Low-temperature fermentation vessel and fermentation method for baijiu (Chinese liquor) based on intelligent venting technology in food processing.

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of food processing technology, and discloses a low-temperature fermentation container and method for baijiu (Chinese liquor) with intelligent venting capability. The low-temperature fermentation container includes a fermentation tank with a partition fixedly connected inside. The partition divides the fermentation tank into a fermentation zone and a gas storage zone. A gas guiding mechanism is vertically arranged in the middle of the partition, including a telescopic outer pipe located in the fermentation zone, with a buoyancy plate at its upper end. Carbon dioxide generated during baijiu fermentation can flow directly downwards through the upper end of the telescopic outer pipe into the gas storage zone, preventing carbon dioxide from remaining above the liquid surface. Simultaneously, when nitrogen is supplied, a directional airflow is formed within the fermentation tank, and the discharged carbon dioxide is collected through a collection box, thus reducing carbon emissions from food production. Furthermore, the purified carbon dioxide can be used in various industrial fields, improving resource utilization efficiency and reducing enterprise production costs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of food processing and production technology, and in particular to a low-temperature fermentation container and fermentation method for baijiu (Chinese liquor) with intelligent venting capability based on food processing. Background Technology

[0002] Low-temperature fermentation of baijiu is a process that slows down the metabolic rate of microorganisms and optimizes the formation of flavor compounds by controlling the temperature (usually 15–25℃). It is commonly used in the production of light-aroma and rice-aroma baijiu. During the alcoholic fermentation stage, yeast breaks down sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide under anaerobic conditions. The increase in gas increases the pressure inside the container, and most of the energy produced during the reaction is released as heat, causing the temperature inside the container to rise.

[0003] In large-scale food processing, gas replacement devices and monitoring modules are installed inside fermentation vessels. When the monitoring module detects excessive pressure inside the vessel, the gas replacement device introduces an inert gas (such as nitrogen). The gas flow then helps to expel carbon dioxide and heat from the vessel, preventing excessive pressure from damaging the mash structure. However, in existing technologies, nitrogen is directly supplied to the vessel through a gas pipe. This results in turbulent airflow inside the vessel, making it difficult to quickly and effectively remove carbon dioxide completely. Consequently, the gas replacement device needs to be activated frequently. Furthermore, when carbon dioxide is not completely removed, because carbon dioxide is denser than air, it lies below the air and comes into contact with the surface of the liquor. This carbon dioxide affects the activity of microorganisms in the upper layer of liquor, hindering the uniformity of fermentation and thus reducing the flavor and quality of the liquor. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Given the problem that existing technologies cannot quickly and completely remove carbon dioxide from the container, a low-temperature fermentation container for baijiu (Chinese liquor) based on food processing with intelligent venting capability is proposed.

[0005] Its purpose is to utilize the density difference between carbon dioxide and nitrogen and air, so that carbon dioxide flows directly into a separately designed chamber when it is generated, avoiding the small amount of carbon dioxide on the surface of the liquor, and at the same time, allowing the carbon dioxide collected in the chamber to be quickly discharged.

[0006] The technical solution of this invention is a low-temperature fermentation container for baijiu (Chinese liquor) with intelligent venting capability, based on food processing. It includes a fermentation tank, with a horizontally arranged partition fixedly connected to the lower part of the fermentation tank. The partition divides the fermentation tank cavity into a fermentation zone and a gas storage zone from top to bottom. A gas guiding mechanism is vertically arranged in the middle of the partition. The gas guiding mechanism includes a telescopic outer tube located within the fermentation zone. The lower end of the telescopic outer tube is fixedly connected to the partition. A buoyancy plate is provided at the upper end of the telescopic outer tube, floating on the surface of the baijiu liquid, making the upper end of the telescopic outer tube close to the surface of the baijiu liquid. A telescopic inner tube is sleeved inside the telescopic outer tube, with both ends of the inner tube extending to the outside of the outer tube. The lower end of the inner tube exits the fermentation tank and connects to an external nitrogen delivery device, and the inner tube communicates with the gas storage zone.

[0007] The gas guiding mechanism also includes an exhaust pipe fixedly connected to the bottom of the fermenter. One end of the exhaust pipe is connected to the gas storage area, and the other end of the exhaust pipe is connected to a collection box. The lower end of the telescopic inner pipe is fixedly extended downward through the exhaust pipe. A regulating valve is provided between the exhaust pipe and the telescopic inner pipe. When nitrogen is introduced into the telescopic inner pipe, it drives the regulating valve to move upward, switching the gas supply state of the telescopic inner pipe and the exhaust pipe.

[0008] Using the above technical solution, the brewing raw materials ferment in the fermentation zone. The buoyancy plate allows the upper end of the telescopic outer tube to protrude above the liquid surface. After the generated carbon dioxide leaves the liquid surface, it flows downward through the port of the telescopic outer tube into the gas storage zone under the action of gravity. The air originally stored in the gas storage zone enters the upper part of the fermentation zone through the inside of the telescopic inner tube. The external nitrogen delivery equipment can deliver nitrogen into the fermentation tank through the lower end of the telescopic inner tube. When the nitrogen drives the regulating valve to rise, it closes the connection between the telescopic inner tube and the gas storage zone, and at the same time opens the exhaust pipe. The nitrogen flows upward inside the telescopic inner tube and is discharged to the upper part of the fermentation zone. The airflow between the telescopic outer tube and the telescopic inner tube flows downward, which causes the carbon dioxide in the gas storage zone to flow through the exhaust pipe to the collection box. The carbon dioxide is collected in the collection box and can be reused.

[0009] Furthermore, the telescopic outer tube includes an air guide tube one fixedly connected to the partition plate, an air guide hose fixedly connected to the upper end of the air guide tube one, and an air guide tube two fixedly connected to the upper end of the air guide hose.

[0010] Using the above technical solution, carbon dioxide gas will be generated and released during the fermentation process of the brewing raw materials. The volume of the brewing raw materials will gradually decrease, resulting in a drop in the liquid level. By utilizing the buoyancy of the buoyancy plate and the vertical extensibility of the telescopic hose, the upper end of the second gas guide pipe can always maintain a minimum distance from the liquid level, which facilitates the flow of carbon dioxide to the gas storage area through the telescopic outer pipe.

[0011] Furthermore, the telescopic inner tube includes a third gas guide tube disposed inside the first gas guide tube, a fourth gas guide tube slidably connected to the upper end of the third gas guide tube, the lower end of the third gas guide tube fixedly penetrates the bottom of the fermenter and the exhaust pipe and extends downward, and the third gas guide tube is provided with a through hole at the gas storage area.

[0012] Multiple ribs are vertically fixed to the outer walls of the air guide tubes three and four, and the ribs slide in contact with the inner wall of the telescopic outer tube.

[0013] With the above technical solution, the through hole is located below the gas guide pipe. When carbon dioxide in the fermentation zone flows downward through the gap between the telescopic outer pipe and the telescopic inner pipe, the gas pressure in the gas storage zone increases. The air in the gas storage zone flows to the upper part of the fermentation zone through the through hole. The telescopic outer pipe and the telescopic inner pipe are used to separate two flow channels, so that the downward flow of carbon dioxide and the upward flow of air will not interfere with each other, which helps the rapid flow of carbon dioxide.

[0014] Furthermore, the regulating valve includes a compression ring that slides within the air guide pipe three. The compression ring has a frustum-shaped cavity in the middle. The regulating valve also includes a sealing plug between the exhaust pipe and the air guide pipe three. The lower side of the sealing plug abuts against two sealing rings. The two sealing rings are respectively connected and fixed to the inner wall of the exhaust pipe and the outer wall of the air guide pipe three. A plurality of pull rods are fixedly connected to the sealing plug. The pull rods pass through the through hole and are connected and fixed to the compression ring.

[0015] Using the above technical solution, the small end of the compression ring is set upward. When nitrogen passes through the compression ring, the air slope inside the compression ring comes into contact with the airflow and slides upward due to resistance until the through hole is blocked. At the same time, the pull rod drives the sealing plug away from the sealing ring, so that the exhaust pipe is opened. At this time, the telescopic inner tube cooperates with the exhaust pipe to form a directional airflow channel, which helps the carbon dioxide in the gas storage area to be discharged quickly.

[0016] Furthermore, a sliding rod is slidably connected to the compression ring. One end of the sliding rod passes into the cavity of the compression ring and is fixedly connected to a guide plate. The other end of the sliding rod passes through the compression ring and extends to the outside. A limiting groove adapted to the sliding rod is opened on the inner wall of the air guide pipe.

[0017] When nitrogen is not being supplied, the sealing plug abuts against the sealing ring under the action of gravity. At this time, the slide rod slides downward and the left end is placed in the limiting groove. The compression ring cannot slide under the action of external force, ensuring the stability of the abutment between the sealing plug and the sealing ring, thereby ensuring the sealing of the fermenter and preventing external gases and impurities from entering the fermenter.

[0018] Furthermore, environmental monitoring modules are installed on the inner wall of the gas storage area and the top of the buoyancy plate. The environmental monitoring modules include temperature sensors, pressure sensors, and carbon dioxide concentration sensors. The environmental monitoring modules are connected to the external nitrogen delivery equipment.

[0019] Using the above technical solution, temperature, pressure, and carbon dioxide concentration values ​​in the fermentation zone and gas storage zone can be monitored in real time through temperature sensors, pressure sensors, and carbon dioxide concentration sensors. When any of these values ​​reaches the set maximum threshold, the environmental monitoring module sends a signal to start the nitrogen delivery equipment to complete the gas replacement in the fermenter. When the temperature, pressure, and carbon dioxide concentration values ​​all reach the minimum threshold, the environmental monitoring module sends another signal to shut down the nitrogen delivery equipment, thereby completing the automatic monitoring and automatic replacement of the gas in the fermenter.

[0020] Furthermore, the upper end of the telescopic inner tube is provided with a directional exhaust mechanism, which includes two air guide hoods. The lower air guide hood is fixedly connected to the upper end of the air guide pipe, and the upper air guide hood is fixedly connected to the air guide pipe. A drive fan blade is provided between the two air guide hoods. The drive fan blade is rotatably connected to the air guide pipe through a coupling. The directional exhaust mechanism also includes a fixing plate fixedly connected to the upper end of the air guide pipe. Multiple support rods are fixedly connected between the fixing plate and the upper air guide hood. A guide fan blade is provided between the fixing plate and the lower air guide hood. The guide fan blade is fixedly connected to the drive fan blade.

[0021] Using the above technical solution, nitrogen gas can drive the drive fan blade to rotate when it passes through the drive fan blade. The drive fan blade drives the guide fan blade to rotate, so that the guide fan blade can drive the carbon dioxide above the liquid surface to flow quickly into the upper port of the telescopic outer tube. The rotation of the guide fan blade also makes the carbon dioxide around the guide fan blade flow evenly into the upper port of the telescopic outer tube. As the nitrogen concentration in the fermentation zone increases, the carbon dioxide in the fermentation zone can be completely discharged through the telescopic outer tube, avoiding the presence of a small amount of carbon dioxide above the liquid surface, which would affect the activity of microorganisms in the upper liquid surface.

[0022] Furthermore, the guide fan blade includes a connecting ring, and multiple guide blades are fixedly connected at equal intervals in a ring at the bottom of the connecting ring. An air guide plate with an arc-shaped structure is fixed at the outer end of the guide blade.

[0023] Using the above technical solution, the guide vanes have a spiral structure. The outer end of the guide vanes is nearly horizontal and close to the lower guide shroud, which allows the lower guide shroud and the fixed plate to maximize the gas intake. The inner end of the guide vanes bends downward, so that when rotating, the gas moves downward and enters the telescopic outer tube. At the same time, the design of the air duct can further intercept more gas, increase gas flow efficiency, and shorten the gas replacement time in the fermenter.

[0024] Another objective of this invention is to provide a low-temperature fermentation method for baijiu (Chinese liquor) based on intelligent degassing during food processing, the purpose of which is:

[0025] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a method for using a low-temperature fermentation container for baijiu (Chinese liquor) with intelligent venting capability in food processing, comprising the following steps:

[0026] S1. Add the brewing raw materials to the fermentation zone, seal the fermentation tank, and the brewing raw materials begin to ferment. The buoyancy plate floats on the liquid surface, making the upper end of the telescopic outer tube close to the liquid surface.

[0027] S2. When the fermentation of brewing raw materials produces carbon dioxide, it accumulates above the liquid surface. Utilizing the density difference between carbon dioxide and air, carbon dioxide flows downward into the gas storage area through the gap between the telescopic outer tube and the telescopic inner tube, and the air in the gas storage area is squeezed into the area above the fermentation zone.

[0028] S3, the environmental monitoring module monitors the gas environment in the fermentation zone and the gas storage zone. When any of the carbon dioxide concentration, pressure, or temperature values ​​reaches the corresponding set maximum threshold, the external nitrogen delivery equipment delivers nitrogen into the telescopic inner tube.

[0029] S4. The regulating valve closes the through hole under the action of wind pressure and opens the exhaust pipe. The gap between the inside of the telescopic inner pipe and the telescopic outer pipe and the telescopic inner pipe forms an opposing airflow, allowing carbon dioxide in the fermentation zone to enter the gas storage zone and be discharged through the exhaust pipe.

[0030] S5. When the carbon dioxide concentration, pressure, and temperature all reach the corresponding set minimum thresholds, the external nitrogen delivery equipment stops delivering nitrogen.

[0031] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0032] 1. By setting up a gas storage area at the bottom of the fermentation tank, and with the buoyancy plate driving the upper end of the telescopic outer tube to always be above the liquid surface, the carbon dioxide produced during the fermentation of baijiu can flow directly down to the gas storage area through the upper end of the telescopic outer tube, taking advantage of the fact that the density of carbon dioxide is greater than that of air and nitrogen. This avoids carbon dioxide remaining above the liquid surface. At the same time, when nitrogen is transported, a directional airflow is formed in the fermentation tank, which can quickly discharge the carbon dioxide in the gas storage area.

[0033] 2. When nitrogen passes through the compression ring, it seals the through hole, creating a directional airflow inside the fermenter. At the same time, when nitrogen passes through the drive fan blades, it drives the guide fan blades to rotate. The guide fan blades can make the carbon dioxide on the periphery flow evenly and quickly into the upper port of the telescopic outer tube, improving the carbon dioxide flow efficiency and shortening the gas replacement time.

[0034] 3. The emitted carbon dioxide is collected through a collection box, which reduces carbon emissions from food production. At the same time, the purified carbon dioxide can be used in various industrial fields, improving resource utilization efficiency and reducing enterprise production costs. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the entire invention;

[0036] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the fermenter structure of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the telescopic outer tube, telescopic inner tube, and exhaust pipe of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the anatomical structure of the regulating valve of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 5 For the present invention Figure 4 Enlarged schematic diagram of the structure at point A in the middle;

[0040] Figure 6 This is a structural disassembly diagram of the directional wind-guiding mechanism of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the air guide cover and drive fan blade structure of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fan blade, air guide cover, and fixing plate of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the guide fan blade structure of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the air guiding path of the directional air guiding mechanism of the present invention.

[0045] In the picture:

[0046] 1. Fermentation tank; 2. Baffle plate; 3. Fermentation zone; 4. Gas storage zone; 5. Telescopic outer pipe; 51. Gas guide pipe one; 52. Telescopic flexible hose; 53. Gas guide pipe two; 6. Telescopic inner pipe; 61. Gas guide pipe three; 62. Gas guide pipe four; 63. Through hole; 64. Limiting groove; 7. Buoyancy plate; 8. Exhaust pipe; 9. Regulating valve; 91. Compression ring; 92. Sealing plug; 93. Sealing ring; 94. Pull rod; 95. Slide rod; 96. Air guide plate; 10. Directional exhaust mechanism; 101. Air guide hood; 102. Air guide pipe; 103. Drive fan blade; 104. Fixing plate; 105. Air guide fan blade; 1051. Connecting ring; 1052. Air guide blade; 1053. Air induced plate; 11. Collection box. Detailed Implementation

[0047] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0048] Example 1, referring to Figures 1-3 This is the first embodiment of the present invention, which provides a low-temperature fermentation container for baijiu (Chinese liquor) with intelligent venting capability based on food processing. The container includes a fermentation tank 1. A horizontally arranged partition 2 is fixedly connected to the lower part of the fermentation tank 1, dividing the fermentation tank 1 cavity into a fermentation zone 3 and a gas storage zone 4 from top to bottom. A gas guiding mechanism is vertically arranged in the middle of the partition 2, including a telescopic outer tube 5 located within the fermentation zone 3. The lower end of the telescopic outer tube 5 is fixedly connected to the partition 2. A buoyancy plate 7 is provided at the upper end of the telescopic outer tube 5, which floats on the surface of the baijiu liquid, causing the upper end of the telescopic outer tube 5 to approach the surface of the baijiu liquid. A telescopic inner tube is sleeved inside the telescopic outer tube 5. 6. Both ends of the telescopic inner tube 6 extend to the outside of the telescopic outer tube 5. The lower end of the telescopic inner tube 6 passes through the fermenter 1 and is connected to the external nitrogen conveying equipment. The telescopic inner tube 6 is also connected to the gas storage area 4. The gas guiding mechanism also includes an exhaust pipe 8 fixedly connected to the bottom of the fermenter 1. One end of the exhaust pipe 8 is connected to the gas storage area 4, and the other end of the exhaust pipe 8 is connected to a collection box 11. The lower end of the telescopic inner tube 6 is fixedly extended downward through the exhaust pipe 8. A regulating valve 9 is provided between the exhaust pipe 8 and the telescopic inner tube 6. When nitrogen is introduced into the telescopic inner tube 6, the regulating valve 9 moves upward, switching the gas supply state of the telescopic inner tube 6 and the exhaust pipe 8.

[0049] Specifically, the brewing raw materials are fermented in fermentation zone 3. The buoyancy plate 7 allows the upper end of the telescopic outer pipe 5 to protrude above the liquid surface. After the generated carbon dioxide leaves the liquid surface, it flows downward through the port of the telescopic outer pipe 5 to the gas storage zone 4 under the action of gravity. The air originally stored in the gas storage zone 4 enters the upper part of the fermentation zone 3 through the inside of the telescopic inner pipe 6. The external nitrogen delivery equipment can deliver nitrogen to the fermentation tank 1 through the lower end of the telescopic inner pipe 6. When the nitrogen drives the regulating valve 9 to rise, the connection between the telescopic inner pipe 6 and the gas storage zone 4 is closed, and at the same time the exhaust pipe 8 is opened to exhaust. The nitrogen flows upward inside the telescopic inner pipe 6 and is discharged to the upper part of the fermentation zone 3. The airflow between the telescopic outer pipe 5 and the telescopic inner pipe 6 flows downward, which causes the carbon dioxide in the gas storage zone 4 to flow through the exhaust pipe 8 to the collection box 11. The carbon dioxide is collected by the collection box 11 and can be reused.

[0050] Among them, reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The fermentation tank 1 has an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe fixedly connected from top to bottom on the outer wall. The inlet pipe and outlet pipe are connected to the upper and lower ends of the fermentation zone 3. Brewing raw materials can be added to the fermentation zone 3 through the inlet pipe. During fermentation, the inlet pipe and outlet pipe are kept closed. The fermented liquor can be discharged through the outlet pipe.

[0051] Understandably, the collection box 11 consists of a compressor and a gas storage tank. One end of the exhaust pipe 8 is connected to the compressor inlet. When the exhaust pipe 8 is venting, the compressor starts, pressurizes the low-pressure carbon dioxide gas to 0.5–1.5 MPa and stores it in the gas storage tank. The carbon dioxide can then be purified and reused in multiple fields, such as food-grade dry ice manufacturing, industrial-grade welding shielding gas, and fire extinguishing agent.

[0052] Reference Figure 2-Figure 3 The telescopic outer tube 5 includes an air guide tube 51 fixedly connected to the partition 2, a telescopic hose 52 fixedly connected to the upper end of the air guide tube 51, and an air guide tube 53 fixedly connected to the upper end of the telescopic hose 52.

[0053] Specifically, during the fermentation process, the brewing raw materials will produce carbon dioxide gas and release it. The volume of the brewing raw materials will gradually decrease, causing the liquid level to drop. By utilizing the buoyancy of the buoyancy plate 7 and the vertical extensibility of the telescopic hose 52, the upper end of the gas guide pipe 53 can always maintain the minimum distance from the liquid surface, so that carbon dioxide can flow into the gas storage area 4 through the telescopic outer pipe 5.

[0054] Reference Figure 3 The telescopic inner tube 6 includes a third gas pipe 61 located inside the first gas pipe 51. The upper end of the third gas pipe 61 is slidably connected to a fourth gas pipe 62. The lower end of the third gas pipe 61 is fixedly connected through the bottom of the fermenter 1 and the exhaust pipe 8 and extends downward. The third gas pipe 61 is provided with a through hole 63 at the gas storage area 4. Multiple ribs are vertically fixedly connected to the outer walls of the third gas pipe 61 and the fourth gas pipe 62. The ribs are in sliding contact with the inner wall of the telescopic outer tube 5.

[0055] Specifically, the through hole 63 is located below the gas guide pipe 51. When carbon dioxide in the fermentation zone 3 flows downward through the gap between the telescopic outer pipe 5 and the telescopic inner pipe 6, the gas pressure in the gas storage zone 4 increases. The air in the gas storage zone 4 flows to the upper part of the fermentation zone 3 through the through hole 63. The telescopic outer pipe 5 and the telescopic inner pipe 6 are used to separate two flow channels, so that the downward flow of carbon dioxide and the upward flow of air will not interfere with each other, which helps the rapid flow of carbon dioxide.

[0056] The ribs create an annular channel between the outer wall of the telescopic inner tube 6 and the inner wall of the telescopic outer tube 5, ensuring uniform airflow.

[0057] Reference Figures 3-4The regulating valve 9 includes a compression ring 91 that is slidably disposed in the air guide pipe 61. The compression ring 91 has a frustum-shaped cavity in the middle. The regulating valve 9 also includes a sealing plug 92 disposed between the exhaust pipe 8 and the air guide pipe 61. The lower side of the sealing plug 92 abuts against two sealing rings 93. The two sealing rings 93 are respectively connected and fixed to the inner wall of the exhaust pipe 8 and the outer wall of the air guide pipe 61. A plurality of pull rods 94 are fixedly connected to the sealing plug 92. The pull rods 94 pass through the through hole 63 and are connected and fixed to the compression ring 91.

[0058] Specifically, the small end of the compression ring 91 is set upward. When nitrogen passes through the compression ring 91, the air slope inside the compression ring 91 comes into contact with the airflow and slides upward due to resistance until the through hole 63 is blocked. At the same time, the pull rod 94 drives the sealing plug 92 to leave the sealing ring 93, so that the exhaust pipe 8 is opened. At this time, the telescopic inner tube 6 and the exhaust pipe 8 cooperate to form a directional airflow channel, which helps the carbon dioxide in the gas storage area 4 to be discharged quickly.

[0059] Reference Figures 4-5 A sliding rod 95 is slidably connected to the compression ring 91. One end of the sliding rod 95 passes into the cavity of the compression ring 91 and is fixedly connected to the air guide plate 96. The other end of the sliding rod 95 passes through the compression ring 91 and extends to the outside. A limiting groove 64 adapted to the sliding rod 95 is opened on the inner wall of the air guide pipe 61.

[0060] Specifically, when nitrogen is not being supplied, the sealing plug 92 abuts against the sealing ring 93 under the action of gravity. At this time, the slide rod 95 slides downward and the left end is placed in the limiting groove 64. At this time, the compression ring 91 cannot slide under the action of external force, ensuring the abutment stability of the sealing plug 92 and the sealing ring 93, thereby ensuring the sealing of the fermenter 1 and preventing external gas and debris from entering the fermenter 1.

[0061] In actual use, the lower port of the gas guide pipe 361 is equipped with a one-way valve. The one-way valve is used for external nitrogen to move into the upper end of the gas guide pipe 361. When the nitrogen delivery equipment is not working, the one-way valve automatically closes, keeping the lower port of the gas guide pipe 361 closed.

[0062] Example 2, refer to Figure 2 This is the second embodiment of the present invention. The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that an environmental monitoring module is provided on the inner wall of the gas storage area 4 and the top of the buoyancy plate 7. The environmental monitoring module includes a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, and a carbon dioxide concentration sensor. The environmental monitoring module is connected to the external nitrogen delivery equipment.

[0063] Specifically, temperature, pressure, and carbon dioxide concentration sensors can monitor the temperature, pressure, and carbon dioxide concentration in fermentation zone 3 and gas storage zone 4 in real time. When any of these values ​​reaches a set maximum threshold, the environmental monitoring module sends a signal to activate the nitrogen delivery equipment, completing the gas replacement in fermenter 1. When the temperature, pressure, and carbon dioxide concentration all reach their minimum thresholds, the environmental monitoring module sends another signal to shut down the nitrogen delivery equipment, thus completing the automatic monitoring and replacement of the gas in fermenter 1. The remaining structure is the same as in Example 1.

[0064] Example 3, referring to Figure 2 , Figures 6-8 This is the third embodiment of the present invention. The difference between this embodiment and the second embodiment is that: a directional exhaust mechanism 10 is provided at the upper end of the telescopic inner tube 6. The directional exhaust mechanism 10 includes two air guide hoods 101. The lower air guide hood 101 is fixedly connected to the upper end of the air guide pipe 62. An air guide pipe 102 is fixedly connected to the upper air guide hood 101. A drive fan blade 103 is provided between the two air guide hoods 101. The drive fan blade 103 is rotatably connected to the inner wall of the air guide pipe 102 through a coupling. The directional exhaust mechanism 10 also includes a fixing plate 104 fixedly connected to the upper end of the air guide pipe 51. Multiple support rods are fixedly connected between the fixing plate 104 and the upper air guide hood 101. A guide fan blade 105 is provided between the fixing plate 104 and the lower air guide hood 101. The guide fan blade 105 is fixedly connected to the drive fan blade 103.

[0065] Specifically, when nitrogen passes through the driving fan blade 103, it can drive the driving fan blade 103 to rotate. The driving fan blade 103 drives the guide fan blade 105 to rotate, so that the guide fan blade 105 can drive the carbon dioxide above the liquid surface to flow quickly into the upper port of the telescopic outer tube 5. The rotation of the guide fan blade 105 also makes the carbon dioxide around the guide fan blade 105 flow evenly into the upper port of the telescopic outer tube 5. As the nitrogen concentration in the fermentation zone 3 increases, the carbon dioxide in the fermentation zone 3 can be completely discharged through the telescopic outer tube 5, avoiding the presence of a small amount of carbon dioxide above the liquid surface, which would affect the activity of microorganisms in the upper liquid surface.

[0066] Reference Figures 9-10 The guide fan blade 105 includes a connecting ring 1051. Multiple guide blades 1052 are fixedly connected to the bottom of the connecting ring 1051 in an annular shape at equal intervals. An air guide plate 1053 with an arc-shaped structure is fixed to the outer end of the guide blade 1052.

[0067] Specifically, the guide vane 1052 has a spiral structure. The outer end of the guide vane 1052 is nearly horizontal and close to the lower guide shroud 101, which can maximize the gas intake between the lower guide shroud 101 and the fixed plate 104. The inner end of the guide vane 1052 is bent downward, so that when it rotates, it drives the gas to move downward and enter the telescopic outer tube 5. At the same time, the design of the air guide plate 1053 can further intercept more gas, increase gas flow efficiency, and shorten the gas replacement time in the fermenter 1.

[0068] Understandably, referring to Figure 2 The outer wall of the first air duct 51 is connected to the partition plate 2 by multiple diagonal braces to ensure the stability of the first air duct 51. The buoyancy of the buoyancy plate 7 can overcome the weight of the upper end of the telescopic outer tube 5, the upper end of the telescopic inner tube 6, and the directional exhaust mechanism 10, so that the upper end of the second air duct 53 is always exposed above the liquid surface. The rest of the structure is the same as that of Embodiment 2.

[0069] Based on embodiments 1-3, the working principle of this invention is as follows: The liquid outlet pipe is closed, and the brewing raw materials are added to the fermentation zone 3 through the liquid inlet pipe. The liquid inlet pipe is then closed, causing the buoyancy plate 7 to cause the upper end of the second gas guide pipe 53 to protrude above the liquid surface. When the brewing raw materials ferment and produce carbon dioxide, it accumulates above the liquid surface. Since carbon dioxide is denser than air, it flows downwards into the gas storage zone 4 through the gap between the telescopic outer pipe 5 and the telescopic inner pipe 6. Air in the gas storage zone 4 enters the telescopic inner pipe 6 through the through-hole 63 and flows to the top of the fermentation zone 3. The environmental monitoring module monitors the gas environment in the fermentation zone 3 and the gas storage zone 4. When any of the carbon dioxide concentration, pressure, or temperature values ​​reaches the corresponding set maximum threshold, the gas storage zone 4 is activated. Nitrogen gas is supplied from the outside to the telescopic inner tube 6. When the nitrogen gas passes through the compression ring 91, the air slope on the inner side of the compression ring 91 comes into contact with the airflow and slides upward due to resistance until the through hole 63 is blocked. At the same time, the pull rod 94 drives the sealing plug 92 to leave the sealing ring 93, so that the exhaust pipe 8 is opened. When the nitrogen gas passes through the drive fan blade 103, it can drive the drive fan blade 103 to rotate. The drive fan blade 103 drives the guide fan blade 105 to rotate, so that the guide fan blade 105 can drive the carbon dioxide above the liquid surface to flow quickly into the upper port of the telescopic outer tube 5. At the same time, the carbon dioxide in the gas storage area 4 flows into the collection box 11 through the exhaust pipe 8. The carbon dioxide is collected in the collection box 11 for secondary utilization.

[0070] When the carbon dioxide concentration, pressure, and temperature all reach the corresponding set minimum thresholds, the external nitrogen delivery equipment stops delivering nitrogen, and the sealing plug 92 abuts against the sealing ring 93 under the action of gravity, closing the exhaust pipe 8 and ensuring the airtightness of the fermenter 1.

[0071] Example 4, refer to Figures 1-4The fourth embodiment of the present invention provides a method for low-temperature fermentation of baijiu (Chinese liquor) based on intelligent venting in food processing, comprising the following steps:

[0072] S1. Add the brewing raw materials into the fermentation zone 3, seal the fermentation tank 1, and the brewing raw materials begin to ferment. The buoyancy plate 7 floats on the liquid surface, making the upper end of the telescopic outer tube 5 close to the liquid surface.

[0073] S2. When the fermentation of brewing raw materials produces carbon dioxide, it accumulates above the liquid surface. Utilizing the density difference between carbon dioxide and air, carbon dioxide flows downward into the gas storage area 4 through the gap between the telescopic outer tube 5 and the telescopic inner tube 6. The air in the gas storage area 4 is squeezed into the area above the fermentation zone 3.

[0074] S3, the environmental monitoring module monitors the gas environment in fermentation zone 3 and gas storage zone 4. When any of the carbon dioxide concentration, pressure, or temperature values ​​reaches the corresponding set maximum threshold, the external nitrogen delivery device delivers nitrogen into the telescopic inner tube 6.

[0075] S4. The regulating valve 9 closes the through hole 63 under the action of wind pressure and opens the exhaust pipe 8. The gap between the inside of the telescopic inner pipe 6 and the telescopic outer pipe 5 and the telescopic inner pipe 6 forms an opposing airflow, allowing the carbon dioxide in the fermentation zone 3 to enter the gas storage zone 4 and be discharged to the collection box 11 through the exhaust pipe 8.

[0076] S5. When the carbon dioxide concentration, pressure, and temperature all reach the corresponding set minimum thresholds, the external nitrogen delivery equipment stops delivering nitrogen.

[0077] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A low-temperature fermentation container for baijiu (Chinese liquor) with intelligent venting capability, based on food processing, comprising a fermentation tank, characterized in that: A horizontally arranged partition is fixedly connected to the lower part of the fermentation tank, which divides the fermentation tank cavity into a fermentation zone and a gas storage zone from top to bottom. A gas guiding mechanism is vertically arranged in the middle of the partition. The gas guiding mechanism includes a telescopic outer tube located in the fermentation zone. The lower end of the telescopic outer tube is fixedly connected to the partition. A buoyancy plate is provided at the upper end of the telescopic outer tube. The buoyancy plate floats on the surface of the liquor, making the upper end of the telescopic outer tube close to the surface of the liquor. A telescopic inner tube is sleeved inside the telescopic outer tube. Both ends of the telescopic inner tube extend to the outside of the telescopic outer tube. The lower end of the telescopic inner tube passes through the fermentation tank and is connected to an external nitrogen delivery device. The telescopic inner tube is also connected to the gas storage zone. The gas guiding mechanism also includes an exhaust pipe fixedly connected to the bottom of the fermenter. One end of the exhaust pipe is connected to the gas storage area, and the other end of the exhaust pipe is connected to a collection box. The lower end of the telescopic inner pipe is fixedly extended downward through the exhaust pipe. A regulating valve is provided between the exhaust pipe and the telescopic inner pipe. When nitrogen is introduced into the telescopic inner pipe, it drives the regulating valve to move upward, switching the gas supply state of the telescopic inner pipe and the exhaust pipe. The upper end of the telescopic inner tube is provided with a directional exhaust mechanism, which includes two air guide hoods. An air guide pipe is fixedly connected to the upper air guide hood, and a drive fan blade is provided between the two air guide hoods. The drive fan blade is rotatably connected to the air guide pipe through a coupling. The directional exhaust mechanism also includes a fixing plate fixedly connected to one upper end of the air guide pipe. A guide fan blade is provided between the fixing plate and the lower air guide hood, and the guide fan blade is fixedly connected to the drive fan blade.

2. The low-temperature fermentation container for baijiu (Chinese liquor) with intelligent venting capability based on food processing, as described in claim 1, is characterized in that: The telescopic outer tube includes a first air guide tube fixedly connected to the partition plate, a telescopic flexible tube fixedly connected to the upper end of the first air guide tube, and a second air guide tube fixedly connected to the upper end of the telescopic flexible tube.

3. The low-temperature fermentation container for baijiu (Chinese liquor) with intelligent venting capability based on food processing, as described in claim 2, is characterized in that: The telescopic inner tube includes a gas guide pipe three located inside the gas guide pipe one. The upper end of the gas guide pipe three is slidably connected to a gas guide pipe four. The lower end of the gas guide pipe three is fixedly inserted through the bottom of the fermenter and the exhaust pipe and extends downward. The gas guide pipe three is provided with a through hole at the gas storage area. Multiple ribs are vertically fixed to the outer walls of the air guide tubes three and four, and the ribs slide in contact with the inner wall of the telescopic outer tube.

4. The low-temperature fermentation container for baijiu (Chinese liquor) with intelligent venting capability based on food processing, as described in claim 3, is characterized in that: The regulating valve includes a compression ring that slides inside the air guide pipe three. The compression ring has a frustum-shaped cavity in the middle. The regulating valve also includes a sealing plug between the exhaust pipe and the air guide pipe three. The lower side of the sealing plug abuts against two sealing rings. The two sealing rings are respectively connected and fixed to the inner wall of the exhaust pipe and the outer wall of the air guide pipe three. A plurality of pull rods are fixedly connected to the sealing plug. The pull rods pass through the through hole and are connected and fixed to the compression ring.

5. The low-temperature fermentation container for baijiu (Chinese liquor) with intelligent venting capability based on food processing, as described in claim 4, is characterized in that: A sliding rod is slidably connected to the compression ring. One end of the sliding rod passes into the cavity of the compression ring and is fixedly connected to a guide plate. The other end of the sliding rod passes through the compression ring and extends to the outside. A limiting groove adapted to the sliding rod is opened on the inner wall of the air guide pipe.

6. The low-temperature fermentation container for baijiu (Chinese liquor) with intelligent venting capability based on food processing, as described in claim 1, is characterized in that: An environmental monitoring module is installed on the inner wall of the gas storage area and on the top of the buoyancy plate. The environmental monitoring module includes a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, and a carbon dioxide concentration sensor. The environmental monitoring module is connected to the external nitrogen delivery equipment.

7. The low-temperature fermentation container for baijiu (Chinese liquor) with intelligent venting capability based on food processing, as described in claim 3, is characterized in that: The lower air guide shroud is fixedly connected to the upper end of the air guide pipe, and multiple support rods are fixedly connected between the fixing plate and the upper air guide shroud.

8. The low-temperature fermentation container for baijiu (Chinese liquor) with intelligent venting capability based on food processing, as described in claim 7, is characterized in that: The guide fan blades include a connecting ring, and multiple guide blades are fixedly connected to the bottom of the connecting ring at equal intervals in a ring shape. An air guide plate with an arc-shaped structure is fixed to the outer end of each guide blade.

9. A method for low-temperature fermentation of baijiu (Chinese liquor) based on intelligent venting in food processing, applied to the low-temperature fermentation container for baijiu based on intelligent venting in food processing as described in claim 6, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: Add the brewing raw materials to the fermentation zone, seal the fermentation tank, and the brewing raw materials begin to ferment. The buoyancy plate floats on the liquid surface, bringing the upper end of the telescopic outer tube close to the liquid surface. When the brewing raw materials ferment and produce carbon dioxide, it accumulates above the liquid surface. Utilizing the density difference between carbon dioxide and air, the carbon dioxide flows downward into the gas storage area through the gap between the telescopic outer tube and the telescopic inner tube, and the air in the gas storage area is squeezed into the area above the fermentation zone. The environmental monitoring module monitors the gas environment in the fermentation zone and gas storage zone. The environmental monitoring module controls the external nitrogen delivery equipment to deliver nitrogen into the telescopic inner pipe to complete the gas replacement.

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