Using a technology based on a process found in nature, several Spokane area businesses exchanged their traditional parts cleaners for a newer technology. They decided to use bacteria to do the job of petroleum-based solvents. On the whole, the new cleaners work well and have many practical applications. The theory is simple.
Bacteria live in a mixture of liquids and solids, called a suspension.
The nutrients allow the bacteria to flourish and reproduce. The bacteria generate water and carbon dioxide as waste. The system keeps itself going until the oil and grease solids are used up. After the dirty parts are fed to the bacteria, inorganic particulates drop to the bottom. These are caught by a filter and sediment trap.