Fermentation device and fermentation process for apple fermented beverage

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of beverage fermentation, and particularly relates to a fermentation device and a fermentation process for an apple fermentation beverage. Comprising a tank body, the tank body is fixedly connected with a liquid separation sleeve shell, an annular gap is formed between the liquid separation sleeve shell and the tank body, the liquid separation sleeve shell is provided with a transition hole, the liquid separation sleeve shell is fixedly connected with a cover plate, the cover plate is rotationally connected with a main shaft, the main shaft is fixedly connected with a stirring plate, the liquid separation sleeve shell is rotationally connected with transmission rods distributed in the circumferential direction, and the transmission rods are fixedly connected with the stirring plate. And the transmission rod is fixedly connected with dispersion plates which are distributed in an array. Materials are guided through the dispersing plates distributed in the circumferential direction, so that the materials have the downward moving tendency and are opposite to the materials guided by the stirring plates, the upward moving tendency of the materials is disrupted, the height of the materials in the tank body is reduced, the distance between foam and the cover plate is increased, the probability that the foam in the tank body is discharged to the outside is reduced, and the foam discharging efficiency is improved. Therefore, exogenous substances do not need to be injected into the can body, and the flavor of the beverage is guaranteed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of beverage fermentation technology, and in particular to a fermentation apparatus and fermentation process for apple fermented beverages. Background Technology

[0002] Apple fermented beverages are made from fresh apples through processes such as crushing, pressing, and fermentation. Fermentation is the key step in the production of this type of beverage, directly affecting the quality, taste, and retention of nutrients in the final product. To improve fermentation efficiency and uniformity, fermentation equipment with stirring devices is commonly used in current production. Stirring reduces concentration and temperature gradients, ensuring thorough mixing of the apple juice and fermentation agents, thereby guaranteeing a stable fermentation process.

[0003] However, in actual fermentation, the natural surfactants such as proteins and pectin in apple juice easily form a large amount of foam under the action of carbon dioxide produced during fermentation. Simultaneously, the fluid dynamics generated by the high-speed rotation of the stirring blades propel the foam continuously to the top of the fermentation tank, accumulating over time. Once the amount of foam exceeds the tank's capacity, foam overflow occurs. This overflow not only carries away a large amount of fermentation liquid and bacteria, causing raw material loss and reduced yield, but also contaminates the production environment and increases the risk of contamination by other microorganisms. Currently, foam is often controlled during production by adding defoaming agents to the fermentation materials and reducing the speed of the stirring device. However, adding defoaming agents introduces exogenous substances, affecting the natural flavor of the apple fermented beverage and posing potential food safety hazards. Reducing the stirring speed sacrifices the uniformity of the fermentation materials, leading to incomplete fermentation, prolonging the fermentation cycle, and similarly impacting product quality and production efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to overcome the shortcomings mentioned in the background art, the present invention provides a fermentation apparatus and fermentation process for apple fermented beverages.

[0005] The technical implementation of the present invention is as follows: a fermentation device for apple fermentation beverage, comprising a tank body, an aeration module installed inside the tank body, a liquid distribution sleeve fixedly connected to the tank body, forming an annular gap between the liquid distribution sleeve and the tank body, a circumferentially distributed arc-shaped channel provided on the liquid distribution sleeve, the annular gap communicating with the arc-shaped channel, a transition hole provided on the liquid distribution sleeve, a circumferentially distributed pressure regulating hole provided on the liquid distribution sleeve, a cover plate fixedly connected to the cover plate, a main shaft rotatably connected to the cover plate, a drive motor mounted on the cover plate, the output shaft of the drive motor fixedly connected to the main shaft, a stirring plate fixedly connected to the end of the main shaft away from the cover plate, a circumferentially distributed transmission rod rotatably connected to the liquid distribution sleeve, an array of dispersing plates fixedly connected to the transmission rod, a gear set installed inside the liquid distribution sleeve, and the main shaft driving all the transmission rods to rotate through the gear set.

[0006] Furthermore, a connector is fixedly connected to the side of the main shaft near the stirring plate, and a circumferentially distributed guide plate is fixedly connected to the connector. The guide plate is in contact with the inner wall of the tank, and the connector is rotatably and slidably connected to the transmission rod.

[0007] Furthermore, both the dispersing plate and the stirring plate have several circumferentially distributed blades. The blades on the dispersing plate and the stirring plate are used to guide the material, and the inclination direction of the blades on both is the same.

[0008] Furthermore, a mounting block is fixedly connected to one side of the transmission rod located inside the liquid separator housing, and a centrally symmetrically distributed defoaming shell is fixedly connected to the mounting block, wherein the opening area of ​​one side of the defoaming shell is smaller than the opening area of ​​the other side.

[0009] Furthermore, it also includes an auxiliary defoaming mechanism, which has several circumferentially distributed components, all disposed on the liquid distribution sleeve, for removing air bubbles on the outside of the liquid distribution sleeve. The auxiliary defoaming mechanism includes a first mounting sleeve, which is fixed to the liquid distribution sleeve. The first mounting sleeve is slidably connected to a first piston, and a first elastic element is disposed between the two. The upper part of the first mounting sleeve is provided with symmetrically and evenly distributed first air vents. The first mounting sleeve is provided with a second air vent. The liquid distribution sleeve communicates with the first mounting sleeve through the transition hole and the second air vent. A one-way sealing ball is disposed inside the first mounting sleeve.

[0010] Furthermore, the liquid separator is fixedly connected to a second mounting sleeve distributed circumferentially, the second mounting sleeve is slidably connected to a second piston, and a second elastic element is provided between the two. A third air passage is provided on one side of the second mounting sleeve, and a fourth air passage is provided on the other side of the second mounting sleeve in a symmetrical and uniform manner.

[0011] Furthermore, all the guide plates are jointly fixed with a compression ring, which has a corrugated surface. The corrugated surface of the compression ring is used to compress all the first piston members and all the second piston members. The first mounting sleeve and the second mounting sleeve are staggered.

[0012] Furthermore, the liquid separator is fixedly connected to a receiving shell, the main shaft is fixedly connected to a centrifuge plate at the position of the receiving shell, the main shaft is rotatably connected to the receiving shell, and a guide surface is provided on the lower side of the cover plate.

[0013] Furthermore, the cover plate is fixedly connected to a first pipe that communicates with the receiving shell. The first pipe is connected to the tank body and a one-way valve is installed inside the first pipe. The first pipe is also fixedly connected to a second pipe, which communicates with the portion of the one-way valve on the first pipe that is connected to the cover plate.

[0014] A fermentation process for apple fermented beverages, based on a fermentation apparatus for apple fermented beverages, includes the following specific fermentation steps: Step 1: First, inject a certain amount of material into the tank, turn on the drive motor, and the output shaft of the drive motor drives the stirring plate to rotate through the main shaft. At the same time, the main shaft drives all the transmission rods to rotate through the gear set. The transmission rods drive the adjacent dispersing plates to rotate. The dispersing plates and the stirring plates work together to stir the material, making the material in a chaotic state. Step 2: The main shaft drives all the guide plates to rotate through the connecting parts, so that the guide plates break up the air bubbles on the inner wall of the tank and guide the material close to the inner wall of the tank. Step 3: The transmission rod drives the defoaming shell to rotate through the mounting block on it, causing the defoaming shell to squeeze the foam, thereby causing the foam to burst; Step 4: All the guide plates together drive the extrusion ring to rotate, and the extrusion ring extrudes all the first piston parts and the second piston parts, causing all the first piston parts and the second piston parts to move up and down reciprocally. Step 5: As all the first pistons move upward, the first pistons compress the gas inside the adjacent first mounting sleeves, causing the gas inside to be discharged and impact the foam on the outside of the first mounting sleeves, thereby causing the foam to burst. Step Six: During the downward movement of the second piston, the second piston squeezes the foam of the adjacent second mounting sleeve, causing the foam inside to burst and be discharged in the form of gas and liquid. The discharged gas and liquid impact the foam outside the second mounting sleeve, causing the foam to burst. Step 7: As the foam moves upward, the guide surface guides the foam to enter the receiving shell, while the main shaft drives the centrifugal plate to rotate, thereby centrifuging and breaking up this part of the foam. Step 8: During the fermentation process of the material, the gas in the tank moves upward and enters the receiving shell under the guidance of the guide surface. After the foam in the receiving shell breaks, the gas generated by the foam enters the first pipe together with the gas in the tank, and the liquid formed by the foam is discharged to the outside. Step 9: The gas is further processed as it flows in the first pipe, forming liquid and gas. The gas is discharged through the second pipe, and the liquid flows back into the tank. Step 10: After the material has finished fermenting, discharge it.

[0015] In summary, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: The present invention guides the material through a circumferentially distributed dispersing plate, causing the material to tend to move downwards and counteract the material guided by the stirring plate, thus disrupting the upward movement of the material and reducing the height of the material in the can. This increases the distance between the foam and the cover plate, reducing the probability of foam in the can being discharged to the outside. Therefore, there is no need to inject external substances into the can, ensuring the flavor of the beverage.

[0016] This invention guides the material near the inner wall of the tank using a guide plate, causing this part of the material to move towards the center of the tank and counteract the material guided by the dispersing plate, increasing the degree of material disorder and allowing the material to fully contact the gas, which facilitates the fermentation of the material.

[0017] This invention uses the rotation of the defoaming shell to compress the foam inside the separating sleeve, causing the foam to burst and thus reducing the foam content inside the separating sleeve.

[0018] This invention uses a separating shell to divide the upper part of the material into two parts, an inner and an outer part, and creates a high pressure between the inner and outer parts, reducing the escape of volatile substances from the inner part and ensuring the flavor of the prepared beverage.

[0019] The present invention uses a first piston to squeeze the gas in the first mounting sleeve, so that the gas impacts the foam outside the liquid separator shell, causing the foam to break, thereby reducing the foam content on the upper side of the material and reducing the probability of foam being discharged to the outside.

[0020] The present invention uses a second piston to squeeze the foam inside the second mounting sleeve, causing the foam inside to burst. At the same time, the gas inside the second mounting sleeve is discharged, and this gas impacts the foam outside the separating sleeve, causing the foam to burst and further reducing the foam content on the upper side of the material. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the components inside the tank of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the liquid separation sleeve, cover plate, and main shaft of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the stirring plate, transmission rod, and dispersing plate of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the gear set and connecting parts of the present invention; Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the three-dimensional structure of the transmission rod and dispersion plate of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the transition hole and pressure regulating hole of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the extrusion ring and the receiving shell of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the first piston and the second piston of the present invention; Figure 10 This is an exploded three-dimensional view of the first and second mounting sleeves of the present invention.

[0022] The components in the attached diagram are labeled as follows: 1-Tank body, 2-Aeration module, 3-Distribution sleeve, 31-Transition hole, 32-Pressure regulating hole, 4-Cover plate, 41-Guide surface, 5-Main shaft, 6-Drive motor, 7-Stirring plate, 8-Transmission rod, 9-Dispersion plate, 10-Gear set, 11-Connector, 12-Guide plate, 13-Mounting block, 14-Anti-foam shell, 15-First mounting sleeve, 151-First air outlet, 152-Second air outlet, 16-First piston component, 17-First elastic component, 18-One-way sealing ball, 19-Second mounting sleeve, 191-Third air outlet, 192-Fourth air outlet, 20-Second piston component, 21-Second elastic component, 22-Squeezing ring, 23-Receiving shell, 24-Centrifuge plate, 25-First pipe, 26-One-way valve, 27-Second pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0024] Example 1 A fermentation apparatus for apple fermentation beverages, such as Figures 1-6As shown, the device includes a tank 1 with a cavity in its inner wall. Cooling water is introduced into the cavity to indirectly cool the material inside the tank, ensuring uniform temperature control without direct contact with the material and preventing contamination. A discharge port is located on the lower side of the tank 1. An aeration module 2 is installed inside the tank 1. This is an existing device, and its specific structure is not described in detail. The aeration module 2 is used to inject gas into the material to facilitate fermentation. A liquid separator 3 is sealed and fixed to the upper side of the tank 1. An annular gap is formed. A circumferentially distributed arc-shaped channel is provided on the upper side of the separating sleeve 3, which communicates with the annular gap. This allows gas between the separating sleeve 3 and the tank body 1 to move upwards through the arc-shaped channel. The separating sleeve 3 is provided with circumferentially distributed transition holes 31 and circumferentially distributed pressure regulating holes 32, which are used to adjust the pressure inside the separating sleeve 3. A cover plate 4 is sealed and fixed to the upper side of the separating sleeve 3. A filling pipe (with...) is provided on the rear side of the tank body 1. Figure 1 (For reference), used to inject material into tank 1 (not shown in the figure), the cover plate 4 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 5, the cover plate 4 is equipped with a drive motor 6, the output shaft of the drive motor 6 is fixedly connected to the main shaft 5, the lower end of the main shaft 5 is fixedly connected to a stirring plate 7, the stirring plate 7 is used to stir the material and disperse the gas released by the aeration module 2, reducing the size of the bubbles in tank 1, the liquid separator 3 is rotatably connected to three circumferentially distributed transmission rods 8, five arrayed dispersion plates 9 are fixedly connected to the transmission rods 8, the liquid separator 3 is equipped with a gear set 10, the main shaft 5 drives all the transmission rods 8 to rotate through the gear set 10; both the dispersion plate 9 and the stirring plate 7 are used to guide the material, and the guiding directions of the two are opposite, the rotation directions of the dispersion plate 9 and the stirring plate 7 are opposite. In this embodiment, the cover plate 4 is provided with an exhaust hole for discharging the internal gas.

[0025] like Figures 2-5 As shown, a connector 11 is fixedly connected to the lower side of the main shaft 5. Three guide plates 12 distributed circumferentially are fixedly connected to the connector 11. The guide plates 12 have inclined surfaces and are in contact with the inner wall of the tank 1. The connector 11 is rotatably and slidably connected to the transmission rod 8. The inclined surfaces of the guide plates 12 are used to guide the material, scrape off the air bubbles attached to the inner wall of the tank 1, and guide the air bubbles into the tank 1.

[0026] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, a mounting block 13 is fixedly connected to the upper part of the transmission rod 8, and all mounting blocks 13 are located inside the liquid separator 3. Two defoaming shells 14 are fixedly connected to the mounting blocks 13, which are symmetrically distributed in a central manner. The defoaming shells 14 are frustum-shaped, and the opening area on one side of the defoaming shell 14 is smaller than the opening area on the other side. The side with the larger opening area of ​​the defoaming shell 14 is used to receive foam from the upper side of the material, and the side with the smaller opening area of ​​the defoaming shell 14 is used to discharge foam. In this embodiment, the output shaft of the drive motor 6 only rotates counterclockwise (towards...). Figure 5(Based on the top view perspective), the transmission rod 8 can only rotate clockwise.

[0027] The working principle of this embodiment: When using this device to ferment materials, a certain amount of material is first injected into the tank 1 through the injection hole on the cover plate 4, so that the height of the material exceeds the lower side of the separating sleeve 3. After the material is injected, the fermentation operation begins. At this time, the aeration module 2 is activated, and the aeration module 2 begins to inject gas into the material. The gas moves upward in the form of bubbles until it loses contact with the material. The gas inside the separating sleeve 3 flows through all the transition holes 31 into the annular gap between the separating sleeve 3 and the tank 1. The gas outside the separating sleeve 3 flows directly upward through the annular gap. Then, the gas in the annular gap passes through the arc-shaped channel of the separating sleeve 3 and is discharged to the outside through the exhaust hole of the cover plate 4. During the fermentation process, foam will form on the surface of the material.

[0028] At the start of the fermentation process, drive motor 6 is activated. The output shaft of drive motor 6 drives main shaft 5 to rotate counterclockwise (towards...). Figure 3 (Based on the top view perspective), the main shaft 5 drives the stirring plate 7 to rotate circumferentially. The stirring plate 7 agitates the gas discharged from the aeration module 2, reducing the size of the bubbles and allowing oxygen to fully contact the material, thereby improving the fermentation efficiency of the material. During the rotation of the stirring plate 7, the stirring plate 7 guides the material upward and forms a counterclockwise vortex. The material close to the inner wall of the tank 1 gradually moves upward under the action of the vortex. At the same time, the height of the foam generated during the fermentation process will rise synchronously, causing the foam to gradually approach the exhaust hole of the cover plate 4.

[0029] During the rotation of the main shaft 5, the main shaft 5 drives the three transmission rods 8 to rotate synchronously through the gear set 10. The rotation direction of the main shaft 5 is opposite to that of the transmission rods 8. The transmission rods 8 drive the dispersion plate 9 on them to rotate. The rotation direction of the dispersion plate 9 is opposite to that of the vortex inside the tank 1, thereby disturbing the vortex inside the tank 1 and preventing that part of the vortex from continuing to move upward along the inner wall of the tank 1. This reduces the height of the material inside the tank 1, increases the distance between the foam and the cover plate 4, and reduces the probability of the foam inside the tank 1 being discharged to the outside. During the rotation of the dispersion plate 9, the dispersion plate 9 guides the material downward, forming a counter-current with the upward-moving material. That is, the dispersion plate 9 drives some of the material to impact the material driven by the stirring plate 7, causing the two materials to collide with each other, increasing the degree of material disorder. At the same time, the counter-current effect reduces the speed of the gas moving upward in the material, thereby prolonging the time of the gas moving upward, thus promoting full contact between oxygen and the material and promoting the fermentation progress of the material.

[0030] During the rotation of the main shaft 5, the main shaft 5 drives the connecting piece 11 to rotate synchronously. The connecting piece 11 drives all the guide plates 12 on it to rotate. During the rotation of the guide plates 12, the guide plates 12 scrape against the inner wall of the tank body 1, causing the air bubbles adhering to the inner wall to break. At the same time, the guide plates 12 guide the material close to the inner wall of the tank body 1, causing this part of the material to flow towards the middle of the tank body 1. This forms a counter-current with the dispersing plate 9, further increasing the degree of material disorder, thereby reducing the height of the material moving upward due to the vortex.

[0031] During the rotation of the transmission rod 8, the transmission rod 8 drives the two defoaming shells 14 to rotate through the mounting block 13. Foam in the material enters the defoaming shell 14 through the side with the larger opening. As the defoaming shell 14 rotates, the foam in the defoaming shell 14 is gradually discharged from the side with the smaller opening area. During this process, the defoaming shell 14 gradually squeezes the foam inside, thereby causing the foam to break and thus achieving the purpose of eliminating the foam on the upper side of the material.

[0032] During the fermentation process, the height of the material exceeds the lower side of the separating sleeve 3. Gas inside the separating sleeve 3 can only exit through all the transition holes 31. Because the aeration module 2 continuously injects gas into the tank 1, high pressure is created between the separating sleeve 3 and the material inside. Simultaneously, after the defoaming shell 14 breaks the foam, gas is released from the foam, further increasing the pressure inside the separating sleeve 3. Under this high pressure, the evaporation rate of volatile substances in the material inside the separating sleeve 3 decreases, thus preserving the flavor of the fermented beverage. Because the pressure inside the separating sleeve 3 is greater than the external pressure, the material inside the separating sleeve 3... The height of the liquid level will be lower than the height of the material in the annular gap. As the pressure inside the liquid separator 3 gradually increases, the height of the material inside gradually decreases until the liquid level is lower than all the pressure regulating holes 32. At this time, the gas inside the liquid separator 3 will escape from the pressure regulating holes 32. During this process, the material in the annular gap slowly enters the liquid separator 3, and the height of the material inside the liquid separator 3 gradually rises until the material inside the liquid separator 3 exceeds the pressure regulating holes 32 again. The pressure inside the liquid separator 3 is adjusted by the pressure regulating holes 32 to prevent the material from losing contact with the lower side of the liquid separator 3, thereby ensuring that the liquid separator 3 and the material inside it are in a high-pressure state.

[0033] After the material fermentation is complete, turn off the drive motor 6 and discharge the material in the tank 1 through the discharge port on its lower side. Then repeat all the above operations to ferment the subsequent materials.

[0034] Example 2 Based on Example 1, such as Figure 2 and Figures 7-10As shown, it also includes an auxiliary defoaming mechanism, which has several circumferentially distributed components, all disposed on the liquid separator 3, for removing air bubbles on the outside of the liquid separator 3. The auxiliary defoaming mechanism includes a first mounting sleeve 15, which is fixed to the outside of the liquid separator 3. A first piston 16 is slidably connected inside the first mounting sleeve 15, and a first elastic element 17, which is a tension spring, is disposed between the two to drive the first piston 16 to reset. The first piston 16 is composed of a circular plate and a circular rod. The circular plate slides in a sealed manner with the first mounting sleeve 15, while the circular rod is not sealed with the first mounting sleeve 15. The upper part of the first mounting sleeve 15 is provided with several symmetrically and evenly distributed first air vents 151. All the first air vents 151 are used to vent the first piston 16. The gas in the sleeve 15 is discharged to both sides. During the gas discharge process, it impacts the surrounding foam and causes the foam to break. The first mounting sleeve 15 is provided with a second vent 152. The sum of the opening areas of all the first vents 151 on the same first mounting sleeve 15 is less than the opening area of ​​the second vent 152. The gas in the upper part of the liquid separator 3 enters the first mounting sleeve 15 through the transition hole 31 and the second vent 152. The first mounting sleeve 15 is provided with a one-way sealing ball 18. The one-way sealing ball 18 can only allow the gas in the first mounting sleeve 15 to be discharged outward, and cannot allow the gas outside the first mounting sleeve 15 to enter it. After injecting a certain amount of material into the tank 1, the height of the material in the tank 1 must not exceed the lower side of the first mounting sleeve 15.

[0035] like Figure 2 and Figures 7-10 As shown, the liquid separator 3 is fixedly connected to a second mounting sleeve 19 distributed circumferentially. The number of second mounting sleeves 19 is the same as the number of first mounting sleeves 15, and they are staggered. The second mounting sleeve 19 has two shells, and straight grooves are provided on the opposite sides of the two shells. The second mounting sleeve 19 is slidably connected to a second piston 20, and a second elastic element 21 is provided between the two. The second elastic element 21 is a tension spring, which is used to drive the second piston rod 20 to reset. The upper part of the second mounting sleeve 19 is provided with symmetrically distributed third air ports 191. The height of the third air ports 191 corresponds to the height of the first air ports 151 on the adjacent first mounting sleeve 15. The lower part of the second mounting sleeve 19 is provided with symmetrically and evenly distributed fourth air ports 192.

[0036] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, all guide plates 12 are fixedly connected to a compression ring 22. The compression ring 22 has a wavy surface. The wavy surface of the compression ring 22 is used to compress all the first piston members 16 and all the second piston members 20. The lower side of the first piston rod 16 and the lower side of the second piston member 20 are at the same height. Initially, the lower side of the first piston rod 16 and the second piston member 20 are in contact with the trough of the wavy surface on the compression ring 22. The first mounting sleeve 15 and the second mounting sleeve 19 are staggered. In this embodiment, the cover plate 4 is provided with an exhaust hole for discharging internal gas.

[0037] The working principle of this embodiment: During the fermentation process, some gas inside the separating sleeve 3 enters the adjacent first mounting sleeve 15 through the transition hole 31 and the second gas outlet 152. This gas is located above the first piston 16. As all the guide plates 12 rotate, all the guide plates 12 together drive the compression ring 22 to rotate. The compression ring 22 compresses all the first piston 16 and the second piston 20. Taking one set of first mounting sleeves 15 and second mounting sleeves 19 as an example, the following description is provided: The compression ring 22 rotates and compresses the first piston 16. The first piston 16 moves upward and compresses the gas in the first mounting sleeve 15. The first elastic element 17 is stretched. After the first piston 16 passes through the second vent 152, the gas pressure in the first mounting sleeve 15 increases. Then, this part of the gas pushes the one-way sealing ball 18 upward, so that this part of the gas enters the annular gap between the liquid separator shell 3 and the tank body 1 through all the first vents 151. During the process of this part of the gas entering the annular gap, the gas impacts the foam in the annular gap, thereby causing some of the foam to break, reducing the foam content in the annular gap, and reducing the probability of foam being discharged to the outside.

[0038] During the process of gas discharge in the first mounting sleeve 15, the gas pushes a portion of the foam in the annular gap, causing the foam to gradually approach the corresponding second mounting sleeve 19. During the movement of the foam, the foam enters the second mounting sleeve 19 through the third vent 191.

[0039] During the process of the compression ring 22 compressing the second piston 20, the second piston 20 moves upward and the second elastic member 21 is stretched. During this process, the gas discharged from the first mounting sleeve 15 pushes a portion of the foam to the upper side of the second piston 20. The second piston 20 moves upward and compresses the foam located on its upper side, causing that portion of the foam to burst. As the second piston 20 moves until it passes through the third air outlet 191, the gas discharged from the first mounting sleeve 15 pushes a portion of the foam to the lower side of the second piston 20.

[0040] After the first piston 16 and the second piston 20 pass the crest of the extrusion ring 22, that is, after the first piston 16 and the second piston 20 can no longer move upward, the first piston 16 moves downward under the action of the first elastic member 17 as the extrusion ring 22 rotates. During this process, the one-way sealing ball 18 moves downward under the action of gravity, so that the gas in the annular gap cannot enter the first mounting sleeve 15 through the first vent 151. At the same time, a negative pressure state is formed above the first piston 16 until the first piston 16 passes the second vent 152. Then, the gas in the liquid separator 3 enters the first mounting sleeve 15 again through the transition hole 31 and the second vent 152.

[0041] As the first piston 16 moves downward, the second piston 20 moves downward synchronously under the action of the second elastic member 21. The second piston 20 squeezes the foam on its lower side, causing the foam inside to burst. Then, the gas in the foam escapes and merges with the liquid. As the second piston 20 moves downward, it squeezes the gas and liquid, causing them to be discharged into the annular gap through all the fourth vents 192. This gas and liquid impacts a portion of the foam in the annular gap, causing that portion of the foam to burst.

[0042] In summary, the gas discharged through the first vent 151 and the fourth vent 192, as well as the liquid discharged through the fourth vent 192, impact the foam in the annular gap (outside the liquid separator 3), causing the foam to break, thereby reducing the amount of foam on the upper side of the material and reducing the probability of foam being discharged to the outside.

[0043] As the compression ring 22 rotates, the first piston 16 and the second piston 20 repeat the above process until the compression ring 22 stops moving. Then, the first piston 16 is reset under the action of the first elastic member 17, and the second piston 20 is reset under the action of the second elastic member 21.

[0044] Example 3 Based on Example 2, such as Figures 3-5 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, a receiving shell 23 is fixedly connected inside the liquid separator shell 3. The receiving shell 23 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 5. A drain pipe that penetrates the liquid separator shell 3 and the tank body 1 is fixedly connected to the receiving shell 23. A centrifugal plate 24 is fixedly connected to the main shaft 5. The centrifugal plate 24 is located inside the receiving shell 23. A guide surface 41 is provided on the lower side of the cover plate 4. The guide surface 41 is used to guide the foam so that the foam enters the receiving shell 23.

[0045] like Figures 1-3 , Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the cover plate 4 is fixedly connected to a first pipe 25 that communicates with the receiving shell 23. The middle part of the first pipe 25 is located in the cavity of the inner wall of the tank 1. During the process of gas passing through the first pipe 25, some of the gas is condensed and liquefied by the cooling water in the cavity. The first pipe 25 is connected to the tank 1 and is used to receive the volatile gas in the receiving shell 23. A one-way valve 26 is installed in the first pipe 25. The one-way valve 26 causes the liquid in the first pipe 25 to flow downward and re-enter the tank 1. During the fermentation process of the material, the height of the material in the tank 1 is lower than the height of the lower side of the first pipe 25, that is, the material does not contact the first pipe 25. The first pipe 25 is fixedly connected to a second pipe 27. The second pipe 27 is connected to the part between the one-way valve 26 on the first pipe 25 and the cover plate 4. The second pipe 27 is used to discharge another part of the unliquefied gas to the outside.

[0046] The working principle of this embodiment is as follows: During the fermentation process, the gas inside the tank 1 moves upward and passes through the arc-shaped channel of the separating sleeve 3. Then, guided by the guide surface 41, this gas enters the receiving shell 23, and the gas in the receiving shell 23 enters the first pipe 25. Since this gas contains acetic acid volatilized from the material, and acetic acid is the main factor determining the flavor of the beverage, it is necessary to reduce the loss of volatile substances. The specific operation is as follows: the cooling water in the cavity of the inner wall of the tank 1 cools the first pipe 25, thereby condensing some of the gas in the first pipe 25. The condensed gas forms a liquid and flows downward through the one-way valve 26, and then continues to flow along the first pipe 25 and is injected back into the tank 1. This reduces the waste of volatile substances and ensures the flavor of the beverage.

[0047] During the fermentation of the material, if the foam in the annular gap is not completely eliminated in the above embodiment, that is, as the material ferments, the foam gradually moves upward. After the foam passes through the arc-shaped channel of the liquid separator 3, the foam moves to the upper side of the receiving shell 23 under the guidance of the guide surface 41. Then, under the action of gravity, the foam flows downward along the inner wall of the receiving shell 23 and is temporarily stored in the receiving shell 23.

[0048] During the rotation of the main shaft 5, the main shaft 5 drives the centrifugal plate 24 to rotate. The centrifugal plate 24 agitates the foam in the receiving shell 23, causing the foam to burst. The gas formed by the foam enters the first pipe 25, and the liquid formed is discharged through the drain pipe.

[0049] Example 4 Based on Example 3, such as Figures 1-10 As shown, a fermentation process for apple fermented beverages, based on a fermentation device for apple fermented beverages, includes the following specific fermentation steps: Step 1: First, inject a certain amount of material into the tank, turn on the drive motor, and the output shaft of the drive motor drives the stirring plate to rotate through the main shaft. At the same time, the main shaft drives all the transmission rods to rotate through the gear set. The transmission rods drive the adjacent dispersing plates to rotate. The dispersing plates and the stirring plates work together to stir the material, making the material in a chaotic state. Step 2: The main shaft drives all the guide plates to rotate through the connecting parts, so that the guide plates break up the air bubbles on the inner wall of the tank and guide the material close to the inner wall of the tank. Step 3: The transmission rod drives the defoaming shell to rotate through the mounting block on it, causing the defoaming shell to squeeze the foam, thereby causing the foam to burst; Step 4: All the guide plates together drive the extrusion ring to rotate, and the extrusion ring extrudes all the first piston parts and the second piston parts, causing all the first piston parts and the second piston parts to move up and down reciprocally. Step 5: As all the first pistons move upward, the first pistons compress the gas inside the adjacent first mounting sleeves, causing the gas inside to be discharged and impact the foam on the outside of the first mounting sleeves, thereby causing the foam to burst. Step Six: During the downward movement of the second piston, the second piston squeezes the foam of the adjacent second mounting sleeve, causing the foam inside to burst and be discharged in the form of gas and liquid. The discharged gas and liquid impact the foam outside the second mounting sleeve, causing the foam to burst. Step 7: As the foam moves upward, the guide surface guides the foam to enter the receiving shell, while the main shaft drives the centrifugal plate to rotate, thereby centrifuging and breaking up this part of the foam. Step 8: During the fermentation process of the material, the gas in the tank moves upward and enters the receiving shell under the guidance of the guide surface. After the foam in the receiving shell breaks, the gas generated by the foam enters the first pipe together with the gas in the tank, and the liquid formed by the foam is discharged to the outside. Step 9: The gas is further processed as it flows in the first pipe, forming liquid and gas. The gas is discharged through the second pipe, and the liquid flows back into the tank. Step 10: After the material has finished fermenting, discharge it.

[0050] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that variations may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A fermentation apparatus for apple fermentation beverages, characterized in that: The system includes a tank (1), an aeration module (2) installed inside the tank (1), a liquid separator (3) fixedly connected to the tank (1), an annular gap forming between the liquid separator (3) and the tank (1), a circumferentially distributed arc-shaped channel on the liquid separator (3), the annular gap communicating with the arc-shaped channel, a transition hole (31) on the liquid separator (3), a circumferentially distributed pressure regulating hole (32) on the liquid separator (3), and a cover plate (4) fixedly connected to the liquid separator (3), the cover plate (4) rotating. A main shaft (5) is connected to the cover plate (4), a drive motor (6) is installed on the cover plate (4), the output shaft of the drive motor (6) is fixedly connected to the main shaft (5), a stirring plate (7) is fixedly connected to one end of the main shaft (5) away from the cover plate (4), a circumferentially distributed transmission rod (8) is rotatably connected to the liquid separator (3), an array of distributed dispersion plates (9) is fixedly connected to the transmission rod (8), a gear set (10) is installed inside the liquid separator (3), and the main shaft (5) drives all the transmission rods (8) to rotate through the gear set (10).

2. A fermentation apparatus for apple fermentation beverages according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main shaft (5) is fixedly connected to a connector (11) on the side near the stirring plate (7). The connector (11) is fixedly connected to a circumferentially distributed guide plate (12). The guide plate (12) is in contact with the inner wall of the tank (1). The connector (11) is rotatably and slidably connected to the transmission rod (8).

3. A fermentation apparatus for apple fermentation beverages according to claim 2, characterized in that: Both the dispersing plate (9) and the stirring plate (7) have several fan blades distributed circumferentially. The fan blades of the dispersing plate (9) and the fan blades of the stirring plate (7) are used to guide the material, and the tilting direction of the fan blades of both is the same.

4. A fermentation apparatus for apple fermentation beverages according to claim 3, characterized in that: A mounting block (13) is fixedly connected to one side of the transmission rod (8) inside the liquid separator (3). A centrally symmetrical defoaming shell (14) is fixedly connected to the mounting block (13). The opening area of ​​one side of the defoaming shell (14) is smaller than the opening area of ​​the other side.

5. A fermentation apparatus for apple fermentation beverages according to claim 4, characterized in that: It also includes an auxiliary defoaming mechanism, which has several circumferentially distributed components, all of which are disposed on the liquid separator shell (3) to remove air bubbles on the outside of the liquid separator shell (3). The auxiliary defoaming mechanism includes a first mounting sleeve (15), which is fixed to the liquid separator shell (3). The first mounting sleeve (15) is slidably connected to a first piston (16), and a first elastic element (17) is disposed between the two. The upper part of the first mounting sleeve (15) is provided with a symmetrical and evenly distributed first air passage (151). The first mounting sleeve (15) is provided with a second air passage (152). The liquid separator shell (3) communicates with the first mounting sleeve (15) through the transition hole (31) and the second air passage (152). A one-way sealing ball (18) is disposed inside the first mounting sleeve (15).

6. A fermentation apparatus for apple fermentation beverages according to claim 5, characterized in that: The liquid separator (3) is fixedly connected to a second mounting sleeve (19) distributed circumferentially. The second mounting sleeve (19) is slidably connected to a second piston (20), and a second elastic element (21) is provided between the two. A third air port (191) is symmetrically distributed on one side of the second mounting sleeve (19), and a fourth air port (192) is symmetrically and evenly distributed on the other side of the second mounting sleeve (19).

7. A fermentation apparatus for apple fermentation beverages according to claim 6, characterized in that: All the guide plates (12) are fixedly connected to a compression ring (22), which has a wavy surface. The wavy surface of the compression ring (22) is used to compress all the first pistons (16) and all the second pistons (20). The first mounting sleeve (15) and the second mounting sleeve (19) are staggered.

8. A fermentation apparatus for apple fermentation beverages according to claim 7, characterized in that: The liquid separator (3) is fixedly connected to a receiving shell (23), the main shaft (5) is fixedly connected to a centrifugal plate (24) at the position of the receiving shell (23), the main shaft (5) is rotatably connected to the receiving shell (23), and a guide surface (41) is provided on the lower side of the cover plate (4).

9. A fermentation apparatus for apple fermentation beverages according to claim 8, characterized in that: The cover plate (4) is fixedly connected to a first pipe (25) that communicates with the receiving shell (23). The first pipe (25) is connected to the tank body (1). A one-way valve (26) is installed inside the first pipe (25). A second pipe (27) is fixedly connected to the first pipe (25). The second pipe (27) communicates with the part between the one-way valve (26) on the first pipe (25) and the cover plate (4).

10. A fermentation process for apple fermented beverages, characterized by: According to claim 9, the fermentation apparatus for apple fermentation beverages comprises the following specific fermentation steps: Step 1: First, inject a certain amount of material into the tank and turn on the drive motor (6). The output shaft of the drive motor (6) drives the stirring plate (7) to rotate through the main shaft (5). At the same time, the main shaft (5) drives all the transmission rods (8) to rotate through the gear set (10). The transmission rods (8) drive the adjacent dispersing plates (9) to rotate. The dispersing plates (9) and the stirring plates (7) work together to stir the material, making the material in a chaotic state. Step 2: The main shaft (5) drives all the guide plates (12) to rotate through the connector (11), so that the guide plates (12) break the air bubbles on the inner wall of the tank (1) and guide the material near the inner wall of the tank (1); Step 3: The transmission rod (8) drives the defoaming shell (14) to rotate through the mounting block (13) on it, so that the defoaming shell (14) squeezes the foam, thereby causing the foam to break; Step 4: All the guide plates (12) together drive the extrusion ring (22) to rotate. The extrusion ring (22) extrudes all the first piston parts (16) and the second piston parts (20), causing all the first piston parts (16) and the second piston parts (20) to move up and down reciprocally. Step 5: During the upward movement of all the first piston members (16), the first piston members (16) squeeze the gas in the adjacent first mounting sleeve (15), causing the gas inside to be discharged and impacting the foam on the outside of the first mounting sleeve (15), thereby causing the foam to rupture. Step 6: During the downward movement of the second piston (20), the second piston (20) squeezes the foam of the adjacent second mounting sleeve (19), causing the foam inside to burst and the foam to be discharged in the form of gas and liquid. The discharged gas and liquid impact the foam outside the second mounting sleeve (19), thereby causing the foam to burst. Step 7: As the foam moves upward, the guide surface (41) guides the foam to enter the receiving shell (23), while the main shaft (5) drives the centrifugal plate (24) to rotate, thereby centrifuging and breaking up the foam. Step 8: During the fermentation process of the material, the gas in the tank (1) moves upward and enters the receiving shell (23) under the guidance of the guide surface (41). After the foam in the receiving shell (23) is broken, the gas generated by the foam enters the first pipe (25) together with the gas in the tank (1), and the liquid formed by the foam is discharged to the outside. Step 9: The gas is further processed during its flow in the first tube (25) to form liquid and gas. The gas is discharged through the second tube (27) and the liquid flows back into the tank (1). Step 10: After the material has finished fermenting, discharge it.

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