Stirring Device Axial Width Gradient for Fermentation Homogenization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug-flow fermentation devices face challenges in efficiently homogenizing and discharging fermentation material, especially when it contains heavy particulate matter, leading to sedimentation and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A stirring device with a shaft and multiple stirring elements, where the elements are arranged with varying widths and spacings to create a specific axial and angular configuration, ensuring effective homogenization and particulate matter dispersion, particularly in the input and discharge regions of the plug-flow fermenter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional stirring device with uniform stirring elements is used, then the structure is simple, but the homogenization efficiency in input and discharge regions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring stirring elements with different widths at different axial positions. Specifically, the first stirring element at the input region has a larger width to enhance mixing of fresh fermentation material, while the second stirring element at the discharge region has a smaller width optimized for discharging homogenized material. This localized differentiation optimizes homogenization efficiency in each region without requiring complete redesign of the entire stirring device.
Solution Approach 2:
The stirring device is segmented into multiple stirring elements (first, second, and third stirring elements) positioned at different axial locations along the shaft. Each segment serves a specific function: the first element handles input region mixing, the second element manages discharge region homogenization, and the third element provides additional stirring capacity. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific operational zone, improving overall productivity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If stirring elements are arranged with varying widths to improve homogenization, then mixing efficiency increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by assigning different widths to stirring elements based on their axial positions. The first stirring element has a larger width for effective mixing in the input region where fresh material is introduced, while the second stirring element has a smaller width suited for the discharge region. This localized optimization achieves superior homogeneity (improving parameter 13) without requiring all elements to be complex, as only specific elements are differentiated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the width parameter of stirring elements along the axial direction. The width of stirring elements is changed from the first element (larger width) to the second element (smaller width), creating a gradient configuration. This parameter variation optimizes the homogeneity of fermentation material by matching element dimensions to local flow conditions in different regions of the fermenter.
3Reliability
If the stirring device is designed to handle heavy particulate matter effectively, then discharge reliability improves, but the stirring element design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses discharge reliability by optimizing the second stirring element at the discharge region with a smaller width compared to the first element. This localized configuration at the discharge end prevents clogging and ensures smooth discharge of homogenized material containing heavy particulate matter, improving reliability without requiring complex modifications throughout the entire stirring device.
Solution Approach 2:
The stirring elements are configured in advance with specific width variations to pre-condition the fermentation material for efficient discharge. The gradual reduction in element width from the first to the second element creates a flow path that facilitates the movement of heavy particulate matter toward the discharge region, preventing obstructions before they occur and ensuring reliable discharge operation.
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 configuration enhances the homogenization of fermentation material, reduces sedimentation, and facilitates easier discharge by ensuring that at least 30% of heavy particulate matter is evenly distributed, thereby improving the reliability of the discharge process and preventing obstructions.
Implementation Method 1
the stirring device may assist exiting of the biogas from the fermentation material by agitation of the fermentation material in the plug-flow fermenter
Implementation Method 2
the stirring device may assist exiting of the biogas from the fermentation material by agitation of the fermentation material in the plug-flow fermenter
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A stirring device (100) of a plug-flow fermentation device (103) comprises a shaft (102) rotatable about an axis of rotation (104) which defines an axial direction (106). The stirring device (100) further comprises a boundary stirring element (110-1) that defines the axial extent of a stirring volume covered by the stirring device (100). A nearest neighbor (110-2) of the boundary stirring element (110-1) in the axial direction (106) has an axial maximum width (132) which is smaller than an axial maximum width (131) of the boundary stirring element (110-1) and which is larger than an axial maximum width (133) of a next-nearest neighbor (110-3) of the boundary stirring element (110-1).