Continuous fermentation device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional batch fermentation devices are inefficient due to intermittent processes, high investment costs, and low productivity, requiring a cost-effective continuous fermentation solution for soybean meal and other grains.
Innovation Solution
A continuous fermentation device with multiple modules, featuring a conveyor belt, agitators, and air diffusers that allow continuous feeding, fermentation, and discharge of materials, optimizing temperature control and air supply for improved efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If batch fermentation is used, then simple operation technique is achieved, but productivity is very low due to intermittent processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous fermentation by replacing the batch process with a continuous flow system where fermented objects move continuously through the fermentation chamber on a conveyor belt, eliminating idle times between batches and maintaining constant fermentation action
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic elements including a movable conveyor belt system that transports fermented objects through the fermentation chamber, and adjustable agitation mechanisms that can be controlled during the continuous fermentation process, transforming the static batch system into a dynamic continuous system
2Productivity
If multiple fermentation modules are added for mass production, then production capacity increases, but investment costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal expansion (adding more fermentation modules side by side) to vertical utilization by implementing a continuous flow system where a single fermentation chamber processes materials continuously through conveyor movement, effectively increasing capacity without proportionally increasing the number of modules
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional continuous fermentation system where a single fermentation chamber performs the functions of multiple batch fermenters through continuous processing, and the conveyor belt system serves multiple purposes including material transport, process timing, and product discharge
3Device complexity
If conventional batch fermentation is used, then fermentation process is simple, but cleaning time and feeding time are required reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates idle time for cleaning and feeding by implementing continuous operation where fermented objects are constantly moving through the system, allowing for continuous fermentation without interruption and minimizing non-productive time through the continuous flow mechanism
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This setup reduces operation time, lowers manufacturing costs, and enhances productivity by enabling continuous processing, resulting in high-quality fermentation products with improved digestibility and protein content.
Implementation Method 1
a conveyor belt, which transports objects to be fermented that are continuously fed thereinto from one side to the opposite side
Implementation Method 2
air diffusers, which are located on one side of the conveyor belt
Implementation Method 3
agitators, which are located on the conveyor belt
Implementation Method 4
the seed microorganism cultured in the cultivation unit (4) is introduced into a plurality of fermentation modules (A) to ferment the objects to be fermented
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a continuous fermentation device that can ferment objects continuously fed thereinto while conveying the objects. The present disclosure provides a continuous fermentation device comprising a plurality of fermentation modules, each including: a conveyor belt, which transports objects that are continuously fed thereinto to be fermented from one side to the opposite side thereof; agitators, which is located on the conveyor belt; and an air diffuser, which is located on one side of the conveyor belt, in which the continuously fed objects to be fermented are fermented while being passed through the fermentation modules. According to the present disclosure, feeding of raw materials to be fermented, fermenting the raw materials, and discharging of the fermented materials are continuously performed so that it is possible to significantly reduce the processing time, thereby reducing the operation time of the production process. Accordingly, it is possible to achieve an increase in competitiveness, such as improved productivity, reduction of investment cost, etc., in the development of a method of mass production through solid-state fermentation, thereby innovatively reducing the production cost of the product.