Gas humidifying tower, gas temperature and humidity regulation and control system and solid-state fermentation equipment

By designing a gas humidification tower and utilizing direct gas-liquid contact, the problem of impurity introduction in air humidification technology is solved, achieving a uniform and stable humidification effect and meeting the industrial production needs of high-purity microbial strains.

CN224167284UActive Publication Date: 2026-04-28YANAN UNIV
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
YANAN UNIV
Filing Date
2025-05-12
Publication Date
2026-04-28

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing air humidification technology can easily introduce impurities into fermentation production, leading to unstable equipment operation and affecting the stability of the fermentation process and product quality.

Method used

Design a gas humidification tower, including a tower body, gas distribution structure, sieve plate and packing layer, to achieve humidification through direct gas-liquid contact. The porous structure is used to improve the gas-liquid contact area and mass transfer efficiency, ensuring the uniformity and purity of the humidification process.

Benefits of technology

It provides a uniform, stable, and sterile humidified environment, meeting the industrial production needs of high-purity microbial strains, reducing maintenance costs, and improving the stability of the fermentation process.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of solid state fermentation, and discloses a gas humidifying tower, a gas temperature and humidity regulation and control system and solid state fermentation equipment, the gas humidifying tower comprises a tower body with an accommodating cavity, a gas distribution structure for introducing gas into the accommodating cavity, and a sieve plate positioned above the gas distribution structure and supported on the inner wall surface of the tower body, a filler layer is arranged on the sieve plate, the top of the filler layer is lower than the lowest liquid level in the containing cavity, and gas introduced from the gas distribution structure penetrates through the filler layer and then is discharged from the position above the liquid level in the containing cavity. According to the scheme, the air distribution structure ensures the uniformity of humidity adjustment; the gas-liquid contact efficiency is improved through the filler layer, and the humidifying effect is enhanced. The gas humidified by the gas humidifying tower is uniform in humidity distribution and high in purity, and the industrial production requirement for high strain purity is met.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of solid-state fermentation, specifically to a gas humidification tower, a gas temperature and humidity control system including the air humidifier, and a solid-state fermentation device including the gas temperature and humidity control system. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of fermentation engineering, solid-state fermentation is an important production method, widely used in the production of traditional foods and condiments such as liquor, soy sauce, vinegar, natto, and fermented black beans, as well as in the manufacture of fungal spore pesticides, silage, and some enzyme preparations. In aerobic solid-state fermentation, air plays a crucial role as the mobile phase, primarily in three aspects: providing oxygen for microbial growth and metabolism, removing heat and volatile products generated during metabolism, and maintaining the moisture content of the fermentation material by regulating air humidity.

[0003] However, existing air humidification technologies have many shortcomings in practical applications of fermentation production. For example, commonly used humidification methods such as nozzle spraying and ultrasonic atomization require regular cleaning of nozzles or atomizing plates to prevent clogging and scaling due to impurities in the water. This not only increases maintenance costs but may also lead to unstable equipment operation, thereby affecting the stability of the fermentation process and product quality.

[0004] Therefore, in order to improve the efficiency and product quality of solid-state fermentation while reducing energy consumption and production costs, it is urgent to improve existing air humidification technology. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problem that existing technologies easily introduce impurities and microorganisms when humidifying air, thereby disrupting the sterile state of the air.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a gas humidification tower, which includes a tower body with a receiving cavity, a gas distribution structure for introducing gas into the receiving cavity, and a sieve plate located above the gas distribution structure and supported on the inner wall of the tower body. A packing layer is provided on the sieve plate, and the top of the packing layer is lower than the lowest liquid level in the receiving cavity. The gas introduced by the gas distribution structure passes through the packing layer and is discharged from above the liquid level in the receiving cavity.

[0007] Optionally, the tower body is provided with multiple sets of gas distribution structures, sieve plates and packing layers that are spaced apart in the vertical direction.

[0008] Optionally, the gas distribution structure includes a connecting straight pipe and a gas distribution annular pipe. The connecting straight pipe is configured to receive gas from the outside of the tower and connect to the gas distribution annular pipe. The top wall of the gas distribution annular pipe is provided with an outlet channel that connects to the receiving cavity.

[0009] The second aspect of this utility model provides a gas temperature and humidity control system, which includes a gas humidification tower and a pipeline system. The pipeline system includes an inlet pipeline, an outlet pipeline, and multiple control valves for adjusting the flow rate or on / off state within the pipeline. The inlet pipeline includes a gas humidification pipeline connected to a gas distribution structure, and the outlet pipeline includes a humidified gas pipeline connected to the space above the liquid surface within the containment cavity.

[0010] Optionally, the gas temperature and humidity control system also includes a liquid storage tank, and the piping system also includes a liquid replenishment pipeline connecting the gas humidification tower and the liquid storage tank. A liquid replenishment pump is installed on the liquid replenishment pipeline to pump the liquid in the liquid storage tank into the gas humidification tower.

[0011] Optionally, the gas temperature and humidity control system also includes a weighing module located at the bottom of the gas humidification tower and a level controller connected to the weighing module and the replenishment pump. The level controller can control the opening or closing of the replenishment pump based on the weight signal fed back by the weighing module.

[0012] Optionally, the piping system also includes a steam line for conveying steam to the gas humidification tower, the storage tank, the inlet line, the outlet line, and the replenishment line.

[0013] Optionally, both the gas humidification tower and the liquid storage tank are equipped with a pressure gauge to monitor the steam pressure, a temperature sensor to monitor the water temperature, and a vent pipe. The vent pipe is equipped with a vent valve, which is used to discharge excess gas in the gas humidification tower and the liquid storage tank before the steam is transported through the steam pipeline.

[0014] Optionally, the gas temperature and humidity control system also includes a heater and a temperature controller. The heater is located inside the gas humidification tower and below the gas distribution structure. The temperature controller can control the heater to turn on or off based on the temperature signal fed back by the temperature sensor.

[0015] The third aspect of this utility model provides a solid-state fermentation device, which includes a solid-state fermentation tank and a gas temperature and humidity control system. The gas temperature and humidity control system introduces humidifying gas into the solid-state fermentation tank through a humidified gas pipeline.

[0016] Through the aforementioned technical solution, sterile air, upon entering the gas humidification tower, is first evenly distributed through a gas distribution structure, ensuring uniform and stable humidity regulation during the humidification process. Next, the air passes through the packing layer, fully contacting and absorbing moisture from the liquid (such as sterile water) within the packing layer, thus completing humidification. In this process, the packing layer improves the gas-liquid contact efficiency, enhancing the humidification effect. Finally, the humidified air exiting the tower exhibits uniform humidity distribution and high purity, providing an ideal sterile humidification environment for solid-state fermentation processes and meeting the industrial production requirements for high strain purity. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the gas temperature and humidity control system;

[0018] Figure 2 These are top views of some embodiments of the air distribution structure.

[0019] Figure 3 These are top views of some embodiments of the air distribution structure.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the gas distribution annular pipe;

[0021] Figure 5 These are partial structural schematic diagrams of some embodiments of solid-state fermentation equipment.

[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0023] 1. Tower body; 2. Gas distribution structure; 21. Connecting straight pipe; 22. Gas distribution ring pipe; 221. Gas outlet channel; 3. Sieve plate; 4. Packing layer; 51. Main air inlet pipe; 52. Gas humidification pipe; 53. Wet gas pipe; 531. Humidity sensor; 532. Heat-traced electric heater; 54. Liquid replenishment pipe; 541. Liquid replenishment pump; 55. First steam pipe; 56. Second steam pipe; 57. Third steam pipe; 61. Main air inlet valve; 62. First branch air inlet valve; 63. Second branch air inlet valve 64. Gas valve; 65. Gas distribution valve; 66. Main gas outlet valve; 67. Liquid replenishment valve; 68. Steam valve; 69. First steam valve; 60. Second steam valve; 610. Steam venting valve; 7. Bottom valve; 8. Liquid inlet valve; 91. Storage tank; 92. Weighing module; 10. Liquid level controller; 11. Temperature controller; 12. Pressure gauge; 13. Temperature sensor; 14. Vent valve; 15. Heater; 16. Gas sterilization filter; 17. Gas to be humidified; 18. Steam; 19. Solid-state fermentation tank. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The embodiments of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The detailed description of the following embodiments and the accompanying drawings are used to illustrate the principles of this utility model by way of example, but should not be used to limit the scope of this utility model. This utility model can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

[0025] These embodiments are provided to make the present invention thorough and complete, and to fully express the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement of components and steps, material composition, numerical expressions, and values ​​set forth in these embodiments should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limiting.

[0026] It should be noted that, in the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more; the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships, are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and 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 of this utility model. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0027] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and similar words used in this invention do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different parts. "Vertical" is not strictly vertical, but within the allowable error range. "Parallel" is not strictly parallel, but within the allowable error range. Words such as "including" or "comprising" mean that the element preceding the word encompasses the element listed after it, and do not exclude the possibility of encompassing other elements as well.

[0028] It should also be noted that, in the description of this utility model, 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 direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0029] All terms used in this invention have the same meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains, unless otherwise specifically defined. It should also be understood that terms defined in general dictionaries should be interpreted as having meanings consistent with their meanings in the context of the relevant art, and not as idealized or highly formalized, unless expressly defined herein.

[0030] Techniques, methods, and equipment known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, they should be considered part of the specification.

[0031] like Figure 1As shown, this utility model provides a gas humidification tower, which includes a tower body 1 with a receiving cavity, a gas distribution structure 2 for introducing gas into the receiving cavity, and a sieve plate 3 located above the gas distribution structure 2 and supported on the inner wall of the tower body 1. A packing layer 4 is provided on the sieve plate 3. The top of the packing layer 4 is lower than the lowest liquid level in the receiving cavity. The gas introduced by the gas distribution structure 2 passes through the packing layer 4 and is discharged from above the liquid level in the receiving cavity.

[0032] The gas introduced into the containment cavity of tower body 1 can be sterile air, and the liquid carried in the containment cavity can be sterile water, to ensure that the gas-liquid contact is completed in a sterile environment. Of course, the types of gas and liquid can be flexibly replaced according to actual needs. For example, the gas distribution structure 2 can be introduced with outside air, oxygen, or other specific gases, and the liquid to be contacted can also be selected as needed. These substitution methods are not limited here.

[0033] Specifically, the sieve plate 3 has multiple through holes evenly distributed on it. The function of the through holes is to ensure that the gas and liquid in the containment cavity of the tower body 1 can pass through the sieve plate 3 without obstruction, especially to ensure that the gas introduced by the gas distribution structure 2 can contact the packing layer 4 and finally be discharged from above the liquid surface in the containment cavity. Since the main function of the sieve plate 3 is to support the packing layer 4 above it, the diameter of the through holes on the sieve plate 3 must be smaller than the particle size of the packing to prevent the packing particles from passing through the through holes, thereby ensuring that the packing layer 4 can be stably formed and maintain its structural integrity.

[0034] The packing layer 4 has a porous structure, specifically referring to the complex spatial structure composed of numerous tiny pores within the packing layer. This porous structure significantly enhances the performance of the gas humidification tower by increasing the contact area, promoting gas-liquid mass transfer, and filtering and purifying the gas, enabling it to efficiently and stably complete the humidification task.

[0035] Specifically, the numerous micropores and surface areas provided by the porous structure significantly increase the contact area between the gas and liquid, allowing the gas to come into more thorough contact with the liquid as it passes through the packing layer. This improves the evaporation efficiency of the liquid and accelerates the humidification process. This increased contact area not only promotes gas-liquid mass transfer but also enables the gas to form complex flow paths within the packing layer, increasing the gas residence time and further enhancing the uniformity of humidification, thus preventing localized under-humidification or over-humidification.

[0036] The working principle of a gas humidification tower is based on direct gas-liquid contact to achieve gas humidification. The process includes three main stages: First, the required gas enters the humidification tower's containment chamber through the gas distribution structure and comes into contact with the pre-loaded liquid (usually water) inside the chamber, initiating the gas-liquid mixing process. Next, the gas flows upward within the containment chamber, passing through the packing layer. During this process, the gas and liquid mix thoroughly, and water molecules in the liquid diffuse into the gas through the gas-liquid interface, increasing the gas humidity. The packing layer significantly improves mass transfer efficiency by increasing the gas-liquid contact area. Finally, as the gas humidity increases, the gas gradually approaches saturation. When the gas reaches the desired humidity or saturation state, the humidification process is complete, and the humidified gas is discharged from above the liquid surface within the containment chamber.

[0037] Optionally, the tower body 1 is provided with multiple sets of gas distribution structures 2, sieve plates 3 and packing layers 4 that are spaced apart in the vertical direction.

[0038] Specifically, the purpose of the multiple-unit design is primarily to achieve flexible adjustment of the humidification level. Figure 1 As shown in the example, the tower body 1 has two sets of gas distribution structures 2, sieve plates 3, and packing layers 4 distributed vertically at intervals, which provides three main working states, including:

[0039] Low-level humidification: In this operating mode, the gas to be humidified 15 is injected only through the higher-positioned gas distribution structure 2. Due to the relatively short gas path, passing only through the upper packing layer 4, the degree of gas-liquid mixing is moderate. This mode is suitable for scenarios with low humidification requirements, where the contact time and exchange rate between gas and liquid do not need to be too high. Its main purpose is to provide basic humidification to meet applications with low humidification needs.

[0040] High-level humidification: In this operating mode, the gas to be humidified 15 is injected only through the lower-positioned gas distribution structure 2, allowing direct contact between the gas and liquid. As it flows upwards, it passes through both the lower and upper packing layers 4. This design ensures sufficient gas-liquid contact and a longer contact time, thereby improving humidification efficiency. It is suitable for applications with high humidification requirements, providing more comprehensive gas-liquid contact and humidification effects.

[0041] Medium-level humidification: In this operating mode, part of the gas to be humidified 15 is injected through the higher-positioned gas distribution structure 2, and the other part is injected through the lower-positioned gas distribution structure 2. Since the total flow rate remains constant, the humidification effect in this mode is between low-level and high-level humidification.

[0042] Optionally, combined Figures 2 to 4As shown, the gas distribution structure 2 includes a connecting straight pipe 21 and a gas distribution annular pipe 22. The connecting straight pipe 21 is configured to receive gas from the outside of the tower body 1 and connect to the gas distribution annular pipe 22. The top wall of the gas distribution annular pipe 22 is provided with an outlet channel 221 that connects to the receiving cavity.

[0043] Specifically, the connecting straight pipe 21 can partially extend to the outside of the tower body 1, allowing the gas distribution structure 2 to be supported on the tower body 1; the connecting straight pipe 21 can also be entirely located inside the tower body 1 with its free end connected to an external pipeline extending into the tower body 1 (such as the air inlet pipeline mentioned later). The connecting straight pipe 21 and the gas distribution annular pipe 22 can be integrally formed or detachably connected (such as chuck joint connection, ferrule pipe joint connection, flange connection, etc.). The integrally formed structure usually has higher strength and stability, while the detachably connected structure can be adjusted or modified according to different needs, possessing greater flexibility and adaptability. For example, Figure 2 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the air outlet channel 221 can be annular, and the annular air outlet channel 221 has a larger flow area compared with the conventional multi-outlet design; to further expand the flow area, the air outlet channel 221 can also be serrated.

[0044] The second aspect of this utility model provides a gas temperature and humidity control system, including a gas humidification tower and a pipeline system. The pipeline system includes an inlet pipeline, an outlet pipeline, and multiple control valves for adjusting the flow rate or on / off state within the pipeline. The inlet pipeline includes a gas humidification pipeline 52 connected to the gas distribution structure 2, and the outlet pipeline includes a humid gas pipeline 53 connected to the space above the liquid surface in the containment cavity.

[0045] Specifically, with Figure 1 As shown in the example, the output end of the main air intake pipe 51 is connected to the space above the liquid surface in the receiving cavity. A gas humidification pipe 52, which is connected to the gas distribution structure 2, branches off from the main air intake pipe 51 to directly introduce the gas to be humidified 15 into the liquid in the receiving cavity. A main air intake valve 61 is provided on the main air intake pipe 51; a first branch air intake valve 62 is provided between the output end of the main air intake pipe 51 and the input end of the gas humidification pipe 52; a second branch air intake valve 63 is provided on the gas humidification pipe 52; and a main air outlet valve 65 is provided on the humidified gas pipe 53.

[0046] The first sub-inlet valve 62 is mainly used to balance the humidity of the gas to be output to the outlet pipeline. Since the gas entering the containment cavity from the output end of the main inlet pipeline 51 is not humidified, when the humidity of the gas in the humid gas pipeline 53 is detected to be too high, the opening of the first sub-inlet valve 62 can be appropriately increased to increase the proportion of the total flow of the gas entering the containment cavity from the output end of the main inlet pipeline 51, thereby reducing the humidity of the gas to be output to the outlet pipeline, and vice versa.

[0047] Furthermore, a humidity sensor 531 for detecting humidity is installed on the humid gas pipeline 53. Additionally, considering that humidity sensors 531 generally have poor tolerance to high-temperature liquid water, preferably, as... Figure 5 As shown, the humidity sensor 531 can be connected to the humid gas pipeline 53 via a branch pipe. A heat-tracing electric heater 532 is installed on the branch pipe. Specifically, the branch pipe creates a relatively independent connection channel between the humidity sensor 531 and the humid gas pipeline 53, through which gas can be introduced for the humidity sensor to detect. During steam sterilization of the humid gas pipeline 53, the heat-tracing electric heater 532 heats the branch pipe to maintain its internal temperature and prevent the steam inside the branch pipe from condensing into liquid water due to cooling. This heating measure effectively prevents damage to the humidity sensor 531 from liquid water, improving its service life and detection stability. More preferably, the heat-tracing electric heater 532 can employ a constant temperature control mode to maintain the branch pipe at a preset high temperature, further preventing condensation.

[0048] Among them, the gas humidification pipeline 52 needs to be determined according to the arrangement of the gas distribution structure 2, the sieve plate 3, and the packing layer 4 to determine whether it branches and how many branches it is divided into. Figure 1 Two branches are formed, connecting the gas distribution structure 2 at a higher position and the gas distribution structure 2 at a lower position, respectively. Both branches are equipped with gas distribution valves 64. Of course, if the connecting straight pipe 21 of the gas distribution structure 2 extends to the outside of the tower body 1, the gas distribution valve 64 can also be installed on the connecting straight pipe 21 of that part.

[0049] Furthermore, each pipe in the piping system can be at least partially replaced with a flexible hose to make more efficient use of space.

[0050] Furthermore, a gas sterilization filter 14 for pre-treating the gas 15 to be humidified is provided on the main air intake pipe 51. Specifically, the gas sterilization filter 14 is located downstream of the main air intake valve 61 and upstream of the input end of the gas humidification pipe 52 (i.e., the location where the main air intake pipe 51 branches off to the gas humidification pipe 52).

[0051] Optionally, the gas temperature and humidity control system also includes a liquid storage tank 7, and the pipeline system also includes a liquid replenishment pipeline 54 connecting the gas humidification tower and the liquid storage tank 7. A liquid replenishment pump 541 is installed on the liquid replenishment pipeline 54 so as to pump the liquid in the liquid storage tank 7 into the gas humidification tower.

[0052] Specifically, the liquid storage tank 7, the liquid replenishment pipeline 54, and the liquid replenishment pump 541 work together to ensure that the liquid in the gas humidification tower is always kept between the minimum and maximum liquid levels. Through their coordinated work, they ensure the stability of the liquid level during system operation, thereby improving humidification efficiency and system reliability.

[0053] Optionally, the gas temperature and humidity control system also includes a weighing module 8 located at the bottom of the gas humidification tower and a level controller 91 connected to the weighing module 8 and the replenishment pump 541. The level controller 91 can control the opening or closing of the replenishment pump 541 according to the weight signal fed back by the weighing module 8.

[0054] The liquid level control process in the gas temperature and humidity control system is completed collaboratively by the weighing module 8 and the liquid level controller 91. Specifically, the weighing module 8 is installed at the bottom of the gas humidification tower, measures the weight of the liquid in the tower in real time, and converts the measured weight signal into an electrical signal, which is then transmitted to the liquid level controller 91. The liquid level controller 91 has preset weight thresholds corresponding to the minimum and maximum liquid levels. When the received weight signal is lower than the minimum liquid level threshold, the liquid level controller 91 determines that there is insufficient liquid and immediately sends a signal to start the replenishment pump 541, which replenishes liquid into the gas humidification tower through the replenishment pipeline 54 until the liquid weight reaches the preset minimum liquid level threshold. Conversely, when the weight signal is higher than the maximum liquid level threshold, the liquid level controller 91 determines that there is too much liquid and immediately sends a signal to shut down the replenishment pump 541, stopping the replenishment of liquid to prevent liquid overflow. The level controller 91 continuously receives the weight signal from the weighing module 8, monitors the weight change of the liquid in the tower in real time, and automatically controls the opening or closing of the replenishment pump 541 as needed to ensure that the liquid in the tower is always kept between the preset minimum and maximum liquid levels, thereby ensuring the efficient operation of the system and the stability of the humidification effect.

[0055] Optionally, the piping system also includes a steam line for conveying steam 16 to the gas humidification tower, the liquid storage tank 7, the inlet line, the outlet line, and the replenishment line 54.

[0056] by Figure 1As shown in the example, the steam pipeline includes a first steam pipeline 55, a second steam pipeline 56, a third steam pipeline 57, and a fourth steam pipeline (not shown in the figure). The first steam pipeline 55 and the second steam pipeline 56 are used for sterilizing the air inlet pipeline and the gas humidification tower; the third steam pipeline 57 is used for sterilizing the liquid replenishment pipeline 54 and the liquid storage tank 7; and the fourth steam pipeline is used for sterilizing the air outlet pipeline.

[0057] Specifically, the first steam pipe 55 is connected to the gas inlet pipe upstream of the gas humidification pipe 52 branching off from the main gas inlet pipe 51; the second steam pipe 56 is connected to the bottom of the gas humidification tower; the third steam pipe 57 is connected to the liquid replenishment pipe 54 downstream of the liquid replenishment valve 66, and the third steam pipe 57 is also connected to the interior of the liquid storage tank 7; the fourth steam pipe is connected to the gas outlet pipe downstream of the main gas outlet valve 65.

[0058] The steam pipeline is equipped with a steam valve 67, and the wet gas pipeline 53 and the liquid replenishment pipeline 54 are equipped with steam vent valves 68. Specifically, the steam vent valve 68 on the wet gas pipeline 53 is located upstream of the closed position of the main gas outlet valve 65; the steam vent valve 68 on the liquid replenishment pipeline 54 is located upstream of the closed position of the liquid replenishment valve 66.

[0059] Optionally, both the gas humidification tower and the liquid storage tank 7 are equipped with a pressure gauge 10 for monitoring steam pressure, a temperature sensor 11 for monitoring water temperature, and a vent pipe with a vent valve 12 installed on the vent pipe.

[0060] The sterilization process of the replenishment pipeline 54 and the storage tank 7 (the other sterilization processes, such as the sterilization of the air inlet pipeline, are similar):

[0061] Step 1: Close the replenishment valve 66, open the first steam valve 671, and then slightly open the bottom valve 69 of the storage tank 7 to sterilize the replenishment pipeline 54.

[0062] Step 2: Close the bottom valve 69 of the storage tank 7, open the inlet valve 610 of the storage tank 7, and inject liquid into the storage tank 7 until the predetermined liquid level is reached, then close the inlet valve 610. Next, open the second steam valve 672 and the vent valve 12, and introduce steam into the liquid in the storage tank 7 through the third steam pipeline 57, heating it to 121℃ and 0.1MPa (observed by pressure gauge 10). Maintain this temperature for 20 minutes, then close the second steam valve 672 and wait for the liquid in the storage tank 7 to cool down.

[0063] Furthermore, multiple liquid storage tanks 7 are provided, and multiple liquid storage tanks 7 can be used alternately to ensure that the necessary sterilization process does not interrupt the continuity of liquid replenishment. Specifically, when one liquid storage tank 7 is supplying liquid, the other liquid storage tank 7 can be sterilized at the same time.

[0064] Optionally, the gas temperature and humidity control system also includes a heater 13 and a temperature controller 92. The heater 13 is located inside the gas humidification tower and below the gas distribution structure 2. The temperature controller 92 can control the heater 13 to turn on or off based on the temperature signal fed back by the temperature sensor 11.

[0065] The temperature control process in the gas temperature and humidity control system is accomplished collaboratively by the heater 13 and the temperature controller 92. Specifically, the heater 13 is installed inside the gas humidification tower and below the gas distribution structure 2 to heat the gas inside the tower. The temperature controller 92 acquires the temperature signal of the gas inside the tower in real time through a temperature sensor 11 connected to it. The temperature sensor 11 converts the detected temperature value into an electrical signal and transmits it to the temperature controller 92. The temperature controller 92 has a preset target temperature range. When the received temperature signal is lower than the preset minimum temperature threshold, the temperature controller 92 determines that the gas temperature inside the tower is too low and then sends a signal to start the heater 13 to heat the gas until the gas temperature reaches the preset minimum temperature threshold. Conversely, when the temperature signal is higher than the preset maximum temperature threshold, the temperature controller 92 determines that the gas temperature is too high and then sends a signal to turn off the heater 13 to stop heating and prevent the gas temperature from becoming too high. Temperature controller 92 continuously monitors the temperature changes of the gas inside the tower and automatically controls the heater 13 to turn on or off as needed (for example, when it is necessary to increase the gas humidity, the liquid temperature in the gas humidification tower can be appropriately increased), ensuring that the temperature of the gas inside the tower is always kept within the preset target temperature range, thereby ensuring the efficient operation of the system and the stability of the humidification effect.

[0066] A third aspect of this invention provides a solid-state fermentation device, which includes a solid-state fermentation tank 17 and a gas temperature and humidity control system. The gas temperature and humidity control system introduces humidifying gas into the solid-state fermentation tank 17 through a humidified gas pipeline 53. It should be noted that the liquid temperature in both the gas humidification tower and the liquid storage tank 7 must not exceed the solid-state fermentation temperature to prevent affecting the heat dissipation of the solid-state fermentation material.

[0067] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, the present invention is not limited thereto. Within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention, various simple modifications can be made to the technical solution of the present invention, including combinations of various specific technical features in any suitable manner. To avoid unnecessary repetition, the present invention will not describe the various possible combinations separately. However, these simple modifications and combinations should also be considered as the content disclosed in the present invention and are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A gas humidification tower, characterized in that, The gas humidification tower includes a tower body (1) with a receiving cavity, a gas distribution structure (2) for introducing gas into the receiving cavity, and a sieve plate (3) located above the gas distribution structure (2) and supported on the inner wall of the tower body (1). A packing layer (4) is provided on the sieve plate (3). The top of the packing layer (4) is lower than the lowest liquid level in the receiving cavity. The gas introduced by the gas distribution structure (2) passes through the packing layer (4) and is discharged from above the liquid level in the receiving cavity.

2. The gas humidification tower according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tower body (1) is provided with multiple sets of the gas distribution structure (2), the sieve plate (3) and the packing layer (4) distributed at intervals along the vertical direction.

3. The gas humidification tower according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The gas distribution structure (2) includes a connecting straight pipe (21) and a gas distribution annular pipe (22). The connecting straight pipe (21) is configured to receive gas from the outside of the tower body (1) and connect to the gas distribution annular pipe (22). The top wall of the gas distribution annular pipe (22) is provided with an outlet channel (221) that connects to the receiving cavity.

4. A gas temperature and humidity control system, characterized in that, The gas humidification tower and piping system according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the piping system includes an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe and a plurality of control valves for adjusting the flow rate or on / off state in the pipe, the inlet pipe includes a gas humidification pipe (52) connected to the gas distribution structure (2) and the outlet pipe includes a humidified gas pipe (53) connected to the space above the liquid surface in the containment cavity.

5. The gas temperature and humidity control system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The gas temperature and humidity control system also includes a liquid storage tank (7), and the pipeline system also includes a liquid replenishment pipeline (54) connecting the gas humidification tower and the liquid storage tank (7). The liquid replenishment pipeline (54) is equipped with a liquid replenishment pump (541) to pump the liquid in the liquid storage tank (7) into the gas humidification tower.

6. The gas temperature and humidity control system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The gas temperature and humidity control system also includes a weighing module (8) located at the bottom of the gas humidification tower and a level controller (91) connected to the weighing module (8) and the replenishment pump (541). The level controller (91) can control the opening or closing of the replenishment pump (541) according to the weight signal fed back by the weighing module (8).

7. The gas temperature and humidity control system according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The piping system also includes a steam pipeline for conveying steam (16) to the gas humidification tower, the liquid storage tank (7), the air inlet pipeline, the air outlet pipeline, and the liquid replenishment pipeline (54).

8. The gas temperature and humidity control system according to claim 7, characterized in that, Both the gas humidification tower and the liquid storage tank (7) are equipped with a pressure gauge (10) for monitoring steam pressure, a temperature sensor (11) for monitoring water temperature, and a vent pipe, on which a vent valve (12) is installed.

9. The gas temperature and humidity control system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The gas temperature and humidity control system also includes a heater (13) and a temperature controller (92). The heater (13) is located inside the gas humidification tower and below the gas distribution structure (2). The temperature controller (92) can control the heater (13) to turn on or off according to the temperature signal fed back by the temperature sensor (11).

10. A solid-state fermentation device, characterized in that, Includes a solid fermentation tank (17) and a gas temperature and humidity control system according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the gas temperature and humidity control system introduces humidifying gas into the solid fermentation tank (17) through the humidified gas pipeline (53).