Abstract: A fermentation apparatus for use with liquid substrates comprises a housing having arranged therein a shaft of an agitation means provided with stirrers. Arranged in the interior of the housing are two groups of elements intended for the cultivation of layers of microorganisms thereon, the elements acting to expand the useful interior area of the apparatus, the two groups being adapted to form a gap therebetween. At least one group of the elements is adapted to be moved relative to another group to thereby control the thickness of the layer of the microorganisms being cultivated in said gap during the movement.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilization of fermentation objects by steam comprises a sterilization vessel with a heater, a heat exchanger and an inlet pipe. The apparatus further comprises a buffer vessel communicating with the sterilization vessel via lines including valves. The buffer vessel is provided with its own heater. The apparatus also comprises two gas filters mounted on the heater of the sterilization vessel and interconnected in series through a steam flow rate regulator, one of the filters being connected to the buffer vessel, and the other filter being connected to a pipe adatped to communicate with the fermenter.