Medium dispensing device and medium fermentation system

Abstract

The application relates to a culture medium batching device and a culture medium fermentation system. The culture medium batching device comprises a batching tank, a stirring mechanism, a filter and a detection assembly. The batching tank is provided with a batching cavity, a feeding port and a discharging port, the batching cavity is communicated with the feeding port and the discharging port, and the discharging port is connected with a discharging pipe. The stirring mechanism is arranged in the batching tank, at least part of the stirring mechanism is arranged in the batching cavity, and the stirring mechanism is used for stirring the culture medium in the batching cavity. The filter intercepts insoluble substances in the culture medium, so that the culture medium filtered by the filter is particle-free and completely dissolved. In the preparation process, the detection assembly detects whether the filter is blocked in real time. If the filter is blocked, the filter is cleaned in time, the filter can smoothly filter the insoluble substances in the culture medium, the culture medium flowing out of the filter is completely dissolved, and therefore, the valve on the pipeline conveying the fermentation liquid is prevented from being worn out and leaking, so that contamination and waste of the whole batch of fermentation liquid are avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of bio-fermentation technology, and in particular to a culture medium preparation device and a culture medium fermentation system. Background Technology

[0002] In fields such as microbiology, bioengineering, and pharmaceutical research and development, culture media are the fundamental substances for microbial culture, cell growth, and biological experiments. Most organic culture media contain insoluble substances, such as corn steep liquor, wheat bran, and biomass powder. During the preparation of culture media using a mixing device, stirring is used to dissolve the media as much as possible, but a considerable amount of insoluble substances still remain. This can cause valves on the pipelines transporting the fermentation broth to wear out and leak, resulting in contamination and waste of the entire batch of fermentation broth. Utility Model Content

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a culture medium preparation device and a culture medium fermentation system. The culture medium after preparation is a fully soluble culture medium, which avoids the valves on the pipelines transporting the fermentation broth from wearing out and leaking, which would lead to contamination and waste of the entire batch of fermentation broth.

[0004] In a first aspect, this application provides a culture medium dispensing device, comprising:

[0005] A mixing tank, wherein the mixing tank is provided with a mixing chamber, an inlet and an outlet, the mixing chamber is connected to the inlet and the outlet, and the outlet is connected to a discharge pipe;

[0006] A stirring mechanism is provided in the mixing tank, and at least a portion of the stirring mechanism is provided in the mixing chamber. The stirring mechanism is used to stir the culture medium in the mixing chamber.

[0007] A filter, wherein the filter is disposed at the discharge pipe or the discharge port, the filter being used to filter the culture medium flowing out through the discharge port; and

[0008] A detection component is provided on the discharge pipe, and the detection component is located upstream and / or downstream of the filter. The detection component is used to detect whether the filter is clogged.

[0009] In one embodiment, the discharge pipe includes a first pipe section and a second pipe section, one end of the first pipe section is connected to the discharge port, the other end of the first pipe section is connected to the filter inlet of the filter, and the second pipe section is connected to the filter outlet of the filter.

[0010] The detection component includes:

[0011] A first pressure sensor is installed in the first pipe section and is used to measure the pressure value within the first pipe section; and

[0012] The second pressure sensor is used to measure the pressure value within the second pipe section, while the first pressure sensor is located in the second pipe section.

[0013] In one embodiment, the detection component further includes a flow sensor disposed in the second pipe section, the flow sensor being used to detect the flow rate of the culture medium flowing out of the filter.

[0014] In one embodiment, the stirring mechanism includes a driving component, a connecting shaft, and a stirring paddle. The driving component is located outside the mixing tank, the connecting shaft is located inside the mixing chamber and is connected to the power shaft of the driving component, and the stirring paddle is located on the connecting shaft.

[0015] The culture medium dispensing device also includes a scraper, which is located on the connecting shaft and contacts the inner wall of the dispensing tank.

[0016] In one embodiment, an elastic element is provided between the scraper and the connecting shaft.

[0017] In one embodiment, the culture medium dispensing device further includes a plurality of spray heads, all of which are rotatably disposed within the dispensing chamber, and the plurality of spray heads are used to spray cleaning liquid onto the chamber wall of the dispensing chamber.

[0018] In one embodiment, the culture medium dispensing device further includes a temperature sensor disposed in the dispensing tank, the temperature sensor being used to detect the temperature inside the dispensing chamber.

[0019] In one embodiment, the filter includes a filter screen and two housings, each housing having an opening, the ends of the housings having the openings being joined and detachably connected, and the filter screen being disposed between the two housings.

[0020] In one embodiment, the culture medium preparation device further includes a discharge valve disposed on the discharge pipe between the discharge port and the filter.

[0021] Secondly, this application also provides a culture medium fermentation system, comprising:

[0022] The culture medium preparation device of any of the above; and

[0023] A culture medium fermentation device, the culture medium fermentation device further includes a fermentation tank, the fermentation tank being connected to the discharge port of the ingredient tank.

[0024] In the aforementioned culture medium preparation device and fermentation system, the culture medium is added into the preparation chamber through the inlet. This culture medium contains poorly soluble components such as corn steep liquor, wheat bran, and biomass powder. Then, the stirring mechanism is activated to agitate the culture medium, rapidly dispersing the poorly soluble components and preventing sedimentation or clumping. After uniform agitation, the culture medium flows out from the outlet and into a filter through the outlet pipe. The filter intercepts insoluble substances in the culture medium, resulting in a particle-free and completely dissolved culture medium. During the preparation process, a detection component continuously monitors the filter for blockage. If the filter is blocked, it is cleaned promptly to ensure that it can effectively filter insoluble substances from the culture medium, ensuring that the culture medium flowing out of the filter is completely dissolved. This prevents valve damage and leakage in the fermentation broth delivery pipeline, which could lead to contamination and waste of the entire batch of fermentation broth. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a culture medium preparation device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a simplified structural diagram of the filter in a culture medium dispensing device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0027] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0028] 10. Culture medium preparation device; 11. Preparation tank; 111. Preparation chamber; 112. Inlet; 113. Outlet; 114. Outlet pipe; 1141. First pipe section; 1142. Second pipe section; 115. Liquid outlet; 12. Stirring mechanism; 121. Drive component; 122. Connecting shaft; 123. Stirring paddle; 13. Filter; 131. Housing; 132. Filter screen; 133. Clamp; 14. Detection component; 141. First pressure sensor; 142. Second pressure sensor; 143. Flow sensor; 15. Outlet valve; 16. Cleaning mechanism; 161. Spray head. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0030] An embodiment of this application provides a culture medium fermentation system, including a culture medium dispensing device 10 and a culture medium fermentation device. The culture medium dispensing device 10 is connected to the culture medium fermentation device, and the culture medium prepared by the culture medium dispensing device 10 enters the culture medium fermentation device for fermentation.

[0031] In one embodiment, see Figure 1 The culture medium preparation device 10 includes a preparation tank 11, a stirring mechanism 12, and a filter 13. The preparation tank 11 has a preparation chamber 111, an inlet 112, and an outlet 113, which are connected to the inlet 112 and the outlet 113. The stirring mechanism 12 is located in the preparation tank 11, with at least a portion of it situated within the preparation chamber 111. The stirring mechanism 12 is used to stir the culture medium within the preparation chamber 111. The outlet 113 is connected to an outlet pipe 114, and the filter 13 is located either within the outlet pipe 114 or at the outlet 113.

[0032] Further, see Figure 1 The discharge pipe 114 includes a first pipe section 1141 and a second pipe section 1142. One end of the first pipe section 1141 is connected to the discharge port 113, and the other end of the first pipe section 1141 is connected to the filter inlet of the filter 13. The second pipe section 1142 is connected to the filter outlet of the filter 13.

[0033] During preparation, culture medium is added to the mixing chamber 111 through the inlet 112. This culture medium contains poorly soluble components such as corn steep liquor, wheat bran, and biomass powder. Then, the stirring mechanism 12 is activated to agitate the culture medium, rapidly dispersing the poorly soluble components and preventing sedimentation or clumping. After thorough mixing, the culture medium flows out from the outlet 113 and through the outlet pipe 114 into the filter 13, where it intercepts insoluble substances. Thus, the culture medium filtered through the filter 13 is a particle-free, completely dissolved culture medium.

[0034] However, during the preparation process, insoluble substances in the culture medium can easily clog the filter 13, leading to a decrease in the filtration performance of the filter 13. Therefore, in this embodiment, the culture medium dispensing device 10 also includes a detection component 14, which is located in the discharge pipe 114 and upstream and / or downstream of the filter 13. The detection component 14 is used to detect whether the filter 13 is clogged. During the preparation process, the detection component 14 detects whether the filter 13 is clogged in real time. If the filter 13 is clogged, it is cleaned in time to ensure that the filter 13 can smoothly filter insoluble substances in the culture medium, so that the culture medium flowing out of the filter 13 is a fully soluble culture medium, thereby avoiding the valve on the pipeline transporting the fermentation broth from wearing out and leaking, which would lead to contamination and waste of the entire batch of fermentation broth.

[0035] In one embodiment, see Figure 1 The detection component 14 includes a first pressure sensor 141 and a second pressure sensor 142. The first pressure sensor 141 is disposed in the first pipe section 1141 and is used to measure a first pressure value within the first pipe section 1141. The second pressure sensor 142 is disposed in the second pipe section 1142 and is used to measure a second pressure value within the second pipe section 1142.

[0036] Of course, in other embodiments, a first pressure sensor 141 may also be provided in the first pipe section 1141; or a second pressure sensor 142 or a flow sensor may be provided in the second pipe section 1142.

[0037] Understandably, the first pressure sensor 141 is located upstream of the filter 13, and the second pressure sensor 142 is located downstream of the filter 13.

[0038] Furthermore, the culture medium dispensing device 10 also includes a processor. The processor is communicatively connected to a first pressure sensor 141 and a second pressure sensor 142. The first pressure sensor 141 feeds back the measured first pressure value to the processor, and the second pressure sensor 142 feeds back the measured second pressure value to the processor. The processor compares the first pressure value with the second pressure value in real time, and determines whether the filter 13 is clogged by the pressure difference between the first pressure value and the second pressure value.

[0039] Under normal conditions, the pressure difference between the first pressure value and the second pressure value is maintained at the initial set value, indicating that filter 13 is filtering smoothly.

[0040] As filter 13 becomes clogged, the first pressure value increases and the second pressure value decreases, causing the pressure difference between the first and second pressure values ​​to increase. When the pressure difference exceeds a predetermined threshold, filter 13 is determined to be clogged.

[0041] In one embodiment, see Figure 1 The detection component 14 also includes a flow sensor 143. The flow sensor 143 is located in the second pipe section 1142 and is communicatively connected to the processor. The flow sensor 143 is used to measure the flow rate of the culture medium flowing out of the filter 13. During preparation, the flow sensor 143 can measure the flow rate of the culture medium flowing out of the filter 13 in real time and feed the flow rate value back to the processor. The processor, combining the flow rate value and the pressure difference, can accurately determine whether the filter 13 is clogged.

[0042] If the differential pressure increases and the flow rate also increases, then filter 13 is considered clogged. If the differential pressure increases but the flow rate remains unchanged, then filter 13 is considered not clogged. Thus, by combining the first pressure sensor 141, the second pressure sensor 142, and the flow sensor 143 to determine whether filter 13 is clogged, false alarms caused by a single pressure signal can be reduced, improving the reliability of the detection.

[0043] In addition, by providing a flow sensor 143, the flow sensor 143 can measure the volume of the medium flowing into the medium fermentation device from the medium dispensing device 10.

[0044] In one embodiment, the culture medium dispensing device 10 also includes an alarm, which is communicatively connected to the processor. If the differential pressure increases and the flow rate increases, the alarm sounds, reminding the operator to clean the filter 13 in a timely manner. If the differential pressure increases but the flow rate does not increase, the alarm does not activate.

[0045] In one embodiment, the culture medium dispensing device 10 further includes a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is located in the dispensing tank 11 and is used to detect the temperature inside the dispensing chamber 111. It should be noted that some culture media can be heated to increase their dissolution rate, while others require low temperatures to prevent degradation. Therefore, in this embodiment, a temperature sensor is provided in the dispensing tank 11.

[0046] In one embodiment, see Figure 1 The culture medium preparation device 10 also includes a discharge valve 15. The discharge valve 15 is located in the first pipe section 1141. After stirring is completed, the discharge valve 15 is opened, and the culture medium in the preparation chamber 111 enters the filter 13 through the discharge port 113 and the first pipe section 1141. By setting the discharge valve 15, the connection and disconnection between the preparation tank 11 and the filter 13 can be realized.

[0047] In one embodiment, see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The filter 13 includes a filter screen 132 and two housings 131. Both housings 131 have openings, and the ends of the housings 131 with openings are joined and detachably connected. The filter screen 132 is disposed between the two housings 131. Because the filter 13 has a detachable structure, it can be disassembled for easy cleaning of the filter screen 132 and the two housings 131, thus improving the thoroughness of cleaning the filter 13.

[0048] Optionally, see Figure 2 The filter 13 also includes a clamp 133, which is located at the connection point of the two housings 131. In this way, the clamp 133 enables a detachable connection between the filter screen 132 and the two housings 131, making it easy to disassemble the filter 13.

[0049] Of course, in other embodiments, fasteners can also be used to achieve a detachable connection between the filter 132 and the two housings 131.

[0050] In one embodiment, see Figure 1 The stirring mechanism 12 includes a drive component 121, a connecting shaft 122, and a stirring paddle 123. The drive component 121 is located outside the mixing tank 11, the connecting shaft 122 is located inside the mixing tank 11 and connected to the power shaft of the drive component 121, and the stirring paddle 123 is located on the connecting shaft 122. During preparation, the drive component 121 is started, and the drive component 121 drives the connecting shaft 122 to rotate around its own axis, thereby driving the stirring paddle 123 to rotate inside the mixing tank 11 to stir the culture medium in the mixing chamber 111.

[0051] Optionally, the stirring mechanism 12 is an anchor-type stirring mechanism. Of course, in other embodiments, the stirring mechanism 12 may be of other types, and is not limited thereto.

[0052] Further, see Figure 1 At least two agitators 123 are provided, and the at least two agitators 123 are spaced apart along the axial direction of the connecting shaft 122. In this way, the uniformity of the agitation mechanism 12 in agitating the culture medium can be improved, and the agitation of the culture medium can be effectively prevented from clumping or settling.

[0053] It should be noted that the end of the connecting shaft 122 facing away from the drive component 121 has a certain distance from the bottom of the mixing tank 11, and the end of the connecting shaft 122 facing away from the drive component 121 is provided with a stirring paddle 123. In this way, the stirring paddle 123 at the bottom of the connecting shaft 122 can stir the culture medium at the bottom of the mixing tank 11, further preventing the culture medium from settling at the bottom of the mixing tank 11.

[0054] In one embodiment, the culture medium dispensing device 10 further includes a scraper. The scraper is disposed on the connecting shaft 122 and is used to contact the inner wall of the dispensing tank 11. During preparation, the driving member 121 drives the connecting shaft 122 to rotate around its own axis, thereby causing the scraper to move on the inner wall of the dispensing tank 11. In this way, the scraper can scrape off the culture medium remaining on the inner wall of the dispensing tank 11 and prevent bran and other materials in the culture medium from adhering to the inner wall of the dispensing tank 11.

[0055] Furthermore, an elastic element is provided between the scraper and the connecting shaft 122. This elastic element continuously applies radial force, ensuring effective contact between the scraper and the inner wall of the mixing tank 11, preventing missed scraping. In addition, the elastic element also acts as a flexible buffer, preventing the scraper from jamming or the inner wall of the mixing tank 11 from being scratched.

[0056] In one embodiment, see Figure 1The culture medium preparation device 10 also includes a cleaning mechanism 16. The cleaning mechanism 16 includes multiple spray heads 161, all located inside the preparation tank 11, capable of spraying cleaning solution into the preparation tank 11. Optionally, the multiple spray heads 161 are located at the top of the preparation tank 11. After preparation, the spray heads 161 are opened, spraying cleaning solution into the preparation tank 11. The cleaning solution rinses the inner wall of the preparation tank 11, allowing residual culture medium to be peeled off.

[0057] It should be noted that during cleaning, the drive unit 121 can be activated to drive the scraper to rotate, and the scraper will scrape off the culture medium adhering to the inner wall of the mixing tank 11. At the same time, the spray head 161 is turned on to rinse the inner wall of the mixing tank 11 and the scraper.

[0058] Furthermore, the spray head 161 is rotatably disposed in the mixing chamber 111. In this way, the spray head 161 can adjust the spray angle to better clean the inner wall of the mixing chamber 111.

[0059] Further, see Figure 1 The mixing tank 11 is also provided with a liquid outlet 115, which is connected to the mixing chamber 111. During the cleaning process, the cleaning liquid can flow out from the liquid outlet 115, preventing the cleaning liquid from accumulating in the mixing tank 11.

[0060] Furthermore, the cleaning mechanism 16 also includes a liquid pump and a storage tank. The storage tank is used to store the cleaning solution, the inlet of the liquid pump is connected to the storage tank, and the outlet 115 of the liquid pump is connected to the spray head 161. During cleaning, the liquid pump is started, and the liquid pump pumps the cleaning solution in the storage tank to the spray head 161. The spray head 161 sprays the cleaning solution into the mixing tank 11 to quickly peel off and remove the residual culture medium on the inner wall of the mixing tank 11, thereby cleaning the mixing tank 11.

[0061] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0062] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0063] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0064] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0065] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0066] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0067] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A culture medium dispensing device, characterized in that, include: A mixing tank, wherein the mixing tank is provided with a mixing chamber, an inlet and an outlet, the mixing chamber is connected to the inlet and the outlet, and the outlet is connected to a discharge pipe; A stirring mechanism is provided in the mixing tank, and at least a portion of the stirring mechanism is provided in the mixing chamber. The stirring mechanism is used to stir the culture medium in the mixing chamber. A filter is provided at the discharge pipe or the discharge port, and the filter is used to filter the culture medium flowing out of the discharge port; as well as A detection component is provided on the discharge pipe, and the detection component is located upstream and / or downstream of the filter. The detection component is used to detect whether the filter is clogged.

2. The culture medium dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The discharge pipe includes a first pipe section and a second pipe section. One end of the first pipe section is connected to the discharge port, the other end of the first pipe section is connected to the filter inlet of the filter, and the second pipe section is connected to the filter outlet of the filter. The detection component includes: A first pressure sensor is installed in the first pipe section and is used to measure the pressure value in the first pipe section. as well as The second pressure sensor is used to measure the pressure value within the second pipe section, while the first pressure sensor is located in the second pipe section.

3. The culture medium dispensing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The detection assembly also includes a flow sensor located in the second pipe section, which is used to detect the flow rate of the culture medium flowing out of the filter.

4. The culture medium dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stirring mechanism includes a driving component, a connecting shaft, and a stirring paddle. The driving component is located outside the mixing tank, the connecting shaft is located inside the mixing chamber and is connected to the power shaft of the driving component, and the stirring paddle is located on the connecting shaft. The culture medium dispensing device also includes a scraper, which is located on the connecting shaft and contacts the inner wall of the dispensing tank.

5. The culture medium preparation device according to claim 4, characterized in that, An elastic element is provided between the scraper and the connecting shaft.

6. The culture medium dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The culture medium dispensing device also includes multiple spray heads, which are rotatably disposed within the dispensing chamber. The multiple spray heads are used to spray cleaning liquid onto the chamber wall of the dispensing chamber.

7. The culture medium preparation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The culture medium dispensing device also includes a temperature sensor, which is located in the dispensing tank and is used to detect the temperature inside the dispensing chamber.

8. The culture medium preparation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The filter includes a filter screen and two housings, each housing having an opening. The ends of the housings with the openings are joined together and detachably connected, and the filter screen is disposed between the two housings.

9. The culture medium preparation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The culture medium preparation device further includes a discharge valve, which is located in the discharge pipe between the discharge port and the filter.

10. A culture medium fermentation system, characterized in that, include: The culture medium preparation apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 9; as well as A culture medium fermentation device, the culture medium fermentation device further includes a fermentation tank, the fermentation tank being connected to the discharge port of the ingredient tank.

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