Aronia melanocarpa fruit vinegar brewing equipment with filtering function

Abstract

The utility model relates to aronia melanocarpa fruit vinegar brewing equipment with a filtering function, which comprises a cleaning device, a fermentation tank and a storage tank, the tail end of the cleaning device is connected with a feed port of the fermentation tank, a stirring device is arranged in the fermentation tank, an exhaust valve is further arranged on the fermentation tank, and the storage tank is connected with the exhaust valve. The bottom of the fermentation tank is connected with a multi-layer filtering mechanism, a sampling pipeline is further arranged at the bottom of the fermentation tank, the output end of the multi-layer filtering mechanism is connected with a storage tank, and the filtering mechanism on the uppermost layer is a coarse filtering mechanism. The aronia melanocarpa fruit vinegar brewing equipment integrates raw material pretreatment, aronia melanocarpa fermentation and efficient filtration, the quality and production efficiency of fruit vinegar are improved, manual intervention is reduced, integrated production of fruit vinegar brewing is achieved, and the quality and yield of fruit vinegar are improved. After the equipment is popularized, aronia melanocarpa farmers can be promoted to increase income.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of fruit vinegar brewing technology, and more specifically, to a black chokeberry fruit vinegar brewing device with a filtration function. Background Technology

[0002] Liaoning Province, a major planting base for black chokeberry, had a planting area of ​​50,000 mu (approximately 3,333 hectares) in 2023, but the deep processing conversion rate was less than 30%. Black chokeberry fruit is rich in functional components such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, and the resulting vinegar has various health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and blood sugar and lipid regulation effects. Currently, most vinegar production equipment on the market is general-purpose, lacking specialized equipment tailored to the characteristics of black chokeberry. Traditional black chokeberry vinegar brewing processes suffer from numerous problems, such as: fruit residue affecting vinegar quality; low filtration and separation efficiency, failing to effectively remove impurities and bacteria, thus affecting the clarity and stability of the vinegar. Utility Model Content

[0003] In response to the aforementioned technical problems, a black chokeberry vinegar brewing device with filtration function is provided.

[0004] The technical means adopted in this utility model are as follows:

[0005] A black chokeberry vinegar brewing device with filtration function includes a cleaning device, a fermentation tank, and a storage tank. The end of the cleaning device is connected to the feed inlet of the fermentation tank. The fermentation tank is equipped with a stirring device and an exhaust valve. The bottom of the fermentation tank is connected to a multi-layer filtration mechanism, and a sampling pipe is also provided at the bottom. The output end of the multi-layer filtration mechanism is connected to the storage tank, with the uppermost filtration mechanism being a coarse filtration mechanism. The exhaust valve balances the pressure inside the tank during feeding, preventing material overflow and releasing carbon dioxide produced during fermentation. Under normal operating conditions, the opening can be manually adjusted using the stainless steel exhaust valve. The fermentation tank of this invention is made of food-grade stainless steel with a polished inner surface.

[0006] Furthermore, the cleaning device is connected to the fermentation tank via an inclined transport pipeline, and a gate valve is installed at the end of the transport pipeline.

[0007] Furthermore, the stirring device includes a stirring motor and a stirring rod, with several stirring blades provided on the stirring rod.

[0008] Furthermore, the coarse filtration mechanism includes a 304 stainless steel filter screen with a preset particle size.

[0009] Furthermore, a fine filtration mechanism and a membrane filtration mechanism are also provided at the bottom of the coarse filtration mechanism.

[0010] Compared with existing technologies, this utility model has the following advantages: This utility model designs a black chokeberry vinegar brewing equipment that integrates raw material pretreatment, black chokeberry fermentation, and high-efficiency filtration, improving the quality and production efficiency of the vinegar, reducing manual intervention, realizing integrated production of vinegar, and increasing both the quality and yield of the vinegar. After the equipment is promoted, it can help black chokeberry growers increase their income. Attached Figure Description

[0011] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of 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 some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an optional embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] In the diagram: 1. Cleaning device; 2. Fermentation tank; 3. Multi-layer filtration mechanism; 4. Storage tank; 5. Stirring device; 6. Exhaust valve; 7. First sampling valve; 8. Coarse filtration mechanism; 9. Fine filtration mechanism; 10. Membrane filtration mechanism; 11. First valve; 12. Second valve; 13. Third valve; 14. Fourth valve; 15. Rinse water pump; 16. Rinse water pipe; 17. Water tank; 18. Crushing device; 19. Heating rod; 20. Air inlet valve; 21. High-pressure air source; 22. Ultraviolet sterilization device. Detailed Implementation

[0015] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other. The present utility model will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0016] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit this utility model or its application or use. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0017] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to the present invention. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0018] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps described in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this invention. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0019] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" is usually based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this utility model. The directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0020] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "over," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation besides the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is inverted, a device described as "above" or "above" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0021] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore cannot be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown in the figure, this utility model embodiment discloses a black chokeberry vinegar brewing device with a filtration function, including a cleaning device 1, a fermentation tank 2, and a storage tank 4. The end of the cleaning device 1 is connected to the inlet of the fermentation tank 2. The fermentation tank 2 is equipped with a stirring device 5 and an exhaust valve 6. The bottom / outlet of the fermentation tank 2 is connected to a multi-layer filtration mechanism 3. A sampling pipe is also provided at the bottom of the fermentation tank, and a first sampling valve 7 is provided on the sampling pipe. The bottom / outlet of the multi-layer filtration mechanism 3 is connected to the storage tank 4, and the uppermost filtration mechanism is a coarse filtration mechanism 8. The vinegar described in this embodiment and background art is black chokeberry. Other seedless fruits that can be directly fermented into vinegar, such as blueberries, can also be used to brew vinegar using this device.

[0023] Traditional fruit vinegar production, taking apple cider vinegar as an example, requires washing, slicing, or crushing processes because apples are much larger and harder than the black chokeberry fruit targeted by this invention. This invention, however, addresses the characteristics of black chokeberry by only including a washing step in the initial stage. During fermentation, the accumulated black chokeberry fruit is crushed by a stirring device and the addition of pre-activated acetic acid bacteria, reducing the overall process and the floor space required for the equipment.

[0024] like Figure 2As shown in this embodiment, the cleaning device includes a raw material bin, which is connected to a rinsing water pipe 16. By starting the rinsing water pump 15 connected to the rinsing water pipe, the rinsing water is used to rinse the black chokeberry raw material.

[0025] As an optional implementation, a filter screen and a drain pipe can also be installed at the bottom of the raw material silo. The drain pipe is connected to the water tank 17 of the flushing water pump for flushing with circulating water, ensuring the reuse of water resources in the device.

[0026] The cleaning device removes impurities such as mud and pesticide residues from the surface of the fruit.

[0027] Of course, as another optional implementation, a pretreatment pulverizing device 18 can be installed between the washing device and the fermentation tank to pulverize the black chokeberry fruit into a suitable particle size for subsequent fermentation. The pulverizing device can be a blade, which pulverizes the fruit. This adapts to different fermentation process requirements.

[0028] In this embodiment, the cleaning device is connected to the fermentation tank via an inclined transport pipeline. After rinsing the water pipe, the worker sends the rinsed black chokeberry fruit into the transport pipeline. A gate valve, serving as a first valve 11, is installed at the end of the transport pipeline. The transport pipeline can be transparent to monitor the delivery of the black chokeberry fruit. The amount of black chokeberry fruit entering the fermentation tank is controlled by opening and closing the gate valve. Alternatively, a blocking valve, serving as a fourth valve 14, can be installed between the gate valve and the fermentation tank to prevent backflow into the transport pipeline during the brewing process. During fermentation, the fourth valve 14 is normally closed.

[0029] The fermentation tank, as the core reaction vessel, is used to contain black chokeberry fruit and microbial inoculum. The internal stirring device can fully mix the raw materials and microbial inoculum, creating a suitable environment for microbial growth and promoting the fermentation process of fruit vinegar.

[0030] In this embodiment, the stirring device includes a stirring motor and a stirring rod, with several stirring blades mounted on the stirring rod. The stirring device used in this embodiment can be a common stirring device from the prior art. A heating device, specifically a heating rod 19, can be installed in the fermentation tank. The input end of the heating rod is connected to an external power source. Of course, in this configuration, if the heating rod spans the inside and outside of the fermentation tank, a sealing device is required. Alternatively, a heating device integrated into the stirring blades can be used. The main purpose is to maintain the internal fermentation temperature under certain fermentation conditions. For example, in the initial fermentation stage, the temperature is set at 28°C, the stirring speed at 60 r / min, and this is maintained for 48 hours; in the main fermentation stage, the temperature is adjusted to 30°C, and the stirring speed is reduced to 40 r / min, maintaining this for 72 hours.

[0031] The exhaust valve can be used to discharge carbon dioxide produced during fermentation. In some optional embodiments, the exhaust valve can be connected to a high-pressure gas source as an inlet valve for adding gas into the fermenter, which can be switched according to the actual usage scenario. Of course, an additional inlet valve 20 can also be set to achieve the above function. Similarly, the inlet valve 20 is connected to the high-pressure gas source 21.

[0032] As an optional implementation, the bottom of the fermenter is conical, and its bottom is connected to a multi-layer filtration mechanism via a gate valve (second valve 12). The multi-layer filtration mechanism is a cylindrical chamber with mounting components for installing each filtration mechanism on its inner wall. In this embodiment, the coarse filtration mechanism includes a 304 stainless steel filter screen with a preset particle size, intercepting fruit pomace with a diameter greater than 1 mm. The mounting components can be hook structures. Of course, the multi-layer filtration mechanism is sealed during production and is also equipped with removable end caps for replacing each filtration mechanism. Similarly, the fermenter and storage tank also have end caps to facilitate subsequent maintenance.

[0033] In this embodiment, a fine filtration mechanism 9 and a membrane filtration mechanism 10 are also provided at the bottom of the coarse filtration mechanism. The fine filtration uses a food-grade polypropylene filter element with a filtration accuracy of 20μm to remove suspended solids; the membrane filtration uses a ceramic membrane or a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane with a filtration accuracy of up to 0.1μm, which can completely retain microorganisms such as E. coli and yeast, making the turbidity of the fruit vinegar lower than 0.3NTU and the clarity reach 99%, ensuring the quality of the fruit vinegar. The membrane filtration layer, according to the set configuration, efficiently retains impurities such as bacteria and large molecular colloids.

[0034] As an optional implementation, an ultraviolet sterilization device 22 is installed on the pipeline connecting the output end of the multi-layer filtration mechanism and the storage tank. After the filtered fruit vinegar is sterilized by ultraviolet light, it flows into the finished product storage tank and is packaged through the quantitative filling system at the output end of the storage tank.

[0035] Furthermore, the sampling pipeline is the first set of sampling pipelines, equipped with a first sampling valve for testing the fruit vinegar during brewing. Two sampling valves can be installed (i.e., the second sampling valve below the first sampling valve in the diagram). First, the upper sampling valve is opened; after the sample flows down, the upper sampling valve is closed, and then the lower sampling valve is opened to complete the sampling, preventing contamination of the internal environment during the sampling process. Once the sampling shows that the fruit vinegar meets the standards, the gate valve is opened, and the filtration stage begins. The vinegar flows by gravity. Of course, to prevent the pressure in the fermentation tank from remaining balanced, a certain degree of venting valve can be opened during this process.

[0036] Of course, a second sampling pipeline can be added to the bottom of the multi-layer filtration membrane filtration mechanism, and a sampling valve can be installed on it to monitor the quality of the fruit vinegar after three layers of filtration.

[0037] As an expandable implementation, a high-pressure gas source can be connected to the filtration stage via an exhaust valve to provide pressure during filtration. This pressure allows the fermented juice to pass smoothly through each level of the filter cartridge device, improving filtration efficiency and ensuring that the liquid can effectively penetrate filter cartridges of different precision to remove impurities.

[0038] A gate valve, serving as a third valve 13, is installed between the bottom of the fermentation tank and the storage tank. After the sampling of the first sampling pipeline or the second sampling pipeline shows that the fruit vinegar meets the standards, the valve is opened, and after filtration, the finished fruit vinegar is stored.

[0039] In some optional implementations, a radar level gauge can be installed inside the tank to prevent the sample inside the tank from exceeding the preset level. Of course, as an optional implementation, an inspection hole can also be installed on the fermenter to monitor the internal materials.

[0040] As an optional implementation, temperature and humidity sensors, pH sensors, and pressure sensors are installed inside the fermentation tank to monitor fermentation environment data in real time. Instruments are also installed on the fermentation tank to monitor parameters such as temperature, humidity, pressure, and dissolved oxygen in real time. Operators can manually adjust relevant equipment and valves to ensure the fermentation process proceeds under suitable conditions. The above-mentioned devices are commonly used in the fruit vinegar brewing industry, and their installation location can be adjusted according to the actual application scenario; they are not shown in the accompanying drawings of this embodiment.

[0041] Specifically, the aforementioned temperature sensor is installed on the inner wall of the fermenter to monitor the temperature in real time during the fermentation process. Because the growth and metabolism of microorganisms during fermentation are highly sensitive to temperature, a suitable temperature is essential for successful fermentation; therefore, precise measurement and control are necessary, such as maintaining the temperature at 28-30℃.

[0042] A pH sensor is installed in the solution inside the fermentation tank to monitor the acidity or alkalinity of the fermentation broth. During fruit vinegar fermentation, the pH value changes as microbial metabolites accumulate; monitoring the pH value helps determine the fermentation progress.

[0043] A dissolved oxygen sensor, installed at the bottom or side of the fermenter near the liquid, is used to detect the dissolved oxygen content in the fermentation broth. Microorganisms have different oxygen requirements at different fermentation stages. Acetic acid bacteria require a certain amount of oxygen for growth and reproduction in the early stages, while their oxygen requirements change during the later acid-producing stages. Monitoring dissolved oxygen allows for adjustment of the aeration rate.

[0044] A pressure sensor, installed on the connection to the fermentation tank, monitors the pressure inside the tank. This helps determine if pipes are blocked, if equipment is operating normally, and prevents equipment damage or disruption to the fruit vinegar production process due to abnormal pressure.

[0045] The above setup is sufficient to successfully brew black chokeberry vinegar. As a more intelligent and automated extension, a controller can be set up for automatic control. The controller is electrically connected to the temperature and humidity sensor, pH sensor, and pressure sensor. Based on preset standard values, it automatically starts the heating device, stirring and regulating system, and controls the pressure relief for correction. In this case, the exhaust valve must be an electric valve, which is electrically connected to the controller.

[0046] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A black chokeberry vinegar brewing device with a filtration function, characterized in that, The system includes a cleaning device, a fermentation tank, and a storage tank. The end of the cleaning device is connected to the feed inlet of the fermentation tank. The fermentation tank is equipped with a stirring device inside and an exhaust valve. The bottom of the fermentation tank is connected to a multi-layer filtration mechanism and a sampling pipe is also provided at the bottom of the fermentation tank. The output end of the multi-layer filtration mechanism is connected to the storage tank, and the uppermost filtration mechanism is a coarse filtration mechanism.

2. The black chokeberry vinegar brewing equipment with filtration function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cleaning device is connected to the fermentation tank via an inclined transport pipeline, and a gate valve is installed at the end of the transport pipeline.

3. The black chokeberry vinegar brewing equipment with filtration function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stirring device includes a stirring motor and a stirring rod, and several stirring blades are provided on the stirring rod.

4. The black chokeberry vinegar brewing equipment with filtration function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The coarse filtration mechanism includes a 304 stainless steel filter screen with a preset particle size.

5. The black chokeberry vinegar brewing equipment with filtration function according to claim 1, characterized in that, At the bottom of the coarse filtration mechanism, a fine filtration mechanism and a membrane filtration mechanism are also provided.

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