Beer fermentation tank temperature collecting device

Abstract

The application provides a beer fermentation tank temperature tour collection device, which comprises a fermentation tank, a motor, a transmission rod, a stirring blade, a temperature tour collection structure and a heating device; in view of the problems of a large number of fermentation tanks and dense temperature detection points in a large beer factory, eight tour collection modules are adopted, one single module can be connected with eight temperature probes at the same time, and independent temperature transmitters and analog quantity channels do not need to be configured for each detection point; taking forty fermentation tanks and three detection points of each fermentation tank as an example, one hundred and twenty analog quantity channels and corresponding modules are needed in a traditional mode, and only fifteen eight tour collection modules are needed in the device, so that the purchase cost, line laying cost and later maintenance cost of the automatic control equipment are remarkably reduced; in the temperature control precision, the C-shaped heating rings corresponding to the temperature probes are arranged on the inner walls of the upper, middle and lower parts of the fermentation tank, and the partition control logic of the controller is matched, so that the heating intensity can be accurately adjusted according to the temperature requirements of different areas.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of fermentation tank technology, and in particular to a temperature monitoring device for beer fermentation tanks. Background Technology

[0002] In the beer production process, temperature control during fermentation is crucial, directly affecting the quality and taste of the beer. Currently, each fermentation tank in a brewery typically requires monitoring the temperature at three points: the top, middle, and bottom, in order to fully understand the temperature changes in the fermentation environment inside the tank.

[0003] In traditional temperature acquisition and control methods, the temperature of each point in each fermenter needs to be acquired by an independent temperature transmitter. The temperature signal is then input as an analog signal into the analog channel of a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), and finally displayed on a host computer. Temperature control is achieved through PLC programming. In this method, each temperature detection point must occupy one analog channel of the PLC.

[0004] The existing technology has the following problems:

[0005] For large breweries, there are a large number of fermentation tanks. Taking 40 fermentation tanks as an example, each fermentation tank has 3 temperature detection points, which means a total of 120 temperature detection points are needed. This means that 120 PLC analog input channels are needed accordingly.

[0006] To meet these channel requirements, a large number of analog modules must be equipped, and numerous lines need to be laid to connect the temperature transmitters and PLCs. In addition, the sheer number of temperature transmitters themselves will undoubtedly lead to a significant increase in the investment cost of the automation equipment.

[0007] In terms of temperature regulation, existing technologies mostly use the method of heating the entire tank when heating the fermentation tank, which makes it difficult to control the temperature requirements of different points at the top, middle and bottom of the fermentation tank. This may lead to uneven temperature distribution inside the tank and affect the fermentation effect. Utility Model Content

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a circulating temperature acquisition device for beer fermentation tanks in order to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0009] The technical solution of this application is implemented as follows:

[0010] This application provides a temperature monitoring device for a beer fermentation tank, including a fermentation tank. A motor is fixedly installed on the top of the fermentation tank. The output end of the motor passes through the top of the fermentation tank and extends into its interior. A transmission rod is fixedly connected to the output end. Several sets of stirring blades are arranged on the outside of the transmission rod.

[0011] It also includes a temperature cyclic acquisition structure and a heating device. The temperature cyclic acquisition structure includes temperature probes, wires, and a cyclic acquisition module. The cyclic acquisition module is an eight-channel cyclic acquisition module. The maximum number of temperature probes is eight, with three configured on a single fermentation tank. The detection ends of the three temperature probes penetrate the outer wall of the upper, middle, and lower parts of the fermentation tank and are respectively located in the inner cavity of the fermentation tank. All three temperature probes are connected to wires and are electrically connected to the cyclic acquisition module through the wires. One end of the heating device is distributed on the inner wall of the upper, middle, and lower parts of the fermentation tank, and the other end extends through the inner wall of the fermentation tank to the outside of the fermentation tank.

[0012] In one embodiment, the heating device is positioned on the inner wall of the fermenter in a manner that matches the positions of the three temperature probes within the fermenter cavity.

[0013] In one embodiment, the heating device includes heating rings, which are fixedly installed on the inner walls of the upper, middle, and lower parts of the fermentation tank. The three heating rings correspond to the three temperature probes respectively. The inlet and outlet ends of the heating rings are connected to a circulation structure. The end of the circulation structure away from the heating ring passes through the inner wall of the fermentation tank and is connected to a heating water tank. A controller is provided on the outside of the heating water tank, and the controller is electrically connected to the circulation structure.

[0014] In one embodiment, the heating ring is a C-shaped ring structure with a hollow cavity inside. Its openings form an inlet and an outlet, and it is connected to the circulation structure through the openings.

[0015] In one embodiment, the circulation structure includes a first connector and a second connector, which are respectively disposed through the water inlet and water outlet of the heating ring. The end of the first connector away from the heating ring is connected to a water inlet pipe, and the end of the water inlet pipe away from the first connector passes through the inner wall of the fermenter and is connected to a circulation pump. The end of the circulation pump away from the water inlet pipe is connected to a heating water tank. The end of the second connector away from the heating ring is connected to a water outlet pipe, and the end of the water outlet pipe away from the second connector passes through the inner wall of the fermenter and is connected to a heating water tank.

[0016] In one embodiment, the controller establishes an electrical signal connection with the cyclic acquisition module to receive temperature parameters collected by three temperature probes and control the operating status of the circulating pump in the circulation structure based on the temperature parameters.

[0017] Advantages or beneficial effects of the above technical solution:

[0018] To address the issue of numerous fermentation tanks and dense temperature monitoring points in large breweries, this invention employs an eight-channel cyclic acquisition module, model ADAM-4018+, which allows a single module to simultaneously connect to eight temperature probes, eliminating the need for an independent temperature transmitter and analog signal channel for each monitoring point.

[0019] Taking forty fermenters, with three detection points in each fermenter as an example, the traditional method requires one hundred and twenty analog signal channels and corresponding modules, while this device only requires fifteen eight-channel cyclic acquisition modules, which greatly reduces the number of analog signal modules used and significantly reduces the procurement cost of automatic control equipment, the cost of laying lines, and the cost of subsequent maintenance.

[0020] In terms of temperature control precision, by setting C-shaped heating rings corresponding to temperature probes on the inner walls of the upper, middle and lower parts of the fermentation tank, and in conjunction with the zone control logic of the S7-1200 PLC controller, the heating intensity can be precisely adjusted according to the temperature requirements of different areas, avoiding the problem of uneven temperature distribution caused by overall heating, ensuring that the temperature of each area in the fermentation tank is stable within a suitable range, and effectively improving the quality of beer fermentation. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present application and, together with the description thereof, serve to explain the principles of the present application. These drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present application and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification.

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of this application is presented;

[0023] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the interior of the fermenter according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0024] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the temperature cyclic acquisition structure according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0025] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the heating device according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0026] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing the connection between the heating ring and the circulation structure in an embodiment of this application is provided;

[0027] Figure 6 Examples of this application are presented. Figure 5 A magnified diagram of point A in the middle.

[0028] Reference numerals in the attached diagram: Fermentation tank-1, Motor-2, Transmission rod-3, Stirring blade-4, Temperature monitoring and acquisition structure-5, Heating device-6, Probe-51, Wire-52, Monitoring and acquisition module-53, Heating ring-61, Circulation structure-62, Heating water tank-63, Controller-64, First connector-621, Second connector-622, Inlet pipe-623, Circulation pump-624, Outlet pipe-625. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Embodiments of this application will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While some embodiments of this application are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that this application can be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a more thorough and complete understanding of this application. It should be understood that the drawings and embodiments of this application are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0030] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. This application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0031] It should be understood that the term "comprising" and its variations as used herein are open-ended, meaning "including but not limited to". The term "based on" means "at least partially based on". The term "one embodiment" means "at least one embodiment"; the term "another embodiment" means "at least one additional embodiment"; the term "some embodiments" means "at least some embodiments". Definitions of other terms will be given in the following description. It should be noted that the concepts of "first", "second", etc., mentioned in this application are used only to distinguish different devices, modules, or units, and are not intended to limit the order of functions performed by these devices, modules, or units or their interdependencies.

[0032] It should be noted that the terms "a" and "several" used in this application are illustrative rather than restrictive, and those skilled in the art should understand that, unless otherwise expressly indicated in the context, they should be understood as "one or more".

[0033] The names of the messages or information exchanged between multiple devices in the embodiments of this application are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of these messages or information.

[0034] Reference Figures 1-2A temperature monitoring device for a beer fermentation tank includes a fermentation tank 1, a temperature monitoring structure 5, and a heating device 6. The fermentation tank 1 serves as the container for beer fermentation, providing a sealed fermentation space to ensure that the fermentation process takes place in a sterile environment. A motor 2 is fixedly installed on the top of the fermentation tank 1. The output end of the motor 2 passes through the top of the fermentation tank 1 and extends into its interior. A transmission rod 3 is fixedly connected to the output end. Several sets of stirring blades 4 are arranged on the outside of the transmission rod 3. The motor 2 provides power, which drives the stirring blades 4 to rotate through the transmission rod 3, so that the fermentation liquid is evenly mixed, avoiding local temperature or concentration differences and ensuring fermentation uniformity. In this embodiment, four sets of stirring blades 4 are provided. The four sets can cut and turn the fermentation liquid more precisely, avoiding local stagnation areas in the fermentation liquid, ensuring that the yeast and wort are in full contact, and improving fermentation efficiency.

[0035] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 3 The temperature acquisition structure 5 includes temperature probes 51, wires 52, and an acquisition module 53. The acquisition module 53 is an eight-channel acquisition module. The maximum number of temperature probes 51 is eight, with three configured on a single fermenter 1. The detection ends of the three temperature probes 51 penetrate the outer wall of the upper, middle, and lower parts of the fermenter 1 and are located in the inner cavity of the fermenter 1. The temperature probes 51 directly contact the fermentation liquid and collect the temperature signals at the upper, middle, and lower points in real time. Each of the three temperature probes 51 is connected to a wire 52, which is electrically connected to the acquisition module 53. The wires 52 are shielded to reduce electromagnetic interference and stably transmit the temperature signals to the acquisition module 53. The acquisition module 53 performs time-division acquisition, A / D conversion, and data processing on the signals from the three temperature probes 51 and transmits them to the controller through a single path. Compared with the traditional method where each probe requires an independent channel of one analog module, this method can reduce seven analog modules and lower equipment costs.

[0036] In this embodiment, the cyclic acquisition module 53 adopts an eight-channel cyclic acquisition module of model ADAM-4018+, which has eight single-ended analog input channels.

[0037] Temperature probe 51 is a platinum resistance temperature probe of model WZP-PT100, which has a measurement range of -50℃ to 150℃ and can accurately sense the temperature changes of the fermentation broth.

[0038] After the cyclic acquisition module 53 establishes an electrical signal connection with the three temperature probes 51 through the wire 52, the signals of the three temperature probes 51 are processed in a time-division acquisition manner. The entire cyclic process is a cycle of 2.4 seconds.

[0039] Within each cycle, the module first acquires the signal from the upper temperature probe 51 for 0.3 seconds, during which time the temperature signal of that point is acquired; then, after a short interval, it begins to acquire the signal from the middle temperature probe 51 for 0.3 seconds; then, after another short interval, it acquires the signal from the lower temperature probe 51 for 0.3 seconds.

[0040] After the data acquisition is completed, the roving acquisition module 53 performs A / D conversion on the temperature signals of the three points, converting the analog signals into digital signals. Then, the data is processed to remove possible interference signals and outliers, so as to obtain accurate temperature data and realize real-time monitoring of the temperature of the upper, middle and lower points in the fermenter.

[0041] One end of the heating device 6 is distributed on the inner wall of the upper, middle and lower parts of the fermentation tank 1, which can directly heat the fermentation liquid in different height areas of the tank to achieve zoned temperature control. The other end extends through the inner wall of the fermentation tank 1 to the outside of the fermentation tank 1, which is convenient for connecting to external heating equipment.

[0042] The heating device 6 is positioned on the inner wall of the fermenter 1 in a manner that matches the positions of the three temperature probes 51 within the fermenter 1. The temperature data collected by the temperature probes 51 at the upper, middle, and lower points can directly reflect the actual temperature state of the fermentation liquid in the corresponding area. The heating device 6 is positioned to match these points, allowing for targeted heating of the areas monitored by the temperature probes 51.

[0043] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figures 4-5 The heating device 6 includes heating rings 61, which are fixedly installed on the inner walls of the upper, middle, and lower parts of the fermentation tank 1 by welding. The three heating rings 61 correspond to three temperature probes 51 respectively. As heating components that directly contact the fermentation liquid in the fermentation tank 1, the heating rings 61 are fixed on the inner walls of the upper, middle, and lower parts of the fermentation tank 1 and can locally heat the fermentation liquid in the corresponding areas. They correspond to the temperature probes 51 and can heat the corresponding areas. The inlet and outlet of the heating rings 61 are connected to a circulation structure 62. The end of the circulation structure 62 away from the heating rings 61 passes through the inner wall of the fermentation tank 1 and is connected to the heating water tank 63. The circulation structure 62 is used to connect the heating rings 61 and the heating water tank 63 and plays the role of transmitting the heating medium. A controller 64 is set on the outside of the heating water tank 63. The controller 64 is electrically connected to the circulation structure 62. The controller 64 can control the start and stop of the circulation structure 62, the medium flow rate, etc., thereby adjusting the heating intensity of the heating rings 61 and realizing precise control of the temperature in the fermentation tank 1.

[0044] Among them, the heating ring 61 has a C-shaped ring structure with a hollow cavity inside. Its openings form an inlet and an outlet, and it is connected to the circulation structure 62 through the openings.

[0045] The C-shaped ring structure of the heating ring 61 can better fit the inner wall contour of the fermenter 1, increase the contact area between the heating ring 61 and the tank wall, and improve the efficiency of heat transfer to the fermentation liquid.

[0046] The hollow cavity design inside the heating ring 61 provides a flow channel for the heating medium. When the heating medium circulates in the cavity, it can continuously release heat to the surrounding fermentation liquid through the wall of the heating ring.

[0047] The heating ring 61 has an inlet and an outlet at its opening, which allows the heating ring 61 to form a closed-loop system with the circulation structure 62 and the heating water tank 63. The high-temperature medium in the heating water tank 63 enters the heating ring 61 cavity from the inlet through the circulation structure 62, releases heat, and then flows back to the heating water tank 63 from the outlet through the circulation structure 62 for reheating, thus realizing the recycling of the heating medium.

[0048] The controller 64 establishes an electrical signal connection with the cyclic acquisition module 53 to receive temperature parameters collected by the three temperature probes 51 and control the operation of the circulation pump 624 in the circulation structure 62 based on these temperature parameters. The controller 64 is a PLC controller, model S7-1200. When the upper temperature probe detects that the temperature of the fermentation liquid is lower than the set threshold, the controller 64 receives the signal and starts the circulation structure 62 corresponding to the upper heating ring 61, pumping hot water from the heating water tank 63 into the upper heating ring 61 to heat the fermentation liquid in the upper area. When the temperature reaches the set upper limit, the controller 64 controls the circulation structure 62 to stop running and stop heating.

[0049] The working process of the middle and lower heating rings is similar to that of the upper ring. Through precise control of the controller, the temperature of the upper, middle and lower parts of the fermenter is always maintained within a suitable range.

[0050] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 6The circulation structure 62 includes a first connector 621 and a second connector 622. The first connector 621 and the second connector 622 are respectively installed through the water inlet and outlet of the heating ring 61. The end of the first connector 621 facing away from the heating ring 61 is connected to an inlet pipe 623. The inlet pipe 623 is the channel through which the heating medium flows from the circulation pump 624 to the heating ring 61, providing a continuous heat source for the heating ring 61. The end of the inlet pipe 623 away from the first connector 621 penetrates the inner wall of the fermenter 1 and is connected to the circulation pump 624. The end of the circulation pump 624 facing away from the inlet pipe 623 is connected to the heating water tank 63. In this embodiment, the circulation... The circulating pump 624 adopts the ISG50-160 type. As a power source, the circulating pump 624 provides power for the flow of the heating medium through its own operation. The operating power can be adjusted according to the instructions of the controller 64 to change the flow rate and velocity, thereby controlling the heating intensity of the heating ring 61. The end of the second connector 622 away from the heating ring 61 is connected to the water outlet pipe 625. The end of the water outlet pipe 625 away from the second connector 622 passes through the inner wall of the fermenter 1 and is connected to the heating water tank 63. The water outlet pipe 625 is used to send the cooled medium in the heating ring 61 back to the heating water tank 63, forming a closed loop of medium circulation and realizing the reuse of the heating medium.

[0051] Working principle:

[0052] A 5000L fermenter 1 is used as a sealed space. The top motor 2 drives the transmission rod 3 and four sets of stirring blades 4 to rotate, so that the fermentation liquid is evenly mixed, providing a foundation for subsequent operations.

[0053] Three WZP-PT100 platinum resistance temperature probes 51 are installed in the upper, middle, and lower parts of the fermenter's inner cavity, respectively, to directly contact the fermentation liquid and collect temperature signals from -50℃ to 150℃. The signals are transmitted via wires 52 to the ADAM-4018+ eight-channel cyclic acquisition module 53. The cyclic acquisition module 53 supports signal input and time-division acquisition from up to eight temperature probes. The module collects signals from three points (0.3 seconds each) in a 2.4-second cycle. After processing, the digital signals are transmitted to the S7-1200 PLC controller 64, reducing the number of analog modules by seven compared to the traditional solution.

[0054] After receiving the data, the controller 64 compares it with the preset threshold. When the temperature of a certain area is lower than the threshold, the corresponding heating control is activated. A signal is sent to the I SG50-160 circulating pump 624, which draws hot water from the heating water tank 63 and sends it to the C-shaped hollow heating ring 61 through the inlet pipe 623 and the first connector 621. The hot water releases heat to heat the area. Then, it flows back to the heating water tank 63 through the second connector 622 and the outlet pipe 625 for reheating. When the area temperature reaches the set threshold, the controller 64 stops the circulating pump 624. The process is the same for the middle and lower heating rings 61, ensuring the temperature of each area of ​​the fermentation tank 1 is stable and improving the beer quality.

[0055] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0056] Those skilled in the art should understand that the above embodiments are merely for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Those skilled in the art can make other changes or modifications based on the above disclosure, and these changes or modifications still fall within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A circulating temperature acquisition device for beer fermentation tanks, characterized in that: The fermentation tank (1) is equipped with a motor (2) fixedly installed on the top of the fermentation tank (1). The output end of the motor (2) passes through the top of the fermentation tank (1) and extends into its interior. The output end is fixedly connected to a transmission rod (3). Several sets of stirring blades (4) are arranged on the outside of the transmission rod (3). It also includes a temperature cyclic acquisition structure (5) and a heating device (6). The temperature cyclic acquisition structure (5) includes a temperature probe (51), a wire (52) and a cyclic acquisition module (53). The cyclic acquisition module (53) is an eight-channel cyclic acquisition module. The maximum number of temperature probes (51) is eight, with three on a single fermentation tank (1). The detection ends of the three temperature probes (51) pass through the outer wall of the upper, middle and lower parts of the fermentation tank (1) and are set in the inner cavity of the fermentation tank (1). All three temperature probes (51) are connected to wires (52) and are electrically connected to the cyclic acquisition module (53) through the wires (52). One end of the heating device (6) is distributed on the inner wall of the upper, middle and lower parts of the fermentation tank (1), and the other end extends through the inner wall of the fermentation tank (1) to the outside of the fermentation tank (1).

2. The beer fermentation tank temperature monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heating device (6) is positioned on the inner wall of the fermenter (1) in a manner that matches the position of the three temperature probes (51) inside the fermenter (1).

3. The beer fermentation tank temperature monitoring device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The heating device (6) includes a heating ring (61), which is fixedly installed on the inner wall of the upper, middle and lower parts of the fermentation tank (1). The three heating rings (61) correspond to the three temperature probes (51) respectively. The inlet and outlet of the heating ring (61) are connected to a circulation structure (62). The end of the circulation structure (62) away from the heating ring (61) passes through the inner wall of the fermentation tank (1) and is connected to the heating water tank (63). A controller (64) is provided on the outside of the heating water tank (63). The controller (64) is electrically connected to the circulation structure (62).

4. The beer fermentation tank temperature monitoring device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The heating ring (61) is a C-shaped ring structure with a hollow cavity inside. Its openings form an inlet and an outlet, and it is connected to the circulation structure (62) through the openings.

5. The beer fermentation tank temperature monitoring device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The circulation structure (62) includes a first connector (621) and a second connector (622). The first connector (621) and the second connector (622) are respectively installed through the water inlet and water outlet of the heating ring (61). The end of the first connector (621) away from the heating ring (61) is connected to a water inlet pipe (623). The end of the water inlet pipe (623) away from the first connector (621) penetrates the inner wall of the fermenter (1) and is connected to a circulation pump (624). The end of the circulation pump (624) away from the water inlet pipe (623) is connected to a heating water tank (63). The end of the second connector (622) away from the heating ring (61) is connected to a water outlet pipe (625). The end of the water outlet pipe (625) away from the second connector (622) penetrates the inner wall of the fermenter (1) and is connected to a heating water tank (63).

6. The beer fermentation tank temperature monitoring device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The controller (64) establishes an electrical signal connection with the cyclic acquisition module (53) to receive temperature parameters collected by the three temperature probes (51) and control the operation status of the circulating pump (624) in the cyclic structure (62) according to the temperature parameters.

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