Amino acid flexible production fermenter apparatus

By designing a flexible amino acid production fermenter device, and employing two sets of air distributors and multi-sensor monitoring and adjustment, the problem of the inability of traditional devices to flexibly adjust the air volume was solved, thus achieving efficient and stable production of various types of amino acids.

CN224930545UActive Publication Date: 2026-11-03HARBIN XIANGBAI BIO-TECH CO LTD +1
View PDF 0 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
CN202522452509.6
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-11-19
Publication Date
2026-11-03
Estimated Expiration
2035-11-19

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Traditional amino acid production equipment is mostly designed for a single type, with fixed process parameters that are difficult to adjust quickly and cannot flexibly switch the air volume to adapt to the fermentation needs of different amino acids, resulting in low production efficiency and unstable product quality.

Method used

A flexible fermenter device for amino acid production was designed, which uses two sets of air distributors and multiple gas source pipelines. Different types and flow rates of gas are supplied through valve control. Combined with a stirring device, oxygen is evenly distributed. Multiple sensors are installed for real-time monitoring and automatic adjustment to ensure adequate and uniform oxygen supply.

Benefits of technology

It has enabled the efficient production of different types of amino acids, improved oxygen utilization and fermentation stability, avoided the adverse effects of local hypoxia or excessive aeration, and improved production efficiency and product quality.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN224930545U_ABST
    Figure CN224930545U_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The utility model provides an amino acid flexible production fermentation tank device belongs to the technical field of biological fermentation equipment. The traditional amino acid production device is designed for single kind of amino acid, process parameter is fixed, and the problem that the air volume cannot be flexibly switched according to the unique fermentation demand of different amino acid products in the fermentation process is solved. It includes fermenter, stirring device, air distributor one, air distributor two, external air source pipeline and tail gas discharge device, the stirring device is fixed with the fermenter top end and is located in the inside center position of fermenter, air distributor one and air distributor two are annular pipe, and the concentric horizontal setting is below stirring device, air distributor one is located above air distributor two, and external air source pipeline one is air distributor one and air distributor two air supply. It is mainly used for the production of different amino acid air volume demand.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical field of bio-fermentation equipment, and in particular relates to a flexible amino acid production fermentation tank device. Background Technology

[0002] Amidst the booming development of various industries, the market demand for amino acids continues to rise. In the food industry, the research and development of functional foods is accelerating, leading to increasingly stringent requirements for high-quality, high-purity amino acid raw materials. In the livestock industry, with the promotion of large-scale farming and refined feeding models, the use of feed-grade amino acids is increasing dramatically. In the pharmaceutical and cosmetic fields, innovative drugs and functional skincare products based on amino acids are constantly emerging, further increasing the demand for high-quality supply of specific amino acids.

[0003] Traditional amino acid production equipment is mostly designed for a single type of amino acid, with fixed process parameters that are difficult to adjust quickly. During fermentation, the airflow cannot be flexibly switched according to the unique fermentation requirements of different amino acid products. For example, the production of threonine or tryptophan is an aerobic amino acid fermentation process, requiring a large amount of oxygen. Initially, the fermentation tank's air inlet, exhaust, and air distributors are designed to be large. However, when producing anaerobic amino acids, excessively large air inlet and exhaust pipes and air distributors cannot meet the supply and control requirements of low dissolved oxygen and low airflow. This results in low production efficiency and unstable product quality, failing to meet the market's demand for diversified and efficient amino acid products, and severely hindering the development of the amino acid industry. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, to address the problems of traditional amino acid production equipment being mostly designed for single types of amino acids, with fixed process parameters that are difficult to adjust quickly, and the inability to flexibly switch the air volume according to the unique fermentation requirements of different amino acid products during fermentation, this utility model proposes a flexible amino acid production fermentation tank device. This utility model designs the air distributor mechanism to meet the oxygen requirements of different amino acids without interference, ensuring uniform oxygen distribution, and enabling the device to complete the production tasks of different types of amino acids.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model adopts the following technical solution: an amino acid flexible production fermentation tank device, including a fermentation tank, a stirring device, an air distributor I, an air distributor II, an external air source pipeline, and a tail gas emission device. The stirring device is fixed to the top of the fermentation tank and located at the center of the fermentation tank. The air distributor I and the air distributor II are both annular pipes with several air holes on their surfaces. They are concentrically and horizontally arranged below the stirring device. The air distributor I is located above the air distributor II and does not interfere with the blowing process of the air distributor II. One end of the external air source pipeline is connected to the air distributor I and the air distributor II respectively, and the other end is connected to an external air source. Different air supply channels are formed by valve control to provide air sources with different gas types and flow rates, which supply air to the air distributor I and the air distributor II respectively. The external air supply pipeline is an air distributor used for anaerobic amino acid production. When the external air supply pipeline is used as an air distributor, it is used for the production of aerobic amino acids. The fermenter is connected to the exhaust gas emission device.

[0006] Furthermore, the external air source pipeline includes a first air inlet pipeline, a second air inlet pipeline, a blowing channel, a first air supply pipeline, and a second air supply pipeline. The first air inlet pipeline and the second air inlet pipeline are connected in parallel, with one end connected to an oxygen source and the other end connected to the blowing channel. The blowing channel is connected to the first air supply pipeline and the second air supply pipeline respectively. The first air supply pipeline is connected to an air distributor one, and the second air supply pipeline is connected to an air distributor two. The first air inlet pipeline is equipped with a regulating valve one, the second air inlet pipeline is equipped with a regulating valve two, the first air supply pipeline is equipped with a regulating valve three, and the second air supply pipeline is equipped with a regulating valve four.

[0007] Furthermore, the external gas source pipeline also includes an ammonia gas inlet pipeline, one end of which is connected to an ammonia gas source and the other end is connected to a blower channel. A regulating valve is installed on the ammonia gas inlet pipeline.

[0008] Furthermore, the exhaust emission device includes an exhaust emission main line, a first exhaust emission pipe and a second exhaust emission pipe. The first exhaust emission pipe and the second exhaust emission pipe are connected in parallel and then connected to the exhaust emission main line. A switch valve is provided on the exhaust emission main line, a regulating valve six is ​​provided on the first exhaust emission pipe, and a regulating valve seven is provided on the second exhaust emission pipe.

[0009] Furthermore, the first air distributor is provided with a plurality of air holes, which are located on the arc-shaped surface between its top and the inner edge of its annular tube and are distributed in several rows around its annular tube; the second air distributor is provided with a plurality of air holes, which are located on its upper surface and are distributed in several rows around its annular tube.

[0010] Furthermore, the first air hole is vertically or inclinedly positioned towards the center of the stirring device, and the second air hole is symmetrically arranged at equal intervals around the top of the vertical cross-section of the second air distributor.

[0011] Furthermore, the diameter of the first pore is 4-6 mm, and the diameter of the second pore is 8-10 mm.

[0012] Furthermore, the first type of vent has a diameter of 6mm and consists of 4 rows, while the second type of vent has a diameter of 8mm and consists of 5 rows.

[0013] Furthermore, the fermentation tank is also equipped with a cooling and water return device.

[0014] Furthermore, the fermenter is also equipped with a pressure sensor, a pH sensor, a dissolved oxygen sensor, and a temperature sensor.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the amino acid flexible production fermenter device of this utility model are: 1. This utility model is equipped with two sets of blowing devices, one of which can produce various amino acids with different air volume requirements.

[0016] 2. The present invention has designed the positions of the two air distributors. Without interfering with each other, the first air distributor is placed above the second air distributor and closer to the stirring device. Although the required air volume is small in the production of anaerobic amino acids, it is still necessary to ensure that the gas and the fermentation liquid in the tank are fully mixed. The air volume of the first air distributor is small and the contact area with the fermentation liquid is small, making it difficult to achieve full mixing. Therefore, the first air distributor is placed close to the stirring device, so that the gas and the fermentation liquid can be mixed more fully with the help of the stirring device.

[0017] 3. The opening positions of the air distributors in this utility model are designed. Air distributor one is used for anaerobic amino acid production. This air distributor has small orifices and a small number of orifices. When opening the orifices, the angle of the orifices is vertical or inclined towards the center of the stirring device, enhancing the linkage effect with the stirring device and further ensuring thorough mixing of the gas and fermentation broth. Air distributor two is used for aerobic amino acid production. This air distributor has large orifices and a large number of orifices. When opening the orifices, the angle of the orifices is arranged in a four-way pattern, increasing the contact area with the fermentation broth. Through stirring, the air can be dispersed more evenly, resulting in a more uniform mixture of gas and fermentation broth and providing better oxygen supply to the microorganisms.

[0018] 4. Based on the types of amino acid products and the emission requirements during the production process, this utility model has two exhaust gas emission pipelines installed in the fermentation tank. Different exhaust gas emission volumes require different emission pipelines, making the overall device more suitable for the production of different types of amino acids.

[0019] 5. This utility model uses multiple detection devices to monitor the production process in real time. Based on the oxygen demand model and amino acid type, it quickly and accurately switches to the most suitable distributor combination mode to ensure that the cells can be provided with uniform and appropriate oxygen supply at different amino acid fermentation stages. This significantly improves oxygen utilization and avoids the adverse effects of local hypoxia or excessive ventilation on fermentation. Compared with traditional fixed or simple dual-mode air distributors, it achieves a qualitative leap in oxygen distribution uniformity and adaptability. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this utility model, are used to provide a further understanding of the utility model. The illustrative embodiments of the utility model and their descriptions are used to explain the utility model and do not constitute an undue limitation of the utility model. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the flexible amino acid production fermenter device of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the external gas source pipeline of this utility model; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of the ammonia pipeline for the pre-external gas source pipeline of this utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the exhaust gas emission device of this utility model; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the location of the air holes in a vertical cross-section of the air distributor of this utility model; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the location of the air holes in the two vertical sections of the air distributor of this utility model; In the diagram: 1-Fermentation tank; 2-Agitator; 3-Air distributor one; 4-Air distributor two; 5-External air source pipeline; 6-Tail gas emission device; 7-Cooling and water return device; A-Oxygen source; B-Ammonia source; 31-Air inlet 1; 41-Air inlet 2; 51-First air inlet duct; 52-Second air inlet duct; 53-Blowing channel; 54-First air supply duct; 55-Second air supply duct; 56-Regulating valve 1; 57-Regulating valve 2; 58-Regulating valve 3; 59-Regulating valve 4; 5A-Ammonia gas inlet duct; 5B-Regulating valve 5; 61-Main exhaust gas pipeline; 62-First exhaust gas exhaust duct; 63-Second exhaust gas exhaust duct; 64-Switch valve; 65-Regulating valve 6; 66-Regulating valve 7. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of the present utility model can be combined with each other, and the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, not all embodiments.

[0022] I. Detailed Implementation Method 1, see [link / reference] Figures 1-6 This embodiment describes a flexible amino acid production fermentation tank device, comprising a fermentation tank 1, a stirring device 2, an air distributor 3, an air distributor 4, an external air supply pipe 5, and a tail gas emission device 6. The stirring device 2 is fixed to the top of the fermentation tank 1 at its center. Both air distributors 3 and 4 are annular tubes with several air holes on their surfaces, concentrically and horizontally positioned below the stirring device 2. Air distributor 3 is positioned above air distributor 4 and does not interfere with the air blowing process of air distributor 4; for example, they are 40 cm apart. Air distributor 3 is used for small-volume air supply. Conventional settings often fail to ensure uniform mixing of gas and materials within the tank; therefore, it is positioned close to the stirring device to improve gas dissolution and mixing through linkage with the stirring device. One end of the external air source pipe 5 is connected to air distributor 3 and air distributor 4 respectively, and the other end is connected to an external air source. Different air supply channels are formed by valve control. By opening and closing the valve and adjusting the valve opening degree, air sources of different gas types and flow rates are provided to air distributor 3 and air distributor 4 respectively. When the external air supply pipe 5 supplies air to the air distributor 3, it is used for the production of anaerobic amino acids. When external air supply pipe 5 supplies air to air distributor 24, it is used for the production of aerobic amino acids. The fermenter 1 is connected to the exhaust gas emission device 6. This device can adjust the supply relationship between the external air supply pipeline 5 and the two air distributors based on the microbial oxygen demand model and amino acid type, using an intelligent drive device. It can quickly and accurately switch to the most suitable air distributor combination, ensuring that the microbial cells are provided with a uniform and appropriate amount of oxygen at different amino acid fermentation stages, significantly improving oxygen utilization and avoiding the adverse effects of local hypoxia or over-aeration on the fermentation effect.

[0023] The external air supply pipeline 5 described in this application includes a first air inlet pipeline 51, a second air inlet pipeline 52, a blowing channel 53, a first air supply pipeline 54, and a second air supply pipeline 55. The first air inlet pipeline 51 and the second air inlet pipeline 52 are connected in parallel, with one end connected to an oxygen source A and the other end connected to the blowing channel 53. The blowing channel 53 is connected to both the first air supply pipeline 54 and the second air supply pipeline 55. The first air supply pipeline 54 is connected to an air distributor 3, and the second air supply pipeline 55 is connected to an air distributor 4. A regulating valve 56 is installed on the first air inlet pipeline 51, a regulating valve 57 is installed on the second air inlet pipeline 52, a regulating valve 58 is installed on the first air supply pipeline 54, and a regulating valve 59 is installed on the second air supply pipeline 55. The first air inlet pipeline 51 and the second air supply pipeline 55 have larger diameters for high-volume air supply, while the second air inlet pipeline 52 and the first air supply pipeline 54 have smaller diameters for low-volume air supply. When regulating valve 1 (56) and regulating valve 4 (59) are closed, and regulating valve 2 (57) and regulating valve 3 (58) are opened, the second air inlet pipe (52), the blowing channel (53), and the first air supply pipe (54) are connected to provide a small flow of oxygen to the air distributor 1, which is used for amino acid production with low air volume requirements. Similarly, when regulating valve 1 (56) and regulating valve 4 (59) are opened, and regulating valve 2 (57) and regulating valve 3 (58) are closed, the first air inlet pipe (51), the blowing channel (53), and the second air supply pipe (55) are connected to provide a large flow of oxygen to the air distributor 2 (4), which is used for amino acid production with high air volume requirements.

[0024] The external gas source pipeline 5 described in this application also includes an ammonia inlet pipeline 5A. One end of the ammonia inlet pipeline 5A is connected to the ammonia source B, and the other end is connected to the air blowing channel 53. A regulating valve 5B is installed on the ammonia inlet pipeline 5A. This device also has an ammonia supply pipeline for maintaining tank pressure and for air-carrying ammonia. When ammonia is supplied alone, if the stirring effect is not good, it is easy to cause the local pH value of the liquid to be too high. In this device, the ammonia is dispersed and mixed more evenly with the liquid by the air distributor in the pipeline, while also providing a nitrogen source for the bacteria and regulating the pH of the liquid, further improving the device's regulation capability.

[0025] The exhaust gas emission device 6 described in this application includes an exhaust gas main line 61, a first exhaust gas emission pipe 62, and a second exhaust gas emission pipe 63. The first and second exhaust gas emission pipes 62 and 63 are connected in parallel to the exhaust gas main line 61. The exhaust gas main line 61 is equipped with a switch valve 64, the first exhaust gas emission pipe 62 is equipped with a regulating valve 65, and the second exhaust gas emission pipe 63 is equipped with a regulating valve 66. Based on the type of amino acid product and the carbon dioxide emission requirements of the microbial cells, this device has two exhaust gas emission pipes and develops an intelligent variable-diameter exhaust gas emission control device, integrating advanced automatic gas regulation components. According to the carbon dioxide emission patterns of the microbial cells and the fermentation characteristics of amino acids, the device automatically adjusts the exhaust gas emission diameter and flow rate, precisely maintaining the gas pressure balance and composition stability within the fermenter. While ensuring efficient exhaust gas discharge, it effectively prevents gas backflow and pressure fluctuations from interfering with the fermentation process, creating a stable gaseous environment for amino acid fermentation. Compared with traditional fixed-diameter exhaust gas emission devices, it has significant advantages in precise gas emission control and fermentation stability assurance, improving the automation level of the device.

[0026] The air distributor 3 described in this application is provided with a plurality of air holes 31, which are located on the arc-shaped surface between its top and the inner edge of its annular tube and are distributed in a plurality of rows around its annular tube; the air distributor 4 is provided with a plurality of air holes 41, which are located on its upper surface and are distributed in a plurality of rows around its annular tube.

[0027] The first air hole 31 described in this application is vertically or inclinedly arranged towards the center of the stirring device, and the second air hole 41 is symmetrically arranged at equal intervals with the top end as the center in the circumferential direction of the vertical section of the second air distributor 4.

[0028] Air distributor 3 is used for anaerobic amino acid products. It has small pores and a small number of pores. When opening the pores, the angle of the pores is perpendicular or inclined to the center of the stirring device, working in conjunction with the stirring device to ensure thorough mixing of gas and material. Air distributor 4 is used for aerobic amino acid products. It has large pores and a large number of pores. When opening the pores, the pores are evenly spaced on its upper surface to increase the contact area with the material. Combined with stirring, this disperses the gas, ensuring uniform mixing of gas and material, and providing better oxygenation for the microorganisms.

[0029] The diameter of pore 1 31 in this application is 4-6 mm, and the diameter of pore 2 41 is 8-10 mm.

[0030] The first type of pore 31 described in this application has a diameter of 6mm, has 4 rows, and a total of 800 pores. The second type of pore 41 has a diameter of 8mm, has 5 rows, and a total of 2990 pores.

[0031] The fermenter 1 described in this application is also equipped with a cooling and water return device 7. The cooling and water return device 7 can quickly regulate the temperature inside the fermenter, ensuring a stable fermentation process and improving product quality. The cooling and water return device 7 can also quickly cool down the fermentation cycle, accelerate the production pace, and improve equipment utilization.

[0032] The fermenter 1 described in this application is also equipped with a pressure sensor, a pH sensor, a dissolved oxygen sensor, and a temperature sensor. The pressure inside the tank is monitored in real time to ensure it remains within a safe range, preventing excessively high or low pressure from affecting fermentation. The pH value is monitored in real time to ensure it remains within a suitable range, preventing pH fluctuations from affecting microbial activity. The dissolved oxygen concentration is monitored in real time to ensure that microorganisms have sufficient oxygen for metabolism. The temperature is monitored in real time to ensure it remains within the optimal range, preventing temperature fluctuations from affecting microbial activity. Through the coordinated use of various sensors, key parameters within the device can be monitored in real time, fermentation conditions can be optimized, efficiency, yield, and product quality can be improved, while ensuring equipment safety and operational stability.

[0033] The embodiments of the present invention disclosed above are merely illustrative of the present invention. The embodiments do not exhaustively describe all details, nor do they limit the present invention to the specific implementations described. Many modifications and variations can be made based on the content of this specification. This specification selects and specifically describes these embodiments to better explain the principles and practical applications of the present invention, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to better understand and utilize the present invention.

Claims

1. A flexible fermentation tank device for amino acid production, characterized in that: The system includes a fermenter (1), a stirring device (2), an air distributor (3), an air distributor (4), an external air source pipe (5), and a tail gas emission device (6). The stirring device (2) is fixed to the top of the fermenter (1) at the center of the fermenter (1). The air distributor (3) and the air distributor (4) are both annular pipes with several air holes on their surfaces. They are concentrically and horizontally positioned below the stirring device (2). The air distributor (3) is located above the air distributor (4) and does not interfere with the blowing process of the air distributor (4). One end of the external air source pipe (5) is connected to the air distributor (3) and the air distributor (4) respectively, and the other end is connected to an external air source. Different air supply channels are formed by valve control to provide air sources of different gas types and flow rates, which supply air to the air distributor (3) and the air distributor (4) respectively. The external air supply pipe (5) is used for anaerobic amino acid production when supplying air to the air distributor (3); When the external air supply pipe (5) supplies air to the air distributor (4), it is used for the production of aerobic amino acids. The fermenter (1) is connected to the exhaust gas emission device (6).

2. The amino acid flexible production fermentation tank apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The external air supply pipeline (5) includes a first air inlet pipeline (51), a second air inlet pipeline (52), a blowing channel (53), a first air supply pipeline (54), and a second air supply pipeline (55). The first air inlet pipeline (51) and the second air inlet pipeline (52) are connected in parallel. One end is connected to an oxygen source (A), and the other end is connected to the blowing channel (53). The blowing channel (53) is connected to the first air supply pipeline (54) and the second air supply pipeline (55) respectively. The first air supply pipeline (54) is connected to an air distributor (3), and the second air supply pipeline (55) is connected to an air distributor (4). The first air inlet pipeline (51) is equipped with a regulating valve (56), the second air inlet pipeline (52) is equipped with a regulating valve (57), the first air supply pipeline (54) is equipped with a regulating valve (58), and the second air supply pipeline (55) is equipped with a regulating valve (59).

3. The amino acid flexible production fermentation tank apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that: The external gas source pipeline (5) also includes an ammonia gas inlet pipeline (5A). One end of the ammonia gas inlet pipeline (5A) is connected to the ammonia gas source (B), and the other end is connected to the air blowing channel (53). A regulating valve (5B) is provided on the ammonia gas inlet pipeline (5A).

4. The amino acid flexible production fermentation tank apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that: The exhaust emission device (6) includes an exhaust emission main line (61), a first exhaust emission pipe (62), and a second exhaust emission pipe (63). The first exhaust emission pipe (62) and the second exhaust emission pipe (63) are connected in parallel and then connected to the exhaust emission main line (61). The exhaust emission main line (61) is equipped with a switch valve (64), the first exhaust emission pipe (62) is equipped with a regulating valve six (65), and the second exhaust emission pipe (63) is equipped with a regulating valve seven (66).

5. The amino acid flexible production fermenter apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that: The air distributor 1 (3) is provided with a plurality of air holes 1 (31), which are located on the arc-shaped surface between its top and the inner edge of its annular tube and are distributed in a plurality of rows around its annular tube; the air distributor 2 (4) is provided with a plurality of air holes 2 (41), which are located on its upper surface and are distributed in a plurality of rows around its annular tube.

6. The amino acid flexible production fermentation tank apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first air hole (31) is set vertically or inclined towards the center of the stirring device, and the second air hole (41) is symmetrically arranged at equal intervals with the top as the center in the circumferential direction of the vertical section of the second air distributor (4).

7. The amino acid flexible production fermentation tank apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that: The diameter of the first pore (31) is 4-6 mm, and the diameter of the second pore (41) is 8-10 mm.

8. The amino acid flexible production fermentation tank apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first pore (31) has a diameter of 6 mm and is arranged in 4 rows, while the second pore (41) has a diameter of 8 mm and is arranged in 5 rows.

9. The amino acid flexible production fermentation tank apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that: The fermenter (1) is also equipped with a cooling and water return device (7).

10. The amino acid flexible production fermenter apparatus according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that: The fermenter (1) is also equipped with a pressure sensor, a pH sensor, a dissolved oxygen sensor and a temperature sensor.