Team:Worldshaper-Nanjing/Contribution
1 General Process
As looking through the wiki of team Worldshaper-Nanjing 2020, we discovered that the some parts of their implementation processes can be practically modeled through three-dimensional softwares. Specifically, by designing the actual model of the fermentation tank, our team helps Worldshaper-Nanjing 2020 demonstrate a clearer tank and paddle stirrers structure and designing advantages than only the images provided last year.
2 Introduction to Model
2.1 Object description
Team Worldshaper-Nanjing 2020 used yeast to ferment unqualified grains to produce biodiesel, obtaining a reliable resource for engines that require diesel. In the process, after collection, cleaning, milling, cooking, and liquefaction, the fermentation tank is used as an important tool to generate harvested oleaginous yeast biomass, which in turn be separated and transferred to biodiesel. However, Worldshaper-Nanjing 2020 only managed to provide images and brief introduction to the fermentation tank. Our team, Worldshaper-Nanjing 2021, wanted to help them improve the implementation by actually model out the tank in details.
2.2 Specifying requirements
According to the wiki, we concluded that team Worldshaper-Nanjing 2020’s requirements are as follows: 1) The type of tank should be a mechanical agitating fermentation tank. 2) It is able to mechanical agitation to stir materials to produce axial and radial flow to obtain sufficient mixture of materials and absorb nutrients. 3) It is able to break bubbles to increase the gas-liquid contact area.
2.3 Tools
Our team used 3D Studio Max, Adobe Photoshop, and a high-end design server for Modeling. We printed out the model with a 3-D printer.
3 Steps and Procedures
3.1 Build model components from the inside to outside
Draw a circular section using line drawing tool in 3D Studio Max software, then expand the edges to form a ring-shaped top section. Modify it by extrusion to generate a single circular tube model.
Copy 17 round pipes from the previous step.
According to the arrangement of the circular pipe, draw the cross-section of the bottom plate through the line editing tool. Extrude the cylindrical chassis completely aligned with the hollow tube.
Put a group of hollow pipes on the chassis and place them in the corresponding position.
3.2 Build an engine model and cylindrical pipe
Use line editing tools and extrusion commands to draw the engine model and the feeding pipe according to the engine design drawing style.
Connect the cylindrical pipe to the engine and place it above the chassis.
Use BOX, line extrusion, and chamfering tools to build a radial flow impeller and connector.
Copy two impellers to form a set of radial flow impellers, and place them on the corresponding positions of the connectors.
Place the radial flow impeller and connector on the bottom of the column.
According to modeling requirement No.2, the model should use axial flow impellers to ensure the mixture gets full contact. Build an axial flow impeller, copy two axial flow impellers into a group, and place them on the corresponding position of the connector.
Placed above the radial flow impeller.
According to modeling requirement No.3, the model should be able to break bubbles in order to obtain sufficient liquid-gas contact. Build a defoaming paste. Copy two defoaming pastes into a group, and place them on the corresponding position of the connector.
Placed above the axial flow impeller.
3.3 Tank construction
Build a tank body and an outlet pipe, connect the outlet pipe to the bottom of the tank body, cut off the front part of the tank body so that we can see the inner space of the tank body.
Put the radial flow impeller, axial flow impeller, and defoaming slurry inside the tank; the generator is placed outside the top of the tank.
Build a baffle, copy several baffles into a group, and use the baffles to fix the chassis inside the tank.
3.4 Build Components of Connecting Pipelines
Build a hollow cylinder gas distributor and inoculation port.
The bottom of the gas distributor is connected to the chassis, the outlet is connected to the outside of the tank through the tank, and the inoculation port is connected to the outside of the tank through the tank.
3.5 Build the tank water heater components
Build a water heater larger than the tank body, and build the water inlet and outlet of the water heater to connect above and below the water heater.
Trimming and sealing, wrapping all the parts in the tank in the internal space of the water heater.
4 Presentation of Model
4.1 Screenshot of the working interface of the complete model
4.2 Screenshot of the hidden wall of the tank
4.3 Part independent display screenshot
4.4 Rendered display of 3D lighting and schematic effect
4.5 Layered channel diagram display of each component
