Abstract: The invention provides an isolated haloalkaliphilic microorganism designated as strain sapolanicus belonging to the genus Halanaerobium, which is capable of producing hydrogen from biomass. Methods of producing biohydrogen comprising the fermentation of the microorganism with alkaline pretreated biomass are also provided. Fermentation is preferably carried out without neutralization of the pretreated biomass and at a pH of greater than or equal to about 10.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a compact processing apparatus which can produce useful products efficiently without producing bad odor. There is provided a useful product producing apparatus that is a decomposing apparatus of organic wastes, the decomposing apparatus comprising: a fermentation device including a plurality of processing tanks for decomposing the organic wastes; an air supply device that forcibly supplies air into the plurality of processing tanks; and a deodorizing device that deodorizes gases evacuated from each processing tank, in which useful products are produced from the organic wastes in the fermentation device by a thermoduric bacteria flora, and the gases are deodorized by passing through an acid pickling tank, a rinsing tank, and a microbial deodorizing tank, successively, the acid pickling tank, the rinsing tank, and the microbial deodorizing tank configuring the deodorizing device.

Abstract: Apparatus for biological production of ethanol from waste gases includes a bioreactor including a plurality of tunnels each having inlet and outlet passageways, a gasifier reactor generates a continuous supply of syngas from waste gases into the upper portion of each tunnel. A mixing device provides a continuous supply of fermentation microbes in a liquid directed by pumps and spray misters into the tunnel. Pumps direct the liquid vertically for conversion of the syngas into ethanol.

Abstract: A liquid lock is for a fermentation receptacle for production of biogas, the liquid lock being provided as an annular liquid filled vessel encircling an upper portion of the receptacle wall(s), an inner portion of a fabric being fastened to the receptacle, an edge portion of a receptacle cover encircling the inner fabric portion, and an outer fabric portion extending upwardly along the edge portion and fastened to the receptacle cover, and conduit connections are provided between an internal space in the receptacle and the liquid lock.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, devices and systems comprising a reactor that is operatively connected to: (a) a biogas production unit for converting waste to a biogas stream; and (b) an engine that utilizes the biogas stream from the biogas producing unit to produce energy and an engine exhaust.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the production of at least one fatty acid and/or oil from a plant cell suspension culture, the method comprising (i) maintaining a cell suspension culture of oil-producing plant cells under conditions such that the cultured cells synthesise and secrete at least one fatty acid and/or oil into the cell suspension culture medium; and (ii) extracting the thus secreted at least one fatty acid and/or oil from the cell suspension culture medium.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a cell culture vessel which is simple in structure and easy to handle, and is capable of preventing damage to the cells when separated, promoting transport of nutrients and excretion of effete matter, and elevating the culturing efficiency improving effect by the structural features. In order to attain the above object, there is provided a cell culture vessel including a culture section provided with a plurality of projections having an equivalent diameter smaller than the cells to be cultured and the culture section side walls enclosing the culture section, wherein the distance between an arbitrary position on the culture section/side wall boundary line and the nearest projection is smaller than the diameter of the cells to be cultured. The effect of the projections in the vessel given to the cultured cells is enhanced.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for selective production of hydrogen and methane from a biomass feedstock in a reactor vessel maintained under anaerobic conditions by controlling moisture concentration in the reactor vessel. The method comprises the steps of introducing a biomass feedstock into the reactor vessel maintained under anaerobic conditions; introducing a bacterial inoculum into the reactor vessel to facilitate digestion of the biomass feedstock; setting a moisture concentration of the contents of the reactor vessel at a first moisture level; and collecting hydrogen gas from the reactor vessel. The method may further comprise maintaining the moisture concentration at a first moisture level or within a first moisture range. The method may additionally comprise increasing the moisture concentration of the contents of the reactor vessel to a second moisture concentration; and collecting methane gas from the reactor vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to molecular assays, reagents and kit for the mutational analysis, for diagnostic and prognostic purposes, of chronic myeloproliferative disorders, a group of neoplastic pathologies of the haemopoietic system. The invention relates to the identification of nucleic acid probes labelled with fluorochrome, allowing a quantitative assessment, in a specific and sensitive way, of mutation of MPL gene sequence and quantification of the mutated alleles of the MPL gene in Genomic DNA samples from patients with chronic myeloproliferative syndrome.

Abstract: A scrubber unit for removal of carbon dioxide from flue gas, including a first chamber, a second chamber, a partition dividing the first chamber and the second chamber, a first weir to distribute flow across of aqueous absorbent across the chamber, and a second weir in the second chamber. The partition is positioned to allow fluid to flow from the first chamber to the second chamber beneath a lower edge of the partition. The scrubber may be used in an algae growing system, along with an algae bioreactor, with the aqueous absorbent solution flowing in a continuous circuit through the wet scrubber and the algae bioreactor to absorb carbon dioxide in the wet scrubber and to provide the absorbed carbon dioxide to algae.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of capturing carbon by microbial fermentation of a gaseous substrate comprising CO. The methods of the invention include converting CO to one or more products including alcohols and/or acids and optionally capturing CO2 to improve overall carbon capture. In certain aspects, the invention relates to processes for producing alcohols, particularly ethanol, from industrial waste streams, particularly steel mill off-gas.

Abstract: The invention provides: an isopropyl alcohol-producing bacterium which has an acetoacetate decarboxylase activity, an isopropyl alcohol dehydrogenase activity, a CoA transferase activity and a thiolase activity having been imparted thereto and is capable of producing isopropyl alcohol from a plant-derived material; a method of producing isopropyl alcohol whereby isopropyl alcohol is produced from a plant-derived material by using this isopropyl alcohol-producing bacterium; and an apparatus therefor.

Abstract: The present invention is an anaerobic reactor and preferably a vertically oriented plug flow anaerobic reactor for producing methane from various organic materials. The organic materials preferably have a high organic content. The reactor includes cutting members for cutting bridged or agglomerated material within the reactor. The present invention also includes a process for producing methane from an organic feed stock by continuously charging an organic material into the top portion of a vertically oriented vessel and rotating one or more cutting members at a sufficiently slow rate so that the cutting members cut through bridged or agglomerated material but do not substantially mix contents within the reactor, anaerobically digesting the organic material under mesophilic or thermophilic conditions to produce methane while allowing the organic material to propagate downward through the vessel in a plug flow-like manner and collecting methane gas produced from the anaerobic digestion of the organic material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a biological desulfurization apparatus including a reaction tower 1 into which biogas generated by anaerobic fermentation of organic waste is to be introduced, a carrier-packed layer 2a, 2b arranged in the reaction tower and provided with a carrier to which microorganisms have adhered, an air feeding pipe 3 that mixes air into a lower part of the reaction tower, and a sprinkling mechanism 7 that sprinkles water on an upper part of the reaction tower, wherein the carrier-packed layer is arranged in two or more stages.

Abstract: A method for producing isoprene comprising an aqueous medium including genetically modified host cells capable of producing isoprene, where the resulting isoprene composition is processed through at least one separation and/or purification process to provide an isoprene enriched composition and a system for doing the same.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of biomass is provided. The process comprises forming a biomass slurry by mixing biomass with a working fluid, and inducing the biomass slurry to flow through an inlet into a passage. A high velocity transport fluid is injected into the slurry through a nozzle communicating with the passage. The injection of the high velocity transport fluid applies a shear force to the slurry such that the working fluid is atomised and forms a vapour and droplet flow regime, an at least partial vacuum is formed within the passage downstream of the nozzle, and a condensation shock wave is generated within the passage downstream of the nozzle and vacuum by condensation of the transport fluid. An apparatus for treating biomass using the aforementioned process is also provided.

Abstract: Improved systems, methods, apparatus and compositions for generating, extracting and distributing the renewable heat energy produced by microbial decomposition of organic biomass within a contained and controlled environment. This heat energy is preferably transferred and distributed, preferably by the use of heat pipes, to the interior of a greenhouse or other structure to be heated, either directly or via heat exchange apparatus such as hot water heating systems. In one embodiment heat transfer and distribution mechanism customized to the application requirements of a greenhouse heating batch-type process is disclosed, along with a recipe for a readily available biomass material composition. Additional continuous and batch process embodiments of biomass heating systems are also disclosed that extract heat energy from decomposing biomass for heating uses.

Abstract: A plant for producing an oxygen-containing additive for liquid motor fuels comprises an anaerobic fermentation vessel, a gasholder, a system for removal of sulphuretted hydrogen, and a hotwell. The plant further comprises an aerobic fermentation vessel, a device for liquid substance pumping, a device for liquid aeration with an oxygen-containing gas, a removal system of solid mass residue after fermentation, a gas distribution device; a device for heavy gases utilization; a device for ammonia adsorption by water; a liquid-gas mixer; a cavity mixer, a system that serves superficial active and dispersant matters and a cooler; all of these being connected to each other by pipelines. The technical result being the implementation of a process for producing an oxygen containing additive, which after being added to liquid motor fuels, provides an ecologically beneficial component for motor fuels by ensuring the stability of composition fuel properties during long-term storage.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the generation of compost are provided. In one embodiment, the system for generating compost comprises an aeration floor having a plurality of gas flow apertures that connect to a network of gas flow channels, and a compost cover constructed of a gas and liquid impermeable fabric that is provided with a plurality of ports that permit the passage of gas and liquid through the compost cover. A compost biomass is placed on the aeration floor and the compost cover is placed over the compost biomass. An air suction manifold, connected to an outlet of the gas flow channels, draws exhaust gases from the compost biomass, through the plurality of gas flow apertures and through the gas flow channels. The exhaust gases are then conveyed to an air distributor and directed to an odor control device for substantially eliminating odors.

Abstract: A device for trapping extraneous gas or bubbles is disclosed. The device is defined as having a gas collection area in a tapered neck portion such that when used as a cell culturing apparatus, extraneous gas or bubbles are trapped and isolated from the cell growth areas where cells or media reside.

Abstract: Systems and processes for producing hydrogen using bacteria are described. One detailed process for producing hydrogen uses a system for producing hydrogen as described herein, the system including a reactor. Anodophilic bacteria are disposed within the interior of the reactor and an organic material oxidizable by an oxidizing activity of the anodophilic bacteria is introduced and incubated under oxidizing reactions conditions such that electrons are produced and transferred to the anode. A power source is activated to increase a potential between the anode and the cathode, such that electrons and protons combine to produce hydrogen gas. In one system for producing hydrogen is provided which includes a reaction chamber having a wall defining an interior of the reactor and an exterior of the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A bioenergy production apparatus (10), including an initial digester (12) for at least partial digestion of digestible material placed therein; a collector (14) formed at or near a base of the initial digester (12), for collecting a leachate product of the digestion of the digestible material; a secondary digester (16) operatively connected to the collector (14), to at least partially digest said leachate product; and a burner (18), operatively connected to the initial digester (12) for receiving biogas output therefrom, the burner (18) being adapted to combust the biogas, and a heat exchanger (72) for transferring heat from the combustion of the biogas in the burner (18) to a fluid for use in heating the secondary digester (16), for a boiler and/or for another energy conversion process.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a cell culture vessel which is simple in structure and easy to handle, and is capable of preventing damage to the cells when separated, promoting transport of nutrients and excretion of effete matter, and elevating the culturing efficiency improving effect by the structural features. In order to attain the above object, there is provided a cell culture vessel including a culture section provided with a plurality of projections having an equivalent diameter smaller than the cells to be cultured and the culture section side walls enclosing the culture section, wherein the distance between an arbitrary position on the culture section/side wall boundary line and the nearest projection is smaller than the diameter of the cells to be cultured. The effect of the projections in the vessel given to the cultured cells is enhanced.

Abstract: A fermentation device for biological degradation of substrate containing organic material and for recovery of biogas produced by degradation has an elongate closed container having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end has an inlet opening for untreated substrate and the second end has at least one removal opening for treated substrate. The container has at least one removal opening for biogas. The container has several reaction cells provided with individually driven mixing units. The mixing units have mixing unit shafts positioned transversely to a longitudinal extension of the container and mixing impellers mounted on the mixing unit shafts and driven on a circular path. The mixing unit shafts are arranged at axial spacings smaller than a diameter of the mixing units so that the mixing impellers when the mixing unit shafts rotate pass trough an overlap range.

Abstract: A bioreactor for producing synfuel from carbonaceous material includes a stacked particle heap comprising biodegradable carbonaceous material, an aerobic microbial consortium fermenting the biodegradable carbonaceous material into synfuel, and a gas impermeable barrier operatively covering the stacked particle heap. The covered particle heap is purged with at least one non-oxygenated gas. The bioreactor also includes a supply of anaerobic microorganisms which biodegrade the carbonaceous material within the stacked particle heap into synfuel. The synfuel is mixed with at least one reactor byproduct. The reactor byproducts are separated from the synfuel, which may include synthetic petroleum, alcohol, oil, and/or a gaseous fuel containing methane.

Abstract: Expression vectors, host cells and methods of using a recombinant expression system for the production of hydrogen are disclosed. The expression vectors comprise the a bidirectional hydrogenase protein complex coding sequence of SEQ ID NO:1.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process of increasing production of hydrogen during fermentation process and also an electro-biochemical is designed to achieve higher hydrogen production.

Abstract: A system for capturing and neutralizing HAP's (hazardous air pollutants) and VOC's (volatile organic compounds) at the source point by providing a closed loop remediation system which utilizes an air collection, treatment and control module containing a predetermined size bay of multiple interchangeable mini-biofilter cartridges that function to consume the pollutant and recirculate remediated air back to the source point of the pollutant. The system includes establishing a closed loop air system at a work station which generates and emits VOC's, capturing the VOC's in the air stream flow and transporting them directly into an adjacent biofilter module which contains selected microorganisms in mini-cartridges which biodegrade said VOC's and recirculates remediated air back to the source point of the pollutant. The cartridges may be contained in modules in single and/or multiple widths and heights and in conjunction with various work stations, cabinets, receptacles, and tables.

Abstract: Systems for enhanced in-situ or perhaps even ex-situ biogenic methane production from hydrocarbon-bearing formations (1) including coal seam, oil shale, coal, coal derivates and the like are presented in embodiments such as but not limited to: increasing and perhaps even selection of microbial populations (2), amending CBM water and other microbe-containing media, diminishing sulfate reduction competition, enhancing organic matter concentrations and generation of biogenic methane (10), universally treating hydrocarbon-bearing formations, and introducing amendments (3) to hydrocarbon-bearing formations.

Abstract: In order to control bubble removal or mixing in a flow channel, bubble transfer between flow channels (1, 2) is controlled by disposing first flow channel (1) for flow of a first fluid of liquid or gas and second flow channel (2) for flow of a second fluid of liquid with, interposed therebetween, gas exchange unit (5) through which while no liquid can pass, a gas component can be transferred, and by providing a pressure difference between the flow channels (1, 2) with the gas exchange unit (5). By rendering the pressure of the second flow channel (2) higher than that of the first flow channel (1), any bubble transfer from the first fluid to the second fluid is prevented, or bubbles within the second fluid are transferred into the first fluid to thereby attain deaeration.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and systems for treating biomass wastes to result in usable byproducts. Biomass is treated to remove debris, transferred to microbial digester units, such as anaerobic and aerobic digesters, and the resultant solids and liquids are provided to an algae production unit. Algae are harvested and beneficial byproducts are retained. Gases, heat and energy produced by energy conversion units are used in units of the system or provided to external sources. Water is cleaned and when separated from the algae and other solids in the algae harvesting unit may be provided to external sources, or may be used in other units of the system. The methods and systems disclosed herein provide for an efficient and substantially complete use of the components of the input biomass.

Abstract: A biofuel generating method and biofuel generating device comprising operationally linking an anaerobic digester with a hydroponic biomass energy crop production system in a symbiotic relationship. The hydroponic system continually provides high energy containing biomass crops as feed stock to the anaerobic digestor and the anaerobic digestor provides nitrogenous digestate into the nutrient hydroponic system as a nutrient, to facilitate growth of additional biomass feed stock. The anaerobic digestor further provides the requisite carbon dioxide for the hydroponic crop feed stock to stimulate germination of crop seeds and the growth of crop seedlings. Heat generated from the anaerobic digestion process is also optionally channeled to the hydroponic system to further accelerate and promote hydroponic feed stock crop growth. The anaerobic digester produces combustible fuel including methane gas during the digestion process.

Abstract: A tubular plug flow digester system assembled from manufactured components, including a holding/heating tank (15) connected to a manifold (14) that feeds a single or multiple parallel injection pumps (12). These pumps force feedstock though check valves (13) and into single or parallel digester hulls. This hulls are composed of manufactured parts including tapered end sections (11) and hull sections (10) that can be assembled onsite to a configuration that accommodates operational needs. Biogas produced by this digester is pressurized due to a liquid column created by an elevated effluent outlet (25). Feedstock is inoculated with relevant microorganisms that promote the generation of methane-rich biogas. Inoculation members (26) positioned within the hulls shelter biofilms containing these microbes while allowing regions of the biofilm to slough or naturally release microbes into the flowing feedstock stream. Biogas is collected through a manifold (22) and its release is controlled by a regulator or a valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the conversion into biogas of fermentation stillage arising as a waste product of ethanol production. This apparatus comprises a separation unit for the separation of the fermentation stillage into a thin fraction and a thick fraction, at least one biogas reactor for fermenting the thin fraction and/or the thick fraction, and a storage tank. According to a first aspect of the present invention, two biogas reactors are provided, to separate the thin fraction and the thick fraction independently of one another. According to a second aspect of the present invention, a nitrogen sink is provided downstream of the storage tank to provide, from the reactor effluent, process water with low or no nitrogen content which may then be fed to the reactor and/or the bioethanol plant. According to a third aspect the invention is characterised by a combination of a single-stage separation unit and a heavy-duty biogas reactor with a pore-free flow path.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reaction apparatus for organic and/or other substance(s) employing supercritical fluid(s) and/or subcritical fluid(s) permitting injection of organic substance(s) and/or other reactant substance(s) in homogeneous state(s) to reactor(s) without occurrence of clogging at location(s) of such injection, and also permitting actuation to occur in industrial fashion and at high energy efficiency. Reactor(s) (12) of this reaction apparatus comprise cylinder(s) (12a) and piston(s) (12b) provided at such cylinder(s) (12a).

Abstract: A method of converting CO2 gas produced during industrial processes comprising contacting methanogenic archaea with the CO2 gas under suitable conditions to produce methane.

Abstract: Systems and processes for producing hydrogen using bacteria are described. One detailed process for producing hydrogen uses a system for producing hydrogen as described herein, the system including a reactor. Anodophilic bacteria are disposed within the interior of the reactor and an organic material oxidizable by an oxidizing activity of the anodophilic bacteria is introduced and incubated under oxidizing reactions conditions such that electrons are produced and transferred to the anode. A power source is activated to increase a potential between the anode and the cathode, such that electrons and protons combine to produce hydrogen gas. One system for producing hydrogen includes a reaction chamber having a wall defining an interior of the reactor and an exterior of the reaction chamber. An anode is provided which is at least partially contained within the interior of the reaction chamber and a cathode is also provided which is at least partially contained within the interior of the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A modular process for organosolv fractionation of lignocellulosic feedstocks into component parts and further processing of said component parts into at least fuel-grade ethanol and four classes of lignin derivatives. The modular process comprises a first processing module configured for physico-chemically digesting lignocellulosic feedstocks with an organic solvent thereby producing a cellulosic solids fraction and a liquid fraction, a second processing module configured for producing at least a fuel-grade ethanol and a first class of novel lignin derivatives from the cellulosic solids fraction, a third processing module configured for separating a second class and a third class of lignin derivatives from the liquid fraction and further processing the liquid fraction to produce a distillate and a stillage, a fourth processing module configured for separating a fourth class of lignin derivatives from the stillage and further processing the stillage to produce a sugar syrup.

Abstract: A device for minimizing the formation of bubbles or foam in cell culture is disclosed. The device has a manifold which directs the inflow of cells and cell culture media into a cell culture vessel so as to allow for displaced air or gas to vent from the cell culture vessel without mixing with the incoming cell culture media, thereby preventing the mixing of air and cell culture media and minimizing the formation of bubbles or foam inside the cell culture vessel.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the disclosure includes a method of biomass conversion including fermenting biomass to produce a carboxylic acid or carboxylate salt and hydrogen gas, recovering the hydrogen gas, and converting the carboxylic acid or carboxylate salt to an alcohol using the hydrogen gas. In one embodiment, the hydrogen produced by biomass conversion may be converted to an acetate. Another embodiment relates to a biomass conversion system. The system may include: a fermentation unit for fermentation of biomass to a carboxylic acid or carboxylate salt in a fermentation broth and for production of a carbon dioxide and hydrogen gas stream, an extraction unit for extracting the carboxylic acid or carboxylate salt from the fermentation broth, a gas extraction unit for separation of the hydrogen gas and the carbon dioxide, and a production unit for production of an alcohol from the carboxylic acid or carboxylate salt using the hydrogen gas.

Abstract: An organic waste material treatment process comprising subjecting the organic waste material to conditions under which anaerobic digestion occurs followed by conditions under which aerobic composting occurs. Preferably, the organic waste material is pre-conditioned before anaerobic digestion by subjecting the organic waste material to aerobic composting conditions to facilitate a rise in temperature of the organic waste material. The treatment process is conducted in a single vessel, wherein air and water are evenly distributed to the contents of the vessel. A plurality of vessels may be interconnected, such that water may be extracted from one vessel, whose contents have undergone anaerobic digestion, then recirculated to an interconnected vessel to facilitate conditions for anaerobic digestion of the contents of the interconnected vessel.

Abstract: A container for shipping items in an aircraft includes a shipping compartment and an expandable chamber for receiving gas from the shipping compartment. At least one conduit connects the expandable chamber to the shipping department so as to permit the flow of gas therebetween. A method for shipping items in an aircraft is also disclosed.

Abstract: Improved systems, methods, apparatus and compositions for generating, extracting and distributing the renewable heat energy produced by microbial decomposition of organic biomass within a contained and controlled environment. This heat energy is preferably transferred and distributed, preferably by the use of heat pipes, to the interior of a greenhouse or other structure to be heated, either directly or via heat exchange apparatus such as hot water heating systems. In one embodiment heat transfer and distribution mechanism customized to the application requirements of a greenhouse heating batch-type process is disclosed, along with a recipe for a readily available biomass material composition that will slowly decompose while it generates a substantial quantity of usable heat energy to be consumed in the elevation of temperature in a separated greenhouse basement confinement area.

Abstract: A ventilation system is disclosed for an enclosure in which people live. The ventilation system comprises a first ducting means for ducting fresh air from outside to inside the enclosure and a second ducting means for ducting stale air. The second ducting means comprises a stale air inlet for receiving stale air containing carbon dioxide from inside the enclosure and an exhaust manifold having a first vent to exhaust air outside the enclosure and a second vent in fluid communication with the first ducting means to return clean air into the first ducting means. The ventilation system is further characterised in that it comprises catalysing means for catalysing hydration of carbon dioxide contained in at least a portion of the stale air into a solution of carbonate ions and hydrogen ions, and thereby removing carbon dioxide from said portion of the stale air and obtaining clean air. Evacuating means are also provided for evacuating the solution out of the ventilation system.

Abstract: A system for capturing and neutralizing HAP's (hazardous air pollutants) and VOC's (volatile organic compounds) at the source point by providing a closed loop remediation system which utilizes an air collection, treatment and control module containing a predetermined size bay of multiple interchangeable mini-biofilter cartridges that function to consume the pollutant and recirculate remediated air back to the source point of the pollutant. The system includes establishing a closed loop air system at a work station which generates and emits VOC's, capturing the VOC's in the air stream flow and transporting them directly into an adjacent biofilter module which contains selected microorganisms in mini-cartridges which biodegrade said VOC's and recirculates remediated air back to the source point of the pollutant.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a novel biotechnological process of solubilization and concentration of CO2 from emission exhausts or streams that could be coupled for further biochemical/chemical conversion. The biotechnological process occurs in novel reactors/devices employing immobilized biocatalysts enabling concentration and solubilization of emitted CO2 by allowing catalytic contacting with water spray. These novel reactors or devices could be coupled to other reactors/devices resulting in further biochemical/chemical conversion of the concentrated carbon dioxide.

Abstract: This invention falls into the category of micro biotechnology. The claim is creation of the bioreactor populated with community of microorganisms, which participate in the process of oxygenation of carbohydrates of the natural origin and, as a final result, production of methane gas-CH4. The new bioreactor makes possible the use of methane in automobile and energy production. At the same time it does not create harmful discharge into the atmosphere and keeps the environment 100% free of contamination. This invention applies a unique makeup of microorganisms: producers of methane. Produced methane is pumped through a system of pressure regulators into internal combustion engines, which are used in the energy production and other areas of industry. The bioreactor doesn't have any analogies in the world practice. Its application allows to discontinue the use of oil as the basis for production of gasoline and to replace other energy producing media.

Abstract: The method according to the invention concerns an anaerobic conversion of biomass into biogas in separated processes of hydrolysis and methane fermentation of biomass by means of methane mesophile, thermophile and psychrophile bacteria, contained in returned reflux. Cleaned biogas undergoes decomposition into methane and carbon dioxide. From part of methane and biogas standard gas fuel is produced, used for the engine of a current generating unit and a thermoregenerative cell generating electrical energy and heat. The system according to the invention consists of a system of preparation of biomass (1) connected to a hydrolyser (2) and then to a series system of fermentation tanks and a composter (1), which co-operates with a system of returning and enriching reflux (4). A tank for raw biogas (5) is connected to a system for cleaning biogas (6) and then to a tank for cleaned biogas (7) connected to a system of biogas decomposition (8) and a gas mixer (11).

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for anaerobic digestion of high-solids waste are provided. The methods may include and the apparatuses may be used for moving the solid waste in a corkscrew-like fashion through a closed container. The method may further include moving the high-solids waste into contact with a heating device to facilitate the corkscrew-like movement. Other methods and apparatuses may use at least one of a partition and a conduit from which liquid or gas is discharged.

Abstract: A method for deodorizing a storage tank having mercaptan residue disposed therein includes the steps of delivering a cleaning material to the storage tank, and absorbing the mercaptan residue from the walls of the tank into the cleaning material. The cleaning material having absorbed the mercaptan is transferred to a recovery vessel. The mercaptan is continuously sparged from the cleaning material with natural gas for continuously and repeated using the cleaning material.