Fermentation Vessel Filter Assembly for Sediment-Free Pressure Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Fermentation vessels face challenges such as blockage due to gas buildup, valve blockages, and sediment management issues, leading to inefficiencies, contamination risks, and variations in product quality.

Innovation Solution

A filter assembly for fermentation vessels that prevents solid particles from entering a designated chamber, protecting pressure release valves and maintaining controlled pressure, while allowing gases to escape, and includes features for sediment management and product collection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stress or pressure

If pressure release valves are used to manage CO2 buildup, then pressure control is improved, but valve blockages occur due to sediment accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure controlVSAvoidvalve blockage

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the fermentation vessel into two separate chambers: a first chamber for fermentation where sediments accumulate, and a second chamber for product collection that remains free of sediments. This segmentation prevents sediments from reaching and blocking the pressure release valve while maintaining effective pressure control through the valve in the second chamber.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A filter assembly acts as an intermediary component between the first chamber (containing sediments) and the second chamber (connected to the pressure release valve). The filter allows liquid and CO2 to pass through while blocking solid particles, thereby protecting the valve from blockage without interfering with pressure release functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of substance

If sediment is left undisturbed at the bottom of the vessel, then product loss is reduced, but valve blockages and contamination risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct lossVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fermentation vessel is segmented into a first chamber where sediments are allowed to settle undisturbed at the bottom, and a second chamber that receives filtered liquid through the filter assembly. This segmentation enables simultaneous achievement of minimal product loss (by not disturbing sediments) and reduced contamination risk (by keeping the product collection chamber free of sediments).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The filter assembly extracts and removes solid particles from the liquid stream as it moves from the first chamber to the second chamber. This extraction process separates the harmful sediments from the valuable fermented liquid, allowing sediments to remain undisturbed in the first chamber while preventing their entry into the second chamber where they could cause contamination or blockage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional filtration methods are used to remove sediments, then contamination risk is reduced, but product loss and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontamination riskVSAvoidfiltration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The filter assembly is installed in-line within the fermentation vessel, allowing continuous filtration of liquid as it flows from the first chamber to the second chamber throughout the entire fermentation process. This eliminates the need for separate, time-consuming filtration steps while continuously reducing contamination risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The filtration function is merged with the existing fermentation vessel structure by integrating the filter assembly into the chamber partition or wall. This combination eliminates the need for separate filtration equipment and operations, reducing time consumption while maintaining continuous contamination protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enhances fermentation efficiency by preventing valve blockages, reducing contamination risks, and ensuring consistent product quality by maintaining controlled pressure and smooth operation.

Implementation Method 1

a filter assembly configured to prevent solid particles (sediments) within the fermentation container or vessel from entering into an area or chamber defined by the filter assembly within the container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

the risk of blockage within fermentation vessels, primarily attributed to the accumulation of byproduct gases produced during fermentation process

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFermentation: Fermentation

Data Source

PatentEP4653072A1Filter assembly for a fermentation vessel and a fermentation vessel comprising the filter assembly

Publication Date: 2025.11.26 AURIC BARRELS D O O

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a filter assembly for a fermentation vessel. Further, the present invention relates to a fermentation vessel comprising a filter assembly. In particular, the present invention relates to a fermentation vessel, comprising a filter assembly, for producing fermented products under constant, controlled pressure, preferably without adding additives and/or preservatives.