method and apparatus for creating a development process of biological material.

摘要

Installation is of the type in which a biological material is developed on a supply of suitable nutrients. The nutrients and any other necessary materials are passed through a porous bed in a reaction vessel. The bed comprises column type packing elements. Each element contains biological material in a cavity which has extensive openings to the surface of the element. As the biological material grows in each element it is not allowed to extend beyond the surface of the element. This limitation of volumetric growth can be carried out continuously or periodically, pref. by agitation and inter-elements friction produced by liq. flow through the bed e.g. flow of nutrient etc. Used for purificn. of waste water and industrial effluent by the activated sludge process; biological fermentation processes for the prodn. of single cell protein such as yeasts, e.g. for the beer brewing industry; and the prodn. of pharmaceuticals. The volume of the biomass in the reaction vessel can be precisely controlled. The concn. of biomass can be kept at optimum level. The elements can be taken from the vessel, cleaned and reused.