Fermentation tank for producing microbial preparation
By improving the stirring and aeration mechanisms, the problem of dead zones in the hydrodynamics of the fermenter bottom was solved, the dissolved oxygen rate and mixing effect were improved, and the production efficiency of microbial preparations was enhanced.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ANHUI JIANGZIYA AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-28
AI Technical Summary
Existing general-purpose fermenters have problems with material mixing uniformity. The bottom area of the tank is prone to forming hydrodynamic dead zones, which makes it difficult to fully suspend the culture medium components, affecting the biomass of the cells and the efficiency of metabolite accumulation.
An improved stirring and aeration mechanism is adopted, including a motor-driven stirring shaft, a transfer ring in the aeration mechanism, an air control component, and an air outlet disc. The rotation generates a centrifugal force field and circumferential shear flow, which improves the dissolved oxygen rate and mixing effect, and reduces dead zone areas.
It improves dissolved oxygen rate and mixing effect, reduces dead zones inside the tank, and increases the biomass and accumulation efficiency of microbial agents and metabolites.
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Figure CN224172744U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of biological control technology for ginger diseases and pests, and in particular to a fermentation tank for the production of microbial preparations. Background Technology
[0002] Ginger, as a globally important economic crop and condiment ingredient, often faces various biological stresses during its cultivation. These include ginger wilt caused by *Ralstonia solanacearum*, anthracnose caused by *Colletotrichum gloeosporioides*, and ginger borers, all of which cause yield losses. The problems of pesticide residues and pathogen resistance arising from traditional chemical control have made biological control a research hotspot. Examples include the antimicrobial peptide secretion mechanism of *Bacillus subtilis*, and the combined antimicrobial effect of *Trichoderma spp.* through competitive action against cell wall-degrading enzymes (chitinase, β-1,3-glucanase).
[0003] In industrial production, such microbial preparations are mainly prepared through liquid deep fermentation. The fermenter, as the core equipment, directly affects the biomass of the cells and the efficiency of metabolite accumulation. Although existing general-purpose fermenters can meet the basic fermentation requirements, they have the following problems in terms of material mixing uniformity: when the stirring mechanism is running, the bottom area of the tank is prone to forming a hydrodynamic dead zone, making it difficult to fully suspend the culture medium components (especially high-density materials). This leads to multiple negative effects: (1) local dissolved oxygen gradient differences affect the metabolic rhythm of aerobic bacteria; (2) uneven distribution of nutrient substrate reduces the product synthesis efficiency; (3) cell sedimentation causes biomass loss. Although existing technologies have attempted to enhance the bottom shear force by improving the shape of the stirring blades, such as anchor-type and frame-type stirrers, there are still ineffective mixing zones, resulting in a decrease in the disease control effect of the processed microbial preparations. Utility Model Content
[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a fermenter for the production of microbial preparations, addressing the problem that dead zones in the bottom area of existing general-purpose fermenters are prone to occur.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:
[0006] A fermenter for producing microbial preparations mainly consists of a tank body, a stirring mechanism, and an aeration mechanism.
[0007] The stirring mechanism includes a motor and a stirring shaft. The motor is located at the top of the tank and its output end is connected to the stirring shaft. The stirring shaft runs longitudinally through the tank and is located inside the tank. The stirring shaft is hollow inside and has a venting branch pipe arranged radially near the top of the tank.
[0008] The aeration mechanism includes a transfer ring, an air control component, and an air outlet plate. The transfer ring is hollow inside and is located on the outer surface of the stirring shaft. Its inner wall is rotatably connected to the stirring shaft, and an annular opening is opened at the bottom of the inner wall. The air supply branch of the stirring shaft is connected to the internal chamber of the transfer ring through the annular opening. The air control component is used to provide airflow to the transfer ring. The air outlet plate is connected to the bottom of the stirring shaft and has equidistantly distributed air outlet holes at the bottom.
[0009] Furthermore, a blocking component for sealing the air outlet is provided at the air outlet of the air outlet plate; the blocking component includes a connecting rod, a magnetic ring, and a stop block; the diameter of the connecting rod is smaller than the diameter of the air outlet, the top end of the connecting rod is located in the inner cavity of the air outlet plate through the air outlet and connected to the magnetic ring, the bottom end of the connecting rod is located below the air outlet plate and connected to the stop block, and the inner diameter of the magnetic ring and the diameter of the stop block are both larger than the diameter of the air outlet.
[0010] Furthermore, the outer circumferential surface of the connecting rod is provided with guide ribs in the same direction as its length, and the air outlet of the air outlet plate is provided with a keyway that matches the guide ribs.
[0011] Furthermore, a magnetic sheet is provided at the top of the inner cavity of the air outlet plate, which is attracted to the magnetic ring. The distribution of the magnetic sheet at the top of the air outlet plate is consistent with the distribution of the air outlet holes at the bottom of the air outlet plate.
[0012] Furthermore, an elastic ring is embedded at the top of the stop, with the top surface of the elastic ring being higher than the top surface of the stop.
[0013] Furthermore, the gas control components include an oxygen supply structure and a negative pressure structure, both of which are connected to the internal chamber of the transfer ring and driven separately.
[0014] Furthermore, the air vents are located at the bottom edge of the air vent plate and are equidistantly distributed along the edge trajectory.
[0015] Furthermore, the internal cavity of the stirring shaft is equipped with staggered reinforcing ribs.
[0016] Furthermore, the stirring blades on the outer surface of the stirring shaft are detachable.
[0017] Furthermore, the lengths of adjacent stirring blades on the outer surface of the stirring shaft are different.
[0018] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model include:
[0019] 1. When the gas outlet plate rotates synchronously with the stirring shaft, the centrifugal force field generated by it causes the oxygen bubble group to diffuse at high speed along a radial trajectory, thereby increasing the oxygen dissolution rate. At the same time, the gas outlet plate body, as a rotating component, can generate circumferential shear flow at its annular edge, directly participating in the mechanical mixing process of the material, improving the mixing effect, and reducing the dead zone area inside the tank.
[0020] 2. The blocking component of this utility model can seal the air outlet plate when aeration is not required. The block and the elastic ring on its top form a double seal, effectively preventing solid particles from entering the air outlet plate through the air outlet hole and maintaining the smooth flow of air. Attached Figure Description
[0021] The disclosure of this utility model is illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same parts. Wherein:
[0022] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a fermenter for producing microbial preparations, as described in this utility model.
[0023] Figure 2 For based on Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the aeration mechanism;
[0024] Figure 3 For based on Figure 2 A front view of the mixing and aeration mechanisms;
[0025] Figure 4 For based on Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the aeration mechanism;
[0026] Figure 5 For based on Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the connection between the connecting rod and the magnetic ring.
[0027] The diagram is labeled as follows: 1. Tank body; 2. Stirring mechanism; 21. Motor; 22. Stirring shaft; 3. Aeration mechanism; 31. Transfer ring; 32. Air control component; 33. Air outlet plate; 4. Blocking component; 41. Connecting rod; 42. Magnetic ring; 43. Stop block. Detailed Implementation
[0028] It is readily understood that, based on the technical solution of this utility model, those skilled in the art can propose various interchangeable structural methods and implementations without altering the essential spirit of this utility model. Therefore, the following detailed embodiments and accompanying drawings are merely illustrative descriptions of the technical solution of this utility model and should not be considered as the entirety of this utility model or as limitations or restrictions on the technical solution of this utility model.
[0029] like Figure 1 As shown in the figure, this embodiment introduces a fermenter for the production of microbial preparations, which mainly consists of a tank body 1, a stirring mechanism 2, and an aeration mechanism 3. The tank body 1 adopts a stainless steel cylindrical structure, with a flange sealing cover on the top and an integrated temperature probe interface and pH monitoring port. The side wall is equipped with a sight glass window and a multi-stage sampling valve, and the bottom conical design, combined with a quick-opening discharge valve, forms a complete fermentation container.
[0030] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the stirring mechanism 2 mainly consists of a motor 21 and a stirring shaft 22. The motor 21 is a variable frequency motor, connected to the stirring shaft 22 that penetrates the tank 1. The stirring shaft 22 has a hollow tubular design with a closed top. Internally, cross-shaped reinforcing ribs are welded at a 30° staggered angle to improve torsional rigidity. A radially extending venting branch pipe on the upper part of the shaft uses a variable diameter structure to accelerate airflow. The venting branch pipe is located at the top of the tank 1, offset from the feed inlet of the tank 1. Furthermore, the stirring blades on the outer surface of the stirring shaft 22 are detachable. For example, the stirring blades can be installed on the outer surface of the stirring shaft 22 using auxiliary structures such as clips and rings, facilitating subsequent replacement of the stirring blades. Adjacent stirring blades preferably adopt a differentiated length configuration. That is, long stirring blades and short blades are staggered in length to form a gradient shear force field. The surface of the stirring blades can be coated with polytetrafluoroethylene or a ceramic sintered layer to adapt to the corrosion characteristics of different materials.
[0031] like Figure 2 As shown, the aeration mechanism 3 mainly consists of a transfer ring 31, an air control component 32, and an air outlet plate 33. The inner wall of the transfer ring 31 is rotatably connected to the stirring shaft 22, preferably using a bearing for connection. An annular opening is provided at the bottom of the inner wall of the transfer ring 31, forming a dynamic alignment interface with the air supply branch of the stirring shaft 22, ensuring continuous airflow during shaft rotation. A sealing ring is added to the bottom of the transfer ring 31 to seal the gap between the transfer ring 31 and the bottom of the stirring shaft 22, preventing airflow from leaking out through this gap. In practical applications, other dynamic sealing structures between the transfer ring 31 and the stirring shaft 22 can also be used.
[0032] The stirring shaft 22 has an opening at its bottom, and the top of the exhaust plate 33 has an opening for connection with the stirring shaft 22. The bottom end of the stirring shaft 22 enters the interior of the exhaust plate 33 and is sealed, thus achieving communication between the interior of the stirring shaft 22 and the interior of the exhaust plate 33. The bottom of the exhaust plate has multiple exhaust holes, which are located at the bottom edge of the exhaust plate 33 and are equidistantly distributed along the edge trajectory. The spacing between the holes is determined by optimization using flow field simulation software.
[0033] like Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, each vent has a blocking element 4, which includes a connecting rod 41, a magnetic ring 42, and a stop block 43. The connecting rod 41 is made of titanium alloy. The magnetic ring 42 connected to its top and the magnetic sheet embedded in the top of the vent plate form a magnetic attraction closing mechanism. That is, when the magnetic ring 42 and the magnetic sheet are attracted, the stop block 43 located at the bottom of the connecting rod 41 seals the vent. The stop block 43 is located outside the vent plate. To improve the sealing performance of the stop block 43, it is preferably conical, and an elastic ring is embedded at the top. The top surface of the elastic ring is higher than the top surface of the stop block 43. When the stop block 43 is in contact with the bottom surface of the vent plate 33, the silicone rubber elastic ring can achieve a secondary seal. The guide ribs milled on the surface of the connecting rod 41 and the keyway structure on the inner wall of the vent constitute an anti-rotation positioning system to ensure that the opening and closing trajectory of the stop block 43 is precise and controllable.
[0034] It should be noted that the inner diameter of the magnetic ring 42 is larger than the diameter of the air outlet. That is, when the magnetic ring 42 contacts the bottom of the air outlet plate 33, the magnetic ring 42 will not block the air outlet. Since the diameter of the connecting rod 41 is smaller than the diameter of the air outlet, the top of the connecting rod 41 has equidistant protrusions that extend radially along its radial direction. These protrusions connect to the magnetic ring 42. When the air is discharged, the magnetic ring 42 contacts the bottom of the air outlet plate 33, and the gap between adjacent radial protrusions forms a micropore for the gas to flow out.
[0035] The gas control component 32 mainly includes an oxygen supply structure, such as an oxygen supply structure consisting of a Roots blower and a membrane aerator. To seal the outlet when oxygen supply is not needed, a negative pressure structure, such as a vacuum pump unit, is added. This negative pressure structure creates a negative pressure environment inside the stirring shaft 22, causing the connecting rod 41 to move towards the outlet plate 33 until the magnetic ring 42 attracts the magnetic plate, and the stop block 43 blocks the outlet. In practical applications, pipelines can be installed on the outside of the transfer ring to connect the oxygen supply structure and the negative pressure structure, or a three-way connection can be used to connect them. A solenoid valve assembly can be installed on the pipeline to achieve mode switching.
[0036] In practical application, motor 21 drives stirring shaft 22 to stir the material inside tank 1. The oxygen supply structure is activated according to fermentation needs. Oxygen enters the stirring shaft 22 through transfer ring 31 and exits through the air outlet 33. Driven by the airflow, magnetic ring 42 detaches from the magnetic plate and contacts the bottom of the air outlet 33. If oxygen supply is not required, the oxygen supply structure is closed, and the negative pressure structure is activated. Under negative pressure, magnetic ring 42 moves towards the inside of the air outlet 33 and attracts the magnetic plate, while block 43 blocks the air outlet. As the air outlet 33 rotates with stirring shaft 22, it outputs airflow to the bottom of tank 1 while mixing the materials, increasing the dissolved oxygen rate and achieving mixing of the materials at the bottom of tank 1.
[0037] In this embodiment, when the gas outlet plate rotates synchronously with the stirring shaft 22, the centrifugal force field generated by it causes the oxygen bubble group to diffuse at high speed along a radial trajectory, thereby increasing the oxygen dissolution rate. At the same time, the gas outlet plate body, as a rotating component, can generate circumferential shear flow at its annular edge, directly participating in the mechanical mixing process of the material, improving the mixing effect, and reducing the dead zone area inside the tank 1.
[0038] The technical scope of this utility model is not limited to the content described above. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to the above embodiments without departing from the technical concept of this utility model, and all such modifications and variations should fall within the protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. A fermenter for producing microbial preparations, characterized in that, It includes: Tank body (1); The stirring mechanism (2) includes a motor (21) and a stirring shaft (22); the motor (21) is located at the top of the tank (1), and its output end is connected to the stirring shaft (22). The stirring shaft (22) runs through the tank (1) and is located inside the tank (1). The stirring shaft (22) is hollow inside, and a venting branch pipe is provided radially near the top of the tank (1). The aeration mechanism (3) includes a transfer ring (31), an air control element (32), and an air outlet plate (33). The transfer ring (31) is located on the outer surface of the stirring shaft (22) and its inner wall is rotatably connected to the stirring shaft (22). An annular opening is opened at the bottom of the inner wall. The air supply branch of the stirring shaft (22) is connected to the internal chamber of the transfer ring (31) through the annular opening. The air control element (32) is used to provide airflow to the transfer ring (31). The air outlet plate (33) is connected to the bottom of the stirring shaft (22) and has equidistantly distributed air outlet holes at the bottom.
2. The fermenter for producing microbial preparations according to claim 1, characterized in that, A blocking element (4) for sealing the air outlet is provided at the air outlet of the air outlet plate (33); the blocking element (4) includes a connecting rod (41), a magnetic ring (42) and a stop block (43); the diameter of the connecting rod (41) is smaller than the diameter of the air outlet, the top end of the connecting rod (41) is located in the inner cavity of the air outlet plate (33) through the air outlet and is connected to the magnetic ring (42), the bottom end of the connecting rod (41) is located below the air outlet plate (33) and is connected to the stop block (43), and the inner diameter of the magnetic ring (42) and the diameter of the stop block (43) are both larger than the diameter of the air outlet.
3. The fermenter for producing microbial preparations according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outer circumferential surface of the connecting rod (41) is provided with a guide rib in the same direction as its length, and the air outlet of the air outlet plate (33) is provided with a keyway that matches the guide rib.
4. The fermenter for producing microbial preparations according to claim 2, characterized in that, The top of the inner cavity of the air outlet plate (33) is provided with a magnetic sheet that is attracted to the magnetic ring (42). The distribution of the magnetic sheet at the top of the air outlet plate (33) is consistent with the distribution of the air outlet holes at the bottom of the air outlet plate (33).
5. The fermenter for producing microbial preparations according to claim 2, characterized in that, An elastic ring is embedded at the top of the stop (43), and the top surface of the elastic ring is higher than the top surface of the stop (43).
6. The fermenter for producing microbial preparations according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas control component (32) includes an oxygen supply structure and a negative pressure structure, both of which are connected to the internal chamber of the transfer ring (31) and driven separately.
7. The fermenter for producing microbial preparations according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air vents are located at the bottom edge of the air vent plate (33) and are equidistantly distributed along the edge trajectory.
8. The fermenter for producing microbial preparations according to claim 1, characterized in that, The internal cavity of the stirring shaft (22) is provided with staggered reinforcing ribs.
9. The fermenter for producing microbial preparations according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stirring blades on the outer surface of the stirring shaft (22) are detachable.
10. The fermenter for producing biological agents according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lengths of adjacent stirring blades on the outer surface of the stirring shaft (22) are different.