Detailed Explanation of Fermentation Tank Jacket Design

Detailed Explanation of Fermenter Dimple Jackets

Basic Concepts and Structure

The fermenter dimple jacket is a heat exchange system commonly used in fermenters and other reactors. Its inner surface features dimple-like depressions, similar to a pit-type jacket, but its specific design differs. The dimple jacket primarily utilizes these concave surfaces to enhance fluid turbulence during heat exchange, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency and maintaining temperature uniformity within the reactor.

Structural Features:

• It typically consists of two layers of metal plates or pipes.

• The inner layer is the surface with the dimples.

• The outer layer is the metal outer wall that provides support.

• The inner layer is used to inject the heat transfer medium (such as water or steam).

Working Principle

The dimple jacket operates based on the dual effects of convection and conduction. When a hot fluid (such as water or steam) passes through the jacket's dimple areas, the physical properties of the dimple surface create turbulent flow. This turbulence promotes heat exchange between the hot fluid and the outer wall of the fermenter, enabling faster and more even heat transfer from the hot fluid to the fermenter, effectively regulating the internal temperature of the fermenter.

Key Benefits

• ‌Improved Heat Exchange Efficiency‌: The dimple design enhances fluid turbulence, providing greater heat exchange at the same flow rate.

• Reduced Thermal Gradient‌: Ensures even heat distribution, ensuring more uniform contact between the hot fluid and all parts of the fermenter, avoiding large temperature differences that can lead to inconsistent fermentation results.

• Suitable for High-Viscosity Fluids‌: The dimple design promotes turbulent flow in high-viscosity fluids, preventing poor flow due to high viscosity.

• Significant Energy Savings‌: Improved heat exchange efficiency reduces the heat input required by the fermenter, thereby reducing energy consumption. ‌

• Simple structure, easy to clean‌: Compared with other more complex jacket types, the pit jacket is easier to clean and maintain.

Detailed Explanation of Fermenter Coil Jackets

Basic Concepts and Structure

A coil jacket is a common heat exchange device, typically consisting of metal tubing bent into a spiral or ring shape to form a fluid flow channel. Coil jackets are widely used in equipment such as fermenters and reactors for heat transfer in temperature control systems.

Structural Features:

• It primarily consists of a metal tubing (usually stainless steel) bent into a series of spiral or ring-shaped flow channels.

• It can be divided into single-layer and multi-layer configurations.

• Single-layer configurations are suitable for applications with lower heat exchange requirements.

• Multi-layer configurations increase the heat exchange area and improve efficiency.

Working Principle

The working principle of a coil jacket relies primarily on the heat exchange process. Specifically, a hot fluid flows through the tubes in the coil jacket, transferring heat through the tube walls to the fermenter's outer wall. The heat is then transferred through the outer wall to the material or liquid inside the fermenter. This heat transfer process is based on the principles of heat conduction and convection.

Key Advantages

• High-Efficiency Heat Exchange: The spiral tube design increases the contact area between the hot fluid and the fermenter's outer wall.

• Simple and Reliable Structure: Typically consisting of a length of metal tubing, it is easy to manufacture and install.

• Flexible and Adaptable: It can be customized to suit different fermenter sizes and shapes.

• Easy to Clean and Maintain: The simple tube structure is easier to clean than other more complex heat exchange systems.

• Significant Energy Savings: High-efficiency heat exchange maintains the desired temperature with lower energy consumption.

• Suitable for Large-Flow Heat Exchange: It effectively handles large-scale heat exchange needs.

Dimpled Jacket vs. Coil Jacket Selection Guide

Select Based on Fermentation Process Requirements

• Dimpled Jacket: Suitable for fermentation processes requiring strict temperature control, particularly in the food, pharmaceutical, and brewing industries.

• Coil Jacket: Suitable for applications where temperature control accuracy is less critical, such as industrial processes with high flow rates and high temperature gradients.

Select Based on Fluid Properties

• High-viscosity fluids: Dimpled Jacket is a better choice, promoting turbulent flow.

• Low-viscosity fluids: Coil Jacket provides adequate heat transfer.

Select Based on Heat Exchange Efficiency Requirements

• Dimpled Jacket: Excellent performance at low flow rates and high viscosities, effectively reducing thermal gradients and temperature fluctuations.

• Coil Jacket: Relatively stable heat exchange efficiency at high flow rates and high temperature gradients.