Abstract: A process for improved methane production by anaerobic digestion of aquatic plant material at least a portion or all of which has been grown in organically polluted water. Mixtures of aquatic plant material one portion of which has been grown in non-polluted and a second portion comprising over about 10 weight percent which has been grown in organically polluted water may be used to result in a synergistic yield of methane. The liquid effluent from the digester may be advantageously returned to the aquatic plant growing pond to maintain the desired organic pollution. The process provides for improved methane production from aquatic plant material which is, by itself, recalcitrant to anaerobic digestion.

Abstract: A self-contained system is provided for producing an oxygen-free environment for anaerobiosis and culturing wherein the system possesses the ability to provide and maintain the oxygen-free environment, even after the opening and closing of the sealed container therefore several times. The system includes a metallic couple, preferably copper-magnesium, which reacts with water to induce and maintain the oxygen-free environment. The degree of addition of water to the system controls the rate of reduction of the environment. The system possesses a dual oxygen scavenging function by the controlled addition of water. That is, if a small amount of moisture is added to the system couple of the invention, hydrogen is liberated, which causes a drying in the system simultaneously with a reaction of a portion of the couple to gradually scavenge oxygen from the environment, simultaneously with the liberation of hydrogen.

Abstract: Anaerobic fermentation of substrates with microorganisms is carried out by a process and with an apparatus wherein fermentation is conducted in a container having an upper cylindrical section, a lower conical section, and between the upper and lower sections an apertured bottom wall containing a plurality of openings. During fermentation, the substrate and microorganisms are recirculated from an outlet in the upper cylindrical section to an inlet in the lower conical section and upward in the container through the openings in the apertured bottom wall at sufficient fluid velocity to agitate the substrate and microorganisms therein and prevent settling of the microorganisms in the container. The apertured bottom wall serves as the sole means of agitation, and the use of this process and apparatus enables a significant reduction in the usual fermentation period.

Abstract: Ethanol (C.sub.2 H.sub.5 OH) is produced efficiently by employing a drive-through pit in which carbohydrate-containing material is fermented by hydrolyzing agents such as enzymes. The configuration and depth of the pit are such as to permit conventional farm vehicles to have ready access to the pit, thereby enabling the pit to be loaded and unloaded conveniently. The pit is insulated on its sides and bottom and is closed at the top by a heat-insulating cover. The pit is heated to assist the fermentation process. After several days of heating, the pit is drained through a sediment trap and the filtered pit drainage is separated into concentrated ethanol and a mixture of water and enzymes. The solid residue left in the pit is removed for use as feed or fertilizer. The separated water and hydrolyzing agents are stored in a reservoir for subsequent flooding of the pit when a new quantity of carbohydrate-containing material is added to the pit.

Abstract: A system for and method of recovering methane gas from liquid waste which is stored within a pit is disclosed herein. The methane gas is produced by causing the liquid waste to undergo anaerobic fermentation. Therefore, it is necessary to close the pit in an air tight fashion. This is carried out using a cover sheet which is fixedly disposed over the pit in an air tight but readily disengagable fashion. The liquid waste within this air tight pit is preferably agitated intermittently during its storage therein whereby to increase the amount of methane gas produced.

Abstract: A digestor includes a tank and an inverted dish-shaped cover, the lower end of which extends into sludge contained within the tank. The cover is ballasted by a number of ballast members which resemble tubs and which are integrally formed of concrete. Each ballast member is mounted with its cavity facing upwardly so that the ballast cavities automatically fill with sludge upon start-up of the digestor. When partially surfaced above the sludge, the predetermined total weight of sludge in the ballast members causes a substantial increase in the pressure exerted by the cover on the contained gas than would be exerted by the cover and unfilled ballast members.

Abstract: Methane is produced by fermentation of organic material, wherein the organic material is finely ground to an average particle size of less than 3 mm, mixed with a seed sludge containing bacteria which decomposes the organic material to methane, and the mixture maintained at a temperature which promotes the decomposition of the organic material to methane by the bacteria.

Abstract: Derivatives of the newly discovered microorganism Thermoanaerobacter ethanolicus which under anaerobic and thermophilic conditions continuously ferment substrates such as starch, cellobiose, glucose, xylose and other sugars to produce recoverable amounts of ethanol solving the problem of fermentations yielding low concentrations of ethanol using the parent strain of the microorganism Thermoanaerobacter ethanolicus are disclosed. These new derivatives are ethanol tolerant up to 10% (v/v) ethanol during fermentation. The process includes the use of an aqueous fermentation medium, containing the substrate at a substrate concentration greater than 1% (w/v).

Abstract: A gas generating package includes gas producing material present at a stoichiometric amount such that when contacted with water hydrogen is generated at a level sufficient to combine with a portion of the oxygen present in a closed container into which the package is placed. A catalyst for the hydrogen-oxygen reaction is provided exterior of the package. The package also includes a wick treated to permit introduction of water to the gas producing material at a predetermined level and rate.

Abstract: A method of extracting protein from green crops such as leaves, grasses, legumes, stems of green plants and tree leaves is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of subjecting the green crops to a pulping action in an acid solution recirculated from a subsequent anaerobic fermentation step to produce a pulp comprising a protein-rich liquid and fibrous material. The protein-rich liquid in the pulp is separated from the fibrous material. The protein is separated from the protein-rich liquid by anaerobic fermentation in an acidic solution thereby providing a concentrated protein fraction suitable for preservation and an acidic solution at least a portion of which is recycled to insure further removal of protein from the fibrous material.

Abstract: An improved method suitable for extracting glucose from green crops, such as leaves, grasses, legumes, stems of green plants and tree leaves. The method comprises the steps of subjecting the green crops to a pulping action in an organic acid solution recirculated from a subsequent fermentation separation step to produce a pulp comprising a protein-rich liquid and fibrous material, separating protein-rich liquid in the pulp from the fibrous material and separating protein from the protein-rich liquid by initiating anaerobic fermentation in an acidic solution thereby providing a concentrated protein fraction suitable for preservation and an acidic solution. At least a portion of the acidic solution is recycled to the separation step, the recycling of the solution being provided for purposes of washing the fibrous material to remove residual protein therefrom.

Abstract: Production of methane from a substrate comprising an organic material, by way of example in a process by means of a culture of anaerobic and preferably thermophile microorganisms, which in a processing chamber (8) is brought into contact with the organic material and in which the generated gas is collected. The substrate is introduced into an ante-chamber (7) for pretreatment which is provided with a heating device (28) with the substrate heated in the ante-chamber to at least the temperature that it is intended to have during the process or preferably to a higher temperature, whereafter it is transported to said processing chamber (8) to be brought into contact with the culture of microorganisms.

Abstract: A device for culturing microorganisms includes a vessel having a mouth for containing a culture medium and a stopper member for hermetically sealing the vessel. The stopper member is provided with a through hole on its peripheral wall for communicating with the inner atmosphere of said vessel.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating methane from degradable organic material, the apparatus consisting of a tank containing the material in a liquid slurry and gas collector slidably mounted in its upper portion, the gas collector having rods which extend downwardly through a slotted retainer into the organic material for agitating the organic material within the liquid slurry.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating anaerobic atmosphere is described wherein a liquid and a composition which can react with such liquid to produce a reducing gas are placed in adjacent receptacles each sealed by a rupturable film. A rupturing means can then be inserted through the rupturable films to enable the liquid and composition to come into reactive contact and generate the desired gases. A catalyst is located in an adjacent receptacle which communicates with the surrounding atmosphere to catalyze the reaction between the reducing gas and oxygen to thus remove oxygen from the surrounding atmosphere.

Abstract: An improved anaerobic digestor system for producing methane gas from waste biomass includes closed provisions for continuously feeding the biomass for system digestion, for continuously advancing and stirring the biomass while in the system through a continuum of stages, for continuously collecting gases produced and for continuously expelling spent biomass from the system for use as fertilizer; a second embodiment provides a longer path in a plurality of parallel short length troughs cast in one piece, each trough of which has a corresponding plurality of hemi-cylindrical covers and of end pieces with "U" shaped connections between ends of the tanks so-formed.

Abstract: A process for improved methane production resulting in higher yield and higher production rates by anaerobic digestion of a mixture of plant material and organic waste. The process is suitable for production of synthetic natural gas and through anaerobic digestion of a mixture of plant material and organic waste allows better matching of organic waste and plant material feed supplies for year round operation. The process of this invention results in digester effluent which is easily dewatered and has a low concentration of soluble organics, providing easy disposal and recycling to the digester. The process of this invention may be used for methane production from plant material which is, by itself, recalcitrant to anaerobic digestion.

Abstract: A process for production of methane gas in higher yields and higher rates by thermophilic or mesophilic anaerobic digestion of plant material and/or organic waste in admixture with an extract of different plant material. Increases of methane yield of greater than about 25% and up to about 500% are obtained by addition of the extract of different plant material to a normally low biodegradable plant and/or organic waste material before anaerobic digestion thereof. The resulting methane yields and production rates are higher than those obtained by the sum from anaerobic digestion of the individual components when using the extract as taught by this invention.

Abstract: A container for growing anaerobic microorganisms having a cone-shaped dish and matching cone-shaped cover that define between them a prescribed volume. An overflow trough surrounds the dish, and the peripheries of the dish and cover seal together by excess agar medium carrying the organisms squeezed from the volume as the cover is applied to the dish. The colonies of organisms can be viewed either through the dish or cover because each is transparent.

Abstract: A mixed culture system of the newly discovered microorganism Thermoanaerobacter ethanolicus ATCC31550 and the microorganism Clostridium thermocellum ATCC31549 is described. In a mixed nutrient culture medium that contains cellulose, these microorganisms have been coupled and cultivated to efficiently ferment cellulose to produce recoverable quantities of ethanol under anaerobic, thermophilic conditions.

Abstract: A newly discovered thermophilic anaerobe is described that was isolated in a biologically pure culture and designated Thermoanaerobacter ethanolicus ATCC 3/550. T. Ethanolicus is cultured in aqueous nutrient medium under anaerobic, thermophilic conditions and is used in a novel process for producing ethanol by subjecting carbohydrates, particularly the saccharides, to fermentation action of the new microorganism in a biologically pure culture.

Abstract: Safety catalyst systems and their use in chemical reactions carried out in the gas phase, wherein the safety catalyst system comprises pelleted catalyst held loose in and throughout the holes and folds of a folded or rolled up metal foil net which is inside a container having holes for the inflow and outflow of gases. The safety catalyst system of the invention does not allow the formation of localized hot-spots or allow free catalyst dust to escape from the system, both of which are known disadvantages of prior art systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for digesting garbage or garbage contained wastes, particularly to a microbiological treatment which facilitates the treatment with high efficiency and economics, for the recovery of methane gas, first, by effecting an alcohol fermentation treatment by alcohol fermentative yeasts which can directly convert starch into ethanol without a starch hydrolysis pretreatment in the slurry state, followed by a direct methanization by methane bacteria of the fermented product containing ethanol, without effecting sterilization treatment of garbage or garbage contained wastes.

Abstract: A gas generating package includes tablets or other material, which when contacted with water generates both hydrogen and carbon dioxide. A catalyst for the hydrogen-oxygen reaction is applied to the exterior of the package, with the exterior of the package preferably also having applied thereto carbon dioxide and anaerobic indicators. In this manner fresh material is employed during each run requiring an anaerobic atmosphere.

Abstract: A process for obtaining lower carboxylic acids from aqueous lower carboxylic acid salts, such as obtained from a fermenter. The process involves converting the lower carboxylic acid salt to the corresponding acid with carbon dioxide, extracting the thus formed acid with a solvent and using the thus formed bicarbonate salt to buffer the fermenter.

Abstract: Organic wastes, such as animal manure, are fed into an elongated digester tank at one end thereof in slurry form. The slurry slowly moves to the other end of the tank for subsequent disposal. During the residence time in the tank decomposition of the waste occurs yielding methane gas and carbon dioxide. A cover over the digester collects the gas generated. A heat exchange arrangement causes transverse stirring of the slurry as it passes through the tank enhancing the decomposition process. Scum suppressors on the surface of the slurry prevent interference with the formation and release of the methane gas. The settling of solids is controlled by the use of gas jets disposed along the bottom of the tank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for providing petri dishes of a culture medium in an oxygen-free manner. Empty petri dishes are supplied to a dispensing glove box chamber providing isolation from the ambient atmosphere, by communicably connecting to such dispensing chamber, another glove box chamber providing isolation from the ambient atmosphere containing the empty dishes. The dishes are sequentially transferred to the dispensing chamber where they are filled with autoclaved culture medium. The filled dishes are transferred to a third chamber (also communicably connected to the dispensing chamber) within which the culture medium can solidify. Once the third chamber is filled with dishes having culture medium it is disconnected from the dispensing chamber and replaced with a fourth chamber having a new batch of unfilled petri dishes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the recovery of gas evolved from fermentation is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a vessel containing the fermentation material, and a head slidably mounted on the vessel forming a substantially gas tight chamber therewith. Mounted on the head are a series of projections of various shapes which extend into the chamber. As the fermentation proceeds, the generation of gas causes the head to rise. When it has risen a sufficient amount, a gas outlet valve is opened and the gas is introduced into a collector. The reduction in gas pressure causes the head to drop. The movement of the head causes the projections to break through the scum layer at the surface of the fermentation broth, thereby enhancing the reaction. In a preferred form of the device, the projections are so formed as to urge the scum towards the discharge means, thereby breaking and removing the scum without the use of any additional energy. A method for using the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and a process for producing methane gas by anaerobic digestion of feed materials containing suitable organic materials. The system includes a plurality of digestion modules arranged primarily in series. Each digestion module is positioned with its slurry inlet port at a slightly lower elevation than the slurry outlet port of the preceding digestion module. The number of digestion modules is dependent upon the particular feed material to be digested. Each digestion module can be sampled and controlled independently. The process includes grinding and pulping the feed material, mixing the feed material with a liquid to prepare a slurry, charging the initial digestion module with slurry and transferring the digesting slurry to the next successive digestion module and subsequently to each successive digestion module after predetermined time periods until the digestion process has been completed. The liquid is separated from the digested slurry for recycle through the system.

Abstract: A compact vertical array of concentrically stacked and interfaced anaerobic digestion modules which comprise an anaerobic digestion sub-system. Each individual digestion module is an open-ended reaction vessel having an external flange on each end. Each pair of adjacent reaction vessels has a suitably sloped plate positioned at their interface and fastened to the bottom flange of the upper vessel and the top flange of the lower vessel. In this manner, each plate creates two individual digestion modules by serving as a bottom for the reaction vessel immediately above it and as a top for the reaction vessel immediately below it. Suitable openings are provided between adjacent digestion modules for transfer of digesting slurry from the module above to the module below. Each such opening is provided with a suitable valve for closing the opening during normal anaerobic digestion operations.

Abstract: While transferring a portion of a microbiological culture medium from one receptacle to another by means of a needle disposed on a base, a flow of gas is directed from the base towards the needle to form a protective gaseous environment around the transferred culture medium portion.

Abstract: Base medium for the constitution of culture media for microorganisms.It has a sufficient viscosity for strict aerobic microorganisms, even mobile, to be able to develop only at the surface or close to the latter, this viscosity however not exceeding that which would result in too great a decrease in fluidity, preventing sedimentation of microorganisms in this medium, under the effect of gravity.Application to the characterization or to the identification of microorganisms.

Abstract: A device for providing a non-toxic atmosphere for use in culturing anaerobic micro-organisms comprising: a closed envelope of inert material having a frangible portion which may be ruptured to allow the ingress of liquid; within the envelope a closed sachet, one part of which is formed of a gas- and liquid-permeable membrane; and material disposed within the sachet adjacent to the membrane for reacting with a liquid to generate the desired gaseous atmosphere.