Steam sterilizable fermenter

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of fermentation tanks, and discloses a steam sterilization fermentation tank, which comprises a workbench, a steam sterilization fermentation tank body is fixedly installed in the inside of the workbench and penetrates the inside of the workbench. The application remarkably improves the sterilization and fermentation effects through the design that two groups of rotating shafts and stirring rods alternately rotate in opposite directions; during sterilization, the design generates complex fluid dynamics effects, steam forms turbulent flow, high-temperature steam is uniformly distributed, and miscellaneous bacteria in the tank are completely killed, so that the sterile environment is ensured; during the fermentation process, the alternate reverse rotation enhances the shear force and mixing effect, the nutrients, oxygen and antagonistic bacterial groups in the culture medium are fully mixed, the antagonistic bacterial groups are promoted to grow uniformly, the oxygen dissolving efficiency is improved, the metabolic activity is accelerated, more active substances such as antibiotics and enzymes are generated, and the inhibiting effect on pathogenic bacteria is enhanced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of fermentation tank technology, and more specifically, to a steam-sterilized fermentation tank. Background Technology

[0002] The steam sterilization fermentation tank for sunflower cultivation to control sclerotinia stem rot combines high-temperature, high-pressure steam sterilization with microbial fermentation technology. It cultivates antagonistic microbial communities, such as Bacillus subtilis and Trichoderma, in a sterile environment and prepares them into liquid or solid inoculants for field control of sclerotinia stem rot. This equipment thoroughly kills other microorganisms, ensuring the dominant growth of antagonistic microorganisms, thereby efficiently producing active substances that inhibit pathogens. Compared to traditional chemical control, it has advantages such as being environmentally friendly and having a long-lasting effect, helping to reduce the use of chemical pesticides and promoting green agricultural development. Existing steam sterilization fermentation tanks, during the sterilization stage, employ a single-axis mechanical stirring design. This design, due to its singular fluid dynamics, easily leads to uneven steam distribution, creating sterilization dead zones and a high risk of residual microorganisms. Simultaneously, the fixed fluid circulation path driven by the single axis results in a significant temperature difference between the tank's edge and center, affecting the penetration efficiency of high-temperature steam, prolonging the sterilization cycle, and reducing sterilization thoroughness. During the fermentation stage, the uneven distribution of shear force generated by single-shaft agitation easily creates "mixing blind zones" in areas of varying culture medium viscosity. This results in insufficient contact between nutrients, oxygen, and the microbial community, inhibiting the metabolic activity of antagonistic bacteria. Traditional impeller designs struggle to create efficient gas-liquid mass transfer interfaces in viscous media, leading to low oxygen utilization, limited growth rates of antagonistic bacteria, and insufficient synthesis of secondary metabolites. Furthermore, the fluid stratification caused by single-shaft agitation results in gradient distributions of temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen within the tank, affecting batch-to-batch stability of the inoculum. Under long-term operation, the single-shaft system must bear the entire agitation torque, accelerating wear on bearings and seals and requiring frequent equipment maintenance. Moreover, to compensate for insufficient mixing, the agitation speed must be increased, leading to increased energy consumption and exacerbating mechanical fatigue, thus jeopardizing equipment durability. Utility Model Content

[0003] To overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, this application provides a steam sterilization fermenter to solve the above problems.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solution: a steam sterilization fermenter, comprising a workbench, a steam sterilization fermenter body fixedly installed inside the workbench, the steam sterilization fermenter body penetrating through the interior of the workbench, a box fixedly installed on the top of the steam sterilization fermenter body, a motor fixedly installed on the top of the box, a drive gear fixedly installed at the output end of the motor, a first driven gear and a second driven gear movably installed inside the box, both the first and second driven gears meshing with the drive gear, a rotating shaft fixedly installed at the bottom of both the first and second driven gears, a stirring rod arranged in a circumferential array fixedly installed on the outer surface of the rotating shaft from top to bottom, a lid fixedly installed on the top of the workbench, and a lid handle movably installed inside the lid.

[0005] As a preferred technical solution of this application, a limiting plate is fixedly installed at the bottom of the steam sterilization fermenter body, a sterilization collection box is provided below the steam sterilization fermenter body, a connecting column is movably installed on one side of the sterilization collection box, a first fixing block is fixedly installed on the other side of the connecting column, and the limiting plate has a connecting hole for the first fixing block to pass through. When the first fixing block passes through the limiting plate, the connecting column can be connected to the limiting plate.

[0006] As a preferred technical solution of this application, a flexible hose is fixedly installed at the bottom of the steam sterilization fermenter body, and a one-way valve is fixedly installed inside the steam sterilization fermenter body.

[0007] As a preferred technical solution of this application, a push rod is fixedly installed on the other side of the sterilization collection box, and a column is fixedly installed at the bottom of the sterilization collection box, with casters hinged to the bottom of the column.

[0008] As a preferred technical solution of this application, four support plates are fixedly installed at the bottom of the workbench, and a fixing plate is fixedly installed between two of the support plates located on both sides of the moving direction of the sterilization collection box, and the distance between the two fixing plates is equal to the width of the sterilization collection box.

[0009] As a preferred technical solution of this application, a reinforcing rib is fixedly installed at the angle between the support plate and the fixing plate.

[0010] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this application are as follows:

[0011] 1. This application significantly improves sterilization and fermentation effects by employing a design with two sets of rotating shafts and stirring rods rotating alternately in opposite directions. During sterilization, this design generates complex fluid dynamics effects, causing steam to form turbulence and uniformly distributing high-temperature steam to thoroughly kill bacteria in the tank and ensure a sterile environment. During fermentation, the alternating counter-rotation enhances shear force and mixing effect, allowing nutrients, oxygen, and antagonistic bacteria in the culture medium to mix thoroughly, promoting uniform growth of antagonistic bacteria, improving dissolved oxygen efficiency, accelerating metabolic activity, and producing more active substances such as antibiotics and enzymes, thus enhancing the inhibitory effect on pathogens. At the same time, this design optimizes the growth environment of antagonistic bacteria, ensuring uniform distribution of temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen, providing stable growth conditions for antagonistic bacteria, and improving the quality and activity of the inoculant. In addition, the two sets of rotating shafts reduce the load on a single shaft, reduce equipment wear, and extend service life.

[0012] 2. This application utilizes the cooperation between the connecting column, the first fixing block, and the limiting plate to facilitate the fixation and positioning of the sterilization collection box at the bottom of the steam sterilization fermenter. This design enhances operational convenience. Through the pre-set limiting plate, the collection box can quickly and accurately dock with the bottom of the fermenter without repeated manual adjustments, simplifying the operation process and improving work efficiency. Secondly, the limiting design helps maintain a sterile environment. During culture medium transfer, it ensures a tight connection between the collection box and the fermenter, minimizing the risk of external microbial contamination and maintaining the sterility of the culture medium, providing a strong guarantee for the success of subsequent fermentation processes. Furthermore, this design enhances operational safety. The limiting structure effectively prevents the collection box from moving or tipping over during collection, avoiding culture medium leakage and potential personnel injury risks. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional view of the front of this application.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a side perspective view of the structure of this application;

[0015] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the front cross-sectional structure of this application;

[0016] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the steam sterilization fermenter in this application;

[0017] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the sterilization collection box structure of this application.

[0018] In the diagram: 1. Workbench; 2. Steam sterilization fermenter body; 3. Motor; 4. Box body; 5. Support plate; 6. Reinforcing rib; 7. Fixing plate; 8. Sterilization collection box; 9. Push rod; 10. Column; 11. Casters; 12. Fixing groove; 13. Second fixing block; 14. Working box; 15. Tank lid; 16. Tank lid handle; 17. Limiting plate; 18. Stirring rod; 19. Rotating shaft; 20. First driven gear; 21. Drive gear; 22. Second driven gear; 23. One-way valve; 24. Connecting column; 25. First fixing block; 26. Hoses; 27. Support base; 28. Connecting hole. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0020] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the steam sterilization fermenter provided in this application includes a workbench 1. The steam sterilization fermenter body 2 is fixedly installed inside the workbench 1 and extends through the interior of the workbench 1. A box 4 is fixedly installed on the top of the steam sterilization fermenter body 2. A motor 3 is fixedly installed on the top of the box 4. A drive gear 21 is fixedly installed at the output end of the motor 3. A first driven gear 20 and a second driven gear 22 are movably installed inside the box 4, and both the first driven gear 20 and the second driven gear 22 mesh with the drive gear 21. A rotating shaft 19 is fixedly installed at the bottom of both the first driven gear 20 and the second driven gear 22. A stirring rod 18 arranged in a circular array is fixedly installed on the outer surface of the rotating shaft 19 from top to bottom. A tank cover 15 is fixedly installed on the top of the workbench 1, and a tank cover handle 16 is movably installed inside the tank cover 15.

[0021] The staff opens the steam sterilization fermenter body 2 and uses steam to sterilize the internal bacteria. After sterilization, the staff holds the lid handle 16 and opens the lid 15. The culture medium is then injected into the steam sterilization fermenter body 2 through the lid 15 for sterilization. After injection, the staff closes the lid handle 16 and turns on the motor 3. The motor 3 drives the drive gear 21 to rotate inside the housing 4. The drive gear 21 drives the first driven gear 20 and the second driven gear 22 to rotate. The synchronous rotation of the first driven gear 20 and the second driven gear 22 drives the rotating shaft 19 to rotate alternately in opposite directions inside the steam sterilization fermenter body 2. The rotating shaft 19 drives the stirring rod 18 to stir the culture medium inside the steam sterilization fermenter body 2, thus completing the stirring of the culture medium in the steam sterilization fermenter body 2.

[0022] Open the steam sterilization fermenter body 2 and use steam to sterilize the bacteria inside the tank. After sterilization, hold the lid handle 16 and open the lid 15 to pour the culture medium into the steam sterilization fermenter body 2 through the lid 15. After pouring, close the lid handle 16 back onto the lid 15. Then start the motor 3, which drives the drive gear 21 to rotate inside the box 4. The rotation of the drive gear 21 drives the first driven gear 20 and the second driven gear 22 to rotate synchronously. The synchronous rotation of the first driven gear 20 and the second driven gear 22 further drives the rotating shaft 19 to rotate alternately in opposite directions inside the steam sterilization fermenter body 2. Finally, the rotating shaft 19 drives the stirring rod 18 to fully stir the culture medium on the worktable 1, thus completing the entire sterilization and stirring process. By using two sets of rotating shafts 19 and stirring rods 1... The alternating counter-rotation design significantly improves sterilization and fermentation effects. During sterilization, this design generates complex fluid dynamics effects through alternating counter-rotating spiral turbulence, causing steam to form turbulence and uniformly distribute high-temperature steam, thoroughly killing bacteria inside the tank and ensuring a sterile environment. During fermentation, the alternating counter-rotation enhances shear force and mixing effect, allowing nutrients, oxygen, and antagonistic bacteria in the culture medium to mix thoroughly, promoting uniform growth of antagonistic bacteria, improving dissolved oxygen efficiency, accelerating metabolic activity, and producing more active substances such as antibiotics and enzymes, thus enhancing the inhibitory effect on pathogens. At the same time, this design optimizes the growth environment of antagonistic bacteria, ensuring uniform distribution of temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen, providing stable growth conditions for antagonistic bacteria, and improving the quality and activity of the inoculant. In addition, the design of two sets of rotating shafts reduces the load on a single shaft, reduces equipment wear, and extends service life.

[0023] The bottom of the steam sterilization fermenter body 2 is fixedly installed with a limiting plate 17. A sterilization collection box 8 is provided below the steam sterilization fermenter body 2. A connecting column 24 is movably installed on one side of the sterilization collection box 8. A first fixing block 25 is fixedly installed on the other side of the connecting column 24. The limiting plate 17 has a connecting hole 28 through which the first fixing block 25 passes. When the first fixing block 25 passes through the limiting plate 17, the connecting column 24 can be connected to the limiting plate 17.

[0024] After the steam culture medium inside the steam sterilization fermenter body 2 is sterilized, the sterilization collection box 8 needs to be placed at the bottom of the steam sterilization fermenter body 2. By moving the sterilization collection box 8 towards the limiting plate 17, the first fixing block 25 and the connecting post 24 on one side are inserted into the connecting hole 28 of the limiting plate 17, and the first fixing block 25 passes through to the other side of the limiting plate 17, so that the connecting post 24 is connected inside the limiting plate 17, thereby restricting the movement of the sterilization collection box 8 towards the limiting plate 17. Since the connecting post 24 is movably connected to the sterilization collection box 8 (e.g., threaded connection), the first fixing block 25 is rotated by a certain angle (e.g., 90 degrees), so that the first fixing block 25 cannot pass out of the connecting hole 28. For example, after the first fixing block 25 is rotated 90 degrees, it forms a cross shape with the connecting hole 28 on the limiting plate 17, thereby restricting the movement of the sterilization collection box 8 away from the limiting plate 17. The cooperation between the limiting plate 17, the first fixing block 25, and the connecting column 24 facilitates the positioning of the sterilization collection box 8 at the bottom of the steam sterilization fermenter body 2. This design improves operational convenience. With the pre-set limiting plate 17, the collection box can quickly and accurately dock with the bottom of the fermenter without repeated manual adjustments, simplifying the operation process and improving work efficiency. Secondly, the limiting design helps maintain a sterile environment. During culture medium transfer, it ensures a tight connection between the collection box and the fermenter, minimizing the risk of external microbial contamination and maintaining the sterility of the culture medium, providing a strong guarantee for the success of subsequent fermentation processes. Furthermore, this design enhances operational safety. The limiting structure effectively prevents the collection box from moving or tipping over during collection, avoiding culture medium leakage and potential personnel injury risks.

[0025] The bottom of the steam sterilization fermenter body 2 is fixedly installed with a hose 26, and the inside of the steam sterilization fermenter body 2 is fixedly installed with a one-way valve 23.

[0026] After the sterilization collection box 8 is positioned at the bottom of the steam sterilization fermenter body 2, the one-way valve 23 is opened inside the steam sterilization fermenter body 2, allowing the sterilized culture medium to slowly flow into the sterilization collection box 8 through the hose 26, thus completing the collection of the sterilized culture medium. The hose 26 and the sterilization collection box 8 can be connected via a quick-connect coupling, such as a clamp-type quick-release coupling, which has a built-in O-ring to ensure a tight seal. During operation, first insert the hose 26 into the coupling to the limit position, then tighten the screw or compress the retaining ring to achieve a seal by compressing the O-ring, ensuring a quick and reliable connection.

[0027] Among them, a push rod 9 is fixedly installed on the other side of the sterilization collection box 8, and a column 10 is fixedly installed on the bottom of the sterilization collection box 8. A caster wheel 11 is hinged to the bottom of the column 10.

[0028] The sterilization collection box 8, the column 10, and the casters 11 are moved synchronously by the push rod 9, so that the sterilization collection box 8 passes the first fixing block 25 through the limiting plate 17 and the connecting column 24 is inserted into the limiting plate 17, thereby improving the stability during movement. The casters 11 may be equipped with a self-locking device to prevent shaking when collecting sterilized culture medium through the sterilization collection box 8.

[0029] The workbench 1 has four support plates 5 fixedly installed at its bottom. A fixing plate 7 is fixedly installed between two support plates 5 located on both sides of the moving direction of the sterilization collection box 8. The distance between the two fixing plates 7 is equal to the width of the sterilization collection box 8.

[0030] Because a fixing plate 7 is fixedly installed between the two support plates 5, the cooperation between the support plates 5 and the fixing plate 7 facilitates stable support for the workbench 1, ensuring the stability of the workbench 1 and the steam sterilization fermenter body 2 during use, and improving the utilization efficiency of the workbench 1. Furthermore, the distance between the two fixing plates 7 is equal to, or slightly greater than, the width of the sterilization collection box 8, allowing the two fixing plates 7 to limit the lateral movement of the sterilization collection box 8 during movement. This achieves the goal of limiting the sterilization collection box 8 to the bottom of the steam sterilization fermenter body 2 from four directions. The two fixing plates 7 also guide the sterilization collection box 8 during movement, ensuring that the first fixing block 25 and the connecting column 24 can accurately pass through the connecting hole 28 on the limiting plate 17.

[0031] Among them, a reinforcing rib 6 is fixedly installed at the angle between the support plate 5 and the fixing plate 7.

[0032] Since the reinforcing rib 6 is installed at the angle between the support plate 5 and the fixing plate 7, the reinforcing rib 6 can also be set as a triangle. Due to the stability of the triangle, the support plate 5 and the fixing plate 7 are prevented from shaking during use, thus improving the stability of the support plate 5 and the fixing plate 7.

[0033] A support base 27 is fixedly installed between the box 4 and the motor 3.

[0034] Since the support base 27 is located between the motor 3 and the housing 4, it provides stable support for the motor 3, reduces the shaking of the motor 3 during use, and improves the stability of the motor 3 during use.

[0035] The workbench 1 has a fixing groove 12 on one side, and a second fixing block 13 is fixedly installed on one side of the work box 14. The second fixing block 13 can be movably installed inside the fixing groove 12. By slowly inserting the second fixing block 13 into the fixing groove 12, the work box 14 is installed on the workbench 1, which facilitates the use of tools by the operator when working inside the work box 14.

[0036] The working principle and usage process of this application:

[0037] The staff opens the steam sterilization fermenter body 2 and uses steam to sterilize the internal bacteria. After sterilization, the staff holds the lid handle 16 and opens the lid 15. The culture medium is then injected into the steam sterilization fermenter body 2 through the lid 15 for sterilization. After injection, the lid handle 16 is closed. The staff then turns on the motor 3, which drives the drive gear 21 to rotate inside the housing 4. The drive gear 21 drives the first driven gear 20 and the second driven gear 22 to rotate. The synchronous rotation of the first driven gear 20 and the second driven gear 22 drives the rotating shaft 19 to rotate alternately in opposite directions inside the steam sterilization fermenter body 2. The rotating shaft 19 drives the stirring rod 18 to stir the culture medium inside the steam sterilization fermenter body 2, thus completing the stirring of the culture medium in the steam sterilization fermenter body 2.

[0038] After the steam culture medium inside the steam sterilization fermenter body 2 is sterilized, the sterilization collection box 8 needs to be moved to the bottom of the steam sterilization fermenter body 2. By holding the push rod 9, the sterilization collection box 8, the column 10 and the casters 11 are moved synchronously. The connecting column 24 is inserted into the limiting plate 17 through the sterilization collection box 8, and the first fixing block 25 is completely inserted through the limiting plate 17. Then, the first fixing block 25 is rotated 90 degrees. Through the cooperation between the first fixing block 25 and the connecting column 24, the sterilization collection box 8 is easily limited to the bottom of the steam sterilization fermenter body 2. Then, the one-way valve 23 is opened inside the steam sterilization fermenter body 2, so that the sterilized culture medium flows slowly into the sterilization collection box 8 through the hose 26, thereby completing the collection of the sterilized culture medium.

[0039] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0040] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this application, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A steam-sterilized fermenter, comprising a workbench (1), characterized in that: The workbench (1) is fixedly installed with a steam sterilization fermenter body (2), and the steam sterilization fermenter body (2) penetrates the interior of the workbench (1). A box (4) is fixedly installed on the top of the steam sterilization fermenter body (2). A motor (3) is fixedly installed on the top of the box (4). A drive gear (21) is fixedly installed at the output end of the motor (3). A first driven gear (20) and a second driven gear (22) are movably installed inside the box (4). Both the first driven gear (20) and the second driven gear (22) mesh with the drive gear (21). A rotating shaft (19) is fixedly installed at the bottom of both the first driven gear (20) and the second driven gear (22). A stirring rod (18) arranged in a circular array is fixedly installed on the outer surface of the rotating shaft (19) from top to bottom. A can lid (15) is fixedly installed on the top of the workbench (1). A can lid handle (16) is movably installed inside the can lid (15).

2. The steam sterilization fermenter according to claim 1, characterized in that: A limiting plate (17) is fixedly installed at the bottom of the steam sterilization fermenter body (2). A sterilization collection box (8) is provided below the steam sterilization fermenter body (2). A connecting column (24) is movably installed on one side of the sterilization collection box (8). A first fixing block (25) is fixedly installed on the other side of the connecting column (24). The limiting plate (17) has a connecting hole (28) through which the first fixing block (25) passes. When the first fixing block (25) passes through the limiting plate (17), the connecting column (24) can be connected to the limiting plate (17).

3. The steam sterilization fermenter according to claim 2, characterized in that: A hose (26) is fixedly installed at the bottom of the steam sterilization fermenter body (2), and a one-way valve (23) is fixedly installed inside the steam sterilization fermenter body (2).

4. The steam-sterilized fermenter according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: A push rod (9) is fixedly installed on the other side of the sterilization collection box (8). A column (10) is fixedly installed at the bottom of the sterilization collection box (8). A caster wheel (11) is hinged to the bottom of the column (10). A fixing groove (12) is opened on one side of the workbench (1). A second fixing block (13) is fixedly installed on one side of the work box (14). The second fixing block (13) is movably installed inside the fixing groove (12).

5. The steam sterilization fermenter according to claim 4, characterized in that: Four support plates (5) are fixedly installed at the bottom of the workbench (1). Fixing plates (7) are fixedly installed between two of the support plates (5) located on both sides of the moving direction of the sterilization collection box (8). The distance between the two fixing plates (7) is equal to the width of the sterilization collection box (8).

6. The steam sterilization fermenter according to claim 5, characterized in that: A reinforcing rib (6) is fixedly installed at the angle between the support plate (5) and the fixing plate (7), and a support base (27) is fixedly installed between the motor (3) and the box (4).

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