Patent ID: 7527734
Filing Date: 2009-05-05
Classification: C02F,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A process for treating a microorganism-containing stream comprising: passing the stream through a chamber; pressurizing the stream in said chamber to a pressure greater than 14.7 p.s.i.g.; introducing a feed gas into the pressurized stream, said feed gas being soluble within cell walls of the microorganisms in the pressurized stream; and depressurizing the stream so as to cause the solubilized feed gas to expand within the microorganisms, increasing cell volume up to approximately 19 times original volume so as to rupture the cell walls from within the microorganisms, increasing natural gas production by 30-40%, wherein the step of depressurizing comprises: passing the feed gas-introduced pressurized feed stream into a flash chamber.