Abstract: Foam in a fermentation process is subjected to a centrifugal action causing a three layer separation. The three layers (gas, cell depleted liquid and cell rich liquid) are in contact with each other inside of the fermentation vessel.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump adapted for use in a fermentor is provided. The fermentor includes an outer vessel which has mounted therein a generally centrally located draft tube. A centrifugal pump is mounted adjacent to one end of the draft tube and is operably connected to a motor for rotation thereby. The centrifugal pump includes a plurality of vanes radiating outwardly from a region adjacent the center of rotation and cover members positioned on opposite sides of the vanes. The vanes and the cover members cooperate and define flow paths through which medium can be induced to flow due to the centrifugal forces created during rotation of the vanes. The vanes have a distance between respective side boundaries thereof which is less at a position inwardly of the outer disposed end of the vanes than at the outer disposed ends of the vanes.

Abstract: A single cell protein plant is operated to produce high density cell growth and a substantially pure stream of generally high pressure carbon dioxide for further use, for example, in enhanced oil recovery operations. The plant employs an air separator producing substantially pure streams of oxygen and nitrogen. The oxygen stream is used to enrich a carrier fluid and used for aeration of the fermenter. The off-gases from the fermenter are separated into a generally high pressure, substantially pure carbon dioxide stream which can be used for enhanced oil recovery and a residual recycle stream to which oxygen is again added and which is returned to the fermenter. The single cell protein is dried and further processed as required for human or animal consumption.

Abstract: A process for the production of microbial cells by fermenting a carbonaceous material in a foam fermenter containing an oxygen-enriched nutrient medium. The process uses a source of carbon which is assimilable by the microorganism for the production of the microbial cells. The microbial cells are separated and removed from the foam fermenter for use as a food product high in protein content. .Iadd.

Abstract: Single cell protein (SCP) and other fermentation products are produced by aerobic fermentation processes at relatively high temperature conditions employing oxygenated hydrocarbon compounds, such as methanol, as carbon and energy source material, and employing certain unique species Bacillus NRRL B-8066 or NRRL B-8065 as microbial conversion agent, preferably in foam-filled fermentation means.