Patent ID: 9102910
Filing Date: 2015-08-11
Classification: C12M

Abstract:
1. A membrane bioreactor comprising: a first fluid distribution chamber having a perforated distribution plate; a first fluid collection chamber having a perforated collection plate; a plurality of conduits in fluid communication between the first fluid distribution chamber and the first fluid collection chamber; a skin defining a lumen between the chambers, the lumen having a volume; and a plurality of axially extended distributors arranged symmetrically, adjacent and substantially parallel to the conduits to distribute a second fluid amongst the conduits between the first fluid distribution chamber and the first fluid collection chamber in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the conduits, wherein the distributors include a series of outlets located along the length of the distributors and wherein the outlets are dimensioned such that substantially equal exit velocities of the second fluid from the distributors is effected across the outlets, the perforated distribution plate, the perforated collection plate, the conduits and the axially extended distributors comprise a removable insert, and the distributors, outlets, conduits, and skin are arranged with respect to each other to result in a local mean age of exiting second fluid molecules from the bioreactor are within approximately 7 to 10 seconds of each other at a linear second fluid velocity equivalent to one lumen volume entering and exiting per minute.