Fruit and vegetable probiotic fermentation integrated device based on multi-stage processing

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of fruit and vegetable probiotic fermentation integrated device based on multistage processing, belong to fermentation engineering technical field, each module in device is sequentially connected by closed material conveying pipeline and constitutes continuous production line;Material pretreatment module includes the breaking mechanism and enzyme inactivation mechanism connected in sequence, for preparing fruit and vegetable slurry and carrying out transient heat treatment inactivation endogenous enzyme;Heat energy recovery module is used to recycle the heat energy of high-temperature slurry after enzyme inactivation and supply subsequent unit;Fermentation substrate preparation module is used to accurately temperature control, low-temperature concentration after cooling inactivated slurry and uniformly mixed with probiotic liquid;Control module is connected with each mechanism communication, and the operating parameters and process timing are coordinated and controlled.The present application realizes seamless connection and energy reuse of high-temperature enzyme inactivation and low-temperature concentration by the synergistic effect of heat energy recovery and dynamic temperature control, optimizes probiotic growth conditions while protecting the heat-sensitive nutrients of fruit and vegetable, significantly improves product quality and production efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of fermentation engineering technology, specifically relating to an integrated device for fermenting fruit and vegetable probiotics based on multi-stage processing. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing popularity of healthy eating concepts, fermented beverages that combine the natural nutrition of fruits and vegetables with the health benefits of probiotics are gaining popularity in the market. The core objective in developing such products is to maximize the retention of heat-sensitive active ingredients in the fruit and vegetable raw materials, while providing a suitable growth environment for probiotics to ensure their final activity.

[0003] Currently, the industry commonly employs a phased, intermittent production process for producing such products. The typical approach involves first using separate equipment to crush and heat-treat fruits and vegetables to sterilize or inactivate enzymes. Then, the pulp is concentrated or its formulation adjusted in another location or equipment before finally being transferred to a dedicated fermentation tank for inoculation and fermentation. This production method relies on multiple dispersed equipment units and frequent material transfers.

[0004] However, due to the independent and discontinuous nature of the equipment used in each process, materials are easily exposed to the environment during transfer and waiting, increasing the risk of contamination. More importantly, the relatively long or high-intensity heat treatment used to achieve sterilization often irreversibly destroys heat-sensitive nutrients such as vitamins and polyphenols in fruits and vegetables, and may produce substances that inhibit the growth of probiotics. Simultaneously, the insufficient nutrient concentration of the unoptimized and concentrated fermentation substrate, coupled with a lack of synergy between the fermentation stage and the preceding and following process conditions, prevents probiotics from growing under optimal conditions, making it difficult to guarantee the nutritional value and live probiotic count of the final product. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems in the existing technology, this invention provides an integrated fermentation device for fruit and vegetable probiotics based on multi-stage processing. The technical problem to be solved by this invention is achieved through the following technical solution: This invention provides an integrated fruit and vegetable probiotic fermentation device based on multi-stage processing, comprising: a material pretreatment module, a heat recovery module, a fermentation substrate preparation module, and a fermentation post-processing module. The material pretreatment module, the heat recovery module, the fermentation substrate preparation module, and the fermentation post-processing module are sequentially connected through a closed material conveying pipeline to form a continuous production line. The material pretreatment module includes a crushing mechanism and an enzyme inactivation mechanism connected in sequence. The crushing mechanism is used to crush fruit and vegetable raw materials to prepare fruit and vegetable pulp. The inlet of the enzyme inactivation mechanism is connected to the outlet of the crushing mechanism and is used to perform instantaneous heat treatment on the fruit and vegetable pulp to inactivate endogenous enzymes and obtain inactivated pulp. The heat recovery module includes a heat recovery heat exchanger. The inlet of the heat medium channel of the heat recovery heat exchanger is connected to the outlet of the enzyme inactivation mechanism for receiving the inactivated slurry and recovering its heat energy. The outlet of the heat medium channel of the heat recovery heat exchanger is connected to a downstream mechanism for outputting the cooled inactivated slurry. The inlet of the cold medium channel of the heat recovery heat exchanger is connected to a cold source, and its outlet is connected to the heat energy demand unit of the fermentation substrate preparation module for supplying the recovered heat energy. The fermentation substrate preparation module includes a dynamic temperature-controlled buffer tank, a concentration mechanism, and a mixing and inoculation mechanism connected in sequence. The inlet of the dynamic temperature-controlled buffer tank is connected to the outlet of the heat medium channel of the heat recovery heat exchanger, and is used to receive the cooled inactivated slurry and adjust it to the target temperature according to the requirements of downstream processes. The inlet of the concentration mechanism is connected to the outlet of the dynamic temperature-controlled buffer tank, and the inlet of the mixing and inoculation mechanism is connected to the outlet of the concentration mechanism. The concentration mechanism is used to concentrate the inactivated slurry under low temperature conditions. The concentrated inactivated slurry is used as the fermentation substrate. The mixing and inoculation mechanism is used to uniformly mix the fermentation substrate with the probiotic liquid to obtain a mixed substrate. The post-fermentation processing module includes a fermentation mechanism and a filling mechanism connected in sequence. The inlet of the fermentation mechanism is connected to the outlet of the mixing and inoculation mechanism, and the inlet of the filling mechanism is connected to the outlet of the fermentation mechanism. The fermentation mechanism is used to provide a controlled environment for the mixture to complete fermentation, and the filling mechanism is used to fill the fermented mixture. The device also includes a control module, which is communicatively connected to the crushing mechanism, the enzyme inactivation mechanism, the heat recovery heat exchanger, the dynamic temperature control buffer tank, the concentration mechanism, the mixing and inoculation mechanism, the fermentation mechanism, and the filling mechanism, respectively, and is used to coordinate and control the operating parameters and process sequence of each mechanism. The heat recovery heat exchanger and the dynamic temperature control buffer tank work in coordination with the control module. The heat recovery heat exchanger recovers the heat energy of the inactivated slurry output by the enzyme inactivation mechanism and supplies it to the subsequent heat energy demand unit. The dynamic temperature control buffer tank precisely adjusts the cooled inactivated slurry to the target temperature suitable for concentration. The enzyme inactivation mechanism, the concentration mechanism, and the fermentation mechanism operate under the coordination of the control module. The enzyme inactivation mechanism protects the heat-sensitive components in the fruit and vegetable pulp through instantaneous heat treatment. The concentration mechanism increases the concentration of the fermentation substrate through low-temperature concentration. The fermentation mechanism optimizes the growth conditions of probiotics by providing a controlled environment, thereby preserving the nutritional components and probiotic activity of the fruit and vegetable raw materials.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, the inlet of the heat medium channel of the heat recovery heat exchanger is connected to the outlet of the enzyme inactivation mechanism, the outlet of its heat medium channel is connected to the inlet of the dynamic temperature control buffer tank, the inlet of its cold medium channel is connected to the condensate outlet of the concentration mechanism or an external cooling water source, and the outlet of its cold medium channel is connected to the heat source inlet of the concentration mechanism. The heat recovery heat exchanger is either a plate heat exchanger or a shell-and-tube heat exchanger.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the dynamic temperature control buffer tank includes a buffer tank body, a temperature sensor disposed in the buffer tank body, a multi-stage temperature control medium channel disposed in the jacket of the buffer tank body, and a vacuum degassing device connected to the top of the buffer tank body. The buffer tank is provided with an inlet connected to the outlet of the heat medium channel of the heat recovery heat exchanger and an outlet connected to the inlet of the concentration mechanism; the multi-stage temperature control medium channel includes a cooling medium channel and a heating medium channel, which are connected to a cooling source and a heating source respectively, and are used to cool or heat the material in the tank according to the feedback of the temperature sensor; the vacuum degassing device is used to perform vacuum degassing treatment on the inactivated slurry during the temperature adjustment process.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bottom of the dynamic temperature control buffer tank is provided with a circulation outlet and a circulation inlet. The circulation outlet is connected to the inlet of the circulation pump through a circulation pipeline, so that the material returns to the tank and forms an external circulation loop. A heat exchanger is provided on the circulation pipeline for auxiliary temperature regulation.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the enzyme inactivation mechanism is a steam jet instantaneous heater, with its steam inlet connected to a steam source, its material inlet connected to the discharge port of the crushing mechanism, and its material outlet connected to the inlet of the heat medium channel of the heat recovery heat exchanger. The heating temperature and control time of the enzyme inactivation mechanism are adjusted by the control module.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the heat source inlet of the concentration mechanism is connected to the cold medium channel outlet of the heat energy recovery heat exchanger for heating and evaporating the material using the recovered heat energy, and the condensate outlet of the concentration mechanism is connected to the cold medium channel inlet of the heat energy recovery heat exchanger to form a heat energy circulation loop. The material inlet of the concentration mechanism is connected to the outlet of the dynamic temperature control buffer tank, and the concentrated liquid outlet is connected to the inlet of the mixing and inoculation mechanism; wherein, the concentration mechanism is a falling film vacuum evaporator or a forced circulation evaporator.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the mixing and inoculation mechanism includes a sterile mixing tank, a stirrer, and a metering and adding unit; the sterile mixing tank is provided with a concentrated slurry inlet connected to the discharge port of the concentration mechanism, a bacterial liquid inlet connected to the probiotic liquid source, and a mixed material outlet connected to the feed port of the fermentation mechanism; The metering and adding unit is installed on the pipeline between the bacterial liquid inlet and the probiotic liquid source, and is used to control the amount of probiotic liquid added; The stirring blades of the stirrer are located inside the sterile mixing tank to promote uniform mixing of the concentrated slurry and the probiotic liquid. The aseptic mixing tank is also equipped with an online detection unit. The detection probe of the online detection unit extends into the interior of the aseptic mixing tank and is used to monitor at least one parameter of the mixture, such as temperature, pH value, or mixing uniformity, in real time. The online detection unit is communicatively connected to the control module.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the fermentation mechanism is a fermentation tank, the fermentation tank is equipped with a sensor group, and the top or side wall of the fermentation tank is connected to a gas supply pipeline. The sensor group is used to monitor fermentation parameters and includes at least one of a temperature sensor, a pH sensor and a dissolved oxygen sensor. Each sensor is communicatively connected to the control module. The gas supply pipeline is connected to a gas source and is used to introduce sterile air, oxygen, or nitrogen into the fermenter to regulate the atmosphere inside the tank.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, an excipient addition unit is further included. The addition port of the excipient addition unit is disposed on the pipeline between the dynamic temperature control buffer tank and the concentration mechanism, or on the pipeline between the concentration mechanism and the mixing and inoculation mechanism. The auxiliary material addition unit is communicatively connected to the control module and is used to add auxiliary materials to the material conveying pipeline. The auxiliary materials include sugars, acidity regulators, or nutrient fortifiers.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the control module is configured to adjust the flow rate and temperature of the medium in the multi-stage temperature-controlled medium channel according to the feedback signal of the temperature sensor in the dynamic temperature-controlled buffer tank, so that the material in the tank reaches the target temperature required by the concentration mechanism within a preset time. The control module is also configured to adjust at least one operating parameter of the enzyme inactivation mechanism, the concentration mechanism, the mixing and inoculation mechanism, and the fermentation mechanism according to the feedback signal of the online detection unit; The operating parameters include: the processing temperature and processing time of the enzyme inactivation mechanism, the vacuum degree and evaporation temperature of the concentration mechanism, the stirring speed and bacterial liquid addition amount of the mixing and inoculation mechanism, and any one of the temperature, pH value and aeration rate of the fermentation mechanism.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: This invention relates to an integrated fruit and vegetable probiotic fermentation device based on multi-stage processing. By incorporating a heat recovery module and a dynamic temperature-controlled buffer tank, the device connects the material pretreatment module, fermentation substrate preparation module, and post-fermentation processing module sequentially via a closed material transport pipeline to form a continuous production line. This effectively solves the material characteristic conflict problem between high-temperature enzyme inactivation and low-temperature fermentation in existing technologies. Specifically, the heat recovery heat exchanger recovers the heat energy from the inactivated slurry output by the enzyme inactivation mechanism and supplies it to subsequent heat-demanding units. This avoids the impact of high-temperature slurry directly entering subsequent processes on probiotics and achieves energy reuse. The dynamic temperature-controlled buffer tank adjusts the cooled inactivated slurry to a suitable concentration target temperature according to the downstream process requirements, achieving seamless integration of high-temperature enzyme inactivation and low-temperature concentration. The enzyme inactivation mechanism protects heat-sensitive components through instantaneous heat treatment, the concentration mechanism increases the fermentation substrate concentration through low-temperature concentration, and the fermentation mechanism provides a controlled environment to optimize probiotic growth conditions. Based on this, the control module coordinates and controls the operating parameters and process sequence of each mechanism, so that heat recovery, temperature buffering, enzyme inactivation, concentration and fermentation links work together. While reducing the overall energy consumption of the machine, it retains the heat-sensitive nutrients in fruits and vegetables to the maximum extent, and provides a nutrient-rich and temperature-appropriate fermentation substrate for probiotics. Thus, it simultaneously achieves high retention of natural ingredients in the end product and maintenance of probiotic activity.

[0016] Furthermore, the multi-stage processing integrated fruit and vegetable probiotic fermentation device of the present invention also recovers and utilizes the waste heat of the condensate generated during the concentration process through a heat energy recovery heat exchanger and a heat circulation loop formed between the heat energy recovery heat exchanger and the concentration mechanism, further improving the energy utilization efficiency of the system. The dynamic temperature control buffer tank adopts a multi-stage temperature control medium channel and a vacuum degassing device to achieve rapid bidirectional temperature regulation of the material and remove odor components. The setting of the external circulation loop enhances the temperature regulation capability and uniformity, providing a stable material foundation for subsequent concentration and fermentation. In the mixing and inoculation mechanism, the aseptic mixing tank, together with the metering addition unit, online detection unit and stirrer, realizes the precise addition, aseptic mixing and real-time monitoring of probiotic liquid. The sensor group and gas supply pipeline configured inside the fermentation mechanism, combined with the control module, automatically adjust multiple parameters such as enzyme inactivation temperature, concentration vacuum degree, stirring speed, bacterial liquid addition amount, fermentation temperature and aeration rate based on online detection feedback, realizing precise control and dynamic optimization of the entire process. The flexible configuration of the auxiliary material addition unit provides room for process adjustment, enabling the entire unit to have full-process quality control capabilities from raw material processing to final filling, significantly improving the standardization of products, production efficiency and energy utilization.

[0017] The above description is merely an overview of the technical solution of the present invention. In order to better understand the technical means of the present invention and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an integrated fruit and vegetable probiotic fermentation device based on multi-stage processing provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the workflow of the integrated fruit and vegetable probiotic fermentation device based on multi-stage processing provided in this embodiment of the invention. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the dynamic temperature control buffer tank provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the hybrid inoculation mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure reference numerals: 1-Material pretreatment module; 11-Crushing mechanism; 12-Enzyme inactivation mechanism; 2-Heat recovery module; 3-Fermentation substrate preparation module; 31-Dynamic temperature-controlled buffer tank; 311-Buffer tank body; 312-Temperature sensor; 313-Multi-stage temperature-controlled medium channel; 314-Vacuum degassing device; 32-Concentration mechanism; 33-Mixing and inoculation mechanism; 331-Aseptic mixing tank; 332-Agitator; 333-Metering addition unit; 334-Online detection unit; 4-Fermentation post-treatment module; 41-Fermentation mechanism; 42-Filling mechanism; 5-Control module; 6-Auxiliary material addition unit. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To further illustrate the technical means and effects adopted by the present invention to achieve the intended purpose, the following describes in detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, an integrated fruit and vegetable probiotic fermentation device based on multi-stage processing proposed in accordance with the present invention.

[0021] The foregoing and other technical contents, features, and effects of the present invention will be clearly presented in the following detailed description of specific embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Through the description of the specific embodiments, a more in-depth and concrete understanding can be gained of the technical means and effects adopted by the present invention to achieve its intended purpose. However, the accompanying drawings are for reference and illustration only and are not intended to limit the technical solutions of the present invention.

[0022] Example 1 like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an integrated fruit and vegetable probiotic fermentation device based on multi-stage processing provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the workflow of the integrated fruit and vegetable probiotic fermentation device based on multi-stage processing provided in this embodiment of the invention. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the dynamic temperature control buffer tank provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the hybrid inoculation mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] In this embodiment, the integrated fruit and vegetable probiotic fermentation device based on multi-stage processing includes: a material pretreatment module 1, a heat recovery module 2, a fermentation substrate preparation module 3, and a fermentation post-processing module 4. The material pretreatment module 1, the heat recovery module 2, the fermentation substrate preparation module 3, and the fermentation post-processing module 4 are sequentially connected through a closed material conveying pipeline to form a continuous production line.

[0024] The material pretreatment module 1 includes a crushing mechanism 11 and an enzyme inactivation mechanism 12 connected in sequence. The crushing mechanism 11 is used to crush fruit and vegetable raw materials to prepare fruit and vegetable pulp. The inlet of the enzyme inactivation mechanism 12 is connected to the outlet of the crushing mechanism 11 and is used to perform instantaneous heat treatment on the fruit and vegetable pulp to inactivate endogenous enzymes and obtain inactivated pulp.

[0025] The heat recovery module 2 includes a heat recovery heat exchanger. The inlet of the heat medium channel of the heat recovery heat exchanger is connected to the outlet of the enzyme inactivation mechanism 12 for receiving the inactivated slurry and recovering its heat energy. The outlet of the heat medium channel of the heat recovery heat exchanger is connected to the downstream mechanism for outputting the cooled inactivated slurry. The inlet of the cold medium channel of the heat recovery heat exchanger is connected to a cold source, and its outlet is connected to the heat energy demand unit of the fermentation substrate preparation module 3 for supplying the recovered heat energy.

[0026] The fermentation substrate preparation module 3 includes a dynamic temperature-controlled buffer tank 31, a concentration mechanism 32, and a mixing and inoculation mechanism 33 connected in sequence. The inlet of the dynamic temperature-controlled buffer tank 31 is connected to the outlet of the heat medium channel of the heat recovery heat exchanger, which is used to receive the deactivated slurry after cooling and adjust it to the target temperature according to the requirements of the downstream process. The inlet of the concentration mechanism 32 is connected to the outlet of the dynamic temperature-controlled buffer tank 31, and the inlet of the mixing and inoculation mechanism 33 is connected to the outlet of the concentration mechanism 32. The concentration mechanism 32 is used to concentrate the deactivated slurry under low temperature conditions. The concentrated deactivated slurry is used as the fermentation substrate. The mixing and inoculation mechanism 33 is used to uniformly mix the fermentation substrate with the probiotic liquid to obtain a mixed substrate.

[0027] The post-fermentation processing module 4 includes a fermentation mechanism 41 and a filling mechanism 42 connected in sequence. The inlet of the fermentation mechanism 41 is connected to the outlet of the mixing and inoculation mechanism 33, and the inlet of the filling mechanism 42 is connected to the outlet of the fermentation mechanism 41. The fermentation mechanism 41 is used to provide a controlled environment to enable the mixture to complete fermentation, and the filling mechanism 42 is used to fill the fermented mixture.

[0028] The integrated fruit and vegetable probiotic fermentation device based on multi-stage processing of the present invention further includes: a control module 5, which is communicatively connected to the crushing mechanism 11, the enzyme inactivation mechanism 12, the heat recovery heat exchanger, the dynamic temperature control buffer tank 31, the concentration mechanism 32, the mixing and inoculation mechanism 33, the fermentation mechanism 41 and the filling mechanism 42, and is used to coordinate and control the operating parameters and process sequence of each mechanism. The heat recovery heat exchanger and the dynamic temperature control buffer tank 31 work in coordination with the control module 5. The heat recovery heat exchanger recovers the heat energy of the inactivated slurry output by the enzyme inactivation mechanism 12 and supplies it to the subsequent heat energy demand unit. The dynamic temperature control buffer tank 31 precisely adjusts the cooled inactivated slurry to the target temperature suitable for concentration. The enzyme inactivation mechanism 12, the concentration mechanism 32 and the fermentation mechanism 41 work in coordination with the control module 5. The enzyme inactivation mechanism 12 protects the heat-sensitive components in the fruit and vegetable slurry through instantaneous heat treatment. The concentration mechanism 32 increases the concentration of the fermentation substrate through low-temperature concentration. The fermentation mechanism 41 optimizes the growth conditions of probiotics by providing a controlled environment, thereby preserving the nutritional components and probiotic activity of the fruit and vegetable raw materials.

[0029] Specifically, the control module 5 is configured to adjust the flow rate and temperature of the medium in the multi-stage temperature-controlled medium channel 313 according to the feedback signal of the temperature sensor 312 inside the dynamic temperature-controlled buffer tank 31, so that the material in the tank reaches the target temperature required by the concentration mechanism 32 within a preset time. The control module 5 is also configured to adjust at least one operating parameter of the enzyme inactivation mechanism 12, the concentration mechanism 32, the mixing and inoculation mechanism 33, and the fermentation mechanism 41 according to the feedback signal of the online detection unit 334. The operating parameters include: the processing temperature and processing time of the enzyme inactivation mechanism 12, the vacuum degree and evaporation temperature of the concentration mechanism 32, the stirring speed and bacterial liquid addition amount of the mixing and inoculation mechanism 33, and any one of the temperature, pH value, and aeration rate of the fermentation mechanism 41.

[0030] It is worth noting that the multi-stage processing integrated fruit and vegetable probiotic fermentation device of the present invention, by setting up a heat energy recovery module 2 and a dynamic temperature control buffer tank 31, connects the material pretreatment module 1, the fermentation substrate preparation module 3, and the post-fermentation treatment module 4 in sequence through a closed material conveying pipeline to form a continuous production line, effectively solving the material characteristic conflict problem between high-temperature enzyme inactivation and low-temperature fermentation in the prior art. Specifically, the heat energy recovery heat exchanger recovers the heat energy of the inactivated slurry output by the enzyme inactivation mechanism 12 and supplies it to the subsequent heat energy demand unit, which not only avoids the impact of high-temperature slurry directly entering the subsequent process on probiotics, but also realizes energy reuse; the dynamic temperature control buffer tank 31 adjusts the cooled inactivated slurry to the target temperature suitable for concentration according to the needs of the downstream process, realizing the seamless connection between high-temperature enzyme inactivation and low-temperature concentration; the enzyme inactivation mechanism 12 protects heat-sensitive components through instantaneous heat treatment, the concentration mechanism 32 increases the concentration of fermentation substrate through low-temperature concentration, and the fermentation mechanism 41 provides a controlled environment to optimize the growth conditions of probiotics. Based on this, the control module 5 coordinates and controls the operating parameters and process sequence of each mechanism, so that the heat recovery, temperature buffering, enzyme inactivation, concentration and fermentation links work together. While reducing the overall energy consumption of the machine, it retains the heat-sensitive nutrients in fruits and vegetables to the maximum extent, and provides a nutrient-rich and temperature-appropriate fermentation substrate for probiotics. Thus, it simultaneously achieves high retention of natural ingredients in the end product and maintenance of probiotic activity.

[0031] In an optional embodiment, the inlet of the heat medium channel of the heat recovery heat exchanger is connected to the outlet of the enzyme inactivation mechanism 12, the outlet of its heat medium channel is connected to the inlet of the dynamic temperature control buffer tank 31, the inlet of its cold medium channel is connected to the condensate outlet of the concentration mechanism 32 or an external cooling water source, and the outlet of its cold medium channel is connected to the heat source inlet of the concentration mechanism 32.

[0032] For example, the heat recovery heat exchanger can be a plate heat exchanger or a shell-and-tube heat exchanger.

[0033] In an optional embodiment, the dynamic temperature-controlled buffer tank 31 includes a buffer tank body 311, a temperature sensor 312 disposed within the buffer tank body 311, a multi-stage temperature-controlled medium channel 313 disposed within the jacket of the buffer tank body 311, and a vacuum degassing device 314 connected to the top of the buffer tank body 311. The buffer tank body 311 is provided with an inlet connected to the outlet of the heat medium channel of the heat recovery heat exchanger and an outlet connected to the inlet of the concentration mechanism 32. The multi-stage temperature-controlled medium channel 313 includes a cooling medium channel and a heating medium channel, which are connected to a cooling source and a heating source, respectively, and are used to cool or heat the material in the tank according to the feedback of the temperature sensor 312. The vacuum degassing device 314 is used to perform vacuum degassing treatment on the inactivated slurry during the temperature adjustment process.

[0034] Furthermore, the bottom of the dynamic temperature control buffer tank 31 is also provided with a circulation outlet and a circulation inlet. The circulation outlet is connected to the inlet of the circulation pump through a circulation pipeline, so that the material returns to the tank and forms an external circulation loop. A heat exchanger is provided on the circulation pipeline for auxiliary temperature regulation.

[0035] In an optional embodiment, the enzyme inactivation mechanism 12 is a steam jet instantaneous heater, with its steam inlet connected to a steam source, its material inlet connected to the discharge port of the crushing mechanism 11, and its material outlet connected to the inlet of the heat medium channel of the heat recovery heat exchanger. The heating temperature and control time of the enzyme inactivation mechanism 12 are adjusted by the control module 5.

[0036] In an optional embodiment, the heat source inlet of the concentration mechanism 32 is connected to the cold medium channel outlet of the heat recovery heat exchanger for heating and evaporating the material using the recovered heat energy. The condensate outlet of the concentration mechanism 32 is connected to the cold medium channel inlet of the heat recovery heat exchanger to form a heat energy circulation loop. The material inlet of the concentration mechanism 32 is connected to the outlet of the dynamic temperature control buffer tank 31, and the concentrated liquid outlet is connected to the inlet of the mixing and inoculation mechanism 33. The concentration mechanism 32 is a falling film vacuum evaporator or a forced circulation evaporator.

[0037] In an optional embodiment, the mixing and inoculation mechanism 33 includes a sterile mixing tank 331, a stirrer 332, and a metering and adding unit 333. The sterile mixing tank 331 is provided with a concentrated slurry inlet connected to the outlet of the concentration mechanism 32, a bacterial liquid inlet connected to the probiotic liquid source, and a mixed material outlet connected to the feed inlet of the fermentation mechanism 41. The metering and adding unit 333 is disposed on the pipeline between the bacterial liquid inlet and the probiotic liquid source and is used to control the amount of probiotic liquid added. The stirring blades of the stirrer 332 are located inside the sterile mixing tank 331 and are used to promote uniform mixing of the concentrated slurry and the probiotic liquid. The sterile mixing tank 331 is also provided with an online detection unit 334. The detection probe of the online detection unit 334 extends into the sterile mixing tank 331 and is used to monitor at least one parameter among the temperature, pH value, or mixing uniformity of the mixed material in real time. The online detection unit 334 is communicatively connected to the control module 5.

[0038] In an optional embodiment, the fermentation mechanism 41 is a fermenter, and a sensor group is installed inside the fermenter. A gas supply pipeline is connected to the top or side wall of the fermenter. The sensor group is used to monitor fermentation parameters and includes at least one of a temperature sensor, a pH sensor, and a dissolved oxygen sensor. Each sensor is communicatively connected to the control module 5. The gas supply pipeline is connected to a gas source and is used to introduce sterile air, oxygen, or nitrogen into the fermenter to regulate the atmosphere inside the tank.

[0039] In an optional embodiment, the integrated fruit and vegetable probiotic fermentation device based on multi-stage processing further includes an auxiliary material addition unit 6. The addition port of the auxiliary material addition unit 6 is located on the pipeline between the dynamic temperature control buffer tank 31 and the concentration mechanism 32, or on the pipeline between the concentration mechanism 32 and the mixing and inoculation mechanism 33. The auxiliary material addition unit 6 is communicatively connected to the control module 5 and is used to add auxiliary materials to the material conveying pipeline. The auxiliary materials include sugars, acidity regulators, or nutrient fortifiers.

[0040] The multi-stage processing integrated fruit and vegetable probiotic fermentation device of this invention utilizes a heat energy recovery heat exchanger and a concentration mechanism 32 to recover and utilize the waste heat from the condensate generated during the concentration process, further improving the system's energy utilization efficiency. The dynamic temperature-controlled buffer tank 31 employs a multi-stage temperature-controlled medium channel 313 and a vacuum degassing device 314, enabling rapid bidirectional temperature regulation of the material and removal of odor components. The external circulation loop enhances temperature regulation capability and uniformity, providing a stable material foundation for subsequent concentration and fermentation. The aseptic mixing tank 331 in the mixing and inoculation mechanism 33, in conjunction with the metering and adding unit 333, the online detection unit 334, and the stirrer 332, achieves precise addition, aseptic mixing, and real-time monitoring of the probiotic liquid. The sensor group and gas supply pipeline inside the fermentation mechanism 41, combined with the control module 5, automatically adjust multiple parameters such as enzyme inactivation temperature, concentration vacuum, stirring speed, bacterial liquid addition amount, fermentation temperature, and aeration rate based on online detection feedback, achieving precise control and dynamic optimization throughout the entire process. The flexible configuration of the auxiliary material addition unit 6 provides room for process adjustment, enabling the entire unit to have full-process quality control capabilities from raw material processing to final filling, significantly improving the standardization of products, production efficiency and energy utilization.

[0041] Example 2 To enable those skilled in the art to fully understand and implement this invention, the specific structure of the invention is described below.

[0042] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, this embodiment further explains the specific structure of the dynamic temperature control buffer tank 31 based on Embodiment 1.

[0043] The dynamic temperature control buffer tank 31 includes a buffer tank body 311, a temperature sensor 312 disposed inside the buffer tank body 311, a multi-stage temperature control medium channel 313 disposed inside the jacket of the buffer tank body 311, and a vacuum degassing device 314 connected to the top of the buffer tank body 311.

[0044] The buffer tank 311 is provided with an inlet connected to the outlet of the heat medium channel of the heat recovery heat exchanger and an outlet connected to the inlet of the concentration mechanism 32. The buffer tank 311 is made of food-grade stainless steel, and the internal surface is polished. The volume is determined according to the production line capacity. In this embodiment, a 1000L specification is used.

[0045] Temperature sensor 312 uses a platinum resistance temperature sensor or a thermocouple temperature sensor. Its detection end extends into the material inside the buffer tank 311, and its signal output end is connected to the input end of the control module 5 through a data line to monitor the temperature of the material inside the tank in real time.

[0046] A multi-stage temperature-controlled medium channel 313 is installed within the jacket of the buffer tank 311, including a cooling medium channel and a heating medium channel. The cooling medium channel is connected to a cooling source, which uses chilled water at 8~12℃ provided by a chiller unit; the heating medium channel is connected to a heating source, which uses warm water at 40~50℃ provided by a hot water boiler. A regulating valve is installed at the inlet of each of the cooling and heating medium channels, and the control end of the regulating valve is connected to the control module 5. Based on the feedback signal from the temperature sensor 312, the control module 5 regulates the flow rate of the cooling or heating medium by controlling the opening of the regulating valve, thereby rapidly cooling or heating the material inside the tank.

[0047] The vacuum degassing device 314 includes a vacuum pump and a condenser. The suction port of the vacuum pump is connected to the top of the buffer tank 311 to create a vacuum environment within the buffer tank 311. The inlet of the condenser is connected to the exhaust port of the vacuum pump to recover the degassed volatile components. The vacuum degassing device 314 is used to perform vacuum degassing on materials during temperature control to remove odor components from fruit and vegetable pulps, such as beany or grassy smells. The operating state of the vacuum degassing device 314 is controlled by the control module 5. In this embodiment, the vacuum level is controlled between -0.06 and -0.08 MPa.

[0048] During temperature regulation, the circulation outlet at the bottom of the buffer tank 311 is connected to the inlet of the circulation pump via a circulation pipeline, and the outlet of the circulation pump is connected to the circulation inlet at the top of the buffer tank 311 via a circulation pipeline, forming an external circulation loop. An auxiliary heat exchanger is installed on the circulation pipeline, which is connected to a cooling source or a heating source to assist in temperature regulation of the material during circulation. The operating status of the circulation pump is controlled by the control module 5. The circulation pump is activated when rapid temperature regulation is required or when the temperature inside the tank is uneven, enhancing the temperature regulation effect through external circulation.

[0049] Example 3 like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, this embodiment further explains the specific structure of the mixed inoculation mechanism 33 based on Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2.

[0050] The mixed inoculation device 33 includes a sterile mixing tank 331, a stirrer 332 disposed in the sterile mixing tank 331, a metering and adding unit 333, and an online detection unit 334.

[0051] The aseptic mixing tank 331 is made of food-grade stainless steel with a polished internal surface. The tank is designed to operate at 0.3 MPa under normal atmospheric pressure. The aseptic mixing tank 331 has a concentrated slurry inlet connected to the outlet of the concentration mechanism 32, a bacterial liquid inlet connected to the probiotic liquid source, and a mixed material outlet connected to the feed inlet of the fermentation mechanism 41. All interfaces utilize aseptic connection structures to ensure a sterile mixing process.

[0052] The agitator 332 employs a magnetic coupling or mechanical seal agitation structure. Its agitator blades are located inside the aseptic mixing tank 331. The drive motor of the agitator 332 is located at the top of the tank and is connected to the control module 5, allowing adjustment of the agitation speed according to process requirements. The agitator 332 uses an anchor-type or turbine-type agitator to ensure uniform mixing of the concentrated slurry and probiotic solution.

[0053] A metering and adding unit 333 is installed on the pipeline between the bacterial solution inlet and the probiotic liquid source to control the amount of probiotic liquid added. The metering and adding unit 333 uses a metering pump or a mass flow controller, and its control terminal is connected to the control module 5. The probiotic liquid source is a sterile storage tank containing activated probiotic liquid, the bacterial liquid of which includes at least one of *Lactobacillus plantarum*, *Lactobacillus acidophilus*, or *Bifidobacterium*.

[0054] The online detection unit 334 includes at least one of a temperature sensor, a pH electrode, and a turbidimeter. The detection probes of each element extend into the sterile mixing tank 331 to monitor the temperature, pH value, or mixing uniformity of the mixture in real time. The signal output terminal of the online detection unit 334 is connected to the input terminal of the control module 5 to provide real-time monitoring data. Based on the feedback signal from the online detection unit 334, the control module 5 adjusts the addition amount of the metering addition unit 333 or the stirring speed of the stirrer 332 to ensure the uniformity and stability of the mixture.

[0055] Example 4 This embodiment further explains the specific structure of the fermentation mechanism 41 based on any one of Embodiments 1 to 3.

[0056] Fermentation mechanism 41 is a fermentation tank made of stainless steel. The tank body is equipped with a jacket for circulating medium to control the temperature. The effective volume of the fermentation tank is determined according to the production line capacity. In this embodiment, a 2000L specification is used.

[0057] The fermenter is equipped with a sensor array, which includes a temperature sensor, a pH sensor, and a dissolved oxygen sensor. The temperature sensor is a platinum resistance temperature sensor, the pH sensor is a glass electrode pH meter, and the dissolved oxygen sensor is a polarographic dissolved oxygen electrode. The detection end of each sensor extends into the material inside the fermenter, and the signal output end is connected to the input end of control module 5 via a data cable.

[0058] A gas supply pipeline is connected to the top or side wall of the fermenter. The gas supply pipeline is connected to a gas source, which includes a sterile air storage tank, an oxygen storage tank, and a nitrogen storage tank. Each gas source's outlet pipeline is equipped with a gas flow control valve and a sterilizing filter. The control terminal of the gas flow control valve is connected to the control module 5, and is used to introduce sterile air, oxygen, or nitrogen into the fermenter according to the instructions of the control module 5 to regulate the atmosphere inside the tank.

[0059] The top of the fermenter is equipped with an inoculation port, a nutrient addition port, and a sampling port. The inoculation port is connected to the mixed material outlet of the mixing and inoculation mechanism 33 to receive the mixed material. The nutrient addition port is connected to the auxiliary material addition unit 6 to supplement nutrients during fermentation. The sampling port is used for sampling and testing during fermentation. The bottom of the fermenter is equipped with a discharge port, which is connected to the inlet of the filling mechanism 42 via a pipeline.

[0060] The control module 5 automatically adjusts the temperature of the jacket circulating medium, the gas supply pipeline flow rate and the gas supply time based on the fermentation parameters detected by the sensor group, so that the fermentation process is always under optimal conditions.

[0061] Example 5 This embodiment describes the configuration of the auxiliary material adding unit 6 based on any one of embodiments one through four.

[0062] like Figure 1 As shown, the device also includes an auxiliary material addition unit 6. The addition port of the auxiliary material addition unit 6 is located on the pipeline between the dynamic temperature control buffer tank 31 and the concentration mechanism 32, or on the pipeline between the concentration mechanism 32 and the mixing and inoculation mechanism 33.

[0063] The excipient addition unit 6 includes an excipient storage tank and a metering pump. The excipient storage tank contains excipients, including sugars, acidity regulators, or nutrient fortifiers. The sugars are at least one of sucrose, glucose, or fructose; the acidity regulators are at least one of citric acid, malic acid, or lactic acid; and the nutrient fortifiers are at least one of vitamin C, B vitamins, or minerals.

[0064] The metering pump's inlet is connected to the auxiliary material storage tank, and its outlet is connected to the addition port. The metering pump is a peristaltic pump or a plunger metering pump, and its control terminal is connected to the control module 5 to quantitatively add auxiliary materials to the material delivery pipeline according to the instructions of the control module 5.

[0065] When the auxiliary material addition port is located between the dynamic temperature control buffer tank 31 and the concentration mechanism 32, the control module 5 controls the metering addition pump to add sugar to the material according to the material flow rate at the outlet of the dynamic temperature control buffer tank 31 and the preset formula ratio, so as to adjust the sugar content of the concentrated material and provide a suitable carbon source for subsequent fermentation.

[0066] When the auxiliary material addition port is located between the concentration mechanism 32 and the mixing and inoculation mechanism 33, the control module 5 controls the metering addition pump to add vitamins, minerals or prebiotics and other nutrient fortifiers to the material according to the nutrient composition of the concentrated slurry detected by the online detection unit 334, so as to optimize the nutrient composition of the fermentation substrate and promote the growth of probiotics.

[0067] Example 6 This embodiment provides a detailed description of the configuration method of control module 5.

[0068] Control module 5 employs a programmable logic controller (PLC) or industrial computer, comprising a data acquisition unit, a processing unit, and an execution unit. The data acquisition unit connects to sensors in each mechanism to collect process parameters such as temperature, pressure, flow rate, pH value, and dissolved oxygen concentration. The processing unit has a built-in process control program that compares the collected parameters with preset thresholds and issues adjustment commands to the execution unit. The execution unit connects to the adjustment devices in each mechanism, including frequency converters, regulating valves, relays, etc., to execute the commands from the processing unit.

[0069] The control module 5 is configured to adjust the operating parameters of each mechanism according to a preset program or feedback signals from the online detection unit 334. Specific adjustments include: The processing temperature and processing time of the enzyme inactivation unit 12: The control module 5 adjusts the steam pressure and injection time of the steam jet instantaneous heater according to the type and batch characteristics of the fruit and vegetable raw materials to ensure that the endogenous enzymes are fully inactivated while avoiding overheating.

[0070] Vacuum degree and evaporation temperature of concentration unit 32: Control module 5 adjusts the working state of vacuum pump and flow rate of heating medium according to the characteristics of material and concentration target, and controls evaporation temperature within the low temperature range, which is controlled at 35~45℃ in this embodiment.

[0071] Temperature adjustment speed and target temperature of dynamic temperature control buffer tank 31: Based on the feedback signal from temperature sensor 312, control module 5 adjusts the flow rate and temperature of the medium in multi-stage temperature control medium channel 313, so that the material in the tank reaches the target temperature required by concentration mechanism 32 within a preset time. In this embodiment, the preset time is 90~120 seconds.

[0072] The mixing speed and bacterial solution addition amount of the mixing inoculation mechanism 33: The control module 5 adjusts the rotation speed of the stirrer 332 and the addition amount of the metering addition unit 333 according to the state of the mixed materials detected by the online detection unit 334 to ensure uniform distribution of the bacterial solution.

[0073] Temperature, pH value, and aeration rate of fermentation unit 41: Control module 5 adjusts the temperature of the jacket circulating medium, the working status of the acid-base addition pump, and the valve opening of the gas supply pipeline according to the feedback signals of the sensor group to maintain the fermentation conditions within the optimal range.

[0074] The control module 5 also coordinates the process sequence of each mechanism. For example, when the concentration mechanism 32 completes the concentration of a batch of materials, it automatically starts the feeding and stirring program of the mixing and inoculation mechanism 33; when the fermentation mechanism 41 completes fermentation, it automatically starts the filling mechanism 42 and controls the opening of the discharge valve to achieve fully automated operation.

[0075] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0076] Example 7 To enable those skilled in the art to fully understand and implement this invention, the specific implementation principle of this invention will be further explained below in conjunction with a specific application scenario.

[0077] This embodiment uses fresh kiwifruit from Zhouzhi County, Shaanxi Province as raw material to describe in detail the specific application process of the device of the present invention. Shaanxi kiwifruit is rich in vitamin C, polyphenols, and pectin, but its endogenous enzyme activity is high, which easily leads to browning and nutrient loss during processing. In addition, its unique grassy taste needs to be removed, making it very suitable for processing using the device of the present invention.

[0078] Fresh kiwifruit is fed into the crushing mechanism 11 of the material pretreatment module 1. The crushing mechanism 11 uses a blade crusher to crush the kiwifruit into a slurry. The slurry is then pumped into the enzyme inactivation mechanism 12. The enzyme inactivation mechanism 12 uses a steam jet instantaneous heater to treat the kiwifruit at 125°C for 4 seconds, which rapidly inactivates endogenous enzymes such as polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase, while maximizing the retention of heat-sensitive components such as vitamin C, resulting in an inactivated slurry.

[0079] The inactivated slurry enters the heat recovery heat exchanger of the heat recovery module 2, which is a plate heat exchanger. The inactivated slurry flows through the heat medium channel, exchanging heat with the condensate from the concentration unit 32. The slurry temperature drops from 125℃ to 60℃. The recovered heat energy heats the condensate to 55℃ and is then returned to the concentration unit 32 as a heat source. The cooled inactivated slurry is then transported to the dynamic temperature-controlled buffer tank 31.

[0080] After cooling, the inactivated slurry enters the buffer tank 311 of the dynamic temperature-controlled buffer tank 31. The temperature sensor 312 inside the buffer tank 311 monitors the material temperature in real time, displaying a reading of 60℃. The control module 5 adjusts the working state of the multi-stage temperature-controlled medium channel 313 according to the preset concentration target temperature of 38℃: opening the cooling medium channel and introducing 8℃ cooling water into the jacket of the buffer tank 311 to rapidly lower the material temperature. Simultaneously, the vacuum degassing device 314 is activated, degassing the material at a vacuum of -0.07MPa to remove the grassy odor components from the kiwi slurry. After approximately 90 seconds of temperature-adjusting and degassing, the material temperature is precisely controlled at 38±1℃, the odor components are significantly reduced, and the material is transported to the concentration unit 32 through the outlet at the bottom of the tank. During the temperature adjustment process, the circulation outlet and circulation inlet at the bottom of the buffer tank 311 form an external circulation loop through a circulation pump, and the auxiliary heat exchanger on the circulation pipeline assists in cooling, ensuring a uniform temperature of the material inside the tank.

[0081] The temperature-adjusted inactivated slurry enters the concentration unit 32, which employs a falling film vacuum evaporator. The heat source inlet of the concentration unit 32 receives circulating water heated to 55°C from the heat recovery module 2 as a heat source. The material is concentrated under conditions of -0.085 MPa vacuum and evaporation temperature of 40°C, causing some of the water in the material to evaporate, reducing the material volume to one-quarter of its original volume. The secondary steam generated during the concentration process is condensed to form condensate at approximately 45°C. This condensate is then transported to the heat recovery module 2 through the condensate outlet as a cooling medium, forming a heat energy circulation loop. The concentrated slurry obtained is used as a fermentation substrate and is transported to the mixing and inoculation unit 33 through the concentrated liquid outlet.

[0082] Based on the sugar content of the concentrated slurry detected by the online detection unit 334, the control module 5 determines that a carbon source needs to be added to optimize the fermentation conditions. The auxiliary material addition unit 6 is activated, with its addition port located on the pipeline between the concentration mechanism 32 and the mixing and inoculation mechanism 33, to add a quantitative amount of sucrose solution to the material, adjusting the sugar content of the fermentation substrate to 12°Brix.

[0083] The adjusted fermentation substrate enters the aseptic mixing tank 331 of the mixing and inoculation mechanism 33. The metering and adding unit 333 adds *Lactobacillus plantarum* bacterial solution to the aseptic mixing tank 331 according to the ratio set by the control module 5, with the amount of bacterial solution added being 3% of the fermentation substrate volume. The stirrer 332 stirs at a speed of 70 rpm to ensure uniform mixing of the bacterial solution and the fermentation substrate. The detection probe of the online detection unit 334 monitors the pH value and mixing uniformity of the mixture in real time. When the pH value reaches 5.8 and the mixing uniformity reaches the set value, the mixture is transported to the fermentation mechanism 41.

[0084] The mixed materials enter the fermenter of fermentation unit 41. A sensor array installed inside the fermenter monitors the temperature, pH value, and dissolved oxygen concentration in real time. The sensor array includes a temperature sensor, a pH sensor, and a dissolved oxygen sensor, each of which is communicatively connected to the control module 5. The control module 5 adjusts the jacket circulating water temperature and the aeration rate of the gas supply pipeline based on the monitoring data: the temperature is controlled at 31±0.5℃, the pH value is maintained at 5.3±0.2 by automatically adding citric acid solution, and the dissolved oxygen concentration is controlled at approximately 0.8 mg / L by intermittently introducing sterile air. After 30 hours of fermentation, the pH value of the fermentation broth drops to 4.0, and the viable cell count reaches 5×10⁻⁶. 8 CFU / mL, fermentation complete.

[0085] After fermentation, the material enters the filling mechanism 42. The filling mechanism 42 adopts an aseptic cold filling unit. Its sterilization system sterilizes the packaging container and filling area with hydrogen peroxide spray and ultraviolet irradiation. Under aseptic conditions, the fermentation liquid is filled into the packaging container to obtain the final product, a high-activity kiwi probiotic fermented beverage.

[0086] Throughout the process, control module 5 coordinates the operation of each mechanism to ensure continuous and stable material flow. Heat recovery module 2 recovers the heat energy from the inactivated slurry output by enzyme inactivation mechanism 12 and supplies it to concentration mechanism 32. Dynamic temperature control buffer tank 31 precisely controls the material temperature. The combined effect of these two modules reduces overall energy consumption by more than 35% compared to traditional processes. Simultaneously, it solves the problem of high-temperature materials killing probiotics when directly introduced into subsequent processes, ensuring the activity of probiotics in the product. Final product testing showed a vitamin C retention rate of 82% and a probiotic viable count of 3.2 × 10⁻⁶. 8 The sample had a concentration of CFU / mL and no grassy odor as determined by sensory evaluation. Its quality was significantly better than the control sample prepared by traditional methods.

[0087] Thus, this invention, through the synergistic effect of the heat recovery module 2 and the dynamic temperature-controlled buffer tank 31, constructs a system for the reuse and seamless connection of energy between high-temperature enzyme inactivation and low-temperature concentration. Specifically, the heat recovery heat exchanger of the heat recovery module 2 recovers the heat energy of the inactivated slurry output from the enzyme inactivation mechanism 12 and supplies it to the concentration mechanism 32 as a heat source, which not only avoids the direct entry of high-temperature materials into subsequent processes and kills probiotics, but also realizes the reuse of energy. The dynamic temperature-controlled buffer tank 31 uses a multi-stage temperature-controlled medium channel 313 and a vacuum degassing device 314 to precisely adjust the cooled inactivated slurry to the target temperature suitable for concentration, and removes odor components during the temperature adjustment process. On this basis, the enzyme inactivation mechanism 12 protects heat-sensitive components through instantaneous heat treatment, the concentration mechanism 32 increases the concentration of fermentation substrate under low-temperature conditions, the fermentation mechanism 41 provides a controlled environment to optimize the growth conditions of probiotics, and the control module 5 coordinates the operating parameters of each mechanism throughout the process. Through the synergistic effect of the above structures, the device simultaneously achieves the maximum retention of fruit and vegetable nutrients and the maintenance of probiotic activity while reducing energy consumption.

[0088] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that an article or device comprising a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the article or device comprising said element. Terms such as "connected" or "linked" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. The orientations or positional relationships indicated by terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the invention.

[0089] The above description, in conjunction with specific preferred embodiments, provides a further detailed explanation of the present invention. It should not be construed that the specific implementation of the present invention is limited to these descriptions. For those skilled in the art, various simple deductions or substitutions can be made without departing from the concept of the present invention, and all such modifications and substitutions should be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An integrated fermentation device for fruit and vegetable probiotics based on multi-stage processing, characterized in that, include: The material pretreatment module, the heat recovery module, the fermentation substrate preparation module, and the fermentation post-treatment module are connected sequentially through a closed material conveying pipeline to form a continuous production line. The material pretreatment module includes a crushing mechanism and an enzyme inactivation mechanism connected in sequence. The crushing mechanism is used to crush fruit and vegetable raw materials to prepare fruit and vegetable pulp. The inlet of the enzyme inactivation mechanism is connected to the outlet of the crushing mechanism and is used to perform instantaneous heat treatment on the fruit and vegetable pulp to inactivate endogenous enzymes and obtain inactivated pulp. The heat recovery module includes a heat recovery heat exchanger. The inlet of the heat medium channel of the heat recovery heat exchanger is connected to the outlet of the enzyme inactivation mechanism for receiving the inactivated slurry and recovering its heat energy. The outlet of the heat medium channel of the heat recovery heat exchanger is connected to a downstream mechanism for outputting the cooled inactivated slurry. The inlet of the cold medium channel of the heat recovery heat exchanger is connected to a cold source, and its outlet is connected to the heat energy demand unit of the fermentation substrate preparation module for supplying the recovered heat energy. The fermentation substrate preparation module includes a dynamic temperature-controlled buffer tank, a concentration mechanism, and a mixing and inoculation mechanism connected in sequence. The inlet of the dynamic temperature-controlled buffer tank is connected to the outlet of the heat medium channel of the heat recovery heat exchanger, and is used to receive the cooled inactivated slurry and adjust it to the target temperature according to the requirements of downstream processes. The inlet of the concentration mechanism is connected to the outlet of the dynamic temperature-controlled buffer tank, and the inlet of the mixing and inoculation mechanism is connected to the outlet of the concentration mechanism. The concentration mechanism is used to concentrate the inactivated slurry under low temperature conditions. The concentrated inactivated slurry is used as the fermentation substrate. The mixing and inoculation mechanism is used to uniformly mix the fermentation substrate with the probiotic liquid to obtain a mixed substrate. The post-fermentation processing module includes a fermentation mechanism and a filling mechanism connected in sequence. The inlet of the fermentation mechanism is connected to the outlet of the mixing and inoculation mechanism, and the inlet of the filling mechanism is connected to the outlet of the fermentation mechanism. The fermentation mechanism is used to provide a controlled environment for the mixture to complete fermentation, and the filling mechanism is used to fill the fermented mixture. The device also includes a control module, which is communicatively connected to the crushing mechanism, the enzyme inactivation mechanism, the heat recovery heat exchanger, the dynamic temperature control buffer tank, the concentration mechanism, the mixing and inoculation mechanism, the fermentation mechanism, and the filling mechanism, respectively, and is used to coordinate and control the operating parameters and process sequence of each mechanism. The heat recovery heat exchanger and the dynamic temperature control buffer tank work in coordination with the control module. The heat recovery heat exchanger recovers the heat energy of the inactivated slurry output by the enzyme inactivation mechanism and supplies it to the subsequent heat energy demand unit. The dynamic temperature control buffer tank precisely adjusts the cooled inactivated slurry to the target temperature suitable for concentration. The enzyme inactivation mechanism, the concentration mechanism, and the fermentation mechanism operate under the coordination of the control module. The enzyme inactivation mechanism protects the heat-sensitive components in the fruit and vegetable pulp through instantaneous heat treatment. The concentration mechanism increases the concentration of the fermentation substrate through low-temperature concentration. The fermentation mechanism optimizes the growth conditions of probiotics by providing a controlled environment, thereby preserving the nutritional components and probiotic activity of the fruit and vegetable raw materials.

2. The integrated fruit and vegetable probiotic fermentation device based on multi-stage processing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet of the heat medium channel of the heat recovery heat exchanger is connected to the outlet of the enzyme inactivation mechanism, the outlet of its heat medium channel is connected to the inlet of the dynamic temperature control buffer tank, the inlet of its cold medium channel is connected to the condensate outlet of the concentration mechanism or an external cooling water source, and the outlet of its cold medium channel is connected to the heat source inlet of the concentration mechanism. The heat recovery heat exchanger is either a plate heat exchanger or a shell-and-tube heat exchanger.

3. The integrated fruit and vegetable probiotic fermentation device based on multi-stage processing according to claim 2, characterized in that, The dynamic temperature control buffer tank includes a buffer tank body, a temperature sensor disposed inside the buffer tank body, a multi-stage temperature control medium channel disposed within the jacket of the buffer tank body, and a vacuum degassing device connected to the top of the buffer tank body. The buffer tank is provided with an inlet connected to the outlet of the heat medium channel of the heat recovery heat exchanger and an outlet connected to the inlet of the concentration mechanism; the multi-stage temperature control medium channel includes a cooling medium channel and a heating medium channel, which are connected to a cooling source and a heating source respectively, and are used to cool or heat the material in the tank according to the feedback of the temperature sensor; the vacuum degassing device is used to perform vacuum degassing treatment on the inactivated slurry during the temperature adjustment process.

4. The integrated fruit and vegetable probiotic fermentation device based on multi-stage processing according to claim 3, characterized in that, The bottom of the dynamic temperature control buffer tank is also provided with a circulation outlet and a circulation inlet. The circulation outlet is connected to the inlet of the circulation pump through a circulation pipeline, so that the material returns to the tank and forms an external circulation loop. A heat exchanger is provided on the circulation pipeline for auxiliary temperature regulation.

5. The integrated fruit and vegetable probiotic fermentation device based on multi-stage processing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The enzyme inactivation mechanism is a steam jet instantaneous heater. Its steam inlet is connected to a steam source, its material inlet is connected to the discharge port of the crushing mechanism, and its material outlet is connected to the inlet of the heat medium channel of the heat recovery heat exchanger. The heating temperature and control time of the enzyme inactivation mechanism are adjusted by the control module.

6. The integrated fruit and vegetable probiotic fermentation device based on multi-stage processing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat source inlet of the concentration mechanism is connected to the cold medium channel outlet of the heat recovery heat exchanger, which is used to heat and evaporate the material using the recovered heat energy. The condensate outlet of the concentration mechanism is connected to the cold medium channel inlet of the heat recovery heat exchanger, forming a heat energy circulation loop. The material inlet of the concentration mechanism is connected to the outlet of the dynamic temperature control buffer tank, and the concentrated liquid outlet is connected to the inlet of the mixing and inoculation mechanism; wherein, the concentration mechanism is a falling film vacuum evaporator or a forced circulation evaporator.

7. The integrated fruit and vegetable probiotic fermentation device based on multi-stage processing according to claim 3, characterized in that, The mixing and inoculation mechanism includes a sterile mixing tank, a stirrer, and a metering and adding unit; the sterile mixing tank is provided with a concentrated slurry inlet connected to the discharge port of the concentration mechanism, a bacterial liquid inlet connected to the probiotic liquid source, and a mixed material outlet connected to the feed port of the fermentation mechanism. The metering and adding unit is installed on the pipeline between the bacterial liquid inlet and the probiotic liquid source, and is used to control the amount of probiotic liquid added; The stirring blades of the stirrer are located inside the sterile mixing tank to promote uniform mixing of the concentrated slurry and the probiotic liquid. The aseptic mixing tank is also equipped with an online detection unit. The detection probe of the online detection unit extends into the interior of the aseptic mixing tank and is used to monitor at least one parameter of the mixture, such as temperature, pH value, or mixing uniformity, in real time. The online detection unit is communicatively connected to the control module.

8. The integrated fruit and vegetable probiotic fermentation device based on multi-stage processing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fermentation mechanism is a fermentation tank, and a sensor group is installed inside the fermentation tank. A gas supply pipeline is connected to the top or side wall of the fermentation tank. The sensor group is used to monitor fermentation parameters and includes at least one of a temperature sensor, a pH sensor and a dissolved oxygen sensor. Each sensor is communicatively connected to the control module. The gas supply pipeline is connected to a gas source and is used to introduce sterile air, oxygen, or nitrogen into the fermenter to regulate the atmosphere inside the tank.

9. The integrated fruit and vegetable probiotic fermentation device based on multi-stage processing according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an excipient addition unit, the addition port of which is located on the pipeline between the dynamic temperature control buffer tank and the concentration mechanism, or on the pipeline between the concentration mechanism and the mixing and inoculation mechanism; The auxiliary material addition unit is communicatively connected to the control module and is used to add auxiliary materials to the material conveying pipeline. The auxiliary materials include sugars, acidity regulators, or nutrient fortifiers.

10. The integrated fruit and vegetable probiotic fermentation device based on multi-stage processing according to claim 7, characterized in that, The control module is configured to adjust the flow rate and temperature of the medium in the multi-stage temperature-controlled medium channel according to the feedback signal of the temperature sensor in the dynamic temperature-controlled buffer tank, so that the material in the tank reaches the target temperature required by the concentration mechanism within a preset time. The control module is also configured to adjust at least one operating parameter of the enzyme inactivation mechanism, the concentration mechanism, the mixing and inoculation mechanism, and the fermentation mechanism according to the feedback signal of the online detection unit; The operating parameters include: the processing temperature and processing time of the enzyme inactivation mechanism, the vacuum degree and evaporation temperature of the concentration mechanism, the stirring speed and bacterial liquid addition amount of the mixing and inoculation mechanism, and any one of the temperature, pH value and aeration rate of the fermentation mechanism.

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