Patent ID: 6492135
Filing Date: 2002-12-10
Classification: C12M,Y10S

Abstract:
A U-shape and/or nozzle-U-loop fermentor having a U-part consisting of an essentially vertical downstream part (2), an essentially vertical upstream part (4), a U-shape bend part (3), which connects the lower ends of the downstream and the upstream parts, an in-line pump (12) placed in the U-part for circulation of fermentation liquid in the fermentor, a top part (5) which is provided above the upper end of the downstream part and has the form of a cylinder with a diameter which is substantially larger than the diameter of the downstream part and is connected thereto via a truncated cone-shaped connection part, the upper end of the upstream part (4) being passed essentially horizontally and tangentially into the lower part of the top part (5) via a bend, a vent tube (6) for discharging gas(es) released in the headspace of the top part, an outlet (11) preferably placed in the U-bend part (3) for withdrawing fermentation liquid, and gas supply members (7,8,9,10) which according to wishes and demand optionally are placed in the downstream part, the U-part and the upstream part, preferably in the lower end thereof, with accompanying static-mechanical mixing members (13,14,15,16,17) for comminution of the gases introduced into the fermentation liquid, and inlet members for water and nutrient salts (18) and (19), respectively, comprising in that one (or more) ion sensor(s) or analyser(s) (20,21,22,23) for sensing the concentration of at least one of the ion species phosphate, ammonium, nitrate and hydrogen ion, oxygen sensor(s) for sensing the oxygen concentration, and at least one thermo phial for sensing the temperature are provided in-line in the circulating fermentation liquid in connection with the supply members (7,8,9,10,18,19) or in by-pass arrangements in connection therewith, said sensor(s), analyser(s) and phial(s) deliver signals to a data processing system, and that sensors (24) are also provided in a recirculation conduit (25) for sensing the concentration of at least one of the ion species phosphate, ammonium, nitrate and hydrogen ion, said sensors also deliver signals to the data processing system, wherein the signals received are processed and the dosage of feed gases, water, minerals and pH adjustment means via the supply members (7,8,9,10,18,19) are calculated and optimised from pre-programmed amounts relative to the results measured.