Bioreactor for continuous processing of a reactant fluid

Abstract

A bioreactor and method of its operation are described comprising a vertical column with a lower reaction section filled with column packing particles classifiable by means of their differential settling rates in a liquid, and an upper disengagement section, preferably of larger diameter and of equal or greater volume than the reaction section, the two sections desirably being connected by a transition section in the shape of an inverted, truncated cone. Following initial classification of the packing in the reaction section, the packing is inoculated with microorganisms, and the bioreaction commenced by introducing nutrient feed at one end of the column, and withdrawing product at the other end. The packing is periodically cleaned, as required, by dispersing it into the disengagement section by passing liquid at an increased velocity upward through the column until contaminants have been dislodged. The liquid velocity is thereupon decreased, and the packing reclassified in its original order in the reaction section. Zones of distinct microorganism colonies are thereby re-established, and the bioreaction is allowed to proceed by recommencing the feed of nutrients to the column.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.