Continuous air-lift yeast culture device

CN224930520UActive Publication Date: 2026-11-03YIBIN TIEQING LIQUOR CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202521978483.2
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-09-15
Publication Date
2026-11-03
Estimated Expiration
2035-09-15

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing yeast culture technologies suffer from low mass transfer efficiency, inability to precisely control pH, and inability to meet the requirements of large-scale continuous fermentation.

Method used

Design a continuous airlift yeast culture device, including an enrichment tank, an overflow module, an air supply module and a pH adjustment module. The device uses the gas-liquid density difference to drive liquid circulation, and the pH value is controlled in real time through a pH electrode and a controller. A filter screen is also set up to separate impurities.

Benefits of technology

It improves mass transfer efficiency, enables precise pH control, meets the needs of large-scale continuous fermentation, and ensures the stability and uniformity of the yeast growth environment.

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Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of continuous air-lift type yeast culture device, including enrichment tank, overflow module, air supplement module and pH adjustment module, the overflow module includes overflow collection tank, overflow pipe being connected between overflow collection tank and enrichment tank;The air supplement module includes gas distributor being arranged in enrichment tank and the gas inlet pipe, gas pump for gas distributor supply;The pH adjustment module includes lye tank etc.The utility model has the advantages that: by setting enrichment tank, overflow module, air supplement module and pH adjustment module, air supplement module is supplemented into gas in enrichment tank, for yeast growth use.pH electrode detects the pH value in enrichment tank, and controller controls the flow in enrichment tank according to pH value, and the pH value in enrichment tank is real-time regulated and controlled.Overflow module collects liquid overflowing from enrichment tank.Solve the problem of low mass transfer efficiency, pH regulation lag and insufficient scale in traditional shake flask culture.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of yeast culture technology, and in particular to a continuous airlift yeast culture device. Background Technology

[0002] In the winemaking process, fermentation is the core step. Through the metabolic activities of microorganisms (mainly yeast), it converts the sugars in the raw materials into alcohol and carbon dioxide, while also giving the wine its unique flavor, aroma, and texture. Therefore, yeast cultivation is necessary.

[0003] In existing technologies, yeast cultivation mainly utilizes methods such as shake flask culture and tank fermentation. Shake flask culture uses a shaker to provide oxygen, promoting aerobic growth. It is simple to operate, low in cost, and suitable for small-scale cultivation. However, shake flask culture suffers from problems such as inefficient mass transfer, inability to precisely control pH, and inability to directly meet the needs of large-scale continuous fermentation. Therefore, a continuous airlift yeast culture device is proposed as an improvement. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to at least solve one of the aforementioned technical defects.

[0005] Therefore, one objective of this invention is to provide a continuous airlift yeast culture device to solve the problems mentioned in the background art and overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, one embodiment of the present invention provides a continuous airlift yeast culture device, including an enrichment tank, an overflow module, an aeration module, and a pH adjustment module. The overflow module includes an overflow collection tank and an overflow pipe connecting the overflow collection tank and the enrichment tank. The aeration module includes a gas distributor disposed in the enrichment tank and an air inlet pipe and an air pump for supplying gas to the gas distributor. The pH adjustment module includes an alkali tank, an inlet pipe connecting the alkali tank and the enrichment tank, a controller, and a pH electrode disposed in the enrichment tank.

[0007] Preferably, the enrichment tank adopts an inverted conical structure that is narrow at the top and wide at the bottom, and the outer wall of the enrichment tank is provided with a jacket structure, and temperature control is achieved through a circulating water bath.

[0008] The above technical solution employs a conical structure to provide space for yeast cultivation, enhancing its stability. A jacketed structure is installed on the outer wall of the enrichment tank to facilitate water bathing. Utilizing a circulating water bath to control the temperature of the enrichment tank promotes normal yeast growth within it.

[0009] Preferably, in any of the above embodiments, the overflow pipe is located at the top of the enrichment tank, and a filter screen is provided in the overflow collection trough.

[0010] The above technical solution employs an overflow module to collect liquid overflowing from the enrichment tank. A filter screen is installed in the overflow collection tank to separate undissolved solid particles and large impurities. A baffle can be installed in the overflow collection tank, allowing the filter screen to be placed on it for easy removal and cleaning when needed.

[0011] Preferably, in any of the above embodiments, the overflow collection tank is provided with a discharge component at the bottom and an exhaust port at the top.

[0012] The above technical solution involves installing a discharge component at the bottom of the overflow collection tank. Specifically, the discharge component can be a flexible hose with a clamp valve to discharge the high-density yeast suspension. An exhaust port is installed at the top of the overflow collection tank to prevent negative pressure from affecting the overflow effect.

[0013] Preferably, in any of the above schemes, a limiting post is fixedly connected inside the enrichment tank, and a sleeve that can be fitted onto the limiting post is fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the gas distributor.

[0014] The above technical solution employs a gas supply module to introduce gas into the enrichment tank for yeast growth. A sleeve column, in conjunction with a limiting column, facilitates the quick and easy fixation of the gas distributor within the enrichment tank.

[0015] Preferably, in any of the above embodiments, the air inlet pipe and the air guide pipe of the gas distributor are connected by a threaded head, and a threaded sleeve is provided on the outer side of the connection between the air inlet pipe and the air guide pipe.

[0016] The above technical solution involves connecting the air inlet pipe and the air guide pipe via a threaded connection, facilitating quick installation and connection of the gas distributor. Threaded sleeves are installed on the outer sides of both pipes to seal the connection from the outside, ensuring a tight seal.

[0017] Preferably, in any of the above embodiments, a peristaltic pump and a flow valve are provided on the inlet pipe, and a micro-orifice nozzle is provided at the end of the inlet pipe inside the enrichment tank.

[0018] The above technical solution employs a pH electrode to detect the pH value within the enrichment tank. The controller uses a PID control algorithm, setting a pH threshold. When the pH falls below the lower limit, the peristaltic pump automatically starts; when the pH rises above the upper limit, it automatically stops. A microporous nozzle is installed at the end of the inlet pipe to ensure uniform dispersion of the alkali solution.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0020] 1. This continuous airlift yeast culture device comprises an enrichment tank, an overflow module, an aeration module, and a pH adjustment module. The aeration module supplies gas to the enrichment tank for yeast growth. A pH electrode monitors the pH value within the enrichment tank, and a controller adjusts the flow of alkali solution within the enrichment tank based on the pH value, thus regulating the pH value in real time. The overflow module collects the liquid that overflows from the enrichment tank. This device solves the problems of low mass transfer efficiency, inaccurate pH control, and the inability of shake flask culture to directly meet the needs of large-scale continuous fermentation, which are inherent in traditional shake flask culture.

[0021] 2. This continuous airlift yeast culture device features a jacketed structure on the outer wall of the enrichment tank, providing conditions for a water bath. Utilizing a circulating water bath to control the temperature of the enrichment tank promotes normal yeast growth. A filter screen is installed in the overflow collection tank to separate undissolved solid particles and large impurities. The air inlet pipe and air outlet pipe are connected by a threaded connection, facilitating quick installation and connection of the gas distributor. Threaded sleeves are installed on the outside of both to seal the connection from the outside, ensuring a tight seal and facilitating disassembly and maintenance of the gas distributor.

[0022] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this utility model will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 2 For the present utility model Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure at point A in the middle.

[0026] In the diagram: 1-Enrichment tank, 2-Overflow module, 201-Overflow collection tank, 202-Overflow pipe, 203-Filter screen, 204-Discharge assembly;

[0027] 3-Gas replenishment module, 301-Gas distributor, 302-Inlet pipe, 303-Air pump, 304-Gas guide pipe, 305-Threaded head, 306-Threaded sleeve;

[0028] 4-pH adjustment module, 401-pH electrode, 402-alkali tank, 403-inlet pipe, 404-controller. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0030] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0031] like Figures 1-2 As shown, this utility model includes an enrichment tank 1, an overflow module 2, a gas replenishment module 3, and a pH adjustment module 4. The overflow module 2 includes an overflow collection tank 201 and an overflow pipe 202 connecting the overflow collection tank 201 and the enrichment tank 1. The gas replenishment module 3 includes a gas distributor 301 installed in the enrichment tank 1, an air inlet pipe 302 for supplying gas to the gas distributor 301, and an air pump 303. The pH adjustment module 4 includes an alkali tank 402, an inlet pipe 403 connecting the alkali tank 402 and the enrichment tank 1, a controller 404, and a pH electrode 401 installed in the enrichment tank 1.

[0032] Example 1: The enrichment tank 1 adopts an inverted conical structure, narrower at the top and wider at the bottom. The outer wall of the enrichment tank 1 is equipped with a jacket structure, and temperature control is achieved through a circulating water bath. The enrichment tank 1 provides space for yeast cultivation, and its conical structure makes it more stable. The jacket structure on the outer wall of the enrichment tank 1 provides the conditions for a water bath. Using a circulating water bath to control the temperature of the enrichment tank 1 is beneficial to the normal growth of yeast within it. An overflow pipe 202 is located at the top of the enrichment tank 1, and a filter screen 203 is installed in the overflow collection tank 201. The overflow module 2 is used to collect the liquid overflowing from the enrichment tank 1. The filter screen 203 installed in the overflow collection tank 201 can separate undissolved solid particles and large impurities. A baffle can be installed in the overflow collection tank 201, placing the filter screen 203 on the baffle for easy removal and cleaning when needed. The overflow collection tank 201 has a discharge component 204 at its bottom and a vent at its top. The discharge component 204, which can be a flexible hose with a clamp valve, is used to discharge the high-density yeast suspension. The vent at the top of the overflow collection tank 201 prevents negative pressure from affecting the overflow effect.

[0033] Example 2: A limiting post is fixedly connected inside the enrichment tank 1, and a sleeve that can be fitted onto the limiting post is fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the gas distributor 301. The gas supply module 3 is used to supply gas into the enrichment tank 1 for yeast growth. Gas enters the bottom of the enrichment tank 1, creating a gas-liquid density difference that drives liquid circulation. Utilizing this gas-liquid density difference, an upward zone is formed in the gas input area of ​​the enrichment tank 1, and a downward zone is formed in other areas, forming a gas-rising circulation and improving efficiency. The sleeve, in conjunction with the limiting post, facilitates the quick fixing of the gas distributor 301 inside the enrichment tank 1. The inlet pipe 303 and the gas guide pipe 304 of the gas distributor 301 are connected by a threaded head 305, and a threaded sleeve 306 is threadedly connected to the outer side of the connection between the inlet pipe 303 and the gas guide pipe 304. The inlet pipe 303 and the gas guide pipe 304 are threadedly connected by the threaded head 305, facilitating the quick installation and connection of the gas distributor 301. It should be noted that to ensure the sealing of the connection, a sealing ring can be added to the end of the threaded head 305 if necessary. A threaded sleeve 306 is installed on the outside of both to seal the connection from the outside, ensuring the sealing effect of the connection.

[0034] Example 3: A peristaltic pump and a flow valve are installed on the inlet pipe 403. A micro-orifice nozzle is installed at one end of the inlet pipe 403 inside the enrichment tank 1. The pH electrode 401 detects the pH value inside the enrichment tank 1. The controller 404 uses a PID control algorithm to set a pH threshold. When the pH is below the lower limit, the peristaltic pump is automatically started; when the pH is above the upper limit, it is automatically stopped. The micro-orifice nozzle at the end of the inlet pipe 403 ensures uniform dispersion of the alkali solution.

[0035] The working principle of this utility model is as follows:

[0036] S1. Gas supply module 3 supplies gas to enrichment tank 1 for yeast growth. The gas enters the bottom of enrichment tank 1, creating a gas-liquid density difference that drives liquid circulation.

[0037] S2, pH electrode 401 detects the pH value in enrichment tank 1, and controller 404 controls the flow of alkali solution tank 402 in enrichment tank 1 according to the pH value, so as to regulate the pH value in enrichment tank 1 in real time.

[0038] S3, Overflow module 2 collects the liquid that overflows from enrichment tank 1.

[0039] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0040] 1. This continuous airlift yeast culture device comprises an enrichment tank 1, an overflow module 2, an air supply module 3, and a pH adjustment module 4. The air supply module 3 supplies gas to the enrichment tank 1 for yeast growth. A pH electrode 401 detects the pH value within the enrichment tank 1, and a controller 404 controls the flow of alkali solution in the enrichment tank 402 based on the pH value, thereby regulating the pH value in the enrichment tank 1 in real time. The overflow module 2 collects the liquid overflowing from the enrichment tank 1. This device solves the problems of low mass transfer efficiency, inability to accurately control pH value, and inability of shake flask culture to directly meet the needs of large-scale continuous fermentation in traditional shake flask culture.

[0041] 2. This continuous airlift yeast culture device features a jacketed structure on the outer wall of the enrichment tank 1, providing conditions for a water bath. Controlling the temperature of the enrichment tank 1 using a circulating water bath is beneficial for the normal growth of yeast within it. A filter screen 203 is installed in the overflow collection tank 201 to separate undissolved solid particles and large impurities. The air inlet pipe 303 and the air guide pipe 304 are threaded together via a threaded head 305, facilitating the quick installation and connection of the gas distributor 301. A threaded sleeve 306 is installed on the outside of both to seal the connection from the outside, ensuring a tight seal and facilitating the disassembly and maintenance of the gas distributor 301.

Claims

1. A continuous airlift yeast culture device, comprising an enrichment tank (1), an overflow module (2), an air supply module (3), and a pH adjustment module (4); characterized in that, The overflow module (2) includes an overflow collection tank (201) and an overflow pipe (202) connected between the overflow collection tank (201) and the enrichment tank (1). The gas replenishment module (3) includes a gas distributor (301) installed in the enrichment tank (1) and an air inlet pipe (302) and an air pump (303) for supplying gas to the gas distributor (301). The pH adjustment module (4) includes an alkali tank (402), an inlet pipe (403) connecting the alkali tank (402) to the enrichment tank (1), a controller (404), and a pH electrode (401) installed in the enrichment tank (1).

2. The continuous airlift yeast culture device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The enrichment tank (1) adopts an inverted conical structure that is narrow at the top and wide at the bottom. The outer wall of the enrichment tank (1) is provided with a jacket structure, and temperature control is achieved through a circulating water bath.

3. The continuous airlift yeast culture device as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The overflow pipe (202) is located at the top of the enrichment tank (1), and a filter screen (203) is provided in the overflow collection trough (201).

4. The continuous airlift yeast culture device as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The overflow collection tank (201) is provided with a discharge component (204) at the bottom and an exhaust port at the top.

5. The continuous airlift yeast culture device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The enrichment tank (1) is fixedly connected to a limiting column, and the bottom surface of the gas distributor (301) is fixedly connected to a sleeve that can be fitted onto the limiting column.

6. The continuous airlift yeast culture device as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The air inlet pipe (302) is connected to the air guide pipe (304) of the gas distributor (301) by a threaded head (305), and a threaded sleeve (306) is threaded on the outside of the connection between the air inlet pipe (302) and the air guide pipe (304).

7. A continuous airlift yeast culture device as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The inlet pipe (403) is equipped with a peristaltic pump and a flow valve, and a micro-orifice nozzle is provided at one end of the inlet pipe (403) inside the enrichment tank (1).