A probiotic fermentation device
By using a circulating connection design between the fermenter and the buffer tank, along with the combination of the stirring components and the turbulence column, the problem of uneven stirring of the mucus system in the middle stage of probiotic fermentation was solved, thus achieving continuous uniformity in probiotic fermentation.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SICHUAN LIXINMING SMART MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-04
AI Technical Summary
Current probiotic fermentation devices cannot guarantee the full mixing and uniform fermentation of the mucus system during the middle stage of fermentation due to the inapplicability of the stirring structure caused by the mucus system.
The design employs a fermenter connected in a loop or in series with multiple buffer tanks. Combined with stirring components, turbulence columns, and heating components, a dynamic fermentation process is formed through liquid circulation and homogenization to ensure fermentation uniformity.
It achieves continuous uniformity in the probiotic fermentation process, solves the problem of uneven mixing in the mucus system by traditional stirring racks, and ensures the comprehensiveness and uniformity of fermentation.
Smart Images
Figure CN224590936U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of probiotic fermentation technology, and more specifically, to a probiotic fermentation device. Background Technology
[0002] Probiotics, as a type of live microorganisms that are beneficial to the host, can regulate the host's mucosal and systemic immune functions or regulate the balance of intestinal flora by colonizing the human gut and reproductive system. They play a key role in promoting nutrient absorption and maintaining intestinal health. Fermentation is crucial for the large-scale production and efficient utilization of probiotics, and probiotic fermentation equipment is the core equipment in this process.
[0003] In existing technologies, fermentation is usually carried out using a tank structure. That is, stirring blades are set inside the tank to mix the materials, and the fermentation temperature is regulated by a heating jacket wrapped around the outside of the tank or a heating coil installed inside. For example, the patent with publication number CN218491752U discloses a probiotic fermentation device with temperature control function, which ferments through a tank and uses a stirring rack to stir the inside of the tank to ensure uniform fermentation.
[0004] However, as probiotics proliferate (increase cell concentration) and secrete extracellular polysaccharides (EPS), the viscosity of the fermentation broth gradually increases, resulting in a diffusion barrier inside the tank. This makes it impossible for the stirring structure to achieve a comprehensive and uniform dispersion of the viscous system, especially for the viscous liquid on the tank walls and bottom, leading to uneven fermentation in the later stages.
[0005] Based on the above description, there is an urgent need for a fermentation device that can continuously ensure uniform fermentation of probiotics at all stages. Utility Model Content
[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a probiotic fermentation device that solves the technical problem that existing probiotic fermentation devices use tanks and employ structures such as stirring racks for stirring throughout the fermentation process. These devices are not suitable for the middle stage of probiotic fermentation, and therefore cannot guarantee the comprehensive stirring of the mucus system and the continuous and uniform fermentation.
[0007] The embodiments of this utility model are achieved through the following technical solutions: A probiotic fermentation device includes a stirring assembly, a housing, a fermentation tank, and multiple buffer tanks; the fermentation tank and multiple buffer tanks are all located inside the housing; the stirring assembly passes through the top of the housing and into the interior of the fermentation tank; the multiple buffer tanks are all in cyclic communication with the fermentation tank.
[0008] Preferably, the fermenter is connected in series with a plurality of buffer tanks.
[0009] Preferably, the bottom of the box is provided with a partition plate and a heating component; the box is divided into an installation cavity and a heating cavity by the partition plate; the heating component is located in the installation cavity; the fermentation tank and the plurality of buffer tanks are all located in the installation cavity.
[0010] Preferably, the buffer tank is provided with a first inlet pipe at the top and a first outlet pipe at the bottom.
[0011] Preferably, the buffer tank is provided with multiple homogenizing orifice plates along the axial direction; the multiple homogenizing orifice plates are disposed between the first inlet pipe and the first outlet pipe.
[0012] Preferably, the fermenter is provided with a second inlet pipe at the top and a second outlet pipe at the bottom; the second outlet pipe is connected to the first inlet pipe.
[0013] Preferably, both the first drain pipe and the second drain pipe pass through the partition plate and into the heating chamber.
[0014] Preferably, the fermenter is provided with multiple turbulence-inducing columns; the turbulence-inducing columns are located between the stirring assembly and the inner wall of the fermenter.
[0015] Preferably, the outer wall of the turbulence column is provided with multiple turbulence blades.
[0016] The technical solution of this utility model embodiment has at least the following advantages and beneficial effects: This invention connects a fermenter with multiple buffer tanks in a cyclic or series connection. The liquid circulates between the fermenter and the buffer tanks. After homogenization, the liquid flows back to the fermenter and mixes thoroughly with the original system inside the tank under the action of the stirring components, forming a dynamic fermentation process. This continuously ensures the uniformity of the entire fermentation system, thereby achieving continuous and uniform probiotic fermentation. It solves the problem that traditional stirring racks cannot adapt to the viscous system in the middle stage of fermentation and cannot guarantee comprehensive stirring and uniform fermentation. Attached Figure Description
[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model; Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged schematic diagram of local structure A in the middle; Figure 3 This is a top sectional view of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the turbulence column in this utility model.
[0018] Icons: 1-Stirring assembly, 2-Box body, 21-Installation cavity, 22-Heating cavity, 3-Fermentation tank, 31-Second inlet pipe, 32-Second outlet pipe, 4-Buffer tank, 41-First inlet pipe, 42-First outlet pipe, 5-Separating orifice plate, 6-Heating assembly, 7-Breakthrough column, 8-Homogeneous orifice plate. Detailed Implementation
[0019] The specific implementation method is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0020] Example 1 Please see Figures 1 to 3 The present invention provides the following technical solution: a probiotic fermentation device, which is suitable for the situation of full fermentation of probiotics.
[0021] Specifically, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, a probiotic fermentation device includes a stirring assembly 1, a housing 2, a fermentation tank 3, and multiple buffer tanks 4; the fermentation tank 3 and multiple buffer tanks 4 are all located inside the housing 2; the stirring assembly 1 passes through the top of the housing 2 and enters the interior of the fermentation tank 3; the multiple buffer tanks 4 are all in cyclic communication with the fermentation tank 3. In this embodiment, the fermentation tank 3 is connected to multiple buffer tanks 4 in a cyclic or series connection. The liquid circulates between the fermentation tank 3 and the buffer tanks 4. After homogenization, the liquid flows back to the fermentation tank 3 and mixes fully with the original system in the tank under the action of the stirring component 1, forming a dynamic fermentation process. This continuously ensures the uniformity of the entire fermentation system, thereby achieving continuous and uniform probiotic fermentation. This solves the problem that traditional stirring racks cannot adapt to the viscous system in the middle stage of fermentation and are difficult to ensure comprehensive stirring and uniform fermentation.
[0022] In this embodiment, the stirring assembly 1 is a curved paddle stirrer driven by a servo motor, suitable for viscous liquids.
[0023] Specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, the bottom of the housing 2 is provided with a partition plate 5 and a heating assembly 6; the housing 2 is divided into an installation cavity 21 and a heating cavity 22 by the partition plate 5; the heating assembly 6 is located in the installation cavity 21; the fermenter 3 and multiple buffer tanks 4 are all located in the installation cavity 21. The top of the buffer tank 4 is provided with a first inlet pipe 41; the bottom of the buffer tank 4 is provided with a first outlet pipe 42. The buffer tank 4 is provided with a multi-stage homogenizing perforated plate 8 along the axial direction; the multi-stage homogenizing perforated plate 8 is located between the first inlet pipe 41 and the first outlet pipe 42; the top of the fermenter 3 is provided with a second inlet pipe 31; the bottom of the fermenter 3 is provided with a second outlet pipe 32; the second outlet pipe 32 is connected to the first inlet pipe 41.
[0024] In this embodiment, the first inlet pipe 41 at the top of the buffer tank 4 receives liquid from the second outlet pipe 32 of the fermenter 3, and the first outlet pipe 42 at the bottom can send the treated liquid back to the fermenter 3 or discharge it; the multi-stage homogenizing perforated plate 8 arranged axially inside can homogenize the incoming liquid, break up the viscous clumps in the liquid, make the liquid composition more uniform, and promote the uniformity of the overall fermentation system when it flows back to the fermenter 3.
[0025] In this embodiment, the heating component 6 adopts resistance heating, which includes a heating resistance wire coiled on the inner wall of the bottom of the housing 2.
[0026] In this embodiment, the buffer tank 4 has a much smaller capacity than the fermentation tank 3, and its height is greater than its radial width, thereby ensuring that the fermentation liquid can be quickly returned to the fermentation tank 3 and efficiently dynamically mixed by the stirring assembly 2.
[0027] Specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, both the first drain pipe 42 and the second drain pipe 32 pass through the partition plate 5 and into the heating chamber 22.
[0028] In this embodiment, the bottom interior of the box 2 is divided into an installation cavity 21 and a heating cavity 22 by a perforated plate 5. This provides a stable installation position for the fermenter 3 and the buffer tank 4, and allows the heat generated by the heating component 6 to be transferred to the installation cavity 21 through the perforated plate, thereby heating the fermentation environment.
[0029] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, the fermenter 3 is equipped with multiple turbulence columns 7; the turbulence columns 7 are located between the stirring assembly 1 and the inner wall of the fermenter 3. The outer wall of the turbulence columns 7 is equipped with multiple turbulence blades.
[0030] In this embodiment, multiple turbulence columns 7 are disposed between the stirring assembly 1 and the inner wall inside the fermentation tank 3. The multiple turbulence blades on the outer wall can change the flow direction of the liquid when the stirring assembly 1 is stirring, forming turbulence, enhancing the stirring effect, avoiding dead corners during the stirring process, and ensuring that the viscous system can be fully stirred.
[0031] The working principle of this embodiment is as follows: First, fermentation raw materials and probiotic inoculum are added through the second inlet pipe 31 at the top of the fermenter 3. The heating component 6 starts working, transferring heat to the mounting cavity 21 through the perforated plate 5, so that the temperature in the fermenter 3 and the buffer tank 4 reaches the suitable temperature required for probiotic fermentation. The stirring component 1 is activated to stir the system in the fermenter 3. At the same time, the baffles on the baffle column 7 work with the stirring component 1 to change the direction of liquid flow, forming turbulence and avoiding dead zones. Even if a viscous system appears in the middle of fermentation, it can be ensured to be fully stirred. During fermentation, part of the liquid in the fermenter 3 flows into the first inlet pipe 41 at the top of the buffer tank 4 through the second drain pipe 32 at the bottom, entering the buffer tank 4. The liquid undergoes homogenization treatment by the multi-stage homogenizing perforated plate 8 in the buffer tank 4, breaking up the viscous clumps and making the liquid composition more uniform. Then, it flows back to the fermenter 3 through the first drain pipe 42 at the bottom of the buffer tank 4 or is discharged as needed.
Claims
1. A probiotic fermentation apparatus comprising a stirring assembly (1), characterized in that: It also includes a box body (2), a fermentation tank (3) and multiple buffer tanks (4); the fermentation tank (3) and multiple buffer tanks (4) are all located inside the box body (2); the stirring assembly (1) passes through the top of the box body (2) and enters the interior of the fermentation tank (3); the multiple buffer tanks (4) are all in cyclic communication with the fermentation tank (3).
2. The probiotic fermentation apparatus of claim 1, wherein: The fermenter (3) is connected in series with multiple buffer tanks (4).
3. The probiotic fermentation apparatus of claim 2, wherein: The bottom of the box (2) is provided with a partition plate (5) and a heating component (6); the box (2) is divided into an installation cavity (21) and a heating cavity (22) by the partition plate (5); the heating component (6) is located in the installation cavity (21); the fermentation tank (3) and the multiple buffer tanks (4) are all located in the installation cavity (21).
4. The probiotic fermentation apparatus of claim 3, wherein: The buffer tank (4) is provided with a first inlet pipe (41) at the top and a first drain pipe (42) at the bottom.
5. The probiotic fermentation apparatus of claim 4, wherein: The buffer tank (4) is provided with a multi-stage homogenizing orifice plate (8) in the axial direction; the multi-stage homogenizing orifice plate (8) is located between the first inlet pipe (41) and the first outlet pipe (42).
6. The probiotic fermentation apparatus of claim 5, wherein: The fermenter (3) is provided with a second inlet pipe (31) at the top; the fermenter (3) is provided with a second outlet pipe (32) at the bottom; the second outlet pipe (32) is connected to the first inlet pipe (41).
7. The probiotic fermentation apparatus of claim 6, wherein: Both the first drain pipe (42) and the second drain pipe (32) pass through the partition plate (5) and into the heating chamber (22).
8. The probiotic fermentation apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The fermenter (3) is provided with multiple turbulence columns (7); the turbulence columns (7) are located between the stirring assembly (1) and the inner wall of the fermenter (3).
9. The probiotic fermentation apparatus of claim 8, wherein: The outer wall of the turbulence column (7) is provided with multiple turbulence blades.