Traditional Chinese medicine residue treatment device based on termite biological treatment method
The use of termite biological treatment devices to degrade traditional Chinese medicine residue solves the pollution problem associated with the treatment of traditional Chinese medicine residue, achieving environmental protection and resource reuse, and generating high-value-added products.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-07
AI Technical Summary
Existing methods for treating Chinese herbal medicine residues have failed to effectively protect the environment and turn waste into treasure, resulting in the accumulation of large amounts of waste.
A traditional Chinese medicine residue treatment device based on termite biological treatment method is used to degrade the residue by utilizing the symbiotic microbial system of termites. Through temperature and humidity control and escape prevention design, an artificial food chain is constructed for treatment.
It achieves efficient degradation of Chinese herbal medicine residue, reduces pollution, generates high-value-added products, promotes local economic development, and provides sustainable environmental protection and resource reuse.
Smart Images
Figure CN224084479U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of traditional Chinese medicine residue treatment technology, and in particular to a traditional Chinese medicine residue treatment device based on termite biological treatment method. Background Technology
[0002] With the rise of the traditional Chinese medicine industry in China, people are increasingly recognizing the culture of traditional Chinese medicine, and the use of Chinese medicinal materials has greatly increased. This has directly led to an increase in the amount of Chinese medicinal residue produced by upstream and downstream industries. This process generates a large amount of Chinese medicinal residue, including by-products (such as licorice leaves, rhubarb above-ground parts, and yam stem residue), and other Chinese medicinal residues.
[0003] According to statistics, the current planting area of medicinal herbs in my country is nearly 100 million mu (approximately 6.67 million hectares). The production process of medicinal herbs directly generates about 80 million tons of non-medicinal parts annually. Including the "by-products" from the processing of medicinal herbs and decoction pieces, the annual waste generated is nearly 100 million tons. At the same time, the industrialization and deep processing of traditional Chinese medicine consumes about 75 million tons of medicinal herbs annually, and produces more than 50 million tons of solid waste and by-products and more than 100 million tons of liquid waste annually.
[0004] Sadly, faced with such a massive amount of waste, we have yet to find an optimal solution that is both environmentally friendly and universally applicable, while also turning waste into valuable resources. Utility Model Content
[0005] In order to solve the problems existing in the prior art, this utility model provides a traditional Chinese medicine residue treatment device based on termite biological treatment method.
[0006] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is:
[0007] A traditional Chinese medicine residue treatment device based on termite biological treatment includes a feeding device tank 1. A water supply component 2 is installed at the bottom of the feeding device tank 1, and an asbestos mesh 3 is covered on top of the water supply component 2. A thick layer of soil 4 containing a large amount of traditional Chinese medicine residue is laid on top of the asbestos mesh 3, and termite nests are implanted in the soil 4. Multiple laminar flow ventilation openings 5 are provided on the bottom four sides of the feeding device tank 1, which can be automatically closed by a built-in control motor. A temperature and humidity control module is provided on the top inner side of the feeding device tank 1. The temperature and humidity control module includes a temperature and humidity sensor 6 and a temperature and humidity controller 7. A sealing cover 9 is installed on the top of the feeding device tank 1, and a laminar flow ventilation component 13 is installed around the termite trapping lamp 12.
[0008] This utility model also has the following additional technical features:
[0009] As a further specific optimization of the technical solution of this utility model: the outer diameter of the feeding device tank 1 is 2m×2m×4m. In order to prevent formic acid corrosion, the feeding device tank 1 is made of glass as a whole, and is integrally molded or sealed with molten silicate material.
[0010] As a further specific optimization of the technical solution of this utility model: the water supply component 2 is a square water supply pipe made of glass, and a water pump is installed in the square water supply pipe; the water supply component 2 provides a constant flow of water to simulate an underground river as a water source for termite colonies.
[0011] As a further specific optimization of the technical solution of this utility model: the laminar flow vent 5 is equipped with a fine anti-escape mesh, which can also be used for ventilation, heat dissipation, or regulation of environmental humidity. Since termites prefer damp conditions, it is not recommended to keep the laminar flow vent 5 open for extended periods to ensure the humidity of the termite nest.
[0012] As a further specific optimization of the technical solution of this utility model: the temperature and humidity sensor 6 is electrically connected to the temperature and humidity controller 7, the temperature and humidity controller 7 is electrically connected to the control motor of the laminar flow vent 5, the temperature and humidity controller 7 is electrically connected to the water pump of the water supply component 2, and the temperature and humidity controller 7 is electrically connected to the laminar flow ventilation fan. The temperature and humidity controller 7 adjusts the water flow in real time according to the temperature and humidity detection of the temperature and humidity sensor 6, controls the opening and closing of the laminar flow vent 5, controls the opening and closing of the laminar flow ventilation fan, and thus controls the ant nest to be in a suitable temperature and humidity.
[0013] As a further specific optimization of the technical solution of this utility model: the escape-proof water tank 8 is 10cm wide and 10cm deep; the escape-proof water tank 8 is filled with clean water to prevent winged termites from escaping and causing ecological damage.
[0014] As a further specific optimization of the technical solution of this utility model: the top of the feeding device cylinder 1 is provided with a concave anti-escape water trough 8.
[0015] As a further specific optimization of the technical solution of this utility model: the sealing cover 9 is located on the top of the feeding device tank 1 and the escape prevention water tank 8; a lifting ring 10 is installed around the sealing cover 9, and a traction rope 11 is installed on the lifting ring 10.
[0016] As a further specific optimization of the technical solution of this utility model: a termite trapping lamp 12 is installed in the center of the sealing cover 9. The lamp is used monthly to trap winged termites according to their reproduction status, so as to prevent winged termites from escaping and causing ecological damage.
[0017] As a further specific optimization of the technical solution of this utility model: the laminar flow ventilation component 13 is a laminar flow ventilation fan, and an escape-proof mesh is installed at the connection between the laminar flow ventilation fan and the sealing cover 9.
[0018] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this utility model are:
[0019] This invention applies the basic principles of the food chain to attempt a zero-pollution recycling model for traditional Chinese medicine residues using biological methods. This will significantly reduce carbon and toxic gas emissions, protect the environment, boost local economic income, and drive the healthy development of related industries. Attached Figure Description
[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the traditional Chinese medicine residue treatment device of this utility model. Detailed Implementation
[0021] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example 1
[0022] The device for treating Chinese medicine residue based on termite biological treatment method includes a feeding device cylinder 1 with an outer diameter of 2m×2m×4m. To prevent formic acid corrosion, the feeding device cylinder 1 is made of glass as a whole, either integrally molded or sealed with molten silicate material.
[0023] The bottom of the tank 1 of the feeding device is equipped with a water supply component 2. The water supply component 2 provides a constant flow of water to simulate an underground river as a water source for the termite colony. The water supply component 2 is a square water supply pipe made of glass, and a water pump is installed in the square water supply pipe.
[0024] The water supply component 2 is covered with an asbestos mesh 3, which can prevent soil loss at the bottom of the feeding device tank 1.
[0025] The top of the asbestos net 3 is covered with a thick layer of soil 4 containing a large amount of Chinese medicine residue, and ant nests are implanted in the soil 4.
[0026] The bottom of the tank 1 of the feeding device is provided with multiple laminar flow vents 5, which can be automatically closed by a built-in control motor. Each laminar flow vent 5 is equipped with a fine anti-escape mesh, which can also be used for ventilation, heat dissipation, or humidity control. Since termites prefer damp conditions, it is not recommended to keep the laminar flow vents 5 open for extended periods to maintain the humidity of the termite nest.
[0027] A temperature and humidity control module is installed on the inner top of the tank 1 of the feeding device. The temperature and humidity control module includes a temperature and humidity sensor 6 and a temperature and humidity controller 7. The temperature and humidity sensor 6 is electrically connected to the temperature and humidity controller 7. The temperature and humidity controller 7 is electrically connected to the control motor of the laminar flow vent 5. The temperature and humidity controller 7 is electrically connected to the water pump of the water supply component 2 and the laminar flow ventilation fan. The temperature and humidity controller 7 adjusts the water flow in real time according to the temperature and humidity detection of the temperature and humidity sensor 6, controls the opening and closing of the laminar flow vent 5, controls the opening and closing of the laminar flow ventilation fan, and thus controls the ant nest to be in a suitable temperature and humidity.
[0028] The top of the tank 1 of the feeding device is provided with a concave anti-escape water trough 8, which is 10cm wide and 10cm deep. The anti-escape water trough 8 is filled with clean water to prevent winged termites from escaping and causing ecological damage.
[0029] A sealing cover 9 is installed on the top of the feeding device tank 1. The sealing cover 9 is located on the top of the feeding device tank 1 and the escape-proof water tank 8. Hanging rings 10 are installed around the sealing cover 9, and traction ropes 11 are installed on the hanging rings 10.
[0030] A termite trapping lamp 12 is installed in the center of the sealing cover 9. It is used to trap winged termites monthly according to the termite reproduction situation, so as to prevent winged termites from escaping and causing ecological damage.
[0031] The termite trapping lamp 12 is surrounded by a laminar flow ventilation component 13, which is a laminar flow ventilation fan. An escape-proof mesh is installed at the connection between the laminar flow ventilation fan and the sealing cover 9. Example 2
[0032] The principle of a traditional Chinese medicine residue treatment device based on termite biological treatment:
[0033] The use of *Culturella multocida* termites to treat medicinal herb residue employs a biological treatment method. *Culturella multocida* termites belong to the family Termitidae and subfamily Macrotermitinae, and are named for their symbiotic relationship with fungi of the genus *Termitomyces*. *Culturella multocida* termites are mainly distributed in tropical Africa and Asia, playing a crucial role in the degradation of plant waste.
[0034] Termites can utilize ligninases and lignin-degrading enzymes produced by symbiotic microorganisms (such as protozoa, bacteria, and fungi) in their gut to degrade lignin. They can degrade 65%–87% of hemicellulose and 74%–99% of cellulose in traditional Chinese medicine residues, converting complex organic matter into simpler substances (such as carbon dioxide, water, and inorganic salts). Studies have shown that termites in tropical arid regions of Africa can decompose over 90% of dry wood. Furthermore, researchers have screened a strain named *R. orithinolytica* RS-1 in termite nurseries and discovered that this bacterium not only degrades lignin but also has nitrogen-fixing capabilities. Traditional Chinese medicine residues typically contain plant roots, stems, leaves, and fruits, and are primarily composed of cellulose, making them suitable for termite digestion.
[0035] Biological treatment methods offer relatively high resource reuse efficiency, generate less pollution and waste, and produce more byproducts with high added value and good quality. By utilizing the combined action of microbial communities to degrade medicinal herb residue, components such as cellulose and lignin can be converted into smaller molecules for recycling. However, the decomposition capacity of a single microbial species is limited, making it difficult to completely degrade the large molecules in the residue. The presence of a complex microbial community, where different species interact and restrict each other, facilitates the degradation of the residue. Termite treatment of medicinal herb residue is widely applicable and easy to operate. Although termites have a long lifespan, under suitable conditions, their survival time is also long. Furthermore, the products have high medicinal and economic value and are virtually pollution-free; the byproducts also have other economic value, providing fundamental support for the development of downstream industries (such as edible fungi cultivation).
[0036] In the process of biologically treating Chinese herbal medicine residue through a Chinese herbal medicine residue treatment device, the relationship between decomposers, producers, and consumers can be utilized. Following the operating principle of the food chain, the waste can be used as fixed solar energy by producers. Suitable decomposers can be selected to pre-treat the waste, or suitable primary consumers can be selected to build an artificial food chain.
[0037] This application utilizes termites to treat medicinal herb residue. It is recommended that the content of medicinal herb residue in the soil not exceed 15% (dry weight ratio), and the following conditions must be met: the residue has undergone detoxification pretreatment and does not contain toxic components (such as heavy metals, pesticide residues, alkaloids, etc.); it is mixed with high-nitrogen materials to adjust the C / N ratio and maintain the soil micro-ecological balance.
[0038] This application utilizes termites to treat medicinal herb residue, with the treatment time varying depending on the type of herb. For example, roots, stems, leaves (Astragalus membranaceus, Glycyrrhiza uralensis), fruits, and seeds (Lycium barbarum, Cassia tora), which have high cellulose content and no toxic components, have a shorter termite treatment cycle. For pulverized residue with a particle size <1cm: under suitable conditions (temperature 25-30℃, humidity 60%-70%), with a worker termite density of 50-100 per 100g of residue, complete decomposition (residual rate <5%) requires 20-40 days. For uncrushed residue or residue with high lignin content (such as tree roots and stems): the decomposition time is extended to 60-90 days, requiring the gradual degradation of lignin by symbiotic microorganisms in the termite gut.
[0039] This application utilizes termites to treat medicinal residues. The products after treatment mainly include termite metabolites, decomposed residual matrix, and symbiotic microbial communities. Their composition and properties are closely related to the components of the medicinal residues, treatment time, and environmental conditions.
[0040] Termite feces (particles) morphology and composition: Dark brown granules, approximately 0.5-1 mm in diameter, containing symbiotic microorganisms in the termite gut (such as flagellates, bacteria, and fungi) and their secreted metabolites such as cellulase and ligninase. Main components of termite feces (particles): Organic matter: 40%-60% (mainly humic acid and polysaccharides); Minerals: Nitrogen (N) 1.5%-3%, Phosphorus (P2O5) 0.8%-1.5%, Potassium (K2O) 0.5%-1%, and trace elements such as calcium, magnesium, and iron; Microbial active substances: Growth hormones (such as indoleacetic acid), cytokinins, and antibiotics (inhibiting pathogens). Characteristics of termite feces (particles): Loose particle structure, large specific surface area, strong adsorption capacity, and the carried microorganisms can continue to decompose residual organic matter, accelerating humus formation.
[0041] Decompose residual matrix. Incompletely degraded components: lignin that is difficult to decompose, some cellulose, and inert components in the medicinal residue (such as mineral drug residues); if the medicinal residue contains toxic components (such as alkaloids), it is necessary to confirm whether the residual amount after treatment meets the standard (it must be lower than the relevant standard, such as the "Standard for Organic Fertilizers of Traditional Chinese Medicine"). Physical state of decomposed residual matrix: soft texture, in the form of fragments or paste, lighter in color than before treatment (e.g., from dark brown to light brown), pH value is usually 6.5-7.5, close to neutral.
[0042] The symbiotic microbial community consists of protozoa (such as spirochetes), bacteria (such as Enterobacteriaceae and Bacillus), fungi (such as white-rot fungi), and microorganisms introduced from the environment during the treatment process (such as actinomycetes). The functions of the symbiotic microbial community include: continuing to degrade residual organic matter and improving the fertilizer efficiency of the product; forming a microbial barrier to inhibit the growth of pathogens (such as Escherichia coli and molds).
[0043] Resource utilization direction of products
[0044] 1. Agricultural sector: Ecological organic fertilizer
[0045] Application methods: Direct return to the field: Rich in humic acid and microorganisms, it can improve soil aggregate structure and enhance water and fertilizer retention capacity, suitable for cash crops such as fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Compost synergist: When composting with livestock and poultry manure and crop straw, adding the treatment product at a ratio of 5%-10% can shorten the composting cycle by 10-15 days and increase nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium utilization rates by 15%-20%.
[0046] Advantages: Compared to traditional compost, the product contains 30%-50% more auxin (which promotes crop root growth), and the content of heavy metals (such as lead and cadmium) is usually lower than the relevant standards for organic fertilizers.
[0047] 2. Horticulture and Landscaping: Cultivation Substrates
[0048] Example formula: Processed product (60%) + perlite (20%) + peat moss (20%), can be used for potted plants and nursery seedlings, with a water retention rate of 60%-70% and a pH value suitable for the growth of most plants.
[0049] Applicable scenarios: Orchids, succulents and other plants that require high substrate permeability; improving barren soil in urban greening projects (such as adding 10%-15% when remediating saline-alkali land).
[0050] 3. Raw materials for microbial inoculants
[0051] Extraction value: The termite gut microorganisms (such as highly efficient cellulose-decomposing bacteria) in the product can be screened and expanded to produce biodegradable bacterial agents for the treatment of industrial waste (such as straw and food processing residues) or soil remediation bacterial agents (degrading pesticide residues).
[0052] Technical Case: Lignin-degrading bacteria were isolated from the guts of termites processing medicinal residues. Their enzyme activity was 40% higher than that of ordinary strains, and they can be used for pulp production or secondary utilization of medicinal residues.
[0053] The above detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention.
Claims
1. A device for treating medicinal herb residue based on a termite biological treatment method, characterized in that: The device includes a breeding device cylinder (1), a water supply component (2) installed at the bottom of the breeding device cylinder (1), and an asbestos mesh (3) covering the top of the water supply component (2); a thick layer of soil (4) containing a large amount of Chinese medicine residue is laid on the top of the asbestos mesh (3), and ant nests are implanted in the soil (4); multiple laminar flow ventilation openings (5) are provided on the bottom four sides of the breeding device cylinder (1), which can be automatically closed by the built-in control motor; a temperature and humidity control module is provided on the top inner side of the breeding device cylinder (1), which includes a temperature and humidity sensor (6) and a temperature and humidity controller (7); a sealing cover (9) is installed on the top of the breeding device cylinder (1), and laminar flow ventilation components (13) are installed around the termite trapping lamp (12).
2. The medicinal herb residue treatment device based on termite biological treatment method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer diameter of the feeding device tank (1) is 2m×2m×4m. To prevent formic acid corrosion, the feeding device tank (1) is made of glass as a whole, either integrally molded or sealed with molten silicate material.
3. The traditional Chinese medicine residue treatment device based on termite biological treatment method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water supply component (2) is a square water supply pipe made of glass, and a water pump is installed in the square water supply pipe; the water supply component (2) provides a constant flow of water to simulate an underground river as a water source for termite colonies.
4. The medicinal herb residue treatment device based on termite biological treatment method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The laminar flow vent (5) is equipped with a fine anti-escape mesh, which can also be used for ventilation, heat dissipation or control of ambient humidity.
5. A traditional Chinese medicine residue treatment device based on termite biological treatment method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The temperature and humidity sensor (6) is electrically connected to the temperature and humidity controller (7), which is electrically connected to the control motor of the laminar flow vent (5), the water pump of the water supply component (2), and the laminar flow ventilation fan. The temperature and humidity controller (7) adjusts the water flow in real time according to the temperature and humidity detection of the temperature and humidity sensor (6), controls the opening and closing of the laminar flow vent (5), controls the opening and closing of the laminar flow ventilation fan, and thus controls the ant nest to be in a suitable temperature and humidity.
6. A traditional Chinese medicine residue treatment device based on termite biological treatment method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The escape-proof water tank (8) is 10cm wide and 10cm deep; the escape-proof water tank (8) is filled with clean water to prevent winged termites from escaping and causing ecological damage.
7. A traditional Chinese medicine residue treatment device based on termite biological treatment method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the feeding device cylinder (1) is provided with a concave anti-escape water trough (8).
8. A traditional Chinese medicine residue treatment device based on termite biological treatment method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sealing cover (9) is located on top of the feeding device cylinder (1) and the escape-proof water tank (8); a lifting ring (10) is installed around the sealing cover (9), and a traction rope (11) is installed on the lifting ring (10).
9. A traditional Chinese medicine residue treatment device based on termite biological treatment method according to claim 1, characterized in that: A termite trapping lamp (12) is installed in the center of the sealing cover (9). It is used to trap winged termites monthly according to the termite reproduction situation, so as to prevent winged termites from escaping and causing ecological damage.
10. A traditional Chinese medicine residue treatment device based on termite biological treatment method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The laminar flow ventilation component (13) is a laminar flow ventilation fan, and an escape-proof mesh is installed at the connection between the laminar flow ventilation fan and the sealing cover (9).