Fermentation Tank Bubble Generator for Fine Bubbles and Lower Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fermentation tanks face inefficiencies in contact time and area between fermentation targets and air bubbles due to large bubble sizes and high power consumption from large stirrers, leading to increased fermentation times and strain stress.
Innovation Solution
A bubble generating apparatus with an impeller part and stator part configuration that generates fine-sized bubbles by spacing blades and stator holes radially outward, reducing bubble diameter to 3 mm or less, and using a magnetic coupling system for rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a large-sized impeller and sparger are used to supply compressed air, then air supply capability is improved, but bubble size becomes large and residence time decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The impeller blades are segmented into multiple thin blades arranged circumferentially, and the sparger is segmented into multiple small holes (0.5-5mm diameter) distributed on the stator part. This segmentation divides the large air supply into numerous small bubbles, maintaining air supply capability while significantly increasing total bubble surface area and residence time.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a radial dimension to bubble generation by arranging sparger holes on the stator part at a radial distance from the impeller axis. Air is supplied radially outward through the stator holes, creating bubbles that rise through the liquid in a different dimensional path compared to conventional bottom-up sparging, thereby increasing residence time.
2Productivity
If a large-sized stirrer is used to improve air contact efficiency, then mixing capability is improved, but power consumption increases and breakdown frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the conventional mechanical stirrer system with a magnetic coupling system. The impeller is driven by a magnetic field generated by magnets on the drive shaft, eliminating the need for mechanical seals and reducing power transmission losses. This substitution maintains mixing capability while significantly reducing power consumption and breakdown risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters by using multiple thin impeller blades with smaller individual dimensions rather than a single large blade. This parameter change allows for more efficient air-liquid contact through increased blade surface area and reduced rotational inertia, improving productivity while lowering power requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If sparger holes with diameter of 10mm are used, then air supply is simplified, but bubble size becomes large and contact area with fermentation target is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the critical parameter of sparger hole diameter from 10mm to a range of 0.5-5mm. This parameter change dramatically increases the number of bubbles and total bubble surface area available for contact with fermentation targets, while still maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized drilling processes for small holes.
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
Increased residence times and contact areas between bubbles and fermentation targets enhance fermentation efficiency while reducing power consumption and strain stress.
Implementation Method 1
an impeller part (110) including a plurality of blades that rotate about an axis extending in a reference direction
Implementation Method 2
the impeller part may include a plurality of first magnet members arranged in the circumferential direction centered on the axis, and the rotating member may include a plurality of second magnet members arranged at positions corresponding to the first magnet members and having polarities opposite to those of the first magnet members
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a bubble generating apparatus and a fermentation tank including same. The bubble generating apparatus comprises: an impeller unit which is provided so as to rotate about an axis extending in a reference direction and includes a plurality of blades arranged along a circumferential direction centered on the axis; and a stator unit which is disposed outside the radius of the impeller unit and includes a plurality of holes arranged along the circumferential direction. The stator unit may be spaced outward from the blades in the radial direction.