Fermentation tank for pure plant-based walnut fermented milk
By using a double-layer tank design and equipping it with components such as agitators, filters, and temperature sensors, the problems of uneven mixing, clogged outlets, and difficult cleaning in traditional fermentation tanks when processing pure plant-based walnut fermented milk are solved, thus achieving continuity of the fermentation process and improving product quality.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520342122.2
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-24
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-02-28
AI Technical Summary
Traditional fermentation tanks suffer from problems such as uneven stirring, easy blockage of the liquid outlet, inaccurate temperature control, and difficulty in cleaning when processing pure plant-based walnut fermented milk, which affect fermentation efficiency and product quality.
It adopts a double-walled tank design and is equipped with a stirring mechanism, filter, temperature sensor and pH meter. Combined with a cleaning mechanism and a jacketed circulating hot water system, it ensures smooth emulsion flow, precise temperature control and efficient cleaning.
It achieves effective separation of emulsion and oil, avoids blockage of the outlet, ensures the continuity of the fermentation process, controls the temperature within the optimal range, and cleans thoroughly, thereby improving fermentation efficiency and product quality.
Smart Images
Figure CN223936482U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of fermentation technology, and in particular to a fermentation tank for pure plant-based walnut fermented milk. Background Technology
[0002] Pure plant-based walnut fermented milk is a fermented beverage made from walnuts through lactic acid bacteria fermentation. It retains the rich nutrients of walnuts while adding the beneficial effects of probiotics on gut health. This fermented milk is rich in high-quality plant protein, unsaturated fatty acids, phospholipids, vitamin E, and various minerals, offering comprehensive nutritional value. The fermentation process of lactic acid bacteria not only gives the beverage a unique sour and fragrant flavor but also effectively promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, helping to maintain gut microbiota balance and improve intestinal discomfort such as constipation and bloating. The phospholipids and unsaturated fatty acids in walnuts have a good protective effect on the nervous system, promoting brain development and helping to improve cognitive function. Furthermore, the vitamin E in walnuts, as a powerful antioxidant, can scavenge free radicals, protect cells, and delay aging. Overall, pure plant-based walnut fermented milk not only meets modern people's needs for health and natural products but is also a nutritious beverage with multiple properties including gut regulation, brain health, and antioxidant effects.
[0003] Fermentation tanks are industrial devices used to produce fermented milk. Traditional fermentation tanks suffer from problems such as a lack of specialized stirring equipment and easy clogging of the bottom outlet by grease, leading to poor milk flow and interruption of fermentation. Because plant-based fermented milk typically produces more sediment and suspended solids during fermentation, and the slurry has a high viscosity, fermentation tanks require better stirring to prevent stratification, ensuring both avoiding excessive shearing of walnut proteins that could alter texture and maintaining uniform mixing. Simultaneously, the bottom of the fermentation tank needs to be equipped with a filter and discharge structure to prevent clogging. Furthermore, the fermentation tank requires a precise pH monitoring system and temperature control settings to maintain a suitable temperature and pH environment for plant-based walnut fermented milk. Finally, plant proteins tend to adhere to the tank walls during production, and the high-viscosity residue after fermentation is difficult to clean; therefore, the fermentation tank needs a good and efficient cleaning structure. Utility Model Content
[0004] To solve or partially solve the problems existing in the related technologies, this application provides a fermentation tank for pure plant-based walnut fermented milk.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application employs the following technical solution:
[0006] A fermentation tank for pure plant-based walnut fermented milk, the fermentation tank comprising:
[0007] The tank has a double-walled structure and is equipped with a cleaning mechanism and a stirring mechanism inside.
[0008] The feed inlet is located on one side of the top of the double-walled tank.
[0009] The double-walled tank has a liquid outlet at the bottom, and a filter screen is attached above the liquid outlet. A discharge port is located on one side of the filter screen. The emulsion and oil are separated by the filtering action of the filter screen.
[0010] Optionally, the double-walled tank is provided with an inlet for introducing circulating hot water or coolant and an outlet for discharging circulating hot water or coolant, and the outlet is positioned higher than the inlet.
[0011] Optionally, a vent is provided on the other side of the top of the double-layered tank, and a vent valve is provided on the vent.
[0012] Optionally, the inner wall of the double-walled tank is equipped with a temperature sensor and a pH meter, and the inner wall of the double-walled tank is lined with a polytetrafluoroethylene coating.
[0013] Optionally, the cleaning mechanism includes:
[0014] The infusion tube has one end connected to the cleaning fluid via a water pump, and the other end extends into the top of the double-walled tank and is connected to a distribution pipe. The lower end of the distribution pipe is equipped with multiple spiral nozzles.
[0015] Optionally, the liquid distribution pipe has a spiral structure.
[0016] Optionally, the stirring mechanism includes:
[0017] A rotating shaft, on which propeller blades and a defoamer are connected;
[0018] The defoamer consists of two sets, with the upper end of the rotating shaft extending out of the double-layered tank and connected to the motor.
[0019] Optionally, the bottom of the double-walled tank is provided with a support, and the double-walled tank is made of 316L stainless steel.
[0020] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows: This application has a filter screen attached above the liquid outlet. The filter screen separates the emulsion and oil, thereby preventing the liquid outlet from being blocked by oil, thus ensuring smooth flow of the emulsion and avoiding interruption of the fermentation process.
[0021] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not limit this application. Attached Figure Description
[0022] The above and other objects, features and advantages of this application will become more apparent from the more detailed description of exemplary embodiments thereof in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals generally represent the same components in the exemplary embodiments thereof.
[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a fermentation tank for pure plant-based walnut fermented milk, as shown in an embodiment of this application;
[0024] Figure 2 This is a front view of the cleaning mechanism shown in the embodiments of this application;
[0025] Figure 3 This is a top view of the liquid distribution pipe shown in the embodiment of this application;
[0026] Figure 4 This is a front view of the stirring mechanism shown in the embodiment of this application.
[0027] Attached reference numerals: 1 Double-walled tank, 2 Cleaning mechanism, 3 Stirring mechanism, 4 Inlet, 5 Outlet, 6 Filter screen, 7 Discharge port, 8 Water inlet, 9 Water outlet, 10 Ventilation port, 11 Ventilation valve, 12 Temperature sensor, 13 pH meter, 14 Infusion pipe, 15 Distribution pipe, 16 Spiral nozzle, 17 Rotary shaft, 18 Propeller blade, 19 Defoamer, 20 Support, 21 Jacket. Detailed Implementation
[0028] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.
[0029] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0030] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention as the specific circumstances dictate.
[0031] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.
[0032] In this invention, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.
[0033] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.
[0034] The above description is merely an optional embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.
[0035] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and beneficial effects of this application clearer, the preferred embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so as to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.
[0036] Example 1:
[0037] See Figure 1 A fermentation tank for pure plant-based walnut fermented milk, the fermentation tank comprising:
[0038] The double-walled tank 1 is equipped with a cleaning mechanism 2 and a stirring mechanism 3 inside.
[0039] The feed inlet 4 is located on one side of the top of the double-walled tank 1;
[0040] The bottom of the double-walled tank 1 is provided with a liquid outlet 5, and a filter screen 6 is attached above the liquid outlet 5. A discharge port 7 is provided on one side of the filter screen 6. The emulsion and oil are separated by the filtering effect of the filter screen 6.
[0041] Specifically, the raw materials enter the double-walled tank 1 through the feed inlet 4 and are uniformly mixed by the stirring action of the stirring mechanism 3. The fermented emulsion collects at the bottom of the double-walled tank 1 under gravity. After being filtered by the filter screen 6, the emulsion and oil are separated. The fermented milk is discharged through the liquid outlet 5, and the oil is discharged through the discharge outlet 7. After the fermentation operation is completed, the oil adhering to the double-walled tank 1 and the stirring mechanism 3 is removed by a high-pressure jet sprayed by the cleaning mechanism 2. The high-pressure jet is a mixture of water and degreasing cleaning agent, which can ensure a strong cleaning effect. The double-walled tank 1 adopts a cone-shaped design without dead corners to avoid residual raw materials affecting the next fermentation.
[0042] In this embodiment, a filter screen 6 is attached above the liquid outlet 5. The filter screen 6 separates the emulsion and oil, thereby preventing the liquid outlet 5 from being blocked by oil, thus ensuring smooth flow of the emulsion and avoiding interruption of the fermentation process.
[0043] Example 2:
[0044] See Figure 1 Based on Embodiment 1, optionally, the double-layer tank 1 is provided with an inlet 8 for introducing circulating hot water or coolant and an outlet 9 for discharging circulating hot water or coolant, and the outlet 9 is positioned higher than the inlet 8.
[0045] Specifically, the fermentation of plant-based raw materials is temperature-sensitive, and the fermentation characteristics of walnut protein and oil differ from those of animal milk protein. Therefore, an inlet 8 is provided. When the fermentation temperature inside the double-walled tank 1 is below 20°C, circulating hot water is introduced into the jacket 21 of the double-walled tank 1 through the inlet 8. Through the heat exchange effect of the jacket 21, the fermentation temperature inside the double-walled tank 1 is raised to 20-45°C, and the circulating hot water is discharged through the outlet 9.
[0046] When the fermentation temperature inside the double-walled tank 1 is higher than 45°C, circulating coolant is introduced into the jacket 21 of the double-walled tank 1 through the inlet 8. Through the heat exchange effect of the jacket 21, the fermentation temperature inside the double-walled tank 1 is reduced to 20-45°C, and the circulating coolant is discharged through the outlet 9.
[0047] By circulating hot water or coolant into the jacket 21, the fermentation temperature inside the double-walled tank 1 is maintained between 20-45℃, thus avoiding flavor and texture problems caused by temperature fluctuations during fermentation.
[0048] Optionally, the top of the double-layer tank 1 is provided with a vent 10 on the other side, and the vent 10 is provided with a vent valve 11.
[0049] Specifically, the ventilation valve 11 is used to regulate the airflow direction and pressure. The plant-based fermentation process may produce different types of gases (such as CO2). By setting up the ventilation port 10, proper oxygen exchange and CO2 emission are ensured. At the same time, considering that walnuts contain a relatively high amount of unsaturated fatty acids, excessive oxygen contact needs to be minimized to prevent fat oxidation, which would affect flavor and stability. Therefore, a gas filter can be installed at the ventilation port 10 to maintain a suitable gas balance within the tank.
[0050] Optionally, the inner wall of the double-walled tank 1 is provided with a temperature sensor 12 and a pH meter 13, and the inner wall of the double-walled tank 1 is lined with a polytetrafluoroethylene coating.
[0051] Specifically, both the temperature sensor 12 and the pH meter 13 are electrically connected to a controller. The controller controls the flow of circulating hot water or coolant based on the detection feedback from the temperature sensor 12, so as to achieve automatic temperature regulation.
[0052] Walnut fermentation is easily affected by pH levels, especially under the influence of different microbial strains, as changes in acidity can affect the fermentation process. A pH meter 13 monitors the pH level inside the tank in real time and sends the data back to the controller. The controller then automatically injects a pH regulator to ensure the pH level in the fermentation tank remains within the optimal range of 4.5-5.5. The regulator injection port is located on the double-walled tank 1, and will not be described in detail here.
[0053] The inner wall of the double-walled tank 1 is lined with a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coating. The PTFE is food-grade and this design can prevent contamination or material degradation caused by walnut oil during fermentation.
[0054] Example 3:
[0055] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 Based on the above embodiments, optionally, the cleaning mechanism 2 includes:
[0056] The infusion pipe 14 has one end connected to the cleaning fluid via a water pump, and the other end extends into the top of the double-walled tank 1 and is connected to a distribution pipe 15. The lower end of the distribution pipe 15 is equipped with multiple spiral nozzles 16.
[0057] Specifically, the infusion pipe 14 is installed on the top of the double-walled tank 1 with a nut. One end of the infusion pipe is connected to the outlet of a water pump (not shown in the figure), and the other end extends into the inner top of the double-walled tank 1 and connects to the distribution pipe 15. The inlet of the water pump is connected to the cleaning fluid. The infusion pipe 14 provides support for the distribution pipe 15 and connects the cleaning fluid and the distribution pipe 15. Through the suction of the water pump, the cleaning fluid enters the infusion pipe 14 and is sprayed out through the spiral nozzle 16 at the lower end of the distribution pipe 15. The spiral nozzle 16 creates a high-pressure jet of cleaning fluid to rinse the tank and the stirring mechanism 3. During the cleaning process, the stirring mechanism 3 can be used to agitate the components, making the cleaning more thorough.
[0058] Optionally, the liquid distribution pipe 15 has a spiral structure.
[0059] Specifically, the liquid distribution pipe 15 is designed as a spiral structure to increase the coverage of the spiral nozzle 16 and make the spraying more uniform, thereby avoiding the occurrence of local cleaning incompleteness.
[0060] Example 4:
[0061] See Figure 4 Based on the above embodiments, optionally, the stirring mechanism 3 includes:
[0062] A rotating shaft 17 is connected to a propeller blade 18 and a defoamer 19.
[0063] Among them, the defoamer 19 is provided in two sets, and the upper end of the rotating shaft 17 extends out of the double-layer tank 1 and is connected to the motor.
[0064] Specifically, due to the high viscosity of the walnut pulp, uniform stirring during fermentation is crucial. By using propeller blades 18, excessive shearing of the walnut protein, which could alter its texture, can be avoided, while maintaining uniform mixing. The defoamer 19 has several small holes on its surface. By using the defoamer 19, the uniformity of the raw materials and fermentation liquid can be maintained, preventing the formation of bubbles or clumps.
[0065] See Figure 1 Optionally, the bottom of the double-layer tank 1 is provided with a support 20, and the double-layer tank 1 is made of 316L stainless steel.
[0066] Specifically, support 20 is used to support the entire tank. 316L stainless steel has good oil and corrosion resistance, and the material does not react with grease.
[0067] It should be noted that the structures and / or installation methods not detailed in this application are those that can be known by those skilled in the art in combination with common knowledge and / or prior art, and are not the focus of this application, and will not be elaborated further here.
[0068] Finally, it should be noted that the above preferred embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application and are not intended to limit it. Although this application has been described in detail through the above preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that various changes can be made to it in form and detail without departing from the scope defined by the claims of this application; the dimensions of the drawings are not related to the specific physical object, and the physical object dimensions can be arbitrarily changed.
Claims
1. A fermentation tank for pure plant-based walnut fermented milk, characterized in that, The fermentation tank for the pure plant-based walnut fermented milk includes: The double-walled tank (1) is equipped with a cleaning mechanism (2) and a stirring mechanism (3) inside. The feed inlet (4) is located on one side of the top of the double-walled tank (1); The bottom of the double-walled tank (1) is provided with a liquid outlet (5), and a filter screen (6) is attached above the liquid outlet (5). A discharge port (7) is provided on one side of the filter screen (6). The emulsion and oil are separated by the filtering effect of the filter screen (6).
2. The fermentation tank for pure plant-based walnut fermented milk as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The double-walled tank (1) is provided with an inlet (8) for introducing circulating hot water or coolant and an outlet (9) for discharging circulating hot water or coolant, and the outlet (9) is positioned higher than the inlet (8).
3. The fermentation tank for pure plant-based walnut fermented milk as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The top of the double-layer tank (1) is provided with a vent (10), and a vent valve (11) is provided on the vent (10).
4. The fermentation tank for pure plant-based walnut fermented milk as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the double-walled tank (1) is equipped with a temperature sensor (12) and a pH meter (13), and the inner wall of the double-walled tank (1) is lined with a polytetrafluoroethylene coating.
5. The fermentation tank for pure plant-based walnut fermented milk as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cleaning mechanism (2) includes: The infusion tube (14) is connected to the cleaning fluid through a water pump at one end, and the other end extends into the inner top of the double-walled tank (1) and is connected to the distribution tube (15). The lower end of the distribution tube (15) is equipped with multiple spiral nozzles (16).
6. The fermentation tank for the pure plant-based walnut fermented milk as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The liquid distribution pipe (15) has a spiral structure.
7. The fermentation tank for pure plant-based walnut fermented milk as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The stirring mechanism (3) includes: A rotating shaft (17) is connected to a propeller blade (18) and a defoamer (19); Among them, the defoamer (19) is provided in two sets, and the upper end of the rotating shaft (17) extends out of the double-layer tank (1) and is connected to the motor.
8. The fermentation tank for pure plant-based walnut fermented milk as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The bottom of the double-walled tank (1) is provided with a support (20), and the double-walled tank (1) is made of 316L stainless steel.