Abstract: A novel microorganism, Coniothyrium fuckelii ATCC 74227, and a process of using the microorganism for the production of lovastatin comprising fermenting Coniothyrium fuckelii ATCC 74227 or a lovastatin-producing mutant thereof in a nutrient medium containing assimilable sources of carbon, nitrogen, and inorganic salts under aerobic fermentation conditions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for measuring the degree or rate of mixing in a turbulent liquid system. The method involves inserting into the liquid system a probe capable of responding to variations in a chemical or physical parameter which can vary in the system, e.g. pressure, velocity, acceleration, pH value, conductivity or temperature. A signal from the probe indicating the parameter is processed by transforming it to a readable electronic output and this output is then compared with a calibrated range so as to enable the mixing process to be monitored or optimized.

Abstract: Materials of particular utility in separating hydrocarbon values from mineral deposits, e.g. bitumen from tar sands, are prepared by a microbiological fermentation process using certain selected microorganisms. The fermentation process is conducted under aerobic conditions, with the selected microorganisms growing on a hydrocarbon substrate. The materials have surfactant properties, in greater or lesser degree. The materials may be subsequently separated from the fermentation broth, or alternatively the broth may be used as is, since it contains relatively large proportions of suitable separation effecting materials.

Abstract: Newly isolated microbes of the genera Arthrobacter-Corynebacterium-Nocardia as represented by Corynebacteria Salvinicum strain SFC, produce substantial quantities of materials having outstanding surfactant properties, when grown on carbon supplying substrates under fermentation conditions.