Patent ID: 6168949
Filing Date: 2001-01-02
Classification: C12M,Y10S

Abstract:
An apparatus for the multiplication of micro-organisms comprising a tank for holding a fermentation broth in its lower section, said fermentation broth maintained at a desired process temperature, a pump for the circulation of said fermentation broth, a heat exchanger for setting said desired process temperature, an inlet which supplies a process gas directly into the space in said tank above said fermentation broth, and at least one atomizing nozzle for atomization of the fermentation broth and mixing with said process gas, said atomizing nozzle positioned in said tank space above said fermentation broth and having a rotationally symmetrical vortex chamber which is formed by a jacket having two ends closed by two plates, at least one inlet connection fitted tangentially to the jacket and one outlet opening provided in one of the two plates, wherein said fermentation broth delivered to said at least one tangentially fitted inlet connection by said pump is mixed with said process gas via circular rotation in said symmetrical vortex chamber and out said outlet.