21.

The conductor pipe 21 is a water vapor storage unit having an introduction-side connection port P3 and a discharge-side connection port P4. The conductive tube 21 is formed by spirally winding a conductive tube into a cylindrical shape and is short-circuited in the axial direction. The conductor tube 21 includes: an introduction-side connection port P3 connected to the distribution pipe 3 and introducing steam; and a lead-out side connection port P4 connected to the junction pipe 4 for leading out superheated steam. The lead-out side connection port P4 forms a superheated steam lead-out port. In addition, the winding portions corresponding to one turn of the conductor tube 21 are in contact with or close to each other. As a material of the conductor tube 21, for example, Austenitic (Austenitic) stainless steel or Inconel (Inconel) alloy can be used. The detailed structure of the conductor tube 21 will be described later.

The magnetic flux generating mechanism 22 is provided inside and outside the conductive pipe 21, inductively heats the conductive pipe 21, and includes an induction coil 221 provided along an inner surface and an outer surface of the conductive pipe 21. The induction coil 221 is applied with an alternating voltage by an alternating current power supply of power frequency (50Hz or 60 Hz).

In the superheated water vapor generation device 100 configured as described above, an alternating current voltage of 50Hz or 60Hz is applied to the induction coil 221, so that an induced current flows through the conductor tube 21, and joule heat is generated in the conductor tube 21. Further, the water vapor flowing through the conductor pipe 21 receives heat from the inner surface of the conductor pipe 21 to be heated, thereby generating superheated water vapor.

In the superheated steam generator 100 according to the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 2 and 4, the introduction-side connection ports P3 of the conductor tube 21 are provided at both axial end portions of the conductor tube 21, and the discharge-side connection port P4 of the conductor tube 21 is provided at the axial center portion of the conductor tube 21. The lead-out side connection port P4 of the present embodiment is provided at a position that axially bisects the conductor tube 21, but is not limited thereto.

Specifically, as shown in fig. 4, the conductor tube 21 is divided into two conductor tube members 211 and 212 at the axial center portion. The introduction-side connection port P3 is provided at the axial outer ends 211a, 212a of the respective conductive pipe members 211, 212, and the discharge-side connection port P4 is provided at the axial inner ends 211b, 212b of the respective conductive pipe members 211, 212. By disposing these two conductor pipe members 211, 212 continuously in the axial direction, the introduction-side connection ports P3 of the conductor pipe 21 are provided at both axial end portions of the conductor pipe 21, and the discharge-side connection port P4 of the conductor pipe 21 is provided at the axial center portion of the conductor pipe 21.

The adjacent wound portions of the respective conductor tube members 211, 212 are electrically connected by, for example, welding, and the adjacent facing portions of the two conductor tube members 211, 212 are electrically connected, thereby constituting a short circuit as the entire conductor tube. The conductor tube 21 thereby becomes a secondary coil of one turn. In addition, although each of conductor pipe members 211 and 212 of the present embodiment has the same number of windings, the present invention is not limited to this.

Here, of the facing portions of the two conductive pipe members 211 and 212, the portions other than the lead-out side connection port P4 are joined by a first joining member (not shown) having conductivity over the entire circumferential direction. The first engagement member may be formed by welding.

In the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 4, the axially inner ends 211b and 212b of the respective conductor pipe members 211 and 212 are bent at a radius of curvature 2 times the pipe diameter to form the lead-out side connection port P4 of the respective conductor pipe members 211 and 212. Here, the lead-out side connection port P4 is formed by bending the wound portion of each of the conductive pipe members 211, 212 outward in the radial direction.

The axially inner end 211b of one of the conductive pipe members 211 and the axially inner end 212b of the other conductive pipe member 212 are configured to be close to each other in the circumferential direction, and the lead-out side connection ports P4 of the 2 conductive pipe members 211 and 212 are provided in contact with or close to each other. These 2 lead-out side connection ports P4 are electrically connected to each other by the second connection member 213 having conductivity. In the present embodiment, the second joining member 213 is joined to fill the space formed between the 2 lead-out side connection ports P4. The second joining member 213 is made of the same material or has substantially the same physical properties as the conductor tube 21.

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the induction coil 221 of the magnetic flux generating means 22 is provided inside and outside the conductive pipe 21 with respect to the conductive pipe 21 configured as described above. The induction coils 221x provided outside the conductor pipe 21 (on the side from which the lead-out connection port P4 is drawn) are divided in the axial direction and provided above and below the lead-out connection port P4. The induction coil 221y provided inside the conductor pipe 21 (on the side opposite to the lead-out side of the lead-out side connection port P4) is not divided in the axial direction and is integrally configured.

As shown in fig. 5, the magnetic flux generating mechanism 22 includes an iron core 222 provided inside the inner induction coil 221 y. The core 222 is connected to the other 2 cores 222 by connecting cores 223 and 224 to form a closed magnetic circuit. That is, 3 cores 222 constitute a 3-column core. The 3 superheated steam generators 2 connected by using the 3-column cores were grouped into 1 group. In the present embodiment, since the 3 superheated steam generators 2 are arranged in the same straight line, the 3 cores 222 are 3-column cores aligned in a row. The number of the cores 222 connected by the connecting cores 223 and 224 is not limited to 3, and may be 2 or 4 or more.

Next, the distribution pipe 3 for distributing the steam to the plurality of superheated steam generators 2 will be described with reference to fig. 6. Note that, for convenience of explanation, a part of the structure is omitted in fig. 6.

The distribution pipe 3 has an introduction port P1 at one end, and distributes the steam introduced from the introduction port P1 to the plurality of superheated steam generators 2.

The distribution pipe 3 has: a main pipe 31 having an inlet P1; and a branch pipe 32 branching from the main pipe 31. The branch pipe 32 is provided in accordance with the number of the superheated steam generators 2, and has a connection port P5 connected to the introduction-side connection port P3 of the superheated steam generator 2.

In the present embodiment, the main pipe 31 of the distribution pipe 3 is disposed so as to pass between the superheated steam generators 2 disposed in 2 rows on the left and right symmetrically, and the branch pipe 32 extends from the main pipe 31 to the introduction-side connection port P3 of each superheated steam generator 2. Here, the introduction-side connection port P3 of each superheated steam generator 2 is directed to the left and right outside, and the branch pipe 32 branches from the main pipe 31 to the left and right sides and is connected to the introduction-side connection port P3 from the left and right outside with respect to the superheated steam generator 2. Here, it is preferable that the flow rate of the steam introduced into each superheated steam generator be made the same by adjusting the pipe diameter and length of the branch pipe 32 of the distribution pipe 3.

The distribution pipe 3 is heated to 100 ℃ or higher by the distribution pipe heating unit 30. The distribution pipe heating unit 30 may be configured to use an external heat source (for example, a heater), or may be configured to inductively heat or electrically heat the distribution pipe 3 by using the distribution pipe 3 as a conductive pipe. The distribution pipe heating unit 30 can prevent the water vapor from being liquefied before being supplied to the plurality of superheated water vapor generation units 2.

Next, a junction pipe 4 that joins the superheated steam from the plurality of superheated steam generators 2 will be described with reference to fig. 7. Note that, for convenience of explanation, a part of the structure is omitted in fig. 7.

The junction pipe 4 has a lead-out port P2 at one end, and merges superheated steam from the plurality of superheated steam generators 2 and leads out from the lead-out port P2.

The junction pipe 4 has: a main pipe 41 having a lead-out port P2; and a branch pipe 42 connected to the main pipe 41. The branch pipe 42 is provided in accordance with the number of the superheated steam generators 2, and has a connection port P6 connected to the lead-out side connection port P4 of the superheated steam generator 2.

In the present embodiment, the main pipe 41 of the junction pipe 4 is disposed so as to pass between the superheated steam generators 2 disposed in 2 rows on the left and right symmetrically, and the branch pipe 42 extends from the main pipe 41 to the lead-out side connection port P4 of each superheated steam generator 2. Here, the outlet-side connection ports P4 (superheated steam outlet ports) of the superheated steam generators 2 in the left and right 2 rows are disposed on the left and right inner sides so as to face each other, and the main pipe 41 of the junction pipe 4 is disposed between these outlet-side connection ports P4. Each branch pipe 42 extends linearly from the main pipe 41 and is connected to each lead-out side connection port P4.

The junction pipe 4 is heated to a set temperature of the superheated steam by the junction pipe heating unit 40. The merged pipe heating section 40 may be configured to use an external heat source (for example, a heater), or may be configured to perform induction heating or energization heating on the merged pipe 4 using the merged pipe 4 as a conductor pipe. The confluence pipe heating part 40 prevents the superheated steam from liquefying, and the superheated steam at a desired temperature can be led out from the lead-out port P2.

< 2. Water-out prevention mechanism

However, as shown in fig. 1, the superheated steam generator 100 of the present embodiment includes a water outflow prevention mechanism 5, and the water outflow prevention mechanism 5 prevents water obtained by liquefying steam from being discharged from the outlet P2.

The water discharge prevention mechanism 5 includes: a temperature sensor 51 provided in the conductor tube 21 and detecting the temperature of the conductor tube 21; and a control device 52 for controlling the induction heating so that the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 51 becomes a set temperature of 100 ℃.

The temperature sensor 51 is provided on the lead-out side connection port P4 side of the conductor pipe 21. Here, the temperature sensor 51 is provided on the conductor tube 21 of a representative one of the superheated steam generators 2 among the plurality of superheated steam generators 2. In the case where the temperature sensor 51 is provided on the lead-out side connection port P4 side, it may be provided not only in the extended portion (portion extended from the spiral portion) of the conductor pipe 21 where the lead-out side connection port P4 is provided, but also in the spiral portion (wound portion) of the conductor pipe 21 adjacent to the lead-out side connection port P4, or in the branch pipe 42 of the junction pipe 4 connected to the lead-out side connection port P4.

The control device 52 includes a CPU, a memory, an a/D converter, a D/a converter, and the like, and controls the induction heating of the plurality of superheated steam generators 2 so that the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 51 becomes a set temperature of 100 ℃. The set temperature of 100 ℃ or higher, for example, 150 ℃ or higher, is set so that the entire conductor tube 21 is reliably 100 ℃ or higher.

Here, the water discharge prevention mechanism 5 further includes an on-off solenoid valve 53, and the on-off solenoid valve 53 is provided on the inlet port P1 side of the distribution pipe 3. Here, the on-off solenoid valve is provided on the main pipe 31 of the dispensing pipe 3. When the on-off solenoid valve 53 is provided on the side of the introduction port P1, it may be provided not only on the main pipe 31 of the distribution pipe 3 provided with the introduction port P1 but also on a connection pipe (not shown) connected to the introduction port P1.

As shown in fig. 8, for example, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 51 becomes a set temperature of 100 ℃ or higher after the operation is started from the stop state, the controller 52 automatically opens the on-off solenoid valve 53 to introduce the water vapor into the introduction port P1. The on-off solenoid valve 53 of the present embodiment is an electric proportional valve, and the control device 52 opens the electric proportional valve 53 so as to gradually increase the valve opening degree of the electric proportional valve 53.

The opening/closing time of the electric proportional valve 53 (time from the closed state to the open state) can be adjusted based on the difference between the temperature of the introduced water vapor and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 51, or the like. For example, if the difference between the temperature of water vapor and the detected temperature is small, the influence of thermal shock is small, and therefore it can be considered to shorten the switching time, and if the difference is large, the influence of thermal shock is also large, and therefore it can be considered to lengthen the switching time.

As shown in fig. 1, in the present embodiment, a lead-out side collecting mechanism 6 is provided on the lead-out port P2 side, and the lead-out side collecting mechanism 6 collects water in which water vapor is liquefied. The lead-out side collecting mechanism 6 includes: a storage unit 61 for storing the liquefied water; and a discharge part 62 discharging the water stored in the storage part 61. In addition, when the lead-out side collecting mechanism 6 is provided on the lead-out port P2 side, it may be provided not only in the junction pipe 4 provided with the lead-out port P2 but also in a connection pipe connected to the lead-out port P2. Here, the lead-out side collecting means 6 is preferably provided as close as possible to the superheated steam lead-out port of the superheated steam generator 100.

Further, an introduction-side collecting mechanism 7 is provided on the side of the introduction port P1, and the introduction-side collecting mechanism 7 collects water in which the water vapor is liquefied. The introduction-side collecting mechanism 7 includes: a storage unit 71 for storing the liquefied water; and a discharge portion 72 that discharges the water stored in the storage portion 71. In the case where the introduction-side trap mechanism 7 is provided on the side of the introduction port P1, it may be provided not only on the distribution pipe 3 provided with the introduction port P1 but also on a connection pipe connected to the introduction port P1. Here, the introduction-side collecting mechanism 7 is preferably provided as close as possible to the introduction-side connection port P3 of the superheated steam generator 2.

< 3 > Effect of the present embodiment

According to the superheated steam generator 100 of the present embodiment configured as described above, since the steam is distributed to the plurality or plurality of groups of superheated steam generators 2 and the superheated steam generated by the plurality or plurality of groups of superheated steam generators 2 is collected and led out, the superheated steam can be generated with a large capacity without increasing the size of one superheated steam generator 2.

Further, since the outlet port P2 is heated to 100 ℃ or higher by the outlet water prevention mechanism 5 and then the water vapor is introduced into the inlet port P1, the water evaporated from the water vapor can be prevented from being discharged from the outlet port P2. As a result, it is possible to suppress the water after liquefaction from adversely affecting the object to be treated which is heat-treated with the superheated steam.

When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 51 becomes a set temperature of 100 ℃ or higher, the controller 52 opens the on-off solenoid valve 53 to introduce the water vapor into the guide inlet P1, and thus the water outflow prevention function can be automatically activated. In the case of a device configuration separate from the saturated steam generator, the superheated steam generator can be controlled so that no steam is introduced before the superheated steam generator reaches 100 ℃.

Since the lead-out side collecting mechanism 6 is provided on the lead-out port P2 side, the liquefied water can be further prevented from being led out from the superheated steam generator 100. Further, since the introduction-side trap mechanism 7 is provided on the side of the introduction port P1, introduction of water resulting from liquefaction of steam into the superheated steam generator 100 can be prevented, and further, derivation of liquefied water from the superheated steam generator 100 can be prevented.

< 4. other effects of the present embodiment >

In addition, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

For example, although the embodiment described above is configured to generate joule heat in the conductor tube by the induction heating method, the embodiment may be configured to generate joule heat in the conductor tube by the direct energization heating method. Further, instead of generating joule heat in the conductor pipe, the pipe may be heated by an external heat source (for example, a heater) to heat the steam flowing through the pipe.

The temperature sensor 51 of the above embodiment is provided on the side of the lead-out port P2, but may be provided at any position as long as it can detect the temperature of the conductor tube 2.

In addition to the configuration in which the temperature sensor 51 is provided on the conductor tube 21 of the representative one superheated steam generator 2, the temperature sensor may be provided on each of the conductor tubes 21 of the plurality of superheated steam generators 2. In this case, it is conceivable that the controller 52 opens the electromagnetic opening/closing valve 53 when all of the temperatures detected by the plurality of temperature sensors 51 reach the set temperature of 100 ℃.

Further, temperature sensors may be provided individually on the respective lead-out sides of the superheated steam generators 2, and control may be performed based on the detected temperatures of the individual temperature sensors so that the temperatures of the superheated steam output from the respective superheated steam generators 2 become the same.

The superheated steam temperature derived from the superheated steam generator 100 is controlled electrically based on the detected temperature of the temperature sensor on the side of the lead-out port P2, and the balance is controlled so that the superheated steam temperatures output from the superheated steam generators 2 are the same based on the detected temperatures of the individual temperature sensors provided in the superheated steam generators 2.

As shown in fig. 9, the following configuration may be adopted: the branch pipes 32 of the distribution pipe 3 are provided with on-off valves 32V, and the superheated steam generator 2 to which steam is distributed can be changed. For example, it is conceivable that the switching valve 32V corresponding to the superheated steam generator 2 is closed for the superheated steam generator 2 requiring maintenance or the like, and no steam is distributed. It is also conceivable to change the number of the superheated steam generators 2 to be operated by manually or automatically selecting the on-off valve 32V to be opened in accordance with the required capacity of the superheated steam. It is also conceivable to change the steam distribution ratio to each superheated steam generator 2 by manually or automatically adjusting the opening degree of the on-off valve 32V.

As shown in fig. 10, the superheated water vapor generator 2, the distribution pipes 3, and the junction pipe 4 may have a thermal expansion absorbing structure 8 that absorbs a difference in thermal expansion between them. As the thermal expansion absorption structure 8, for example, the following structure can be considered: flexible tubes such as bellows tubes are provided between the distribution pipe 3 and the superheated steam generator 2 and between the superheated steam generator 2 and the junction pipe 4. The distribution pipes 3 may be provided with the thermal expansion absorbing structure 8, the superheated steam-generating part 2 may be provided with the thermal expansion absorbing structure 8, and the junction pipe 4 may be provided with the thermal expansion absorbing structure 8.

Further, the electromagnetic opening/closing valve of the above embodiment is provided in the superheated steam generator, but may be provided on the lead-out side of the steam generator that supplies the steam to the superheated steam generator.

The configuration of the conductor tube is not limited to the above embodiment, and 1 conductor tube may be spirally wound.

In addition to the configuration of the above embodiment, the superheated steam generator may further include a steam generator that generates steam by heating water.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.