A culture fermenter for probiotic processing

Abstract

The utility model belongs to fermentation tank technical field especially is a kind of culture fermentation tank for probiotic processing, including jar body, the top of jar body is equipped with top cover, the top of top cover is connected with pressure relief valve, feeding pipeline, temperature sensor, the top of jar body is equipped with motor support, the top of motor support is equipped with motor, the output of motor is connected with two-stage stirring device through shaft coupling, two-stage stirring device includes the stirring shaft that is rotatably connected with top cover and is connected with motor through shaft coupling, the outside of stirring shaft is fixedly installed with inclined vane stirring paddle, the bottom of stirring shaft is fixedly installed with disc turbine stirring paddle, the inside of jar body is equipped with helical guide vane, jar body outside is equipped with temperature control jacket, the device is circulated in jar body by two-stage stirring device cooperation helical guide vane, and the circulation of liquid in jar body forms sufficient position exchange, effectively avoids that liquid appears stirring dead angle, makes strain and culture medium fully mix, oxygen or anaerobic environment distribution is uniform, and fermentation efficiency is greatly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of fermentation tank technology, specifically relating to a culture fermentation tank for probiotic processing. Background Technology

[0002] Probiotics, as functional ingredients that regulate gut microbiota and enhance immune function, have been widely used in dairy products, health foods, and pharmaceutical preparations. The core step in their industrial production is fermentation, which requires strict aseptic conditions, precise temperature control, and thorough material mixing to ensure a high live bacteria count (typically ≥10). 9 (CFU / g) and activity of metabolites.

[0003] Currently, traditional fermenters used in probiotic processing have significant technical shortcomings in terms of mixing uniformity, temperature control precision, aseptic sampling, and process stability, making it difficult to meet the needs of large-scale production of high-quality probiotics. Specific problems are as follows: Existing fermenters mostly adopt a single stirring paddle structure (such as straight-blade paddles or inclined-blade paddles), which can only achieve localized liquid flow. Although inclined-blade paddles can generate axial thrust, they are not strong enough to disperse culture medium particles (such as peptone and yeast extract) that settle at the bottom of the tank, easily forming dead zones. Straight-blade paddles have limited radial shear force, which cannot evenly disperse the bacteria into the high-viscosity liquid. At the same time, the liquid tends to form a "circular flow" during stirring, resulting in uneven distribution of oxygen (aerobic probiotics) or anaerobic environment in the tank. In some areas, the bacteria stop proliferating due to nutrient deficiency or unsuitable environment, and the final fermentation product has a viable bacteria count that is 20%-30% lower than the theoretical value. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the above problems, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a fermentation tank for probiotic processing. Through a two-stage stirring device and a spiral guide plate, the circulating flow of the liquid in the tank forms a sufficient positional exchange, which can effectively avoid the formation of dead zones in the liquid, ensure that the bacteria and culture medium are fully mixed, and ensure that the oxygen or anaerobic environment is evenly distributed, thus greatly improving the fermentation efficiency.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a fermentation tank for probiotic processing, comprising a tank body, a top cover threadedly mounted on the top of the tank body, a pressure relief valve, a feeding pipe, and a temperature sensor connected to the top of the top cover, a motor bracket mounted on the top of the tank body, a motor mounted on the top of the motor bracket, the output end of the motor being connected to a two-stage stirring device via a coupling, the two-stage stirring device including a stirring shaft rotatably connected to the top cover and connected to the motor via a coupling, an inclined blade stirring paddle fixedly mounted on the outer side of the stirring shaft, a disc turbine stirring paddle fixedly mounted on the bottom of the stirring shaft, a spiral guide plate provided inside the tank body, a temperature control jacket provided on the outer side of the tank body, a sterilization sampling device connected to the side of the tank body, and a discharge control valve connected to the bottom of the tank body.

[0006] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: When this device ferments the inoculum, the motor is started through the control platform. The motor drives the stirring shaft to rotate via a coupling. The stirring shaft drives the outer inclined blade stirring paddle and the bottom disc turbine stirring paddle to rotate clockwise synchronously. The inclined blade stirring paddle rotates at high speed in the liquid, generating axial thrust and pushing the liquid downward. The disc turbine stirring paddle forms radial shear force on the liquid at the bottom of the tank, breaking up the precipitated culture medium particles and dispersing the material deposited at the bottom of the tank to the tank wall, forming a circumferential flow. The inclined blades of the spiral guide plate located on the tank wall can cut this circumferential flow, converting part of the tangential kinetic energy into axial lift, causing this part of the liquid to flow upward in the spiral direction. Through the circulation of the liquid in the tank, sufficient position exchange is formed, which can effectively avoid the formation of dead zones in the liquid, ensuring that the inoculum and culture medium are fully mixed, and the oxygen or anaerobic environment is evenly distributed, greatly improving the fermentation efficiency.

[0007] To seal the feed pipe: As a further improvement to the above technical solution: a sealing cap is threaded onto the top of the feeding pipe.

[0008] The sealing cap is used to seal the feed pipes during fermentation.

[0009] As a further improvement to the above technical solution: one side of the temperature control jacket is connected to a hot water inlet pipe and a hot water return pipe, and the other side of the temperature control jacket is connected to a cold water inlet pipe and a cold water return pipe.

[0010] To control the medium entering the temperature control jacket: As a further improvement to the above technical solution: one end of each of the hot water inlet pipe, hot water return pipe, cold water inlet pipe, and cold water return pipe is connected to a water flow control valve.

[0011] The hot water inlet pipe and hot water return pipe of this device are connected to the output pipe and return pipe of the hot water machine through water flow control valves, respectively. The cold water inlet pipe and cold water return pipe of this device are connected to the output pipe and return pipe of the chiller through water flow control valves, respectively.

[0012] To achieve aseptic sampling: As a further improvement to the above technical solution: the sterilization sampling device includes a sampling outlet pipe connected to the tank body, one end of the sampling outlet pipe is connected to a first sampling control valve, the bottom of the first sampling control valve is connected to a transparent sterilization sample chamber, the bottom of the transparent sterilization sample chamber is connected to a second sampling control valve, a steam jacket is sleeved on the outside of the transparent sterilization sample chamber, one side of the steam jacket is connected to a first steam connection pipe, and the other side of the steam jacket is connected to a first steam discharge pipe.

[0013] The beneficial effects of this improvement are as follows: During fermentation, regular sampling and monitoring are required to ensure the growth status of probiotics. Before sampling, the steam control valve of the steam jacket is opened to introduce steam for a second sterilization of the transparent sterilization sample chamber for 1 minute. Then, the steam control valve is closed and the chamber is cooled. During sampling, the first sampling control valve is opened, and the liquid in the tank flows into the transparent sterilization sample chamber under the action of pressure difference. The operator observes the sample volume through the transparent chamber. After the preset volume is reached, the first sampling control valve is closed and the second sampling control valve is opened to discharge the sample into the collection container for testing of indicators such as viable bacteria count and pH value. After the test is completed, the second sampling control valve is closed, and steam is introduced into the transparent sterilization sample chamber again for sterilization to prepare for the next sampling.

[0014] To sterilize the inside of the tank: As a further improvement to the above technical solution: a second steam connection pipe and a second steam discharge pipe are connected to one side of the tank.

[0015] Before using this device, the inside of the tank needs to be sterilized. Open each steam control valve and introduce high-temperature steam into the tank through the second steam connection pipe. The steam is discharged through the second steam discharge pipe to sterilize the inside of the tank for minutes.

[0016] As a further improvement to the above technical solution: the ends of the first steam connection pipe, the first steam discharge pipe, the second steam connection pipe, and the second steam discharge pipe are all connected to a steam control valve.

[0017] Steam control valves are used to control the entry and exit of steam inside the tank and the transparent sterilization sample chamber.

[0018] In summary, compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: 1. When this device ferments the inoculum, the motor is started via the control platform. The motor drives the stirring shaft to rotate through the coupling. The stirring shaft drives the outer inclined blade stirring paddle and the bottom disc turbine stirring paddle to rotate clockwise synchronously. The inclined blade stirring paddle rotates at high speed in the liquid, generating axial thrust and pushing the liquid downward. The disc turbine stirring paddle creates radial shear force on the liquid at the bottom of the tank, breaking up the precipitated culture medium particles and dispersing the material deposited at the bottom of the tank to the tank wall, forming a circumferential flow. The inclined blades of the spiral guide plate located on the tank wall can cut this circumferential flow, converting some of the tangential kinetic energy into axial lift, causing this part of the liquid to flow upward in the spiral direction. Through the circulation of the liquid in the tank, sufficient position exchange is formed, which can effectively avoid the formation of dead zones in the liquid, ensuring that the inoculum and culture medium are fully mixed, and the oxygen or anaerobic environment is evenly distributed, greatly improving the fermentation efficiency.

[0019] 2. The sterilization and sampling device of this apparatus can achieve full sterilization before and after sampling through a steam jacket, effectively avoiding contamination by miscellaneous bacteria during the sampling process. The transparent sterilization sample chamber facilitates observation of the sample volume.

[0020] The parts of the device not covered herein are the same as or can be implemented using existing technologies. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a front axonometric structural schematic diagram of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the back of the present invention; Figure 3 This is an isometric sectional view of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the two-stage stirring device in this utility model; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the sterilization sampling device in this utility model.

[0022] In the diagram: 11. Tank body; 12. Top cover; 13. Pressure relief valve; 14. Feeding pipe; 15. Sealing cover; 16. Temperature sensor; 21. Motor bracket; 22. Motor; 3. Two-stage stirring device; 31. Stirring shaft; 32. Inclined blade stirring paddle; 33. Disc turbine stirring paddle; 4. Spiral guide plate; 5. Temperature control jacket; 51. Hot water inlet pipe; 52. Hot water return pipe; 53. Cold water inlet pipe; 54. Cold water return pipe; 55. Water flow control valve; 6. Sterilization sampling device; 61. Sampling outlet pipe; 62. First sampling control valve; 63. Transparent sterilization sample chamber; 64. Second sampling control valve; 65. Steam jacket; 66. First steam connection pipe; 67. First steam discharge pipe; 71. Second steam connection pipe; 72. Second steam discharge pipe; 8. Steam control valve; 9. Discharge control valve. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of this utility model, the present utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The description in this part is only exemplary and explanatory, and should not be used to limit the scope of protection of this utility model in any way.

[0024] like Figure 1-5 As shown, a fermentation tank for probiotic processing includes a tank body 11. A top cover 12 is threaded onto the top of the tank body 11. A pressure relief valve 13, a feeding pipe 14, and a temperature sensor 16 are connected to the top of the top cover 12. A motor bracket 21 is mounted on the top of the tank body 11, and a motor 22 is mounted on the top of the motor bracket 21. The output end of the motor 22 is connected to a two-stage stirring device 3 via a coupling. The two-stage stirring device 3 includes a stirring shaft 31 rotatably connected to the top cover 12 and connected to the motor 22 via a coupling. An inclined blade stirring paddle 32 is fixedly mounted on the outer side of the stirring shaft 31, and a disc turbine stirring paddle 33 is fixedly mounted on the bottom of the stirring shaft 31. A spiral guide plate 4 is provided inside the tank body 11, a temperature control jacket 5 is provided on the outer side of the tank body 11, a sterilization sampling device 6 is connected to the side of the tank body 11, and a discharge control valve 9 is connected to the bottom of the tank body 11.

[0025] When this device ferments the inoculum, the motor 22 is started via the control platform. The motor 22 drives the stirring shaft 31 to rotate via the coupling. The stirring shaft 31 drives the outer inclined blade stirring paddle 32 and the bottom disc turbine stirring paddle 33 to rotate clockwise synchronously. The inclined blade stirring paddle 32 rotates at high speed in the liquid, generating axial thrust and pushing the liquid downward. The disc turbine stirring paddle 33 forms radial shear force on the liquid at the bottom of the tank 11, breaking up the precipitated culture medium particles and dispersing the material deposited at the bottom of the tank 11 to the tank wall, forming a circumferential flow. The inclined blades of the spiral guide plate 4 located on the tank wall can cut this circumferential flow, converting part of the tangential kinetic energy into axial lift, causing this part of the liquid to flow upward in the spiral direction. Through the circulation of the liquid in the tank 11, sufficient position exchange is formed, which can effectively avoid the formation of dead zones in the liquid, ensuring that the inoculum and culture medium are fully mixed, and the oxygen or anaerobic environment is evenly distributed, greatly improving the fermentation efficiency.

[0026] A sealing cap 15 is threaded onto the top of the feeding pipe 14.

[0027] The sealing cap 15 is used to seal the feeding pipe 14 during the fermentation process.

[0028] One side of the temperature control jacket 5 is connected to a hot water inlet pipe 51 and a hot water return pipe 52, and the other side of the temperature control jacket 5 is connected to a cold water inlet pipe 53 and a cold water return pipe 54.

[0029] One end of each of the hot water inlet pipe 51, hot water return pipe 52, cold water inlet pipe 53, and cold water return pipe 54 is connected to a water flow control valve 55.

[0030] The hot water inlet pipe 51 and hot water return pipe 52 of this device are connected to the output pipe and return pipe of the hot water machine through the water flow control valve 55, respectively. The cold water inlet pipe 53 and cold water return pipe 54 of this device are connected to the output pipe and return pipe of the chiller through the water flow control valve 55, respectively.

[0031] The temperature of the liquid inside the tank 11 can be regulated by introducing hot or cold water into the temperature control jacket 5.

[0032] The sterilization sampling device 6 includes a sampling outlet pipe 61 connected to the tank body 11. One end of the sampling outlet pipe 61 is connected to a first sampling control valve 62. The bottom of the first sampling control valve 62 is connected to a transparent sterilization sample chamber 63. The bottom of the transparent sterilization sample chamber 63 is connected to a second sampling control valve 64. A steam jacket 65 is fitted on the outside of the transparent sterilization sample chamber 63. One side of the steam jacket 65 is connected to a first steam connection pipe 66, and the other side of the steam jacket 65 is connected to a first steam discharge pipe 67.

[0033] During fermentation, regular sampling and monitoring are required to ensure the growth status of probiotics. Before sampling, the steam control valve 8 of the steam jacket 65 is opened to introduce steam for a second sterilization of the transparent sterilization sample chamber 63 for 10 minutes. Then, the steam control valve 8 is closed and the chamber is cooled. During sampling, the first sampling control valve 62 is opened, and the liquid in the tank flows into the transparent sterilization sample chamber 63 under the action of pressure difference. The operator observes the sample volume through the transparent chamber. After the preset volume is reached, the first sampling control valve 62 is closed, and the second sampling control valve 64 is opened to discharge the sample into the collection container for testing of indicators such as viable bacteria count and pH value. After the test is completed, the second sampling control valve 64 is closed, and the transparent sterilization sample chamber 63 is sterilized again with steam to prepare for the next sampling. The transparent sterilization sample chamber 63 is made of high-temperature resistant glass material, which facilitates the observation of the sample volume.

[0034] The tank body 11 is connected to a second steam connection pipe 71 and a second steam discharge pipe 72 on one side.

[0035] Before using this device, the inside of the tank 11 needs to be sterilized. Open each steam control valve 8 and introduce high-temperature steam into the tank 11 through the second steam connection pipe 71. The steam is discharged through the second steam discharge pipe 72 to sterilize the inside of the tank 11 for 30 minutes.

[0036] The ends of the first steam connection pipe 66, the first steam discharge pipe 67, the second steam connection pipe 71, and the second steam discharge pipe 72 are all connected to a steam control valve 8.

[0037] Steam control valve 8 is used to control the entry and exit of steam inside tank 11 and transparent sterilization sample chamber 63.

[0038] Working principle and usage process of this utility model: The hot water inlet pipe 51 and hot water return pipe 52 of this device are connected to the output pipe and return pipe of the hot water machine through the water flow control valve 55, respectively. The cold water inlet pipe 53 and cold water return pipe 54 of this device are connected to the output pipe and return pipe of the chiller through the water flow control valve 55, respectively. The first steam connection pipe 66 and the second steam connection pipe 71 of this device are both connected to the output pipe of the steam generator through the steam control valve 8. The first steam discharge pipe 67 and the second steam discharge pipe 72 are both connected to the steam outlet pipe through the steam control valve 8. Before using this device, the inside of the tank 11 needs to be sterilized. Open each steam control valve 8 and introduce high-temperature steam into the tank 11 through the second steam connection pipe 71. The steam is discharged through the second steam discharge pipe 72 to sterilize the inside of the tank 11 for 30 minutes. At the same time, steam is introduced into the steam jacket 65 through the first steam connection pipe 66 to sterilize the transparent sterilization sample chamber 63 simultaneously. After sterilization, close the steam control valve 8 and wait for the tank 11 to cool to room temperature for use. When starting to add materials, unscrew the sealing cap 15 at the top of the feeding pipe 14, and inject the probiotic strains, culture medium, and purified water into the tank 11 in sequence through the feeding pipe 14 according to the ratio. The amount of raw materials added should not exceed 80% of the volume of the tank 11. After adding, tighten the sealing cap 15 to ensure that the tank 11 is sealed. According to the temperature required for probiotic cultivation, adjust the medium supply of the temperature control jacket 5 through the water control valve 55. If heating is required, open the valves of the hot water inlet pipe 51 and the hot water return pipe 52 to allow the hot water in the water heater to enter the jacket and circulate, thereby increasing the temperature of the liquid in the tank through heat conduction. After the raw materials are prepared, the stirring fermentation system is started to create a uniform culture environment. The motor 22 is started through the control platform, and the motor 22 drives the stirring shaft 31 to rotate via the coupling. The stirring shaft 31 drives the outer inclined blade stirring paddle 32 and the bottom disc turbine stirring paddle 33 to rotate clockwise synchronously. The inclined blade stirring paddle 32 rotates at high speed in the liquid, generating axial thrust and pushing the liquid downward. The disc turbine stirring paddle 33 forms radial shear force on the liquid at the bottom of the tank 11, breaking up the precipitated culture medium particles and dispersing the material deposited at the bottom of the tank 11 to the tank wall, forming a circumferential flow. The inclined blades of the spiral guide plate 4 located on the tank wall can cut this circumferential flow, converting part of the tangential kinetic energy into axial lift, causing this part of the liquid to flow upward in the spiral direction. Through the circulation of the liquid in the tank 11, sufficient position exchange is formed, which can effectively avoid the formation of dead zones in the liquid, ensuring that the inoculum and culture medium are fully mixed, and the oxygen or anaerobic environment is evenly distributed, greatly improving the fermentation efficiency. During fermentation, the gas generated inside the tank is automatically discharged through the pressure relief valve 13 to maintain stable pressure inside the tank and prevent excessive pressure from damaging the tank body 11.

[0039] During fermentation, temperature sensor 16 monitors the temperature inside tank 11 in real time. If cooling is required, the supply of hot water to temperature control jacket 5 can be stopped, and the hot water in temperature control jacket 5 can be drained. Then, the water flow control valves 55 at the ends of hot water inlet pipe 51 and hot water return pipe 52 can be closed, and the water flow control valves 55 at the ends of cold water inlet pipe 53 and cold water return pipe 54 can be opened, so that cold water in the chiller flows from cold water inlet pipe 53 into temperature control jacket 5 and returns through cold water return pipe 54 for circulation, thereby cooling tank 11 and achieving precise temperature control. During fermentation, regular sampling and monitoring are required to ensure the growth status of probiotics. Before sampling, the steam control valve 8 of the steam jacket 65 is opened to introduce steam for a second sterilization of the transparent sterilization sample chamber 63 for 10 minutes. Then, the steam control valve 8 is closed and the chamber is cooled. During sampling, the first sampling control valve 62 is opened, and the liquid in the tank flows into the transparent sterilization sample chamber 63 under the action of pressure difference. The operator observes the sample volume through the transparent chamber. After the preset volume is reached, the first sampling control valve 62 is closed, and the second sampling control valve 64 is opened to discharge the sample into the collection container for testing of indicators such as viable bacteria count and pH value. After the test is completed, the second sampling control valve 64 is closed, and steam is introduced into the transparent sterilization sample chamber 63 again for sterilization to prepare for the next sampling. After fermentation reaches the preset time and the test indicators are qualified, stop the motor 22, shut off the medium supply of the temperature control jacket 5, and open the discharge control valve 9 at the bottom of the tank 11 to export the fermented probiotic product to the subsequent processing equipment. When cleaning the fermentation tank, inject purified water into the tank, start the motor 22 to drive the two-stage stirring device 3 for stirring and cleaning, and discharge the rinsing wastewater through the discharge valve; if deep cleaning is required, the steam sterilization process can be repeated to ensure that there are no residual bacteria and impurities in the tank. Finally, dry and store the device to complete the entire operation process.

[0040] The circuits, electronic components, and modules involved are all existing technologies, which can be fully implemented by those skilled in the art, and need not be elaborated upon. The content protected by this application does not involve any improvement to the software and methods.

[0041] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms “comprising,” “including,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0042] This article uses specific examples to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this utility model. The above examples are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this utility model. The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this utility model. It should be noted that due to the limitations of textual expression, there are objectively infinite specific structures. For those skilled in the art, several improvements, modifications, or changes can be made without departing from the principles of this utility model, and the above technical features can also be combined in an appropriate manner. These improvements, modifications, changes, or combinations, or the direct application of the concept and technical solution of the utility model to other occasions without modification, should all be considered within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A fermentation tank for processing probiotics, characterized in that: The system includes a tank body (11), to which a top cover (12) is threadedly mounted. A pressure relief valve (13), a feeding pipe (14), and a temperature sensor (16) are connected to the top of the top cover (12). A motor bracket (21) is mounted on the top of the tank body (11), and a motor (22) is mounted on the top of the motor bracket (21). The output end of the motor (22) is connected to a two-stage stirring device (3) via a coupling. The two-stage stirring device (3) includes components that rotate with the top cover (12). A stirring shaft (31) is connected to a motor (22) via a coupling. An inclined blade stirring paddle (32) is fixedly installed on the outside of the stirring shaft (31). A disc turbine stirring paddle (33) is fixedly installed at the bottom of the stirring shaft (31). A spiral guide plate (4) is provided inside the tank (11). A temperature control jacket (5) is provided on the outside of the tank (11). A sterilization sampling device (6) is connected to the side of the tank (11). A discharge control valve (9) is connected to the bottom of the tank (11).

2. The fermentation tank for probiotic processing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the feeding pipe (14) is threaded with a sealing cap (15).

3. The fermentation tank for probiotic processing according to claim 1, characterized in that: One side of the temperature control jacket (5) is connected to a hot water inlet pipe (51) and a hot water return pipe (52), and the other side of the temperature control jacket (5) is connected to a cold water inlet pipe (53) and a cold water return pipe (54).

4. A fermentation tank for probiotic processing according to claim 3, characterized in that: One end of each of the hot water inlet pipe (51), hot water return pipe (52), cold water inlet pipe (53), and cold water return pipe (54) is connected to a water flow control valve (55).

5. A fermentation tank for probiotic processing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sterilization sampling device (6) includes a sampling outlet pipe (61) connected to the tank body (11). One end of the sampling outlet pipe (61) is connected to a first sampling control valve (62). The bottom of the first sampling control valve (62) is connected to a transparent sterilization sample chamber (63). The bottom of the transparent sterilization sample chamber (63) is connected to a second sampling control valve (64). A steam jacket (65) is fitted on the outside of the transparent sterilization sample chamber (63). One side of the steam jacket (65) is connected to a first steam connection pipe (66), and the other side of the steam jacket (65) is connected to a first steam discharge pipe (67).

6. A fermentation tank for probiotic processing according to claim 5, characterized in that: The tank (11) is connected to a second steam connection pipe (71) and a second steam discharge pipe (72) on one side.

7. A fermentation tank for probiotic processing according to claim 6, characterized in that: The ends of the first steam connection pipe (66), the first steam discharge pipe (67), the second steam connection pipe (71), and the second steam discharge pipe (72) are all connected to a steam control valve (8).

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