Improved sterilization device for fermentation tank
By designing an improved sterilization device for the fermenter, utilizing waste heat recovery components and condenser tube groups, the problem of unused steam heat was solved, achieving efficient energy utilization and stable temperature control of the fermenter, and reducing energy consumption.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-07
AI Technical Summary
In existing technologies, the heat from the steam discharged after steam sterilization is not effectively utilized, resulting in significant energy loss.
An improved sterilization device for fermenters was designed, including a steam generator, a waste heat recovery component, and a pipeline component. The waste heat recovery component condenses the steam discharged from the fermenter into condensate and recycles it to provide the heat required for fermentation. The condenser tube assembly is used to change the steam flow rate to improve the condensation effect, and a convenient filter replacement system is used to prevent clogging.
It achieves effective recovery and utilization of steam heat, reduces the energy consumption of fermenter heating, reduces energy loss, and ensures continuous recycling of condensate through a convenient filter replacement system.
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Figure CN224091878U_ABST
Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The utility model relates to fermentation tank sterilization technical field, concretely is a kind of fermentation tank sterilization improved device. BACKGROUND
[0002] Fermentation tank is a kind of container for microbial fermentation process, is widely used in food, medicine, chemical industry and other industries.In these industries, microbial fermentation is used to produce various products, such as alcohol, soy sauce, antibiotics, amino acids, etc.In the fermentation process, fermentation tank usually needs to maintain a certain temperature to promote the progress of fermentation work;For example: 25°-30° is suitable for yeast, and 35°-45° is suitable for lactic acid bacteria, and the fermentation tank cannot reach the temperature at room temperature, so it is usually necessary to heat the fermentation tank from outside.
[0003] Before carrying out fermentation work, usually need to sterilize fermentation tank, prevent non-target flora from affecting fermentation work.Common sterilization methods mainly include: steam sterilization, chemical sterilization, ultraviolet sterilization, etc.At present, the steam sterilization method usually directly discharges steam from the fermentation tank, which is not utilized, so that the heat of steam cannot be reused, and energy is seriously wasted. UTILITY MODEL CONTENTS
[0004] The utility model aims at providing a kind of fermentation tank sterilization improved device, solve the problem of serious energy loss caused by the steam discharged after current steam sterilization is not reasonably utilized.
[0005] The utility model is realized by the following technical scheme: a kind of fermentation tank sterilization improved device, comprising:
[0006] Steam generator, the steam generator is used to generate high-temperature steam for the sterilization work of fermentation tank;
[0007] Waste heat recovery component, the waste heat recovery component is used to provide the heat required for stable fermentation for fermentation tank, and the steam discharged in fermentation tank is recycled;The waste heat recovery component includes tank body, heat exchange pipe, heating assembly, circulating pump, condensate water collection box are arranged on the tank body, the circulating pump pumps cooling water in the tank body into heat exchange pipe, and then backflows to the tank body;Condensing pipe group is arranged in the tank body, one end of the condensing pipe group is communicated with condensate water collection box, and exhaust window is formed on the condensate water collection box;
[0008] Pipeline component, the pipeline component is used to transport steam generated in steam generator into fermentation tank, and transport steam discharged from fermentation tank into waste heat recovery component;The pipeline component includes steam input pipe and steam exhaust pipe, the steam input pipe is communicated between steam output end of steam generator and gas inlet end of fermentation tank, and the steam exhaust pipe is communicated between gas outlet end of fermentation tank and gas inlet end of condensing pipe group.
[0009] To better realize this utility model, the condenser tube assembly further includes multiple alternately connected inverted condenser tubes and upright condenser tubes, as well as a central connecting pipe and a side connecting pipe for communication. The exhaust end of the inverted condenser tube is connected to the air inlet end of the upright condenser tube through the central connecting pipe, and the air inlet end of the inverted condenser tube is connected to the exhaust end of the upright condenser tube through the side connecting pipe. The upright condenser tube and the inverted condenser tube have opposite rotation directions.
[0010] To better realize this utility model, the spiral paths of the inverted condenser and the upright condenser are both conical, so that the height of the air inlet end is higher than the height of the exhaust end.
[0011] To better realize this utility model, the condensate collection box is further provided with a filter frame, and a filter is provided on the filter frame. The pipeline assembly also includes a condensate return pipe, and a water pump is provided on the condensate return pipe. The condensate return pipe connects the bottom of the condensate collection box to the water inlet of the steam generator, so as to transport the condensate in the waste heat recovery assembly to the steam generator for recycling.
[0012] To better realize this utility model, the condensate collection box is further provided with a replacement part for popping out the filter frame for the user to replace the filter. The replacement part includes a fixed plate, a pop-out rod, a first connecting rod, and a second connecting rod. The fixed plate is installed on the inner wall of the condensate collection box and is provided with an arc-shaped slide groove and a vertical slide groove. One end of the arc-shaped slide groove is connected to the middle of the vertical slide groove. The pop-out rod is installed on the filter frame and is equipped with a first slider and a second slider. The first slider slides on the upper part of the vertical slide groove, and the second slider slides on the lower part of the vertical slide groove and in the arc-shaped slide groove. A synchronous shaft is installed on the pop-out rod, and the second connecting rod is rotatably connected to the synchronous shaft. The first connecting rod is rotatably connected to the fixed plate. The first connecting rod and the second connecting rod are rotatably connected. A pop-out motor is installed on the fixed plate, and the output end of the pop-out motor is drivenly connected to the first connecting rod.
[0013] To better realize this utility model, a first one-way valve, a thermometer, and a barometer are further installed on the steam input pipe, and a second one-way valve is installed on the steam discharge pipe.
[0014] To better realize this utility model, a first air filter is installed on the steam input pipe, and a second air filter is installed on the steam discharge pipe.
[0015] Compared with the prior art, this utility model has the following advantages and beneficial effects:
[0016] (1) By setting up a waste heat recovery component, this utility model can use steam heat to heat the cooling water, and then use the cooling water with sufficient heat to provide a suitable fermentation environment for the fermentation tank; reduce the energy consumption of the heating component, make reasonable use of steam heat, and greatly reduce energy loss;
[0017] (2) By setting up a condenser tube assembly, the high-temperature steam will change direction once each time it is transferred between the inverted or upright condenser tubes after entering the condenser tubes. This reduces the flow rate of the high-temperature steam and prolongs its residence time in the condenser tube assembly, thereby improving the condensation effect. Furthermore, due to gravity, the condensate will flow out smoothly and will not accumulate in the condenser tube assembly.
[0018] (3) By setting a replacement part, the filter frame and the bottom of the exhaust window are at a certain distance. Even if the filter is clogged, the condensate will not overflow from the exhaust window in a short time. Moreover, by using the pop-out function of the filter frame, it is more convenient for users to replace the filter. Attached Figure Description
[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model.
[0020] Figure 2 This is a frontal view of the overall structure of this utility model.
[0021] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the overall structure of this utility model.
[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the condenser tube assembly.
[0023] Figure 5 Schematic diagrams of inverted and upright condenser tubes.
[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the condensate collection box and filter frame structure.
[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the ejector section structure.
[0026] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Enlarged view of a localized area at point A.
[0027] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the pop-up state of the filter frame.
[0028] Wherein: 1-Fermentation tank; 2-Waste heat recovery assembly; 3-Steam generator; 4-Pipeline assembly; 201-Tank body; 202-Heat exchange tube; 203-Condensate collection box; 204-Heating assembly; 205-Inverted condenser tube; 206-Upright condenser tube; 207-Center connecting pipe; 208-Side connecting pipe; 209-Exhaust vent; 210-Pop-up motor; 211-Filter screen; 212-Filter screen frame; 213-Fixed... Fixed plate; 214-Synchronous shaft; 215-Ejector rod; 216-First connecting rod; 217-Second connecting rod; 218-First slider; 219-Second slider; 401-Steam input pipe; 402-First check valve; 403-First air filter; 404-Thermometer; 405-Barometer; 406-Second air filter; 407-Steam discharge pipe; 408-Second check valve; 409-Condensate return pipe. Detailed Implementation
[0029] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0030] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.
[0031] Example 1:
[0032] This embodiment provides an improved sterilization device for fermenters, specifically as follows: Figures 1-5 As shown, it includes:
[0033] Steam generator 3 is used to generate high-temperature steam for sterilization of fermenter 1. Steam generator 3 is a commercially available product, and its working principle and structure are clear to those skilled in the art, so they will not be described in detail here.
[0034] Waste heat recovery component 2 is used to provide stable heat for fermentation in fermenter 1 and to recover the steam discharged from fermenter 1. Waste heat recovery component 2 includes a tank body 201 with an external insulation layer. The tank body 201 is equipped with heat exchange tubes 202, a heating element 204, a circulation pump, and a condensate collection box 203. The heating element 204 is an electric heating wire. The circulation pump pumps cooling water from the tank body 201 into the heat exchange tubes 202 and then returns it to the tank body 201. A condenser tube assembly is installed in the tank body 201, with one end connected to the condensate collection box 203. An exhaust window 209 is provided on the condensate collection box 203 for gas discharge.
[0035] Piping assembly 4 is used to transport steam generated in steam generator 3 to fermenter 1 and steam discharged from fermenter 1 to waste heat recovery assembly 2. Piping assembly 4 includes steam input pipe 401 and steam discharge pipe 407. Steam input pipe 401 connects the steam output end of steam generator 3 to the air inlet end of fermenter 1. Steam discharge pipe 407 connects the exhaust end of fermenter 1 to the air inlet end of condenser tube assembly.
[0036] When sterilization of fermenter 1 is required, steam generator 3 is started. Steam generator 3 discharges steam into fermenter 1 through steam input pipe 401, and then flows into condenser tube group from steam discharge pipe 407. At this time, cooling water in tank 201 begins to condense the steam in condenser tube group, and the steam begins to liquefy. Then it is discharged from condenser tube group and collected by condensate collection box 203. During the steam condensation process, the heat of the steam is transferred to the cooling water through condenser tube group, causing the cooling water to heat up. Since the circulation pump is not started during this period, although the temperature of the cooling water in heat exchange tube 202 is higher, it will not flow into tank 201; therefore, it will not affect the condensation effect. After sterilization is completed, steam generator 3 is stopped. When sterilization is complete and materials are ready for fermentation, the circulation pump in tank 201 starts, sending cooling water from tank 201 into heat exchange tube 202. The higher-temperature cooling water in heat exchange tube 202 flows back into tank 201 to mix, increasing the temperature of the cooling water in tank 201 and reducing the load on heating component 204. Heat exchange tube 202 is spirally wrapped around the outer wall of fermenter 1. Initially, when cooling water passes through fermenter 1, the temperature of fermenter 1 is higher than that of cooling water because it has undergone high-temperature steam sterilization. Therefore, the cooling water in heat exchange tube 202 quickly lowers the temperature of fermenter 1 until it reaches a suitable range. After that, materials are added for fermentation. At this time, the temperature of fermenter 1 begins to be lower than the temperature of cooling water in heat exchange tube 202. The heat from the cooling water is transferred to fermenter 1, thus maintaining the temperature of fermenter 1 within a stable range. Heating component 204 continuously heats the cooling water to ensure that the cooling water in tank 201 has sufficient heat to maintain the fermentation environment of fermenter 1.
[0037] Through the above settings, the waste heat recovery component 2 can use steam heat to heat the cooling water, and then use the cooling water with sufficient heat to provide a suitable fermentation environment for the fermenter 1; reduce the energy consumption of the heating component 204, make reasonable use of steam heat, and greatly reduce energy loss.
[0038] Example 2:
[0039] This embodiment further expands upon the above embodiment by modifying the condenser tube assembly, specifically as follows: Figures 4-5 As shown, the condenser tube assembly includes multiple alternating inverted condenser tubes 205 and upright condenser tubes 206, as well as a central connecting pipe 207 and a side connecting pipe 208 for communication. The exhaust end of the inverted condenser tube 205 is connected to the air inlet end of the upright condenser tube 206 through the central connecting pipe 207, and the air inlet end of the inverted condenser tube 205 is connected to the exhaust end of the upright condenser tube 206 through the side connecting pipe 208. The upright condenser tube 206 and the inverted condenser tube 205 have opposite rotation directions.
[0040] After the high-temperature steam enters the inverted condenser 205 or the upright condenser 206, it changes direction each time it passes between the inverted condenser 205 and the upright condenser 206. This reduces the flow rate of the high-temperature steam and prolongs its residence time in the condenser assembly, thereby improving the condensation effect.
[0041] Preferably, the spiral paths of both the inverted condenser tube 205 and the upright condenser tube 206 are conical, making the height of the inlet end higher than that of the exhaust end. After the high-temperature steam condenses, the condensate will adhere to the tube wall of the condenser tube assembly. Due to the conical design of the inverted condenser tube 205 and the upright condenser tube 206, the condensate will flow out smoothly under the action of gravity and will not accumulate in the condenser tube assembly.
[0042] The other parts of this embodiment are the same as those in the above embodiments, and will not be described again.
[0043] Example 3:
[0044] This embodiment further extends the above embodiment, specifically as follows: Figure 2 , Figure 6 As shown, the condensate collection box 203 is equipped with a filter frame 212, and a filter screen 211 is installed on the filter frame 212. The pipeline assembly 4 also includes a condensate return pipe 409, on which a water pump is installed. The condensate return pipe 409 connects the bottom of the condensate collection box 203 to the water inlet of the steam generator 3, enabling the condensate in the waste heat recovery assembly 2 to be transported to the steam generator 3 for recycling. By filtering the condensate through the filter screen 211 and then recycling it, water consumption can be reduced.
[0045] Preferred, such as Figures 7-9 As shown, the condensate collection box 203 is provided with a replacement part for popping out the filter frame 212 for the user to replace the filter 211; the replacement part includes a fixing plate 213, a pop-out rod 215, a first connecting rod 216, and a second connecting rod 217. The fixing plate 213 is installed on the inner wall of the condensate collection box 203, and the fixing plate 213 is provided with an arc-shaped sliding groove and a vertical sliding groove, one end of the arc-shaped sliding groove communicating with the middle of the vertical sliding groove; the pop-out rod 215 is installed on the filter frame 212, and the first sliding rod 216 is installed on the pop-out rod 217. Block 218 and second slider 219 are provided. The first slider 218 slides on the upper part of the vertical slide groove, and the second slider 219 slides on the lower part of the vertical slide groove and in the arc-shaped slide groove. A synchronous shaft 214 is installed on the pop-out rod 215. The second connecting rod 217 is rotatably connected to the synchronous shaft 214. The first connecting rod 216 is rotatably connected to the fixed plate 213. The first connecting rod 216 and the second connecting rod 217 are rotatably connected. A pop-out motor 210 is installed on the fixed plate 213. The output end of the pop-out motor 210 is connected to the first connecting rod 216 in a transmission connection.
[0046] The user can observe the filtration status of the filter screen 211 through the exhaust window 209. When the filter screen 211 needs to be replaced, the pop-out motor 210 is activated. At this time, the pop-out motor 210 drives the first connecting rod 216 to rotate, the first connecting rod 216 drives the second connecting rod 217 to move, the second connecting rod 217 pushes the synchronous shaft 214, and the synchronous shaft 214 pushes the two pop-out rods 215. At this time, the first slider 218 and the second slider 219 both move upward in the vertical slide groove, that is, the pop-out rods 215 drive the filter screen frame 212 upward until the first slider 218 moves to the top of the vertical slide groove. At this time, the second connecting rod 217 continues to push, causing the second slider 219 to begin to slide into the arc-shaped slide groove. At this time, the pop-out rods 215 begin to drive the filter screen frame 212 to rotate and move out from the exhaust window 209 until the second slider 219 moves to the end of the arc-shaped slide groove. At this time, the state of the filter screen frame 212 is as follows. Figure 9 As shown, the staff can replace the filter 211, then the pop-out motor 210 reverses, the filter frame 212 begins to reset, and then normal operation begins.
[0047] With the above settings, there is a certain distance between the filter frame 212 and the bottom of the exhaust window 209, so that even if the filter 211 is clogged, condensate will not overflow from the exhaust window 209 in a short time; and with the pop-out function of the filter frame 212, it is more convenient for users to replace the filter 211.
[0048] The other parts of this embodiment are the same as those in the above embodiments, and will not be described again.
[0049] Example 4:
[0050] This embodiment further expands the piping component 4 based on the above embodiment, specifically as follows: Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, a first one-way valve 402, a thermometer 404, and a barometer 405 are installed on the steam inlet pipe 401, and a second one-way valve 408 is installed on the steam outlet pipe 407. By setting the first one-way valve 402 and the second one-way valve 408, the steam can only flow in one direction, preventing backflow. The thermometer 404 and the barometer 405 allow users to easily observe the steam pressure and temperature, facilitating real-time adjustments based on actual conditions. A first air filter 403 is installed on the steam inlet pipe 401, and a second air filter 406 is installed on the steam outlet pipe 407. The first air filter 403 and the second air filter 406 purify and filter the steam, improving its purity. The first one-way valve 402, the first air filter 403, the thermometer 404, the barometer 405, the second air filter 406, and the second one-way valve 408 are all commercially available products; their structure and principles will not be described in detail here.
[0051] The other parts of this embodiment are the same as those in the above embodiments, and will not be described again.
[0052] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model in any way. Any simple modifications or equivalent changes made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present utility model shall fall within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. An improved sterilization device for fermenters, characterized in that, include: Steam generator (3), the steam generator (3) is used to generate high-temperature steam for sterilization operation of fermenter (1); Waste heat recovery component (2) is used to provide the heat required for stable fermentation in fermenter (1) and to recover the steam discharged from fermenter (1); the waste heat recovery component (2) includes a tank body (201), on which heat exchange tubes (202), heating components (204), circulation pump, and condensate collection box (203) are provided. The circulation pump pumps the cooling water in the tank body (201) into the heat exchange tubes (202) and then returns it to the tank body (201); a condenser tube group is provided in the tank body (201), one end of which is connected to the condensate collection box (203), and an exhaust window (209) is opened on the condensate collection box (203); Piping assembly (4), the piping assembly (4) is used to transport the steam generated in the steam generator (3) to the fermenter (1) and to transport the steam discharged from the fermenter (1) to the waste heat recovery assembly (2); the piping assembly (4) includes a steam input pipe (401) and a steam discharge pipe (407), the steam input pipe (401) connects the steam output end of the steam generator (3) to the air inlet end of the fermenter (1), and the steam discharge pipe (407) connects the exhaust end of the fermenter (1) to the air inlet end of the condenser tube assembly.
2. The improved sterilization device for a fermenter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The condenser assembly includes multiple alternating inverted condenser tubes (205), upright condenser tubes (206), and a central connecting pipe (207) and a side connecting pipe (208) for connection. The exhaust end of the inverted condenser tube (205) is connected to the intake end of the upright condenser tube (206) through the central connecting pipe (207), and the intake end of the inverted condenser tube (205) is connected to the exhaust end of the upright condenser tube (206) through the side connecting pipe (208). The upright condenser tube (206) and the inverted condenser tube (205) rotate in opposite directions.
3. The improved sterilization device for a fermenter according to claim 2, characterized in that: The spiral paths of the inverted condenser (205) and the upright condenser (206) are both conical, making the height of the intake end higher than that of the exhaust end.
4. An improved sterilization device for fermenters according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: The condensate collection box (203) is provided with a filter frame (212), and a filter (211) is provided on the filter frame (212). The pipeline assembly (4) also includes a condensate return pipe (409), and a water pump is provided on the condensate return pipe (409). The condensate return pipe (409) connects the bottom of the condensate collection box (203) to the water inlet of the steam generator (3), so that the condensate in the waste heat recovery assembly (2) can be transported to the steam generator (3) for recycling.
5. The improved sterilization device for a fermenter according to claim 4, characterized in that: The condensate collection box (203) is provided with a replacement part for popping out the filter frame (212) for the user to replace the filter (211); the replacement part includes a fixing plate (213), a pop-out rod (215), a first connecting rod (216), and a second connecting rod (217). The fixing plate (213) is installed on the inner wall of the condensate collection box (203). The fixing plate (213) is provided with an arc-shaped sliding groove and a vertical sliding groove. One end of the arc-shaped sliding groove is connected to the middle of the vertical sliding groove. The pop-out rod (215) is installed on the filter frame (212), and a first slider (218) is installed on the pop-out rod (215). The first slider (218) slides on the upper part of the vertical slide groove, and the second slider (219) slides on the lower part of the vertical slide groove and in the arc-shaped slide groove; a synchronous shaft (214) is installed on the pop-out rod (215), the second connecting rod (217) is rotatably connected to the synchronous shaft (214), the first connecting rod (216) is rotatably connected to the fixed plate (213), the first connecting rod (216) and the second connecting rod (217) are rotatably connected, and a pop-out motor (210) is installed on the fixed plate (213), and the output end of the pop-out motor (210) is connected to the first connecting rod (216) in a transmission connection.
6. The improved sterilization device for a fermenter according to claim 4, characterized in that: A first check valve (402), a thermometer (404), and a barometer (405) are installed on the steam input pipe (401), and a second check valve (408) is installed on the steam discharge pipe (407).
7. The improved sterilization device for a fermenter according to claim 4, characterized in that: A first air filter (403) is installed on the steam input pipe (401), and a second air filter (406) is installed on the steam discharge pipe (407).