A device for isolating cells from Candida utilis protein fermentation broth

By combining centrifugal separation and filtration membrane, the problem of incomplete separation and complex equipment in existing technologies has been solved, achieving efficient and stable bacterial cell separation and supporting continuous production.

CN224578262UActive Publication Date: 2026-07-31QIQIHAR LONGJIANG FUFENG BIOTECHNOLOGIES CO LTD
View PDF 0 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
QIQIHAR LONGJIANG FUFENG BIOTECHNOLOGIES CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-07-18
Publication Date
2026-07-31

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing technologies for separating cells from Candida utilis protein fermentation broth suffer from problems such as complex equipment, high energy consumption, incomplete separation, easy clogging of membrane modules, cumbersome operation, and difficulty in adapting to continuous production.

Method used

The device employs a combination of centrifugal separation and filtration membrane, including a centrifugal separation mechanism and a filtration membrane made of polyethersulfone or cellulose material with a pore size of 0.1-10 micrometers. It is equipped with a flow guide plate to optimize the flow path, a slag discharge port, and a simplified inlet and outlet structure.

Benefits of technology

It improves separation purity and stability, reduces equipment maintenance difficulty and downtime, extends membrane life, and supports continuous production.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN224578262U_ABST
    Figure CN224578262U_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

This invention discloses a device for separating bacterial cells from Candida utilis protein fermentation broth, including a separation tank. The separation tank has a separation mechanism inside its cavity. This invention reduces redundant components and lowers installation and maintenance difficulty through a simple combination of the shell, separation mechanism, and inlet / outlet. The filter membrane adopts a detachable design for easy and quick replacement, reducing downtime. The centrifugal separation mechanism is combined with the filter membrane, using centrifugal force to accelerate the separation of bacterial cells from the liquid. At the same time, the filter membrane (0.1-10 micrometer pore size) further traps bacterial cells, thus improving separation purity through a dual effect. The baffle plate optimizes the flow path of the fermentation broth in the centrifuge chamber, reducing turbulence interference and improving separation stability. The filter membrane, made of polyethersulfone or cellulose, is acid and alkali resistant, anti-fouling, and has an extended service life. The slag discharge port can discharge residue in a timely manner to avoid blockage. The design of the discharge pipe simplifies the equipment cleaning process and facilitates continuous production.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of microbial fermentation product separation technology, and in particular to a device for separating cells from Candida utilis protein fermentation broth. Background Technology

[0002] Candida utilis protein, as a high-protein, easily absorbed microbial protein, is widely used in feed additives and food fortifiers. In its industrial production, efficient separation of the microbial cells from the fermentation broth is a crucial step, directly affecting product purity and production efficiency. Existing separation technologies mainly employ either centrifugation or membrane filtration: traditional centrifugation equipment is complex in structure, energy-intensive, and prone to incomplete cell separation due to the viscosity of the fermentation broth; simple membrane filtration suffers from membrane module clogging and frequent replacement, especially when the fermentation broth contains small amounts of residue, which significantly reduces separation efficiency and membrane lifespan. Furthermore, existing devices often lack specific flow guidance and slag removal structures, leading to cumbersome operation and difficulty in adapting to continuous production requirements. Utility Model Content

[0003] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, one of the objectives of this utility model is to provide a device for separating cells from Candida utilis protein fermentation broth.

[0004] One of the objectives of this utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0005] An apparatus for separating cells from Candida utilis protein fermentation broth includes a separation tank, the inner cavity of which is provided with a separation mechanism. The top and bottom of the separation mechanism are both fixed with rotating cylinders, and the separation mechanism is a centrifugal separation mechanism. The centrifugal separation mechanism has a centrifugal chamber, and both rotating cylinders are connected to the centrifugal chamber.

[0006] Furthermore, the top of the separation tank is provided with a top cover, the top of the top cover is provided with a top plate, and a motor is fixedly connected to the bottom center of the top plate. The power output shaft of the motor is fixedly connected to the top of the rotating cylinder located above.

[0007] Furthermore, a feed pipe is inserted into the right side of the rotating cylinder located above, and several connecting rods are fixedly connected to the bottom of the top cover, with the bottom ends of the connecting rods being fixedly connected to the top of the top cover.

[0008] Furthermore, the top cover has an external thread at its edge, and the inner cavity of the separation tank has an internal thread near the top. The top cover and the separation tank are connected by the external and internal threads.

[0009] Furthermore, a sealed bearing is fixedly connected to the bottom center of the separation tank, and the bottom end of the rotating cylinder located below passes through the inner cavity of the sealed bearing and is movably connected to it. A discharge pipe is inserted into the bottom end of the rotating cylinder located below, and a switch valve is inserted into the right side of the discharge pipe near the bottom end.

[0010] Furthermore, the inner wall of the centrifuge chamber is provided with a filter membrane, the pore size of which is 0.1-10 micrometers.

[0011] Furthermore, the filter membrane is made of polyethersulfone or cellulose.

[0012] Furthermore, a number of connecting posts are fixedly connected to the bottom of the separation tank near the edge, and the bottom end of each of the connecting posts is fixedly connected to a connecting foot.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0014] 1. This utility model reduces redundant components and lowers the difficulty of installation and maintenance through a simple combination of the shell, separation mechanism and inlet / outlet; the filter membrane adopts a detachable design, which facilitates quick replacement and reduces downtime.

[0015] 2. The centrifugal separation mechanism is combined with the filter membrane. Centrifugal force accelerates the separation of bacteria and liquid, while the filter membrane (0.1-10 micron pore size) further retains bacteria. The dual effect improves the separation purity. The baffle plate optimizes the flow path of the fermentation broth in the centrifuge chamber, reduces turbulence interference, and improves separation stability.

[0016] 3. Filter membranes made of polyethersulfone or cellulose are resistant to acids and alkalis and are anti-fouling, extending their service life; the slag discharge port can discharge residue in a timely manner to avoid clogging.

[0017] 4. The design of the discharge pipe simplifies the equipment cleaning process and facilitates continuous production.

[0018] The above description is merely an overview of the technical solution of this utility model. In order to better understand the technical means of this utility model and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this embodiment;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the top cover of the component in this embodiment;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the switching valve component in this embodiment;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the component separation mechanism in this embodiment.

[0023] In the diagram: 1. Separation tank; 2. Top plate; 3. Connecting rod; 4. Motor; 5. Rotating drum; 6. Feed pipe; 7. Top cover; 8. Discharge pipe; 9. Switch valve; 10. Separation mechanism; 11. Connecting foot; 12. Connecting column. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that, without conflict, the various embodiments or technical features described below can be arbitrarily combined to form new embodiments.

[0025] It should be noted that when a component is described as "fixed to" another component, it can be directly on the other component or may have a component in between. When a component is considered "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or may have a component in between. When a component is considered "set on" another component, it can be directly set on the other component or may have a component in between. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this document are for illustrative purposes only.

[0026] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0027] Please see Figures 1 to 4 The apparatus for separating cells from Candida utilis protein fermentation broth in this embodiment includes a separation tank 1. The inner cavity of the separation tank 1 is provided with a separation mechanism 10. Rotating cylinders 5 are fixed at the top and bottom of the separation mechanism 10. The separation mechanism 10 is a centrifugal separation mechanism with a centrifugal chamber. Both rotating cylinders 5 are connected to the centrifugal chamber.

[0028] The top of the separation tank 1 is provided with a top cover 7, and the top of the top cover 7 is provided with a top plate 2. A motor 4 is fixedly connected to the bottom center of the top plate 2, and the power output shaft of the motor 4 is fixedly connected to the top of the rotating cylinder 5 located above.

[0029] A feed pipe 6 is inserted into the right side of the upper rotating cylinder 5. Several connecting rods 3 are fixedly connected to the bottom of the top cover 7. The bottom ends of the connecting rods 3 are fixedly connected to the top of the top cover 7. External threads are provided at the edge of the top cover 7. Internal threads are provided near the top of the inner cavity of the separation tank 1. The top cover 7 and the separation tank 1 are connected by external and internal threads. A sealed bearing is fixedly connected to the center of the bottom of the separation tank 1. The bottom end of the lower rotating cylinder 5 passes through the inner cavity of the sealed bearing and is movably connected to it. A discharge pipe 8 is inserted into the bottom end of the lower rotating cylinder 5. A switch valve 9 is inserted into the right side of the discharge pipe 8 near the bottom end. A filter membrane is provided on the inner wall of the centrifuge chamber. The pore size of the filter membrane is 0.1-10 micrometers. The filter membrane is made of polyethersulfone or cellulose material. Several connecting columns 12 are fixedly connected to the bottom of the separation tank 1 near the edge. Connecting feet 11 are fixedly connected to the bottom ends of the connecting columns 12.

[0030] Working principle: In use, the operator first connects the external conveying pipe to the connecting pipe 6, and then conveys the raw liquid into the inner cavity of the rotating cylinder 5. The raw liquid flows into the inner cavity of the separation mechanism 10 through the upper rotating cylinder 5. After the conveying is completed, the operator starts the motor 4 to rotate through the external power supply. The power output shaft of the motor 4 drives the upper rotating cylinder 5 to rotate, and the rotating cylinder 5 drives the separation mechanism 10 to rotate, thereby realizing the separation operation. The residue can be discharged through the bottom discharge pipe 8.

[0031] The above embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model. Any non-substantial changes and substitutions made by those skilled in the art based on this utility model shall fall within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

Claims

1. A device for separating the cells from the protein-producing Candida utilis fermentation broth, comprising a separation tank (1), characterized in that: The inner cavity of the separation tank (1) is provided with a centrifugal separation mechanism (10), and a centrifugal cavity is provided on the centrifugal separation mechanism (10). The top and bottom of the centrifugal separation mechanism (10) are fixedly connected with rotating cylinders (5), and both rotating cylinders (5) are connected to the centrifugal cavity. The inner wall of the centrifugal cavity is provided with a removable filter membrane.

2. The apparatus for separating the cells from the Candida utilis protein fermentation broth according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the separation tank (1) is provided with a top cover (7), and the top of the top cover (7) is provided with a top plate (2). A motor (4) is fixedly connected at the bottom center of the top plate (2), and the power output shaft of the motor (4) is fixedly connected to the top of the rotating cylinder (5) located above.

3. The apparatus for separating the cells from the Candida utilis protein fermentation broth according to claim 2, characterized in that: A feed pipe (6) is inserted into the right side of the rotating cylinder (5) located above, and several connecting rods (3) are fixedly connected to the bottom of the top cover (7), and the bottom ends of the several connecting rods (3) are fixedly connected to the bottom of the top plate (2).

4. The apparatus for separating the Candida utilis cells from the protein producing Candida utilis fermentation broth as claimed in claim 2, wherein: The top cover (7) has an external thread at its edge, and the inner cavity of the separation tank (1) has an internal thread near the top. The top cover (7) and the separation tank (1) are detachably connected by the external and internal threads.

5. The apparatus for separating the cells from the Candida utilis protein fermentation broth as claimed in claim 1, wherein: A sealed bearing is fixedly connected to the bottom center of the separation tank (1). The bottom end of the rotating cylinder (5) located below passes through the inner cavity of the sealed bearing and is movably connected to it. A discharge pipe (8) is inserted into the bottom end of the rotating cylinder (5) located below. A switch valve (9) is inserted into the right side of the discharge pipe (8) near the bottom end.

6. The apparatus for separating the cells from the Candida utilis protein fermentation broth as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The pore size of the filter membrane is 0.1-10 micrometers.

7. The apparatus for separating cells from Candida utilis protein fermentation broth according to claim 1, characterized in that: The filter membrane is made of polyethersulfone or cellulose.

8. The apparatus for separating the cells from the Candida utilis protein fermentation broth as claimed in claim 1, wherein: Several connecting posts (12) are fixedly connected to the bottom of the separation tank (1) near the edge, and connecting feet (11) are fixedly connected to the bottom of each of the connecting posts (12).