Dimple Jackets in Fermentation Tanks

What is a Fermenter Dimple Jacket?

A fermenter dimple jacket is a heat exchange system commonly used in fermenters and other reactors. Its inner surface has a "dimpled" concave structure, similar to a pit jacket, but the specific design is different. The pit jacket mainly uses these concave surfaces to enhance the turbulence of the fluid during the heat exchange process, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency and maintaining the uniformity of the temperature in the reactor. It is often used in fermentation processes that require precise temperature control, especially in industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and brewing.

Structural features of the pit jacket

The basic structure of the pit jacket is similar to other types of jackets, usually consisting of two layers of metal plates or tubes, with the inner layer being a surface with pit-like depressions. The inner surface of the pit jacket is designed with multiple small pits, usually circular or oval. The outer layer is a metal outer wall that provides support, and the inner layer is used to inject heat transfer media, such as water or steam.

Compared with ordinary flat jackets, the pit jacket increases the contact area between the hot fluid and the fermentation tank wall through these pit surfaces, thereby promoting more efficient heat transfer. The biggest feature of the pit design is that it enhances the turbulent effect of the fluid, which means that the hot fluid will not only transfer heat during the flow process, but also enhance the heat exchange contact with the tank wall and improve the heat transfer efficiency.

What is the working principle of the honeycomb jacket?

The working principle of the honeycomb jacket is based on the dual effects of heat convection and heat conduction. When a hot fluid (such as water or steam) flows through the honeycomb area of the jacket, the fluid will produce turbulent effects in these areas due to the physical properties of the honeycomb surface. This turbulence promotes the heat exchange process between the hot fluid and the outer wall of the tank body, so that the heat is transferred from the hot fluid to the fermenter faster and more evenly, thereby effectively regulating the temperature inside the fermenter.

Specifically, when the hot fluid flows in the jacket, the flow rate is affected by the honeycomb surface, and the flow rate of the fluid becomes more unstable, forming turbulence. The generation of turbulence increases the contact area between the fluid and the inner wall of the jacket, thereby improving the heat exchange effect. Therefore, the honeycomb jacket has a higher heat transfer efficiency than the traditional flat jacket or the simple spiral wound jacket.

Advantages of the dimple jacket

• Improve heat transfer efficiency

The dimple jacket increases the contact area between the hot fluid and the outer wall of the fermenter through its special dimple shape. The dimple design enhances the turbulent effect of the fluid, thereby improving the heat transfer efficiency. Under the same fluid flow rate, the dimple jacket can provide a stronger heat transfer effect.

• Reduce thermal gradients

The dimple jacket ensures even heat distribution, allowing the thermal fluid to more evenly contact the various parts of the fermenter. This uniformity helps reduce thermal gradients, making the temperature distribution inside the fermenter more stable and avoiding inconsistent fermentation results due to large temperature differences.

• Suitable for high viscosity fluids

The dimple jacket is particularly suitable for high viscosity fluids because the dimple design can promote fluid turbulence, avoid poor flow caused by high viscosity, and ensure efficient and uniform heat transfer.

• Significant energy-saving effect

The honeycomb jacket can significantly improve the heat exchange efficiency and reduce the heat input required by the fermentation tank, thereby reducing energy consumption and achieving energy-saving effect.

• Simple structure, easy to clean

Although the structure of the honeycomb jacket adopts a pit design, its shape is still relatively simple. Compared with other more complex jacket types, the honeycomb jacket is easier to clean and maintain. In addition, the fluid channel of the honeycomb design is relatively simple and not easy to deposit or clog, which is conducive to the reliability of long-term operation.