(19)
(11) EP 3 502 558 B1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45) Mention of the grant of the patent:
27.05.2020 Bulletin 2020/22

(21) Application number: 18214119.2

(22) Date of filing: 19.12.2018
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC): 
F22G 1/16(2006.01)

(54)

SUPERHEATED STEAM GENERATOR AND MAINTENANCE METHOD THEREFOR

HEISSDAMPFGENERATOR UND WARTUNGSVERFAHREN DAFÜR

GÉNÉRATEUR DE VAPEUR SURCHAUFFÉE ET PROCÉDÉ DE MAINTENANCE ASSOCIÉ


(84) Designated Contracting States:
AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

(30) Priority: 21.12.2017 JP 2017244755

(43) Date of publication of application:
26.06.2019 Bulletin 2019/26

(73) Proprietor: Tokuden Co., Ltd.
Kyoto-shi Kyoto 607-8345 (JP)

(72) Inventors:
  • TONOMURA, Toru
    Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 607-8345 (JP)
  • FUJIMOTO, Yasuhiro
    Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 607-8345 (JP)
  • KITANO, Takatsugu
    Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 607-8345 (JP)
  • KIMURA, Masayoshi
    Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 607-8345 (JP)

(74) Representative: Horn Kleimann Waitzhofer Patentanwälte PartG mbB 
Ganghoferstrasse 29a
80339 München
80339 München (DE)


(56) References cited: : 
JP-A- 2017 092 018
US-A1- 2016 273 759
JP-A- 2017 116 183
   
       
    Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).


    Description

    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION


    FIELD OF THE INVENTION



    [0001] The present invention relates to a superheated steam generator and a maintenance method therefor.

    BACKGROUND ART



    [0002] Austenitic stainless steels such as SUS304, and alloys such as INCONEL (registered trademark), each of which has high heat resistance and high mechanical proof stress, are used for an induction heating type or electrical heating type superheated steam generation section (for example, Patent Document 1).

    [0003] However, even though these stainless steels and alloys have a melting point of approximately 1400°C, volume reduction may occur due to steam oxidation in superheated steam having high temperatures exceeding 1000°C.

    [0004] The above superheated steam generation section includes a conductor tube composed of stainless steel or alloy. Therefore, when the volume reduction occurs due to the steam oxidation, the conductor tube cannot withstand the pressure of the superheated steam and deformation due to thermal expansion, thus causing damage to the conductor tube. The superheated steam may leak outside due to the damage to the conductor tube. This may cause, for example, fire and personal injury.

    PRIOR ART



    [0005] 

    Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-176613

    Patent Document 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-092018 A

    Patent Document 3: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-116183 A.



    [0006] Patent Document 2 discloses a device for the treatment of overheated steam where the flow path forming body is formed of a conductive material and where the temperature of the flow path forming body in the superheated steam filling section is switched over to a temperature below the oxidation starting temperature and to a temperature equal to or higher than the oxidation starting temperature. This serves to reduce deterioration of the flow path forming body due to high temperature oxidation.

    [0007] Patent Document 3 describes an overheated steam generation device with a steam generation part and an overheated steam generation part, which are both inductively heated. The magnetic path iron cores of the two inductive heaters are connected to a common third magnetic path iron core serving as a common passage for magnetic flux generated at those two magnetic path iron cores. The parts for steam generation and for overheated steam generation are connected by a connection pipe with a reservoir, which serves to collect liquefied steam in order to prevent water from entering the overheated steam generation part. The reservoir is arranged in the space surrounded with an outer face of the steam generation part, an outer face of the overheated steam generation part, and an outer face of the common iron core.

    SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION


    PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION



    [0008] Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above problem and has for its main object to inform a user of a maintenance timing for a superheated steam generator. The superheated steam generator according to the invention is described in claim 1 and the corresponding maintenance method according to the invention is described in claim 10.

    MEANS OF SOLVING THE PROBLEMS



    [0009] In one embodiment, a superheated steam generator includes an induction heating type or electrically heating type superheated steam generation section, and an informing section. The superheated steam generation section is configured to generate superheated steam by heating steam. The informing section is configured to transmit maintenance information by employing, as a parameter, an operating temperature of the superheated steam generation section and an operating time at the operating temperature.

    [0010] With the above configuration, the maintenance information is transmitted by employing the operating time at the operating temperature as a parameter. It is therefore possible to inform a user of a maintenance timing for the superheated steam generator. This makes it possible for the user to carry out maintenance before the superheated steam generation section breaks down.

    [0011] Degrees of deterioration and fatigue of the superheated steam generation section differ depending on an operating temperature. Hence, preferably, the informing section acquires operating temperature data indicating the operating temperature of the superheated steam generation section, and operating time data indicating the operating time at the operating temperature. The informing section then converts the operating time to the operating time at a predetermined temperature (for example, 1200°C) and integrates converted values. Subsequently, the informing section transmits the maintenance information when an integration value exceeds a predetermined integration threshold value.

    [0012] The superheated steam generator may include a conductor tube to generate the superheated steam by being subjected to induction heating or electrical heating, and a steam adjustment mechanism for adjusting an amount of superheated steam to be generated. A flow rate of the superheated steam in the conductor tube is increased or decreased depending on whether the amount of superheated steam generation increases or decreases. A high flow rate leads to a great volume reduction rate, and a low flow rate leads to a small volume reduction rate.

    [0013] Because a volume reduction rate is proportional to a flow rate to the power of 0.8 in actual measurements at 1200°C, a flow rate is halved when the amount of superheated steam generation is halved, and a corrected integration value (operating time) reaches a value of 0.50.8=0.574 times with respect to an integration value before correction. In other words, assuming that the superheated steam generator is operated for 1000 hours at an amount of generation of 100% in the case of generating superheated steam at the same temperature, the operating time reaches 574 hours by operating at an amount of generation of 50%.

    [0014] Thus, the volume reduction rate differs depending on the amount of superheated steam. Hence, preferably, the informing section corrects the integration value on a basis of an amount of superheated steam generation in the superheated steam generation section, and the informing section transmits the maintenance information when a corrected integration value exceeds the integration threshold value.

    [0015] The superheated steam generation section includes a conductor tube to generate the superheated steam by being subjected to induction heating or electrical heating. The conductor tube is susceptible to steam oxidation due to the superheated steam, and the volume reduction is remarkable. Therefore, the informing section is preferably configured to transmit the maintenance information containing a replacement timing for the conductor tube.

    [0016] The useful lifespan is less likely to become a problem even without consideration of the operating time in a range of temperatures at which a volume reduction due to steam oxidation does not substantially become a problem. For example, when the superheated steam at 1000°C is passed through a conductor tube composed of INCONEL for 1000 hours, a volume reduction rate is approximately 5%. In other words, it takes several tens of thousands of hours at 1000°C or below until a remaining amount of a flow tube is reduced to 10% or less. It is therefore less likely that the useful lifespan will become a problem in a short period of time. Hence, the informing section is preferably configured to transmit the maintenance information by employing, as a parameter, an operating temperature at which the volume reduction rate of the flow tube reaches or exceeds a predetermined value by operating for a predetermined period of time. The informing section also preferably specifies a temperature range used for the maintenance information at the operating temperatures of the superheated steam generation section, and utilizes the operating time at the operating temperatures included in the temperature range, as the operating time at a highest temperature in the temperature range.

    [0017] It is conceivable to include a first superheated steam generation section of the induction heating type and a second superheated steam generation section of the electrically heating type, as a specific configuration of the superheated steam generation section. The first superheated steam generation section carries out induction heating by using, as a secondary coil, a first conductor tube that permits passage of steam. The second superheated steam generation section further heats the superheated steam by electrically heating a second conductor tube that permits passage of superheated steam generated by the first superheated steam generation section.

    [0018] A use method is conceivable which accelerates fatigue of the second conductor tube by setting a higher temperature to the second superheated steam generation section than the first superheated steam generation section in the above configuration. Here, it is preferable that the informing section is disposed at a side of the second superheated steam generation section and is configured to transmit the maintenance information indicating a replacement timing for the second conductor tube.

    [0019] More preferably, the informing section is also disposed at a side of the first superheated steam generation section so as to transmit the maintenance information indicating the replacement timing of a conductor tube of the first superheated steam generation section. This makes it possible to also inform the user of the maintenance timing for the first superheated steam generation section aside from the second superheated steam generation section. Here, a maintenance frequency for replacement of the second conductor tube or the like in the second superheated steam generation section is higher than the maintenance frequency of replacement of the first conductor tube or the like in the first superheated steam generation section.

    [0020] Because the first conductor tube is wound around an iron core in the first superheated steam generation section of induction heating type, disassembly for replacing the conductor tube is complicated and time-consuming. It is therefore difficult to carry out maintenance, such as replacement of the first conductor tube. In contrast, it is easy to carry out maintenance, such as replacement, by a simple operation, such as removal of power source wiring from power supply terminals of the second conductor tube, in the second superheated steam generation section of electrically heating type. Consequently, the first superheated steam generation section is used under service conditions (for example, at below 1000°C) under which the conductor tube is less likely to deteriorate or fatigue, thereby minimizing the frequency of maintenance, such as replacement. The second superheated steam generation section is configured to generate the superheated steam having high temperatures (for example, 1000°C or higher) because it is easy to carry out maintenance for replacement of the second conductor tube.

    EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION



    [0021] With the present invention configured as described above, the maintenance information is transmitted by employing, as a parameter, the operating time at the operating temperature. It is therefore possible to inform a user of maintenance timing for the superheated steam generator. This makes it possible for the user to carry out maintenance before the superheated steam generation section breaks down.

    BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS



    [0022] 

    FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a superheated steam generator in one embodiment;

    FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a conductor tube of a superheated steam generation section in the embodiment;

    FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating superheated steam-INCONEL 601 alloy volume reduction characteristics after 1000 hours; and

    FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a superheated steam generator in a modified embodiment.


    MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION



    [0023] One embodiment of a superheated steam generator according to the present invention is described below with reference to the drawings.

    [0024] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a superheated steam generator 100 in the present embodiment includes a superheated steam generation section 10 configured to generate superheated steam exceeding 100°C (e.g., 200-2000°C) by heating water or steam.

    [0025] The superheated steam generation section 10 employs induction heating, and includes a spiral-wound circular tube-shaped conductor tube 2 and a magnetic flux generation mechanism 3 by which the conductor tube 2 is subjected to induction heating.

    [0026] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the conductor tube 2 is composed of a metal tube, and includes a winding part being wound spirally. One end of the conductor tube 2 is provided with an inlet port P1 that permits introduction of water or steam, and the other end is provided with an outlet port P2 that permits discharge of generated superheated steam. Austenitic stainless steels such as SUS304, and alloys such as INCONEL, each of which has a high heat resistance and high mechanical proof stress, is usable for the conductor tube 2.

    [0027] External piping for supplying water or steam to the conductor tube 2 is coupled to the inlet port P1. Specifically, an induction heating type saturated steam generation section (not illustrated) is coupled to the inlet port P1 in the present embodiment. The saturated steam generation section has the same configuration as the superheated steam generation section 10. External piping for supplying generated superheated steam to a use-side (for example, a heat treatment chamber) is coupled to the outlet port P2.

    [0028] The magnetic flux generation mechanism 3 includes an iron core 31 and an induction coil 32 wound along the iron core 31. An alternating current (AC) power source 4 is coupled to the induction coil 32 so as to supply controlled power thereto. A power source frequency of the AC power source 4 is a commercial frequency of 50 Hz or 60 Hz. The induction coil 32, to which the power is supplied from the AC power source 4, serves as a primary coil. By supplying power through the primary coil, an induced current flows to the conductor tube 2, and the conductor tube 2 serves as a secondary coil. The conductor tube 2 is subjected to Joule heating, so that steam passing through the interior of the conductor tube 2 can be heated.

    [0029] With the superheated steam generator 100, an AC voltage applied to the induction coil 32 is controlled by detecting through a temperature detector 5 a temperature of superheated steam discharged from the conductor tube 2, and by inputting a control signal according to a deviation between a detected temperature and a target temperature, to a voltage controller 6 (for example, a thyristor). Specifically, a temperature controller 7 configured to perform the above control performs a feedback control of the temperature of the superheated steam heated through the conductor tube 2 so that a deviation from the target temperature is less than ±1°C. The temperature controller 7 is a computer including, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), memory, and an input/output interface.

    [0030] The superheated steam generator 100 of the present embodiment further includes an informing section 8 configured to transmit maintenance information by employing, as a parameter, an operating temperature of the superheated steam generation section 10, an operating time at the operating temperature, and a volume reduction rate at the operating temperature.

    [0031] The informing section 8 acquires operating temperature data indicating the operating temperature of the superheated steam generation section 10, and operating time data indicating the operating time at the operating temperature. The informing section 8 then converts this data to the operating time at a predetermined temperature and integrates converted values. The informing section 8 transmits the maintenance information when an integration value exceeds a predetermined integration threshold value. The informing section 8 is a computer including, for example, a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU), memory, and an input/output interface.

    [0032] Specifically, the informing section 8 employs, as operating temperature data, detected temperature data indicating a detected temperature obtained through the temperature detector 5, or target temperature data indicating a target temperature controlled by the temperature controller 7. The informing section 8 acquires the operating time data indicating operating time from a timer included in the informing section 8, or a timer of the temperature controller 7. The informing section 8 converts this data to the operating time at 1200°C and integrates the converted values. The informing section 8 transmits maintenance information when the integration value exceeds a predetermined integration threshold value. Alternatively, temperatures of the conductor tube 2 may be used as the operating temperature data. In this case, a temperature detector is contactedly disposed, for example, at the outlet port P2 of the conductor tube 2 or in the vicinity thereof. Particularly, when the superheated steam generation section 10 is in a standby state or performs an intermittent operation, it is preferable to use the temperatures of the conductor tube 2.

    [0033] The predetermined integration threshold value corresponds to a volume reduction limit time, and needs to be determined by previously calculating from a pressure of superheated steam and a thermal expansion deformation value of the conductor tube 2. An approximation formula of a relationship between volume reduction rate and temperature needs to be obtained by carrying out measurements at several points (refer to FIG. 3). Using a detected temperature obtained through the temperature detector 5 or a target temperature controlled by the temperature controller 7, a volume reduction rate is calculable from the detected temperature or the target temperature.

    [0034] A test operation for each type of superheated steam generator is carried out at a highest temperature until the conductor tube 2 breaks down. This is because fracture conditions differ depending on a curvature of the conductor tube 2, the flow rate of the superheated steam, and the amount of superheated steam generation.

    [0035] A fracture test was conducted by using a model having, for example, an amount of superheated steam generation of 60 kg/h and a capacity for generating superheated steam at 1200°C, and by using a conductor tube composed of INCONEL (with an outer diameter of φ 33.4 mm, an inner diameter of φ 26.64 mm, and a tube thickness t of 3.38 mm). A remaining wall thickness of a fractured highest-temperature part was 0.45 mm. Volume reduction rate characteristics after 1000 hours are presented in FIG. 3, and a reduction rate is given by equation "y."

    [0036] When operated for 1000 hours at the superheated steam temperature of 1200°C, a tube thickness t is 1.4872 mm (a reduction rate y1200=0.56), resulting in a reduction of 1.8928 mm.
    When a usable limit is set to 0.5 mm, a tube thickness reduction value is 3.38-0.5=2.88 mm. Reach time T is as follows: T=2.88/(1.8928/1000)≈1521 hours.
    When set to a reduction rate y0 for an operating time h0 at an operating temperature θ, a converted operating time h1200 at 1200°C is h1200=y0×h0/y1200.

    [0037] In cases where the operating time at each temperatures is, for example, 500 hours at 1200°C, 500 hours at 1100°C, and 500 hours at 1000°C, the converted operating time at 1200°C is as follows.
    Converted operating time h1200=500+(0.33/0.56)×500+(0.05/0.56) ×500≈840 hours

    [0038] The maintenance information, such as an alarm sound, indicating a replacement timing for the conductor tube 2 is transmitted when the above converted operating time reaches a predetermined integration threshold value.

    [0039] The transmission of the maintenance information includes, for example, displaying a warning on a display, outputting the alarm sound from a speaker, and turning on or flashing a lamp, such as a light emitting diode (LED). Alternatively, the predetermined integration threshold value may be set in multiple stages, and the maintenance information may be transmitted stepwise according to the converted operating time. Furthermore, the time remaining until reaching the volume reduction limit time may be displayed on the display.

    [0040] With the superheated steam generator 100 so configured, the maintenance information is transmitted by employing, as a parameter, the operating time at the operating temperature. It is therefore possible to inform a user of the maintenance timing for the superheated steam generator 100. This makes it possible for the user to carry out maintenance before, for example, the conductor tube 2 of the superheated steam generator 100 breaks down.

    [0041] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.
    For example, as a value calculated in order that the informing section 8 transmits the maintenance information, an integration value of a product of the operating time at the operating temperature multiplied by the volume reduction rate at the operating temperature may be used instead of the converted operating time in the above embodiment.

    [0042] Alternatively, the informing section 8 may transmit the maintenance information by taking into consideration only an operating temperature at which the volume reduction substantially becomes a problem. Specifically, the informing section 8 transmits the maintenance information by employing, as a parameter, the operating temperature at which a volume reduction rate of the conductor tube 2 reaches or exceeds a predetermined value (for example, 5%) by operating for a predetermined period of time. For example, the informing section 8 integrates the operating time at or above an operating temperature (1000°C for INCONEL) at which the volume reduction rate of the conductor tube 2 reaches, for example, 5% by operating, for example, for 1000 hours. The informing section 8 transmits maintenance information, for example, when an obtained integration value exceeds a predetermined integration threshold value.

    [0043] The informing section 8 may specify a temperature range used for the maintenance information in the operating temperatures of the superheated steam generator 10, and may utilize the operating time at the operating temperatures included in the temperature range, as the operating time at a highest temperature in the temperature range. For example, temperature ranges used for the maintenance information may be specified as 900-1000°C, 1000-1100°C, and 1100-1200°C. The informing section 8 utilizes the operating time in the range of 900-1000°C as the operating time at 1000°C, and accumulates as the operating time at 1000°C. Similarly, the informing section 8 utilizes the operating time in the range of 1000-1100°C as the operating time at 1100°C, and the operating time in the range of 1100-1200°C as operating time at 1200°C.

    [0044] The temperature controller 7 may cause the superheated steam generation section 10 to stop operation by acquiring a signal indicating that the informing section 8 has transmitted the maintenance information. The temperature controller 7 and the informing section 8 may be configured with an identical computer.

    [0045] Although the above embodiment is configured to transmit the maintenance information indicating the replacement timing for the conductor tube 2, the above embodiment may be configured to transmit the maintenance information indicating the replacement timing for external piping coupled to the outlet port P2 of the conductor tube 2.

    [0046] The informing section may employ, as a parameter used for the maintenance information, the flow rate of superheated steam flowing through the conductor tube 2, and the amount of superheated steam generation. For example, the informing section may correct an integration value on the basis of the amount of superheated steam in the superheated steam generation section. The informing section transmits the maintenance information when a corrected integration value exceeds an integration threshold value. When the amount of superheated steam generation is employed as a parameter, the informing section may be configured to increase or decrease the operating time by using an amount of adjustment obtained through a steam adjustment mechanism or a measurement value obtained through a measuring section for measuring the amount of superheated steam generation. When the amount of generation is greater than a predetermined amount of superheated steam generation, it is conceivable to increase the operating time accordingly. When the amount of generation is smaller than the predetermined amount of superheated steam generation, it is conceivable to decrease the operating time accordingly. Here, the informing section corrects the operating time (an integration value) by using a relationship between the volume reduction rate and flow rate at each temperature (a volume reduction rate is proportional to 0.8 times a flow rate at 1200°C).

    [0047] Alternatively, the informing section may be configured to transmit the maintenance information by employing a wall thickness of the conductor tube 2 as a parameter.

    [0048] The superheated steam generation section 10 may be of the electrically heating type instead of the induction heating type. In this case, the conductor tube 2 is subjected to Joule heating by coupling an AC power source or a direct current (DC) power source to both end portions of the conductor tube 2 that permits passage of fluid, and by passing an AC current or a DC current through the conductor tube 2.

    [0049] Alternatively, a superheated steam generator may be one which is obtained by combining the induction heating type and the electrically heating type as illustrated in FIG. 4. Specifically, the superheated steam generation section 10 includes a first superheated steam generation section 10A of the induction heating type configured to carry out induction heating by using, as a secondary coil, a conductor tube that permits passage of steam, and a second superheated steam generation section 10B of the electrically heating type configured to further heat the superheated steam by electrically heating the conductor tube that permits passage of the superheated steam generated by the first superheated steam generation section 10A.

    [0050] The first superheated steam generation section 10A has the same configuration as that in the above embodiment. The first superheated steam generation section 10A is configured to generate superheated steam at less than 1000°C. The second superheated steam generation section 10B includes a conductor tube 11 coupled directly or through an intermediate pipe to the outlet port P2 of the conductor tube 2 in the first superheated steam generation section 10A. The conductor tube 11 is provided with a plurality of nozzles 11a for spraying superheated steam. Power supply terminals 12 and 13 are respectively disposed at both end portions of the conductor tube 11, and an AC power source 17 is coupled to these power supply terminals. A current flows through the conductor tube 11 by the AC power source, and therefore the conductor tube is subjected to Joule heating, so that the superheated steam passing therethrough can be heated.

    [0051] With the above superheated steam generator 100, an AC voltage applied to the induction coil 32 is controllable by detecting through a temperature detector 14 a temperature of superheated steam discharged from the conductor tube 11, and by inputting a control signal according to a deviation between a detected temperature and a target temperature to a voltage controller 15 (for example, a thyristor). Specifically, the temperature controller 16 configured to perform the above control performs the feedback control of the temperature of the superheated steam heated through the conductor tube 11 so that a deviation from the target temperature is less than ±1°C. The temperature controller 16 is a computer including, for example, a processor such as a CPU, memory, and an input/output interface.

    [0052] The informing section 8 is disposed on a side of the second superheated steam generation section 10B. Detected temperature data indicating detected temperatures obtained through the temperature detector 14 or target temperature data indicating a target temperature controlled by the temperature controller 16 are used as operating temperature data. The informing section 8 also acquires the operating time data indicating the operating time from a timer included in the informing section 8 or a timer of the temperature controller 16. The informing section 8 then converts this data to the operating time at 1200°C and integrates the converted values. When an integration value exceeds a predetermined integration threshold value, the informing section 8 transmits the maintenance information, such as the warning indicating the replacement timing for the conductor tube 11. Functions of the informing section 8 other than the above are the same as those in the foregoing embodiment. In addition to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 4, the informing section 8 may also be disposed on a side of the first superheated steam generation section 10A so as to transmit the maintenance information indicating the replacement timing for the conductor tube 2 in the same manner as in the foregoing embodiment.

    DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE CHARACTERS



    [0053] 

    100 superheated steam generator

    10 superheated steam generation section

    2 conductor tube

    8 informing section




    Claims

    1. A superheated steam generator (100), comprising:

    an induction heating type or electrically heating type superheated steam generation section (10, 10A, 10B) configured to generate superheated steam by heating steam; and

    an informing section (8) configured to transmit maintenance information by employing, as a parameter, an operating temperature of the superheated steam generation section (10, 10A, 10B) and an operating time at the operating temperature, wherein the informing section (8) acquires operating temperature data indicating the operating temperature of the superheated steam generation section (10, 10A, 10B), and operating time data indicating the operating time at the operating temperature,

    the informing section (8) converts the operating time to an operating time at a predetermined temperature and integrates converted values, and

    the informing section (8) transmits the maintenance information when an integration value exceeds a predetermined integration threshold value.


     
    2. The superheated steam generator (100) according to claim 1, wherein the informing section (8) corrects the integration value on a basis of an amount of superheated steam generation in the superheated steam generation section (10, 10A, 10B), and the informing section (8) transmits the maintenance information when a corrected integration value exceeds the integration threshold value.
     
    3. The superheated steam generator (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the informing section (8) is configured to convert to an operating time at 1200°C and integrate the converted values.
     
    4. The superheated steam generator (100) according to any one of claims 1- 3, wherein

    the superheated steam generation section comprises a conductor tube (2, 11) that permits passage of the superheated steam, and

    the informing section (8) is configured to transmit the maintenance information indicating a replacement timing for the conductor tube (2, 11).


     
    5. The superheated steam generator (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 4, wherein the informing section (8) is configured to transmit the maintenance information by employing, as a parameter, an operating time at an operating temperature at which a volume reduction rate of the conductor tube (2, 11) reaches or exceeds a predetermined value by operating for a predetermined period of time.
     
    6. The superheated steam generator (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 5, wherein the informing section (8) specifies a temperature range used for the maintenance information at the operating temperatures of the superheated steam generation section (10, 10A, 10B), and utilizes the operating time at the operating temperatures included in the temperature range, as the operating time at a highest temperature in the temperature range.
     
    7. The superheated steam generator (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 6, wherein the superheated steam generation section (10) comprises:

    a first superheated steam generation section (10A) of the induction heating type configured to carry out induction heating by using, as a secondary coil, a first conductor tube (2) that permits passage of steam, and

    a second superheated steam generation section (10B) of the electrically heating type configured to further heat superheated steam generated in the first superheated steam generation section (10A) by electrically heating a second conductor tube (11) that permits passage of the superheated steam.


     
    8. The superheated steam generator (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 7, wherein the informing section (8) is configured to transmit the maintenance information indicating a replacement timing for the second conductor tube (11).
     
    9. The superheated steam generator (100) according to claim 7, wherein

    the first superheated steam generation section (10A) generates superheated steam at less than 1000°C, and

    the second superheated steam generation section (10B) generates superheated steam at 1000°C or above.


     
    10. A maintenance method for a superheated steam generator (100) of an induction heating type or an electrically heating type configured to generate superheated steam by heating steam, the maintenance method comprising:

    transmitting maintenance information by employing, as a parameter, an operating temperature of the superheated steam generation section and an operating time at the operating temperature, wherein transmitting maintenance information by employing, as a parameter, operating temperature and operating time comprises:

    acquiring operating temperature data indicating the operating temperature of the superheated steam generation section, and operating time data indicating the operating time at the operating temperature,

    converting the operating time to an operating time at a predetermined temperature and integrates converted values, and

    transmitting the maintenance information when an integration value exceeds a predetermined integration threshold value.


     
    11. The maintenance method according to claim 10, wherein the superheated steam generator (100) is implemented according to any one of claims 1 - 9.
     


    Ansprüche

    1. Erzeuger (100) für überhitzten Dampf, umfassend:

    einen Abschnitt (10, 10A, 10B) zur Erzeugung überhitzten Dampfes vom Typ Induktionsheizung oder elektrische Heizung, der eingerichtet ist um überhitzten Dampf durch Aufheizen von Dampf zu erzeugen; und

    einen Informationsabschnitt (8), der eingerichtet ist, Wartungsinformation zu übertragen unter Verwendung einer Betriebstemperatur des Abschnitts (10, 10A, 10B) zur Erzeugung überhitzten Dampfes und einer Betriebszeit bei der Betriebstemperatur als Parameter, wobei der Informationsabschnitt (8) Daten der Betriebstemperatur, die die Betriebstemperatur des Abschnitts (10, 10A, 10B) zur Erzeugung überhitzten Dampfes angeben, und Betriebszeitdaten, die die Betriebszeit bei der Betriebstemperatur angeben, erfasst,

    der Informationsabschnitt (8) die Betriebszeit in Betriebszeit bei einer vorbestimmten Temperatur umwandelt und umgewandelte Werte integriert, und

    der Informationsabschnitt (8) die Wartungsinformation überträgt, wenn ein Integrationswert einen vorbestimmten Integrations-Schwellwert übersteigt.


     
    2. Erzeuger (100) für überhitzten Dampf nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Informationsabschnitt (8) den Integrationswert auf Basis einer im Abschnitt (10, 10A, 10B) zur Erzeugung überhitzten Dampfes erzeugten Menge an überhitztem Dampf korrigiert, und der Informationsabschnitt (8) die Wartungsinformation überträgt, wenn ein korrigierter Integrationswert den vorbestimmten Integrations-Schwellwert übersteigt.
     
    3. Erzeuger (100) für überhitzten Dampf nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei der Informationsabschnitt (8) eingerichtet ist, in eine Betriebszeit bei 1200°C umzuwandeln und die umgewandelten Werte zu integrieren.
     
    4. Erzeuger (100) für überhitzten Dampf nach einem der Ansprüche 1 - 3, wobei

    der Abschnitt zur Erzeugung überhitzten Dampfes ein Strömungsrohr (2, 11) umfasst, das einen Durchgang überhitzten Dampfes ermöglicht, und

    der Informationsabschnitt (8) eingerichtet ist, die Wartungsinformation zu übertragen, die einen Zeitablauf zum Ersetzen des Strömungsrohres (2, 11) angibt.


     
    5. Erzeuger (100) für überhitzten Dampf nach einem der Ansprüche 1 - 4, wobei
    der Informationsabschnitt (8) eingerichtet ist, die Wartungsinformation zu übertragen unter Verwendung einer Betriebszeit bei einer Betriebstemperatur, bei der eine Rate der Volumenreduktion des Strömungsrohres (2, 11) durch Betrieb für eine vorbestimmte Zeitdauer einen vorbestimmten Wert erreicht oder übersteigt, als Parameter.
     
    6. Erzeuger (100) für überhitzten Dampf nach einem der Ansprüche 1 - 5, wobei der Informationsabschnitt (8) einen Temperaturbereich vorgibt, der für die Wartungsinformation bei den Betriebstemperaturen des Abschnitts (10, 10A, 10B) zur Erzeugung überhitzten Dampfes benutzt wird, und die Betriebszeit bei den im Temperaturbereich enthaltenen Temperaturen als Betriebszeit bei einer höchsten im Temperaturbereich enthaltenen Temperatur verwendet.
     
    7. Erzeuger (100) für überhitzten Dampf nach einem der Ansprüche 1 - 6, wobei der Abschnitt (10) zur Erzeugung überhitzten Dampfes umfasst:

    einen ersten Abschnitt (10A) zur Erzeugung überhitzten Dampfes vom Induktionstyp, der zum Ausführen von Induktionsheizung eingerichtet ist unter Verwendung eines ersten Strömungsrohrs (2), das Durchgang von Dampf ermöglicht, als Sekundärspule, und

    einen zweiten Abschnitt (10B) zur Erzeugung überhitzten Dampfes vom Typ elektrische Heizung, das eingerichtet ist, im ersten Abschnitt (10A) zur Erzeugung überhitzten Dampfes erzeugten überhitzten Dampf durch elektrisches Heizen eines zweiten Strömungsrohrs (11), das Durchgang von Dampf ermöglicht, weiter zu erhitzen.


     
    8. Erzeuger (100) für überhitzten Dampf nach einem der Ansprüche 1 - 7, wobei der Informationsabschnitt (8) eingerichtet ist, die Wartungsinformation zu übertragen, die einen Zeitablauf zum Ersetzen des zweiten Strömungsrohres (11) angibt.
     
    9. Erzeuger (100) für überhitzten Dampf nach Anspruch 7, wobei

    der erste Abschnitt (10A) zur Erzeugung überhitzten Dampfes überhitzten Dampf bei weniger als 1000°C erzeugt, und

    der zweite Abschnitt (10B) zur Erzeugung überhitzten Dampfes überhitzten Dampf bei 1000°C oder mehr erzeugt.


     
    10. Wartungsverfahren für einen Erzeuger (100) für überhitzten Dampf vom Typ Induktionsheizung oder elektrische Heizung, der eingerichtet ist, um überhitzten Dampf durch Aufheizen von Dampf zu erzeugen, wobei das Wartungsverfahren umfasst:

    Übertragen von Wartungsinformation durch Verwenden einer Betriebstemperatur eines Abschnitts zur Erzeugung überhitzten Dampfes und einer Betriebszeit bei der Betriebstemperatur als Parameter,

    wobei das Übertragen von Wartungsinformation durch Verwenden der Betriebstemperatur und der Betriebszeit bei der Betriebstemperatur als Parameter umfasst:

    Erfassen von Daten der Betriebstemperatur, die die Betriebstemperatur des Abschnitts zur Erzeugung überhitzten Dampfes angeben, und Betriebszeitdaten, die die Betriebszeit bei der Betriebstemperatur angeben,

    Umwandeln der Betriebszeit in Betriebszeit bei einer vorbestimmten Temperatur und Integrieren umgewandelter Werte, und

    Übertragen der Wartungsinformation, wenn ein Integrationswert einen vorbestimmten Integrations-Schwellwert übersteigt.


     
    11. Wartungsverfahren nach Anspruch 10, wobei der Erzeuger (100) für überhitzten Dampf nach einem der Ansprüche 1 - 9 ausgeführt ist.
     


    Revendications

    1. Générateur de vapeur surchauffée (100), comprenant :

    une section de génération de vapeur surchauffée de type à chauffe par induction ou de type à chauffe électrique (10, 10A, 10B) conçue pour générer de la vapeur surchauffée par une chauffe de vapeur ; et

    une section d'information (8) configurée pour transmettre des informations de maintenance en utilisant, en tant que paramètre, une température de fonctionnement de la section de génération de vapeur surchauffée (10, 10A, 10B) et un temps de fonctionnement à la température de fonctionnement, dans lequel la section d'information (8) acquiert des données de température de fonctionnement indiquant la température de fonctionnement de la section de génération de vapeur surchauffée (10, 10A, 10B), et des données de temps de fonctionnement indiquant le temps de fonctionnement à la température de fonctionnement,

    la section d'information (8) convertit le temps de fonctionnement en un temps de fonctionnement à une température prédéterminée et intègre les valeurs converties, et

    la section d'information (8) transmet les informations de maintenance lorsqu'une valeur d'intégration dépasse une valeur seuil d'intégration prédéterminée.


     
    2. Générateur de vapeur surchauffée (100) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la section d'information (8) corrige la valeur d'intégration sur une base d'une quantité de génération de vapeur surchauffée dans la section de génération de vapeur surchauffée (10, 10A, 10B), et la section d'information (8) transmet les informations de maintenance lorsqu'une valeur d'intégration corrigée dépasse la valeur seuil d'intégration.
     
    3. Générateur de vapeur surchauffée (100) selon la revendication 1 ou la revendication 2, dans lequel la section d'information (8) est configurée pour convertir un temps de fonctionnement à 1200 °C et pour intégrer les valeurs converties.
     
    4. Générateur de vapeur surchauffée (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, dans lequel

    la section de génération de vapeur surchauffée comprend un tube conducteur (2, 11) qui permet un passage de la vapeur surchauffée, et

    la section d'information (8) est configurée pour transmettre les informations de maintenance indiquant un instant de remplacement du tube conducteur (2, 11).


     
    5. Générateur de vapeur surchauffée (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, dans lequel la section d'information (8) est configurée pour transmettre les informations de maintenance en utilisant, en tant que paramètre, un temps de fonctionnement à une température de fonctionnement à laquelle un taux de réduction de volume du tube conducteur (2, 11) atteint ou dépasse une valeur prédéterminée du fait d'un fonctionnement pendant une période de temps prédéterminée.
     
    6. Générateur de vapeur surchauffée (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, dans lequel la section d'information (8) spécifie une plage de température utilisée pour les informations de maintenance aux températures de fonctionnement de la section de génération de vapeur surchauffée (10, 10A, 10B), et utilise le temps de fonctionnement à la température de fonctionnement comprise dans la plage de température, en tant que le temps de fonctionnement à une température la plus élevée dans la plage de température.
     
    7. Générateur de vapeur surchauffée (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6, dans lequel la section de génération de vapeur surchauffée (10) comprend :

    une première section de génération de vapeur surchauffée (10A) du type à chauffe par induction conçue pour mettre en œuvre une chauffe par induction au moyen, en tant que serpentin secondaire, d'un premier tube conducteur (2) qui permet un passage de vapeur, et

    une seconde section de génération de vapeur surchauffée (10B) du type à chauffe électrique conçue pour chauffer davantage la vapeur surchauffée générée dans la première section de génération de vapeur surchauffée (10A) par une chauffe électrique d'un second tube conducteur (11) qui permet un passage de la vapeur surchauffée.


     
    8. Générateur de vapeur surchauffée (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 7, dans lequel la section d'information (8) est configurée pour transmettre les informations de maintenance indiquant un instant de remplacement du second tube conducteur (11).
     
    9. Générateur de vapeur surchauffée (100) selon la revendication 7, dans lequel

    la première section de génération de vapeur surchauffée (10A) génère de la vapeur surchauffée à une température inférieure à 1000 °C, et

    la seconde section de génération de vapeur surchauffée (10B) génère de la vapeur surchauffée à une température supérieure ou égale à 1000 °C.


     
    10. Procédé de maintenance d'un générateur de vapeur surchauffée (100) d'un type à chauffe par induction ou d'un type à chauffe électrique conçu pour générer de la vapeur surchauffée par une chauffe de vapeur, le procédé de maintenance comprenant l'étape consistant à :

    transmettre des informations de maintenance en utilisant, en tant que paramètre, une température de fonctionnement de la section de génération de vapeur surchauffée et un temps de fonctionnement à la température de fonctionnement,

    dans lequel l'étape de transmission d'informations de maintenance en utilisant, en tant que paramètre, une température de fonctionnement et un temps de fonctionnement consiste à :

    acquérir des données de température de fonctionnement indiquant la température de fonctionnement de la section de génération de vapeur surchauffée, et des données de temps de fonctionnement indiquant le temps de fonctionnement à la température de fonctionnement,

    convertir le temps de fonctionnement en un temps de fonctionnement à une température prédéterminée et intégrer les valeurs converties, et

    transmettre les informations de maintenance lorsqu'une valeur d'intégration dépasse une valeur seuil d'intégration prédéterminée.


     
    11. Procédé de maintenance selon la revendication 10, dans lequel le générateur de vapeur surchauffée (100) est conçu selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 9.
     




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    Cited references

    REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION



    This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

    Patent documents cited in the description