Device for microorganism propagation

Abstract

This application discloses a microbial propagation device, relating to the field of microbial production technology. Its key technical features include: a seed tank body with a motor mounted on its top; the motor's output shaft connected to one end of a stirring shaft, on which multiple stirring units are mounted; a spray pipe located inside the upper cover of the seed tank body, with multiple liquid outlet holes evenly distributed on its lower side; one end of the spray pipe connected to an input pipe leading from a defoaming tank in the production area; and a mechanical stirring assembly mounted on the stirring shaft at a position corresponding to the culture medium liquid level during normal use of the seed tank body. This application's seed tank for propagation combines both chemical and mechanical defoaming methods, allowing for the selection of a suitable defoaming method as needed during production.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of microbial production technology, and in particular to a device for microbial propagation. Background Technology

[0002] Microbial culture is widely used in food, beverage and biopharmaceutical fields. For example, a secondary metabolite called harzian acid can be obtained by culturing special microbial strains. This substance has significant biological activity and application value. According to existing research data, harzian acid is a novel side carrier that can promote the absorption and utilization of iron ions by plants and improve plant growth. In addition, it also has the effect of inhibiting a variety of plant pathogenic fungi.

[0003] In fermentation industries or biopharmaceutical processes, only a large number of microorganisms as seeds can initiate the fermentation or production process. Expansion culture is the core step in obtaining a sufficient quantity of microbial seeds to meet the needs of large-scale production. The expansion process generally occurs after inoculation. The activated inoculum is placed in a seed tank for stirring and cultivation. Taking *Trichoderma harzianum* seed culture as an example, expansion is typically carried out in a two-stage process in the seed tank. The spore suspension is inoculated into the primary seed tank, which contains 20 liters of potato dextrose liquid culture medium. Under conditions of uniform stirring at 28 degrees Celsius and dissolved oxygen maintained at approximately 80%, the culture is incubated for 6-7 days. The fermentation broth is then pumped to the secondary seed tank (both seed tanks have identical structures), which contains 200 liters of potato dextrose liquid culture medium. Under conditions of increased stirring speed at 28 degrees Celsius and dissolved oxygen maintained at approximately 70%, the culture is incubated for 7-8 days, thus completing the seed expansion culture.

[0004] During the expansion culture of microorganisms, continuous agitation of the liquid, gas dissolution, or oxygenation often generate a large number of bubbles on the surface of the culture medium. If these bubbles are not removed promptly, they can affect normal cell growth and metabolism. Therefore, it is often necessary to add defoamers to the seed tank during the culture process to address the bubble problem on the culture medium surface. Defoamers are a chemical defoaming method that can quickly destroy large amounts of foam, especially suitable for sudden foam bursts (such as during the initial expansion stage when aeration increases sharply). However, continuous use of defoamers may increase the difficulty of subsequent purification and separation of the target product. Therefore, some production units choose to add a defoaming paddle to the upper part of the stirring shaft. During the motor-driven rotation of the stirring shaft, the stirring paddle and the defoaming paddle rotate together. The stirring paddle is responsible for agitating the microorganisms in the liquid culture medium, while the defoaming paddle is responsible for treating the bubbles on the surface. This method is purely physical and does not introduce foreign substances, but its effect on eliminating dense foam is poor. High-speed rotation may also damage the mycelial structure of some microorganisms. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a seed tank that combines both chemical and mechanical defoaming methods, allowing for the selection of the appropriate defoaming method as needed during production. Utility Model Content

[0005] This application provides a microbial culture device, a seed tank that combines chemical and mechanical defoaming methods, allowing for the selection of the appropriate defoaming method as needed during production.

[0006] The above-mentioned objective of this application is achieved through the following technical solution: A microbial propagation device includes a seed tank body for propagation. A motor is installed on the top of the seed tank body. The output shaft of the motor is connected to one end of a stirring shaft. The other end of the stirring shaft passes through the top cover of the seed tank body and extends to its bottom. Multiple stirring units are installed on the stirring shaft. A spray pipe is provided inside the top cover of the seed tank body. Multiple liquid outlet holes are evenly provided on the lower side of the spray pipe. The body of the spray pipe is fixedly connected to the top cover of the seed tank body by multiple hanging rods. A blocking plate is welded to one end of the spray pipe inside the main body of the seed tank. The other end of the spray pipe extends vertically upward through the top cover of the main body of the seed tank and is connected to the input pipe leading out from the defoaming tank in the production area. A mechanical stirring assembly is installed on the stirring shaft at the position corresponding to the liquid surface of the culture medium when the seed tank body is in normal use.

[0007] Furthermore, the mechanical stirring assembly includes a first sleeve, which is sleeved on the outside of the stirring shaft, and a plurality of defoaming paddles are uniformly fixedly installed on the outside of the first sleeve along its circumference.

[0008] Furthermore, a pressing disc is fixedly provided at the lower end of the first sleeve, a friction disc is fixedly provided on the outer side of the stirring shaft, and an adjustment component is connected to the first sleeve. The adjustment component can control the connection state between the pressing disc and the friction disc by adjusting the position of the first sleeve.

[0009] Furthermore, the adjustment assembly includes a second sleeve, which is sleeved on the outside of the first sleeve with a gap between them. The first sleeve and the second sleeve are movably connected by a bearing. The second sleeve can rotate freely around its own axis inside the first sleeve through the bearing. An annular groove is provided in the middle of the outer side of the first sleeve along its circumference. A drive ring is sleeved in the annular groove. One side of the drive ring is connected to the height adjustment unit.

[0010] Furthermore, the height adjustment unit includes a cylinder fixedly installed on the upper cover of the seed tank body. The output end of the cylinder passes downward through the upper cover of the seed tank body and extends into the interior of the seed tank body, where it is fixedly connected to a horizontal linkage rod. The end of the horizontal linkage rod away from the output end of the cylinder is welded and fixed together with the drive ring.

[0011] Furthermore, the bearing between the first sleeve and the second sleeve is a sealed bearing.

[0012] Furthermore, a foam probe for detecting the foam height inside the seed tank body is installed on the top cover of the seed tank body.

[0013] Furthermore, the spray pipe is arranged in an arc shape within the main body of the seed tank.

[0014] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: The seed tank body of this application has a spray pipe connected to a defoaming tank on the inner side of its top cover. The defoaming agent in the defoaming tank can be sprayed onto the foam inside the seed tank body through the spray pipe, thereby achieving a chemical defoaming effect on the foam on the surface of the culture medium. Simultaneously, this application also includes a mechanical stirring component on the stirring shaft, which rotates with the stirring shaft to mechanically break up the foam on the surface of the culture medium. Compared to existing technologies, the seed tank body of this application combines chemical and mechanical defoaming capabilities. In actual production, during the initial stage of expansion culture when the aeration rate is high and the foam on the surface of the culture medium increases rapidly, the defoaming agent can be sprayed into the seed tank body to quickly treat a large amount of foam. After the foam production rate in the culture medium decreases, the mechanical stirring component can be used to mechanically treat the foam. Thus, the seed tank of this application not only effectively handles sudden foam bursts within the tank but also reduces the amount of defoaming agent used, saving costs and reducing the burden on subsequent purification and separation of the target product. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the seed tank in this application; Figure 3 This is a partial structural diagram of the first sleeve, second sleeve, and drive ring of this application after being cut open.

[0017] Reference numerals: 1. Seed tank body; 2. Motor; 3. Stirring shaft; 4. Stirring unit; 5. Spray pipe; 6. Hanging rod; 7. Mechanical stirring assembly; 71. First sleeve; 72. Defoaming paddle; 8. Extrusion disc; 9. Friction disc; 10. Adjustment assembly; 101. Second sleeve; 102. Bearing; 103. Annular groove; 104. Drive ring; 105. Height adjustment unit; 1051. Cylinder; 1052. Horizontal linkage rod; 11. Foam probe. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application are described clearly and completely below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are also within the scope of protection of this application.

[0019] like Figures 1-3 As shown, this application discloses a microbial propagation device, which includes a seed tank body 1 for propagation. A motor 2 is installed on the top of the seed tank body 1. The output shaft of the motor 2 is connected to one end of a stirring shaft 3. The other end of the stirring shaft 3 passes through the top cover of the seed tank body 1 and extends to its bottom. Multiple stirring units 4 are installed on the stirring shaft 3. A spray pipe 5 is provided inside the top cover of the seed tank body 1. Multiple liquid outlet holes are evenly provided on the lower side of the spray pipe 5. The pipe body of the spray pipe 5 is fixedly connected to the top cover of the seed tank body 1 by multiple hanging rods 6. A blocking plate is welded to one end of the spray pipe 5 inside the seed tank body 1. The other end of the spray pipe 5 passes vertically upward through the top cover of the seed tank body 1 and is connected to the input pipe led out from the defoaming tank in the production area. A mechanical stirring assembly 7 is installed on the stirring shaft 3 at the position corresponding to the liquid surface of the culture medium when the seed tank body 1 is in normal use.

[0020] In the above embodiments, the inner side of the top cover of the seed tank body 1 of this application is provided with a spray pipe 5 connected to the defoaming tank. The defoaming tank is provided with a pump. When the pump is started, the defoaming agent solution in the defoaming tank can be transported to the spray pipe 5 through the pipe. The spray pipe 5 has a liquid outlet hole on the lower side of the pipe section inside the seed tank body 1. The defoaming agent in the defoaming tank will be sprayed onto the foam in the seed tank body 1 through the liquid outlet hole on the spray pipe 5, thereby achieving the chemical defoaming effect on the foam on the surface of the culture medium. At the same time, this application also provides a mechanical stirring component 7 on the stirring shaft 3. In this way, the rotational force of the stirring shaft 3 can be used to drive the mechanical stirring component 7 to rotate together in the center of the seed tank body 1. When the mechanical stirring component 7 rotates, it breaks the foam on the surface of the culture medium through mechanical action. Compared with existing technologies, the seed tank body 1 of this application has both chemical and mechanical defoaming capabilities. In actual production, when the foam on the surface of the culture medium increases rapidly due to the large aeration rate in the early stage of expansion culture, a defoamer can be sprayed into the seed tank body 1 to quickly deal with a large amount of foam. After the foam generation rate in the culture medium decreases, the mechanical stirring component 7 can be used to deal with the foam through mechanical force. In this way, the seed tank body 1 of this application can not only better cope with the sudden burst of foam in the tank, but also reduce the amount of defoamer used, save costs, and reduce the burden on the subsequent purification and separation of the target product.

[0021] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the mechanical stirring assembly 7 includes a first sleeve 71, which is sleeved on the outside of the stirring shaft 3. Multiple defoaming paddles 72 are uniformly fixedly installed on the outside of the first sleeve 71 along its circumference.

[0022] In the above embodiments, the defoaming paddles 72 on the outer side of the first sleeve 71 are arranged in multiple layers, and the defoaming paddles 72 in each layer are staggered with each other. In this way, when the defoaming paddles 72 on the first sleeve 71 rotate, they can fully contact the foam in a larger area, thereby improving the mechanical defoaming effect.

[0023] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the lower end of the first sleeve 71 is fixed with an extrusion disc 8, and the outside of the stirring shaft 3 is fixed with a friction disc 9. An adjustment component 10 is connected to the first sleeve 71. The adjustment component 10 can control the connection state between the extrusion disc 8 and the friction disc 9 by adjusting the position of the first sleeve 71.

[0024] In the above embodiments, the first sleeve 71 of this application is coaxially sleeved on the outside of the stirring shaft 3 with a gap between them. In this way, when the adjusting component 10 moves the first sleeve 71 upward as a whole, and the extrusion plate 8 and friction plate 9 below the first sleeve 71 are separated, the first sleeve 71 and the stirring shaft 3 become independent of each other. During the rotation of the stirring shaft 3, the first sleeve 71 and the defoaming paddle 72 on it will not rotate. When the stirring shaft 3 rotates at a high speed, if there is concern that the defoaming paddle 72 will damage the microbial mycelial structure, or if the foam is too dense and will generate greater resistance to the defoaming paddle 72, which may increase the burden on the stirring shaft 3, the above operations can be performed by adjusting the component 10.

[0025] In most cases, the rotation speed of the stirring shaft 3 inside the seed tank body 1 is between 200 and 400 r / min, and the foam generation rate is relatively stable. At this time, the intervention of defoamer is not required, and the defoaming paddle 72 can handle the foam on the surface of the culture medium. Based on this requirement, the first sleeve 71 is lowered by adjusting the component 10 until the extrusion plate 8 at the lower end of the first sleeve 71 contacts the friction plate 9 on the stirring shaft 3. When the stirring shaft 3 rotates, the friction between the friction plate 9 and the extrusion plate 8 will cause the first sleeve 71 and the defoaming paddle 72 on it to rotate together, thereby achieving the effect of mechanical defoaming of the foam inside the seed tank body 1.

[0026] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 As shown, the adjustment assembly 10 includes a second sleeve 101, which is sleeved on the outside of the first sleeve 71 with a gap between them. The first sleeve 71 and the second sleeve 101 are movably connected by a bearing 102. The second sleeve 101 can rotate freely around its own axis inside the first sleeve 71 through the bearing 102. An annular groove 103 is provided in the middle of the outer side of the first sleeve 71 along its circumference. A drive ring 104 is sleeved in the annular groove 103. One side of the drive ring 104 is connected to the height adjustment unit 105.

[0027] In the above embodiments, the second sleeve 101 of this application is coaxially disposed outside the first sleeve 71 and the two are connected by a bearing 102. In this way, the first sleeve 71 will not be affected by the second sleeve 101 during rotation. A drive ring 104 is sleeved in the annular groove 103 on the outer side of the second sleeve 101. The drive ring 104 is connected to the height adjustment unit 105. When the height adjustment unit 105 drives the drive ring 104 downward in the vertical direction, the drive ring 104 can carry the first sleeve 71 downward through the second sleeve 101. When the height adjustment unit 105 drives the drive ring 104 upward in the vertical direction, the drive ring 104 can carry the first sleeve 71 upward through the second sleeve 101 during the upward movement, thereby achieving the effect of adjusting the vertical position of the first sleeve 71.

[0028] Furthermore, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, the height adjustment unit 105 includes a cylinder 1051 fixedly installed on the upper cover of the seed tank body 1. The output end of the cylinder 1051 passes downward through the upper cover of the seed tank body 1 and extends into the interior of the seed tank body 1, and is fixedly connected to a horizontal linkage rod 1052. The end of the horizontal linkage rod 1052 away from the output end of the cylinder 1051 is welded and fixed together with the drive ring 104.

[0029] In the above embodiments, the main power device in the height adjustment unit 105 of this application is a pneumatic cylinder 1051 instead of a hydraulic cylinder. This is because the principle of the pneumatic cylinder 1051 is straightforward; it relies on compressed air for drive, requiring no complex hydraulic system, and has a lower installation and maintenance threshold. Furthermore, even if a leak occurs during its use, only compressed air is leaked, whereas a leak in a hydraulic cylinder could contaminate microorganisms inside the seed tank body 1. The main cylinder body of the pneumatic cylinder 1051 is fixedly mounted on the upper cover of the seed tank body 1 via a flange. The output end of the pneumatic cylinder 1051 is inserted vertically downwards into the seed tank body 1 and is fixedly connected to the drive ring 104 via a horizontal linkage rod 1052. Thus, when the output end of the pneumatic cylinder 1051 extends or retracts within the seed tank body 1, it can achieve the effect of moving the first sleeve 71 and the second sleeve 101 together vertically via the drive ring 104.

[0030] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 As shown, the bearing 102 between the first sleeve 71 and the second sleeve 101 is a sealed bearing 102.

[0031] In the above embodiments, the bearing 102 that connects the first sleeve 71 and the second sleeve 101 is a sealed bearing 102 because the humidity inside the seed tank body 1 is high, and moisture entering the bearing 102 may affect its performance. Furthermore, if the bearing 102 leaks lubricant, it may contaminate microorganisms. The sealed bearing 102, based on the traditional open bearing 102, adds a sealing device to prevent liquids, moisture, and solid particles from entering the bearing 102. Besides preventing substances from the environment from entering the bearing 102, the sealing device also prevents contents inside the bearing 102 from contaminating the external environment. For example, sealing the pre-filled grease inside the bearing 102 prevents grease leakage and contamination of the product or environment. These advantages of the sealed bearing 102 are what this application requires; therefore, the bearing 102 of this application is preferably a sealed bearing 102.

[0032] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 As shown, a foam probe 11 for detecting the foam height inside the seed tank body 1 is installed on the top cover of the seed tank body 1.

[0033] In the above embodiments, the foam probe 11 is a sensor commonly used in industry to detect the foam boundary inside a container. The purpose of installing the foam probe 11 on the top cover of the seed tank body 1 in this application is to determine the height of the foam inside the seed tank body 1, so as to help technicians decide the timing and specific method of defoaming.

[0034] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown, the spray pipe 5 is arranged in an arc shape inside the seed tank body 1.

[0035] In the above embodiments, the spray pipe 5 of this application is designed in the manner described above, which helps to evenly spray the defoamer onto the liquid surface of the culture medium inside the seed tank body 1.

[0036] The implementation principle of this embodiment is as follows: When a sudden surge of foam occurs during the microbial propagation process in the seed tank body 1, the pump at the defoaming tank in the production area can be activated to pump the defoamer inside to the spray pipe 5 through the pipeline. The defoamer is then evenly sprayed onto the foam using multiple outlet holes on the spray pipe 5, thereby achieving a rapid defoaming effect. When the foaming rate in the seed tank body 1 slows down, the cylinder 1051 can be activated to drive the first sleeve 71 to move vertically downwards until the extrusion plate 8 under the first sleeve 71 contacts the friction plate 9 on the stirring shaft 3. At this time, the stirring shaft 3 will rotate, and the friction between the friction plate 9 and the extrusion plate 8 will cause the first sleeve 71 to rotate together. Multiple defoaming paddles 72 are provided on the outside of the first sleeve 71. As the first sleeve 71 rotates, the multiple defoaming paddles 72 can mechanically remove the foam on the surface of the culture medium in a timely manner. Compared to existing seed tanks with only a single defoaming function, the seed tank of this application can not only better cope with the sudden burst of foam in the tank, but also reduce the amount of defoamer used, saving costs and reducing the burden on subsequent purification and separation of the target product.

[0037] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A device for microbial propagation, comprising a seed tank body (1) for propagation, a motor (2) being installed on the top of the seed tank body (1), an output shaft of the motor (2) being connected with one end of a stirring shaft (3), the other end of the stirring shaft (3) extending to the bottom of the seed tank body (1) through a cover on the seed tank body (1), and a plurality of stirring units (4) being installed on the stirring shaft (3); characterized in that: The seed tank body (1) has a spray pipe (5) inside the upper cover. The spray pipe (5) has multiple liquid outlet holes evenly distributed on its lower side. The spray pipe (5) is fixedly connected to the upper cover of the seed tank body (1) by multiple hanging rods (6). ​ The spray pipe (5) has a blocking plate welded at one end of the seed tank body (1) and the other end of the spray pipe (5) passes through the top cover of the seed tank body (1) in a vertical direction and is connected to the input pipe led out from the defoaming tank in the production area. A mechanical stirring assembly (7) is installed on the stirring shaft (3) at the position corresponding to the liquid surface of the culture medium when the seed tank body (1) is in normal use. The mechanical stirring assembly (7) includes a first sleeve (71), which is sleeved on the outside of the stirring shaft (3). Multiple defoaming paddles (72) are uniformly fixedly installed on the outside of the first sleeve (71) along its circumference. The lower end of the first sleeve (71) is fixedly provided with an extrusion plate (8), and the outside of the stirring shaft (3) is fixedly provided with a friction plate (9). An adjustment component (10) is connected to the first sleeve (71). The adjustment component (10) can control the connection state between the extrusion plate (8) and the friction plate (9) by adjusting the position of the first sleeve (71). The adjustment assembly (10) includes a second sleeve (101), which is sleeved on the outside of the first sleeve (71) with a gap between them. The first sleeve (71) and the second sleeve (101) are movably connected by a bearing (102). The second sleeve (101) can rotate freely around its own axis inside the first sleeve (71) through the bearing (102). An annular groove (103) is provided in the middle of the outer side of the first sleeve (71) along its circumference. A drive ring (104) is sleeved in the annular groove (103). One side of the drive ring (104) is connected to the height adjustment unit (105).

2. The microbial propagation apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The height adjustment unit (105) includes a cylinder (1051) fixedly installed on the upper cover of the seed tank body (1). The output end of the cylinder (1051) passes downward through the upper cover of the seed tank body (1) and extends into the interior of the seed tank body (1) and is fixedly connected to a horizontal linkage rod (1052). The end of the horizontal linkage rod (1052) away from the output end of the cylinder (1051) is welded and fixed together with the drive ring (104).

3. The microbial propagation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bearing (102) between the first sleeve (71) and the second sleeve (101) is a sealed bearing (102).

4. The apparatus for microbial propagation according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: A foam probe (11) for detecting the foam height inside the seed tank body (1) is installed on the top cover of the seed tank body (1).

5. The apparatus for microbial propagation according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The spray pipe (5) is arranged in an arc shape inside the seed tank body (1).

Images