An automatic pH adjustment and alarm device for fermentation process

Abstract

This utility model discloses an automatic pH adjustment and alarm device for a fermentation process, comprising: a fermentation tank, three mounting bases fixedly connected to the lower end of the fermentation tank, a pH sensor movably inserted in the middle of each mounting base, a radar level gauge fixedly installed on the right end of the top of the fermentation tank, and a rotating shaft movably connected to the middle of the top of the fermentation tank via a bearing, with a guide nozzle fixedly installed on the upper end of the rotating shaft. This utility model, through the radar level gauge and the three sets of pH sensors, can monitor the fermentation liquid level inside the fermentation tank and the pH value of the fermentation liquid at different locations, while simultaneously transmitting the monitored data to a PLC controller for processing and analysis. Furthermore, when the average pH value of the fermentation liquid monitored by the three sets of pH sensors exceeds a suitable range, the PLC controller activates an alarm to alert nearby personnel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of fermentation engineering technology, specifically to an automatic pH adjustment and alarm device for the fermentation process. Background Technology

[0002] During fermentation, the pH value inside the fermenter has a crucial impact on the growth and metabolism of microorganisms, enzyme activity, and the synthesis and accumulation of metabolites. Different fermentation processes and microbial strains have different pH requirements. Furthermore, throughout the fermentation cycle, the pH value of the fermentation broth will continuously change due to factors such as the utilization of nutrients by microorganisms and the generation of metabolites. Therefore, it is usually necessary to adjust the pH value of the fermentation broth during the fermentation process.

[0003] However, traditional pH adjustment methods mainly rely on manual timed testing of the fermentation broth's pH value, followed by manual addition of acid or alkali solutions based on the test results. This method not only consumes a lot of manpower and time, but also, due to the long testing intervals, cannot monitor pH changes in real time, resulting in adjustments that are often not timely or accurate. This can easily cause the fermentation process to deviate from the optimal pH range, affecting the fermentation effect. Furthermore, when the pH value in the fermenter exceeds the appropriate range, it cannot promptly and effectively alert the operators, which may lead to deterioration of fermentation conditions, inhibition of microbial growth, or even fermentation failure, causing serious losses to production. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic pH adjustment and alarm device for the fermentation process. It has the advantages of being able to alert personnel when the pH value exceeds the appropriate range, and automatically adjusting the pH value of the fermentation liquid to ensure that the fermentation operation can proceed normally.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: an automatic pH adjustment and alarm device for a fermentation process, comprising:

[0006] A fermenter, the lower end of which is fixedly connected to a mounting base, the number of which is three, a pH sensor is movably inserted in the middle of the mounting base, and a radar level gauge is fixedly installed at the right end of the top of the fermenter;

[0007] A rotating shaft is movably connected to the middle of the top of the fermenter via a bearing. A flow guide nozzle is fixedly installed at the upper end of the rotating shaft. A rotary joint is fixedly installed at the middle end of the flow guide nozzle via a pipe. A flow sensor is fixedly installed at the top of the rotary joint via a pipe. A three-way pipe is fixedly installed on the front surface of the flow sensor. Control valves are fixedly installed at both ends of the three-way pipe. A delivery pump is fixedly installed at both ends of the bottom of the three-way pipe. An inlet pipe is fixedly installed at the input end of the delivery pump.

[0008] A fixing frame is fixedly installed on the upper end of the front surface of the fermenter, the back of the delivery pump is fixedly installed on the front surface of the fixing frame, an alarm is fixedly installed on the top of the fixing frame, and a PLC controller is fixedly installed in the middle of the front surface of the fixing frame.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment, a fixing frame is fixedly installed at the middle of the top of the outer surface of the fermenter, the surface of the rotating shaft is movably connected to the middle of the fixing frame through a bearing, a second gear is fixedly installed at the upper end of the rotating shaft, a drive motor is fixedly installed at the right end of the top of the fixing frame, and a first gear is fixedly installed at the output end of the drive motor, the first gear meshing with the second gear.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment, stirring blades are fixedly installed around the lower end of the rotating shaft, and the stirring blades are inclined.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment, a mounting plate is fixedly connected to the surface of the pH sensor, the surface of the mounting plate is fixedly mounted on the surface of the mounting base, and a PTFE sealing ring is fixedly mounted around the perimeter of the mounting plate, with the surface of the PTFE sealing ring contacting the surface of the mounting base.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment, a protective frame is fixedly mounted on the surface of the mounting base.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment, the bottom of the outer surface of the fermenter is fixedly connected with pillars on all four sides, and a base plate is fixedly connected between the bottoms of the four pillars.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment, a discharge pipe is fixedly installed at the lower end of the front surface of the fermenter, and a discharge valve is fixedly installed at the left end of the discharge pipe.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0016] This invention, through the installation of a radar level gauge and three sets of pH sensors, can monitor the level of the fermentation broth inside the fermenter and the pH value of the fermentation broth at different locations. Simultaneously, the monitored data is transmitted to a PLC controller for processing and analysis. When the average pH value of the fermentation broth monitored by the three pH sensors exceeds a suitable range, the PLC controller activates an alarm to alert nearby personnel, allowing them to promptly detect the issue. Simultaneously, the PLC controller can control the operation of the acid or alkali side pumps and the opening of control valves, enabling the acid or alkali solution to be delivered and added to the fermentation broth through a three-way pipe, flow sensor, control valve, rotary joint, and guide nozzle. This achieves automatic pH adjustment of the fermentation broth within the fermenter during the fermentation process. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the present utility model;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the front cross-sectional structure of the fermenter of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a front sectional view of the mounting base of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 4 This utility model Figure 1 A magnified view of section A in the image.

[0021] In the diagram: 1. Fermentation tank; 2. Fixing frame; 3. PLC controller; 4. Alarm; 5. Transfer pump; 6. Inlet pipe; 7. T-connector; 8. Control valve; 9. Fixing bracket; 10. Discharge pipe; 11. Support column; 12. Base plate; 13. Drive motor; 14. First gear; 15. Rotary joint; 16. Second gear; 17. Guide nozzle; 18. Rotating shaft; 19. Radar level gauge; 20. Stirring blades; 21. Mounting base; 22. Protective frame; 23. pH sensor; 24. Mounting plate; 25. PTFE sealing ring; 26. Flow sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0023] Secondly, the term "an embodiment" or "embodiment" as used herein refers to a specific feature, structure, or characteristic that may be included in at least one implementation of the present invention. The phrase "in one embodiment" appearing in different places in this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a single or selective embodiment that excludes other embodiments.

[0024] The components of this application, including fermenter 1, fixing frame 2, PLC controller 3, alarm 4, transfer pump 5, liquid inlet pipe 6, three-way pipe 7, control valve 8, fixing frame 9, discharge pipe 10, support column 11, base plate 12, drive motor 13, first gear 14, rotary joint 15, second gear 16, guide nozzle 17, rotating shaft 18, radar level gauge 19, stirring blade 20, mounting base 21, protective frame 22, pH sensor 23, mounting plate 24, PTFE sealing ring 25, and flow sensor 26, are all general standard parts or parts known to those skilled in the art. Their structure and principle can be learned by those skilled in the art through technical manuals or conventional experimental methods.

[0025] Example 1:

[0026] Please see Figures 1-4 As shown, this utility model provides an automatic pH adjustment and alarm device for a fermentation process, comprising:

[0027] Fermentation tank 1, with three mounting bases 21 fixedly connected to the lower end of fermentation tank 1. A pH sensor 23 is movably inserted in the middle of the mounting base 21. A radar level gauge 19 is fixedly installed on the right side of the top of fermentation tank 1.

[0028] A rotating shaft 18 is movably connected to the middle of the top of the fermenter 1 via a bearing. A flow guide nozzle 17 is fixedly installed at the upper end of the rotating shaft 18. A rotary joint 15 is fixedly installed at the middle end of the flow guide nozzle 17 via a pipe. A flow sensor 26 is fixedly installed at the top of the rotary joint 15 via a pipe. A three-way pipe 7 is fixedly installed on the front surface of the flow sensor 26. Control valves 8 are fixedly installed at both ends of the three-way pipe 7. A transfer pump 5 is fixedly installed at both ends of the bottom of the three-way pipe 7. An inlet pipe 6 is fixedly installed at the input end of the transfer pump 5.

[0029] A fixed frame 2 is fixedly installed on the upper end of the front surface of the fermenter 1. The back of the transfer pump 5 is fixedly installed on the front surface of the fixed frame 2. An alarm 4 is fixedly installed on the top of the fixed frame 2. A PLC controller 3 is fixedly installed in the middle of the front surface of the fixed frame 2.

[0030] In this technical solution, two sets of inlet pipes 6 are first connected to the output pipes of the external acid tank and alkali tank, respectively. Simultaneously, through the radar level gauge 19 and three sets of pH sensors 23, the fermentation liquid level inside the fermenter 1 and the pH value of the fermentation liquid at different locations can be monitored. The monitored data can be simultaneously transmitted to the PLC controller 3 for processing and analysis. When the average pH value of the fermentation liquid monitored by the three sets of pH sensors 23 exceeds the appropriate range, and pH adjustment is required, the PLC controller 3 can calculate the amount of acid or alkali to be added based on the fermentation liquid level and pH data. At the same time, it can control the alarm 4 to activate, alerting surrounding personnel so that they can promptly notice the problem. The PLC controller 3 can control the operation of the acid or alkali side transfer pump 5 and the opening of the control valve 8 accordingly. Under the action of the transfer pump 5, the acid or alkali can be drawn through the inlet pipe 6 and transported through the three-way pipe 7, control valve 8 and rotary joint 15 to the guide nozzle 17, so that the acid or alkali can be sprayed into the fermenter 1 from the guide nozzle 17. At the same time, the flow rate of the acid or alkali flowing through the three-way pipe 7 can be monitored by the flow sensor 26 and transmitted synchronously to the PLC controller 3 for processing and analysis. When the amount of acid or alkali added meets the amount of acid or alkali required for pH adjustment of the fermentation liquid, the PLC controller 3 will control the transfer pump 5 to stop working and the control valve 8 to close, thereby completing the automatic pH adjustment of the fermentation liquid.

[0031] It should be noted that, firstly, as existing technology, the temperature control structure and fermentation principle of fermenter 1 have not been changed; secondly, the type of transfer pump 5 is a stainless steel fluoropolymer-lined pump, which has good resistance to acid and alkali corrosion.

[0032] Example 2:

[0033] Based on Embodiment 1, this utility model is as follows: Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, a fixed frame 9 is fixedly installed at the middle of the top of the outer surface of the fermenter 1. The surface of the rotating shaft 18 is movably connected to the middle of the fixed frame 9 through a bearing. A second gear 16 is fixedly installed at the upper end of the rotating shaft 18. A drive motor 13 is fixedly installed at the right end of the top of the fixed frame 9. A first gear 14 is fixedly installed at the output end of the drive motor 13. The first gear 14 meshes with the second gear 16. Stirring blades 20 are fixedly installed around the lower end of the rotating shaft 18. The stirring blades 20 are inclined.

[0034] In this technical solution, the installation and fixation of the drive motor 13 are achieved through the setting of the fixing frame 9. Through the setting of the drive motor 13, the first gear 14, the second gear 16, the rotating shaft 18 and the stirring blade 20, the PLC controller 3 can control the drive motor 13 to work accordingly during the automatic pH adjustment. The first gear 14 and the second gear 16 drive the rotating shaft 18 and the stirring blade 20 to rotate, so that the stirring blade 20 can stir the fermentation liquid inside the fermentation tank 1 under the action of rotation, which effectively improves the mixing effect between the fermentation liquid and the acid or alkali solution. At the same time, the rotation of the rotating shaft 18 can drive the guide nozzle 17 to rotate, so that the guide nozzle 17 can spray the acid or alkali solution evenly into the fermentation liquid under the action of rotation.

[0035] Example 3:

[0036] Based on Embodiment 1, this utility model is as follows: Figures 1-3 As shown, a mounting plate 24 is fixedly connected to the surface of the pH sensor 23. The surface of the mounting plate 24 is fixedly mounted on the surface of the mounting base 21. A PTFE sealing ring 25 is fixedly installed around the perimeter of the mounting plate 24. The surface of the PTFE sealing ring 25 contacts the surface of the mounting base 21. A protective frame 22 is fixedly installed on the surface of the mounting base 21. Support columns 11 are fixedly connected around the bottom perimeter of the outer surface of the fermenter 1. A base plate 12 is fixedly connected between the bottoms of the four support columns 11. A discharge pipe 10 is fixedly installed at the lower end of the front surface of the fermenter 1. A discharge valve is fixedly installed at the left end of the discharge pipe 10.

[0037] In this technical solution, the installation plate 24 and the PTFE sealing ring 25 facilitate the installation and fixation of the pH sensor 23 to the mounting base 21, while effectively improving the sealing performance between the installation plate 24 and the mounting base 21. The protective frame 22 provides protection on one side of the mounting base 21 and around the pH sensor 23, reducing the probability of damage to the pH sensor 23 due to impact. The support column 11 and the base plate 12 provide support for the bottom of the fermenter 1.

[0038] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of this utility model without departing from the essence and scope of the technical solutions of this utility model.

Claims

1. A pH auto-regulator and alarm device for fermentation processes, characterised in that, include: Fermentation tank (1), the lower end of which is fixedly connected to a mounting base (21), the number of mounting bases (21) is three, a pH sensor (23) is movably inserted in the middle of the mounting base (21), and a radar level gauge (19) is fixedly installed on the right end of the top of the fermentation tank (1). The fermenter (1) has a rotating shaft (18) connected to the middle of the top via a bearing. A flow guide nozzle (17) is fixedly installed at the upper end of the rotating shaft (18). A rotary joint (15) is fixedly installed at the middle end of the flow guide nozzle (17) via a pipe. A flow sensor (26) is fixedly installed at the top of the rotary joint (15) via a pipe. A three-way pipe (7) is fixedly installed on the front surface of the flow sensor (26). A control valve (8) is fixedly installed at both ends of the three-way pipe (7). A delivery pump (5) is fixedly installed at both ends of the bottom of the three-way pipe (7). An inlet pipe (6) is fixedly installed at the input end of the delivery pump (5). A fixed frame (2) is fixedly installed on the upper end of the front surface of the fermenter (1), the back of the delivery pump (5) is fixedly installed on the front surface of the fixed frame (2), an alarm (4) is fixedly installed on the top of the fixed frame (2), and a PLC controller (3) is fixedly installed in the middle of the front surface of the fixed frame (2).

2. A pH auto-regulator and alarm device for fermentation processes as claimed in claim 1, wherein: A fixed frame (9) is fixedly installed at the middle of the top of the outer surface of the fermenter (1). The surface of the rotating shaft (18) is movably connected to the middle of the fixed frame (9) through a bearing. A second gear (16) is fixedly installed at the upper end of the rotating shaft (18). A drive motor (13) is fixedly installed at the right end of the top of the fixed frame (9). A first gear (14) is fixedly installed at the output end of the drive motor (13). The first gear (14) meshes with the second gear (16).

3. The automatic pH adjustment and alarm device for a fermentation process according to claim 1, characterized in that: Stirring blades (20) are fixedly installed around the lower end of the rotating shaft (18), and the stirring blades (20) are inclined.

4. The automatic pH adjustment and alarm device for a fermentation process according to claim 1, characterized in that: The surface of the pH sensor (23) is fixedly connected to a mounting plate (24), the surface of the mounting plate (24) is fixedly mounted on the surface of the mounting base (21), and a PTFE sealing ring (25) is fixedly mounted around the mounting plate (24), the surface of the PTFE sealing ring (25) is in contact with the surface of the mounting base (21).

5. The automatic pH adjustment and alarm device for a fermentation process according to claim 1, characterized in that: A protective frame (22) is fixedly installed on the surface of the mounting base (21).

6. The automatic pH adjustment and alarm device for a fermentation process according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fermenter (1) has four fixed supports (11) on the bottom of its outer surface, and a base plate (12) is fixedly connected between the bottoms of the four supports (11).

7. The automatic pH adjustment and alarm device for a fermentation process according to claim 1, characterized in that: A discharge pipe (10) is fixedly installed at the lower end of the front surface of the fermentation tank (1), and a discharge valve is fixedly installed at the left end of the discharge pipe (10).

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