Milk product temperature-controlled fermenter
By combining a heat-conducting structure and a constant-temperature circulation mechanism, the problem of difficult temperature control of milk in existing fermentation tanks has been solved, achieving a constant-temperature fermentation effect for milk.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SHENZHEN GREEN CONG BIOTECHNOLOGY CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-19
AI Technical Summary
Existing fermentation tanks rely on steam heating during the fermentation process, making it difficult to achieve constant temperature control of the milk.
It adopts a heat-conducting structure and a constant temperature circulation mechanism. The heat-conducting structure is driven to rotate by the drive unit, and the bacterial powder is allowed to dissolve and then stand still. The constant temperature circulation mechanism is used to transport the constant temperature liquid and reduce heat loss through the insulation layer, so as to achieve constant temperature fermentation in the tank.
It achieves constant-temperature fermentation of milk, solving the problem of difficulty in controlling milk temperature and ensuring temperature stability during the fermentation process.
Smart Images
Figure CN224368968U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of milk fermentation technology, specifically to a temperature-controlled fermentation tank for milk products. Background Technology
[0002] In some milk fermentation processes, milk is heated to a preset temperature, then lactic acid bacteria powder is added and thoroughly stirred to ensure complete dissolution. Fermentation begins in a fermentation tank and is maintained at a constant temperature. After fermentation, the mixture is gently stirred before refrigeration to adjust the texture. Existing fermentation tanks include a tank body with an internal coil. Multiple high-temperature steam nozzles are located on the sidewalls of the internal coil, which is connected to a steam source. A hollow stirring shaft is rotatably mounted at the opening of the tank body. A compressed air inlet is located on the upper sidewall of the stirring shaft, and multiple sets of stirring blades are located on the lower sidewall. Multiple air jets are located between the sets of stirring blades. A jacket layer is located on the sidewall of the tank body, along with a feeding port. A discharge port is located at the bottom of the tank body. This fermentation tank has a simple internal structure and is easy to operate.
[0003] Existing fermentation tanks have the following problems: during the fermentation process, heating is done by steam, which makes it difficult to control the milk temperature and achieve constant temperature fermentation.
[0004] Based on the above situation, there is an urgent need for a temperature-controlled fermentation tank for dairy products to solve the problem of inconvenient control of milk temperature. Utility Model Content
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to address the problem that existing fermentation tanks, which use steam for heating during fermentation, make it difficult to control the milk temperature and achieve constant-temperature fermentation.
[0006] The technical solution of this utility model is as follows:
[0007] A temperature-controlled fermentation tank for dairy products, comprising:
[0008] The tank body, wherein a heat insulation layer is provided inside the tank body;
[0009] A heat-conducting structure is rotatably connected to the tank body and extends into the tank body;
[0010] A constant-temperature circulation mechanism is connected to the heat-conducting structure;
[0011] The drive unit connects to and drives the heat-conducting structure to rotate.
[0012] Existing fermentation tanks rely on steam heating during fermentation, which makes it difficult to control the milk temperature and achieve constant-temperature fermentation. In this solution, milk and starter culture are delivered into the tank in a specified ratio. The drive unit rotates the heat-conducting structure to assist in dissolving the starter culture. Once fully dissolved, the drive unit stops working, and the heat-conducting structure remains stationary. The constant-temperature circulation mechanism then delivers the constant-temperature liquid to the heat-conducting structure, and the insulation layer reduces heat loss, thereby maintaining a constant temperature within the tank. This facilitates constant-temperature fermentation of the milk and solves the problem of difficulty in controlling the milk temperature.
[0013] Furthermore, this solution is not limited to the specific structure of the heat-conducting structure. One feasible solution is that the heat-conducting structure includes a conveying pipe arranged in a vertical direction and a spiral tube connected to the conveying pipe. The spiral tube is connected with blades. When this solution is adopted, the constant temperature liquid is conveyed to the spiral tube through the conveying pipe, and heat exchange is carried out with the milk through the spiral tube to achieve constant temperature. When the driving part drives the heat-conducting structure to rotate, the blades can assist in stirring the milk.
[0014] Furthermore, this solution is not limited to the specific structure of the constant temperature circulation mechanism. One feasible solution is that the constant temperature circulation mechanism includes a constant temperature pool, a pump is installed on the constant temperature pool, and a rotary joint is installed between the delivery pipe and the pump. When this solution is adopted, the constant temperature liquid is pumped to the delivery pipe by the pump and returned to the constant temperature pool through the spiral tube, thereby realizing the circulation of the constant temperature liquid.
[0015] Furthermore, to ensure airtightness, one feasible solution is to provide a first mechanical seal between the heat-conducting structure and the tank, and a second mechanical seal between the heat-conducting structure and the constant temperature pool. With this solution, the first mechanical seal keeps the tank sealed to facilitate anaerobic fermentation, and the second mechanical seal keeps the constant temperature pool sealed to prevent leakage of the constant temperature liquid.
[0016] Furthermore, to facilitate the adjustment of the liquid temperature in the constant temperature pool, one feasible solution is to install a temperature sensor and a heating plate controlled by the temperature sensor in the constant temperature pool. When this solution is adopted, the temperature sensor detects the liquid temperature in the constant temperature pool and then feeds back to control the heating plate, so that the liquid temperature in the constant temperature pool can be kept constant.
[0017] Furthermore, this solution is not limited to the specific structure of the drive unit. One feasible solution is that the drive unit includes a motor, the heat-conducting structure is provided with a pulley, and an annular belt is provided between the pulley and the motor. When this solution is adopted, the motor drives the pulley and the heat-conducting structure to rotate synchronously. Since the belt drive has the characteristic of overload slippage, it can effectively protect the motor.
[0018] Compared with existing technologies, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0019] 1. Milk and starter culture powder are transported into the tank in a specified ratio. The drive unit drives the heat-conducting structure to rotate to assist in the dissolution of the starter culture powder. After the starter culture powder is fully dissolved, the drive unit stops working and the heat-conducting structure is stationary. The constant temperature liquid is transported to the heat-conducting structure through the constant temperature circulation mechanism, and the heat loss is reduced through the heat insulation layer, thereby keeping the temperature in the tank constant, so as to facilitate constant temperature fermentation of milk and solve the problem of inconvenient milk temperature control.
[0020] 2. Since the heat-conducting structure includes a conveying pipe arranged in a vertical direction and a spiral tube connected to the conveying pipe, and the spiral tube is connected to blades, the constant temperature liquid is conveyed to the spiral tube through the conveying pipe, and heat exchange is carried out with the milk through the spiral tube to achieve constant temperature. When the driving part drives the heat-conducting structure to rotate, the blades can assist in stirring the milk.
[0021] Third, since the constant temperature circulation mechanism includes a constant temperature pool, a pump is installed on the constant temperature pool and a rotary joint is installed between the delivery pipe and the pump, the constant temperature liquid is pumped to the delivery pipe by the pump and returned to the constant temperature pool through the spiral tube, thus realizing the circulation of the constant temperature liquid. Attached Figure Description
[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the tank body in an embodiment of this utility model;
[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the constant temperature pool according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] Figure 4 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A in the image;
[0026] Figure 5 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of point B in the image;
[0027] Figure 6 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of point C in the image.
[0028] Figure label:
[0029] 1. Tank body; 2. Heat-conducting structure; 3. Constant temperature circulation mechanism; 4. Drive unit;
[0030] 11. First machine seal;
[0031] 21. Conveying pipe; 22. Spiral pipe; 23. Blade;
[0032] 31. Constant temperature bath; 32. Pump; 33. Rotary joint; 34. Second mechanical seal; 35. Temperature sensor; 36. Heating plate;
[0033] 41. Motor; 42. Pulley; 43. Belt; 44. Shaft seat. Detailed Implementation
[0034] It should be noted that relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely 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 term "comprising" or any other variations thereof is 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 a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes the element.
[0035] The features and performance of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments.
[0036] Example:
[0037] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 A temperature-controlled fermentation tank for dairy products, comprising:
[0038] Tank 1, with an insulation layer installed inside;
[0039] The heat-conducting structure 2 is rotatably connected to the tank body 1 and extends into the tank body 1;
[0040] The constant temperature circulation mechanism 3 is connected to the heat conduction structure 2;
[0041] The drive unit 4 connects to and drives the heat-conducting structure 2 to rotate.
[0042] Existing fermentation tanks use steam for heating during fermentation, which makes it difficult to control the milk temperature and achieve constant-temperature fermentation. In this solution, milk and starter culture are delivered to tank 1 in a specified ratio. The drive unit 4 drives the heat-conducting structure 2 to rotate to assist in the dissolution of the starter culture. After the starter culture is fully dissolved, the drive unit 4 stops working and the heat-conducting structure 2 remains stationary. The constant-temperature liquid is then delivered to the heat-conducting structure 2 through the constant-temperature circulation mechanism 3, and heat loss is reduced through the insulation layer, thereby maintaining a constant temperature inside tank 1. This facilitates constant-temperature fermentation of milk and solves the problem of difficulty in controlling the milk temperature.
[0043] This solution does not limit the specific structure of the heat-conducting structure 2. One feasible solution is as follows: the heat-conducting structure 2 includes a conveying pipe 21 arranged in a vertical direction and a spiral pipe 22 connected to the conveying pipe 21. The spiral pipe 22 is connected to blades 23. When this solution is adopted, the constant temperature liquid is conveyed to the spiral pipe 22 through the conveying pipe 21, and heat exchange is carried out with the milk through the spiral pipe 22 to achieve constant temperature. When the driving unit 4 drives the heat-conducting structure 2 to rotate, the blades 23 can assist in stirring the milk.
[0044] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 This solution does not limit the specific structure of the constant temperature circulation mechanism 3. One feasible solution is: the constant temperature circulation mechanism 3 includes a constant temperature pool 31, a pump 32 is installed on the constant temperature pool 31, and a rotary joint 33 is installed between the delivery pipe 21 and the pump 32. When this solution is adopted, the constant temperature liquid is pumped to the delivery pipe 21 by the pump 32 and returned to the constant temperature pool 31 through the spiral pipe 22, which can realize the circulation of the constant temperature liquid.
[0045] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 To ensure airtightness, one feasible solution is to install a first mechanical seal 11 between the heat-conducting structure 2 and the tank 1, and a second mechanical seal 34 between the heat-conducting structure 2 and the constant temperature pool 31. When this solution is adopted, the tank 1 is kept sealed by the first mechanical seal 11 to facilitate anaerobic fermentation, and the constant temperature pool 31 is kept sealed by the second mechanical seal 34 to avoid leakage of the constant temperature liquid.
[0046] Reference Figure 6 In order to facilitate the adjustment of the temperature of the liquid in the constant temperature pool 31, one feasible solution is to install a temperature sensor 35 and an electric heating plate 36 controlled by the temperature sensor 35 in the constant temperature pool 31. When this solution is adopted, the temperature sensor 35 detects the temperature of the liquid in the constant temperature pool 31 and then feeds back to control the electric heating plate 36, so that the temperature of the liquid in the constant temperature pool 31 can be kept constant.
[0047] Reference Figure 5 This solution is not limited to the specific structure of the drive unit 4. One feasible solution is that the drive unit 4 includes a motor 41, the heat-conducting structure 2 is provided with a pulley 42, and an annular belt 43 is provided between the pulley 42 and the motor 41. Specifically, in this embodiment, a bearing seat 44 is provided on the tank body 1, and a thrust bearing is installed between the bearing seat 44 and the heat-conducting structure 2. When this solution is adopted, the motor 41 drives the pulley 42 and the heat-conducting structure 2 to rotate synchronously. Since the belt drive has the characteristic of overload slippage, it can effectively protect the motor 41.
[0048] To address the issue of difficulty in controlling milk temperature, this solution involves transporting milk and starter culture powder to tank 1 in a specified ratio. The drive unit 4 rotates the heat-conducting structure 2 to assist in dissolving the starter culture powder. Once fully dissolved, the drive unit 4 stops working, and the heat-conducting structure 2 remains stationary. The constant-temperature circulation mechanism 3 then transports the constant-temperature liquid to the heat-conducting structure 2, and the insulation layer reduces heat loss, thereby maintaining a constant temperature inside tank 1. This facilitates constant-temperature fermentation of the milk and solves the problem of difficulty in controlling milk temperature.
[0049] To facilitate maintaining a constant temperature in the milk, in this design, the heat-conducting structure 2 includes a vertically arranged conveying pipe 21 and a spiral tube 22 connected to the conveying pipe 21. The spiral tube 22 is connected to blades 23. The constant-temperature liquid is conveyed to the spiral tube 22 through the conveying pipe 21 and exchanges heat with the milk through the spiral tube 22 to achieve a constant temperature. When the driving unit 4 drives the heat-conducting structure 2 to rotate, the blades 23 can assist in stirring the milk.
[0050] In order to circulate the constant temperature liquid, in this solution, the constant temperature circulation mechanism 3 includes a constant temperature pool 31, a pump 32 is installed on the constant temperature pool 31 and a rotary joint 33 is installed between the delivery pipe 21 and the pump 32. The constant temperature liquid is pumped to the delivery pipe 21 by the pump 32 and returned to the constant temperature pool 31 through the spiral pipe 22, thus realizing the circulation of the constant temperature liquid.
[0051] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.
Claims
1. A temperature-controlled fermentation tank for dairy products, characterized in that, include: Tank body (1), wherein a heat insulation layer is provided inside the tank body (1); A heat-conducting structure (2) is rotatably connected to the tank body (1) and extends into the tank body (1); The constant temperature circulation mechanism (3) is connected to the heat-conducting structure (2); The drive unit (4) is connected to and drives the heat-conducting structure (2) to rotate.
2. A milk product temperature-controlled fermenter according to claim 1, characterised in that, The heat-conducting structure (2) includes a conveying pipe (21) arranged in a vertical direction and a spiral pipe (22) connected to the conveying pipe (21), and the spiral pipe (22) is connected to blades (23).
3. A milk product temperature-controlled fermenter according to claim 2, characterised in that, The constant temperature circulation mechanism (3) includes a constant temperature pool (31), a pump (32) is installed on the constant temperature pool (31), and a rotary joint (33) is installed between the delivery pipe (21) and the pump (32).
4. A milk product temperature-controlled fermenter according to claim 3, characterised in that, A first mechanical seal (11) is provided between the heat-conducting structure (2) and the tank (1), and a second mechanical seal (34) is provided between the heat-conducting structure (2) and the constant temperature pool (31).
5. A milk product temperature-controlled fermenter according to claim 3, characterised in that, The constant temperature pool (31) is equipped with a temperature sensor (35) and an electric heating plate (36) controlled by the temperature sensor (35).
6. A milk product temperature-controlled fermenter according to claim 1, characterised in that, The drive unit (4) includes a motor (41), the heat conduction structure (2) is provided with a pulley (42), and an annular belt (43) is provided between the pulley (42) and the motor (41).