A bioreactor for producing single-cell protein by methanotrophs and its process

Abstract

The present invention is applicable to the field of fermentation engineering technology, and provides a biological reaction device and process for producing single-cell protein by methanotrophs. The biological reaction device for producing single-cell protein by methanotrophs includes: a tank for methanotrophs to ferment methane to produce single-cell protein, and a tank cover is installed on the top of the tank; a stirring assembly for stirring the mixture in the tank, and the stirring assembly is arranged in the tank; a ventilation assembly installed on the tank cover for transporting methane and air into the tank; and a steam disinfection and sterilization assembly for sterilizing the inside of the tank with steam before production. The biological reaction device for producing single-cell protein by methanotrophs provided by this solution combines gas transportation and stirring, simplifies the equipment, and has a steam disinfection and sterilization function, which can comprehensively disinfect the inside of the tank and is relatively convenient to use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of fermentation engineering, and in particular relates to a bioreactor for producing single-cell protein by methane oxidizing bacteria and a process thereof. Background Art

[0002] Single cell protein, also known as microbial protein or bacterial protein, has rich nutritional value, and methane is one of the main sources of greenhouse gases. Methanotrophic bacteria can use methane as the only carbon source and energy source to produce single cell protein.

[0003] Traditionally, in a reaction device where methanotrophic bacteria utilize methane fermentation to produce single-cell protein, not only a gas delivery structure is required, but also a stirring component. The two components work independently, making the equipment structure complicated. In addition, the device lacks a disinfection structure for the tank body, requiring staff to open the tank lid for manual disinfection, which is rather troublesome. Summary of the invention

[0004] In order to solve the technical problems of separate gas delivery and stirring operations, complex equipment and inconvenient tank disinfection in traditional methane-oxidizing bacteria production single-cell protein bioreactors, the present invention provides a methane-oxidizing bacteria production single-cell protein bioreactor and a process thereof.

[0005] The present invention is implemented as follows: a bioreactor for producing single-cell protein by methane oxidizing bacteria, comprising: a tank body for methane oxidizing bacteria to produce single-cell protein by fermenting methane, with a tank cover installed on the top of the tank body; a stirring component for stirring the mixture in the tank body, the stirring component being arranged in the tank body; a ventilation component installed on the tank cover for conveying methane and air into the tank body; and a steam disinfection component for sterilizing the tank body with steam before production.

[0006] Preferably, the tank cover is provided with a feeding port for adding materials into the tank body, and a top cover is provided on the feeding port; the bottom of the tank body is provided with a discharge port, and a switch valve is provided on the discharge port.

[0007] Preferably, the stirring assembly includes: a rotating shaft tube vertically arranged in the tank body; a plurality of stirring rods installed on the rotating shaft tube, and the stirring rods are connected to the rotating shaft tube through a joint; and a stirring drive mechanism arranged on the tank cover for providing driving force for the rotation of the rotating shaft tube.

[0008] Preferably, the stirring drive mechanism includes: a support frame fixed to the top of the tank cover, a sleeve mounted on the top of the rotating shaft tube is fixedly installed on the support frame, and the sleeve is rotatable and sealedly connected to the rotating shaft tube; a stirring motor fixedly installed on the support frame, a first spur gear and a second spur gear are respectively provided on the output shaft of the stirring motor and the rotating shaft tube, and the first spur gear and the second spur gear are meshed with each other.

[0009] Preferably, a gas transmission component is arranged above the tank lid, including: a three-way pipe connected to the top end of the sleeve; a methane input pipe and an air input pipe respectively connected to the other two ports of the three-way pipe for inputting methane gas and air, and electromagnetic valves and flow meters are arranged on both the methane input pipe and the air input pipe; moreover, the joint piece is in a T shape and is integrally formed by a fixed pipe joint and a rotating pipe joint. One end of the fixed pipe joint is fixedly connected and communicated with one side of the rotating shaft pipe. An installation limiting groove is arranged on the stirring rod. Both ends of the rotating pipe joint are rotatably connected to the inner walls on both sides of the installation limiting groove. The stirring rod is provided with an inner cavity. Both ends of the rotating pipe joint extend into the inner cavity and are communicated with the inner cavity. A plurality of first air spray holes communicated with the inner cavity are arranged on both sides of the stirring rod for spraying methane and air into the tank body. A plurality of second air spray holes are formed on the side of the stirring rod opposite to the rotating shaft pipe. The gas sprayed out of the second air spray holes is unfolded from the vertical state to the horizontal state under the reaction force. Thus, when rotating along with the rotating shaft pipe, the materials in the tank body can be stirred; when the stirring rod is not unfolded and is in the vertical state, it will not affect the lifting of the steam disinfection component and will not hinder the steam disinfection operation.

[0010] Preferably, a heating element for heating the materials in the tank body is installed on the inner wall of the bottom of the tank body, a temperature sensor for monitoring the temperature in the tank body is installed at the bottom of the tank body, and a temperature controller is equipped to control the temperature of the materials in the tank body. The connection and control manner of the temperature controller with the heating element and the temperature sensor belong to the existing mature technology and will not be elaborated here.

[0011] Preferably, an installation plate for installing two adjustment components is arranged in the tank body. The two adjustment components are used to adjust the two steam disinfection components to be close to the inner wall of the tank body for steam disinfection. The steam disinfection component includes an installation pipe, a multi-way pipe, and a plurality of nozzles. The installation pipe is installed on the adjustment component, the multi-way pipe is fixedly connected to one end of the installation pipe, and the plurality of nozzles are installed on the remaining ports of the multi-way pipe.

[0012] Preferably, the adjustment component includes two first support blocks fixed to the bottom of the installation plate. A horizontally arranged screw rod is rotatably installed between the two first support blocks. A moving block horizontally slidably connected to the bottom of the installation plate is threadedly sleeved on the screw rod. The installation pipe is fixed to the moving block; moreover, the two adjustment components are equipped with an adjustment driving component installed on the installation plate to provide power for the rotation of the two screw rods.

[0013] Preferably, the adjustment driving component includes: a first cylindrical barrel rotatably installed at the central position of the installation plate. An upper bevel gear and a lower bevel gear are fixedly sleeved on the first cylindrical barrel; fixedly installed on the top of the installation plate and fixedly sleeved on the output shaft with a second bevel gear

[0014] Adjusting motor, the second bevel gear meshes with the upper bevel gear; two first bevel gears fixedly sleeved on the close ends of the two screws, and both of the two first bevel gears mesh with the lower bevel gear.

[0015] Preferably, an installation seat for installing a rotating mechanism is further installed in the tank body. The rotating mechanism is used to make the steam disinfection and killing assembly rotate reciprocally so that the steam can cover the inner wall of the tank body in a circle. The rotating mechanism includes: a second cylindrical barrel rotatably installed at the central position of the installation seat, and the bottom end of the second cylindrical barrel is fixedly connected to the top of the installation plate; an annular gear fixedly sleeved on the outer wall of the second cylindrical barrel; a stepping motor fixedly installed on the installation seat and a main spur gear fixedly sleeved on its output shaft, and the main spur gear meshes with the annular gear.

[0016] Preferably, a steam inlet assembly is installed on the tank cover for conveying steam to the two steam disinfection and killing assemblies and avoiding hindering the reciprocating rotation of the steam disinfection and killing assemblies. The steam inlet assembly includes: an upper annular seat fixedly installed on the tank cover, and a first annular groove is opened at the bottom of the upper annular seat; a lower annular seat rotatably installed in the first annular groove of the upper annular seat through a sealing bearing, and a second annular groove communicating with the first annular groove is opened at the top of the lower annular seat; two connecting pipes respectively fixedly installed on both sides of the lower annular seat and communicating with the second annular groove, and the other ends of the two connecting pipes are fixedly connected with telescopic pipes, and the bottom ends of the telescopic pipes are respectively fixedly connected with one ends of the two installation pipes; a steam input pipe fixedly installed on the top of the upper annular seat and communicating with the inside of the first annular groove, which is used to connect with a steam generating device to convey steam through the steam input pipe.

[0017] Preferably, a fixing plate for installing four lifting assemblies is fixedly installed on the top of the tank cover. The lifting assemblies are used to lift the disinfection and killing assemblies, and can lower the disinfection and killing assemblies to the bottom of the tank body for comprehensive disinfection of the inner wall of the tank body. The lifting assemblies include: two second support blocks fixed on the top of the fixing plate; a winding drum arranged between the two second support blocks, and central shafts are fixedly installed at both ends of the winding drum, and the two central shafts are respectively rotatably connected with the two second support blocks; a pulling rope wound on the winding drum, and the bottom end of the pulling rope is fixedly connected with the top of the installation seat; and, the four lifting assemblies are equipped with a lifting power mechanism.

[0018] Preferably, the lifting power mechanism includes: a double-shaft motor fixed on the top of the fixing plate, and connecting shafts are fixedly connected to the two output shafts of the double-shaft motor through couplings; four sprockets respectively fixedly sleeved on the two connecting shafts and the corresponding two central shafts, and the four sprockets are connected by chains in pairs so that the double-shaft motor can drive the four winding drums to rotate synchronously.

[0019] Preferably, two fixing mechanisms are symmetrically installed on the mounting base for fixing the mounting base on the inner wall of the tank to ensure the stability of the mounting plate and its components during rotation. The fixing mechanism includes: an L-shaped block fixedly installed on the mounting base; an electric telescopic rod fixed on one side of the L-shaped block, and a pressing block is fixedly installed on the output rod of the electric telescopic rod. The two pressing blocks tightly abut against the inner walls on both sides of the tank to keep the mounting base stable.

[0020] Preferably, a protective cover is fixedly installed on the tank cover, and the lifting assembly, the lifting power mechanism, and the stirring drive mechanism are located inside the protective cover.

[0021] The present invention provides a process for producing single-cell protein using the above biological reaction device. The process includes the steps:

[0022] S1. Sterilize and disinfect the inside of the tank:

[0023] First, use the lifting assembly to lower the steam disinfection and sterilization assembly by a certain distance, that is, drive the connecting shaft through the double-shaft motor, the connecting shaft drives the sprocket to rotate, the sprocket drives the drum to rotate through the chain, and the drum releases the pulling rope to lower the mounting base by a certain distance;

[0024] Then, start the two electric telescopic rods to extend the output rods, drive the two pressing blocks to move away from each other until they abut against the inner wall of the tank, and fix the mounting base;

[0025] Start the adjustment drive assembly to rotate the adjustment motor, drive the upper bevel gear and the lower bevel gear on the first cylindrical barrel to rotate, the lower bevel gear drives the two first bevel gears to rotate, and then the screw rotates, prompting the moving block to move, moving the two steam disinfection and sterilization assemblies away from each other and close to the inner walls on both sides of the tank, and adjusting to a suitable position so that the subsequent steam can directly spray onto the inner wall of the tank;

[0026] Then, an external steam generating device can be used to transport steam through the steam input pipe, and the steam is sprayed out through the nozzle to sterilize and disinfect the inner wall of the tank;

[0027] At the same time, start the stepping motor of the rotating mechanism to alternately rotate forward and backward, so that the main straight gear drives the annular gear to rotate, so that the second cylindrical barrel drives the mounting plate to rotate half a circle and then reverse half a circle, and rotate back and forth like this, so that the steam disinfection and sterilization assembly rotates back and forth to ensure that the steam can cover the inner wall of the tank in a circle;

[0028] Next, according to the above steps, lower by another certain distance. The lowering distance should be appropriate for the height of the inner wall of the tank covered by the steam sprayed out by the nozzle. Repeat the above steps until the steam disinfection and sterilization assembly is lowered to the bottom of the tank to achieve full disinfection of the inner wall of the tank, and then operate in reverse to return to the initial state;

[0029] S2. Ferment single-cell protein using methanotrophic bacteria:

[0030] After disinfection is completed, open the top cover of the feeding port, add materials such as methane-oxidizing bacteria and nutrients into the tank body through the feeding port, and then close the feeding port;

[0031] Then, methane and air are transported into the tank body through the ventilation assembly. Methane passes through the methane input pipe, and air passes through the air input pipe. They are mixed at the tee and then enter the sleeve pipe, and then pass through the rotating shaft pipe, the fixed pipe joint on the stirring rod, and the rotating pipe joint, and finally are ejected from the first air jet hole and the second air jet hole. At the same time, control the flow rates of methane and air, which are adjusted by the solenoid valve and the flow meter;

[0032] The gas ejected from the second air jet hole is in a vertical state and expands to a horizontal state under the reaction force. Start the stirring drive mechanism. The stirring motor drives the first straight gear to rotate. The first straight gear meshes with the second straight gear, causing the rotating shaft pipe to rotate, and then driving the stirring rod to stir the mixture in the tank body, so that the methane-oxidizing bacteria are in full contact with methane and air;

[0033] Use the heating element at the bottom of the tank body to heat the materials in the tank body. The temperature sensor monitors the temperature, and the temperature controller controls the heating operation of the heating element according to the set temperature to keep the temperature in the tank body within the temperature range suitable for the fermentation of methane-oxidizing bacteria to produce single-cell protein;

[0034] During the fermentation process, continuously monitor various parameters in the tank body, such as temperature and gas concentration, and adjust the gas input amount of the ventilation assembly, the stirring speed of the stirring assembly, and the heating power of the heating element according to the actual situation;

[0035] When the fermentation is completed, open the switch valve on the discharge port, and discharge the materials containing single-cell protein from the discharge port for subsequent separation and purification operations of single-cell protein;

[0036] Finally, steam can also be transported through the steam input pipe for cleaning and disinfection work in preparation for the next use.

[0037] Compared with the related technologies, the methane-oxidizing bacteria single-cell protein production bioreactor and its process provided by the present invention have the following beneficial effects:

[0038] In the traditional device, the gas transportation structure and the stirring assembly work separately, resulting in a complex device structure. The present invention integrates the gas transportation and stirring functions. For example, the ventilation assembly is combined with the stirring rod. The ventilation assembly transports methane and air to the stirring rod, and the stirring rod evenly ejects the gas while stirring; this integration reduces the complex structure of the device, makes the structure of the device more compact and concise, and reduces the manufacturing cost and maintenance difficulty of the device;

[0039] Traditional devices lack a tank disinfection structure and require manual opening of the tank lid for disinfection, which is rather troublesome. Through the coordinated action of the adjustment component, rotation mechanism, and lifting component, the steam disinfection component of the present invention can achieve comprehensive and efficient disinfection of the inner wall of the tank, eliminating the need for manual opening of the tank lid for disinfection, making the operation more convenient and reducing the labor intensity of the staff. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Figure 1 FIG. is a schematic structural diagram of a biological reaction device for producing single-cell protein by methanotrophic bacteria provided by the present invention;

[0041] Figure 2 FIG. is a front cross-sectional structural diagram of a biological reaction device for producing single-cell protein by methanotrophic bacteria provided by the present invention;

[0042] Figure 3 is Figure 2 an enlarged structural diagram of part A shown in;

[0043] Figure 4 is Figure 2 an enlarged structural diagram of part B shown in;

[0044] Figure 5 is Figure 2 an enlarged structural diagram of part C shown in;

[0045] Figure 6 is Figure 2 an enlarged structural diagram of part D shown in;

[0046] Figure 7 is Figure 2 an enlarged structural diagram of part E shown in;

[0047] Figure 8 FIG. is a top view structural diagram of the lifting component in the present invention;

[0048] Figure 9 FIG. is a side view structural diagram of the steam sterilization component in the present invention;

[0049] Figure 10 FIG. is a three-dimensional assembly drawing of the mounting plate, mounting seat, and second cylindrical barrel in the present invention;

[0050] Figure 11 FIG. is a front cross-sectional structural diagram of the steam inlet component in the present invention;

[0051] Figure 12 FIG. is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the upper annular seat in the present invention;

[0052] Figure 13 FIG. is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the lower annular seat in the present invention;

[0053] Figure 14 This is the 3D assembly drawing of the stirring rod and the ventilation joint in the present invention;

[0054] Figure 15 This is the side sectional assembly drawing of the stirring rod and the joint piece in the present invention;

[0055] Figure 16 This is the assembly drawing of the stirring rod and the rotating shaft tube in the unfolded state of the present invention.

[0056] Reference numerals: 1, tank body; 2, tank cover; 3, rotating shaft tube; 4, stirring rod; 5, support frame; 6, sleeve; 7, stirring motor; 8, first straight gear; 9, second straight gear; 10, tee; 11, methane input pipe; 12, air input pipe; 13, flow meter; 14, fixed pipe joint; 15, rotating pipe joint; 16, first air jet hole; 17, second air jet hole; 18, feeding port; 19, discharging port; 20, heating element; 21, mounting plate; 22, mounting pipe; 23, multi-way pipe; 24, nozzle; 25, first support block; 26, screw; 27, moving block; 28, first bevel gear; 29, first cylindrical barrel; 30, adjusting motor; 31, second bevel gear; 32, upper bevel gear; 33, lower bevel gear; 34, mounting seat; 35, second cylindrical barrel; 36, ring gear; 37, stepping motor; 38, main straight gear; 39, upper ring-shaped seat; 40, first annular groove; 41, lower ring-shaped seat; 42, second annular groove; 43, connecting pipe; 44, telescopic pipe; 45, steam input pipe; 46, fixing plate; 47, second support block; 48, central axis; 49, reel; 50, pulling rope; 51, dual-axis motor; 52, connecting shaft; 53, sprocket; 54, chain; 55, L-shaped block; 56, electric telescopic rod; 57, pressing block; 58, protective cover. Detailed implementation manners

[0057] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which this application belongs; the terms used in the specification of this application are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application; the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof in the specification and the above drawings of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The terms "first", "second", etc. in the specification and the above drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects and are not used to describe a specific order.

[0058] References to "embodiments" in this specification mean that the particular features, structures, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiments can be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The phrase appears in various places in the specification and does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it an independent or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. Those skilled in the art will explicitly and implicitly understand that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0059] An embodiment of the present invention provides a bioreactor for producing single-cell protein by methanotrophs, as Figure 1-16 shown. The bioreactor for producing single-cell protein by methanotrophs includes: a tank body 1 for methanotrophs to ferment methane to produce single-cell protein, and a tank cover 2 is installed on the top of the tank body 1; a stirring assembly for stirring the mixture in the tank body 1, and the stirring assembly is arranged in the tank body 1; a ventilation assembly installed on the tank cover 2 for delivering methane and air into the tank body 1; and a steam disinfection assembly for sterilizing the inside of the tank body 1 with steam before production.

[0060] In this embodiment, before production, the inside of the tank body 1 is sterilized by the steam disinfection assembly. The steam disinfection assembly can effectively remove the miscellaneous bacteria in the tank body 1, avoid the interference of the miscellaneous bacteria on the process of methanotrophs fermenting to produce single-cell protein, ensure the purity of the production process, and help improve the quality of single-cell protein. Then, methane and air are delivered into the tank body 1 through the ventilation assembly on the tank cover 2 to provide the required carbon source and oxygen for the fermentation of methanotrophs. At the same time, the stirring assembly in the tank body 1 stirs the mixture in the tank body 1. During the stirring process, the stirring assembly can make methanotrophs, nutrients, methane, air, etc. fully mixed, create a uniform growth environment for methanotrophs, ensure that methanotrophs can fully utilize methane and other nutrients to produce single-cell protein, and improve the production efficiency.

[0061] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, a feeding port 18 for adding materials into the tank body 1 is provided on the tank cover 2, and a top cover is provided on the feeding port 18; a discharge port 19 is provided at the bottom of the tank body 1, and a switching valve is provided on the discharge port 19.

[0062] In this embodiment, during the process of methanotrophs producing single-cell protein, various required materials, such as nutrients, etc., can be conveniently added through the feeding port 18 to provide sufficient nutrients for the growth and fermentation of methanotrophs. A switching valve is provided on the discharge port 19 at the bottom of the tank body 1. When the production of single-cell protein is completed, the finished product can be discharged by opening the switching valve of the discharge port 19.

[0063] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the stirring assembly includes: a rotating shaft tube 3 vertically arranged in the tank body 1; a plurality of stirring rods 4 mounted on the rotating shaft tube 3, the stirring rods 4 being connected to the rotating shaft tube 3 through joint members; and a stirring drive mechanism provided on the tank cover 2 for providing driving force for the rotation of the rotating shaft tube 3.

[0064] In this embodiment, the stirring drive mechanism is provided on the tank cover 2 to provide driving force for the rotation of the rotating shaft tube 3. The rotating shaft tube 3 rotates vertically in the tank body 1, driving a plurality of stirring rods 4 (the stirring rods 4 are connected to the rotating shaft tube 3 through joint members) mounted thereon to stir the mixture in the tank body 1. When methane-oxidizing bacteria use methane to ferment and produce single-cell protein, the stirring assembly can make the methane-oxidizing bacteria, methane, air, nutrients, etc. in the tank body 1 fully mixed and uniform, which is more conducive to the fermentation environment of methane-oxidizing bacteria.

[0065] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the stirring drive mechanism includes: a support frame 5 fixed to the top of the tank cover 2, a sleeve 6 sleeved on the top end of the rotating shaft tube 3 is fixedly installed on the support frame 5, the sleeve 6 is rotationally and sealingly connected to the rotating shaft tube 3; a stirring motor 7 fixedly installed on the support frame 5, a first spur gear 8 and a second spur gear 9 are respectively provided on the output shaft of the stirring motor 7 and the rotating shaft tube 3, and the first spur gear 8 and the second spur gear 9 are meshed with each other.

[0066] In this embodiment, the support frame 5 provides support for components such as the stirring motor 7. The sleeve 6 fixedly installed on the support frame 5 is sleeved on the top end of the rotating shaft tube 3 and is rotationally and sealingly connected. The stirring motor 7 is fixedly installed on the support frame 5, and the first spur gear 8 on its output shaft is meshed with the second spur gear 9 on the rotating shaft tube 3. During the process of methane-oxidizing bacteria producing single-cell protein, the stirring motor 7 is started, and the rotation of the rotating shaft tube 3 is driven through the meshing of the first spur gear 8 and the second spur gear 9, and then the stirring rods 4 stir the mixture in the tank body 1.

[0067] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, an air delivery assembly is provided above the tank cover 2, including: a tee 10 connected to the top end of the sleeve 6; a methane inlet pipe 11 and an air inlet pipe 12 respectively connected to the other two ports of the tee 10 for inputting methane gas and air, and solenoid valves and flow meters 13 are provided on both the methane inlet pipe 11 and the air inlet pipe 12; and, the joint member is in a T shape and is integrally formed by a fixed pipe joint 14 and a rotating pipe joint 15. One end of the fixed pipe joint 14 is fixedly connected to and communicated with one side of the rotating shaft pipe 3. The stirring rod 4 is provided with an installation limiting groove. Both ends of the rotating pipe joint 15 are rotatably connected to the inner walls on both sides of the installation limiting groove. The stirring rod 4 is provided with an inner cavity. Both ends of the rotating pipe joint 15 extend into the inner cavity and are communicated with the inner cavity. A plurality of first air spray holes 16 communicated with the inner cavity are provided on both sides of the stirring rod 4 for spraying methane and air into the tank body 1. A plurality of second air spray holes 17 are formed on the side of the stirring rod 4 opposite to the rotating shaft pipe 3. The gas sprayed out from the second air spray holes 17 expands from the vertical state to the horizontal state under the reaction force. Thus, when rotating with the rotating shaft pipe 3, the materials in the tank body 1 can be stirred; when the stirring rod 4 is not unfolded and is in the vertical state, it will not affect the lifting of the steam disinfection and sterilization assembly and will not hinder the steam disinfection and sterilization operation.

[0068] In this embodiment, the tee 10 of the air delivery assembly above the tank cover 2 is connected to the top end of the sleeve 6. The methane inlet pipe 11 and the air inlet pipe 12 are respectively connected to the other two ends of the tee 10 to input methane and air, and the solenoid valves and flow meters 13 control the gas flow. In the joint member, the fixed pipe joint 14 is connected to the rotating shaft pipe 3 and is integrally formed with the rotating pipe joint 15. The rotating pipe joint 15 is communicated with the inner cavity of the stirring rod 4. The first air spray holes 16 on both sides of the stirring rod 4 and the second air spray holes 17 on one side can spray gas. When producing single-cell protein by methanotrophs, methane and air are input according to requirements and sprayed out through the stirring rod 4, which not only provides a carbon source and oxygen for the methanotrophs, but also uses the reaction force of the sprayed gas to stir the materials. When the stirring rod 4 is in the vertical state, it does not affect the steam disinfection and sterilization assembly, and the components cooperate well during different operations, which helps to improve production efficiency and ensure the smooth progress of the production process.

[0069] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, a heating element 20 for heating the materials in the tank body 1 is installed on the bottom inner wall of the tank body 1, and a temperature sensor for monitoring the temperature in the tank body 1 is installed at the bottom of the tank body 1, and a temperature controller is equipped to control the temperature of the materials in the tank body 1.

[0070] In this embodiment, the heating element 20 on the inner wall of the bottom of the tank body 1 is used to heat the material, the temperature sensor monitors the temperature, and the temperature controller controls the temperature. During the production of single-cell protein by methanotrophic bacteria, the heating element 20 can provide an appropriate temperature, which is monitored by the temperature sensor and precisely regulated by the temperature controller, creating an ideal temperature condition for the growth and fermentation of methanotrophic bacteria, and helping to improve the production efficiency and quality of single-cell protein. The connection and control method between the temperature controller, the heating element 20 and the temperature sensor belong to the existing mature technology and will not be elaborated here.

[0071] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, an installation plate 21 for installing two adjustment components is provided inside the tank body 1. The two adjustment components are used to adjust two steam disinfection components to be close to the inner wall of the tank body 1 for steam disinfection. The steam disinfection component includes an installation pipe 22, a multi-way pipe 23 and a plurality of nozzles 24. The installation pipe 22 is installed on the adjustment component, the multi-way pipe 23 is fixedly connected to one end of the installation pipe 22, and the plurality of nozzles 24 are installed on the remaining ports of the multi-way pipe 23.

[0072] In this embodiment, the installation pipe 22 in the steam disinfection component is installed on the adjustment component, the multi-way pipe 23 is connected to one end of the installation pipe 22, and the nozzles 24 are installed on the ports of the multi-way pipe 23. When producing single-cell protein by methanotrophic bacteria, the adjustment component can move the steam disinfection component close to the inner wall of the tank body 1, and the nozzles 24 directly spray steam onto the inner wall of the tank body 1 for disinfection, ensuring the cleanliness of the inside of the tank body 1 and being beneficial to improving the production quality of single-cell protein.

[0073] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the adjustment component includes two first support blocks 25 fixed to the bottom of the installation plate 21. A horizontally arranged screw rod 26 is rotatably installed between the two first support blocks 25. A moving block 27 that is horizontally slidably connected to the bottom of the installation plate 21 is threadedly sleeved on the screw rod 26. The installation pipe 22 is fixed to the moving block 27; and, the two adjustment components are equipped with an adjustment drive component installed on the installation plate 21 to provide power for the rotation of the two screw rods 26.

[0074] In this embodiment, the first support blocks 25 at the bottom of the installation plate 21 support the screw rod 26. The rotation of the screw rod 26 causes the threadedly sleeved moving block 27 to slide horizontally, and the installation pipe 22 moves with the moving block 27. The adjustment drive component provides power for the rotation of the screw rod 26. During the production of single-cell protein by methanotrophic bacteria, the adjustment drive component drives the rotation of the screw rod 26, driving the movement of the steam disinfection component, and can precisely adjust the position of the steam disinfection component to ensure comprehensive and effective steam disinfection, which helps to guarantee the production environment and improve the production quality of single-cell protein.

[0075] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the adjustment driving assembly includes: a first cylindrical cylinder 29 rotatably installed at the central position of the mounting plate 21, and an upper bevel gear 32 and a lower bevel gear 33 are fixedly sleeved on the first cylindrical cylinder 29; fixedly installed on the top of the mounting plate 21 and having a second bevel gear 31 fixedly sleeved on the output shaft of

[0076] an adjustment motor 30, and the second bevel gear 31 meshes with the upper bevel gear 32; two first bevel gears 28 fixedly sleeved on the mutually approaching ends of the two screws 26, and both of the two first bevel gears 28 mesh with the lower bevel gear 33.

[0077] In this embodiment, the second bevel gear 31 on the output shaft of the adjustment motor 30 on the mounting plate 21 meshes with the upper bevel gear 32 on the first cylindrical cylinder 29, and the lower bevel gear 33 of the first cylindrical cylinder 29 meshes with the first bevel gear 28 on the screw 26. When the methanotrophic bacteria produce single-cell protein, the adjustment motor 30 is started, and the screw 26 is driven to rotate through the meshing between the bevel gears, thereby adjusting the position of the steam disinfection assembly.

[0078] In another embodiment of the present invention, a mounting seat 34 for installing a rotating mechanism is further installed in the tank body 1, and the rotating mechanism is used to make the steam disinfection assembly rotate reciprocally so that the steam can cover the inner wall of the tank body 1 in a circle. The rotating mechanism includes: a second cylindrical cylinder 35 rotatably installed at the central position of the mounting seat 34, and the bottom end of the second cylindrical cylinder 35 is fixedly connected to the top of the mounting plate 21; an annular gear 36 fixedly sleeved on the outer wall of the second cylindrical cylinder 35; a stepping motor 37 fixedly installed on the mounting seat 34 and having a main straight gear 38 fixedly sleeved on its output shaft, and the main straight gear 38 meshes with the annular gear 36.

[0079] In this embodiment, the stepping motor 37 on the mounting seat 34 in the tank body 1, the main straight gear 38 on its output shaft meshes with the annular gear 36 on the second cylindrical cylinder 35, and the second cylindrical cylinder 35 is connected to the mounting plate 21. When the methanotrophic bacteria produce single-cell protein, the stepping motor 37 drives the steam disinfection assembly to rotate reciprocally, and the steam covers the inner wall of the tank body 1 in a circle, so that the disinfection is more comprehensive, the hygiene inside the tank body 1 is guaranteed, and it helps to improve the quality of single-cell protein production.

[0080] In another embodiment of the present invention, a steam inlet assembly is installed on the tank cover 2 for delivering steam to the two steam disinfection assemblies and preventing interference with the reciprocating rotation of the steam disinfection assemblies. The steam inlet assembly includes: an upper annular seat 39 fixedly installed on the tank cover 2, and a first annular groove 40 is formed at the bottom of the upper annular seat 39; a lower annular seat 41 rotatably installed in the first annular groove 40 of the upper annular seat 39 through a sealed bearing, and a second annular groove 42 communicating with the first annular groove 40 is formed at the top of the lower annular seat 41; two connecting pipes 43 fixedly installed on both sides of the lower annular seat 41 and communicating with the second annular groove 42, and the other ends of the two connecting pipes 43 are fixedly connected with telescopic pipes 44 respectively, and the bottom ends of the telescopic pipes 44 are fixedly connected with one ends of the two installation pipes 22 respectively; a steam input pipe 45 fixedly installed on the top of the upper annular seat 39 and communicating with the inside of the first annular groove 40 for connecting with a steam generating device to deliver steam through the steam input pipe 45.

[0081] In this embodiment, for the steam inlet assembly on the tank cover 2, the upper annular seat 39 and the lower annular seat 41 are connected through a sealed bearing, the connecting pipes 43 and the telescopic pipes 44 connect the lower annular seat 41 and the installation pipes 22, and the steam input pipe 45 connects the upper annular seat 39. When the methanotrophic bacteria produce single-cell protein, the steam from the steam generating device enters through the steam input pipe 45, is delivered to the steam disinfection assemblies through various components, and does not interfere with their reciprocating rotation, ensuring the smooth progress of steam disinfection, helping to maintain the cleanliness inside the tank body 1, and improving the production quality of single-cell protein.

[0082] In another embodiment of the present invention, a fixing plate 46 for installing four lifting assemblies is fixedly installed on the top of the tank cover 2. The lifting assemblies are used for lifting the disinfection assemblies, enabling the disinfection assemblies to descend to the bottom of the tank body 1 for comprehensive disinfection of the inner wall of the tank body 1. The lifting assemblies include: two second support blocks 47 fixed on the top of the fixing plate 46; a winding drum 49 arranged between the two second support blocks 47, and a central shaft 48 is fixedly installed at both ends of the winding drum 49, and the two central shafts 48 are respectively rotatably connected with the two second support blocks 47; a pulling rope 50 wound around the winding drum 49, and the bottom end of the pulling rope 50 is fixedly connected with the top of the mounting seat 34; and, the four lifting assemblies are equipped with a lifting power mechanism.

[0083] In this embodiment, for the lifting assemblies on the fixing plate 46 of the tank cover 2, the winding drum 49 is installed between the second support blocks 47 through the central shaft 48, the pulling rope 50 connects the winding drum 49 and the mounting seat 34, and is controlled by the lifting power mechanism. When the methanotrophic bacteria produce single-cell protein, under the action of the lifting power mechanism, the winding drum 49 rotates to lift and lower the steam disinfection assemblies through the pulling rope 50, which can disinfect the inner wall of the bottom of the tank body 1, ensuring comprehensive disinfection and being beneficial to improving the production quality of single-cell protein.

[0084] In another embodiment of the present invention, the lifting power mechanism includes: a double-shaft motor 51 fixed to the top of the fixed plate 46, and a connecting shaft 52 is fixedly connected to each of the two output shafts of the double-shaft motor 51 through a coupling; four sprockets 53 are respectively fixedly sleeved on the two connecting shafts 52 and the corresponding two middle shafts 48, and the four sprockets 53 are connected to each other by chains 54, so that the double-shaft motor 51 synchronously drives the four drums 49 to rotate.

[0085] In this embodiment, the output shaft of the double-shaft motor 51 on the fixed plate 46 is connected to the connecting shaft 52, the sprockets 53 are sleeved on the connecting shaft 52 and the middle shaft 48, and the chains 54 connect the sprockets 53. When the methanotrophic bacteria produce single-cell protein, the double-shaft motor 51 drives the drum 49 to rotate through the sprockets 53 and the chains 54, so that the steam disinfection assembly is lifted, realizing the full disinfection of the inner wall of the tank body 1, ensuring the production environment, and helping to improve the quality of single-cell protein production.

[0086] In another embodiment of the present invention, two fixing mechanisms are symmetrically installed on the mounting seat 34 for fixing the mounting seat 34 on the inner wall of the tank body 1 to ensure the stability when the mounting plate 21 and the components thereon rotate. The fixing mechanism includes: an L-shaped block 55 fixedly installed on the mounting seat 34; an electric telescopic rod 56 fixed to one side of the L-shaped block 55, and a pressing block 57 is fixedly installed on the output rod of the electric telescopic rod 56, and the two pressing blocks 57 tightly abut against the inner walls on both sides of the tank body 1 to keep the mounting seat 34 stable.

[0087] In this embodiment, in the fixing mechanism on the mounting seat 34, the L-shaped block 55 is connected to the electric telescopic rod 56, and the pressing block 57 is on the output rod of the electric telescopic rod 56. When the methanotrophic bacteria produce single-cell protein, the electric telescopic rod 56 pushes the pressing block 57 to tightly abut against the inner wall of the tank body 1 to fix the mounting seat 34, ensuring the rotational stability of the mounting plate 21 and its components, and helping to improve the production efficiency and quality.

[0088] In another embodiment of the present invention, a protective cover 58 is fixedly installed on the tank cover 2, and the lifting assembly, the lifting power mechanism and the stirring drive mechanism are located inside the protective cover 58.

[0089] In this embodiment, the protective cover 58 on the tank cover 2 covers the lifting assembly, the lifting power mechanism and the stirring drive mechanism. When the methanotrophic bacteria produce single-cell protein, the protective cover 58 protects these components from being damaged or interfered by the outside, ensuring the smooth progress of the production process, and helping to improve the stability of single-cell protein production.

[0090] The present invention provides a process for producing single-cell protein using the above biological reaction device, and the process includes the steps:

[0091] S1. Sterilize and disinfect the inside of the tank body 1:

[0092] First, use the lifting and lowering component to lower the steam disinfection component by a certain distance. That is, drive the connecting shaft 52 by the dual-axis motor 51. The connecting shaft 52 drives the sprocket 53 to rotate. The sprocket 53 drives the drum 49 to rotate through the chain 54. The drum 49 releases the pulling rope 50 to lower the mounting seat 34 by a certain distance.

[0093] Then, start the two electric telescopic rods 56 to extend the output rods, driving the two pressing blocks 57 to move away from each other until they abut against the inner wall of the tank body 1 to fix the mounting seat 34.

[0094] Start the adjustment drive component to rotate the adjustment motor 30, driving the upper bevel gear 32 and the lower bevel gear 33 on the first cylindrical barrel 29 to rotate. The lower bevel gear 33 drives the two first bevel gears 28 to rotate, thereby rotating the screw rod 26, prompting the moving block 27 to move, moving the two steam disinfection components away from each other and close to the inner walls on both sides of the tank body 1, and adjusting to a suitable position so that the subsequent steam can directly spray onto the inner wall of the tank body 1.

[0095] Then, an external steam generating device can be used to transport steam through the steam input pipe 45. The steam is ejected through the nozzle 24 to disinfect the inner wall of the tank body 1.

[0096] At the same time, start the stepping motor 37 of the rotating mechanism to perform forward and reverse rotations alternately, so that the main straight gear 38 drives the annular gear 36 to rotate, thereby driving the second cylindrical barrel 35 to drive the mounting plate 21 to rotate half a turn and then reverse half a turn, and rotate back and forth like this, so that the steam disinfection component rotates back and forth to ensure that the steam can cover the inner wall of the tank body 1 in a circle.

[0097] Next, according to the above steps, lower by another certain distance. The lowering distance should be appropriate for the height of the inner wall of the tank body 1 covered by the steam ejected from the nozzle. Repeat the above steps until the steam disinfection component is lowered to the bottom of the tank body 1 to achieve comprehensive disinfection of the inner wall of the tank body 1, and then operate in reverse to restore to the initial state.

[0098] S2. Use methane-oxidizing bacteria to ferment and produce single-cell protein:

[0099] After disinfection is completed, open the top cover of the feeding port 18, add materials such as methane-oxidizing bacteria and nutrients into the tank body 1 through the feeding port 18, and close the feeding port 18.

[0100] Then, transport methane and air into the tank body 1 through the ventilation component. Methane passes through the methane input pipe 11, air passes through the air input pipe 12, and they are mixed at the tee 10 and then enter the sleeve 6, and then pass through the rotating shaft pipe 3, the fixed pipe joints 14 on the stirring rod 4, the rotating pipe joints 15, and finally are ejected from the first air holes 16 and the second air holes 17. At the same time, control the flow rates of methane and air, and adjust them through the solenoid valve and the flowmeter 13.

[0101] The gas ejected from the second air jet hole 17 is subjected to a reaction force and unfolds from the vertical state to the horizontal state. The stirring drive mechanism is started, and the stirring motor 7 drives the first straight gear 8 to rotate. The first straight gear 8 meshes with the second straight gear 9, causing the rotating shaft tube 3 to rotate, and then driving the stirring rod 4 to stir the mixture in the tank body 1, so that the methanotrophic bacteria are in full contact with methane and air;

[0102] The heating element 20 at the bottom of the tank body 1 is used to heat the materials in the tank body 1. The temperature sensor monitors the temperature, and the temperature controller controls the heating operation of the heating element 20 according to the set temperature, so as to keep the temperature in the tank body 1 within the temperature range suitable for the fermentation of methanotrophic bacteria to produce single-cell protein;

[0103] During the fermentation process, various parameters in the tank body 1, such as temperature and gas concentration, are continuously monitored, and the gas input volume of the ventilation component, the stirring speed of the stirring component, and the heating power of the heating element 20 are adjusted according to the actual situation;

[0104] When the fermentation is completed, the switch valve on the discharge port 19 is opened, and the materials containing single-cell protein are discharged from the discharge port 19 for subsequent separation and purification operations of single-cell protein;

[0105] Finally, steam can also be conveyed through the steam input pipe 45 for cleaning and disinfection work in preparation for the next use.

[0106] It should be noted that the circuits, electronic components, and modules involved in the present invention are all prior arts, which can be fully realized by those skilled in the art without further elaboration. The content protected by the present invention does not involve improvements to software and methods;

[0107] In this solution, a control cabinet is also equipped. When in use, each electrical device can be started to operate separately through the electrical control cabinet. The power connection method of each electrical device is a mature prior art and is well-known to those skilled in the art, so no redundant description will be given here.

[0108] To sum up, compared with the related technologies, the unique design of combining the ventilation component and the stirring rod in the present invention enables methane and air to be efficiently mixed in the materials. The ventilation component inputs methane and air into the stirring rod and then ejects them through the first air jet hole 16 and the second air jet hole 17 on the stirring rod. During the stirring process of the stirring rod, the gas is evenly dispersed, ensuring sufficient supply of methane and air around the methanotrophic bacteria, greatly improving the utilization efficiency of the methanotrophic bacteria for carbon sources and energy sources, thereby accelerating the synthesis speed of single-cell protein and enhancing the overall production efficiency.

[0109] Through the coordinated operation of the adjustment component, the rotation mechanism and the lifting component, the steam disinfection and sterilization component can achieve comprehensive and dead - angle - free sterilization and disinfection of the inner wall of the tank 1. Before production, this comprehensive disinfection and sterilization measure can effectively remove the miscellaneous bacteria in the tank 1, prevent the miscellaneous bacteria from competing with the methanotrophic bacteria for nutrients or producing harmful substances during the fermentation process, and ensure the purity and quality stability of the single - cell protein product.

[0110] In several embodiments provided by the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed device can be implemented in other ways.

[0111] The above - mentioned embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than limiting the protection scope of the invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on these embodiments, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts belong to the scope of protection of the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above - mentioned embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art can still, without conflict and without creative efforts, combine, add, delete or make other adjustments to the features in the embodiments of the present invention according to the situation, so as to obtain different technical solutions that essentially do not deviate from the concept of the present invention, and these technical solutions also belong to the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A bioreactor for producing single-cell protein from methane-oxidizing bacteria, characterized in that: include: A tank body (1) used for producing single-cell protein by fermenting methane with methanotrophic bacteria, wherein a tank cover (2) is installed on the top of the tank body (1); A stirring assembly for stirring the mixture in the tank body, the stirring assembly being arranged in the tank body (1); A ventilation assembly installed on the tank cover (2) for conveying methane and air into the tank body (1); A steam sterilization component for sterilizing the inside of a tank body (1) using steam before production, wherein a mounting plate (21) for mounting two adjustment components is provided inside the tank body (1), and the two adjustment components are used to adjust the two steam sterilization components to approach the inner wall of the tank body (1) to perform steam sterilization thereon; The stirring assembly comprises: a rotating shaft tube (3) arranged vertically and rotating in the tank body (1); a plurality of stirring rods (4) mounted on the rotating shaft tube (3), the stirring rods (4) being connected to the rotating shaft tube (3) via a joint; and a stirring drive mechanism arranged on the tank cover (2) and used for providing a driving force for the rotating shaft tube (3) to rotate; The stirring drive mechanism comprises: a support frame (5) fixed to the top of the tank cover (2), a sleeve (6) sleeved on the top of the rotating shaft tube (3) fixedly mounted on the support frame (5), the sleeve (6) being rotatably and sealingly connected to the rotating shaft tube (3); a stirring motor (7) fixedly mounted on the support frame (5), a first spur gear (8) and a second spur gear (9) being respectively provided on the output shaft of the stirring motor (7) and the rotating shaft tube (3), the first spur gear (8) and the second spur gear (9) being meshed with each other; A gas delivery assembly is arranged above the tank cover (2), comprising: a three-way pipe (10) connected to the top end of the sleeve (6); a methane input pipe (11) for inputting methane gas and an air input pipe (12) for inputting air, respectively connected to the other two ports of the three-way pipe (10), and both the methane input pipe (11) and the air input pipe (12) are provided with a solenoid valve and a flow meter (13); and the joint piece is T-shaped and is formed integrally with a fixed pipe joint (14) and a rotating pipe joint (15), and one end of the fixed pipe joint (14) is connected to the rotating shaft. The stirring rod (4) is fixedly connected to and communicates with one side of the tube (3); a mounting limit groove is provided on the stirring rod (4); two ends of the rotating pipe joint (15) are respectively rotatably connected to the inner walls of the two sides of the mounting limit groove; the stirring rod (4) is provided with an inner cavity; two ends of the rotating pipe joint (15) extend into the inner cavity and communicate with the inner cavity; a plurality of first jet holes (16) connected to the inner cavity are provided on both sides of the stirring rod (4) for spraying methane and air into the tank body (1); a plurality of second jet holes (17) are provided on the side of the stirring rod (4) opposite to the rotating shaft tube (3).

2. The bioreactor for producing single-cell protein by methanotrophic bacteria according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tank cover (2) is provided with a feeding port (18) for adding materials into the tank body (1), and a top cover is provided on the feeding port (18); a discharge port (19) is provided at the bottom of the tank body (1), and a switch valve is provided on the discharge port (19).

3. The bioreactor for producing single-cell protein by methanotrophic bacteria according to claim 2, characterized in that: A heating element (20) for heating the material in the tank body (1) is installed on the inner wall of the bottom of the tank body (1), and a temperature sensor for monitoring the temperature in the tank body (1) is installed at the bottom of the tank body (1).

4. The bioreactor for producing single-cell protein by methanotrophic bacteria according to claim 3, characterized in that: The steam sterilization component comprises a mounting tube (22), a multi-way tube (23) and a plurality of nozzles (24); the mounting tube (22) is mounted on the adjustment component; the multi-way tube (23) is fixedly connected to one end of the mounting tube (22); and the plurality of nozzles (24) are mounted on the remaining ports of the multi-way tube (23).

5. The bioreactor for producing single-cell protein by methanotrophic bacteria according to claim 4, characterized in that: The adjustment assembly comprises two first support blocks (25) fixed to the bottom of the mounting plate (21), a horizontally arranged screw rod (26) being rotatably mounted between the two first support blocks (25), a moving block (27) being threadedly sleeved on the screw rod (26) and being horizontally slidably connected to the bottom of the mounting plate (21), and the mounting tube (22) being fixed on the moving block (27); Furthermore, the two adjustment assemblies are equipped with an adjustment drive assembly mounted on the mounting plate (21) and providing power for the rotation of the two screw rods (26).

6. The bioreactor for producing single-cell protein by methanotrophic bacteria according to claim 5, characterized in that: The adjustment drive assembly comprises: A first cylindrical barrel (29) is rotatably mounted at the center of the mounting plate (21), wherein an upper bevel gear (32) and a lower bevel gear (33) are fixedly sleeved on the first cylindrical barrel (29); A second bevel gear (31) is fixedly mounted on the top of the mounting plate (21) and provided on the output shaft fixing sleeve. An adjusting motor (30), wherein the second bevel gear (31) is meshed with the upper bevel gear (32); Two first bevel gears (28) are fixedly sleeved on ends of the two screw rods (26) close to each other, and the two first bevel gears (28) are meshed with the lower bevel gear (33).

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