Patent ID: 8206973
Filing Date: 2012-06-26
Classification: C12M,C12N

Abstract:
1. A batch process useful for growing bacteria comprising repeating a batch cycle comprising the steps of: (i) introducing a batch starter population of bacteria and nutrients, and growing the bacteria in fluid from the batch starter population to a utility population within a predetermined interval and thereafter, (ii) repeating a sub-cycle of: the process carried out in an apparatus comprising: a modular bio-generation tank having a top, a bottom, a side wall extending upwardly from the bottom, and a tank outlet for flow of fluid from the tank at a height above the bottom, an agitation mechanism for agitating fluid in the tank comprising an impeller in the tank rotatable about an axis to discharge fluid impinging on the impeller so as to cause flow of the fluid in the tank which raises fluid in the tank to heights within the tank which increase with increased speed of rotation of the impeller, wherein during the sub-cycle step (b) of growing bacteria, agitating the fluid by rotating the impeller within a range of speeds which maintain the fluid in the tank at a height below a height of the tank outlet, and wherein in the sub-cycle step (a), dispensing fluid from the tank by rotating the impeller within a range of speeds which raise the fluid in the tank to a height above the height of the tank outlet.