Multi-stage column continuous fermentation system

A fermenter, comprising:

• (a) an elongated, vertically disposed chamber of a predetermined horizontal dimension and a predetermined vertical height;
• (b) means to input fluid into said chamber at a predetermined point,
• (c) at least one CO.sub.2 removal assembly disposed at a predetermined point in said chamber above said means to input fluid, said removal member including a collector member oriented to collect CO.sub.2 gas in said chamber and a discharge member connected to said collector member, said CO.sub.2 removal assembly collector member being a conical structure having a lower maximum peripheral horizontal dimension substantially equivalent to said chamber horizontal dimension, said collector further having at least one fluid flow through aperture and a gas CO.sub.2 gas flow through aperture, said discharge member being a conduit connected to said CO.sub.2 gas flow through aperture and exiting said chamber;
• and
• (d) means to output fluid from said chamber, said means to output fluid being disposed at a predetermined point in said chamber above said CO.sub.2 removal assembly.

A fermenter, comprising:

• (a) an elongated, vertically disposed chamber of a predetermined horizontal dimension and a predetermined vertical height;
• (b) means to input fluid into said chamber at a predetermined point,
• (c) at least one CO.sub.2 removal assembly disposed at a predetermined point in said chamber above said means to input fluid, said removal member including a collector member oriented to collect CO.sub.2 gas in said chamber and a discharge member connected to said collector member, said CO.sub.2 removal assembly collector member being a conical structure having a lower maximum peripheral horizontal dimension substantially equivalent to said chamber horizontal dimension, said collector further having at least one fluid flow through aperture and a gas CO.sub.2 gas flow through aperture, said discharge member being a conduit connected to said CO.sub.2 gas flow through aperture and interiorly disposed in said chamber;
• and
• (d) means to output fluid from said chamber, said means to output fluid being disposed at a predetermined point in said chamber above said CO.sub.2 removal assembly.

A multi-stage column continuous malt beverage fermentation system, comprising:

• (a) an elongated, vertically disposed chamber of a predetermined horizontal dimension defined by an outer wall and a predetermined vertical height;
• said chamber comprising:
• (i) a waste discharge stage,
• (ii) a feed stage communicatively connected to a top of said waste discharge stage and including means to control the temperature of fluid in said feed stage,
• (iii) at least one fermentation stage communicatively connected to a top of said feed stage and including means to control the temperature of fluid in said fermentation stage, said fermentation stage further comprising a CO.sub.2 removal assembly disposed substantially at a top of said stage, said removal member including a collector member oriented to collect CO.sub.2 gas in said stage and a discharge member connected to said collector member, and wherein said collector member is a conical structure having a lower maximum peripheral horizontal dimension substantially equivalent to said chamber horizontal dimension, said collector further having at least one fluid flow through aperture and a gas CO.sub.2 gas flow through aperture, and wherein said discharge member is a conduit connected to said CO.sub.2 gas flow through aperture, and
• (iv) a top stage communicatively connected to said top of said at least one fermentation stage, said top stage including means to control the temperature of fluid in said top stage and means to vent CO.sub.2 gas therefrom;
• (b) means to input wort and yeast fluid mixture into said feed stage;
• and
• (c) means to output brewed fluid from said top stage.