A tobacco automatic continuous solid state fermentation line and method of use

Abstract

The application provides a tobacco automatic continuous solid-state fermentation line and a use method, comprising a feeding unit, a spraying and mixing unit, a fermentation liquid preparation unit, a fermentation unit and a discharging unit, wherein the fermentation unit is adjusted through a large-span speed ratio to realize rapid cleaning and slow fermentation and realize the continuity of the fermentation process; the fermentation liquid preparation unit is configured through a pipeline and a container to realize the compatible configuration of bacterial liquid and enzyme liquid, improve the equipment utilization, realize the on-site preparation of fermentation liquid and improve the flexibility of the experiment; the feeding unit is adjusted through a large-span speed ratio to realize the rapidness and continuity of the humidification and detection of tobacco raw materials. After the overall coordination, the automatic tobacco fermentation equipment is formed, and problems such as fermentation liquid preparation, fermentation speed control, raw material humidification and feeding speed control are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to tobacco fermentation lines, and more specifically, to an automated continuous solid-state tobacco fermentation line and its method of use. Background Technology

[0002] Tobacco fermentation refers to the process of fermenting tobacco raw materials, such as tobacco leaves, shredded tobacco, or tobacco stems. The fermentation liquid usually uses bacterial liquid or biological enzymes. After fermentation for a set period of time, the tobacco raw materials enter the subsequent processes for further processing to make tobacco products.

[0003] Traditional methods of static fermentation, such as fermentation tanks and fermentation chambers, are usually inefficient and require frequent material transfers, which is not conducive to the automation transformation of production lines.

[0004] The establishment of tobacco fermentation production lines has significantly improved the compatibility between the fermentation process and the overall tobacco production line, increased production efficiency, and even enabled unmanned operation.

[0005] Currently, existing tobacco fermentation production lines generally include a feeding unit, a spraying and mixing unit, a fermentation unit, and a discharging unit.

[0006] There are several problems:

[0007] First, the fermentation broth is purchased finished fermentation broth and directly mixed with tobacco raw materials through a spray mixing unit. This method is suitable for use in large-scale, homogeneous product lines. In the research field, it is usually necessary to analyze the impact of fermentation broth with different components on the fermentation process. Therefore, how to realize the on-site preparation of fermentation broth and its use in conjunction with the fermentation production line becomes the first problem.

[0008] Secondly, tobacco fermentation takes time, and the tobacco fermentation line is a conveyor system based on a conveyor belt, which is dynamic and conflicts with the fermentation process in terms of time. Traditional production equipment has large-scale facilities available, with ample space and equipment before and after fermentation, and can carry out continuous operations such as buffering and fermentation. However, in small production lines in the laboratory, the fermentation line's conveyor system needs to have an extremely high speed ratio, capable of switching between extremely low and extremely high speeds, which raises the second problem in the design of the conveyor system.

[0009] Third, the fermentation raw materials need to reach a set humidity level before fermentation can begin. Existing production lines use tobacco raw materials that have reached the humidity standard. In the research field, tobacco raw materials usually do not have a pre-treatment process, so it is necessary to rely on the feeding unit to humidify the raw materials. How to dynamically achieve this function has become the third problem that needs to be solved.

[0010] In order to solve the above problems, people have been seeking an ideal technological solution. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by providing an automated continuous solid-state fermentation line and its usage method for tobacco raw materials, which features automatic humidification and detection, continuous and uninterrupted fermentation with minimal external interference, and flexible preparation of fermentation liquid.

[0012] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: an automatic continuous solid-state fermentation line for tobacco, comprising a fermentation unit, wherein the fermentation unit includes a fermentation chamber and a multi-layer conveyor belt disposed in the fermentation chamber;

[0013] The multi-layer conveyor belts are staggered at both ends to continuously receive falling materials.

[0014] The first speed-changing drive mechanism includes a geared motor, a first forward ratchet, a first reverse ratchet, a second forward ratchet, a second reverse ratchet, several matching gears and a chain. The first forward ratchet and the first reverse ratchet are coaxially mounted on the output shaft of the geared motor, and the second forward ratchet and the second reverse ratchet are coaxially mounted on the drive shaft end of the multi-layer conveyor belt. The first forward ratchet and the first reverse ratchet operate in opposite directions.

[0015] The geared motor rotates in the forward direction, and drives the multi-layer conveyor belt to run through the gears and chain matched with the first forward ratchet and the second forward ratchet, forming a low-speed variable speed transmission group;

[0016] The geared motor reverses direction, and through the gears and chain matched with the first reverse ratchet and the second reverse ratchet, it drives the multi-layer conveyor belt to run, forming a high-speed speed-regulating transmission group.

[0017] Based on the above, the multi-layer conveyor belt always runs in the same direction at both low and high speeds.

[0018] Based on the above, the multi-layer conveyor belt is driven by the first variable speed drive mechanism to dynamically adjust its travel speed from 0.2 m / h to 38 m / h.

[0019] Based on the above, during the fermentation process: the first speed change drive mechanism switches to the low speed regulation transmission group to drive the multi-layer conveyor belt to move and spread the material at a speed of 0.2-2m / h. At the same time, the temperature, humidity and oxygen concentration of the fermentation box are controlled to reach the set values. The humidification circulation unit humidifies the material by circulating the circulating air at the set temperature and humidity through the fermentation box until the multi-layer conveyor belt is fully covered with material.

[0020] The fermentation cycle is dynamically adjusted according to the speed of the multi-layer conveyor belt, the temperature and humidity of the fermentation chamber, and the temperature and humidity of the raw material, so that fermentation is completed when the material is conveyed to the end outlet of the bottom conveyor belt.

[0021] When cleaning the equipment after fermentation, the motor is reversed to switch to high-speed variable speed transmission group drive, traveling at a maximum speed range of 20m / h-38m / h. The cleaning nozzles spray cleaning water onto the surface of the conveyor belt and into the channels to achieve rapid cleaning.

[0022] Based on the above, the feeding unit includes a feeding conveyor belt, the humidification circulation unit, a tobacco-specific moisture analyzer, and a controller;

[0023] The humidification circulation unit is located in the front half of the feeding conveyor belt, and together with the feeding conveyor belt, it forms a semi-enclosed humidification space. Humidification units are distributed within the humidification space, forming the humidification zone.

[0024] The tobacco-specific moisture analyzer is installed in the rear half of the feeding conveyor belt. The tobacco-specific moisture analyzer is used to detect the humidity of the tobacco raw materials on the feeding conveyor belt, forming the humidity detection range.

[0025] The controller is connected to the tobacco-specific moisture analyzer, the humidification circulation unit, and the second speed-changing drive mechanism. In the humidification stage, the second speed-changing drive mechanism drives the feeding conveyor belt to run slowly. In the tobacco-specific moisture analyzer measurement stage, the second speed-changing drive mechanism drives the feeding conveyor belt to run quickly.

[0026] Based on the above, the humidification circulation unit includes an airflow inlet and an airflow outlet distributed in the humidification space, and the airflow inlet and airflow outlet are externally connected to a high-temperature and humidity airflow circulation component; through-beam sensors are respectively installed at the installation positions of the humidification circulation unit and the tobacco-specific moisture analyzer, the installation height of the through-beam sensors is lower than the loading height of the feeding conveyor belt, and the through-beam sensors are associated with the controller so that the tobacco raw materials carried by the feeding conveyor belt are paused at the humidification circulation unit and the tobacco-specific moisture analyzer.

[0027] Based on the above, it also includes a fermentation broth preparation unit, which includes a fermenter, a vibrating screen, a temporary storage tank, a pre-storage tank, a post-storage tank, a microfiltration assembly, and an ultrafiltration assembly;

[0028] The outlet of the fermenter is connected to the feed inlet of the vibrating screen, the filtrate outlet of the vibrating screen is connected to the inlet of the temporary storage tank, and the outlet of the temporary storage tank is connected to two branches through the filtrate pump. The first branch is connected to the inlet of the front storage tank through the filtrate valve, and the second branch is connected to the inlet of the rear storage tank through the dialysis water inlet valve.

[0029] The outlet of the front storage tank is provided with two branches. The third branch is connected to the spray terminal pipeline through the bacterial liquid metering pump and the bacterial liquid switching valve. The fourth branch is connected to the inlet of the microfiltration component through the circulation pump. The circulation outlet of the microfiltration component is connected to the upper return port of the front storage tank through the first circulation pipeline and the microfiltration circulation valve. The discharge port of the microfiltration component is connected to the inlet of the rear storage tank through the microfiltration liquid inlet valve.

[0030] The outlet of the rear storage tank is provided with two branches. The fifth branch is connected to the spray terminal pipeline through an enzyme liquid metering pump and an enzyme liquid switching valve. The sixth branch is connected to the inlet of the ultrafiltration module through a circulation pump. The circulation outlet of the ultrafiltration module is connected to the upper return port of the rear storage tank through a second circulation pipeline and an ultrafiltration circulation valve. The outlet of the ultrafiltration module is connected to the upper return port of the front storage tank through a third circulation pipeline and an ultrafiltration liquid inlet valve.

[0031] Both the front and rear storage tanks are equipped with stirring components and temperature control jackets; they also include a chiller, chilled water pipes, and chilled water valves. The chiller connects the temperature control jackets of the front and rear storage tanks through the chilled water pipes and the chilled water valves; the vibrating screen is equipped with a filter residue storage chamber. The fermentation liquid in the fermentation tank is sent into the vibrating screen by compressed air, and the solid residue of the fermentation liquid is retained in the filter residue storage chamber of the vibrating screen.

[0032] Based on the above, it also includes a spraying and mixing unit, which includes a material discharge channel, a spraying module, and a horizontal mixing and conveying mechanism;

[0033] The material discharge channel is a vertically arranged channel structure. The top of the material discharge channel is the feeding end, and the bottom of the material discharge channel is the discharging end, which is connected to the feeding port of one end of the horizontal mixing conveyor mechanism.

[0034] The spraying module includes a fermentation liquid inlet pipe and a number of two-fluid nozzles distributed on the inner wall of the discharge channel and / or distributed in the horizontal conveying mechanism. The spraying direction of the two-fluid nozzles is towards the inside of the discharge channel or the horizontal conveying mechanism.

[0035] The horizontal mixing conveying mechanism includes a horizontal channel, a horizontal propulsion mechanism, and a stirring mechanism, with a discharge port at the other end of the horizontal mixing conveying mechanism.

[0036] Based on the above, it also includes an ozone cleaning unit, which includes a water tank, an ozone generator, a flushing water pump, a flushing assembly, and an airflow circulation assembly;

[0037] The ozone generator has two outlets. One outlet is connected to the airflow circulation component and is equipped with a first shut-off valve. The airflow circulation component's circulating air inlet pipe and circulating air return pipe, together with a circulating fan, are used to introduce ozone into the fermentation tank and circulate it. The other outlet is connected to the ozone inlet of the water tank and is equipped with a second shut-off valve, which is used in conjunction with the water tank to prepare ozone water.

[0038] The top of the water tank is provided with a tap water inlet and an ozone inlet, and the bottom of the water tank is provided with an ozone water outlet. The ozone water outlet at the bottom of the water tank is connected to a flushing assembly through a flushing water pump and a third shut-off valve, which is used to introduce ozone water into the fermentation tank.

[0039] A method for using an automated continuous solid-state fermentation line for tobacco involves the following steps:

[0040] Step 1) Prepare fermentation broth: Prepare fermentation bacterial solution or enzyme solution as needed for use in the spraying and mixing unit;

[0041] Step 2) Manual or mechanical feeding: The feeding unit delivers the raw material to the beginning of the humidification zone at a speed of 15m / h-20m / h. The humidification circulation unit is started to pre-treat the humidification zone. Then, the feeding unit slows down to a speed of 2m / h-5m / h and passes through the humidification zone. When tobacco raw material is detected leaving the humidification zone, the feeding unit speeds up to 15m / h-20m / h and delivers the raw material to the humidity detection zone to check the humidification status. If the humidification parameters are insufficient, it returns to the humidification zone and reduces its speed to 2m / h. Humidification continues at 5 m / h, and after a set time, the material leaves the humidification zone and accelerates to 15 m / h-20 m / h to enter the humidity detection zone for a second test. This cycle repeats until the humidification parameters meet the standard. If the humidification parameters meet the standard, the material returns to the humidification zone exit and continues to move at a speed of 2 m / h-5 m / h without further speed adjustment. Subsequent tobacco raw materials passing through the tobacco-specific moisture analyzer will only undergo timed sampling. It should be noted that the above process is an intermittent feeding process. After testing, the material returns to continue humidification until the test is passed.

[0042] When using continuous feeding mode, there is no need to return to humidification. Simply adjust the feeding water volume and temperature and humidity settings based on the detected moisture content. This ensures that the subsequent materials can meet the design moisture content requirements. During this process, the tobacco-specific moisture analyzer continuously monitors and adjusts the parameters in real time.

[0043] Step 3) The spraying and mixing unit receives the humidified tobacco raw materials, sprays the fermentation liquid onto the tobacco raw materials, mixes them evenly while conveying them, and sends them to the downstream fermentation unit.

[0044] Step 4) The fermentation unit receives the tobacco raw material from the mixed fermentation liquid. Under the speed change drive of the first speed change drive mechanism, the tobacco raw material is continuously and uninterruptedly fermented in the fermentation box and then sent out.

[0045] Step 5) The discharge unit receives the fermented tobacco raw materials and discharges them to the downstream unit after sterilization / enzyme inactivation.

[0046] This invention has outstanding substantive features and significant progress compared to the prior art. Specifically, this invention has the following advantages:

[0047] 1. To achieve the goal of not conflicting the need for continuous conveying and the need for a long fermentation residence time, this invention employs a conveyor belt and drive mechanism with a large speed regulation ratio during both the feeding and fermentation processes. Since general drive mechanisms are difficult to achieve speed regulation of more than 10 times, and high-performance speed regulation ratio drive systems are relatively expensive, this application adopts a mode of switching between a low-speed speed regulation transmission group and a high-speed speed regulation transmission group. In the low-speed mode, speed regulation is achieved in the low-speed segment, and in the high-speed mode, speed regulation is achieved in the high-speed segment, ultimately achieving the purpose of high speed regulation ratio, thereby meeting the speed requirements for uninterrupted conveying and long fermentation time.

[0048] 2. Due to the high flexibility of speed ratio, the multi-layer conveyor belt can be set to be driven by different drive mechanisms individually during the fermentation stage. When cleaning is required, the high-speed mode is activated; when fermentation is required, the conveyor belt is controlled to run at a low speed and continue to move during the fermentation process. On the one hand, this ensures the efficiency of fermentation, and on the other hand, it can also play a role in turning the material as it falls between layers.

[0049] 3. The flexible speed control during the feeding process is mainly used to address issues related to humidity detection and humidification. Humidity detection is easily affected by ambient humidity, so it needs to be located far from the humidification area. However, if the humidification area is far from the humidity detection location, the detection time will be too long. Therefore, by switching speeds, it is possible to achieve flexible adjustment of fast detection, fast retraction, slow humidification, and feeding.

[0050] 4. In this solution, the fermentation broth is processed using on-site configuration methods, and the fermentation broth unit can flexibly prepare different enzyme solutions and bacterial solutions. The enzyme solution and bacterial solution treatment share a single set of equipment, which reduces the hardware requirements for fermentation broth preparation, thereby reducing costs and greatly improving flexibility.

[0051] 5. In summary, the fermentation unit achieves rapid feeding and slow fermentation through a wide range of speed ratio adjustments, ensuring a continuous fermentation process. The fermentation broth preparation unit improves equipment utilization by configuring pipes and containers to allow for compatible preparation of bacterial and enzyme solutions, and enables on-site preparation of fermentation broth, enhancing experimental flexibility. The feeding unit, through a wide range of speed ratio adjustments, achieves rapid and continuous feeding, humidification, and testing of tobacco raw materials. When coordinated as a whole, these components constitute an automated tobacco fermentation system, solving the problems of fermentation broth preparation, fermentation speed control, and raw material feeding and humidification.

[0052] This device and method are particularly suitable for small-scale or pilot-scale production lines that combine production and R&D applications, highlighting their flexibility and providing support for R&D and production. Attached Figure Description

[0053] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the automatic continuous solid-state fermentation line for tobacco in this invention.

[0054] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the fermentation broth preparation unit in this invention.

[0055] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the feeding unit in this invention.

[0056] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the fermentation unit in this invention.

[0057] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first and second speed change drive mechanisms in this invention.

[0058] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the spraying and mixing unit in this invention.

[0059] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the ozone preparation part in this invention.

[0060] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the fermentation tank part of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structural principle of the water tank connection pipeline in this invention.

[0062] In the diagram: 1. Fermentation broth preparation unit; 2. Feeding unit; 3. Spraying and mixing unit; 4. Fermentation unit; 5. Discharge unit;

[0063] 101. Fermentation tank; 102. Vibrating screen; 103. Temporary storage tank; 104. Front storage tank; 105. Rear storage tank; 106. Microfiltration unit; 107. Ultrafiltration unit; 108. Filtrate pump; 109. First branch; 110. Second branch; 111. Filtrate valve; 112. Dialysis water inlet valve; 113. Third branch; 114. Fourth branch; 115. Microbial liquid metering pump; 116. Microbial liquid switching valve; 117. Spraying terminal Piping; 118. First circulation pump; 119. First circulation pipeline; 120. Microfiltration circulation valve; 121. Fifth branch; 122. Sixth branch; 123. Second circulation pump; 124. Second circulation pipeline; 125. Ultrafiltration circulation valve; 126. Enzyme solution switching valve; 127. Third circulation pipeline; 128. Ultrafiltration inlet valve; 129. Microfiltration inlet valve; 130. Enzyme solution metering pump; 131. Cold water pipe; 132. Cold water valve;

[0064] 201. Feeding conveyor belt; 202. Humidification and circulation unit; 203. Tobacco-specific moisture analyzer; 204. Controller;

[0065] 31. Material feeding channel; 32. Spraying module; 33. Horizontal conveying mechanism; 321. Fermentation liquid inlet pipe; 322. Nozzle; 331. Horizontal channel; 332. One of the composite components; 333. The second composite component;

[0066] 41. Fermentation chamber; 42. Conveyor belt;

[0067] 61. Gear motor; 62. Gear reducer; 63. Gear; 64. Chain; 65. Main gear; 66. Low-speed speed regulating transmission assembly; 67. High-speed speed regulating transmission assembly;

[0068] 701. Water tank; 702. Ozone generator; 703. Flushing water pump; 704. Circulating air inlet duct; 705. Circulating air return duct; 706. Circulating fan; 707. Fermentation chamber; 708. Return duct; 709. Air filter; 711. Control valve; 712. Nozzle; 721. First shut-off valve; 722. Second shut-off valve; 723. Third shut-off valve; 724. Return valve; 725. First gas-liquid mixer; 726. Exhaust valve; 727. Second gas-liquid mixer; 728. Fourth shut-off valve. Detailed Implementation

[0069] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below through specific embodiments.

[0070] like Figure 1 As shown, an automatic continuous solid-state fermentation line for tobacco includes a fermentation liquid preparation unit 1, a feeding unit 2, a spraying and mixing unit 3, a fermentation unit 4, and a discharging unit 5.

[0071] like Figure 2 As shown, the fermentation broth preparation unit 1 includes a fermenter 101, a vibrating screen 102, a temporary storage tank 103, a front storage tank 104, a rear storage tank 105, a microfiltration component 106, and an ultrafiltration component 107.

[0072] The outlet end of the fermenter 101 is connected to the feed inlet of the vibrating screen 102, the filtrate outlet of the vibrating screen 102 is connected to the inlet of the temporary storage tank 103, the vibrating screen is provided with a filter residue temporary storage chamber, the fermentation liquid in the fermenter is sent into the vibrating screen by compressed air, and the solid residue of the fermentation liquid is left in the filter residue temporary storage chamber of the vibrating screen.

[0073] The vibrating screen serves to receive the fermentation broth from the fermenter. Under the action of the vibrating motor, it enables rapid solid-liquid separation. The separated solid residue remains in the vibrating screen and is removed once after filtration. The filtrate is pumped from the filtrate storage tank into the pre-storage tank by the filtrate pump.

[0074] The outlet of the temporary storage tank 103 is connected to two branches via the filter pump 108. The first branch 109 is connected to the inlet of the front storage tank 104 via the filter valve 111, and the second branch 110 is connected to the inlet of the rear storage tank 105 via the dialysis water inlet valve 112.

[0075] There are three possible uses for the temporary storage tank 103: a) During the solid-liquid separation process of the vibrating screen, it is used as a temporary storage tank for the filtrate; b) Before the microfiltration operation is completed, the purified water stored in the temporary storage tank 103 is pumped into the front storage tank 104 to dialyze out impurities in the concentrated bacterial solution, thereby further improving the concentration and purity of the bacteria; c) Before the ultrafiltration operation is completed, the purified water stored in the temporary storage tank 103 is pumped into the rear storage tank 105 to dialyze out impurities in the concentrated enzyme solution, thereby further improving the concentration and purity of the enzyme solution; in the latter two cases, the temporary storage tank 103 is used as a dialysis water tank.

[0076] Both the front storage tank 104 and the rear storage tank 105 are equipped with stirring components and temperature control jackets.

[0077] The outlet of the front storage tank 104 is provided with two branches. The third branch 113 is connected to the spray terminal pipeline 117 through the bacterial liquid metering pump 115 and the bacterial liquid switching valve 116. The fourth branch 114 is connected to the inlet of the microfiltration component 106 through the first circulation pump 118. The circulation outlet of the microfiltration component 106 is connected to the upper return port of the front storage tank 104 through the first circulation pipeline 119 and the microfiltration circulation valve 120. The discharge port of the microfiltration component 106 is connected to the inlet of the rear storage tank 105 through the microfiltrate inlet valve 129.

[0078] The front storage tank is equipped with a stirring assembly and a temperature control jacket, providing both temperature control and stirring functions. It serves as a circulation tank and a cold storage tank for concentrated bacterial solution during microfiltration, as well as a filtrate storage tank during ultrafiltration. During the cold storage of concentrated bacterial solution and microfiltration operations, chilled water from the chiller can enter the jacket of the front storage tank to control the temperature of the front storage tank and maintain a low temperature environment, which is conducive to the long-term preservation of concentrated bacterial solution.

[0079] The outlet of the rear storage tank 105 is provided with two branches. The fifth branch 121 is connected to the spray terminal pipeline 117 through the enzyme solution metering pump 130 and the enzyme solution switching valve 126. The sixth branch 122 is connected to the inlet of the ultrafiltration component 107 through the second circulation pump 123. The circulation outlet of the ultrafiltration component 107 is connected to the upper return port of the rear storage tank 105 through the second circulation pipeline 124 and the ultrafiltration circulation valve 125. The outlet of the ultrafiltration component 107 is connected to the upper return port of the front storage tank 104 through the third circulation pipeline 127 and the ultrafiltrate inlet valve 128.

[0080] The rear storage tank is equipped with a stirring assembly and a temperature control jacket, providing both temperature control and stirring functions. It serves as a circulation tank and a cold storage tank for concentrated enzyme solution during ultrafiltration, as well as a filtrate storage tank during microfiltration. During the cold storage of concentrated enzyme solution and ultrafiltration operations, chilled water from the chiller can enter the jacket of the rear storage tank to control the temperature of the rear storage tank and maintain a low temperature environment, which is conducive to the long-term preservation of concentrated enzyme solution.

[0081] In the preferred embodiment, the system also includes a chiller, a chilled water pipe 131, and a chilled water valve 132. The chiller connects the temperature control interlayer of the front storage tank 104 and the rear storage tank 105 through the chilled water pipe 131 and the chilled water valve 132 to achieve temperature control.

[0082] The pore size of the microfiltration membrane in the microfiltration module is larger than that of the ultrafiltration membrane in the ultrafiltration module. Specifically, the microfiltration membrane in the microfiltration module uses a 0.1-0.2 micrometer ceramic membrane core, and the microfiltration membrane area is 0.2-0.4 m². 2 The ultrafiltration membrane of the ultrafiltration module is an organic membrane with a molecular weight cutoff of 8000-15000 Daltons, and the membrane area is 1-2 m². 2 The two systems can be used together to perform two operations: microfiltration concentration of bacterial solution and ultrafiltration concentration of enzyme solution. When bacterial solution is used for inoculation and fermentation, only the vibrating screen filtration and microfiltration system need to be run to store the concentrated bacterial solution at low temperature in the front storage tank for later use. When enzyme solution spray hydrolysis is used, the vibrating screen to remove particulate impurities, microfiltration sterilization and ultrafiltration concentration need to be run in sequence to store the concentrated enzyme solution in the rear storage tank for later use.

[0083] The principle of fermentation broth preparation is as follows:

[0084] Working principle explanation:

[0085] The fermenter is pressurized to 0.05-0.1 MPa, and the agitator is kept running (100-200 rpm).

[0086] Set the configured formula in the system and automatically open the inlet valve and vibrating screen 102 according to the program steps;

[0087] Open the bottom valve in fermenter 101 (control the feed flow rate) and the manual valve on the pipeline. The fermentation liquid is pumped into the vibrating screen 102 that has been started. The filtrate flows into the temporary storage tank 103. The program automatically controls the start of the filtrate pump 108 to pump the filtrate into the front storage tank 104.

[0088] After the vibrating screen operation is completed, the filter residue can be rinsed with clean water, and the wash water is pumped into the front storage tank 104.

[0089] Automatically initiates microfiltration operation (concentration operation for bacterial solution, sterilization operation for enzyme solution);

[0090] After being concentrated to a certain concentration, dialysis water is added in a time-controlled manner (15-18L of water is added manually to the temporary storage tank in advance) to complete the cell washing step of the microfiltration operation;

[0091] After the microfiltration operation is completed, the next step for bacterial concentration is the low-temperature preservation of the concentrated bacterial solution (which can be automatically operated once the temperature of the front storage tank 104 is set).

[0092] For enzyme solution treatment, first drain the concentrated bacterial solution in the tank, clean it thoroughly, and then proceed to the ultrafiltration concentration operation stage.

[0093] The entire process of ultrafiltration is similar to that of the front storage tank 104. After the enzyme solution is concentrated to a certain extent, it is dialyzed with 15-18L of dialysis water.

[0094] c. Low-temperature preservation of the prepared concentrated bacterial solution and enzyme solution;

[0095] For concentrated bacterial solutions, after microfiltration begins, the low-temperature preservation control operation of the circulating microfiltrate is carried out according to the temperature setting value of the front storage tank.

[0096] For concentrated enzyme solutions, after the ultrafiltration operation is completed, the downstream storage tank can also achieve the system's self-controlled low-temperature preservation function through the temperature setpoint.

[0097] During low-temperature storage, the agitators in both the front and rear storage tanks are running. It is important to note that the chiller should be turned on beforehand to ensure a suitable temperature.

[0098] d. Microfiltration and ultrafiltration systems shut down completely.

[0099] After the low-temperature preservation of bacterial and enzyme solutions is completed, the system-wide pumps and valves are shut down, and the chiller is turned off.

[0100] like Figure 2 As shown, the feeding unit incorporates a humidification circulation unit 202 and a second speed-changing drive mechanism to control the feeding unit to adjust and humidify at an upward speed of 2m / h-20m / h; the second speed-changing drive mechanism has the same structure as the first speed-changing drive mechanism, only the transmission ratio is different;

[0101] Specifically, the feeding unit 2 includes a feeding conveyor belt 201, a humidification circulation unit 202, a tobacco-specific moisture analyzer 203, and a controller 204;

[0102] The humidification circulation unit 202 is located in the front half of the feeding conveyor belt 201, and together with the feeding conveyor belt 201, it forms a semi-enclosed humidification space. Humidification units are distributed in the humidification space to form a humidification zone.

[0103] The tobacco-specific moisture analyzer 203 is installed in the rear half of the feeding conveyor belt 201. The tobacco-specific moisture analyzer 203 is used to detect the humidity of the tobacco raw materials on the feeding conveyor belt 201, forming the humidity detection range.

[0104] The controller 204 is connected to the tobacco-specific moisture analyzer 203, the humidification circulation unit 202, and the second speed-changing drive mechanism. When the tobacco-specific moisture analyzer 203 determines that the humidity is insufficient, the controller controls the second speed-changing drive mechanism to drive the feeding conveyor belt 201 to retract, so that the tobacco raw material returns to the humidification circulation unit 202 to continue humidification for the set time.

[0105] The humidification circulation unit 202 includes an airflow inlet and an airflow outlet distributed in the humidification space. The airflow inlet and airflow outlet are externally connected to a high-temperature humidity airflow circulation component. Through-beam sensors are installed at the installation positions of the humidification circulation unit 202 and the tobacco-specific moisture analyzer 203, respectively. The installation height of the through-beam sensors is lower than the loading height of the feeding conveyor belt. The through-beam sensors are associated with the controller 204 so that the tobacco raw materials carried by the feeding conveyor belt are paused at the humidification circulation unit 202 and the humidity sensor.

[0106] In detail, the second speed-changing drive mechanism switches to a low-speed variable speed transmission group to drive the feeding unit to travel at a speed of 2m / h-5m / h in the humidification zone. The humidification circulation unit humidifies the material by circulating air with set temperature and humidity through the humidification zone. After the material passes through the humidification space, the second speed-changing drive mechanism switches to a high-speed variable speed transmission group to drive the feeding unit to travel at a speed of 15m / h-20m / h, sending the material to the humidity detection zone to check whether the humidity meets the standard. If the humidity does not meet the standard, it returns to the humidification space and continues to travel at a speed of 2m / h-5m / h for a set time until the humidity meets the standard. If the humidity meets the standard, the feeding unit drives the tobacco raw material back to the end of the humidification zone and continues to travel at a speed of 2m / h-5m / h without further speed adjustment.

[0107] The purpose is to achieve rapid switching between the humidification and humidity detection processes, thereby improving the detection efficiency and overall humidification efficiency. It should be noted that the above process is an intermittent feeding process; after detection, humidification resumes until the test is passed.

[0108] When using continuous feeding mode, there is no need to return to humidification. Simply adjust the feeding water volume and temperature and humidity settings based on the detected moisture content. This ensures that the subsequent materials can meet the design moisture content requirements. During this process, the tobacco-specific moisture analyzer continuously monitors and adjusts the parameters in real time.

[0109] like Figure 6As shown, the spraying and mixing unit 3 includes a material drop channel 31, a spraying module 32, and a horizontal conveying mechanism 33;

[0110] The material discharge channel 31 is a vertically arranged channel structure. The top end of the material discharge channel is the feeding end, and the bottom end of the material discharge channel is the discharging end and is connected to the feeding port of one end of the horizontal conveying mechanism.

[0111] The spraying module 32 includes a fermentation liquid inlet pipe 321 and a plurality of nozzles 322 distributed on the inner wall of the discharge channel, wherein the spraying direction of the nozzles 322 is towards the inside of the discharge channel.

[0112] The horizontal conveying mechanism 33 includes a horizontal channel 331, a horizontal propulsion mechanism and a stirring mechanism, and a discharge port is provided at the other end of the horizontal conveying mechanism.

[0113] In this embodiment, the horizontal conveying mechanism 33 is a combination of a screw conveyor and a stirring blade. The front half and / or the rear half of the horizontal conveying mechanism is a screw conveyor, forming one of the combinations 332 of the horizontal propulsion mechanism and the stirring mechanism. A plurality of stirring blades are distributed on the drive shaft of the middle section of the horizontal conveying mechanism, and a portion of the stirring blades are inclined toward the outlet direction to provide driving force, forming another of the combinations 333 of the horizontal propulsion mechanism and the stirring mechanism.

[0114] In other embodiments, the horizontal conveying mechanism can also be the screw conveyor itself, which has the ability to convey and mix.

[0115] The upstream conveyor belt transports the tobacco material to the dropping channel 31. The tobacco material falls into the dropping channel 31 under its own gravity. During the descent, several nozzles 322 in the spray module 32 spray fermentation liquid onto the tobacco material. Most of the fermentation liquid is concentrated in the tobacco material on the periphery. Then the tobacco material enters the horizontal conveyor mechanism 33 below.

[0116] While the screw conveyor in the horizontal conveying mechanism 33 pushes the tobacco material forward, due to the dispersion of the tobacco material itself, it will move relative to each other under the action of its own driving force, similar to the effect of stirring. Stirring is achieved at the same time as feeding, so that the fermentation liquid and tobacco material are fully mixed.

[0117] Specifically, the mixing blades in the middle section have higher mixing efficiency and better mixing effect. Compared with the screw conveyor, they can fully mix the materials and improve the mixing rate. Then, the materials are discharged from the outlet, realizing the dynamic addition of fermentation liquid and mixing process of tobacco materials on the production line.

[0118] The mixed materials are fed to the fermentation unit via a feed distributor, such as... Figure 4As shown, the fermentation unit 4 includes a fermentation box 41 and a multi-layer conveyor belt 42 disposed in the fermentation box 41. Each conveyor belt in the multi-layer conveyor belt 42 is driven by an independent first speed change drive mechanism and its travel speed is adjusted to 0.2m / h-38m / h.

[0119] The multi-layer conveyor belt 42 is staggered at both ends so that it can continuously receive the falling material. The top layer conveyor belt is used to receive the tobacco raw material at the entrance of the fermentation box, and the bottom layer conveyor belt is used to output the tobacco raw material.

[0120] like Figure 5 As shown, the first speed-changing drive mechanism includes a low-speed speed-regulating transmission group 66 and a high-speed speed-regulating transmission group 67 composed of a geared motor 61, a speed reducer 62, several gears 63 and a chain 64. The geared motor can switch between the low-speed speed-regulating transmission group and the high-speed speed-regulating transmission group to drive each layer of conveyor belt through the main gear 65.

[0121] During fermentation: the first speed change drive mechanism switches to the low speed regulation transmission group to drive the highest layer conveyor belt to move and spread the material at a speed of 0.2-1.8m / h. At the same time, the temperature, humidity and oxygen concentration of the fermentation box are controlled to reach the set values. The humidification circulation unit humidifies the material by circulating the circulating air at the set temperature and humidity through the fermentation box.

[0122] When the material on the top layer of the conveyor belt falls and covers the second layer of the conveyor belt, the second layer of the conveyor belt starts the low-speed speed regulating transmission group to travel at a speed of 0.2-1.8m / h and complete the material spreading. Other layers of the conveyor belt operate in the same way.

[0123] After controlling the set fermentation cycle time, the material is conveyed to the end outlet of the bottom conveyor belt to complete the discharge.

[0124] After fermentation, during equipment cleaning, the motor reverses, and the ratchet switches the speed change drive mechanism to a high-speed variable speed transmission group, allowing it to travel at a speed range of 20m / h-38m / h. The cleaning nozzles spray cleaning water onto the surface of the conveyor belt and into the channels, achieving rapid cleaning.

[0125] To facilitate the detection of positioning information, each layer of conveyor belt is equipped with a through-beam sensor for detecting tobacco raw materials, which works in conjunction with the controller to achieve accurate control of multiple positions.

[0126] like Figures 7-9 As shown, during the specific cleaning process, an ozone cleaning unit needs to be set up. The ozone cleaning unit includes a water tank 701, an ozone generator 702, a rinsing water pump 703, a rinsing assembly, and an airflow circulation assembly.

[0127] The ozone generator 702 has two outlets. One outlet is connected to the airflow circulation component and is equipped with a first shut-off valve 721. The airflow circulation component has a circulating air inlet pipe 704 and a circulating air return pipe 705, which, together with the circulating fan 706, are used to introduce ozone into the fermentation tank 707 and circulate it. The other outlet is connected to the ozone inlet of the water tank 701 and is equipped with a second shut-off valve 722, which, together with the water tank 701, prepares ozone water.

[0128] The top of the water tank 701 is provided with a tap water inlet and an ozone inlet, and the bottom of the water tank 701 is provided with an ozone water outlet. The ozone water outlet at the bottom of the water tank 701 is connected to a flushing assembly through a flushing water pump 703 and a third shut-off valve 723, which is used to introduce ozone water into the fermentation tank 707.

[0129] Specifically, the rinsing assembly includes a rinsing pipeline, a branch control valve 711, and several sets of nozzles 712. The several sets of nozzles 712 are installed in the fermentation chamber 707 and are installed at the height of the conveyor belt in the fermentation chamber 707. The end of the rinsing pipeline is divided into several branches and connected to each set of nozzles 712. The branch control valve 711 is used to control the opening and closing of each branch.

[0130] The outlet of the circulating air inlet duct is located at the bottom of the fermentation chamber 707, and the inlet of the circulating air return duct is located at the top of the fermentation chamber.

[0131] Technical principle explanation:

[0132] One of the ozone generators 702 is connected to the airflow circulation component, and the generated ozone is directly introduced into the fermentation chamber 7. The environment inside the fermentation chamber is disinfected and sterilized through circulation.

[0133] Another stream enters the water tank 701 to prepare ozone water, which is then introduced into the fermentation tank 707 by the flushing water pump 703 to clean the conveyor belt.

[0134] In a preferred embodiment, in order to enhance the efficiency of ozone water preparation, the pipeline on the outlet side of the flushing water pump 703 is connected to the ozone inlet at the top of the water tank 701 through the return valve 724 and the return pipeline 708. The other path of the ozone generator 702 is connected to the return pipeline 708 and a first gas-liquid mixer 725 is installed at the connection, i.e., the T-junction position.

[0135] Technical principle:

[0136] When the flushing assembly is closed, the flushing water pump 703 circulates the water in the water tank 701 through the return valve 724 and the return pipeline 708. During the circulation process, the water is mixed with the introduced ozone through the first gas-liquid mixer 725 installed at the three-way position, thereby improving the ozone water preparation efficiency.

[0137] In a more preferred embodiment, in order to further improve the ozone preparation efficiency, the top of the water tank 701 is provided with an exhaust port, which is connected to the return pipeline 708 through an exhaust valve 726 and an exhaust pipe, and a second gas-liquid mixer 727 is provided at the connection.

[0138] Technical principle:

[0139] The unmixed ozone that enters the water tank 701 is discharged from the exhaust port and then enters the return pipeline 708, where it is further mixed through the second gas-liquid mixer 727, thereby further improving the ozone water preparation efficiency.

[0140] To ensure the required environment for ozone water preparation, the water tank 701 is equipped with a temperature control component, a liquid level sensor, and a pressure sensor to prepare ozone water that meets the requirements.

[0141] In other embodiments, a fresh air assembly is also included, which includes a fresh air duct, an air filter 709, and a fourth shut-off valve 728. One end of the fresh air duct is connected to the atmosphere, and the other end is connected to an airflow circulation assembly, which is used to replenish fresh air into the fermentation chamber 707. Generally, after ozone cleaning is completed, fresh air is replenished for the next round of fermentation.

[0142] Specifically, the method of using tobacco involves fermentation through the following steps:

[0143] Step 1) Prepare the fermentation broth. Prepare fermentation bacterial solution or enzyme solution as needed, and spray it into the mixing unit for use.

[0144] Step 2) Manual or mechanical feeding: The feeding unit delivers the raw material to the starting point of the humidification zone at a speed of 15m / h-20m / h. The humidification circulation unit is started to pre-treat the humidification zone. At the same time, the feeding unit slows down to a speed of 2m / h-5m / h and passes through the humidification zone. When tobacco raw material is detected leaving the humidification zone, the feeding unit speeds up to 15m / h-20m / h and delivers the raw material to the humidity detection zone to check the humidification status. If the humidification parameters are insufficient, it returns to the humidification zone and slows down to 2m / h-5m / h to continue humidifying. After a set time, it leaves the humidification zone and speeds up to 15m / h-20m / h to enter the humidity detection zone for a second check. This cycle continues until the humidification parameters meet the standard. If the humidification parameters meet the standard, it returns to the humidification zone outlet and continues to travel at a speed of 2m / h-5m / h without further speed adjustment. It should be noted that the above process is an intermittent feeding process. After the check, it returns to continue humidifying until the check is qualified.

[0145] When using continuous feeding mode, there is no need to return to humidification. Simply adjust the feeding water volume and temperature and humidity settings based on the detected moisture content. This ensures that the subsequent materials can meet the design moisture content requirements. During this process, the tobacco-specific moisture analyzer continuously monitors and adjusts the parameters in real time.

[0146] Step 3) The spraying and mixing unit receives the humidified tobacco raw materials, sprays the fermentation liquid onto the tobacco raw materials, mixes them evenly while conveying them, and sends them to the downstream fermentation unit.

[0147] Step 4) The fermentation unit receives the tobacco raw material from the mixed fermentation liquid. Under the speed change drive of the first speed change drive mechanism, the tobacco raw material is continuously and uninterruptedly fermented in the fermentation box and then sent out.

[0148] Step 5) The discharge unit receives the fermented tobacco raw materials and discharges them to the downstream unit after sterilization / enzyme inactivation.

[0149] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the specific implementation of the present invention or equivalent substitutions can be made to some technical features without departing from the spirit of the technical solutions of the present invention, and all such modifications and substitutions should be covered within the scope of the technical solutions claimed in the present invention.

Claims

1. An automated continuous solid-state fermentation line for tobacco, characterized in that: It includes a feeding unit, a spraying and mixing unit, a fermentation broth preparation unit, a fermentation unit, and a discharging unit. The fermentation unit includes a fermentation chamber and a multi-layer conveyor belt installed in the fermentation chamber. The multi-layer conveyor belt is staggered at both ends to continuously receive falling materials. The first speed-changing drive mechanism includes a geared motor, a first forward ratchet, a first reverse ratchet, a second forward ratchet, a second reverse ratchet, several matching gears and a chain. The first forward ratchet and the first reverse ratchet are coaxially mounted on the output shaft of the geared motor, and the second forward ratchet and the second reverse ratchet are coaxially mounted on the drive shaft end of the multi-layer conveyor belt. The first forward ratchet and the first reverse ratchet operate in opposite directions. The geared motor rotates in the forward direction, and drives the multi-layer conveyor belt to run through the gears and chain matched with the first forward ratchet and the second forward ratchet, forming a low-speed variable speed transmission group; The geared motor reverses, and through the first reverse ratchet drive, the gears and chain matched with it, and the second reverse ratchet drive, the multi-layer conveyor belt runs to form a high-speed speed-regulating transmission group. The first speed change drive mechanism switches to a low-speed speed regulation transmission group to drive the multi-layer conveyor belt to travel at a speed of 0.2-2m / h and spread the material. At the same time, the temperature, humidity and oxygen concentration of the fermentation box are controlled to reach the set values. The humidification circulation unit humidifies the material by circulating the circulating air at the set temperature and humidity through the fermentation box until the multi-layer conveyor belt is fully covered with material. The fermentation cycle is dynamically adjusted according to the speed of the multi-layer conveyor belt, the temperature and humidity of the fermentation chamber, and the temperature and humidity of the raw material, so that fermentation is completed when the material is conveyed to the end outlet of the bottom conveyor belt. When cleaning the equipment after fermentation, the geared motor is reversed to switch to high-speed speed-regulating transmission group drive, and it travels at a maximum speed range of 20m / h-38m / h. The cleaning nozzles spray cleaning water onto the surface of the conveyor belt and the channels to achieve rapid cleaning. The feeding unit includes a feeding conveyor belt, the humidification and circulation unit, a tobacco-specific moisture analyzer, and a controller. The humidification circulation unit is located in the front half of the feeding conveyor belt, and together with the feeding conveyor belt, it forms a semi-enclosed humidification space. Humidification units are distributed within the humidification space, forming a humidification zone. The tobacco-specific moisture analyzer is installed in the rear half of the feeding conveyor belt. The tobacco-specific moisture analyzer is used to detect the humidity of the tobacco raw materials on the feeding conveyor belt, forming the humidity detection range. The controller is connected to the tobacco-specific moisture analyzer, the humidification circulation unit, and the second speed drive mechanism. In the humidification stage, the second speed drive mechanism drives the feeding conveyor belt to run slowly. In the tobacco-specific moisture analyzer measurement stage, the second speed drive mechanism drives the feeding conveyor belt to run quickly. The fermentation broth preparation unit includes a fermenter, a vibrating screen, a temporary storage tank, a pre-storage tank, a post-storage tank, a microfiltration assembly, and an ultrafiltration assembly. The outlet of the fermenter is connected to the feed inlet of the vibrating screen, the filtrate outlet of the vibrating screen is connected to the inlet of the temporary storage tank, and the outlet of the temporary storage tank is connected to two branches through the filtrate pump. The first branch is connected to the inlet of the front storage tank through the filtrate valve, and the second branch is connected to the inlet of the rear storage tank through the dialysis water inlet valve. The outlet of the front storage tank is provided with two branches. The third branch is connected to the spray terminal pipeline through the bacterial liquid metering pump and the bacterial liquid switching valve. The fourth branch is connected to the inlet of the microfiltration component through the first circulation pump. The circulation outlet of the microfiltration component is connected to the upper return port of the front storage tank through the first circulation pipeline and the microfiltration circulation valve. The discharge port of the microfiltration component is connected to the inlet of the rear storage tank through the microfiltration liquid inlet valve. The outlet of the rear storage tank is provided with two branches. The fifth branch is connected to the spray terminal pipeline through the enzyme liquid metering pump and the enzyme liquid switching valve. The sixth branch is connected to the inlet of the ultrafiltration module through the second circulation pump. The circulation outlet of the ultrafiltration module is connected to the upper return port of the rear storage tank through the second circulation pipeline and the ultrafiltration circulation valve. The outlet of the ultrafiltration module is connected to the upper return port of the front storage tank through the third circulation pipeline and the ultrafiltrate inlet valve. Both the front and rear storage tanks are equipped with stirring components and temperature control jackets; they also include a chiller, chilled water pipes, and chilled water valves. The chiller connects the temperature control jackets of the front and rear storage tanks through the chilled water pipes and the chilled water valves; the vibrating screen is equipped with a filter residue storage chamber. The fermentation liquid in the fermentation tank is sent into the vibrating screen by compressed air, and the solid residue of the fermentation liquid is retained in the filter residue storage chamber of the vibrating screen.

2. The automatic continuous solid-state fermentation line for tobacco according to claim 1, characterized in that: The multi-layer conveyor belt maintains the same direction of movement at both low and high speeds.

3. The automatic continuous solid-state fermentation line for tobacco according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The multi-layer conveyor belt is driven by the first variable speed drive mechanism to dynamically adjust its travel speed from 0.2 m / h to 38 m / h.

4. The automatic continuous solid-state fermentation line for tobacco according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The humidification circulation unit includes airflow inlets and outlets distributed in the humidification space, and the airflow inlets and outlets are externally connected to a high-temperature and humidity airflow circulation component; through-beam sensors are installed at the installation positions of the humidification circulation unit and the tobacco-specific moisture analyzer, respectively. The installation height of the through-beam sensors is lower than the loading height of the feeding conveyor belt. The through-beam sensors are associated with a controller so that the tobacco raw materials carried by the feeding conveyor belt are paused at the humidification circulation unit and the tobacco-specific moisture analyzer.

5. The automatic continuous solid-state fermentation line for tobacco according to claim 4, characterized in that: It also includes a spraying and mixing unit, which includes a material discharge channel, a spraying module, and a horizontal mixing and conveying mechanism; The material discharge channel is a vertically arranged channel structure. The top of the material discharge channel is the feeding end, and the bottom of the material discharge channel is the discharging end, which is connected to the feeding port of one end of the horizontal mixing conveyor mechanism. The spraying module includes a fermentation liquid inlet pipe and a number of two-fluid nozzles distributed on the inner wall of the discharge channel and / or distributed in the horizontal mixing and conveying mechanism. The spraying direction of the two-fluid nozzles is towards the inside of the discharge channel or the horizontal mixing and conveying mechanism. The horizontal mixing conveying mechanism includes a horizontal channel, a horizontal propulsion mechanism, and a stirring mechanism, with a discharge port at the other end of the horizontal mixing conveying mechanism.

6. The automatic continuous solid-state fermentation line for tobacco according to claim 5, characterized in that: It also includes an ozone cleaning unit, which comprises a water tank, an ozone generator, a flushing water pump, a flushing assembly, and an airflow circulation assembly; The ozone generator has two outlets. One outlet is connected to the airflow circulation component and is equipped with a first shut-off valve. The airflow circulation component's circulating air inlet pipe and circulating air return pipe, together with a circulating fan, are used to introduce ozone into the fermentation tank and circulate it. The other outlet is connected to the ozone inlet of the water tank and is equipped with a second shut-off valve, which is used in conjunction with the water tank to prepare ozone water. The top of the water tank is provided with a tap water inlet and an ozone inlet, and the bottom of the water tank is provided with an ozone water outlet. The ozone water outlet at the bottom of the water tank is connected to a flushing assembly through a flushing water pump and a third shut-off valve, which is used to introduce ozone water into the fermentation tank.

7. A method of using an automatic continuous solid-state fermentation line for tobacco, characterized in that: The automated continuous solid-state fermentation line for tobacco, as described in any one of claims 1-6, performs fermentation through the following steps: Step 1) Prepare fermentation broth: Prepare fermentation bacterial solution or enzyme solution as needed for use in the spraying and mixing unit; Step 2) Manual or mechanical feeding: The feeding unit delivers the raw material to the starting point of the humidification zone at a speed of 15m / h-20m / h. The humidification circulation unit is started to pre-treat the humidification zone. Then, the feeding unit slows down to a speed of 2m / h-5m / h and passes through the humidification zone. When tobacco raw material is detected leaving the humidification zone, the feeding unit speeds up to a speed of 15m / h-20m / h and delivers the raw material to the humidity detection zone to detect the humidification status. In intermittent feeding mode, if the humidification parameters are insufficient, the device returns to the humidification zone and reduces its speed to 2m / h-5m / h to continue humidifying. After a set time, it leaves the humidification zone and increases its speed to 15m / h-20m / h to enter the humidity detection zone for a second detection. This cycle continues until the humidification parameters meet the standard. If the humidification parameters meet the standard, the device returns to the humidification zone outlet and continues to travel at a speed of 2m / h-5m / h without further speed adjustment. Subsequent tobacco raw materials passing through the tobacco-specific moisture analyzer will only undergo timed sampling inspections. In continuous feeding mode, the raw materials do not need to be returned to humidification. The feeding water volume and temperature and humidity settings are adjusted according to the detected moisture content to ensure that the subsequent materials can meet the design moisture content requirements. During this process, the tobacco-specific moisture analyzer continuously monitors and adjusts the parameters in real time. Step 3) The spraying and mixing unit receives the humidified tobacco raw materials, sprays the fermentation liquid onto the tobacco raw materials, mixes them evenly while conveying them, and sends them to the downstream fermentation unit. Step 4) The fermentation unit receives the tobacco raw material from the mixed fermentation liquid. Under the speed change drive of the first speed change drive mechanism, the tobacco raw material is continuously and uninterruptedly fermented in the fermentation box and then sent out. Step 5) The discharge unit receives the fermented tobacco raw materials and discharges them to the downstream unit after sterilization / enzyme inactivation.

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