Fermentation and germination device for whole grain fermentation
By designing a fermentation germination device that can switch between multiple fermentation modes, the problems of single function and high cost of large-scale production of whole grain fermentation equipment have been solved, realizing efficient and low-cost whole grain fermentation production.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520158597.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-23
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-27
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-01-23
AI Technical Summary
Existing fermentation beds have limited functionality and cannot meet the needs of whole grain fermentation. Furthermore, they lack large-scale production equipment, resulting in high costs, high energy consumption, and complex processes.
Design a fermentation and germination device, including a fermentation bed, a turning mechanism, and an aeration mechanism, to achieve switching between three working modes of the fermentation bed: anaerobic fermentation, aerobic fermentation, and seed germination. The device adopts an aluminum alloy structure for easy assembly and combines a waste heat recovery unit to improve energy efficiency.
It enables the free switching of multiple fermentation states on a single fermentation bed, reducing costs, improving efficiency, and is suitable for large-scale production, saving space and investment.
Smart Images
Figure CN223829876U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of bio-fermentation technology, specifically to a fermentation and germination device for whole grain fermentation. Background Technology
[0002] Germinated whole grain foods are a hot topic in the international whole grain food industry. Through grain germination, the edible quality of whole grains can be improved and the content of health-promoting factors increased under the action of endogenous enzymes. This includes increasing functional components and nutrients, reducing plant anti-nutritional factors, and minimizing unpleasant flavors, thereby improving the overall nutritional value and taste of the product. However, this germination process must be effectively controlled.
[0003] However, most existing fermentation beds only have a single fermentation method, either anaerobic or aerobic fermentation; and none of them have a germination function, resulting in a single function of the fermentation bed, which is difficult to use for whole grain fermentation; when fermenting whole grains, multiple fermentation beds are required, which not only takes up a lot of space but also has high costs.
[0004] Current germination equipment is mainly used for small-scale production. Processes such as sterilization, pH adjustment, germination, and drying are energy-intensive and complex, and large-scale production equipment is lacking. Therefore, there is an urgent need for large-scale germination equipment to improve germination efficiency and reduce production costs. Utility Model Content
[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the purpose of this invention is to provide a simple and easy-to-use fermentation and germination device for whole grain fermentation. The fermentation and germination mechanism of this invention enables switching between three working modes of the fermentation bed: anaerobic fermentation, aerobic fermentation, and seed germination, all within a single fermentation bed, significantly reducing costs. This fermentation and germination device for whole grain fermentation is simple in structure, highly reliable, and low in cost, and can achieve continuous production, greatly saving costs and improving work efficiency.
[0006] To achieve the above, the technical solution of this utility model is as follows: a fermentation and germination device for whole grain fermentation, comprising a fermentation bed and a frame, wherein the fermentation bed is installed on the frame, and further comprising a fermentation and germination mechanism, a turning mechanism and a ventilation mechanism, wherein the fermentation and germination mechanism is installed inside the fermentation bed, and the material to be fermented or the seeds to be germinated are placed on the placement plate of the fermentation and germination mechanism, the turning mechanism is installed in the fermentation bed to turn the fermentation material, and the two ends of the ventilation mechanism are respectively connected to the air inlet and air outlet of the fermentation bed to humidify and provide oxygen for the fermentation material or the germinating seeds, wherein the fermentation bed comprises multiple fermentation units, and the fermentation units are connected to each other to form a modular structure.
[0007] Furthermore, the fermentation and germination mechanism includes a fixed material plate and a film roll for placing materials or seeds. The fixed material plates are installed at equal intervals in the fermentation bed, dividing the upper and lower space of the fermentation bed into three equal layers. The film roll is installed at the upper position in each layer.
[0008] Furthermore, the fermentation and germination mechanism also includes a movable material plate, which is detachably installed between two fixed material plates, dividing the upper and lower space of the fermentation bed into six layers, with the film roll located above the movable material plate.
[0009] Furthermore, symmetrical horizontally arranged mounting grooves are provided on both sides of the gap formed between the two fixed material plates. The movable material plate has sliders on both sides that cooperate with the mounting grooves. The sliders are inserted into the mounting grooves to realize the installation of the movable material plate. The mounting grooves are dovetail grooves.
[0010] Furthermore, vertically arranged slots are provided at the four corners of the gap formed between the two fixed material plates. Multiple pairs of corresponding through holes are provided on the two side walls of the slots. The four corners of the movable material plate are provided with locking blocks. The locking blocks are in the corresponding slots to realize the installation of the movable material plate. The movable material plate is positioned by bolts or pins passing through the corresponding through holes on the two side walls of the slots.
[0011] Furthermore, when the movable material plate is installed on the fermentation bed, the fermentation bed is divided into six layers, and the ventilation openings are opened to circulate and exchange fresh air in multiple places. When fermentation material is placed on each layer, the average thickness of the material layer is controlled to be 100-200mm, which is the aerobic fermentation working mode. When seeds are placed on each layer, and whether to cover them with a film is determined according to the seed germination conditions, this is the seed germination working mode. When the movable material plate is removed, the material is placed on the fixed material plate of each layer, the average thickness of the material layer is controlled to be 500-800mm, the ventilation openings are closed, and only circulating water is used for heating and temperature control. Each layer is covered with a film roll to isolate oxygen, which is the anaerobic fermentation working mode.
[0012] Furthermore, the material turning mechanism is a spiral turning rake, which is placed parallel to the material plate in the fermentation bed, and a spiral turning rake is provided above each material plate, with at least one spiral turning rake.
[0013] Furthermore, the ventilation mechanism includes ventilation duct I, ventilation duct II, a water vapor separator, and a waste heat recovery unit. One end of ventilation duct I is connected to the air outlet of the fermentation bed, and the other end of ventilation duct I is connected to the inlet of the water vapor separator. The outlet of the water vapor separator is connected to the inlet of the waste heat recovery unit. One end of ventilation duct II is connected to the air inlet of the fermentation bed, and the other end of ventilation duct II is connected to the outlet of the waste heat recovery unit. The fermentation bed, ventilation duct I, water vapor separator, waste heat recovery unit, and ventilation duct II form a circulation loop.
[0014] Furthermore, the waste heat recovery unit includes a dryer and a compressor. The dryer includes an evaporator, a heat pipe, and a condenser. The air separated by the water vapor separator passes through the evaporator, heat pipe, and condenser in sequence to dry and remove condensate. An outdoor heat source is provided around the compressor to heat the air inside the compressor. The outdoor heat source is a solar water-air heat exchanger, a gas-liquid heat exchanger, or a heat pump.
[0015] The advantages of adopting the technical solution of this utility model are:
[0016] 1. The fermentation and germination mechanism of this utility model enables the switching of three working modes of the fermentation bed, that is, the free switching between anaerobic fermentation, aerobic fermentation and seed germination on one fermentation bed, which greatly saves costs; the fermentation and germination device for whole grain fermentation has a simple structure, high reliability and low cost, and can achieve continuous production, which greatly saves costs and improves work efficiency.
[0017] 2. The fermentation units of this invention are interconnected to form a modular structure, similar to a high-speed rail structure. Each fermentation unit is separated by a partition door; when the door is open, the fermentation units are interconnected, and when the door is closed, each fermentation unit ferments independently. The outer shell of the fermentation bed is made of die-cast aluminum alloy, allowing for quick assembly and disassembly, and easy relocation. When the production site changes, the fermentation bed can be moved, saving on reinvestment costs; moreover, aluminum alloy has fast and uniform heat conduction. Attached Figure Description
[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only for this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the fermentation and germination mechanism of this utility model;
[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the ventilation mechanism of this utility model;
[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall fermentation bed of this utility model;
[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the spiral linear turning rake of this utility model.
[0023] The markings in the above diagrams are as follows: 1. Fermentation bed; 11. Air inlet; 12. Air outlet; 13. Fermentation unit; 14. Fermentation bed shell; 2. Frame; 31. Fixed material plate; 32. Movable material plate; 33. Film roll; 6. Spiral linear turning rake; 71. Ventilation duct I; 72. Ventilation duct II; 73. Water vapor separator; 731. Separated air; 732. Separated saturated water; 733. Dry hot air; 734. Humid and hot exhaust gas; 735. Dry ambient temperature air; 74. Waste heat recovery unit; 75. Dryer; 751. Evaporator; 752. Heat pipe; 753. Condenser; 754. Condensate; 76. Compressor. Detailed Implementation
[0024] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments.
[0025] It should be noted that, unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this utility model should have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this utility model pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this utility model do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Terms such as "comprising" or "including" mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed following the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Terms such as "connected" or "linked" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. Terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are used only to indicate relative positional relationships; when the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.
[0026] like Figures 1 to 4As shown, a fermentation and germination device for whole grain fermentation includes a fermentation bed 1 and a frame 2. The fermentation bed 1 is mounted on the frame and includes a fermentation and germination mechanism, a turning mechanism, and a ventilation mechanism. The fermentation and germination mechanism is installed inside the fermentation bed 1. The material to be fermented or the seeds to be germinated are placed on the placement plate of the fermentation and germination mechanism. The turning mechanism is installed in the fermentation bed 1 to turn the fermentation material. The two ends of the ventilation mechanism are connected to the air inlet 11 and the air outlet 12 of the fermentation bed 1, respectively, to humidify the fermentation material or the germinating seeds and provide oxygen. The fermentation bed 1 includes multiple fermentation units 13, which are connected to each other to form a modular structure. Each fermentation unit 13 has a fermentation and germination mechanism, a humidification mechanism, a turning mechanism, and a heating and insulation mechanism, and all are connected to the ventilation mechanism. Each fermentation unit 13 has a fresh air inlet on its side wall. The fermentation and germination mechanism enables the switching of three working modes of the fermentation bed, namely, the free switching between anaerobic fermentation, aerobic fermentation, and seed germination on a single fermentation bed, which greatly saves costs. This fermentation and germination device for whole grain fermentation has a simple structure, high reliability, and low cost, and can achieve continuous production, which greatly saves costs and improves work efficiency.
[0027] Specifically, the fermentation bed 1 includes multiple fermentation units 13, which are interconnected to form a modular structure, similar to a high-speed rail structure. Each fermentation unit 13 is separated by a partition door. When the partition door is open, the fermentation units 13 are interconnected; when the partition door is closed, each fermentation unit 13 is isolated and ferments independently. The outer shell of the fermentation bed 1 is made of die-cast aluminum alloy, allowing for quick assembly and disassembly, and easy relocation. When the production site changes, the fermentation bed can be moved, saving on reinvestment costs. Furthermore, aluminum alloy has fast and uniform heat conduction.
[0028] The fermentation and germination mechanism includes fixed material plates 31, movable material plates 32, and film rolls 33 for placing materials or seeds. The fixed material plates 31 are installed at equal intervals within the fermentation bed 1, dividing the upper and lower space of the fermentation bed 1 into three equal layers. Film rolls 33 are installed at a slightly upper position in each layer. The movable material plates 32 are detachably installed between two fixed material plates 31, dividing the upper and lower space of the fermentation bed 1 into six layers. The film rolls 33 are located above the movable material plates 32. The movable material plates 32 can be detachably connected to the fermentation bed using existing connection methods, such as mortise and tenon joints or fastener connections. Alternatively, other combined structural forms can be used for connection. For example, symmetrically arranged horizontal mounting grooves can be provided on both sides of the space formed between the two fixed material plates 31. The movable material plates 32 have sliders on both sides that mate with the mounting grooves. The sliders are inserted into the mounting grooves to install the movable material plates 32. The mounting grooves are dovetail grooves. Alternatively, vertically arranged slots can be provided at the four corners of the gap formed between the two fixed material plates 31. Multiple pairs of corresponding through holes are provided on the two side walls of the slots. The four corners of the movable material plate 32 are provided with locking blocks. The locking blocks are in the corresponding slots to realize the installation of the movable material plate 32. The movable material plate 32 is positioned by bolts or pins passing through the corresponding through holes on the two side walls of the slots.
[0029] When the movable material plate 32 is installed on the fermentation bed 1, the fermentation bed 1 is divided into six layers, and the ventilation openings are opened for multiple points of circulating heat exchange fresh air. When fermentation material is placed on each layer, and the average thickness of the material layer is controlled at 100-200mm, this is the aerobic fermentation working mode. When seeds are placed on each layer, and whether to cover them with a film is determined according to the seed germination conditions, this is the seed germination working mode. When the movable material plate 32 is removed, the material is placed on the fixed material plate 31 of each layer, and the average thickness of the material layer is controlled at 500-800mm. The ventilation openings are closed, and only circulating water is used for heating and temperature control. Each layer is covered with a film roll 33 to isolate oxygen, which is the anaerobic fermentation working mode. This achieves multi-purpose functionality, meets different usage scenarios, and greatly saves costs.
[0030] The material turning mechanism is a spiral turning rake 6, which is placed parallel to the material plate in the fermentation bed. A spiral turning rake 6 is set above each layer of material plate. There is at least one spiral turning rake 6, and its position can be set according to specific usage requirements, preferably in the middle position. The spiral turning rake 6 contacts the material and turns the material.
[0031] The ventilation system includes ventilation duct I 71, ventilation duct II 72, water vapor separator 73, and waste heat recovery unit 74. One end of ventilation duct I 71 is connected to the air outlet 12 of the fermentation bed, and the other end of ventilation duct I 71 is connected to the inlet of water vapor separator 73. The outlet of the inlet of water vapor separator 73 is connected to the inlet of waste heat recovery unit 74. One end of ventilation duct II 72 is connected to the air inlet 11 of the fermentation bed, and the other end of ventilation duct II 72 is connected to the outlet of waste heat recovery unit 74. The fermentation bed, ventilation duct I 71, water vapor separator 73, waste heat recovery unit 74, and ventilation duct II 72 form a circulation loop. The hot and humid waste gas from the fermentation bed enters the water vapor separator 73 through ventilation duct I 71. The water vapor separator 73 separates the hot and humid waste gas 734 into air and saturated water. The separated saturated water 732 is discharged, and the separated air 731 enters the waste heat recovery unit for drying and heating. Then, it is transported back to the fermentation bed through ventilation duct II 72 for use.
[0032] The waste heat recovery unit 74 includes a dryer 75 and a compressor 76. The dryer 75 includes an evaporator 751, a heat pipe 752, and a condenser 753. The air separated by the water vapor separator 73 passes sequentially through the evaporator 751, heat pipe 752, and condenser 753 for drying and the discharge of condensate 754. An outdoor heat source is provided around the compressor 76 to heat the air inside the compressor. The outdoor heat source can be a solar water-air heat exchanger or a gas-liquid heat exchanger, or a heat pump. The gas dried by the dryer 75 and the dry ambient temperature air 735 are compressed and heated at the compressor 76 to obtain dry hot air. The dry hot air 733 enters the fermentation bed through ventilation duct II 72 to ventilate and supply oxygen to the fermentation bed.
[0033] When plant or crop seeds germinate and break through the soil, a large number of microorganisms in the soil form a mutually supportive relationship with the seeds, which has many positive effects on the seeds and seedlings. Based on this principle, this invention draws on the simultaneous microbial fermentation and germination of crop seeds in fertile soil in nature, and develops a solid-state aerobic or anaerobic continuous fermentation device for whole grains that integrates the synergistic effect of whole grain seed germination and solid-state fermentation.
[0034] Those skilled in the art should understand that the discussion of any of the above embodiments is merely exemplary and is not intended to imply that the scope of the present invention is limited to these examples; within the framework of the present invention, the technical features of the above embodiments or different embodiments can also be combined, the steps can be implemented in any order, and there are many other variations of the different aspects of the present invention as described above, which are not provided in the details for the sake of brevity.
[0035] Therefore, any omissions, modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model shall be included within the protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. A fermentation and germination device for whole grain fermentation, comprising a fermentation bed (1) and a frame (2), wherein the fermentation bed (1) is mounted on the frame, characterized in that: It also includes a fermentation and germination mechanism, a turning mechanism and a ventilation mechanism. The fermentation and germination mechanism is installed in the fermentation bed (1). The material to be fermented or the seed to be germinated is placed on the placement plate of the fermentation and germination mechanism. The turning mechanism is installed in the fermentation bed (1) to turn the fermentation material. The two ends of the ventilation mechanism are connected to the air inlet (11) and the air outlet (12) of the fermentation bed (1) respectively to humidify the fermentation material or the germinating seed and provide oxygen. The fermentation bed (1) includes multiple fermentation units (13). Each fermentation unit (13) is connected to each other to form a unit splicing structure.
2. The fermentation and germination device for whole grain fermentation as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The fermentation and germination mechanism includes a fixed material plate (31) for placing materials or seeds and a film roll (33). The fixed material plate (31) is installed at equal intervals in the fermentation bed (1), dividing the upper and lower space of the fermentation bed (1) into three layers. The film roll (33) is installed at the upper position in each layer.
3. The fermentation and germination device for whole grain fermentation as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The fermentation and germination mechanism also includes a movable material plate (32), which is detachably installed between two fixed material plates (31) to divide the upper and lower space of the fermentation bed (1) into six layers, and the film roll (33) is located above the movable material plate (32).
4. The fermentation and germination device for whole grain fermentation as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The two sides of the space formed between the two fixed plates (31) are symmetrically provided with horizontally arranged mounting grooves. The two sides of the movable plate (32) are provided with sliders that cooperate with the mounting grooves. The sliders are inserted into the mounting grooves to realize the installation of the movable plate (32). The mounting groove is a dovetail groove.
5. The fermentation and germination device for whole grain fermentation as described in claim 3, characterized in that: Vertical slots are provided at the four corners of the gap formed between the two fixed plates (31). Multiple pairs of corresponding through holes are provided on the two side walls of the slots. The four corners of the movable plate (32) are provided with locking blocks. The locking blocks are in the corresponding slots to realize the installation of the movable plate (32). The movable plate (32) is positioned by bolts or pins passing through the corresponding through holes on the two side walls of the slots.
6. The fermentation and germination device for whole grain fermentation as described in claim 3, characterized in that: When the movable material plate (32) is installed on the fermentation bed (1), the fermentation bed (1) is divided into six layers, and the ventilation openings are opened to circulate and exchange fresh air in multiple places. When fermentation materials are placed on each layer, the average thickness of the material layer is controlled to be 100-200mm. At this time, it is the aerobic fermentation working mode. When seeds are placed on each layer, whether to cover them with a film is determined according to the seed germination conditions. At this time, it is the seed germination working mode. When the movable material plate (32) is removed, the material is placed on the fixed material plate (31) of each layer, the average thickness of the material layer is controlled to be 500-800mm, the ventilation openings are closed, and only circulating water is used for heating and temperature control. Each layer is covered with a film roll (33) to isolate oxygen. At this time, it is the anaerobic fermentation working mode.
7. The fermentation and germination device for whole grain fermentation as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The material turning mechanism is a spiral turning rake (6), which is placed parallel to the material plate in the fermentation bed, and a spiral turning rake (6) is set above each material plate, with at least one spiral turning rake (6).
8. A fermentation and germination device for whole grain fermentation as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The ventilation mechanism includes ventilation duct I (71), ventilation duct II (72), water vapor separator (73), and waste heat recovery unit (74). One end of ventilation duct I (71) is connected to the air outlet (12) of the fermentation bed, and the other end of ventilation duct I (71) is connected to the inlet of water vapor separator (73). The outlet of the inlet of water vapor separator (73) is connected to the inlet of waste heat recovery unit (74). One end of ventilation duct II (72) is connected to the air inlet (11) of the fermentation bed, and the other end of ventilation duct II (72) is connected to the outlet of waste heat recovery unit (74). The fermentation bed, ventilation duct I (71), water vapor separator (73), waste heat recovery unit (74), and ventilation duct II (72) form a circulation loop.
9. A fermentation and germination device for whole grain fermentation as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The waste heat recovery unit (74) includes a dryer (75) and a compressor (76). The dryer (75) includes an evaporator (751), a heat pipe (752) and a condenser (753). The air separated by the water vapor separator (73) passes through the evaporator (751), heat pipe (752) and condenser (753) in sequence to dry and remove condensate (754). An outdoor heat source is provided around the compressor (76) to heat the air inside the compressor. The outdoor heat source is a solar water-wind heat exchanger, a gas-liquid heat exchanger or a heat pump.