A vertically arranged double narrow window sight glass for observing the liquid surface state in a fermenter.

Abstract

This invention discloses a vertically arranged double-narrow-window sight glass for observing the liquid surface state in a fermenter, comprising a sight glass assembly, a connecting frame, and a sealing and reinforcing device. The sight glass assembly consists of two vertically arranged narrow transparent windows fixed together by a partition plate. The partition plate has flow channels and guide protrusions. The connecting frame has an embedded flexible sealing strip and an external mounting flange and a high-temperature resistant sealing ring. The sealing and reinforcing device uses an outer pressure ring and an inner support ring to form a double-sealing structure. This invention expands the observation range through the double-window design, reduces media interference through an anti-fog coating, flow channels, and guide protrusions, and improves pressure resistance through multiple seals, effectively adapting to high-temperature and high-pressure environments, reducing leakage risks, improving observation accuracy and equipment reliability, and providing support for precise control of the fermentation process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of fermentation equipment monitoring, and in particular to a vertical double narrow window sight glass for observing the state of the liquid surface layer in a fermenter. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, observing the liquid surface state is crucial for controlling the fermentation process in fermenters. However, traditional sight glasses typically employ a single-window design, limiting the observation range, especially in large fermenters where a comprehensive understanding of the liquid surface state is difficult. To improve observation, some equipment uses wide-angle sight glasses, but these are prone to blurred vision due to the flow of the medium or the adhesion of air bubbles, affecting the accuracy of the observation. Furthermore, existing sight glasses require significant operating space for installation and maintenance, increasing the complexity of the equipment layout. Since fermenters typically operate in high-temperature and high-pressure environments, the sealing and pressure resistance of the sight glasses also place high demands on safety. Therefore, optimizing the sight glass design to improve observation efficiency and convenience while ensuring structural strength and sealing performance is an urgent problem to be solved. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a vertical double narrow window sight glass for observing the state of the liquid surface layer in a fermenter, which solves the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0004] This invention is implemented as follows: a vertically arranged double-narrow-window sight glass for observing the liquid surface state in a fermenter. The sight glass mainly consists of a sight glass assembly, a connecting frame, and a sealing and reinforcing device. The sight glass assembly includes two vertically arranged narrow transparent windows, each made of high-strength heat-resistant glass. The two windows are fixedly connected by a central partition plate, which has a through-flow channel to reduce the impact of media adhesion on observation. The connecting frame is a rectangular metal structure with a groove on its inner side that matches the sight glass assembly. The sight glass assembly fits tightly with the connecting frame through the groove, and a flexible sealing strip is attached to the inner wall of the groove to enhance sealing performance. The sealing and reinforcing device includes an outer pressure ring and an inner support ring. The outer pressure ring is fixedly connected to the connecting frame by bolts, while the inner support ring is embedded inside the connecting frame and in close contact with the back of the sight glass assembly, forming a double-sealing structure.

[0005] The viewing window assembly features two narrow, transparent windows positioned at different heights. The upper window observes the top of the liquid surface, while the lower window observes the bottom, providing comprehensive coverage of the entire liquid surface. Each window's outer surface is coated with an anti-fog coating made of a composite material of nano-sized silica particles and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), effectively reducing the interference of water vapor condensation and bubble adhesion on the view. The flow channel of the central partition is arc-shaped, with a polished inner surface to reduce resistance to media flow and prevent residue accumulation. Furthermore, guide protrusions, 0.5 mm high, are located on both sides of the flow channel to guide the media flow in a specific direction, preventing obstruction of the window area.

[0006] The outer side of the connecting frame is equipped with a mounting flange, on which multiple threaded holes are evenly distributed for fixing the sight glass to the side wall of the fermenter. The inner side of the mounting flange has an annular sealing groove, into which a high-temperature resistant rubber sealing ring is embedded. The sealing ring has a trapezoidal cross-section, which generates a self-tightening effect under pressure, further improving sealing performance. The inner side of the connecting frame also has multiple reinforcing ribs, evenly distributed along the longitudinal and transverse directions of the frame to improve its overall rigidity and compressive strength. The reinforcing ribs are 3 mm thick and 10 mm wide, and their surfaces are anodized to enhance corrosion resistance.

[0007] The outer pressure ring of the sealing and reinforcement device adopts a split design, consisting of upper and lower parts, each connected to the connecting frame via hinges for easy disassembly and maintenance. The inner side of the outer pressure ring has an annular groove containing an elastic buffer pad made of silicone. This buffer pad absorbs vibration and disperses pressure during compression, preventing damage to the viewing window assembly due to localized stress concentration. The outer diameter of the inner support ring is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the viewing window assembly, with a 0.2 mm gap filled with thermally conductive silicone grease to improve heat dissipation and reduce the impact of thermal stress on the viewing window assembly.

[0008] The vertical spacing between the two narrow, transparent windows of the viewing assembly is 50 mm. The windows are 30 mm wide and 80 mm high. This size design ensures sufficient observation range while avoiding a decrease in structural strength due to excessively large windows. Multiple positioning pins, 4 mm in diameter and 10 mm in length, are located on the back of the viewing assembly. These pins are inserted into corresponding holes in the connecting frame to ensure accurate positioning of the viewing assembly during installation. The groove depth of the connecting frame is 6 mm, and a 2 mm diameter drainage hole is located at the bottom of the groove to drain any liquid that may seep into the groove, preventing long-term water accumulation and aging of the sealing strip.

[0009] This invention solves the problem of limited observation range in traditional single-window sight glasses by setting two vertically arranged narrow transparent windows, combined with the flow channel groove and guide protrusion of the middle partition, while reducing interference from medium flow and air bubble adhesion on the line of sight. The groove fit between the sight glass assembly and the connecting frame, as well as the double sealing structure of the sealing reinforcement device, significantly improves the sight glass's sealing performance and pressure resistance, enabling it to adapt to high-temperature and high-pressure working environments. The design of the annular sealing groove and high-temperature resistant rubber sealing ring on the mounting flange further enhances the sealing effect between the sight glass and the fermenter sidewall, reducing the risk of leakage. In addition, the overall structure of the sight glass is compact, requiring less installation space, facilitating flexible arrangement in equipment layout, and simplifying maintenance operations. Through the above technical means, this invention not only improves the accuracy and efficiency of liquid level observation but also enhances the safety and reliability of the equipment, providing strong support for precise control of the fermentation process. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is an overall structural diagram of the present invention;

[0011] Figure 2 This is a side sectional view of the connecting frame;

[0012] Figure 3 This is a partially enlarged view of the present invention.

[0013] The attached figures are labeled as follows: 1. Window assembly; 2. Narrow transparent window; 3. Middle partition; 4. Flow channel; 5. Guide protrusion; 6. Connecting frame; 7. Groove; 8. Flexible sealing strip; 9. Outer pressure ring; 10. Inner support ring; 11. Mounting flange; 12. Annular sealing groove; 13. Reinforcing rib; 14. Drain hole. Detailed Implementation

[0014] This utility model provides a vertically arranged double-narrow-window sight glass for observing the liquid surface state in a fermenter, and its specific implementation is described in conjunction with the appendix. Figure 1 Appendix Figure 2 and attached Figure 3 Please provide a detailed explanation. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the overall structure of the viewing mirror consists of a viewing window assembly 1, a connecting frame 6, and a sealing and reinforcing device. The assembly relationship and internal structure of each component are clearly marked in the figure.

[0015] The viewing window assembly 1 includes two vertically arranged narrow transparent windows 2, each made of high-strength heat-resistant glass, and fixedly connected by a central partition 3. The central partition 3 is located between the two narrow transparent windows 2 and has a through-flow channel 4. The channel 4 has an arc-shaped design, and its inner surface is polished to reduce media residue. Guide protrusions 5, 0.5 mm high, are provided on both sides of the channel 4 to guide the media flow in a specific direction and avoid obstructing the window area. The two narrow transparent windows 2 of the viewing window assembly 1 are positioned at different heights; the upper window is used to observe the top area of ​​the liquid surface, and the lower window is used to observe the bottom area, thus achieving comprehensive coverage of the overall state of the liquid surface. The outer surface of the narrow transparent windows 2 is coated with an anti-fog coating made of a composite material of nano-sized silica particles and polytetrafluoroethylene to reduce interference from water vapor condensation and bubble adhesion on the view. The vertical spacing between the two narrow transparent windows 2 is 50 mm, the window width is 30 mm, and the height is 80 mm. This size design ensures a sufficient observation range while avoiding the problem of reduced structural strength due to excessively large windows.

[0016] The viewing window assembly 1 is tightly fitted to the connecting frame 6 via a groove 7 located inside the connecting frame 6, with a depth of 6 mm. A flexible sealing strip 8, made of high-temperature resistant rubber, is attached to the inner wall of the groove 7 to enhance the sealing performance between the viewing window assembly 1 and the connecting frame 6. Multiple positioning pins, 4 mm in diameter and 10 mm in length, are located on the back of the viewing window assembly 1. These pins are inserted into corresponding holes in the connecting frame 6 to ensure accurate positioning of the viewing window assembly 1 during installation. A drain hole 14, 2 mm in diameter, is located at the bottom of the groove 7 to drain any liquid that may seep into the groove, preventing long-term water accumulation and aging of the sealing strip.

[0017] The connecting frame 6 is a rectangular metal structure with a mounting flange 11 on its outer side. Multiple threaded holes are evenly distributed on the mounting flange 11 for fixing the sight glass to the side wall of the fermenter. An annular sealing groove 12 is provided on the inner side of the mounting flange 11, into which a high-temperature resistant rubber sealing ring is embedded. The sealing ring has a trapezoidal cross-section, which can generate a self-tightening effect under pressure, further improving the sealing performance. Multiple reinforcing ribs 13 are also provided on the inner side of the connecting frame 6. These reinforcing ribs 13 are evenly distributed along the longitudinal and transverse directions of the frame, with a thickness of 3 mm and a width of 10 mm. Their surfaces are anodized to enhance corrosion resistance. The design of the reinforcing ribs 13 improves the overall rigidity and compressive strength of the connecting frame 6, enabling it to adapt to high-temperature and high-pressure working environments.

[0018] The sealing and reinforcement device includes an outer pressure ring 9 and an inner support ring 10. The outer pressure ring 9 is fixedly connected to the connecting frame 6 by bolts, while the inner support ring 10 is embedded inside the connecting frame 6 and in close contact with the back of the window assembly 1, forming a double sealing structure. The outer pressure ring 9 adopts a split design, consisting of upper and lower parts, each connected to the connecting frame 6 by a hinge for easy disassembly and maintenance. The inner side of the outer pressure ring 9 has an annular groove with an elastic buffer pad embedded in it. The buffer pad is made of silicone and can absorb vibration and disperse pressure during the compression process, preventing damage to the window assembly 1 due to local stress concentration. The outer diameter of the inner support ring 10 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the window assembly 1, with a 0.2 mm gap between them. The gap is filled with thermally conductive silicone grease to improve the heat dissipation performance of the window assembly 1 and reduce the impact of thermal stress.

[0019] like Figure 2 As shown, the specific structure of the viewing window assembly 1 demonstrates the vertical arrangement of the two narrow transparent windows 2, as well as the design details of the flow channel groove 4 and the guide protrusion 5 on the intermediate partition 3. The arc-shaped design and polished finish of the flow channel groove 4 facilitate smoother media flow, while the height and position of the guide protrusion 5 are precisely calculated to effectively prevent media accumulation or obstruction of the window area. The anti-fog coating on the outer surface of the narrow transparent window 2 provides complete coverage, significantly reducing the possibility of water vapor condensation and bubble adhesion.

[0020] like Figure 3 As shown, the side sectional view of the connecting frame 6 reveals the structural layout of the mounting flange 11, annular sealing groove 12, reinforcing rib 13, and recess 7. The threaded holes on the mounting flange 11 are evenly distributed, facilitating a secure connection between the sight glass assembly and the fermenter sidewall. The high-temperature resistant rubber sealing ring embedded in the annular sealing groove 12 has excellent compression resilience, maintaining a stable sealing effect under high pressure. The arrangement of the reinforcing rib 13 is optimized, enhancing the overall rigidity of the connecting frame 6 without affecting the compact structure of the sight glass. The flexible sealing strip 8 within the recess 7, together with the drain hole 14, ensures long-term stable sealing performance between the sight glass assembly 1 and the connecting frame 6.

[0021] In practical applications, the two narrow transparent windows 2 of the viewing window assembly 1, arranged vertically, enable comprehensive observation of the top and bottom areas of the fermenter's liquid surface. The flow channel groove 4 and guide protrusion 5 on the intermediate partition 3 guide the flow of the medium, preventing media adhesion from interfering with the view. The groove 7 between the viewing window assembly 1 and the connecting frame 6, combined with the flexible sealing strip 8, forms a preliminary seal, while the outer pressure ring 9 and inner support ring 10 further enhance the sealing effect. The annular sealing groove 12 and high-temperature resistant rubber sealing ring design on the mounting flange 11 further improve the sealing performance between the viewing mirror and the fermenter sidewall. Furthermore, the overall structure of the viewing mirror is compact, requiring less installation space, facilitating flexible arrangement in equipment layout, and simplifying maintenance. Through these technical means, this invention not only improves the accuracy and efficiency of liquid surface observation but also enhances the safety and reliability of the equipment, providing strong support for precise control of the fermentation process.

[0022] To enable those skilled in the art to fully understand and implement this utility model, the following supplementary explanation of the specific implementation principle of this utility model is provided in conjunction with a specific application scenario.

[0023] In the actual fermentation process, the sight glass is first fixed to the side wall of the fermenter via the mounting flange 11 of the connecting frame 6. After aligning the threaded holes on the mounting flange 11 with the pre-set bolt holes on the side wall of the fermenter, the sight glass is securely installed using fasteners. During installation, ensure that the high-temperature resistant rubber sealing ring in the annular sealing groove 12 is uniformly compressed. Its trapezoidal cross-section design generates a self-tightening effect under pressure, thereby achieving high sealing performance between the sight glass and the fermenter. This step ensures the long-term stable operation of the sight glass under high temperature and high pressure environments, avoiding the risk of leakage due to seal failure.

[0024] When the liquid begins to flow inside the fermenter, the flow channel 4 and the guide protrusion 5 on the intermediate partition 3 play a crucial role. The arc-shaped design and polished finish of the flow channel 4 allow the medium to flow smoothly along the channel without stagnation or accumulation affecting the observation. The guide protrusion 5, with a height of 0.5 mm, is precisely calculated and positioned on both sides of the flow channel 4 to guide the medium to flow in a specific direction, avoiding obstruction of the observation area of ​​the narrow transparent window 2. This design effectively reduces the interference of medium adhesion on the line of sight, ensuring that the two narrow transparent windows 2 always maintain clear observation conditions.

[0025] The design of the outer pressure ring 9 and the inner support ring 10 significantly improves ease of operation during routine maintenance or cleaning. The outer pressure ring 9 adopts a split design, consisting of upper and lower parts, each connected to the connecting frame 6 via hinges. When it is necessary to disassemble the window assembly 1, simply loosen the fixing bolts on the outer pressure ring 9 to easily open the pressure ring and remove the window assembly 1 for cleaning or replacement. A 0.2 mm gap is left between the inner support ring 10 and the window assembly 1, and it is filled with thermal grease. This design not only improves the heat dissipation performance of the window assembly 1 but also reduces the risk of deformation or damage caused by thermal stress.

[0026] Furthermore, during the assembly of the sight glass assembly 1 and the connecting frame 6, the flexible sealing strip 8 within the groove 7 provides initial sealing. Made of high-temperature resistant rubber, the flexible sealing strip 8 fits tightly against the inner wall of the groove 7, preventing liquid infiltration. Simultaneously, the drain hole 14 at the bottom of the groove 7 is designed to drain any trace amounts of liquid that may seep in, preventing long-term water accumulation that could cause the sealing strip to age. This dual-sealing structure further enhances the overall sealing performance of the sight glass, enabling it to adapt to the complex media environment within the fermenter.

[0027] Through the aforementioned technical means, this invention achieves comprehensive observation of the liquid surface state in the fermenter. The upper narrow transparent window 2 is used to observe the top area of ​​the liquid surface, while the lower window covers the bottom area. The vertical distance between the two windows is 50 mm, the width is 30 mm, and the height is 80 mm. This size design ensures both sufficient observation range and maintains the structural strength of the window assembly 1. The anti-fog coating on the outer surface of the narrow transparent window 2 is made of a composite material of nano-sized silica particles and polytetrafluoroethylene, which effectively reduces water vapor condensation and bubble adhesion, ensuring clarity during observation.

[0028] In summary, this invention achieves efficient observation of the liquid surface state in the fermenter by optimizing the design of the viewing window component 1, the connecting frame 6, and the sealing and reinforcement device. The overall structure of the viewing mirror is compact, easy to install and maintain, and possesses excellent sealing and pressure resistance performance. It can be widely used in various high-temperature and high-pressure fermentation equipment, providing a reliable guarantee for the precise control of the fermentation process.

[0029] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A vertical double narrow window sight glass for observing the state of the liquid surface layer of a fermenter, characterized in that, The viewing mirror is mainly composed of a viewing window assembly (1), a connecting frame (6), and a sealing and reinforcing device. The viewing window assembly (1) includes two vertically arranged narrow transparent windows (2), which are fixedly connected by a middle partition (3). A through flow channel groove (4) is provided on the middle partition (3). The connecting frame (6) is a rectangular metal structure with a groove (7) matching the viewing window assembly (1) on its inner side. A flexible sealing strip (8) is attached to the inner wall of the groove (7). The sealing and reinforcing device includes an outer pressure ring (9) and an inner support ring (10). The outer pressure ring (9) is fixedly connected to the connecting frame (6) by bolts. The inner support ring (10) is embedded inside the connecting frame (6) and is in close contact with the back of the viewing window assembly (1).

2. The vertical double narrow window sight glass for observing the state of the liquid surface layer of a fermenter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vertical spacing between the two narrow transparent windows (2) is 50 mm. Each narrow transparent window (2) is 30 mm wide and 80 mm high. The outer surface of each narrow transparent window (2) is coated with an anti-fog coating. The anti-fog coating material is a composite material of nano-sized silica particles and polytetrafluoroethylene.

3. A vertically arranged double-narrow-window sight glass for observing the liquid surface state in a fermenter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flow channel groove (4) on the middle partition (3) is arc-shaped, and the two sides of the flow channel groove (4) are provided with flow guide protrusions (5), the height of which is 0.5 mm.

4. A vertically arranged double-narrow-window sight glass for observing the liquid surface state in a fermenter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer side of the connecting frame (6) is provided with a mounting flange (11), and multiple threaded holes are evenly distributed on the mounting flange (11). The inner side of the mounting flange (11) is provided with an annular sealing groove (12), and a high-temperature resistant rubber sealing ring with a trapezoidal cross-section is embedded in the annular sealing groove (12).

5. A vertically arranged double-narrow-window sight glass for observing the liquid surface state in a fermenter according to claim 1, characterized in that: Multiple reinforcing ribs (13) are provided on the inner side of the connecting frame (6). The reinforcing ribs (13) are evenly distributed along the longitudinal and transverse directions of the connecting frame (6). The thickness of the reinforcing ribs (13) is 3 mm and the width is 10 mm.

6. A vertically arranged double-narrow-window sight glass for observing the liquid surface state in a fermenter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer pressure ring (9) adopts a split design, which is divided into upper and lower parts. Each part is connected to the connecting frame (6) through a hinge. The inner side of the outer pressure ring (9) is provided with an annular groove, and an elastic buffer pad made of silicone is embedded in the annular groove.

7. A vertically arranged double-narrow-window sight glass for observing the liquid surface state in a fermenter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer diameter of the inner support ring (10) is smaller than the inner diameter of the window assembly (1), and there is a gap of 0.2 mm between them. The gap is filled with thermal grease. The back of the window assembly (1) is provided with multiple positioning pins. The diameter of the positioning pin is 4 mm and the length is 10 mm. The positioning pin is inserted into the corresponding hole of the connecting frame (6).

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