Low-energy fermentation device and low-energy fermentation system

Abstract

This invention provides a low-energy fermentation device and a low-energy fermentation system. The low-energy fermentation system includes a fermentation tank, a feeding tank, an oxygenation device, a stirring shaft, a fermentation broth feeding tank, at least one addition tank, and an automatic control device. The feeding tank is coupled to the fermentation tank. The oxygenation device is located at the bottom of the fermentation tank. The stirring shaft is vertically inserted into the fermentation tank and has multiple stirring blades. The fermentation broth feeding tank is coupled to the fermentation tank. At least one addition tank is coupled to the fermentation tank. The automatic control device is coupled to the feeding tank, the oxygenation device, the stirring shaft, the fermentation broth feeding tank, and at least one addition tank.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a low-energy fermentation device and a low-energy fermentation system. Background Technology

[0002] The microorganisms used in aerobic fermentation technology are single-celled fungi, such as yeast or other aerobic fermentation strains. They are relatively easy to grow and harmless, and are widely used in the brewing industry. Yeast can break down large molecules into smaller molecules that are easily metabolized and utilized by cells, and can also be used in cell culture and genetic engineering research. Related bioculture systems have developed rapidly in recent years and are widely used in various fields, gaining significant popularity.

[0003] With the increasing market demand for various products, including microbial cells and related biomass, as well as fermentation byproducts, existing bio-fermentation processes are being modified and applied. Bio-fermentation tanks primarily utilize aerobic fermentation as their core process. The aeration equipment used is mainly installed at the bottom of the fermentation tank or in the space below it, delivering oxygen or a mixture containing other oxygen-rich gases. This allows the yeast or other microbial cells in the fermentation tank to perform aerobic respiration, while the microbubbles generated by the aeration equipment agitate the fluid, enhancing the uniformity within the fermentation tank.

[0004] Currently, aerobic fermentation processes require manual replenishment of the culture medium in the bio-fermentation tank at fixed intervals. Without real-time monitoring of the manufacturing process, unnecessary large-molecule proteins or other microbial cells can easily be generated in the bio-fermentation tank, causing contamination. Utility Model Content

[0005] This invention provides a low-energy fermentation system, comprising a fermentation tank, a feeding tank, an oxygenation device, a stirring shaft, a fermentation broth feeding tank, at least one additive tank, and an automatic control device. The feeding tank is coupled to the fermentation tank. The oxygenation device is located at the bottom of the fermentation tank. The stirring shaft is vertically inserted into the fermentation tank and has multiple stirring blades. The fermentation broth feeding tank is coupled to the fermentation tank. At least one additive tank is coupled to the fermentation tank. The automatic control device is coupled to the feeding tank, the oxygenation device, the stirring shaft, the fermentation broth feeding tank, and at least one additive tank.

[0006] In some embodiments, the low-energy fermentation system further includes at least one sensor disposed on the fermentation tank, and at least one sensor is coupled to an automatic control device.

[0007] In some embodiments, the stirring blades include three pairs of stirring blades spaced apart on the stirring shaft, with each pair of stirring blades symmetrically arranged on the stirring shaft, and the distance between adjacent pairs of stirring blades being in the ratio of 1 / 4 to 1 / 5 of the diameter of the fermentation tank.

[0008] In some implementations, the low-energy fermentation system also includes a gas flow meter coupled with an oxygenation device.

[0009] This invention provides a low-energy fermentation device, comprising a fermentation tank, a feeding tank, a fermentation broth feeding tank, a sensor, and an aeration device. The feeding tank is connected to the fermentation tank. The fermentation broth feeding tank is also connected to the fermentation tank. The sensor is mounted on the fermentation tank, with the angle between the sensor and the side wall of the fermentation tank being 45 to 75 degrees. The aeration device is located below the fermentation tank and is connected to the bottom of the fermentation tank.

[0010] In some embodiments, the low-energy fermentation apparatus also includes an automatic control device electrically connected to the feed tank, the fermentation broth feed tank, the sensor, and the aeration device.

[0011] In some embodiments, the low-energy fermentation apparatus also includes an addition tank connected to the fermentation tank and electrically connected to an automatic control device.

[0012] In some embodiments, the low-energy fermentation apparatus further includes an airflow meter connected to an oxygenation device.

[0013] In some embodiments, the oxygenation device includes a plurality of pores, each pore having a diameter of 0.5 micrometers to 10 micrometers.

[0014] In some embodiments, the low-energy fermentation device further includes a stirring shaft vertically inserted into the fermentation tank, and a plurality of stirring blades are provided on the stirring shaft.

[0015] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are intended to provide further illustration of the claimed invention. Attached Figure Description

[0016] A more comprehensive understanding of this invention can be achieved by reading the following detailed description of the embodiments and referring to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a low-energy fermentation system according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a low-energy fermentation device according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a low-energy fermentation method according to various embodiments of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Embodiments of this invention will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Where possible, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings and description to refer to the same or similar parts.

[0021] The following description details and discloses several embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. For clarity, many practical details will be set forth in the following description. However, it should be understood that these practical details are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. That is, in some embodiments of the invention, these practical details are not essential. Furthermore, to simplify the drawings, some existing structures and elements will be illustrated schematically in the drawings.

[0022] As used herein, “about,” “approximately,” “essentially,” or “substantially” includes the value and the average value within an acceptable range of deviations from a particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, taking into account the measurement under discussion and a particular number of errors associated with the measurement (i.e., limitations of the measurement system). For example, “about” may mean within one or more standard deviations of the value, or, for example, within ±30%, ±20%, ±15%, ±10%, ±5%. Furthermore, the use of “about,” “approximately,” “essentially,” or “substantially” herein may be chosen to select a more acceptable range of deviations or standard deviations depending on the nature of the measurement, the coating, or other properties, and may not require a single standard deviation to apply to all properties.

[0023] Although the methods disclosed herein are illustrated using a series of operations or steps, the order in which these operations or steps are shown should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. For example, some operations or steps may be performed in a different order and / or simultaneously with other steps. Furthermore, it is not necessary to perform all illustrated operations, steps, and / or features to achieve the implementation of the invention. In addition, each operation or step described herein may comprise several sub-steps or actions.

[0024] This invention provides a low-energy fermentation system for continuous large-scale aerobic fermentation production of microbial cells. This system can avoid unnecessary pollution caused by the production of large molecular proteins or other microbial cells. Compared with traditional fermentation systems, the low-energy fermentation system of this invention can save at least 65% of energy. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a low-energy fermentation system according to various embodiments of the present invention. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1The low-energy fermentation system 10 includes a fermentation tank 110, a feed trough 120, an oxygenation device 130, a stirring shaft 140, a fermentation broth feed trough 150, at least one addition tank 162, 164, 166, and an automatic control device 170. Specifically, the feed trough 120 is coupled to the fermentation tank 110. The oxygenation device 130 is disposed at the bottom of the fermentation tank 110. The stirring shaft 140 is vertically inserted into the fermentation tank 110, and multiple stirring blades 142 are disposed on the stirring shaft 140. The fermentation broth feed trough 150 is coupled to the fermentation tank 110. At least one addition tank 162, 164, 166 is coupled to the fermentation tank 110. The automatic control device 170 is coupled to the feed trough 120, the oxygenation device 130, the stirring shaft 140, the fermentation broth feed trough 150, and at least one addition tank 162, 164, 166. In some embodiments, the automatic control device 170 includes artificial intelligence (AI).

[0025] In some embodiments, the fermentation tank 110 has an internal space, adopts an upright cylindrical structure with a capacity of 5 liters to 1000 liters, and has a diameter D. In some embodiments, the low-energy fermentation system 10 further includes an insulation component 210 covering the fermentation tank 110 for temperature control of the fermentation tank 110.

[0026] The feed trough 120 is used to transport aerobic microbial cells to the fermentation tank 110. In some embodiments, a valve 380 may be added between the feed trough 120 and the fermentation tank 110 to control the amount of aerobic microbial cells entering the fermentation tank 110.

[0027] In some embodiments, the low-energy fermentation system 10 further includes an airflow meter 220, a gas filter 230, and a gas compressor 240. Specifically, the airflow meter 220 is coupled to the oxygenation device 130, the gas filter 230 is coupled to the airflow meter 220, and the gas compressor 240 is coupled to the gas filter 230. The airflow meter 220 is used to detect changes in the gas flow direction and continuously measure the flow of substances over a certain period of time. The purpose of the gas filter 230 is to filter bacteria in the gas and remove unwanted or excessive gas to obtain sterile gas. In some embodiments, a valve 310 may be added between the airflow meter 220 and the oxygenation device 130 to block or open the gas flow, change the flow rate, control the flow direction, regulate the downstream pressure, and release pressure when the system pressure exceeds or falls below a predetermined range.

[0028] In some embodiments, the stirring blades 142 on the stirring shaft 140 include at least one pair of stirring blades 142, and the at least one pair of stirring blades 142 are symmetrically arranged on the stirring shaft 140. In some embodiments, the stirring blades 142 on the stirring shaft 140 include three pairs of stirring blades 142 spaced apart on the stirring shaft 140, each pair of stirring blades 142 being symmetrically arranged on the stirring shaft 140, and the distance between adjacent pairs of stirring blades 142 is 143, the ratio of the distance 143 to the diameter D of the fermentation tank 110 being 1 / 4 to 1 / 5, such as... Figure 1 As shown. The number of stirring blades 142 on the stirring shaft 140 can be designed according to the volume of the fermentation tank 110, and this utility model is not limited thereto. The stirring shaft 140 and the multiple stirring blades 142 located on it are positioned above the aeration device 130. The rotation of these stirring blades 142 stirs the fluid in the bio-fermentation tank 110 to generate eddies. The eddies can drive the microbubbles generated by the aeration device 130 to be evenly distributed in the mixture of aerobic microbial cells and culture medium fluid in the fermentation tank 110. The combination of the stirring shaft 140 and the multiple stirring blades 142 on it with the aeration device 130 not only enhances the uniformity and transport quality, but also further increases the dissolved oxygen content in the bio-fermentation tank 110.

[0029] It is worth noting that when this low-energy fermentation system 10 is operating, the stirrers 142 on the stirring shaft 140 are used to maintain a tip speed of 0.3 m / s to 5.8 m / s. It should be noted that the "tip speed" referred to here is the speed of the tip (the end furthest from the stirring shaft 140) of each stirrer 142 as it rotates. When the tip speed of each stirrer 142 is maintained within the above range, the power consumption of the low-energy fermentation system 10 can be significantly reduced.

[0030] The relationship between the distance 143 between adjacent pairs of agitator blades 142 and the fluid height in the bioreactor 110 affects the flow pattern and mixing. In some embodiments, the fermenter 110 has a liquid level height H, and the ratio of the distance 143 between adjacent pairs of agitator blades 142 to the liquid level height H is 1 / 3 to 1 / 6. In one embodiment, considering that the volume of the fermenter 110 is in the range of minimum (5L) and maximum (500L), it is necessary to maintain good axial flow and sufficient mixing, and the ratio of the distance 143 between adjacent pairs of agitator blades 142 to the liquid level height H is preferably 1 / 4.

[0031] In some embodiments, a valve 350 and a pump 280 may be added between the fermentation broth feed tank 150 and the fermentation tank 110 to continuously add the nutrients required by the aerobic microbial cells to the fermentation tank 110, so that the nutrients can be automatically supplied to the fermentation tank 110 under predetermined time conditions, thereby promoting the growth and yield of aerobic microbial cells and realizing the automation of continuous feeding.

[0032] For example, the fermentation broth feed tank 150 includes YPG culture medium, YAG culture medium, or a combination thereof. Specifically, the YPG culture medium includes yeast extract, peptone, and glycerol, with a molar ratio of 1:1:1 to 1:2:2. Specifically, the YAG culture medium includes yeast extract, ammonium sulfate, and glycerol, with a molar ratio of 1:1:1 to 1:2:30.

[0033] In some embodiments, the number of addition tanks coupled to the fermentation tank 110 can be multiple. For example, the addition tanks include an antifoaming agent addition tank 162, an acidic solution addition tank 164, and an alkaline solution addition tank 166, which are independently coupled to the fermentation tank 110.

[0034] Furthermore, a valve 320 and a pump 250 can be added between the defoamer addition tank 162 and the fermentation tank 110 to suppress the foam generated by the mixed liquid in the fermentation tank 110.

[0035] Similarly, a valve 330 and a pump 260 can be added between the acid solution addition tank 164 and the fermentation tank 110 to control the acid-base (pH) value of the mixed liquid in the fermentation tank 110.

[0036] Similarly, a valve 340 and a pump 270 can be added between the alkaline solution addition tank 166 and the fermentation tank 110 to control the acid-base (pH) value of the mixed liquid in the fermentation tank 110.

[0037] In some embodiments, the low-energy fermentation system 10 may further include at least one sensor disposed on the fermentation tank 110, and the at least one sensor being coupled to an automatic control device 170. In some embodiments, the number of sensors may be multiple, for example, the sensors include a dissolved oxygen sensor 410, a temperature sensor 420, and a pH sensor 430. These sensors are used to detect whether the mixed solution in the fermentation tank 110 is maintained within a predetermined range.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, the automatic control device 170 is coupled to the feed tank 120, the oxygenation device 130, the stirring shaft 140, the fermentation broth feed tank 150, the defoamer addition tank 162, the acidic solution addition tank 164, and the alkaline solution addition tank 166. More specifically, the automatic control device 170 is electrically connected to pumps 250, 260, 270, and 280, the airflow meter 220, the stirring shaft 140, the dissolved oxygen sensor 410, the temperature sensor 420, and the pH sensor 430.

[0039] Continue reading Figure 1The low-energy fermentation system 10 may further include a sterilization steam pipe 180 and an exhaust pipe 190, each disposed at the top of the fermentation tank 110. In some embodiments, a valve 360 ​​may be added to the sterilization steam pipe 180 to control whether high-temperature steam can enter the fermentation tank 110 from the sterilization steam pipe 180. In some embodiments, a valve 370 may be added to the exhaust pipe 190 to control whether gas can be discharged from the exhaust pipe 190 and simultaneously control the pressure inside the fermentation tank 110. In some embodiments, the low-energy fermentation system 10 further includes an outlet 290 for discharging a mixed solution of microorganisms and culture medium fluid.

[0040] This invention also provides a low-energy fermentation device, which further improves the sensitivity of the sensor. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a low-energy fermentation apparatus according to various embodiments of the present invention. Please refer to... Figure 2 The low-energy fermentation device 20 includes a fermentation tank 110, a feed tank 120, a fermentation broth feed tank 150, a sensor 410, and an oxygenation device 130. Specifically, the feed tank 120 is connected to the fermentation tank 110. The fermentation broth feed tank 150 is connected to the fermentation tank 110. The sensor 410 is disposed on the fermentation tank 110, wherein the angle θ between the sensor 410 and the side wall 110S of the fermentation tank 110 is 45 degrees to 75 degrees. The oxygenation device 130 is disposed below the fermentation tank 110 and is connected to the bottom 110B of the fermentation tank 110. To facilitate comparison with the differences from the above embodiments and to simplify the description, the same symbols are used to refer to the same elements in the following embodiments, and the description mainly focuses on the differences between the embodiments, without repeating the same parts.

[0041] It is worth noting that all the sensors 410 are arranged at an angle on the side wall 110S of the fermentation tank 110, such as... Figure 2 As shown. In other words, the angle θ between each sensor 410 and the side wall 110S of the fermentation tank 110 is 45 degrees to 75 degrees, for example, 50 degrees, 55 degrees, 60 degrees, 65 degrees, or 70 degrees. This design can further improve the sensitivity of the sensor 410. In detail, when gas enters the fermentation tank 110 from the oxygenation device 130 below, the gas is guided upward and diffused along the tilt angle of the sensor 410, preventing gas from accumulating at the bottom of the sensor 410, thereby reducing the error of the detection value. Especially in the later stages of the aerobic fermentation process, as the viscosity of the liquid in the fermentation tank 110 increases, the gas is less likely to diffuse evenly. This design can better prevent the gas from being blocked at the bottom of the sensor 410.

[0042] It is worth noting that, such as Figure 2As shown, since the oxygenation device 130 is located below the fermentation tank 110, its advantage lies in the fact that the oxygenation device 130 can be easily removed from the fermentation tank 110, and a cleaning process for the oxygenation device 130 can be performed. In other words, the oxygenation device 130 is a detachable oxygenation device. For example, the oxygenation device 130 can be engaged and / or disengaged from the bottom 110B of the fermentation tank 110 via a slide rail, a buckle, a hinge, a screw, or a combination thereof.

[0043] In some embodiments, the aeration device 130 includes an aeration base (not shown) and an aeration disc structure (not shown) above it, wherein the aeration disc structure includes an air chamber formed by a combination of a protective ring (not shown), a multi-layered sintered stacked hollow structure (not shown), and a membrane (not shown) with multiple pores. For example, the aeration disc structure is evenly distributed with multiple pores, and the average pore diameter of each pore can be from 0.5 μm to 10 μm. An aeration disc structure with an appropriate pore size can be selected according to the gas flow rate. An appropriate pore size and spacing distribution can prevent microbubbles from rapidly agglomerating into larger bubbles, thereby allowing the gas to be evenly distributed in the mixed fluid of aerobic microbial cells and culture medium fluid in the form of microbubbles. Furthermore, the aeration disc structure can provide microbubbles with a size of about 0.5 μm to about 10 μm, allowing the mixed fluid in the fermentation tank 110 to have sufficient contact with the gas. Within the aforementioned aperture size range, the size of the microbubbles can be improved by adjusting the total flow rate and pressure of the introduced gas. Microbubbles can improve the solubility of oxygen. Appropriately sized microbubbles can make the gas evenly distributed in the mixed fluid of aerobic microbial cells and culture medium fluid, thereby increasing the dissolved oxygen content of the mixed fluid and enhancing the uniformity in the fermentation tank 110.

[0044] Furthermore, the dissolved oxygen (DO) content in fermentation tank 110 has a significant impact on microbial growth and product formation. During fermentation, an adequate supply of sterile air is essential for microbial cell reproduction and the accumulation of necessary metabolic products. As microorganisms rapidly grow into the logarithmic growth phase during fermentation, their oxygen consumption increases significantly. If the air supply is stopped at this point, the oxygen in the mixed liquid within fermentation tank 110 will be quickly depleted by the microorganisms. Generally, oxygen is not easily soluble in water. Under one atmosphere of pressure and 25°C, the concentration of dissolved oxygen in water is approximately 0.25 mg / L. However, under the same conditions, the low-energy fermentation system 10 of this invention can significantly increase the dissolved oxygen concentration in water to 15 mg / L.

[0045] The low-energy fermentation device of this invention further enhances the sensitivity of the sensor by using a sensor that is inclined to the side wall of the fermentation tank. Furthermore, the low-energy fermentation device of this invention also facilitates disassembly during subsequent cleaning of the aeration device by placing the aeration device below the fermentation tank.

[0046] This invention also provides a low-energy fermentation method for continuous large-scale aerobic fermentation production of microbial cells. This method can not only reduce the energy consumption of the aforementioned fermentation system, but also reduce production costs. Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a low-energy fermentation method according to various embodiments of the present invention. The low-energy fermentation method 50 includes at least steps 510, 520, 530, and 540. Step 510 is a sterilization step. For more details, please refer to [further details omitted]. Figure 1 and Figure 3 The sterilization process includes introducing high-temperature steam (110°C to 130°C) into the fermentation tank 110 for 30 to 60 minutes. More specifically, at one atmosphere of pressure, valve 360 ​​is opened, and high-temperature steam (110°C to 130°C) is continuously introduced into the fermentation tank 110 through sterilization steam pipe 180 for sterilization. After sterilization, valve 370 is opened, and the sterilized high-temperature steam is discharged from the fermentation tank 110 through exhaust pipe 190.

[0047] Step 520 involves transporting aerobic microbial cells to the fermentation tank 110 via the feed trough 120 of the low-energy fermentation system 10, so that the aerobic microbial cells are mixed with the culture medium fluid in the fermentation tank.

[0048] Step 530 involves supplying sterile gas to the fermentation tank 110 via the aeration device 130. Specifically, the gas compressor 240 is turned on, and gas (e.g., air) is filtered through the gas filter 230 to obtain sterile gas. The flow rate is then controlled by the automatic control device 170 via the airflow meter 220, thereby continuously supplying sterile gas to the fermentation tank 110. The sterile gas enters the pores on the aeration device 130 at the bottom of the fermentation tank 110 and generates fine, dense microbubbles within the fermentation tank 110. These microbubbles are evenly distributed in the mixed solution of aerobic microbial cells and culture medium fluid, thereby enhancing the homogeneity within the fermentation tank 110.

[0049] In some embodiments, the flow rate of sterile gas supplied to the fermentation tank 110 via the oxygenation device 130 is 0.5 L / min to 5 L / min. The gas flow rate can be adjusted as needed, and this invention is not limited thereto. It should be noted that in this system, the rotation of the gas compressor 240 and the stirring shaft 140 are the main energy sources; therefore, the higher the required gas flow rate in the fermentation tank 110, the more energy is consumed. Conversely, the lower the gas flow rate used in the fermentation tank 110, the more energy is saved.

[0050] In some embodiments, the aforementioned sterile gas includes oxygen, and the oxygen content accounts for 15% to 25% of the sterile gas content.

[0051] Step 540 involves stirring the aerobic microbial cells, sterile gas, and culture medium fluid within the fermentation tank 110 using a stirring shaft 140, wherein the tip speed of each stirring blade 142 on the stirring shaft 140 is maintained between 0.3 m / s and 5.8 m / s. Specifically, the tip speed of the stirring blades 142 on the stirring shaft 140 is preset to fall within the aforementioned range by an automatic control device 170, and then the stirring shaft 140 stirs the fermentation tank 110 to generate eddies. The eddies can drive the microbubbles generated by the aeration device 130, distributing them evenly in the mixed solution within the fermentation tank 110, thereby enhancing not only uniformity and transport quality but also increasing the dissolved oxygen content within the fermentation tank 110.

[0052] In some embodiments, the dissolved oxygen level in the fermentation tank 110 is maintained at 35% to 45% by the automatic control device 170. For example, when the dissolved oxygen sensor 410, which is electrically connected to the automatic control device 170, detects that the dissolved oxygen level in the fermentation tank 110 is not within the desired range, the automatic control device 170 will control the airflow meter 220 to continue to introduce sterile gas into the fermentation tank 110, thereby automating the control of the dissolved oxygen level in the fermentation tank 110.

[0053] In some embodiments, the pH of the fermentation tank 110 is maintained at 4.5 to 6.0 by the automatic control device 170. For example, when the pH sensor 430, which is electrically connected to the automatic control device 170, detects that the pH in the fermentation tank 110 is not within the desired range, the automatic control device 170 will control the pumps 260 and / or 270 to automatically add acidic or alkaline solutions to the fermentation tank 110, thereby automating the pH control in the fermentation tank 110.

[0054] In some embodiments, when the automatic control device 170 detects that foam is generated violently in the fermentation tank 110, the automatic control device 170 will control the pump 250 to automatically add defoamer to the fermentation tank 110 to suppress the foam in the fermentation tank 110, thereby avoiding excessive foam from affecting and potentially contaminating the mixed solution of aerobic microbial cells and culture medium fluid in the fermentation tank 110.

[0055] In some embodiments, step 540 further includes maintaining the temperature of the fermentation tank 110 at 20°C to 40°C. This temperature range is the optimal growth temperature for aerobic microbial cells.

[0056] The following detailed embodiments will enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention. The provision of detailed embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to the description of the embodiments.

[0057] To compare the power consumption of the traditional fermentation system with that of the low-energy fermentation system of this invention, power consumption data of Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3 in this experimental example will be collected and statistically analyzed.

[0058] In this experimental example, Comparative Examples 1 to 3 used a conventional fermentation system, with its stirring speed controlled at 3.665 m / s (equivalent to 1000 rpm), and continuously produced aerobic microbial cells for 120 hours. Examples 1 to 3 used the low-energy fermentation system of this invention, with its stirring speed controlled at 1.099 m / s (equivalent to 300 rpm), and continuously produced aerobic microbial cells for 120 hours. The production hours and power consumption of Comparative Examples 1 to 3 and Examples 1 to 3 are shown in Table 1 below.

[0059] Table 1

[0060] Production hours (hours) Electricity consumption (watts) Comparative Example 1 120 6179 Comparative Example 2 120 6495 Comparative Example 3 120 6521 Example 1 120 848 Example 2 120 890 Example 3 120 885

[0061] As can be seen from Table 1 above, the electricity consumption of a traditional fermentation system is at least seven times that of the low-energy fermentation system of this invention. In other words, using the low-energy fermentation system of this invention can save at least seven times the energy consumption.

[0062] In some implementations, the dry cell weight (DCW) of yeast cells obtained by the low-energy fermentation method 50 is not significantly different from that obtained by the conventional high-speed stirring fermentation method, and the final dry weight of the culture obtained by both methods is 95 g ± 5 g.

[0063] Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain embodiments, other embodiments may also be possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the embodiments contained herein.

[0064] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the structure of this utility model without departing from its scope or spirit. In view of the foregoing, this utility model is intended to cover any modifications and variations falling within the appended claims.

[0065] [Symbol Explanation]

[0066] 10: Low-energy fermentation system

[0067] 110: Fermentation tank

[0068] 110B: Bottom

[0069] 110S: Sidewall

[0070] 120: Feed trough

[0071] 130: Oxygenation device

[0072] 140: Stirring shaft

[0073] 142: Stirring plate

[0074] 143: Distance

[0075] 150: Fermentation broth feed tank

[0076] 162: Add Slot

[0077] 164: Add Slot

[0078] 166: Add Slot

[0079] 170: Automatic control device

[0080] 180: Sterilization steam pipe

[0081] 190: Exhaust pipe

[0082] 20: Low-energy fermentation device

[0083] 210: Thermal Insulation Components

[0084] 220: Airflow meter

[0085] 230: Gas Filter

[0086] 240: Gas compressor

[0087] 250: Pump

[0088] 260: Pump

[0089] 270: Pump

[0090] 280: Pump

[0091] 290: Discharge outlet

[0092] 310: Valves

[0093] 320: Valve

[0094] 330: Valve

[0095] 340: Valve

[0096] 350: Valve

[0097] 360: Valves

[0098] 370: Valve

[0099] 380: Valve

[0100] 410: Dissolved oxygen sensor

[0101] 420: Temperature sensor

[0102] 430: pH sensor

[0103] 50: Low-energy fermentation method

[0104] 510: Steps

[0105] 520: Steps

[0106] 530: Steps

[0107] 540: Steps

[0108] D: Diameter

[0109] H: Liquid level height

[0110] θ: included angle.

Claims

1. A low-energy fermentation system, characterized in that, include: Fermentation tank; The feed trough is coupled to the fermentation tank; An oxygenation device is installed at the bottom of the fermentation tank; A stirring shaft is vertically inserted into the fermentation tank, and multiple stirring blades are provided on the stirring shaft; A fermentation broth feed trough is coupled to the fermentation tank; At least one addition tank is coupled to the fermentation tank; as well as An automatic control device is coupled to the feed trough, the oxygenation device, the stirring shaft, the fermentation broth feed trough, and the at least one addition trough.

2. The low-energy fermentation system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes at least one sensor disposed on the fermentation tank, and the at least one sensor is coupled to the automatic control device.

3. The low-energy fermentation system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an airflow meter coupled to the oxygenation device.

4. The low-energy fermentation system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of stirring blades includes three pairs of stirring blades spaced apart on the stirring shaft. Each pair of stirring blades is symmetrically arranged on the stirring shaft. The distance between adjacent pairs of stirring blades is in the ratio of 1 / 4 to 1 / 5 of the diameter of the fermentation tank.

5. A low-energy fermentation device, characterized in that, include: Fermentation tank; The feed trough is connected to the fermentation tank; A fermentation broth feed trough is connected to the fermentation tank; A sensor is disposed on the fermentation tank, wherein the angle between the sensor and the side wall of the fermentation tank is 45 degrees to 75 degrees. as well as An oxygenation device is installed below the fermentation tank and is connected to the bottom of the fermentation tank.

6. The low-energy fermentation device according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes an automatic control device electrically connected to the feed tank, the fermentation broth feed tank, the sensor, and the oxygenation device.

7. The low-energy fermentation device according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes an addition tank that is connected to the fermentation tank and electrically connected to the automatic control device.

8. The low-energy fermentation device according to claim 5, characterized in that, It further includes an airflow meter connected to the oxygenation device.

9. The low-energy fermentation device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The oxygenation device includes a plurality of air holes, and the diameter of each air hole is from 0.5 micrometers to 10 micrometers.

10. The low-energy fermentation device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The method further includes a stirring shaft that is vertically inserted into the fermentation tank, and a plurality of stirring blades are provided on the stirring shaft.

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