JP7714342B2 - Solid fuel pulverizer, power generation plant, and roller wear monitoring method - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to a solid fuel pulverizer, a power generation plant, and a method for monitoring roller wear.

Conventionally, solid fuels (carbon-containing solid fuels) such as coal and biomass fuel are pulverized into fine powder within a specified particle size range using a pulverizer (mill) and then supplied to a combustion device. In the mill, solid fuels such as coal and biomass fuel are fed onto a grinding table and crushed between the grinding table and grinding rollers. Conveying gas (primary air) is supplied from the periphery of the grinding table, and the finely pulverized solid fuel within a specified particle size range is separated using a classifier. The finely pulverized fuel is then transported to a boiler and burned in a combustion device. In thermal power plants, steam is generated by heat exchange with the combustion gas produced by burning the pulverized fuel in the boiler. This steam drives a steam turbine, which in turn drives a generator connected to the steam turbine, generating electricity.

Over time, the outer periphery of the rollers used in crushing, which come into contact with the solid fuel, wears over time. For this reason, the outer periphery of the rollers is manufactured from a highly wear-resistant material, but wear cannot be reduced to zero. As roller wear progresses, the engagement between the grinding table and the roller deteriorates, resulting in a decline in crushing performance. Furthermore, as roller wear progresses, the roller's thickness decreases, and its strength also decreases. For this reason, rollers with advanced wear must be repaired or replaced. Known methods for detecting the progression of roller wear include manually measuring the amount of wear during an internal inspection of the mill, and installing a detection device on the roller to detect wear (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Patent Document 1 discloses a mill that has an ultrasonic probe installed as a sensor inside the hollow support shaft that supports the grinding roller. The mill in Patent Document 1 measures the thickness (amount of wear) of the roller by transmitting an ultrasonic pulse from the ultrasonic probe and measuring the time it takes for the echo (the signal reflected from the surface of the grinding roller) to return from the bottom surface.

Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open Publication No. 60-148037

However, when sensors are installed inside the roller, they rotate with the roller, and there is no relative movement between the sensor and the roller surface, making it difficult to monitor the wear condition over a wide area of the roller surface. As a result, localized depressions may not be detected depending on their location. In response to this, increasing the number of sensors installed inside could lead to issues such as a decrease in roller strength, increased installation costs, and increased maintenance costs in the event of a sensor failure. In cases where the roller is small, it may be difficult to install sensors inside.

This disclosure was made in light of these circumstances, and aims to provide a solid fuel pulverizer, a power generation plant, and a roller wear monitoring method that can improve the accuracy of monitoring wear conditions.

A first aspect of the present disclosure is a solid fuel pulverizer comprising: a grinding table on which solid fuel is placed; a grinding roller that presses against and grinds the solid fuel placed on the grinding table; a journal head that supports the grinding roller and oscillates integrally with the grinding roller; and a monitoring unit that is fixed to the journal head and monitors the wear state of the outer surface of the grinding roller, wherein the monitoring unit is configured using a plurality of distance measuring sensors that measure the distance to the outer surface of the grinding roller, and includes a calculation unit that calculates the amount of wear of the grinding roller based on the measurement results of the distance measuring sensors .

A second aspect of the present disclosure is a roller wear monitoring method for a solid fuel pulverizer comprising a pulverizing table on which solid fuel is placed, a pulverizing roller that presses and pulverizes the solid fuel placed on the pulverizing table, and a journal head that supports the pulverizing roller and oscillates integrally with the pulverizing roller, the roller wear monitoring method being configured using a plurality of distance measuring sensors that measure the distance to the outer surface of the pulverizing roller, and including a calculation unit that calculates the wear amount of the pulverizing roller based on the measurement results of the distance measuring sensors, and using a monitoring unit fixed to the journal head to monitor the wear state of the outer surface of the pulverizing roller.

This disclosure has the effect of improving the accuracy of monitoring wear conditions.

1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a power plant according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a specific configuration example of a mill according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of wear of a roller according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a control device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. 1 is a diagram showing a specific configuration example including a roller surroundings monitoring mechanism according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 6 is a plan view of a specific example of the configuration around the monitoring unit in FIG. 5 . FIG. 6 is a detailed diagram of a specific example of the configuration around the monitoring unit in FIG. 5 . 1A and 1B are diagrams for explaining the measurement principle of an ultrasonic sensor. 1A and 1B are diagrams for explaining the measurement principle of an eddy current sensor. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a monitoring unit according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example in which sensors are arranged in a staggered pattern according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a cleaning unit according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an installation range of a monitoring unit according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of a wear monitoring process according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of introducing seal air according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating an example of a position adjustment mechanism in a monitoring unit according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating an example of a position adjustment mechanism for each sensor according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of installation of an auxiliary sensor according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram showing functions of a control device according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. 13 is a graph showing the relationship between the cumulative operation time and the wall thickness of the crushing roller according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. 13 is a graph showing the relationship between the cumulative operation time and the roller thickness when the type of solid fuel to be pulverized is changed according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a system for a maintenance plan according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

First Embodiment
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment of a solid fuel pulverizer, a power generation plant, and a roller wear monitoring method according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, the power plant 1 according to this embodiment includes a solid fuel pulverizer 100 and a boiler 200.
In the following explanation, "upper" refers to the vertically upward direction, and "upper" in terms such as upper part and upper surface refers to the vertically upward part. Similarly, "lower" refers to the vertically downward part, and the vertical direction is not precise and may include errors.

The solid fuel pulverizer 100 of this embodiment is a device that pulverizes solid fuel (carbon-containing solid fuel), such as coal or biomass fuel, to generate pulverized fuel and supply it to the burner (combustion device) 220 of the boiler 200. The power plant 1 including the solid fuel pulverizer 100 and boiler 200 shown in FIG. 1 is equipped with one solid fuel pulverizer 100, but the system may also be equipped with multiple solid fuel pulverizers 100 corresponding to each of the multiple burners 220 of a single boiler 200.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the solid fuel pulverizer 100 of this embodiment includes a mill (pulverizer) 10, a coal feeder (fuel supplier) 20, a blower (carrier gas supplier) 30, a status detector 40, and a control device 50.

The mill 10, which pulverizes solid fuel such as coal or biomass fuel to be supplied to the boiler 200 into finely divided solid fuel, may be of a type that pulverizes only coal, or only biomass fuel, or may be of a type that pulverizes biomass fuel together with coal.
Here, biomass fuel refers to a renewable organic resource derived from living organisms, such as thinned wood, scrap wood, driftwood, grass, waste, sludge, tires, and recycled fuels (pellets and chips) made from these materials, but is not limited to the ones listed here. Because biomass fuel absorbs carbon dioxide during the biomass growth process, it is considered carbon neutral and does not emit carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, and various uses of biomass fuel are being considered.

The mill 10 includes a housing (casing) 11 that forms the outer shell, a grinding table (rotary table) 12 on which solid fuel supplied into the housing is placed, rollers (grinding rollers) 13 that press and grind the solid fuel placed on the grinding table 12, a drive unit 14 that rotates the grinding table 12, a mill motor 15 that is connected to the drive unit 14 and rotates the grinding table 12, a rotary classifier 16, a fuel supply unit 17, and a classifier motor 18 that rotates the rotary classifier 16.
The housing 11 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending vertically, and is a housing that houses the grinding table 12, the rollers 13, the rotary classifier 16, and the fuel supply unit 17. The inner peripheral surface 11a of the housing 11 is substantially cylindrical, and a central axis C1 (see FIG. 2) extending in the vertical direction of the housing 11 substantially coincides with the central axes of the grinding table 12 and the rotary classifier 16, which will be described later.
A fuel supply unit 17 is attached to the center of the ceiling 42 of the housing 11. This fuel supply unit 17 supplies solid fuel guided from the bunker 21 into the housing 11, and is disposed vertically at the center of the housing 11 with its lower end extending into the interior of the housing 11.

A drive unit 14 is installed near the bottom 41 of the housing 11, and a mill motor 15 connected to the drive unit 14 transmits a driving force to the grinding table 12, which is rotatably disposed.
The grinding table 12 is a circular member in a plan view, and is disposed so that the lower end of the fuel supply unit 17 faces it. The upper surface of the grinding table 12 may, for example, have an inclined shape that is low in the center and rises toward the outside, with the outer periphery curved upward. The fuel supply unit 17 supplies solid fuel (in this embodiment, for example, coal or biomass fuel) from above toward the grinding table 12 below, and the grinding table 12 grinds the supplied solid fuel between itself and the rollers 13.

The grinding table 12 is also provided with a table liner 12a. The table liner 12a is installed on the upper surface of the grinding table 12 where the rollers 13 come into contact and press, protecting the grinding table 12 from wear associated with grinding the solid fuel. The table liner 12a is fixed to the grinding table 12 with a key or the like, and rotates together with the grinding table 12 due to the driving force transmitted from the drive unit 14, working in cooperation with the rollers 13 to grind the solid fuel.

When solid fuel is fed from the fuel supply unit 17 toward the approximate center of the grinding table 12, centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the grinding table 12 guides the solid fuel toward the outer periphery of the grinding table 12, where it is pinched between the rollers 13 and pulverized. The pulverized solid fuel is blown upward by carrier gas (hereinafter referred to as primary air) guided from the carrier gas flow path (hereinafter referred to as primary air flow path) 100a and directed to the rotary classifier 16. The primary air flow path 100a supplies primary air into the housing 11 via a primary air duct (carrier gas supply unit) 27 (see Figure 2) connected to the housing 11 below the grinding table 12. An outlet 25 is provided on the outer periphery of the grinding table 12, allowing primary air flowing in from the primary air flow path 100a to flow out into the space above the grinding table 12 within the housing 11. Vanes (swirl blades) 26 are installed in the outlet 25, which impart a swirling force to the primary air blown out from the outlet 25. The primary air given a swirling force by the vanes 26 becomes an airflow with a swirling velocity component, and guides the solid fuel pulverized on the grinding table 12 to the rotary classifier 16 located above in the housing 11. Of the pulverized solid fuel particles mixed with the primary air, those larger than a predetermined particle size are classified by the rotary classifier 16, or fall back to the grinding table 12 without reaching the rotary classifier 16 and are pulverized again.

The roller 13 is a rotating body that pulverizes the solid fuel supplied from the fuel supply unit 17 to the grinding table 12. The roller 13 is pressed against the upper surface of the grinding table 12 to pulverize the solid fuel in cooperation with the grinding table 12. The roller 13 is also provided with a monitoring unit 101, which will be described later. The roller 13 and the monitoring unit 101 will be described in detail later.
1 shows only one representative roller 13, but multiple rollers 13 are arranged facing each other at regular intervals in the circumferential direction so as to press against the upper surface of the rotary table 12. For example, three rollers 13 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction on the outer periphery, spaced apart by an angle of 120°. In this case, the portions of the three rollers 13 that come into contact with the upper surface of the rotary table 12 (pressing portions) are equidistant from the rotary center axis of the rotary table 12.

The roller 13 is capable of swinging (displacing) up and down by the journal head 45 and is supported so that it can move toward and away from the upper surface of the grinding table 12. When the grinding table 12 rotates, the roller 13 receives a rotational force from the grinding table 12 and rotates with it, with its outer circumferential surface in contact with the solid fuel on the upper surface of the grinding table 12. When solid fuel is supplied from the fuel supply unit 17, the solid fuel is pressed between the roller 13 and the grinding table 12 and pulverized into pulverized fuel.

The support arm 47 of the journal head 45 is supported on the side surface 11b of the housing 11 by a support shaft 48 whose middle section is horizontally aligned, allowing the roller 13 to swing up and down around the support shaft 48. A pressing device 49 is provided at the upper end, vertically above the support arm 47. The pressing device 49 is fixed to the housing 11 and applies a load to the roller 13 via the support arm 47, etc., so as to press the roller 13 against the grinding table 12.

The drive unit 14 is a device that transmits driving force to the grinding table 12, causing it to rotate around its central axis. The drive unit 14 is connected to the mill motor 15 and transmits the driving force of the mill motor 15 to the grinding table 12.

The rotary classifier 16 is mounted on the top of the housing 11 and has a hollow, roughly inverted cone-shaped exterior. The rotary classifier 16 is equipped with multiple blades 16a extending vertically around its outer periphery. Each blade 16a is mounted at a predetermined interval (evenly spaced) around the central axis of the rotary classifier 16. The rotary classifier 16 is a device that classifies the solid fuel (pulverized fuel) pulverized by the roller 13 into particles larger than a predetermined particle size (e.g., 70 to 100 μm for coal) (hereinafter, pulverized solid fuel exceeding the predetermined particle size will be referred to as "coarse pulverized fuel") and particles smaller than the predetermined particle size (hereinafter, pulverized solid fuel smaller than the predetermined particle size will be referred to as "fine pulverized fuel"). The rotary classifier 16, which classifies by rotation, is also called a rotary separator, and is given rotational driving force by a classifier motor 18 controlled by the control unit 51, and rotates around the fuel supply unit 17 around a central axis (not shown) that substantially coincides with the central axis C1 extending in the vertical direction of the housing 11. Note that the classifier may also be a fixed classifier equipped with a fixed, hollow, inverted cone-shaped casing and multiple fixed swirling vanes instead of blades 16a at the outer periphery of the casing.

When the pulverized solid fuel reaches the rotary classifier 16, due to the relative balance between the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the blades 16a and the centripetal force of the primary air flow, large diameter coarse pulverized fuel particles are knocked down by the blades 16a and returned to the pulverizing table 12 to be pulverized again, and the fine pulverized fuel is led to the outlet port (discharge section) 19 in the ceiling section 42 of the housing 11.
The pulverized fuel classified by the rotary classifier 16 is discharged together with the primary air from the outlet port 19 into the pulverized fuel supply passage 100b, and is transported together with the primary air to a subsequent process. The pulverized fuel flowing out into the pulverized fuel supply passage 100b is supplied to the burner 220 of the boiler 200. When the solid fuel is coal, the pulverized fuel supply passage 100b is also called a pulverized coal pipe.

The fuel supply unit 17 is attached so that its lower end extends vertically into the interior of the housing 11, penetrating the ceiling portion 42 of the housing 11. Solid fuel is fed from the top of the fuel supply unit 17 to the approximate center region of the grinding table 12. The fuel supply unit 17 receives solid fuel from the coal feeder 20.

The coal feeder 20 includes a transport unit 22 and a coal feeder motor 23. The transport unit 22 is, for example, a belt conveyor, and transports the solid fuel discharged from the lower end of the downspout unit 24 located directly below the bunker 21 by the driving force provided by the coal feeder motor 23 to the top of the fuel supply unit 17 of the mill 10, and inputs it into the fuel supply unit 17 of the mill 10. The amount of solid fuel supplied to the mill 10 is adjusted, for example, by changing the rotational speed of the coal feeder motor 23 to change the movement speed of the belt conveyor of the transport unit 22.
Normally, primary air is supplied to the inside of the mill 10 to transport pulverized fuel, which is pulverized solid fuel, to the burner 220, and the pressure is higher than that of the coal feeder 20 and the bunker 21. Fuel is held in a layered state inside the downspout 24, which is a pipe extending in the vertical direction directly below the bunker 21, and the layer of solid fuel stacked inside the downspout 24 ensures a seal that prevents the primary air and pulverized fuel on the mill 10 side from flowing back into the bunker 21 side.

Biomass fuel chips or pellets before crushing have a uniform particle size (pellets have a diameter of, for example, about 6 to 8 mm and a length of 40 mm or less) and are lightweight, compared to coal fuel (i.e., coal before crushing has a particle size of, for example, about 2 to 50 mm). Therefore, when biomass fuel is stored in downspout 24, the gaps formed between each biomass fuel are larger than in the case of coal fuel.
Therefore, compared to the case of coal fuel, relatively large gaps are formed between the biomass fuel chips and pellets in the downspout section 24, and therefore the primary air and pulverized fuel blown up from inside the mill 10 pass through the gaps formed in the solid fuel layer, causing a backflow of primary air and pulverized fuel from inside the mill 10 through the coal feeder 20 to the bunker 21, which can cause a drop in the pressure inside the mill 10, and this is more likely than in the case of coal fuel.
Furthermore, if the primary air and pulverized fuel flow back toward the bunker 21 and the pressure inside the mill 10 drops, various problems may occur in the stable operation of the solid fuel pulverizer 100 and boiler 200, such as a deterioration in the transportability of the pulverized fuel inside the mill 10, the generation of dust inside the coal feeder 20 and above the bunker 21, ignition of solid fuel inside the coal feeder 20, the bunker 21, and the downspout 24, and a decrease in the amount of pulverized fuel transported to the burner 220. For this reason, a rotary valve (not shown) may be provided midway in the fuel supply section 17 that leads from the coal feeder 20 to the inside of the mill 10 to suppress the occurrence of a backflow of primary air and pulverized fuel from inside the mill 10 through the coal feeder 20 to the bunker 21.

The blower 30 is a device that blows primary air into the housing 11 via the primary air duct 27 to dry the solid fuel pulverized by the rollers 13 and transport it to the rotary classifier 16 .
In order to appropriately adjust the flow rate and temperature of the primary air blown into the housing 11, in this embodiment, the blower 30 includes a primary air fan (PAF) 31, a hot gas flow path 30a, a cold gas flow path 30b, a hot gas damper 30c, and a cold gas damper 30d.

In this embodiment, the hot gas flow path 30a supplies a portion of the air (outside air) sent out from the primary air ventilator 31 as hot gas that has been heated by passing through a heat exchanger (heater) 34, such as an air preheater. A hot gas damper (first blower) 30c is provided downstream of the hot gas flow path 30a. The opening degree of the hot gas damper 30c is controlled by the control unit 51. The flow rate of the hot gas supplied from the hot gas flow path 30a is determined by the opening degree of the hot gas damper 30c.

The cold gas flow path 30b supplies a portion of the air sent out from the primary air ventilator 31 as cold gas at room temperature. A cold gas damper (second blower) 30d is provided downstream of the cold gas flow path 30b. The opening degree of the cold gas damper 30d is controlled by the control unit 51. The flow rate of the cold gas supplied from the cold gas flow path 30b is determined by the opening degree of the cold gas damper 30d.

In this embodiment, the flow rate of the primary air is the sum of the flow rate of the hot gas supplied from the hot gas flow path 30a and the flow rate of the cold gas supplied from the cold gas flow path 30b, and the temperature of the primary air is determined by the respective temperatures and mixing ratios of the hot gas supplied from the hot gas flow path 30a and the cold gas supplied from the cold gas flow path 30b, and is controlled by the control unit 51.
In addition, the oxygen concentration of the primary air blown into the inside of the housing 11 from the primary air flow path 100a can be adjusted by introducing a portion of the combustion gas discharged from the boiler 200 via a gas recirculation ventilator (not shown) into the hot gas supplied from the hot gas flow path 30a to form a mixture.

In this embodiment, the state detection unit 40 of the mill 10 transmits measured or detected data to the control device 50. The state detection unit 40 of this embodiment is, for example, a differential pressure measurement means, and measures the differential pressure of the mill 10 as the differential pressure between the pressure at the portion where primary air flows from the primary air flow path 100a into the housing 11 and the pressure at the outlet port 19 where the primary air and pulverized fuel are discharged from the housing 11 to the pulverized fuel supply flow path 100b. An increase or decrease in this differential pressure of the mill 10 corresponds to an increase or decrease in the amount of pulverized fuel circulating between the vicinity of the rotary classifier 16 inside the housing 11 and the vicinity of the grinding table 12 due to the classification effect of the rotary classifier 16. In other words, by adjusting the rotation speed of the rotary classifier 16 in accordance with the differential pressure of the mill 10, the amount of pulverized fuel discharged from the outlet port 19 can be adjusted relative to the amount of solid fuel supplied to the mill 10.Therefore, within the range where the particle size of the pulverized fuel does not affect the combustibility of the burner 220, an amount of pulverized fuel corresponding to the amount of solid fuel supplied to the mill 10 can be stably supplied to the burner 220 provided in the boiler 200.
The state detection unit 40 of this embodiment is, for example, a temperature measurement means that detects the temperature of the primary air supplied to the interior of the housing 11 (the temperature of the primary air at the mill inlet) and the temperature of the primary air from the space above the grinding table 12 inside the housing 11 to the outlet port 19, and controls the blower unit 30 so that the temperature does not exceed an upper limit temperature. The upper limit temperature is determined taking into consideration the possibility of ignition of the solid fuel, etc. The primary air is cooled inside the housing 11 by drying the pulverized fuel while transporting it, and the temperature of the primary air at the outlet port 19 is, for example, approximately 60 to 90 degrees.

The control device 50 performs various processes, such as controlling the solid fuel pulverizer 100. To this end, the control device 50 is equipped with a control unit 51 and a calculation unit 52.

The control unit 51 controls each component of the solid fuel pulverizer 100. The control unit 50 may, for example, transmit a drive command to the mill motor 15 to control the rotation speed of the pulverizer table 12. The control unit 50 may, for example, transmit a drive command to the classifier motor 18 to control the rotation speed of the rotary classifier 16 to adjust classification performance, thereby optimizing the differential pressure of the mill 10, i.e., the amount of pulverized fuel circulating within the mill 10, within a predetermined range, thereby ensuring a stable supply of pulverized fuel to the burner 220. The control unit 50 may also, for example, transmit a drive command to the coal feeder motor 23 of the coal feeder 20 to adjust the amount of solid fuel (coal feed amount) that the conveying unit 22 conveys and supplies to the fuel supply unit 17. The control unit 50 may also transmit an opening command to the blower unit 30 to control the opening of the hot gas damper 30c and the cold gas damper 30d to adjust the flow rate and temperature of the primary air. Specifically, the control device 50 controls the opening of the hot gas damper 30c and the cold gas damper 30d so that the flow rate of the primary air supplied to the interior of the housing 11 and the temperature of the primary air at the outlet port 19 reach predetermined values set in accordance with the amount of coal feed for each type of solid fuel.

The calculation unit 52 calculates the amount of wear of the roller 13 based on the measurement results of the distance measurement sensor described below. Details will be described later. Note that the function of the calculation unit 52 may be provided in a device (control device) separate from the monitoring unit 101 described below, as in this embodiment, or it may be provided in the monitoring unit 101 (distance measurement sensor).

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the control device 50 according to this embodiment.
As shown in Fig. 4, the control device 50 is a computer system including, for example, a CPU 1100, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 1200 for storing programs executed by the CPU 1100, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 1300 that functions as a work area when each program is executed, a hard disk drive (HDD) 1400 as a large-capacity storage device, and a communication unit 1500 for connecting to a network or the like. Note that a solid-state drive (SSD) may also be used as the large-capacity storage device. These units are connected via a bus 1800.

The control device 50 may also be equipped with an input unit consisting of a keyboard, mouse, etc., and a display unit consisting of a liquid crystal display device, etc., for displaying data.

Note that the storage medium for storing programs executed by the CPU 1100 is not limited to the ROM 1200. For example, it may be other auxiliary storage devices such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, or semiconductor memory.

A series of processing steps for realizing the various functions described below are recorded in the form of a program on the hard disk drive 1400 or the like. The CPU 1100 reads this program into the RAM 1300 or the like and executes information processing and arithmetic operations to realize the various functions described below. The program may be pre-installed in the ROM 1200 or other storage medium, provided in a state stored on a computer-readable storage medium, or distributed via wired or wireless communication means. Examples of computer-readable storage media include magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, and semiconductor memories.

Next, the boiler 200 that generates steam by burning the pulverized fuel supplied from the solid fuel pulverizer 100 will be described.
The boiler 200 includes a furnace 210 and a burner 220 .

The burner 220 is a device that burns pulverized fuel to form a flame using primary air containing pulverized fuel supplied from the pulverized fuel supply passage 100b and secondary air supplied by heating air (outside air) discharged from the forced draft fan (FDF) 32 in a heat exchanger 34. The pulverized fuel is burned in the furnace 210, and the high-temperature combustion gas passes through heat exchangers (not shown), such as an evaporator, superheater, and economizer, before being discharged outside the boiler 200.

The combustion gas discharged from the boiler 200 undergoes predetermined processing in an environmental device (such as a denitration device or an electrostatic precipitator, not shown), and then undergoes heat exchange in a heat exchanger 34, such as an air preheater, between air discharged from the primary air fan 31 and air discharged from the forced draft fan 32, and is then guided to a chimney (not shown) via an induced draft fan (IDF) 33 and released into the outside air. The air discharged from the primary air fan 31, heated by the combustion gas in the heat exchanger 34, is supplied to the above-mentioned hot gas flow path 30a.
The water supplied to each heat exchanger of the boiler 200 is heated in a coal economizer (not shown), and then further heated in an evaporator (not shown) and a superheater (not shown) to generate high-temperature, high-pressure steam. This steam is then sent to the power generation section, a steam turbine (not shown), to rotate and drive the steam turbine, which then rotates and drives a generator (not shown) connected to the steam turbine to generate electricity, thereby constituting the power generation plant 1.

Next, the roller 13 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
The roller 13 is supported by the housing 11 via a journal shaft 46, a journal head 45, and a support shaft 48 so as to be rotatable about a central axis C2.
3, the roller 13 includes a journal housing 63 rotatably supported on the tip of the journal shaft 46 (or simply the shaft), and a substantially annular roller portion 64 fitted onto the journal housing 63. The journal housing 63 is provided to cover the tip of the journal shaft 46, and has a cylindrical outer circumferential surface.

The roller portion 64 is formed in a generally annular shape. The roller portion 64 is fitted into the journal housing 63 so that its inner peripheral surface contacts the outer peripheral surface of the journal housing 63. When the grinding table 12 rotates with the outer peripheral surface of the roller portion 64 in contact with the solid fuel placed on the upper surface of the grinding table 12, the roller 13 receives a rotational force from the grinding table 12 and rotates along with it. The solid fuel is pinched between the upper surface of the grinding table 12 and the outer peripheral surface of the roller portion 64, thereby pulverizing the solid fuel. The roller portion 64 is pressed against the grinding table 12 by the pressing device 49, and the pressing force (e.g., hydraulic load) can be adjusted according to the amount and properties (ease of grinding) of the solid fuel supplied, enabling stable grinding of the solid fuel.

The dashed line L1 in Figure 3 indicates the progression of wear on the roller portion 64 in the early stages of wear. That is, Figure 3 shows an example in which, in the early stages, a portion P1 of the outer circumferential surface of the roller portion 64 on the base end side (i.e., the side opposite the tip end side) of the roller portion 64 is more worn than other portions. Here, the base end side refers to the outer circumferential side in the radial direction of the grinding table 12, and the tip end side refers to the side of the central axis C1 of the grinding table 12. The two-dot chain line L2 in Figure 3 indicates the progression of wear on the roller portion 64 in the final stages of wear. In this example, wear on the outer circumferential surface of the roller portion 64 spreads from the center P1, and the area facing the grinding table 12 is worn approximately uniformly overall. Similarly, the dashed line L3 in Figure 3 indicates the progression of wear on the table liner 12a in the early stages of wear, and the two-dot chain line L4 indicates the progression of wear on the table liner 12a in the final stages of wear. Note that, as an example, P1 has been described as a case where the base end of the roller portion 64 is more worn than other portions, but this is not limited to the base end of the roller portion 64. P1 varies on the outer circumferential surface of the roller portion 64 depending on the specifications and operating conditions of the mill 10.

Next, monitoring of the wear state of the roller 13 (roller portion 64) will be described.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a specific example of the configuration including a monitoring mechanism around the roller 13. Furthermore, FIG. 6 shows a plan view of a specific example (part) of the configuration around the monitoring unit 101 in FIG. 5, and FIG. 7 shows a detailed view of a specific example (part) of the configuration around the monitoring unit 101 in FIG. 5. As described above, the solid fuel pulverizing device 100 is provided with the pulverizing table 12, the journal head 45, the monitoring unit 101, and the control device 50. The roller 13 presses and pulverizes the solid fuel placed on the pulverizing table 12. The roller 13 is supported by the journal head 45, and the roller 13 and the journal head 45 oscillate and displace integrally. "Oscillate integrally" means that the roller 13 and the journal head 45 move integrally about the central axis C2.

The monitoring unit 101 is fixed to the journal head 45 and monitors the wear condition of the outer surface of the roller portion 64 of the roller 13. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the monitoring unit 101 is connected to the journal head 45 via a support 103. By fixing the monitoring unit 101 and journal head 45 using the support 103 as a fixture, the distance between the distance measuring sensor (described below) and the axis of the roller 13 can be kept constant even if the roller 13 oscillates or displaces during operation. In other words, the effects of the oscillation and displacement of the roller 13 can be suppressed, making it possible to measure the amount of wear on the roller 13. It is preferable that the installation structure of the monitoring unit 101 be highly rigid and installed so that the distance between the distance measuring sensor and the axis of the roller 13 does not change even with slight vibrations.

The information monitored (measured) by the monitoring unit 101 is output to the control device 50 via cable 104. Cable 104 is taken out of the housing 11. The power cables supplied to each distance measuring sensor (described below) of the monitoring unit 101 are laid in a similar manner. Because the monitoring unit 101 oscillates together with the rollers 13, it displaces relative to the fixed housing 11. For this reason, the cable 104 may be provided with a flexible section to absorb this displacement. Alternatively, a protective tube 105 may be provided to protect the cable 104, and the cable may be drawn out from the monitoring unit 101 through the inside of the protective tube 105. The protective tube 105 may also be provided with a flexible section (for example, a bellows tube). Signal transmission and power supply are not limited to wired systems and may be wireless systems.

The monitoring unit 101 is configured using multiple distance measurement sensors that measure the distance to the outer surface of the roller unit 64. Specifically, the distance measurement sensors are attached to the housing that constitutes the monitoring unit 101. A distance measurement sensor (hereinafter referred to as "sensor S") is a sensor S that measures the distance to an object. The configurations illustrated in Figures 5, 6, and 7 show an example in which 10 sensors S are provided (two rows of five sensors each), but the number of sensors S that can be installed is not limited.

Sensor S is of the eddy current or ultrasonic type. By using either the eddy current or ultrasonic type, it is possible to suppress the influence of dust and perform highly accurate distance measurements, even in environments with a high concentration of dust and suspended pulverized fuel, and to monitor the wear state, but the type of sensor S is not limited to the above. For example, distance sensors can be radio wave or optical, or they can be air gap sensors that measure the gap from changes in back pressure when high-pressure air is sprayed.

Figure 8 is a diagram explaining the measurement principle of ultrasonic sensor S. In ultrasonic sensors, sound waves (transmitted waves) generated by an internal piezoelectric element or MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems; a device that integrates tiny electronic circuits and mechanical elements on a single substrate) are transmitted to the target. The time (ToF) taken for the wave to reflect from the target (reflected wave) and return to sensor S is then measured. The distance L is then calculated from the speed of sound and ToF. Because sound waves are used, they are less susceptible to the effects of dust particles and dirt on the sensor S along the way, and are also capable of detecting non-metallic structures.

Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the measurement principle of eddy current sensor S. Eddy current sensor S oscillates an internal coil by applying a specific high-frequency wave, generating a high-frequency magnetic field around sensor S. If there is metal in front of the coil, the high-frequency magnetic field excites eddy currents on the metal surface. Note that the material is not limited to metal; any conductor can also be used. The current amplitude (oscillation amplitude) flowing through the coil inside sensor S varies depending on the magnitude of the eddy current excited in the metal (eddy current loss). The magnitude of the eddy current depends on the distance between sensor S and the metal; the closer the sensor, the larger the eddy current (smaller the oscillation amplitude on the sensor S side) and the farther the distance, the smaller the eddy current (larger the oscillation amplitude on the sensor S side). Therefore, by rectifying and outputting this signal, the distance between sensor S and the metal can be calculated. Eddy current sensors are characterized by their high heat resistance and excellent resolution.

In this way, the sensor S fixed to the outside of the roller 13 measures the distance between the sensor S and the outer surface of the roller 13 (roller portion 64). Each sensor S measures a predetermined area on the outer surface of the roller portion 64. The calculation unit 52 then converts the measured distance into the amount of wear. It is preferable that measurements be made continuously. For example, when installing the mill 10 or the monitoring unit 101, the distance between the sensor S and the outer surface of the roller portion 64 is measured when there is no wear on the roller portion 64, and this is set as the reference distance. Then, when wear has progressed due to use of the roller 13, the distance between the sensor S and the outer surface of the roller portion 64 is measured and set as the measured distance. The amount of wear on the roller 13 (roller portion 64) is then calculated based on the difference between the reference distance and the measured distance.

Furthermore, because the roller 13 rotates during operation, it is possible to monitor the wear state of the roller 13 (roller portion 64) in the circumferential direction even if the sensor S is fixed. In other words, by synchronizing the distance measurement data with the rotation of the roller 13, it is possible to identify which position on the outer surface of the roller portion 64 in the circumferential direction is the measurement target for the fixed sensor S (i.e., which part of the roller portion 64 in the circumferential direction is closest to the sensor S), thereby monitoring the wear state of the outer surface of the roller portion 64 in the circumferential direction. For example, synchronization with the rotation of the roller 13 can be achieved based on the number of rotations of the roller 13 (number of rotations per unit time). Note that while this embodiment describes a case in which the monitoring unit 101 is fixed, the monitoring unit 101 may also be configured to be movable in the circumferential direction of the roller portion 64.

As shown in FIG. 5, the monitoring unit 101 is provided with a protector 102 to protect against falling solid fuel. Inside the mill 10, solid fuel supplied from the fuel supply unit 17 and coarsely pulverized fuel classified by the classifier and returned to the grinding table 12 fall vertically downward. For this reason, it is preferable to provide a protector 102 above the monitoring unit 101. That is, when viewed from above, the monitoring unit 101 is covered by the protector 102. This makes it possible to protect the monitoring unit 101 from falling solid fuel and the like. It is preferable that the protector 102 be supported at multiple points to protect against collisions with solid fuel and the like. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the protector 102 is preferably supported by support members from the top of the monitoring unit 101, as well as support members from the side of the monitoring unit 101 and support members from the support 103.

In cases where the protector 102 is not necessary, the monitoring unit 101 may have a structure in which the vertical upper surface is inclined relative to the horizontal. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the upper surface of the monitoring unit 101 is inclined (inclined surface 106), which can prevent solid fuel and the like from accumulating on the monitoring unit 101. The upper surfaces of the support 103 and protector 102 may also be inclined.

Next, the arrangement of the sensor S will be described.
5, a plurality of sensors S are provided in the axial direction of the roller 13. This makes it possible to measure a plurality of areas on the outer surface of the roller portion 64 in the axial direction.

Furthermore, in the monitoring unit 101, a set of sensors S (hereinafter referred to as a "sensor group") is also provided in the circumferential direction of the roller unit 64. Specifically, a plurality of sensors S arranged in the rotational axis direction (axial direction) of the roller 13 constitutes one sensor group. A plurality of such sensor groups are arranged in the circumferential direction of the roller unit 64. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, five sensors S are included in the sensor group, and a case will be described as an example in which these sensor groups are arranged in two rows. Note that there is no limitation on the number of sensors included in the sensor group, and there is also no limitation on the number of rows. There may be only one row.

Sensors S adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the roller portion 64 are located at the same position in the axial direction of the roller 13. In other words, by providing multiple rows of sensor groups, the sensors S are arranged in a grid pattern. Because the roller 13 rotates in the circumferential direction, arranging the sensor groups in multiple rows improves redundancy. For example, even if one of the sensors S fails, the sensors S in the other rows can monitor the wear state at the same axial position. By providing redundancy, it is possible to multiplex the measurements of multiple sensors S, so that if one sensor S receives an abnormal signal such as a disturbance, the other sensors can compensate. When multiplexing, if the difference in measurement results at the same axial position exceeds a threshold, it may be determined that an abnormality has occurred.

Figure 6 illustrates an example in which sensors S are arranged in a grid pattern, but as shown in Figure 11, sensors S may also be arranged in a staggered pattern. Specifically, multiple sensor groups are arranged in the circumferential direction of the roller portion 64, and adjacent sensors S in the circumferential direction are positioned at different locations in the direction of the rotation axis. Figure 11 illustrates a case in which three rows are arranged. In this way, by having sensors S in adjacent sensor groups in the axial direction positioned at different locations, the number of measurement points in the axial direction increases, allowing for more detailed monitoring of the outer surface.

It is also possible to combine grid and staggered sensor arrangements.

Next, cleaning of the roller 13 will be described.
Because the roller 13 crushes the solid fuel, there is a possibility that deposits may be attached to the roller 13 (roller portion 64). For this reason, as shown in Fig. 12, a cleaning unit 107 that cleans deposits from the roller portion 64 is provided upstream of the monitoring unit 101 in the rotation direction of the roller 13. By providing the cleaning unit 107 upstream of the monitoring unit 101 in the rotation direction of the roller 13, deposits on the surface of the roller portion 64 can be cleaned after crushing and before measurement by the sensor S. This suppresses the influence of deposits, allowing the sensor S to perform more accurate measurement.

The cleaning unit 107 is configured using, for example, a brush. In this case, cleaning is performed mechanically by the brush. The brush may be fixed to the monitoring unit 101 or the like and cleaning may be performed by rotating the roller 13, or the brush may be actively moved to perform cleaning. Since brushes and the like wear out, they may be designed to automatically or manually remove worn material. The cleaning method is not limited to a brush; a spatula-shaped scraper may also be used, or cleaning may be performed by spraying gas such as seal air or purge air.

Next, the installation position of the monitoring unit 101 will be described.
Since the roller 13 pulverizes the solid fuel, it is preferable to install a monitoring unit 101 taking into consideration the behavior of the solid fuel on the rotary table 12. The monitoring unit 101 is disposed within a range of 90° to 315° with respect to the direction of rotation of the roller 13, with the point at which the roller unit 64 and the rotary table 12 are closest defined as 0°. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the installation range of the monitoring unit 101. As shown in FIG. 13, the point at which the roller unit 64 and the rotary table 12 are closest is defined as the pulverization point, since the solid fuel is pulverized at this point. The pulverization point is defined as 0° with respect to the direction of rotation of the roller 13.

In this case, the range from -45° (i.e., 315°) to 90°, which includes the crushing point, is close to the crushing point, and solid fuel and the like may bounce off the crushing table 12. Therefore, it is preferable to install the monitoring unit 101 (i.e., the structure that makes up the monitoring unit 101) within the range of 90° to 315°. This makes it possible to prevent damage to the monitoring unit 101 from solid fuel that bounces off when the solid fuel is crushed by the rollers 13.

Next, an example of the wear monitoring process will be described with reference to FIG. 14. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for the wear monitoring process according to this embodiment. The flow shown in FIG. 14 is executed repeatedly at a predetermined control cycle, for example, when the solid fuel pulverizer 100 is operating. The flow in FIG. 14 may also be started when a start command is manually issued by an operator, etc.

First, each sensor S provided in the monitoring unit 101 measures the distance from the sensor S to the outer surface of the roller 13 (roller portion 64) (S101). Multiple sensors S provided in the direction of the rotation axis of the roller 13 measure at different positions in the axial direction on the outer surface of the roller portion 64.

Next, the amount of wear on the roller 13 (roller portion 64) is calculated based on the measurement results of each sensor S (S102). This allows the amount of wear at multiple different positions in the axial direction on the outer surface of the roller portion 64 to be obtained.

The amount of wear is calculated in this manner, but by executing the above flow (at least S101) at different times, the amount of wear can also be monitored on the circumferential outer surface of the roller portion 64.

The measured wear amount is analyzed, for example, to determine the progress of wear on the roller 13 (roller portion 64) and to estimate when it is time to replace it.

As described above, in the solid fuel pulverizer, power generation plant, and roller wear monitoring method according to this embodiment, a monitoring unit 101 that monitors the wear state of the roller 13 (roller portion 64) is fixed to the journal head 45, which supports the roller 13 and oscillates integrally with the roller 13. This makes it possible to prevent changes in the distance between the outer surface of the roller 13 (roller portion 64) and the monitoring unit 101. This makes it possible to maintain an appropriate distance between the roller 13 (roller portion 64) and the monitoring unit 101, preventing fluctuations in the distance measurement origin and improving the accuracy of monitoring the wear state. Even if the monitoring unit 101 malfunctions, it can be replaced without removing the roller 13. This method can also be applied to small rollers 13 used in small mills 10.

Furthermore, by using the number of rotations of the roller 13 as a basis, it is possible to grasp the rotational state of the roller 13 and monitor the wear state of the outer surface of the roller 13 (roller portion 64) in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, the measured data may contain noise due to electromagnetic noise from the sensor or wiring, or from deposits on the surface of the roller 13. The influence of noise can be reduced by measuring the same location multiple times based on the number of rotations of the roller 13 and performing processing such as taking the average value.

In addition, by providing the monitoring unit 101 with a protector 102 to protect against falling solid fuel, it is possible to prevent damage to the monitoring unit 101. By tilting the vertical upper surface of the monitoring unit 101 relative to the horizontal, it is possible to prevent solid fuel and the like from accumulating on the monitoring unit 101.

A group of sensors S is made up of multiple sensors arranged in the axial direction of the roller 13, and multiple such sensor groups are arranged in the circumferential direction of the roller 13 (roller portion 64). Adjacent sensors S in the circumferential direction are located at the same position in the axial direction. Therefore, the sensors S are arranged in a grid pattern. Because the roller 13 rotates in the circumferential direction, arranging multiple rows of sensor groups improves redundancy.

Multiple sensors S arranged in the direction of the rotational axis of the roller 13 constitute a sensor group, and multiple such sensor groups are arranged in the circumferential direction of the roller 13 (roller portion 64). Adjacent sensors S in the circumferential direction are positioned at different positions in the direction of the rotational axis. For this reason, the sensors S are arranged, for example, in a staggered pattern. By varying the positions in the direction of the rotational axis, the number of measurement points increases, allowing for more detailed monitoring of the outer surface.

By providing a cleaning unit 107 upstream of the roller 13 in the direction of rotation, which cleans off any deposits on the roller 13 (roller portion 64), it is possible to further improve monitoring accuracy.

The monitoring unit 101 is positioned within a range of 90° to 315° in the direction of rotation of the roller 13, with 0° being the point where the roller 13 (roller unit 64) and the grinding table 12 are closest to each other. This prevents the monitoring unit 101 from being damaged by solid fuel that splashes off when the solid fuel is ground by the roller 13.

Second Embodiment
Next, a solid fuel pulverizer, a power generation plant, and a roller wear monitoring method according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.
In this embodiment, a case where seal air is introduced will be described. The solid fuel pulverizing apparatus, the power generation plant, and the roller wear monitoring method according to this embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

The interior of the mill 10 is a dusty atmosphere due to the pulverized fuel. Therefore, there is a possibility that dust may be floating between the sensor S and the roller 13 (roller portion 64). For this reason, the monitoring unit 101 is equipped with an injection unit 108 that injects gas (seal air) between the monitoring unit 101 and the outer surface of the roller portion 64. Figure 15 is a diagram showing an example of the injection of seal air. In this embodiment, the injected gas is seal air (air), but any gas with a lower dust concentration than the dust concentration inside the mill 10 can also be used. Injecting seal air between the sensor S and the roller 13 (roller portion 64) (i.e., within the measurement range of the sensor S) can dilute the concentration of floating dust, improving measurement accuracy. Because the seal air is cooler than the normal atmosphere, it also contributes to cooling the sensor S, which is expected to improve the sensor's lifespan.

When injecting seal air, an enclosure member 109 may be provided as shown in Figure 15. The enclosure member 109 is configured to enclose the space between the roller unit 64 and the sensor S, which includes the range in which seal air is injected and the measurement range of the sensor S. A predetermined gap is left between the enclosure member 109 and the roller unit 64, and the injected seal air escapes from this gap to the outside. Therefore, the dust concentration in the area enclosed by the enclosure member 109 is kept low by the seal air. Furthermore, by providing the enclosure member 109, the amount of seal air consumed can be reduced due to the chamber effect.

As described above, in the solid fuel pulverizer, power generation plant, and roller wear monitoring method according to this embodiment, gas is injected between the monitoring unit 101 and the outer surface of the roller 13 (roller unit 64). This allows gas to be supplied between the monitoring unit 101 and the outer surface of the roller unit 64 even if the interior of the solid fuel pulverizer 100 is a dusty atmosphere, thereby improving measurement accuracy.

Third Embodiment
Next, a solid fuel pulverizer, a power generation plant, and a roller wear monitoring method according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.
In this embodiment, a case will be described in which a position adjustment mechanism 110 is provided in the monitoring unit 101. The following will mainly describe the differences between the solid fuel pulverizer, the power generation plant, and the roller wear monitoring method according to this embodiment and the first and second embodiments.

The measurable range (measurable range) of the sensor S is determined by the measurement method and specifications of the sensor S. However, as the roller 13 (roller portion 64) wears, the surface of the roller portion 64 gradually moves away from the sensor S. Depending on the degree of wear, this may exceed the measurable range of the sensor S, making measurement impossible. Therefore, in this embodiment, a position adjustment mechanism 110 for the monitoring unit 101 is provided.

Specifically, the monitoring unit 101 is provided with a position adjustment mechanism 110 that allows for position adjustment in the radial direction of the roller unit 64. Figure 16 is a diagram showing an example of the position adjustment mechanism 110 in the monitoring unit 101. That is, the position adjustment mechanism 110 for the monitoring unit 101 is provided at the connection between the support 103 and the monitoring unit 101. For example, bolt holes or the like are provided so that the position of the monitoring unit 101 can be adjusted in the radial direction of the roller unit 64 relative to the support 103. If wear progresses, monitoring can be continued by moving the monitoring unit 101 closer to the roller unit 64 using the position adjustment mechanism 110. When bolt holes are used, they may also be elongated holes that allow for free position adjustment.

The configuration of the position adjustment mechanism 110 is not limited to the above. That is, as long as the configuration allows for radial position adjustment of the roller unit 64, it is not limited to bolt holes or the like. Furthermore, the position adjustment may be performed manually, or automatically upon detecting that the wear amount detected by one or more sensors S exceeds a measurement range or a predetermined value. In this case, the position adjustment amount is adjusted so that it is equal to or less than the wear amount of the sensor S with the smallest wear amount among the sensors S provided in the corresponding monitoring unit 101, thereby preventing contact between the roller 13 and the monitoring unit 101. Therefore, it is preferable that the drive device be driven by a hydraulic cylinder, electric motor, or the like, which can analogically position and hold the roller 13 at any position.

The position adjustment amount (amount of movement) by the position adjustment mechanism 110 is set based on the measurable range of the sensor S and the maximum amount of wear of the roller 13 (roller portion 64). Specifically, it is preferable to set the position adjustment amount from the initial position to a distance equal to or greater than the distance from the initial position of the sensor S to the outer surface when the roller portion 64 is at its maximum wear, minus the maximum measurable range of the sensor S. The initial position is, for example, the position in the position adjustment mechanism 110 where the monitoring unit 101 is farthest from the roller portion 64.

By providing a position adjustment mechanism 110 as shown in Figure 16, it is possible to adjust the position of the monitoring unit 101 as a whole.

On the other hand, each sensor S may be individually provided with a position adjustment mechanism 111. Specifically, the monitoring unit 101 is provided with a position adjustment mechanism 111 that enables adjustment of the position of each sensor S relative to the radial direction of the roller unit 64. Figure 17 is a diagram showing an example of the position adjustment mechanism 111 for each sensor S. That is, for example, nuts 112 or the like are provided so that each sensor S can be positioned radially relative to the roller unit 64. That is, the sensor S is cylindrical, with a spiral groove formed along the cylindrical surface, and is fixed by two nuts 112 that sandwich the side wall of the housing of the monitoring unit 101. The position of each sensor S can be adjusted vertically by loosening the nuts 112. If wear progresses, monitoring can be continued by moving each sensor S closer to the roller unit 64 using the position adjustment mechanism 111.

The configuration of the position adjustment mechanism 111 for each sensor S is not limited to the above. In other words, as long as the configuration allows for position adjustment in the radial direction of the roller portion 64, it is not limited to methods using nuts 112, etc. Furthermore, position adjustment may be performed manually, or the position may be adjusted automatically when the amount of wear detected by the sensor S exceeds the measurement range or a predetermined value. In this case, adjusting the position of a sensor S does not affect other sensors S, so positioning at an arbitrary position is not necessary. However, since it is necessary to provide a position adjustment mechanism 111 for each of the multiple sensors S, it is preferable that it be driven by a pneumatic microcylinder, solenoid, piezoelectric motor, etc., which can be manufactured in a compact size.

The position adjustment amount (movement amount) by the position adjustment mechanism 111 is set in the same way as the position adjustment mechanism 110 of the monitoring unit 101. The order of priority when performing position adjustment is as follows: first, the position adjustment mechanism 110 adjusts the position of the monitoring unit 101 as a whole, and then the position adjustment mechanism 111 adjusts the position of each sensor S.

It is preferable that these position adjustment mechanisms 110, 111 be equipped with stoppers that can be fixed to prevent their position from being easily changed by vibration or thermal expansion. Furthermore, if the position adjustment is performed manually, it is performed when the solid fuel pulverizer 100 is stopped, so it is preferable to combine it with a sensor S with a measurement range longer than the amount of wear on the roller portion 64 that is expected during the stop interval.

When position adjustment is performed, the distance from sensor S to the outer surface of roller portion 64 at the initial position can be calculated by adding the distance from sensor S to the outer surface of roller portion 64 after position adjustment and the amount of position adjustment from the initial position. This makes it possible to calculate the amount of wear on roller 13 (roller portion 64) even when position adjustment is performed. For this reason, the position adjustment mechanisms 110, 111 may be provided with scales or the like so that the amount of position adjustment from the initial position can be confirmed.

When position adjustment is performed, calibration may be performed so that the sensor S after position adjustment measures the amount of wear that has occurred after the position adjustment. In this case, the total amount of wear can be calculated by adding the additional amount of wear (measurement results) to the amount of wear up to just before the position adjustment (cumulative amount of wear).

If the roller 13 is replaced with a new one, the sensor position is adjusted to a location where measurement is possible again (for example, the initial position).

As described above, the solid fuel pulverizer, power generation plant, and roller wear monitoring method according to this embodiment are provided with a position adjustment mechanism 110 that allows for radial position adjustment of the roller 13 (roller portion 64), making it possible to adjust the position of the monitoring unit 101 relative to the roller portion 64. This allows the monitoring unit 101 to more reliably monitor the wear state even if the roller portion 64 becomes worn.

By providing a position adjustment mechanism 111 that allows the position of each sensor S to be adjusted in the radial direction of the roller 13 (roller portion 64), it is possible to adjust the position of each sensor S relative to the roller portion 64. This allows the monitoring unit 101 to more reliably monitor the wear state even if the roller portion 64 becomes worn. In particular, because the position of each sensor S can be adjusted even if wear progresses locally on the surface of the roller portion 64, position adjustment is possible more flexibly.

Fourth Embodiment
Next, a solid fuel pulverizer, a power generation plant, and a roller wear monitoring method according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.
In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the measurement results obtained by the sensor S are corrected. The following will mainly describe the differences between the solid fuel pulverizer, the power generation plant, and the roller wear monitoring method according to this embodiment and the first, second, and third embodiments.

Because the monitoring unit 101 is fixed to the journal head 45, which oscillates integrally with the roller 13, the distance between the roller 13 (roller unit 64) and the monitoring unit 101 is ideally kept constant. However, in reality, the member is not rigid but elastic, so the position of the monitoring unit 101 relative to the roller unit 64 may fluctuate very temporarily, for example, when foreign matter mixed in the fuel becomes caught during solid fuel crushing, causing excessive displacement acceleration. In such cases, the distance measured by the sensor S is affected, so a correction is made in this embodiment.

Specifically, the monitoring unit 101 includes an auxiliary distance sensor (auxiliary sensor Sa) and a correction unit 56. The auxiliary sensor Sa measures the distance to a portion that is not worn due to the pulverization of solid fuel that rotates with the roller unit 64. The portion that is not worn due to the pulverization of solid fuel that rotates with the roller unit 64 is, for example, the wheel portion 113 of the roller unit 64. In this embodiment, the portion is described as the wheel portion 113, but it is not limited to the wheel portion 113 as long as it is not worn due to the pulverization of solid fuel that rotates with the roller unit 64. However, this portion must be integral with the roller unit 64, which is the measurement target, or be highly rigidly coupled to it, and must be a location that is minimally displaced by elastic deformation with the roller unit 64 even when excessive acceleration occurs. Figure 18 shows an example of the installation of the auxiliary sensor Sa. The auxiliary sensor Sa is provided in the monitoring unit 101 and measures the distance to the wheel portion 113, which is not subject to wear.

The correction unit 56 corrects the measurement results of each sensor S based on the measurement results of the auxiliary sensor Sa. Specifically, when the mill 10 is newly installed or when the auxiliary sensor Sa is installed, the distance between the auxiliary sensor Sa and the wheel portion 113 (auxiliary reference distance) is measured. Then, the measurement results of the auxiliary sensor Sa are referenced during operation. If the measurement result is equal to the auxiliary reference distance (the measurement result is within the range of the auxiliary reference distance ± the specified distance), no correction is made to the measurement results of the sensor S. On the other hand, if the measurement result is not equal to the auxiliary reference distance (the measurement result is not within the range of the auxiliary reference distance ± the specified distance), the correction is made to the measurement results of the sensor S. Specifically, the value obtained by subtracting the auxiliary reference distance from the measurement result of the auxiliary sensor Sa is added to the measurement result of each sensor S. This makes it possible to derive the amount of wear taking into account short-term fluctuations in the distance between the monitoring unit 101 and the roller portion 64. Note that the correction method is not limited to the above, as long as it takes the auxiliary reference distance into account.

As described above, the solid fuel pulverizer, power generation plant, and roller wear monitoring method according to this embodiment make it possible to grasp this short-term positional fluctuation. Therefore, by correcting the measurement results of each sensor S based on the measurement results of the auxiliary sensor Sa, it becomes possible to perform measurements using the sensors S taking into account short-term positional fluctuations of the roller 13 relative to the journal head 45.

Fifth Embodiment
Next, a solid fuel pulverizer, a power generation plant, and a roller wear monitoring method according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.
The solid fuel pulverizer, power generation plant, and roller wear monitoring method according to this embodiment will be described below, focusing on differences from the first, second, third, and fourth embodiments.

The control device 50 estimates the remaining life of the roller 13 (roller unit 64). In other words, the control device 50 functions as a remaining life estimation system for the roller unit 64, which pulverizes solid fuel between itself and the grinding table 12. Note that the remaining life estimation system function may be provided in a device separate from the control device 50.

Figure 19 is a functional block diagram showing the remaining life estimation functions of the control device 50. As shown in Figure 19, the control device 50 includes an estimation unit 53, a prediction unit 54, and a planning unit 55.

The estimation unit 53 estimates the remaining life of the roller 13 (roller unit 64) based on wear information (information related to the amount of wear on the roller unit 64 monitored by the monitoring unit 101). The remaining life may be estimated by the control device 50, or an operator or supervisor may separately create a graph of the progress of wear and estimate the time remaining until the end of life. The control device 50 may also display the estimated remaining life on a display or other display unit.

The prediction unit 54 predicts the future transition of the remaining life from the transition of the remaining life estimated by the estimation unit 53 based on a database in which the operating state of the solid fuel pulverizer 100 and the remaining life transition characteristics corresponding to the operating state are previously stored, and a database accumulated during current operation. The remaining life transition characteristics are information indicating the characteristics of the remaining life that transition depending on the operating state, and specifically, are curved characteristics (or may be linear) as shown in Figure 20 a, b, and c. That is, the database stores past and present operating information of the solid fuel pulverizer 100. The database may store past operating data of the solid fuel pulverizer 100 whose life is to be estimated, or past operating data of other solid fuel pulverizers 100 with similar configurations. In addition to actual operating data, virtually simulated data may also be stored in the database. The database may be provided in the control device 50 (storage unit) or in a separate device. The operating conditions include at least one of the type of solid fuel (coal type information, fuel type information, etc.), the amount of solid fuel supplied (amount of coal supplied), the hydraulic load on the rollers 13 (pressing force of the rollers 13 against the grinding table 12), the accumulated operating time of the solid fuel grinding device 100, and the operating load of the solid fuel grinding device 100. Note that the operating conditions are not limited to the above and can include any parameter that affects the lifespan of the rollers 13.

Specifically, the prediction unit 54 references the database to select data on operating conditions similar to the operating conditions of the solid fuel pulverizer 100 for which remaining life is to be estimated, and selects and acquires remaining life transition characteristics corresponding to the similar operating condition data. Similar operating condition data refers to operating conditions that are estimated to have a similar remaining life impact to the operating conditions of the solid fuel pulverizer 100 for which remaining life is to be estimated. For example, when selecting an operating condition using the type of solid fuel, an operating condition that includes a solid fuel that is estimated to have a similar impact on changes in wear information (such as the amount of wear at each measurement position) over operating time from the perspective of remaining life impact to the solid fuel of the solid fuel pulverizer 100 for which remaining life is to be estimated is considered to be a similar operating condition. Note that a priority order for similarity judgment may be set for each parameter of the operating condition, and similarity judgment may be performed for parameters with a higher priority order (e.g., the type of solid fuel).

Figure 20 shows an example of remaining life transition characteristics selected under similar operating conditions for the roller 13 (roller portion 64) of the solid fuel pulverizer 100 for which remaining life estimation is being performed. Figure 20 shows an example in which characteristics a, b, and c are selected as remaining life transition characteristics. Figure 20 also shows remaining life estimation results E1 (first estimation result), E2 (second estimation result), and En (nth estimation result) based on roller thickness measurement information performed on the solid fuel pulverizer 100 for which remaining life estimation is being performed.

The prediction unit 54 identifies, from the selected remaining life transition characteristics (a, b, c), the remaining life transition characteristics (a, b, c) having a roller thickness transition characteristic similar to the transition characteristic E of the remaining life estimation result performed on the roller 13 (roller unit 64) of the solid fuel pulverizer 100 for which remaining life estimation is being performed. In the example of FIG. 20 , the transition characteristics E1 to En from the roller thickness measurement information are similar to characteristic c, so characteristic c is identified. For example, the similarity determination may be made based on whether the transition characteristics of the roller thickness (or wear amount) with respect to cumulative time match within a predetermined range. Matching within a predetermined range may be, for example, within ±10%, and more preferably within ±5%, except for measurement information (roller thickness or wear amount) that is deemed to be obviously erratic.
When characteristic c is identified, it is estimated that the remaining life characteristic of the solid fuel pulverizer 100 being the subject of remaining life estimation will change in the future as indicated by characteristic c, and will reach the life end time Tb. By using a past database excluding currently measured data in this way, it is possible to predict the future change in remaining life taking into account the operating state of the solid fuel pulverizer 100, thereby enabling more accurate remaining life estimation. The transition characteristic E of the remaining life estimation result performed on the roller 13 (roller unit 64) of the solid fuel pulverizer 100 being the subject of remaining life estimation may be the transition characteristic from the time the mill 10 was newly installed to the present, the transition characteristic over a predetermined period of time from the present, or the transition characteristic from a time when the operating state changed significantly (for example, when the type of solid fuel was changed) to the present.

As in the example of Figure 20, even if the transition characteristics of the remaining life estimation results of the roller 13 (roller unit 64) performed on the solid fuel pulverizer 100 for which remaining life estimation is being performed do not completely correspond to the selected remaining life transition characteristics, a similar transition characteristic can be selected from the selected remaining life transition characteristics. Furthermore, if there is no transition characteristic in the past database that is similar to the transition characteristics of the remaining life estimation results performed on the roller 13 (roller unit 64) of the solid fuel pulverizer 100 for which remaining life estimation is being performed, a prediction can be made based on the selected remaining life transition characteristic. For example, in Figure 20, if the transition characteristics of the remaining life estimation results of the roller 13 (roller unit 64) of the solid fuel pulverizer 100 for which remaining life estimation is being performed are located between characteristics a and b with the ratio of the difference between characteristic a and characteristic b, the future remaining life transition of the roller 13 (roller unit 64) of the solid fuel pulverizer 100 for which remaining life estimation is being performed can be predicted based on characteristics a and b. In this case, for example, the midpoint between characteristics a and b is generated at a proportional ratio between the difference from the characteristic a side and the difference from the characteristic b side, and the remaining life transition is predicted.

The processing by the prediction unit 54 (selection of similar operating conditions in the database, selection of remaining life transition characteristics having transition characteristics similar to the transition characteristics of the remaining life estimation results performed on the roller 13 (roller unit 64) of the solid fuel pulverizer 100 that is the target of remaining life estimation for the selected remaining life transition characteristics, and prediction of future remaining life transitions based on the selected remaining life transition characteristics) may be performed using a preset algorithm, or may be appropriately performed using AI.

21, for example, when switching between solid fuels A, B, and C, which are types of solid fuel (coal grades) that have different degrees of influence on the wear of the roller 13, the amount of wear can be estimated from the measurement information of the roller thickness each time the coal grade is switched, and the remaining life relative to the cumulative operating time can be evaluated. Therefore, the replacement cycle of the roller 13 can be extended beyond the remaining life estimated from the measurement results of the conventional internal inspection.
In other words, in the past, the remaining life (wear limit) was predicted based on wear measurement results (wear amount) obtained during internal inspections, assuming that wear would progress at approximately the same rate as before (see the dashed line in the graph). In contrast, in this embodiment, the wear amount of the roller wall thickness can be measured sequentially over the cumulative operating time, and the wear amount can be estimated each time each coal type is switched, allowing for accurate remaining life prediction (see the dashed line in the graph in Figure 21). Therefore, as shown in Figure 21, compared to the past, it is now possible to fully use up the thickness of the roller 13 (roller portion 64) by X minutes on the vertical axis of the graph. Furthermore, the operating time until the roller 13 replacement cycle can be extended by Y minutes on the horizontal axis of the graph.

The planning unit 55 creates a maintenance plan based on the estimated remaining life transition characteristics. Specifically, the remaining life estimated by the estimation unit 53 and the remaining life estimated by the prediction unit 54 indicate the point in the future at which the life will be reached, and so the planning unit 55 creates a maintenance plan. Note that, as described above, it is possible to more accurately estimate the remaining life transition characteristics, making it possible to create a plan with a margin of error regarding the lifespan.

The planning unit 55 creates a maintenance plan, for example, a predetermined period before the estimated end of life. The predetermined period is set based on the period required for safe and stable maintenance, such as the time from arranging for the rollers 13 to be maintained to the time required for replacement. The maintenance plan includes, for example, at least one of the maintenance timing, an operating method for adjusting the maintenance timing, and load sharing adjustment among the multiple solid fuel pulverizers 100.

The maintenance timing is the time (recommended time) for replacing the roller 13, which is set based on the estimated remaining life transition characteristics. The maintenance timing is set, for example, by adding a certain margin to the estimated end of life.

An operating plan for adjusting the maintenance timing is an operating plan for the solid fuel pulverizer 100, and is intended to adjust the time until the maintenance timing. For example, if the maintenance timing has already been set and is later than the estimated end of life, an operating plan is planned to extend the life. Specifically, this could involve changing the type of solid fuel or reducing the fineness of the solid fuel. By optimizing the operating conditions, it is possible to extend the life more safely and perform maintenance at an appropriate time. Note that if the preset maintenance timing is earlier than the estimated end of life, an operating plan may be planned to increase the load on the solid fuel pulverizer 100 (the amount of solid fuel to be pulverized).

Load sharing adjustment among multiple solid fuel pulverizers 100 refers to appropriately adjusting the load sharing among multiple solid fuel pulverizers 100 installed in the power plant 1. For example, load sharing adjustments are planned for each solid fuel pulverizer 100 in order to synchronize the maintenance timing of multiple solid fuel pulverizers 100 or to set the timing in stages (so that maintenance intervals are equal for multiple solid fuel pulverizers 100). For example, if the predicted end of life for one of multiple solid fuel pulverizers 100 is earlier than that of the other solid fuel pulverizers 100, the load on that solid fuel pulverizer 100 can be reduced and the load transferred to the other solid fuel pulverizers 100, thereby adjusting the end of life of the multiple solid fuel pulverizers 100 to coincide.

Figure 22 is an example of a system related to maintenance planning. As shown in Figure 22, remaining life estimation information for the solid fuel pulverizer 100 is aggregated in an information aggregation system 1010 on the user side, and the information aggregated in the aggregation system is acquired on the equipment manufacturer's server 1020, plans are made in the planning system 1030, and proposals are made to the user. Note that Figure 22 illustrates an example in which the planning unit 55 is provided on the equipment manufacturer's side as the planning system 1030, but it may also be provided on the user's side of the solid fuel pulverizer 100.

As described above, the solid fuel pulverizer, power generation plant, and roller wear monitoring method according to this embodiment estimate the remaining life of the roller 13 (roller portion 64) based on the amount of wear on the roller 13 (roller portion 64). This allows for improved accuracy in estimating the remaining life, even in response to fluctuations in the operating state of the solid fuel pulverizer 100 equipped with the roller 13. By estimating the remaining life more accurately, maintenance (replacement, etc.) of the roller 13 (roller portion 64) can be performed at a more appropriate time. In other words, the roller 13 can be used for a longer period of time, reducing the frequency of maintenance. This reduces maintenance costs and also improves the operating rate of the solid fuel pulverizer 100.

By using a database that associates operating conditions with remaining life transition characteristics, future remaining life transitions can be predicted from the remaining life transitions estimated by the estimation unit 53. This allows for more accurate prediction of future remaining life transitions, allowing maintenance (replacement, etc.) of the rollers 13 to be performed at a more appropriate time. In other words, the rollers 13 can be used for a longer period of time, reducing the frequency of maintenance. This reduces maintenance costs. Furthermore, the operating rate of the solid fuel pulverizer 100 can be improved.

At least one of the following information is used as the operating condition: type of solid fuel, cumulative operating time, and operating load. Information on the type of solid fuel, cumulative operating time, and operating load are factors that affect the remaining lifespan. Therefore, it is possible to effectively predict the future progression of the remaining lifespan.

By creating a maintenance plan based on the estimated remaining lifespan, maintenance can be planned with ample time to spare. This improves the availability of the solid fuel pulverizer 100. The maintenance plan can include, for example, maintenance timing, operating methods for adjusting maintenance timing (such as changing the type of solid fuel), and load sharing adjustments among multiple solid fuel pulverizers.

The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is also possible to combine the various embodiments. In other words, the above-described first, second, third, fourth, and fifth embodiments can also be combined with each other.

For example, the gap between the roller 13 (roller unit 64) and the grinding table 12 is adjusted to a specified gap so that they do not come into direct contact when solid fuel is not being fed. When adjusting this gap, it is first necessary to find the most convex points on the roller unit 64 and the most convex points on the grinding table 12, and then align these positions to achieve the specified gap. As in each embodiment, the uneven state of the roller unit 64 can be monitored by the monitoring unit 101, which reduces the effort required to find convex points when adjusting the gap. In each embodiment, the monitoring unit 101 is provided for the roller 13, but by also providing a monitoring unit 101 for the grinding table 12, it is also possible to find convex points on the grinding table 12.

Once the unevenness of the roller portion 64 and the grinding table 12 has been determined, gap adjustments can be performed during operation. Specifically, the amount of wear on the most convex portion of the roller portion 64 and the amount of wear on the most convex portion of the table liner 12a are detected, and the roller gap is adjusted to decrease by the sum of these amounts. Gap adjustments can be performed manually or automatically. For example, adjustments can be made by using a hydraulic motor to rotate the gap bolt (a mechanism that adjusts the gap between the roller 13 and the grinding table 12) to decrease the roller gap by a predetermined amount. Alternatively, the gap bolt can be marked with a scale and moved by the predetermined scale amount when a predetermined amount of wear is reached.

The solid fuel may be biomass fuel or PC (Petroleum Coke) fuel generated during oil refining, or a mixture of these solid fuels may be used. The monitoring unit 101 may not be installed on the journal head 45, but may be installed on a separate component that is integral with the journal head 45 or highly rigidly connected to it. In other words, the monitoring unit 101 may be attached to the journal shaft 46, for example, as long as it is a component that oscillates and displaces integrally with the roller 13. Alternatively, the monitoring unit 101 may be attached with a separate component sandwiched between it and the journal head 45.

The solid fuel pulverizer, the power generation plant, and the roller wear monitoring method described in the above-described embodiments can be understood, for example, as follows.
The solid fuel pulverizing device (100) according to the present disclosure comprises a pulverizing table (12) on which solid fuel is placed, a pulverizing roller (13) that presses against and pulverizes the solid fuel placed on the pulverizing table (12), a journal head (45) that supports the pulverizing roller (13) and oscillates and displaces integrally with the pulverizing roller (13), and a monitoring unit (101) that is fixed to the journal head (45) and monitors the wear condition of the outer surface of the pulverizing roller (13).

In the solid fuel pulverizer (100) disclosed herein, a monitoring unit (101) that monitors the wear state of the pulverizer roller (13) is fixed to the journal head (45), which supports the pulverizer roller (13) and oscillates (displaces) integrally with the pulverizer roller (13). This makes it possible to prevent changes in the distance between the outer surface of the pulverizer roller (13) and the monitoring unit (101). This makes it possible to maintain an appropriate distance between the pulverizer roller (13) and the monitoring unit (101), improving the accuracy of monitoring the wear state.

In addition, since the monitoring unit (101) is fixed to the journal head (45) and the crushing roller (13) rotates, the monitoring unit (101) can also monitor the circumferential wear condition of the crushing roller (13).

In the solid fuel pulverizer (100) according to the present disclosure, the monitoring unit (101) may monitor the wear condition of the outer surface of the pulverizer roller (13) in the circumferential direction based on the rotation speed of the pulverizer roller (13).

The solid fuel pulverizer (100) disclosed herein makes it possible to grasp the rotational state of the pulverizer roller (13) based on the rotation speed of the pulverizer roller (13) and monitor the wear state of the outer surface of the pulverizer roller (13) in the circumferential direction.

The solid fuel pulverization device (100) according to the present disclosure may be configured so that the monitoring unit (101) is provided with a protector (102) to protect against falling solid fuel.

In the solid fuel pulverization device (100) disclosed herein, the monitoring unit (101) is provided with a protector (102) to protect against falling solid fuel, thereby making it possible to prevent damage to the monitoring unit (101).

In the solid fuel pulverization device (100) according to the present disclosure, the monitoring unit (101) may have an upper surface in the vertical direction that is inclined relative to the horizontal direction.

In the solid fuel pulverization device (100) disclosed herein, the vertical upper surface of the monitoring unit (101) is inclined relative to the horizontal direction, thereby preventing solid fuel and the like from accumulating on the monitoring unit (101).

In the solid fuel pulverizer (100) disclosed herein, the monitoring unit (101) is configured using multiple distance measuring sensors (S) that measure the distance to the outer surface of the pulverizer roller (13), and may also include a calculation unit (52) that calculates the amount of wear on the pulverizer roller (13) based on the measurement results of the distance measuring sensors (S).

In the solid fuel pulverizer (100) disclosed herein, the monitoring unit (101) is configured with a distance sensor (S), making it possible to monitor the wear condition of the outer surface of the pulverizer roller (13). The amount of wear can then be calculated in the calculation unit (52).

In the solid fuel pulverization device (100) according to the present disclosure, the distance measurement sensor (S) may be of an eddy current type or an ultrasonic type.

In the solid fuel pulverizer (100) disclosed herein, the distance sensor (S) is an eddy current or ultrasonic type, making it possible to monitor the wear condition even in an environment with a high dust concentration.

In the solid fuel pulverizer (100) according to the present disclosure, the monitoring unit (101) may have a plurality of distance measuring sensors (S) arranged in the direction of the rotation axis of the pulverizer roller (13) as a set of sensors, with the plurality of sensor groups arranged in the circumferential direction of the pulverizer roller (13), and the distance measuring sensors (S) adjacent in the circumferential direction may be positioned at the same position in the direction of the rotation axis.

In the solid fuel pulverizer (100) of the present disclosure, multiple distance measuring sensors (S) arranged in the direction of the rotation axis constitute a sensor group, and multiple such sensor groups are arranged in the circumferential direction. Adjacent distance measuring sensors in the circumferential direction are located at the same position in the direction of the rotation axis. Therefore, the distance measuring sensors (S) are arranged in a grid pattern. Because the pulverizer roller (13) rotates in the circumferential direction, arranging the sensor groups in multiple rows improves redundancy.

In the solid fuel pulverizer (100) according to the present disclosure, the monitoring unit (101) may have a plurality of distance measuring sensors (S) arranged in the axial direction of the pulverizer roller (13) as a set of sensors, with the plurality of sensor groups arranged in the circumferential direction of the pulverizer roller (13), and adjacent distance measuring sensors (S) in the circumferential direction may be positioned at different positions in the axial direction.

In the solid fuel pulverizer (100) according to the present disclosure, multiple distance measuring sensors (S) are arranged in the direction of the rotation axis, forming a sensor group, and multiple such sensor groups are arranged in the circumferential direction. Adjacent distance measuring sensors (S) in the circumferential direction are located at different positions in the direction of the rotation axis. Therefore, the distance measuring sensors (S) are arranged, for example, in a staggered pattern. By varying the positions in the direction of the rotation axis, the number of measurement points increases, allowing for more detailed monitoring of the outer surface.

The solid fuel pulverizer (100) according to the present disclosure may also be provided with a cleaning unit (107) that cleans deposits from the pulverizer roller (13) upstream of the monitoring unit (101) in the rotation direction of the pulverizer roller (13).

The solid fuel pulverizer (100) disclosed herein has a cleaning unit (107) located upstream of the pulverizer roller (13) in the rotational direction, which cleans off any deposits on the pulverizer roller (13), thereby further improving monitoring accuracy.

In the solid fuel pulverizer (100) according to the present disclosure, the monitoring unit (101) may include an injection unit (108) that injects gas between the monitoring unit (101) and the outer surface of the pulverizer roller (13).

In the solid fuel pulverizer (100) disclosed herein, gas is injected between the monitoring unit (101) and the outer surface of the pulverizer roller (13). This allows gas to be supplied between the monitoring unit (101) and the outer surface of the pulverizer roller (13) even if the interior of the mill (10) is a dusty atmosphere, improving measurement accuracy. A gas with a lower dust concentration than the dust concentration inside the mill (10) is used.

In the solid fuel pulverizer (100) according to the present disclosure, the monitoring unit (101) may be positioned within a range of 90° to 315° relative to the rotation direction of the pulverizer roller (13), with the point at which the pulverizer roller (13) and the pulverizer table (12) are closest being defined as 0°.

In the solid fuel pulverization device (100) of the present disclosure, the monitoring unit (101) is positioned within a range of 90° to 315° relative to the rotation direction of the pulverization roller (13), with 0° being the point where the pulverization roller (13) and the pulverization table (12) are closest to each other. This prevents damage to the monitoring unit (101) caused by solid fuel splashed off when the solid fuel is pulverized by the pulverization roller (13).

In the solid fuel pulverizer (100) according to the present disclosure, the monitoring unit (101) may be provided with a position adjustment mechanism (110) that enables position adjustment in the radial direction of the pulverizer roller (13).

As wear of the crushing roller (13) progresses, the distance between the outer surface of the crushing roller (13) and the monitoring unit (101) increases, potentially exceeding the monitoring range of the monitoring unit (101). Therefore, by providing a position adjustment mechanism (110) that allows for radial position adjustment of the crushing roller (13), it becomes possible to adjust the position of the monitoring unit (101) relative to the crushing roller (13). This allows the monitoring unit (101) to more reliably monitor the wear state even as wear progresses.

In the solid fuel pulverizer (100) according to the present disclosure, the monitoring unit (101) may be provided with a position adjustment mechanism (111) that enables adjustment of the position of each distance measuring sensor (S) in the radial direction of the pulverizer roller (13).

In the solid fuel pulverizer (100) disclosed herein, the distance between the outer surface of the pulverizer roller (13) and the monitoring unit (101) increases, potentially exceeding the monitoring range of the monitoring unit (101). Therefore, by providing a position adjustment mechanism (111) that enables adjustment of the position of each distance measuring sensor (S) in the radial direction of the pulverizer roller (13), it becomes possible to adjust the position of each distance measuring sensor (S) relative to the pulverizer roller (13). This allows the monitoring unit (101) to more reliably monitor the wear state even as wear progresses. In particular, because the position of each distance measuring sensor (S) can be adjusted even if wear progresses locally on the surface of the pulverizer roller (13), more flexible position adjustment is possible.

The solid fuel pulverizer (100) according to the present disclosure may also include an estimation unit (53) that estimates the remaining life of the pulverizer roller (13) based on the amount of wear detected by the monitoring unit (101).

The solid fuel pulverizer (100) according to the present disclosure estimates the remaining life of the pulverizer roller (13) based on the amount of wear on the pulverizer roller (13). This allows for improved accuracy in estimating the remaining life, even in response to fluctuations in the operating state of the solid fuel pulverizer (100) equipped with the pulverizer roller (13). By estimating the remaining life more accurately, maintenance (e.g., replacement) of the pulverizer roller (13) can be performed at a more appropriate time. This means that the pulverizer roller (13) can be used for a longer period of time, reducing the frequency of maintenance. This, in turn, reduces maintenance costs. Furthermore, the operating rate of the solid fuel pulverizer (100) can be improved.

The solid fuel pulverizer (100) according to the present disclosure may also include a prediction unit (54) that predicts future remaining life transitions from the remaining life transitions estimated by the estimation unit (53) based on a database in which operating states and remaining life transition characteristics corresponding to the operating states are stored in advance.

According to the solid fuel pulverizer (100) of the present disclosure, by using a database in which operating conditions and remaining life transition characteristics are associated, future remaining life transitions can be predicted from the transitions of remaining life estimated by the estimation unit (53). Future remaining life transitions can be predicted more accurately, and maintenance (e.g., replacement) of the pulverizer roller (13) can be performed at more appropriate times. In other words, the pulverizer roller (13) can be used for a longer period of time, thereby reducing the frequency of maintenance. This reduces maintenance costs. Furthermore, the availability of the solid fuel pulverizer (100) can be improved.

In the solid fuel pulverization device (100) disclosed herein, the operating status may include at least one of information regarding the type of solid fuel, cumulative operating time, and operating load.

The solid fuel pulverizer (100) disclosed herein uses at least one of the following information as the operating condition: type of solid fuel, cumulative operating time, and operating load. Information about the type of solid fuel, cumulative operating time, and operating load are factors that affect the remaining lifespan. Therefore, it is possible to effectively predict the future progression of the remaining lifespan.

The solid fuel pulverizer (100) according to the present disclosure may also be equipped with a planning unit (55) that creates a maintenance plan based on the estimated remaining life.

With the solid fuel pulverizer (100) disclosed herein, a maintenance plan can be created based on the estimated remaining lifespan, allowing for ample planning for maintenance timing. This improves the availability of the solid fuel pulverizer (100). The maintenance plan can include, for example, the timing of maintenance, an operating plan for adjusting the maintenance timing (e.g., changing the type of solid fuel), and load sharing adjustments among multiple solid fuel pulverizers.

In the solid fuel pulverization device (100) according to the present disclosure, the monitoring unit (101) may include an auxiliary distance measuring sensor (Sa) that measures the distance to a portion of the pulverization roller (13) that is not worn due to the pulverization of the solid fuel, and a correction unit (56) that corrects the measurement results of each distance measuring sensor (S) based on the measurement results of the auxiliary distance measuring sensor (Sa).

Because the monitoring unit (101) is fixed to a journal head (45) that oscillates and displaces integrally with the crushing roller (13), the distance between the crushing roller (13) and the monitoring unit (101) is ideally kept constant. However, there is a possibility that the position of the monitoring unit (101) may fluctuate in the short term relative to the crushing roller (13) during the crushing of solid fuel. In such cases, this short-term positional fluctuation can be grasped by measuring the distance to a portion of the crushing roller (13) that is not worn by the crushing of solid fuel. Therefore, by correcting the measurement results of each ranging sensor (S) based on the measurement results of the auxiliary ranging sensor (Sa), it is possible to perform measurements using the ranging sensors (S) that take into account short-term positional fluctuations of the crushing roller (13) relative to the monitoring unit (101). An example of a portion of the crushing roller (13) that is not worn by the crushing of solid fuel is the wheel portion (113) of the crushing roller (13).

The power generation plant (1) according to the present disclosure includes the above-described solid fuel pulverizer (100) and a boiler (200) that generates steam by burning the solid fuel pulverized by the solid fuel pulverizer (100).

The roller wear monitoring method disclosed herein is a method for monitoring roller wear in a solid fuel pulverizer (100) that includes a crushing table (12) on which solid fuel is placed, a crushing roller (13) that presses against and crushes the solid fuel placed on the crushing table (12), and a journal head (45) that supports the crushing roller (13) and oscillates and displaces integrally with the crushing roller (13), and uses a monitoring unit (101) fixed to the journal head (45) to monitor the wear state of the outer surface of the crushing roller (13).

1: Power generation plant 10: Mill 11: Housing 11a: Inner peripheral surface 11b: Side portion 12: Table (grinding table)
12a: Table liner 13: Roller (crushing roller)
14: Drive unit 15: Mill motor 16: Rotary classifier 16a: Blade 17: Fuel supply unit 18: Classifier motor 19: Outlet port 20: Coal feeder 21: Bunker 22: Conveyor unit 23: Coal feeder motor 24: Downspout unit 25: Air outlet 26: Vane 27: Primary air duct 30: Blower unit 30a: Hot gas flow path 30b: Cold gas flow path 30c: Hot gas damper (first blower unit)
30d: Cold gas damper (second blower)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 31: Primary air ventilator 32: Forced draft ventilator 34: Heat exchanger 40: State detection unit 41: Bottom 42: Ceiling 45: Journal head 46: Journal shaft 47: Support arm 48: Support shaft 49: Pressing device 50: Control device 51: Control unit 52: Calculation unit 53: Estimation unit 54: Prediction unit 55: Planning unit 56: Correction unit 63: Journal housing 64: Roller unit 100: Solid fuel pulverization device 100a: Primary air flow path 100b: Pulverized fuel supply flow path 101: Monitoring unit 102: Protector 103: Support 104: Cable 105: Protective tube 106: Inclined surface 107: Cleaning unit 108: Input unit 109: Enclosure member 110: Position adjustment mechanism 111: Position adjustment mechanism 112: Nut 113 : Wheel portion 200 : Boiler 210 : Furnace 220 : Burner 1010 : Information aggregation system 1020 : Server 1030 : Planning system 1100 : CPU
1200: ROM
1300: RAM
1400: Hard disk drive 1500: Communication unit 1800: Bus S: Sensor (distance measurement sensor)
Sa: Auxiliary sensor (auxiliary distance measurement sensor)

Claims (19)

a grinding table on which the solid fuel is placed;
a crushing roller that presses and crushes the solid fuel placed on the crushing table;
a journal head that supports the crushing roller and swings integrally with the crushing roller;
a monitoring unit fixed to the journal head for monitoring the wear state of the outer surface of the crushing roller;
Equipped with
the monitoring unit is configured using a plurality of distance measuring sensors that measure the distance to the outer surface of the crushing roller,
The solid fuel pulverizer includes a calculation unit that calculates the amount of wear of the pulverizing roller based on the measurement results of the distance measuring sensor . The solid fuel pulverizer according to claim 1, wherein the monitoring unit monitors the wear condition of the outer surface of the pulverizer roller in the circumferential direction based on the rotation speed of the pulverizer roller. A solid fuel pulverizer as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the monitoring unit is provided with a protector to protect against falling solid fuel. A solid fuel pulverizer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the monitoring unit has a vertical upper surface that is inclined relative to the horizontal. 2. The solid fuel pulverizer according to claim 1 , wherein the distance measuring sensor is of an eddy current type or an ultrasonic type. In the monitoring unit, a plurality of the distance measuring sensors arranged in the direction of the rotation axis of the pulverizing roller are treated as a set of sensors, and the sensor groups are arranged in multiple groups in the circumferential direction of the pulverizing roller, and adjacent distance measuring sensors in the circumferential direction are positioned at the same position in the direction of the rotation axis. In the monitoring unit, a plurality of the distance measuring sensors arranged in the direction of the rotation axis of the pulverizing roller are treated as a set of sensors, and the sensor groups are arranged in multiple groups in the circumferential direction of the pulverizing roller, and adjacent distance measuring sensors in the circumferential direction are positioned at different positions in the direction of the rotation axis. 8. The solid fuel pulverizer according to claim 1, further comprising a cleaning unit that cleans deposits from the pulverizer roller, the cleaning unit being located upstream of the monitoring unit in the rotation direction of the pulverizer roller. 9. The solid fuel pulverizer according to claim 1, wherein the monitoring unit includes an injection unit that injects gas between the monitoring unit and the outer surface of the pulverizing roller. The solid fuel pulverizer according to any one of claims 1 to 9 , wherein the monitoring unit is arranged within a range of 90° to 315° with respect to the rotation direction of the pulverizer roller, with 0° being the point where the pulverizer roller and the pulverizer table are closest to each other. 11. The solid fuel pulverizer according to claim 1, wherein the monitoring unit is provided with a position adjustment mechanism that enables adjustment of the position of the monitoring unit in the radial direction of the pulverizing roller. 2. The solid fuel pulverizer according to claim 1 , wherein the monitoring unit is provided with a position adjustment mechanism that enables adjustment of the position of each of the distance measuring sensors in the radial direction of the pulverizing roller. 13. The solid fuel pulverizer according to claim 1 , further comprising an estimation unit that estimates a remaining life of the pulverizing roller based on the amount of wear detected by the monitoring unit. A solid fuel pulverizer as described in claim 13, further comprising a prediction unit that predicts future remaining life transitions based on the remaining life transitions estimated by the estimation unit, based on a database in which operating states and remaining life transition characteristics corresponding to the operating states are stored in advance . 15. The solid fuel pulverizer according to claim 14 , wherein the operating conditions include at least one of information regarding the type of the solid fuel, cumulative operating time, and operating load. The solid fuel pulverizer according to any one of claims 13 to 15 , further comprising a planning unit that creates a maintenance plan based on the estimated remaining life. The monitoring unit
an auxiliary distance measuring sensor that measures the distance to a portion of the crushing roller that is not worn due to crushing of the solid fuel;
a correction unit that corrects the measurement results of each of the distance measuring sensors based on the measurement results of the auxiliary distance measuring sensor;
6. The solid fuel pulverizer according to claim 1, further comprising: A solid fuel pulverizer according to any one of claims 1 to 16 ,
a boiler that burns the solid fuel pulverized by the solid fuel pulverizer to generate steam;
A power plant comprising: 1. A method for monitoring roller wear of a solid fuel pulverizer comprising: a pulverizer table on which solid fuel is placed; a pulverizer roller that presses and pulverizes the solid fuel placed on the pulverizer table; and a journal head that supports the pulverizer roller and swings integrally with the pulverizer roller,
A roller wear monitoring method that is configured using multiple distance measuring sensors that measure the distance to the outer surface of the crushing roller, and is equipped with a calculation unit that calculates the amount of wear of the crushing roller based on the measurement results of the distance measuring sensors, and monitors the wear state of the outer surface of the crushing roller using a monitoring unit that is fixed to the journal head.