Steam sterilization system with automatic seed transferring function

Abstract

The utility model provides an automatic seed transfer steam sterilization system which comprises a seed tank, a fermentation tank, an inoculation pipeline and a steam generation device, a first distribution part and a second distribution part are arranged on the inoculation pipeline, a first electromagnetic valve is connected between the first distribution part and the seed tank, and a second electromagnetic valve is connected between the second distribution part and the fermentation tank; the steam sterilization system for automatic seed transferring further comprises a controller, and when the first electromagnetic valve and the second electromagnetic valve are in a closed state, the steam generation device supplies steam into the inoculation pipeline for sterilization; when the first electromagnetic valve and the second electromagnetic valve are in an open state, the seed tank performs seed transfer into the fermentation tank. According to the steam sterilization system with the automatic seed transferring function, steam sterilization is carried out on the inoculation pipeline through the steam generation device, and automatic sterile seed transferring is achieved after sterilization is completed; meanwhile, by means of the arrangement of the first distribution part and the second distribution part, the connection of inoculation pipelines is optimized, and the stability of the system can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model belongs to the technical field of fermentation, and particularly relates to a steam sterilization system for automatic inoculation transfer. Background Art

[0002] After the strains reach the required production quantity through step-by-step expansion culture, they will be transferred from the seed tank to the fermentation tank for fermentation. Generally, before the inoculation transfer process, the operator needs to manually confirm whether the fermentation tank can be inoculated. After confirmation, the pipeline is disinfected first, and then the inoculation transfer can be carried out after the disinfection is completed. Sometimes, to save time, the inoculation pipeline can be disinfected first, and the inoculation transfer can be carried out after waiting for the fermentation tank to meet the inoculation conditions. In the above process, the operator needs to manually open and close the valves to prevent the seeds from accidentally entering the fermentation tank, and ensure that the aseptic environment of the pipeline is not damaged. However, due to excessive manual intervention, once a contamination occurs due to an operation error, it will cause great losses. Summary of the Utility Model

[0003] An embodiment of the utility model provides a steam sterilization system for automatic inoculation transfer, which can reduce the intervention of manual operation, reduce the risk of system contamination, and ensure the stability of system operation.

[0004] To achieve the above object, the technical solution adopted by the utility model is: to provide a steam sterilization system for automatic inoculation transfer, including a seed tank, a fermentation tank, an inoculation pipeline connected between the fermentation tank and the seed tank, and a steam generating device connected to the inoculation pipeline. A first distribution part is arranged on the inoculation pipeline near the seed tank, and a second distribution part is arranged near the fermentation tank. A first electromagnetic valve is arranged between the first distribution part and the seed tank, and a second electromagnetic valve is arranged between the second distribution part and the fermentation tank. The steam generating device is connected to the first distribution part. Among them, the steam sterilization system for automatic inoculation transfer further includes a controller, and the controller is electrically connected to the first electromagnetic valve and the second electromagnetic valve respectively. When the first electromagnetic valve and the second electromagnetic valve are in the closed state, the steam generating device supplies steam into the inoculation pipeline for sterilization; when the first electromagnetic valve and the second electromagnetic valve are in the open state, the seed tank transfers to the fermentation tank.

[0005] As another embodiment of the utility model, there are several fermentation tanks. The inoculation pipeline includes a first branch pipeline connected between the first distribution part and the seed tank, a second branch pipeline connected between the first distribution part and the second distribution part, and several third branch pipelines connected between the second distribution part and the fermentation tanks. The third branch pipelines are connected to the fermentation tanks one by one. The first electromagnetic valve is arranged on the first branch pipeline, and the second electromagnetic valve is arranged at one end of the third branch pipeline close to the fermentation tank.

[0006] As another embodiment of the present utility model, both the first distribution part and the second distribution part are circular tubular members. The two ends of the circular tubular member are respectively the first end and the second end of the first distribution part or the second distribution part. The main axes of the first distribution part and the second distribution part are both arranged at an angle with the horizontal plane, and the first end is higher than the second end. A condensation recovery device is connected to the second end.

[0007] As another embodiment of the present utility model, the condensation recovery device includes a condensation box connected below the first distribution part or the second distribution part and a recovery box connected below the condensation box. A heat exchange coil is provided in the condensation box, and a drain pipe is connected to the bottom of the recovery box.

[0008] As another embodiment of the present utility model, the recovery box is provided with an upper cavity and a lower cavity. The horizontal projection area of the lower cavity is larger than that of the upper cavity. The drain pipe is communicated with the lower cavity. A sealing plate is slidably connected in the upper cavity. The sealing plate can slide down to guide the condensed water in the upper cavity downward into the lower cavity. A first elastic member is connected between the bottom wall of the lower cavity and the bottom surface of the sealing plate. The first elastic member can elastically push the sealing plate to slide up and down along the upper cavity.

[0009] As another embodiment of the present utility model, a sealing strip is connected to the peripheral wall of the sealing plate. The sealing strip is used to seal the gap between the sealing plate and the inner cavity wall of the upper cavity.

[0010] As another embodiment of the present utility model, a third solenoid valve is connected to the end of the second solenoid valve away from the fermentation tank. The air outlet end of the third solenoid valve is connected to a condensation recovery device.

[0011] As another embodiment of the present utility model, the steam generating device includes a steam generator and a steam pipeline connected between the steam generator and the first distribution part. A fourth solenoid valve and an electric control valve are successively arranged on the steam pipeline. The fourth solenoid valve and the electric control valve are respectively electrically connected to the controller.

[0012] As another embodiment of the present utility model, an air compressor is connected to the top of the seed tank. A fifth solenoid valve is connected between the air compressor and the seed tank. The fifth solenoid valve is electrically connected to the controller.

[0013] As another embodiment of the present utility model, a sixth solenoid valve close to the first distribution part and a seventh solenoid valve close to the second distribution part are connected to the second branch pipeline. An eighth solenoid valve close to the second distribution part is provided on the third branch pipeline. The sixth solenoid valve, the seventh solenoid valve and the eighth solenoid valve are respectively electrically connected to the controller.

[0014] The beneficial effects of the steam sterilization system with automatic inoculation transfer provided by the present utility model are as follows: Compared with the prior art, in the steam sterilization system with automatic inoculation transfer of the present utility model, steam is supplied into the inoculation pipeline by a steam generating device to perform steam sterilization on the inoculation pipeline. When the sterilization is completed and the fermentation tank reaches the inoculation condition, the controller opens the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve respectively to connect the seed tank and the fermentation tank for inoculation transfer, realizing automatic aseptic inoculation transfer. At the same time, by means of the setting of the first distribution part and the second distribution part, the connection mode of the inoculation pipeline between the seed tank and multiple fermentation tanks is optimized, which helps to increase the stability of the system. Therefore, the above system reduces the intervention of manual operation, reduces the risk of system contamination, and ensures the stability of system operation. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the following drawings are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings.

[0016] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of the steam sterilization system with automatic inoculation transfer provided by the embodiment of the present utility model;

[0017] Figure 2 It is a schematic structural diagram of the condensation recovery device provided by the embodiment of the present utility model.

[0018] Among them, the reference numerals in the drawings are as follows:

[0019] 1. Seed tank; 11. First solenoid valve; 12. Tail gas discharge valve; 13. Air compressor; 14. Fifth solenoid valve; 2. Fermentation tank; 21. Second solenoid valve; 22. Third solenoid valve; 3. Inoculation pipeline; 31. First branch pipeline; 32. Second branch pipeline; 321. Sixth solenoid valve; 322. Seventh solenoid valve; 33. Third branch pipeline; 331. Eighth solenoid valve; 4. Steam generating device; 41. Steam generator; 42. Fourth solenoid valve; 43. Electric control valve; 5. First distribution part; 6. Second distribution part; 7. Condensation recovery device; 71. Condensation box; 711. Heat exchange coil; 72. Recovery box; 721. Drain pipe; 722. Upper cavity; 723. Lower cavity; 73. Sealing plate; 74. Sealing strip; 75. First elastic member. Detailed Embodiment

[0020] In order to make the technical problems, technical solutions and beneficial effects to be solved by the present utility model clearer and more understandable, the present utility model will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present utility model and are not used to limit the present utility model.

[0021] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "disposed on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or indirectly on the other element. It should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. It is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and thus cannot be understood as a limitation to the present invention. The terms "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Thus, the features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or several of such features. In the description of the present invention, the meaning of "a plurality" and "several" is two or more, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0022] Please refer to Figures 1 to 2 , and now an automatic transfer steam sterilization system provided by the present utility model will be described. The automatic transfer steam sterilization system includes a seed tank 1, a fermentation tank 2, an inoculation pipeline 3 connected between the fermentation tank 2 and the seed tank 1, and a steam generating device 4 connected to the inoculation pipeline 3. A first distribution part 5 is provided on the inoculation pipeline 3 near the seed tank 1, and a second distribution part 6 is provided near the fermentation tank 2. A first electromagnetic valve 11 is provided between the first distribution part 5 and the seed tank 1, and a second electromagnetic valve 21 is provided between the second distribution part 6 and the fermentation tank 2. The steam generating device 4 is connected to the first distribution part 5; wherein, the automatic transfer steam sterilization system further includes a controller, and the controller is electrically connected to the first electromagnetic valve 11 and the second electromagnetic valve 21 respectively. When the first electromagnetic valve 11 and the second electromagnetic valve 21 are in the closed state, the steam generating device 4 supplies steam into the inoculation pipeline 3 for sterilization; when the first electromagnetic valve 11 and the second electromagnetic valve 21 are in the open state, the seed tank 1 transfers seeds into the fermentation tank 2.

[0023] An automatic transfer and steam sterilization system provided in this embodiment, compared with the prior art, supplies steam into the inoculation pipeline 3 through the steam generating device 4 to perform steam sterilization on the inoculation pipeline 3. When the sterilization is completed and the fermentation tank 2 reaches the inoculation condition, the controller opens the first solenoid valve 11 and the second solenoid valve 21 respectively, so that the seed tank 1 and the fermentation tank 2 are connected to perform transfer, realizing automatic aseptic transfer. At the same time, by setting the first distribution part 5 and the second distribution part 6, the connection mode of the inoculation pipeline 3 between the seed tank 1 and multiple fermentation tanks 2 is optimized, which helps to increase the stability of the system. Therefore, the above system reduces the intervention of manual operation, reduces the risk of system contamination, and ensures the stability of system operation.

[0024] In this embodiment, before the transfer operation from the seed tank 1 to the fermentation tank 2, the inoculation pipeline 3 needs to be steam sterilized first. Close the first solenoid valve 11 and the second solenoid valve 21, and open the steam generating device 4 to introduce high-temperature steam into the inoculation pipeline 3 between the seed tank 1 and the fermentation tank 2. It should be noted that since the fermentation tank 2 also needs high-temperature sterilization before inoculation, and the fermentation tank 2 remains in a positive pressure state after sterilization, therefore, in this embodiment, after the inoculation pipeline 3 is sterilized and before the transfer operation, the second solenoid valve 21 can be opened first, and the pressure in the fermentation tank 2 is used to keep the inoculation pipeline 3 in a positive pressure state to ensure that the aseptic environment in the inoculation pipeline 3 is not damaged.

[0025] Specifically, the steam generating device 4 is connected to the first distribution part 5. In addition to supplying high-temperature steam to the inoculation pipeline 3, it can also be used for steam sterilization of the seed tank 1 nearby, improving the practicability of the system. A pressure gauge and a thermometer are connected to the second distribution part 6. Since the second distribution part 6 is arranged close to the fermentation tank 2, when the steam pressure and temperature on the second distribution part 6 reach the set values, it means that the entire inoculation pipeline 3 has reached the sterilization condition. At this time, the controller starts timing to keep the disinfection temperature for a certain period to ensure the sterilization effect. Then, the steam generating device 4 is closed, and at the same time, the second solenoid valve 21 is opened to keep the inoculation pipeline 3 in a positive pressure state by using the pressure in the fermentation tank 2 and wait for inoculation. When the fermentation tank 2 meets the inoculation condition, only the first solenoid valve 11 needs to be opened to connect the seed tank 1 and the fermentation tank 2, and then aseptic transfer can be performed.

[0026] As a specific implementation manner of an automatic transfer and steam sterilization system provided by the present utility model, refer to Figure 1, there are several fermentation tanks 2. The inoculation pipeline 3 includes a first branch pipeline 31 connected between the first distribution part 5 and the seed tank 1, a second branch pipeline 32 connected between the first distribution part 5 and the second distribution part 6, and several third branch pipelines 33 connected between the second distribution part 6 and the fermentation tanks 2. The third branch pipelines 33 are connected to the fermentation tanks 2 in a one-to-one correspondence. The first solenoid valve 11 is arranged on the first branch pipeline 31, and the second solenoid valve 21 is arranged at one end of the third branch pipeline 33 close to the fermentation tank 2.

[0027] In this embodiment, one seed tank 1 can supply the seed liquid to multiple fermentation tanks 2. To optimize the design of the inoculation pipeline 3, the inoculation pipeline 3 is divided into three sections by using the first distribution part 5 and the second distribution part 6. Among them, the first distribution part 5 is used to collect the first branch pipeline 31 and the second branch pipeline 32, and at the same time conduct the steam generating device 4 to the inoculation pipeline 3; the second distribution part 6 is used to collect the second branch pipeline 32 and multiple third branch pipelines 33, so as to distribute the seed liquid in the second branch pipeline 32 to each fermentation tank 2 through the third branch pipelines 33 respectively. Through the above structure, only a relatively long second branch pipeline 32 needs to be arranged between the seed tank 1 and the fermentation tanks 2, reducing the length of multiple third branch pipelines 33, making the design of the inoculation pipeline 3 more reasonable, and helping to improve the stability of the sterilization and inoculation process.

[0028] As a specific implementation manner of an automatic inoculation steam sterilization system provided by the present utility model, refer to Figure 1 , both the first distribution part 5 and the second distribution part 6 are circular tubular members. The two ends of the circular tubular member are respectively the first end and the second end of the first distribution part 5 or the second distribution part 6. The main axes of the first distribution part 5 and the second distribution part 6 are arranged at an angle to the horizontal plane, and the first end is higher than the second end. The second end is connected with a condensate recovery device 7.

[0029] In this embodiment, the first distribution part 5 and the second distribution part 6 are inclined circular tubular members, which are convenient for guiding the condensate water in the steam to the lower second end and entering the condensate recovery device 7, realizing the recycling of the condensate water and improving the economic efficiency of the system.

[0030] As a specific implementation manner of an automatic inoculation steam sterilization system provided by the present utility model, refer to Figure 2 , the condensate recovery device 7 includes a condensate box 71 connected below the first distribution part 5 or the second distribution part 6 and a recovery box 72 connected below the condensate box 71. A heat exchange coil 711 is arranged in the condensate box 71, and a drain pipe 721 is connected to the bottom of the recovery box 72.

[0031] In this embodiment, the condensed water enters the condensation box 71 along with the steam and exchanges heat with the liquid in the heat exchange coil 711 to raise the temperature of the liquid in the heat exchange coil 711, realizing the reuse of heat. At the same time, the heat-exchanged condensed water enters the lower recovery box 72 and is discharged through the drain pipe 721 for other uses, realizing the recovery of the condensed water, improving the practicability of the system, and helping to reduce the use cost of the system.

[0032] As a specific embodiment of an automatic strain transfer steam sterilization system provided by the present utility model, refer to Figure 2 , the lower recovery box 72 is provided with an upper cavity 722 and a lower cavity 723. The horizontal projection area of the lower cavity 723 is larger than that of the upper cavity 722. The drain pipe 721 is communicated with the lower cavity 723. A sealing plate 73 is slidably connected in the upper cavity 722. The sealing plate 73 can slide down to guide the condensed water in the upper cavity 722 downward into the lower cavity 723. A first elastic member 75 is connected between the bottom wall of the lower cavity 723 and the bottom surface of the sealing plate 73. The first elastic member 75 can elastically push the sealing plate 73 to slide up and down along the upper cavity 722.

[0033] In this embodiment, the sealing plate 73 is used to receive the condensed water dripping from the condensation box 71. At the same time, the condensed water located above the sealing plate 73 can play a role in water sealing, preventing external gas from entering the first distribution part 5 or the second distribution part 6 through the drain pipe 721 and the recovery box 72, and thus avoiding affecting the sterilization effect in the inoculation pipeline 3. When the gravity of the condensed water accumulated on the sealing plate 73 is greater than the elastic pushing force of the first elastic member 75 below the sealing plate 73, the sealing plate 73 slides down into the lower cavity 723, so that the condensed water above the sealing plate 73 flows into the lower cavity 723 through the gap between the sealing plate 73 and the lower cavity 723 and is discharged through the drain pipe 721. After that, under the elastic pushing action of the first elastic member 75, the sealing plate 73 slides up again into the upper cavity 722 to receive the condensed water.

[0034] It should be noted that solenoid valves are respectively provided between the condensation recovery device 7 and the first distribution part 5 or the second distribution part 6. When steam sterilization is carried out on the inoculation pipeline 3, the above solenoid valves need to be opened to recover the condensed water in the steam. After the sterilization is completed, the above solenoid valves need to be closed to ensure the sterile environment in the inoculation pipeline 3.

[0035] As a specific embodiment of an automatic strain transfer steam sterilization system provided by the present utility model, refer to Figure 2 , a sealing strip 74 is connected to the peripheral wall of the sealing plate 73. The sealing strip 74 is used to seal the gap between the sealing plate 73 and the inner cavity wall of the upper cavity 722.

[0036] In this embodiment, the sealing plate 73 is made of a hard material to ensure the bearing strength when receiving condensed water. Specifically, when installing the sealing strip 74, the sealing strip 74 can be installed in the installation groove opened on the peripheral wall of the sealing plate 73, or the sealing strip 74 can be directly pasted on the peripheral wall of the sealing plate 73. While the sealing strip 74 cooperates with the condensed water to play a sealing role, through the close fit between the sealing strip 74 and the inner cavity wall of the upper cavity 722, it also plays a role in guiding the up and down sliding of the sealing plate 73, ensuring the stability of the sliding process of the sealing plate 73.

[0037] As a specific implementation manner of an automatic inoculation transfer steam sterilization system provided by the present utility model, refer to Figure 1 , one end of the second solenoid valve 21 away from the fermentation tank 2 is connected to a third solenoid valve 22, and the air outlet end of the third solenoid valve 22 is connected to a condensate recovery device 7.

[0038] In this embodiment, the third solenoid valve 22 is used to discharge the steam in the inoculation pipeline 3. The third solenoid valve 22 is arranged at one end of the second solenoid valve 21 away from the fermentation tank 2, so that the high-temperature steam in the inoculation pipeline 3 can reach the second solenoid valve 21 and then be discharged through the third solenoid valve 22, ensuring the sterilization effect of the inoculation pipeline 3 and avoiding leaving dead corners. The steam discharged through the third solenoid valve 22 enters the condensate recovery device 7 connected to the end for steam condensation and recovery.

[0039] As a specific implementation manner of an automatic inoculation transfer steam sterilization system provided by the present utility model, refer to Figure 1 , the steam generating device 4 includes a steam generator 41 and a steam pipeline connecting the steam generator 41 and the first distribution part 5. A fourth solenoid valve 42 and an electric control valve 43 are sequentially arranged on the steam pipeline, and the fourth solenoid valve 42 and the electric control valve 43 are respectively electrically connected to the controller.

[0040] In this embodiment, when steam sterilization needs to be performed on the inoculation pipeline 3, first open the fourth solenoid valve 42, and then slowly adjust the opening degree of the electric control valve 43 so that the steam slowly enters the inoculation pipeline 3, which can avoid the vibration of the inoculation pipeline 3 to the greatest extent.

[0041] As a specific implementation manner of an automatic inoculation transfer steam sterilization system provided by the present utility model, refer to Figure 1 , the top of the seed tank 1 is connected to an air compressor 13, and a fifth solenoid valve 14 is connected between the air compressor 13 and the seed tank 1. The fifth solenoid valve 14 is electrically connected to the controller.

[0042] In this embodiment, when the transfer of the inoculum is carried out after the disinfection is completed, the first solenoid valve 11 is opened first, and then the fifth solenoid valve 14 is opened, so that the air compressor 13 introduces compressed air into the seed tank 1, so that the pressure in the seed tank 1 is greater than the pressure required for the transfer of the inoculum, thereby pressing the seed liquid in the seed tank 1 into the fermentation tank 2 to achieve the transfer of the inoculum.

[0043] Specifically, the controller can automatically open and close the fifth solenoid valve 14 according to the set transfer pressure, that is, when the pressure in the seed tank 1 is greater than the set value of the transfer pressure, the fifth solenoid valve 14 is closed; when the pressure in the seed tank 1 is less than the set value of the transfer pressure, the fifth solenoid valve 14 is opened, thereby reducing the operating cost of the system on the basis of ensuring the pressure in the seed tank 1.

[0044] In addition, an exhaust gas discharge valve 12 is also connected to the top of the seed tank 1. When the pressure in the seed tank 1 is much less than the set value of the transfer pressure, the controller can judge that all the seed liquid in the seed tank 1 has been transferred into the fermentation tank 2, that is, the transfer of the inoculum is completed. At this time, the second solenoid valve 21 and the fifth solenoid valve 14 are closed first, and then the exhaust gas discharge valve 12 is opened to release the pressure in the seed tank 1.

[0045] As a specific embodiment of an automatic inoculum transfer steam sterilization system provided by the present utility model, refer to Figure 1 , a sixth solenoid valve 321 is connected to the second branch pipe 32 near the first distribution part 5, and a seventh solenoid valve 322 is connected to the second branch pipe 32 near the second distribution part 6. An eighth solenoid valve 331 is provided on the third branch pipe 33 near the second distribution part 6. The sixth solenoid valve 321, the seventh solenoid valve 322 and the eighth solenoid valve 331 are respectively electrically connected to the controller.

[0046] In this embodiment, the setting of the sixth solenoid valve 321, the seventh solenoid valve 322 and the eighth solenoid valve 331 facilitates the disassembly and assembly of the inoculation pipeline 3. At the same time, when the steam generating device 4 supplies high-temperature steam into the seed tank 1 for sterilization, the sixth solenoid valve 321 can be closed to prevent the steam from entering the second branch pipe 32 through the first distribution part 5; when it is necessary to transfer the inoculum to one of the multiple fermentation tanks 2, the eighth solenoid valve 331 on the corresponding third branch pipe 33 can be opened to prevent the steam from entering the remaining third branch pipes 33 through the second distribution part 6, reducing the steam consumption and helping to reduce the operating cost of the system.

[0047] The use process of the present utility model:

[0048] First, open the sixth solenoid valve 321, the seventh solenoid valve 322, the eighth solenoid valve 331, and the third solenoid valve 22 in sequence. Then, open the fourth solenoid valve 42 and slowly adjust the electric control valve 43 so that the steam in the steam generating device 4 slowly enters the inoculation pipeline 3. At the same time, open the solenoid valves between the first distribution unit 5, the second distribution unit 6, and the condensate recovery device 7 respectively to ensure that the condensate in the steam can be discharged smoothly. The steam discharged through the third solenoid valve 22 enters the condensate recovery device 7 at the end for the recovery and reuse of the steam.

[0049] When the pressure gauge and thermometer on the second distribution unit 6 reach the preset values and remain for the set duration, the system determines that the disinfection of the inoculation pipeline 3 is completed. Then, close the third solenoid valve 22, the fourth solenoid valve 42, the electric control valve 43, and the solenoid valves between the first distribution unit 5, the second distribution unit 6, and the condensate recovery device 7 in sequence to seal the inoculation pipeline 3. At this time, open the second solenoid valve 21 to keep the inside of the inoculation pipeline 3 in a positive pressure state using the pressure in the fermentation tank 2.

[0050] When the fermentation tank 2 meets the inoculation conditions, open the first solenoid valve 11 to connect the seed tank 1 and the fermentation tank 2. At the same time, open the fifth solenoid valve 14 to allow the air compressor 13 to fill the seed tank 1 with compressed air to press the seed liquid into the fermentation tank 2. When the pressure in the seed tank 1 is much less than the set value of the transfer pressure, the system determines that the transfer is completed. First, close the second solenoid valve 21 to ensure the aseptic environment in the fermentation tank 2. Then, close the fifth solenoid valve 14 and open the tail gas discharge valve 12 on the seed tank 1 at the same time to release the pressure in the seed tank 1 and the inoculation pipeline 3. Finally, close the first solenoid valve 11, the sixth solenoid valve 321, the seventh solenoid valve 322, and the eighth solenoid valve 331 in sequence, and the transfer process ends.

[0051] In the above process, each solenoid valve and the electric control valve 43 are electrically connected to the controller and are controlled by the controller to open and close. The system operates stably, can ensure the aseptic environment of the inoculation pipeline 3, and at the same time realizes the recovery and reuse of steam and condensate. It not only avoids the risk of bacterial contamination caused by manual operation but also reduces the system operation cost, having good market application value.

[0052] The above description is only the preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, and improvements made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic seed-transfer steam sterilization system, characterized in that: It includes a seed tank, a fermentation tank, an inoculation pipeline connected between the fermentation tank and the seed tank, and a steam generating device connected to the inoculation pipeline, wherein the inoculation pipeline is provided with a first distribution part arranged close to the seed tank and a second distribution part arranged close to the fermentation tank, a first solenoid valve is arranged between the first distribution part and the seed tank, a second solenoid valve is arranged between the second distribution part and the fermentation tank, and the steam generating device is connected to the first distribution part; Among them, the automatic seed transfer steam sterilization system also includes a controller, which is electrically connected to the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve respectively. When the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve are in a closed state, the steam generating device supplies steam into the inoculation pipeline for sterilization; when the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve are in an open state, the seed tank is transferred into the fermentation tank.

2. The automatic seed transfer steam sterilization system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fermentation tanks are provided with several ones, and the inoculation pipeline includes a first branch pipeline connected between the first distribution part and the seed tank, a second branch pipeline connected between the first distribution part and the second distribution part, and several third branch pipelines connected between the second distribution part and the fermentation tank, the third branch pipelines are connected to the fermentation tanks one by one, the first solenoid valve is arranged on the first branch pipeline, and the second solenoid valve is arranged at one end of the third branch pipeline close to the fermentation tank.

3. The automatic seed transfer steam sterilization system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first distribution part and the second distribution part are both tubular components, and the two ends of the tubular component are respectively the first end and the second end of the first distribution part or the second distribution part. The main axes of the first distribution part and the second distribution part are set at an angle with the horizontal plane, and the first end is higher than the second end. The second end is connected to a condensation recovery device.

4. The automatic seed transfer steam sterilization system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The condensate recovery device comprises a condensate box connected to the lower part of the first distribution part or the second distribution part and a recovery box connected to the lower part of the condensate box. A heat exchange coil is arranged in the condensate box, and a drain pipe is connected to the bottom of the recovery box.

5. The automatic seed transfer steam sterilization system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The recovery box is provided with an upper cavity and a lower cavity, the horizontal projection area of ​​the lower cavity is larger than the horizontal projection area of ​​the upper cavity, the drain pipe is connected with the lower cavity, a sealing plate is slidably connected in the upper cavity, the sealing plate can slide down to guide the condensed water in the upper cavity downward into the lower cavity, a first elastic member is connected between the cavity bottom wall of the lower cavity and the bottom surface of the sealing plate, the first elastic member can elastically push the sealing plate to slide up and down along the upper cavity.

6. The automatic seed transfer steam sterilization system according to claim 5, characterized in that: A sealing strip is connected to the peripheral wall of the sealing plate, and the sealing strip is used to seal the gap between the sealing plate and the inner wall of the upper cavity.

7. The automatic seed transfer steam sterilization system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The end of the second solenoid valve away from the fermentation tank is connected to a third solenoid valve, and the gas outlet end of the third solenoid valve is connected to the condensation recovery device.

8. The automatic seed transfer steam sterilization system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The steam generating device comprises a steam generator and a steam pipeline connected between the steam generator and the first distribution part. A fourth solenoid valve and an electric regulating valve are sequentially arranged on the steam pipeline. The fourth solenoid valve and the electric regulating valve are electrically connected to the controller respectively.

9. The automatic seed transfer steam sterilization system according to claim 1, characterized in that: An air compressor is connected to the top of the seed tank, a fifth solenoid valve is connected between the air compressor and the seed tank, and the fifth solenoid valve is electrically connected to the controller.

10. The automatic seed transfer steam sterilization system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second branch pipeline is connected to a sixth solenoid valve arranged close to the first distribution part and a seventh solenoid valve arranged close to the second distribution part, and the third branch pipeline is provided with an eighth solenoid valve arranged close to the second distribution part. The sixth solenoid valve, the seventh solenoid valve and the eighth solenoid valve are electrically connected to the controller respectively.

Images