A yeast propagation apparatus

Abstract

The utility model relates to beer processing equipment technical field, concretely is a kind of yeast propagation device, including transparent propagation tank and the sealing plug of being arranged at the entrance, sealing plug is equipped with conveying main pipe and discharge pipe and is sealed and penetrated, the inside of propagation tank is equipped with first hose and second hose, the top of first hose is connected with discharge pipe, the top of second hose is connected with conveying main pipe, the bottom of first hose and second hose is all connected with magnetic metal counterweight, at least one through hole is equipped on each magnetic metal counterweight, through hole is communicated with first hose or second hose, discharge pipe is equipped with discharge valve, conveying main pipe is connected with inoculation tube and aeration pipeline by tee joint, aeration pipeline is equipped with aeration valve, and aeration pipeline is used to be connected with steam delivery unit and sterile air delivery unit, inoculation tube is equipped with inoculation valve, and inoculation tube is used to be connected with inoculation unit.The utility model has the characteristics of visual monitoring, economical sterilization and compact structure when strain propagation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of beer processing equipment, specifically a yeast propagation device. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, with the rise of craft beer culture, the number of craft breweries worldwide has grown rapidly. However, their production scale is generally small, with fermentation equipment capacity mostly concentrated in the range of 500L to 2000L. Limited by space and capital investment, most craft breweries cannot install professional yeast propagation equipment (such as Hansen tanks or multi-stage fermentation systems), and instead rely on externally purchased active yeast or simple devices for propagation.

[0003] However, the high price of commercially available live yeast has forced brewers to try using alternative equipment such as glass bottles and cartridge containers for in-house propagation. Existing general propagation devices are mostly derived from industrial-grade stainless steel sealed tanks. Although equipped with temperature control and ventilation systems, their structural design is insufficient for small-scale environments. First, the opaque nature of stainless steel prevents operators from observing yeast proliferation in real time; they can only extract samples through sampling ports or indirectly assess cell density using external sensors. Each time the sampling valve is opened, the risk of contamination increases. In open operating environments, such as the mixed spaces of bar and kitchen common in craft breweries, frequent sampling further increases the probability of contamination, directly leading to propagation failure. Second, traditional sterilization methods are fundamentally incompatible with small-scale equipment—chemical disinfectant residues (such as peracetic acid) inhibit yeast activity, while high-temperature, high-pressure steam sterilization (121℃, 0.1MPa) requires a pressure-resistant, sealed tank structure, making 10L stainless steel propagation tanks heavy and expensive, far exceeding the economic affordability of craft brewers. This vicious cycle of "functional redundancy" and "cost overrun" makes the market urgently need a culture expansion device that combines visual monitoring, economical sterilization, and a compact structure. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the aforementioned problems in the prior art and to provide a yeast propagation device that combines visual monitoring, economical sterilization, and a compact structure. The device features a transparent tank, simple interfaces, and can utilize external magnetic elements to control the movement of internal pipelines to complete sterilization, oxygenation, venting, and inoculation functions. It can facilitate rapid and quality-controlled yeast propagation in craft breweries or other small beer production units.

[0005] This utility model discloses a yeast propagation device, comprising: a transparent propagation tank, a sealing plug at the inlet of the propagation tank, through which a main delivery pipe and a discharge pipe are sealed; a first flexible tube and a second flexible tube are provided inside the propagation tank, the top end of the first flexible tube is connected to the discharge pipe, the top end of the second flexible tube is connected to the main delivery pipe, and magnetic metal counterweights are connected to the bottom ends of both the first and second flexible tubes, each magnetic metal counterweight having at least one through hole communicating with the first or second flexible tube; a discharge valve is provided on the discharge pipe; the main delivery pipe is connected to an inoculation tube and a ventilation pipe via a tee, the ventilation pipe having a ventilation valve and being used to connect to a steam delivery unit and a sterile air delivery unit; and an inoculation valve is provided on the inoculation tube and being used to connect to an inoculation unit.

[0006] Preferably, an air filter is provided between the ventilation pipe and the tee, and the air filter is connected to both the tee and the ventilation pipe.

[0007] Preferably, sealing rings are provided at the connection between the sealing plug and the culture tank, the connection between the discharge valve and the discharge pipe, the connection between the vent valve and the vent pipe, and the connection between the inoculation valve and the inoculation pipe.

[0008] Preferably, the wall thickness of the expansion tank is greater than 0 cm and less than or equal to 1 cm.

[0009] Preferably, the magnetic metal counterweight includes a magnetic metal ball and a connecting tube. The connecting tube is disposed on the magnetic metal ball and communicates with all the through holes opened on the magnetic metal ball. The connecting tube is connected to a first flexible tube or a second flexible tube.

[0010] Preferably, there are multiple through holes, and the multiple through holes are evenly distributed on the magnetic metal ball.

[0011] Preferably, the sum of the diameters of the plurality of through holes is the same as the diameter of the first hose or the second hose.

[0012] Preferably, the culture vessel is a glass container.

[0013] Preferably, the discharge valve is a one-way valve, and the vent valve and the inoculation valve are both ball valves.

[0014] Preferably, the ventilation pipe, inoculation pipe, delivery main pipe and discharge pipe are all metal pipes, the first hose and the second hose are both silicone hoses, and the ventilation pipe and delivery main pipe, the inoculation pipe and delivery main pipe, the delivery main pipe and the second hose, and the discharge pipe and the first hose are all detachably connected.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are: This invention allows direct observation of yeast growth through a transparent culture tank. Its compact and simple structure eliminates the need for sampling via a sampling port or external sensors to indirectly assess cell density. Cell density can be evaluated simply by observing several states observed during yeast propagation, thus avoiding the risk of contamination from opening the sampling valve. Furthermore, the yeast propagation device described in this invention is isolated from the open operating environment by a discharge valve, a vent valve, and an inoculation valve, preventing frequent sampling that could significantly increase the probability of contamination and directly lead to propagation failure.

[0016] This invention uses steam to boil and sterilize the wort in the expansion tank, without using chemical disinfectants or requiring high-temperature and high-pressure conditions. Therefore, it does not inhibit yeast activity and does not require the expansion tank to have pressure resistance. This invention can achieve complex operations such as sterilization, aeration, and inoculation by changing the internal pipe structure through external magnetic elements, and is less prone to contamination.

[0017] In use, the wort is poured into the expansion tank. When sterilization is required, the drain valve is closed, the vent valve is opened, and the vent pipe is connected to the steam delivery unit. High-temperature steam is introduced into the expansion tank to boil the wort for high-temperature sterilization. Then, the vent valve is closed, and the vent pipe is connected to the sterile air delivery unit to supply oxygen for expansion. After the expansion tank cools down, it is connected to the inoculation unit via the inoculation tube. The drain valve is closed, and the inoculation valve is opened. At this point, the inoculum is introduced into the expansion tank, and then the vent valve is closed. Because yeast propagation produces carbon dioxide, it needs to be periodically vented and oxygen introduced. Therefore, an external magnetic element is used to move two magnetic metal weights simultaneously above the liquid surface. Then, sterile air is introduced into the ventilation pipe to expel the carbon dioxide above the liquid surface through the vent pipe. After expulsion, the vent valve is closed, and the two tubing loops (first and second) are reinserted below the liquid surface. Sterile air is then continuously introduced into the ventilation pipe for propagation until a certain aeration volume is reached, at which point the ventilation valve is closed. When it is necessary to drain the sample from the propagation tank, the inoculation valve is closed, and the magnetic metal weight connected to the second tubing is moved to above the liquid surface using an external magnetic element. The ventilation valve and vent valve are then opened, allowing the propagated material to drain from the propagation tank. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a yeast propagation device according to the present invention.

[0019] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Propagation tank, 2. Sealing plug, 3. Ventilation pipe, 4. Ventilation valve, 5. Air filter, 6. Inoculation tube, 7. Inoculation valve, 8. First hose, 9. Discharge valve, 10. Discharge tube, 11. Second hose. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1 The specific embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below, but it should be understood that the protection scope of this utility model is not limited to the specific embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without inventive effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0021] This invention overcomes the limitations of sealed stainless steel tanks, which, due to their lack of transparency, prevent operators from observing yeast proliferation in real time. Operators can only extract samples through the sampling port or indirectly assess cell density using external sensors, and each opening of the sampling valve increases the risk of contamination. In open operating environments, such as the mixed spaces of bar and kitchen common in craft breweries, frequent sampling further amplifies the probability of contamination, directly leading to propagation failure. Furthermore, this invention overcomes the fundamental contradiction between traditional sterilization methods and small-scale equipment – ​​chemical disinfectant residues (such as peracetic acid) inhibit yeast activity, while high-temperature, high-pressure steam sterilization (121℃, 0.1MPa) requires a pressure-resistant, sealed tank structure, resulting in the high weight and price of 10L stainless steel propagation tanks, far exceeding the economic affordability of craft brewers.

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown, this utility model provides a yeast propagation device, comprising a transparent propagation tank 1. A sealing plug 2 is provided at the inlet of the propagation tank 1, and a main delivery pipe and a discharge pipe 10 are sealed and penetrated through the sealing plug 2. Inside the propagation tank 1 are a first flexible tube 8 and a second flexible tube 11. The top end of the first flexible tube 8 is connected to the discharge pipe 10, and the top end of the second flexible tube 11 is connected to the main delivery pipe. Magnetic metal counterweights are connected to the bottom ends of both the first flexible tube 8 and the second flexible tube 11. Each magnetic metal counterweight has at least one through hole communicating with either the first flexible tube 8 or the second flexible tube 11. A discharge valve 9 is provided on the discharge pipe 10. The main delivery pipe is connected to an inoculation tube 6 and a ventilation pipe 3 via a tee. A ventilation valve 4 is provided on the ventilation pipe 3, which is used to connect to a steam delivery unit and a sterile air delivery unit. An inoculation valve 7 is provided on the inoculation tube 6, which is used to connect to an inoculation unit.

[0023] In use, the wort is poured into the expansion tank 1. When sterilization of the expansion tank 1 is required, the discharge valve 10 is closed, the vent valve 4 is opened, and the vent pipe 3 is connected to the steam delivery unit. High-temperature steam is then introduced into the expansion tank 1 to boil the wort for high-temperature sterilization. Afterward, the vent valve 4 is closed, and the vent pipe 3 is connected to the sterile air delivery unit to supply the oxygen required for expansion into the expansion tank 1. After the expansion tank 1 cools down, it is connected to the inoculation unit via the inoculation tube 6. The discharge valve 10 is closed, and the inoculation valve 7 is opened. At this point, the inoculum is introduced into the expansion tank 1, and then the valve is closed. Vent valve 4 and inoculation valve 7 are used because yeast propagation produces carbon dioxide, which needs to be periodically vented and oxygen introduced. Therefore, an external magnetic element is used to move two magnetic metal weights simultaneously above the liquid surface. Then, sterile air is introduced into vent pipe 3 to expel the carbon dioxide above the liquid surface through the discharge pipe. After discharge, discharge valve 10 is closed, and the two first tubing tubes 8 and second tubing tube 11 are reinserted below the liquid surface. Sterile air is then continued to be introduced into vent pipe 3 for propagation. Once a certain amount of air is introduced, vent valve 4 is closed. When it is necessary to discharge the sample from propagation tank 1, inoculation valve 7 is closed, and the magnetic metal weight connected to the second tubing tube 11 is moved above the liquid surface using an external magnetic element. Vent valve 4 and discharge valve 9 are then opened, discharging the propagated material from propagation tank 1, completing the propagation process.

[0024] Specifically, to further reduce the risk of bacterial contamination, an air filter 5 is provided between the ventilation pipe 3 and the tee, and the air filter 5 is connected to both the tee and the ventilation pipe 3.

[0025] Specifically, to further reduce the risk of contamination, sealing rings are provided at the connections of the sealing plug 2 and the culture tank 1, the discharge valve and the discharge pipe 10, the vent valve and the vent pipe 3, and the inoculation valve and the inoculation pipe 6. All pipe interfaces use quick-connect fittings to withstand pressures less than 0.15 MPa.

[0026] Specifically, the wall thickness of the expansion tank 1 is greater than 0 cm and less than or equal to 1 cm. This wall thickness of the expansion tank 1 allows the external magnetic element to sense the magnetic metal counterweight.

[0027] Specifically, the specific structure of the magnetic metal counterweight is given. The magnetic metal counterweight includes a magnetic metal ball and a connecting tube. The connecting tube is disposed on the magnetic metal ball and communicates with all the through holes opened on the magnetic metal ball. The connecting tube is connected to the first hose 8 or the second hose 11 in order to introduce oxygen.

[0028] Specifically, there are multiple through holes, and these through holes are evenly distributed on the magnetic metal sphere. This is to increase the diffusion area of ​​oxygen.

[0029] Specifically, the sum of the diameters of the plurality of through holes is the same as the diameter of the first hose 8 or the second hose 11. This is to reduce the disturbance of the solution in the expansion tank caused by aeration, which is beneficial for expansion.

[0030] Specifically, the discharge valve is a one-way valve, which balances the internal and external air pressure during yeast proliferation while preventing outside air from entering and avoiding contamination by external bacteria. Both the discharge valve and the vent valve are ball valves, which have good sealing performance, open and close quickly, and have a smooth and flat channel that is not easily contaminated by bacteria.

[0031] Specifically, the culture tank 1 is a glass tank, which facilitates observation of yeast growth from the outside.

[0032] Specifically, the ventilation pipe 3, inoculation pipe 6, main delivery pipe, and discharge pipe 10 are all metal pipes, while the first flexible hose 8 and the second flexible hose 11 are both silicone flexible hoses. The ventilation pipe 3 and the main delivery pipe, the inoculation pipe 6 and the main delivery pipe, the main delivery pipe and the second flexible hose 11, and the discharge pipe 10 and the first flexible hose 8 are all detachably connected. The metal pipes here can be stainless steel pipes. Stainless steel pipes are chosen because they are heat-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and have high strength and wear resistance. After assembly, damaged pipes are inspected and replaced to prevent the entry of external bacteria; pipes with difficult-to-clean organic matter adhering to the inner wall are replaced to prevent inadequate sterilization of that area later.

[0033] The specific operating steps for using a yeast propagation device are as follows: (1) Sterilization: Unscrew the sealing plug 2 from the expander tank 1, pour the wort into the expander tank 1, and tighten the sealing plug 2.

[0034] The magnetic metal counterweight connected to the second hose 11 is placed below the liquid surface by an external magnetic element, and the magnetic metal counterweight connected to the first hose 8 is placed on the liquid surface. Steam is introduced into the ventilation pipe 3 to boil and sterilize the wort. At the same time, the discharge valve 9 and the inoculation valve 7 are half-open to sterilize the above pipelines and remove excess steam.

[0035] (2) Cooling and oxygenation: After sterilization, air is introduced through the ventilation pipe 3 to ensure positive pressure inside the expansion tank 1. The inoculation valve 7 is closed, and the air is discharged through the exhaust valve 9. The wort in the expansion tank is cooled by external cooling water.

[0036] (3) Inoculation: After the wort has cooled, open the inoculation valve 7 and connect 10 ml of pre-activated yeast or dry yeast to the inoculation tube 6.

[0037] (4) Cultivation: Place the expansion tank 1 into the incubator. When culturing yeast through the external magnetic element, place the magnetic metal counterweight connected to the first flexible tube 8 on the liquid surface, close the vent valve 4 and the inoculation valve 7, and open the discharge pipe 9. The carbon dioxide produced during the yeast culture process is discharged through the discharge pipe 10, which can prevent contamination by other microorganisms caused by the open pipe.

[0038] (5) Inoculation: After the yeast is activated, the magnetic metal counterweight connected to the second hose 11 is placed on the liquid surface by an external magnetic element, and the magnetic metal counterweight connected to the first hose (8) is placed below the liquid surface. The ventilation valve 4 and the discharge valve 9 are opened to introduce sterile air through the ventilation pipe 3, and the yeast liquid is pressed into the fermenter through the discharge pipe 10 by air pressure.

[0039] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A yeast propagation device, characterized in that, include: A transparent culture vessel (1) is provided with a sealing plug (2) at the inlet of the culture vessel (1), and a main delivery pipe and a discharge pipe (10) are provided through the sealing plug (2). The inside of the culture vessel (1) is provided with a first hose (8) and a second hose (11). The top end of the first hose (8) is connected to the discharge pipe (10), and the top end of the second hose (11) is connected to the main delivery pipe. The bottom ends of the first hose (8) and the second hose (11) are connected to magnetic metal counterweights. Each magnetic metal counterweight is provided with at least one through hole, which is connected to the first hose (8) or the second hose (11). The discharge pipe (10) is provided with a discharge valve (9). The main delivery pipe is connected to an inoculation pipe (6) and a ventilation pipe (3) through a tee. The ventilation pipe (3) is provided with a ventilation valve (4), and the ventilation pipe (3) is used to connect to a steam delivery unit and a sterile air delivery unit. The inoculation pipe (6) is provided with an inoculation valve (7), and the inoculation pipe (6) is used to connect to an inoculation unit.

2. The yeast propagation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, An air filter (5) is also provided between the ventilation pipe (3) and the tee, and the air filter (5) is connected to the tee and the ventilation pipe (3) respectively.

3. The yeast propagation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Sealing rings are provided at the connection points of the sealing plug (2) and the expansion tank (1), the connection points of the discharge valve and the discharge pipe (10), the connection points of the venting valve and the venting pipe (3), and the connection points of the inoculation valve and the inoculation pipe (6).

4. The yeast propagation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wall thickness of the expansion tank (1) is greater than 0 cm and less than or equal to 1 cm.

5. The yeast propagation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The magnetic metal counterweight includes a magnetic metal ball and a connecting tube. The connecting tube is disposed on the magnetic metal ball and communicates with all the through holes opened on the magnetic metal ball. The connecting tube is connected to the first flexible tube (8) or the second flexible tube (11).

6. A yeast propagation device according to claim 5, characterized in that, There are multiple through holes, and the multiple through holes are evenly distributed on the magnetic metal ball.

7. A yeast propagation device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The sum of the diameters of the plurality of through holes is the same as the diameter of the first hose (8) or the second hose (11).

8. A yeast propagation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The expansion tank (1) is a glass jar.

9. A yeast propagation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The discharge valve is a one-way valve, and the vent valve and inoculation valve are both ball valves.

10. A yeast propagation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ventilation pipe (3), inoculation pipe (6), main delivery pipe and discharge pipe (10) are all metal pipes, the first hose (8) and the second hose (11) are both silicone hoses, and the ventilation pipe (3) and the main delivery pipe, the inoculation pipe (6) and the main delivery pipe, the main delivery pipe and the second hose (11) and the discharge pipe (10) and the first hose (8) can all be detachably connected.

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