Patent ID: 8058058
Filing Date: 2011-11-15
Classification: C12M

Abstract:
1. A membrane bioreactor for anaerobic conversion of a process gas into liquid products comprising: a plurality of two headed membrane modules having a plurality of hollow fibers, each of the plurality of hollow fibers having a gas permeable hollow fiber wall defining a hollow fiber lumen and an outer surface, a first potted end spaced apart from a second potted end, the first potted end operably connected to one end of the hollow fibers and the second potted end operably connected to the other end of the hollow fibers to allow the process gas to flow through the hollow fiber lumens from the first potted end to the second potted end; a membrane tank adapted for complete filling by a process liquid and for retaining the membrane modules submerged in a process liquid for formation of a biofilm on the outer surface of the hollow fiber wall by interaction of microorganisms with the process gas and for the production of a liquid product that mixes with the process liquid, wherein the membrane tank retains the membrane modules in a common horizontal plane across which the hollow fibers extend vertically; a seal between contents of the membrane tank and ambient atmosphere comprising a hydrostatic tower located above all of the modules and extending above the tank, the membrane modules being in fluid communication with the hydrostatic tower for retaining a column of the process liquid above the membrane tank to provide a liquid seal between the membrane tank and the ambient atmosphere and to pressurize the process liquid that surrounds the membrane modules; and, a gas supply conduit for communicating the process gas with the hollow fiber lumens of the hollow fibers.