Does the fermenter need to use compressed air?
Fermentation tanks do need to use compressed air, and their functions are reflected in many aspects. The following is a detailed explanation: 1. Provide oxygen
Ferment process, especially the fermentation of gas-friendly microorganisms, requires a large amount of oxygen as an energy source. The compressed air meets the needs of microbial growth and metabolism by injecting appropriate amount of oxygen into the fermentation tank, thereby accelerating the fermentation speed and improving the fermentation efficiency. At different stages of fermentation, the demand for gas composition of microorganisms varies. Compressed air can adjust the composition of gases in the fermenter, for example, by reducing oxygen concentration to stimulate the growth and metabolic pathways of certain specific microorganisms, or further optimize the fermentation environment by introducing a certain amount of gases such as carbon dioxide.
2. Stirring and mixing
In large fermentation systems, compressed air is often used to replace mechanical stirring. By injecting compressed air from the bottom of the tank, the fermentation broth is boiling, and uniform mixing of the materials is achieved. This stirring method not only improves the stirring effect, but also eliminates the noise and pollution caused by mechanical stirring and improves the working environment. At the same time, compressed air stirring can also reduce the slurry adjustment and saccharification time and improve production efficiency.
3. Temperature control
Control temperature during fermentation is crucial. Compressed air can adjust the temperature in the fermenter by cooling or heating to ensure that the microorganisms grow and metabolize under suitable environmental conditions. This temperature regulation method not only ensures the stability of product quality, but also improves the controllability of the fermentation process.
4. Sterile treatment
The fermentation process has extremely high requirements for the sterile environment. Before entering the fermentation tank, compressed air needs to undergo strict purification, including water removal, oil removal, dust removal and sterilization to prevent microorganisms and impurities in the air from contaminating the fermentation process. These treatment measures ensure the sanitary conditions of the fermentation process and the quality and safety of the final product.
5. Other applications
In addition to the above main functions, compressed air has other applications in fermentation tanks. For example, during the fermentation process, compressed air can be used to blow the fermentation material to prevent retention from the deposition of mash caused by excessive fermentation tanks, which can easily accumulate and contaminate bacteria. In addition, in a fermenter with immobilized materials, compressed air can blow the fermentation broth, so that the carrier yeast at the bottom of the fermenter can be quickly freed and evenly distributed in the fermentation broth, thereby improving and improving the living environment of the immobilized yeast cells.
6. Examples
Taking alcohol fermentation as an example, in large alcohol fermentation systems, compressed air is mainly used in slurry mixing tanks, liquefaction tanks, saccharification tanks, wine mother tanks, and fermentation tanks. Compressed air (sterilized air) is introduced into the middle and late stages of the saccharification tank, which can increase the dissolved oxygen of the saccharification mash, which is conducive to the oxygen demand in the yeast proliferation stage. At the same time, when the compressed gas escapes from the fermentation broth, it can take away some heat, reduce the pressure of cooling and cool down, and benefit yeastThe escape of alcohol in cells is conducive to the increase of alcohol concentration in fermentation mash.
In general, compressed air plays an irreplaceable role in the fermentation tank. It promotes the improvement of fermentation efficiency and the optimization of product quality by providing oxygen, stirring and mixing, temperature control, and sterile treatment.
