Types of fermentation tanks

Microbial fermentation tanks can be classified into various types according to different standards. According to the growth and metabolic needs of microorganisms, they can be divided into aerobic fermentation tanks and anaerobic fermentation tanks. The aerobic fermentation tank is suitable for the fermentation of enzymes, yeast, antibiotics, amino acids, vitamins and other products. This type of fermentation requires strong ventilation and stirring to improve the mass transfer coefficient of oxygen in the fermentation broth and meet the oxygen demand of microorganisms. For example, in antibiotic production, the fermentation of penicillin relies on aerobic fermentation tanks, which continuously introduce sterile air and stir to ensure the good growth of Penicillium and efficient synthesis of penicillin. Anaerobic fermentation tanks are suitable for fermenting products such as alcohol, beer, and lactic acid, as their fermentation process does not require ventilation and the equipment structure is relatively simple. Like traditional winemaking techniques, anaerobic fermentation tanks are used to create an anaerobic environment for yeast during wine making, allowing them to convert glucose into alcohol.

According to the equipment characteristics of fermentation tanks, they can be divided into mechanical stirring and ventilation fermentation tanks and non mechanical stirring and ventilation fermentation tanks. Mechanical stirring and ventilation fermentation tanks use stirring devices to fully mix the gas, solid, and liquid phases inside the tank, including circulating fermentation tanks (such as Wu type fermentation tanks and Wen tube fermentation tanks) and non circulating ventilated fermentation tanks, self-priming fermentation tanks, etc. Non mechanical stirred and ventilated fermentation tanks use methods such as gas lift and liquid lift to achieve three-phase mixing, such as circulating gas lift and liquid lift fermentation tanks, as well as non circulating pipe and jet fermentation tanks. Among them, the ventilated mechanical stirring tank has become a device in the fermentation process due to its excellent mixing and mass transfer effects.

Selection factors for fermentation tanks

When choosing a microbial fermentation tank, multiple factors need to be considered comprehensively. Firstly, there are requirements for the fermentation process, as different fermentation products and microorganisms have specific requirements for temperature, pH value, dissolved oxygen, stirring speed, and other conditions. For example, when producing yogurt, lactic acid bacteria fermentation needs to be carried out at a specific temperature (usually 40-45 ℃) and anaerobic environment, so it is necessary to choose a fermentation tank that can accurately control temperature and has good sealing performance. Secondly, the fermentation scale is also crucial. Small fermentation tanks with a full capacity ranging from 2 to 500 liters are usually used for small-scale laboratory fermentation, which facilitates precise control of operation and experimental conditions; The volume of the pilot fermentation tank is generally between 500 and 5000 liters; Industrial large-scale production will use large fermentation tanks with a full capacity of over 5000 liters. In addition, equipment costs and operating costs are also important considerations, including the purchase price, maintenance costs, energy consumption, etc. of fermentation tanks. Some fermentation tanks that use advanced automation control systems, although expensive to purchase, can accurately control the fermentation process, improve fermentation efficiency, and reduce operating costs in the long run.

Application scenarios of fermentation tanks

Microbial fermentation tanks are widely used in multiple industries. In the food and beverage industry, the production of yogurt, beer, seasonings, etc. cannot be separated from the development of fermentation tanks. Yogurt fermentation tanks allow lactic acid bacteria to ferment milk, producing flavor and texture through precise temperature and time control. In the field of biomedicine, fermentation tanks are used to produce high value-added products such as antibodies, vaccines, enzyme preparations, etc. For example, engineering bacteria for insulin production are cultivated in large scale in fermentation tanks, and high-purity insulin is extracted through complex fermentation process for the treatment of diabetes. In the field of environmental protection, manure fermentation tanks, manure fermentation tanks, etc. can convert organic waste into organic fertilizers or bioenergy. A large livestock farm uses manure fermentation tanks to ferment livestock and poultry manure into organic fertilizers for use in farmland, which not only solves environmental pollution problems but also achieves resource recycling.

Its selection needs to be based on its type characteristics, combined with specific process requirements, fermentation scale, and cost factors. Different types of fermentation tanks play an irreplaceable and important role in many fields such as food, medicine, and environmental protection, promoting the development and progress of related industries.