Horizontal twin ribbon agitated solid state fermenter

Abstract

The application provides a horizontal double-screw stirring solid-state fermentation tank, relates to the technical field of solid-state fermentation tanks, and comprises a tank body and a cleaning mechanism. The inside of the tank body is provided with a stirring mechanism. The surface of the tank body is provided with a temperature control mechanism. The inside of the tank body is provided with a cleaning mechanism. The bottom side of the tank body is connected with a discharge pipe. The surface of the tank body is connected with a connecting cover. The surface of the connecting cover is connected with a feeding pipe. The surface of the connecting cover is connected with a controller. High-pressure cleaning water is delivered by a high-pressure water pump of the cleaning mechanism. The second motor drives the water storage block and the high-pressure spray head to rotate, so that the inside wall of the tank body and the surface of the stirring mechanism can be cleaned in all directions without dead angles. Manual intervention is not needed. Meanwhile, the water tank and the water inlet pipe can ensure the continuous supply of cleaning water, improve the cleaning efficiency, ensure the cleanliness of the tank body, provide protection for the health and safety of subsequent fermentation operations, and reduce the risk of cross contamination.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of solid-state fermentation tanks, and in particular to a horizontal solid-state fermentation tank with a double-ribbon agitator. Background Technology

[0002] Solid-state fermentation is a process in which microorganisms metabolize on a solid culture medium with minimal free water. It is widely used in food, pesticides, feed, and other fields. Solid-state fermentation tanks are key equipment for its industrial production, requiring a suitable environment and ensuring efficient material mixing, temperature and humidity control, and aeration. Horizontal tanks are a common choice for small and medium-sized production due to their compact size, moderate loading capacity, and easy discharge. However, traditional horizontal tanks with paddle or rake-type stirring components are difficult to handle granular or powdery solid culture media, easily leading to insufficient mixing, material accumulation, and aeration blockage. Therefore, a horizontal double-spiral stirring structure composed of two sets of counter-rotating spiral ribbons has been gradually adopted. This structure can simultaneously push materials axially and tumble radially, ensuring thorough mixing and loose accumulation of the culture medium, guaranteeing smooth aeration within the tank, and creating a stable environment for microbial growth. This meets the demand for efficient and stable stirring in industrial solid-state fermentation, making horizontal double-spiral stirring solid-state fermentation tanks particularly necessary.

[0003] However, in existing horizontal double-ribbon agitator solid fermentation tanks, some material remains in the fermentation tank after fermentation is completed and the material is discharged. This not only wastes the material but may also breed miscellaneous bacteria, affecting the quality of the next batch of fermentation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a horizontal double-spiral agitator solid fermentation tank to solve the problem mentioned in the background art that, after fermentation, some material remains in the fermentation tank during discharge, which not only wastes material but may also breed miscellaneous bacteria and affect the quality of the next batch of fermentation.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a horizontal double-screw ribbon stirring solid fermentation tank, including a tank body and a cleaning mechanism. The tank body is provided with a stirring mechanism inside, a temperature control mechanism is provided on the surface of the tank body, a cleaning mechanism is provided inside the tank body, a discharge pipe is connected to one side of the bottom of the tank body, a connecting cover is connected to the surface of the tank body, a feed pipe is connected to the surface of the connecting cover, and a controller is connected to the surface of the connecting cover. The cleaning mechanism includes a second motor, a support frame, a water storage block, a water tank, a high-pressure water pump, a first connecting pipe, a high-pressure nozzle, a water inlet pipe, and a second connecting pipe. The second motor is installed on one side of the surface of the tank. The support frame is connected to the surface of the connecting cover. One end of the second motor is connected to the water storage block. The water tank is connected to the surface of the support frame. The high-pressure water pump is installed inside the support frame. The first connecting pipe is sealed to the surface of the water storage block. The high-pressure nozzle is sealed to the surface of the water storage block. The water inlet pipe is sealed to the surface of the water tank. The second connecting pipe is sealed to the surface of the high-pressure water pump.

[0006] Preferably, one end of the second connecting pipe is sealed to the water tank, and one end of the first connecting pipe is sealed to the high-pressure water pump.

[0007] Preferably, nine groups of high-pressure nozzles are provided, and the high-pressure nozzles are distributed at equal intervals.

[0008] Preferably, the water storage block has a hollow structure, the second motor is electrically connected to the controller, and the high-pressure water pump is electrically connected to the controller.

[0009] Preferably, the stirring mechanism includes a first motor, a connecting rod, a support rod, a double-ribbon body, a first scraper, and a second scraper. The first motor is installed on one side of the surface of the tank, and a connecting rod is connected to one end of the first motor. A support rod is connected to the surface of the connecting rod, and a double-ribbon body is connected to the surface of the support rod. A first scraper is connected to one side of the surface of the support rod, and a second scraper is connected to one side of the surface of the double-ribbon body.

[0010] Preferably, one end of the first motor passes through the tank and is connected to the connecting rod, and the first motor is electrically connected to the controller.

[0011] Preferably, the surface of the first scraper is in contact with the inner wall of the tank, and the surface of the second scraper is in contact with the inner wall of the tank.

[0012] Preferably, the temperature control mechanism includes a jacket, a temperature and humidity sensor, a heat insulation layer, a cooling pipe, and a heating pipe. The jacket is connected to the surface of the tank body, the temperature and humidity sensor is embedded in the surface of the connecting cover, the heat insulation layer is coated on the surface of the jacket, the cooling pipe is embedded in the inner side of the jacket, and the heating pipe is embedded in the inner side of the jacket.

[0013] Preferably, the temperature and humidity sensor is electrically connected to the controller, and the insulation layer is aerogel.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: 1. The stirring mechanism uses the spiral structure of the double-ribbon body to push the material axially and tumble it radially. Together with the first and second scrapers that are in contact with the tank wall, it scrapes off the material attached to different areas inside the tank, which can effectively prevent the material from sticking to the wall and clumping. This ensures that the material is mixed evenly in all areas inside the tank, providing a basic environment for the balanced distribution of materials for solid-state fermentation, and ensuring the stability of the fermentation process and the full reaction of the materials.

[0015] 2. The temperature control mechanism uses temperature and humidity sensors to monitor the data inside the tank in real time. Combined with the controller to precisely control the heating and cooling pipes, it can automatically switch between heating and cooling modes according to the material temperature. In addition, the insulation layer blocks external heat interference, which can keep the material inside the tank within the temperature and humidity range required for solid-state fermentation. This greatly reduces the impact of environmental factors on the fermentation effect and improves the quality stability of the fermentation product.

[0016] 3. The cleaning mechanism uses a high-pressure water pump to deliver high-pressure cleaning water, which, in conjunction with a second motor, drives the water storage block and high-pressure nozzle to rotate. This allows for comprehensive, thorough cleaning of the inner wall of the tank and the surface of the stirring mechanism without requiring extensive manual intervention. At the same time, the water tank and inlet pipe ensure a continuous supply of cleaning water, which not only improves cleaning efficiency but also ensures the cleanliness of the tank's interior, providing a guarantee for the hygiene and safety of subsequent fermentation operations and reducing the risk of cross-contamination. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a side view of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the stirring mechanism of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the stirring mechanism of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the temperature control mechanism of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the cleaning mechanism structure of the present invention; Figure 6 For the present invention Figure 3 Enlarged structural diagram at point A in the middle; Figure 7 For the present invention Figure 4 Enlarged structural diagram at point B; Figure 8 For the present invention Figure 5 Enlarged structural diagram at point C.

[0018] In the diagram: 1. Tank body; 2. Stirring mechanism; 201. First motor; 202. Connecting rod; 203. Support rod; 204. Double-ribbon body; 205. First scraper; 206. Second scraper; 3. Temperature control mechanism; 301. Jacket; 302. Temperature and humidity sensor; 303. Insulation layer; 304. Cooling pipe; 305. Heating pipe; 4. Cleaning mechanism; 401. Second motor; 402. Support frame; 403. Water storage block; 404. Water tank; 405. High-pressure water pump; 406. First connecting pipe; 407. High-pressure nozzle; 408. Water inlet pipe; 409. Second connecting pipe; 5. Discharge pipe; 6. Connecting cover; 7. Feed pipe; 8. Controller. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] Please see Figure 1-8 The present invention provides a horizontal double-spiral agitator solid fermentation tank: including a tank body 1 and a cleaning mechanism 4. The tank body 1 is provided with an agitator 2 inside, a temperature control mechanism 3 is provided on the surface of the tank body 1, a cleaning mechanism 4 is provided inside the tank body 1, a discharge pipe 5 is connected to one side of the bottom of the tank body 1, a connecting cover 6 is connected to the surface of the tank body 1, a feed pipe 7 is connected to the surface of the connecting cover 6, and a controller 8 is connected to the surface of the connecting cover 6. The cleaning mechanism 4 includes a second motor 401, a support frame 402, a water storage block 403, a water tank 404, a high-pressure water pump 405, a first connecting pipe 406, a high-pressure nozzle 407, a water inlet pipe 408, and a second connecting pipe 409. The second motor 401 is mounted on one side of the tank body 1. The support frame 402 is connected to the surface of the connecting cover 6. One end of the second motor 401 is connected to the water storage block 403. The water tank 404 is connected to the surface of the support frame 402. A high-pressure water pump 405 is installed inside. A first connecting pipe 406 is sealed to the surface of the water storage block 403. A high-pressure nozzle 407 is sealed to the surface of the water storage block 403. An inlet pipe 408 is sealed to the surface of the water tank 404. A second connecting pipe 409 is sealed to the surface of the high-pressure water pump 405. The water supply is connected via a second motor 401, a support frame 402, a water storage block 403, a water tank 404, a high-pressure water pump 405, a first connecting pipe 406, a high-pressure nozzle 407, and an inlet pipe 408. The water pipe 408 and the second connecting pipe 409 are configured so that, after fermentation, when it is necessary to clean the inside of the fermentation tank, the controller 8 first starts the high-pressure water pump 405. The high-pressure water pump 405 draws cleaning water from the water tank 404 through the second connecting pipe 409, and then delivers the high-pressure cleaning water to the hollow water storage block 403 through the first connecting pipe 406. At the same time, the controller 8 starts the second motor 401, which drives the water storage block 403 to rotate. The nine sets of high-pressure nozzles 407 evenly distributed on the surface of the water storage block 403 rotate synchronously with it, spraying the high-pressure cleaning water evenly onto the inner wall of the tank 1 and the surface of the stirring mechanism 2, achieving all-round cleaning of the inside of the tank without dead corners. Throughout the process, the support frame 402 provides stable support for the water tank 404 and the high-pressure water pump 405. The water inlet pipe 408 can replenish the cleaning water to the water tank 404 at any time. Finally, the efficient cleaning operation is completed through automatic control, reducing manual intervention and ensuring the cleanliness of the inside of the tank 1.

[0021] Furthermore, one end of the second connecting pipe 409 is sealed to the water tank 404, and one end of the first connecting pipe 406 is sealed to the high-pressure water pump 405. With the high-pressure water pump 405 in use, the high-pressure water pump 405 is controlled by the controller 8. After starting, it draws water from the water tank 404 through the second connecting pipe 409, pressurizes it, and then delivers it to the water storage block 403 through the first connecting pipe 406 to provide a high-pressure water source for the high-pressure nozzle 407.

[0022] Furthermore, nine sets of high-pressure nozzles 407 are provided, which are evenly distributed. When in use, the high-pressure nozzles 407 are installed on the surface of the water storage block 403, and can spray the high-pressure cleaning water in the water storage block 403 in the form of high-pressure water jet to directly rinse the inner wall of the tank 1 and the stirring mechanism 2. The nine sets of evenly distributed nozzles can cover all areas inside the tank and avoid cleaning dead corners.

[0023] Furthermore, the water storage block 403 has a hollow structure. The second motor 401 is electrically connected to the controller 8, and the high-pressure water pump 405 is electrically connected to the controller 8. With the setting of the water storage block 403, when in use, the water storage block 403 adopts a hollow structure as a transfer component, which can receive the cleaning water delivered by the high-pressure water pump 405 and evenly distribute the water to each high-pressure nozzle 407.

[0024] Furthermore, the stirring mechanism 2 includes a first motor 201, a connecting rod 202, a support rod 203, a double-ribbon body 204, a first scraper 205, and a second scraper 206. The first motor 201 is installed on one side of the surface of the tank 1. One end of the first motor 201 is connected to the connecting rod 202. The support rod 203 is connected to the surface of the connecting rod 202. The double-ribbon body 204 is connected to the surface of the support rod 203. The first scraper 205 is connected to one side of the surface of the support rod 203. The second scraper 206 is connected to one side of the surface of the double-ribbon body 204. Through the arrangement of the first motor 201, connecting rod 202, support rod 203, double-ribbon body 204, first scraper 205, and second scraper 206, during use, the fermentation material is first fed into the interior of the tank 1 through the feed pipe 7 via an external pipe, and then the valve is closed. The door is opened, and then the first motor 201 is started. The first motor 201 drives the connecting rod 202 to rotate. The connecting rod 202 drives the double helical ribbon body 204 and the first scraper 205 and the second scraper 206 to rotate simultaneously through the support rod 203. The double helical ribbon body 204 realizes the axial pushing and radial turning of the material through the helical structure, ensuring the overall flow and mixing of the material in the tank. At the same time, the first scraper 205 connected to the support rod 203 is attached to the tank wall and is specifically used to scrape the material attached to both ends of the fermentation tank. The second scraper 206 connected to the double helical ribbon body 204 is also attached to the tank wall and is responsible for scraping the material attached to the sides and bottom of the fermentation tank. The first scraper 205 and the second scraper 206 work together with the double helical ribbon body 204 to avoid the material from sticking to the wall and clumping, and to ensure that the material in all areas of the tank is mixed evenly, providing a stable environment for solid-state fermentation.

[0025] Furthermore, one end of the first motor 201 passes through the tank 1 and is connected to the connecting rod 202. The first motor 201 is electrically connected to the controller 8. Through the setting of the connecting rod 202, in use, the connecting rod 202 connects the first motor 201 and the support rod 203, which can transmit the power of the first motor 201 to the subsequent stirring components and drive them to rotate synchronously.

[0026] Furthermore, the surface of the first scraper 205 is in contact with the inner wall of the tank 1, and the surface of the second scraper 206 is in contact with the inner wall of the tank 1. With the arrangement of the first scraper 205 and the second scraper 206, during use, the first scraper 205 is in contact with the inner wall of the fermentation tank to scrape the material attached to both ends of the tank, preventing the material from sticking to the wall and clumping at the tank ends. The second scraper 206 is in contact with the inner wall of the fermentation tank and is responsible for scraping the material attached to the sides and bottom of the tank, avoiding material residue on the sides and bottom of the tank, and ensuring the uniformity of material mixing.

[0027] Furthermore, the temperature control mechanism 3 includes a jacket 301, a temperature and humidity sensor 302, an insulation layer 303, a cooling pipe 304, and a heating pipe 305. The jacket 301 is connected to the surface of the tank body 1, and the temperature and humidity sensor 302 is embedded in the surface of the connecting cover 6. The surface of the jacket 301 is coated with an insulation layer 303, and the cooling pipe 304 and the heating pipe 305 are embedded in the inner side of the jacket 301. Through the arrangement of the jacket 301, temperature and humidity sensor 302, insulation layer 303, cooling pipe 304, and heating pipe 305, during use, the temperature and humidity sensor 302 embedded in the connecting cover 6 will monitor the temperature and humidity data of the material inside the tank in real time and transmit it to the controller 8. The cooling pipe 304 is connected to an external cooling source, and the heating pipe 305 is connected to an external cooling source. 5. It is connected to an external heating source separately, forming an independent medium circulation path. After the controller 8 compares the monitoring data with the preset fermentation parameters, if the material temperature is lower than the preset value, it controls the external heating source to deliver heating medium to the heating pipe 305. The heat is conducted to the material through the heating pipe 305 and the wall of the tank 1 to raise the temperature. If the temperature is higher than the preset value, the heating path is immediately closed and the external cooling source is activated to deliver cooling medium to the cooling pipe 304. The excess heat in the tank is removed through heat exchange to lower the temperature. At the same time, the heat insulation layer 303 on the surface of the jacket 301 can block the heat exchange between the tank 1 and the outside world and avoid environmental interference. Finally, under the real-time monitoring of the temperature and humidity sensor 302 and the precise control of the controller 8, the material in the tank is stably maintained in the temperature and humidity environment required for solid-state fermentation.

[0028] Furthermore, the temperature and humidity sensor 302 is electrically connected to the controller 8. The insulation layer 303 is made of aerogel. When in use, the insulation layer 303 is coated on the surface of the jacket 301. The material is aerogel. Its main function is to block the heat exchange between the tank 1 and the external environment, reduce the loss or abnormal changes in the temperature inside the tank caused by fluctuations in the external environment, maintain the stability of the temperature inside the tank, and reduce the energy consumption for regulation.

[0029] Working Principle: In the solid-state fermentation tank with horizontal double-ribbon agitation, the fermentation material is first fed into the tank 1 through the feed pipe 7 and the valve is closed. Then, the first motor 201 of the agitation mechanism 2 is started, which drives the connecting rod 202 to rotate. The support rod 203 then drives the double-ribbon body 204, the first scraper 205, and the second scraper 206 to rotate. The double-ribbon body 204 uses a spiral structure to achieve axial pushing and radial turning of the material. The first scraper 205 and the second scraper 206 respectively scrape the material attached to both ends, sides, and bottom of the tank wall, ensuring that the material in the tank is mixed evenly. During this agitation process, the temperature control mechanism 3 works synchronously. The temperature and humidity sensor 302 embedded in the connecting cover 6 monitors the temperature and humidity data in the tank in real time and transmits it to the controller 8. The controller 8 compares the data with preset parameters. If the temperature is too low, it controls the external heating source to conduct heat to the material through the heating pipe 305 and the wall of the tank 1 to raise the temperature. If the temperature is too high, it closes the heating path and starts the external heating source. The cooling source 304 removes excess heat through heat exchange, while the jacket 301 assists in heat conduction and exchange. The insulation layer 303 prevents heat exchange between the tank 1 and the outside environment to maintain a stable temperature and ensure that the material is always in a suitable temperature and humidity environment for fermentation. After fermentation, the material is discharged through the discharge pipe 5. Then, the cleaning mechanism 4 is activated. The controller 8 first starts the high-pressure water pump 405, which draws cleaning water from the water tank 404 through the second connecting pipe 409 and delivers it to the hollow water storage block 403 through the first connecting pipe 406. At the same time, the second motor 401 is started to drive the water storage block 403 to rotate. The nine sets of high-pressure nozzles 407 on the surface of the water storage block 403 rotate with it, spraying the high-pressure cleaning water evenly onto the inner wall of the tank 1 and the surface of the stirring mechanism 2. The support frame 402 provides support for the water tank 404 and the high-pressure water pump 405. The water inlet pipe 408 can replenish the cleaning water to the water tank 404, and finally completes the all-round cleaning of the tank without dead corners, reducing manual intervention and ensuring the cleanliness of the inside of the tank 1.

[0030] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A horizontal twin ribbon agitated solid state fermentation tank comprising a tank body (1) and a cleaning mechanism (4), characterized in that: The tank (1) is equipped with a stirring mechanism (2) inside, a temperature control mechanism (3) is provided on the surface of the tank (1), a cleaning mechanism (4) is provided inside the tank (1), a discharge pipe (5) is connected to one side of the bottom of the tank (1), a connecting cover (6) is connected to the surface of the tank (1), a feed pipe (7) is connected to the surface of the connecting cover (6), and a controller (8) is connected to the surface of the connecting cover (6). The cleaning mechanism (4) includes a second motor (401), a support frame (402), a water storage block (403), a water tank (404), a high-pressure water pump (405), a first connecting pipe (406), a high-pressure nozzle (407), a water inlet pipe (408), and a second connecting pipe (409). The second motor (401) is installed on one side of the surface of the tank (1), and the support frame (402) is connected to the surface of the connecting cover (6). One end of the second motor (401) is connected to the water storage block (409). 403), a water tank (404) is connected to the surface of the support frame (402), a high-pressure water pump (405) is installed on the inner side of the support frame (402), a first connecting pipe (406) is sealed to the surface of the water storage block (403), a high-pressure nozzle (407) is sealed to the surface of the water storage block (403), a water inlet pipe (408) is sealed to the surface of the water tank (404), and a second connecting pipe (409) is sealed to the surface of the high-pressure water pump (405).

2. The horizontal twin ribbon mixed solid state fermenter as claimed in claim 1 wherein: One end of the second connecting pipe (409) is sealed to the water tank (404), and one end of the first connecting pipe (406) is sealed to the high-pressure water pump (405).

3. The horizontal twin-screw agitated solid state fermentation tank according to claim 1, characterized in that: Nine sets of high-pressure nozzles (407) are provided, and the high-pressure nozzles (407) are distributed at equal intervals.

4. The horizontal double-ribbon stirred solid fermenter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water storage block (403) has a hollow structure. The second motor (401) is electrically connected to the controller (8). The high-pressure water pump (405) is electrically connected to the controller (8).

5. The horizontal double-ribbon stirred solid fermenter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The stirring mechanism (2) includes a first motor (201), a connecting rod (202), a support rod (203), a double-ribbon body (204), a first scraper (205), and a second scraper (206). The first motor (201) is installed on one side of the surface of the tank (1). One end of the first motor (201) is connected to the connecting rod (202). The surface of the connecting rod (202) is connected to the support rod (203). The surface of the support rod (203) is connected to the double-ribbon body (204). One side of the surface of the support rod (203) is connected to the first scraper (205). One side of the surface of the double-ribbon body (204) is connected to the second scraper (206).

6. The horizontal double-ribbon stirred solid fermenter according to claim 5, characterized in that: One end of the first motor (201) passes through the tank (1) and is connected to the connecting rod (202). The first motor (201) is electrically connected to the controller (8).

7. The horizontal double-ribbon stirred solid fermenter according to claim 5, characterized in that: The surface of the first scraper (205) is in contact with the inner wall of the tank (1), and the surface of the second scraper (206) is in contact with the inner wall of the tank (1).

8. The horizontal double-ribbon stirred solid fermenter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The temperature control mechanism (3) includes a jacket (301), a temperature and humidity sensor (302), a heat insulation layer (303), a cooling pipe (304), and a heating pipe (305). The surface of the tank (1) is connected to the jacket (301), the surface of the connecting cover (6) is fitted with the temperature and humidity sensor (302), the surface of the jacket (301) is coated with a heat insulation layer (303), the inner side of the jacket (301) is fitted with a cooling pipe (304), and the inner side of the jacket (301) is fitted with a heating pipe (305).

9. The horizontal double-ribbon stirred solid fermenter according to claim 8, characterized in that: The temperature and humidity sensor (302) is electrically connected to the controller (8), and the insulation layer (303) is aerogel.

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