Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, microorganisms are controlled in a body of fluid, particularly an aqueous fluid containing such microorganisms, by burning a hydrogen-containing fuel in the presence of an oxidizing agent under conditions sufficient to produce partial oxidation products, containing significant amounts of at least one compound capable of controlling microorganisms, such as hydrogen peroxide and aldehydes controlling the burning step to prevent significant decomposition of the thus produced partial oxidation products and the formation of products of complete combustion therefrom by controlling the burning step by selecting at least one of the type of hydrogen-containing fuel, the fuel/oxidizing agent equivalence ratio, the temperature, the pressure and the residence time, preferrably the residence time by introducing a quench medium, particularly water, into the partial oxidation products, to produce an effluent containing said partial oxidation products containing including at least on

Abstract: Apparatus for carrying out a sparged reaction, including one or a plurality of vertically-disposed reaction tubes, means for introducing a sparging gas under pressure into the bottom of the tube, means for separating and withdrawing the sparging gas from the top of the tube and means for passing the separated sparging gas in indirect heat exchange with at least part of the outside surface of the tube. The apparatus is particularly suitable for carrying out an exothermic reaction, such as a fermentation reaction for the production of single cell protein, in which the bottom of a plurality of reaction tubes are disposed in a water bath, the withdrawn sparging gas is sprayed across the tops of the tubes, preferably after reducing the pressure to cool the same, and water is withdrawn from the bath and passed downwardly along the outside of the tubes.

Abstract: Basic nitrogen-containing compounds are removed from mineral oil, such as shale oil, by extraction with an immiscible aqueous phase containing an acid gas such as carbon dioxide. Effectiveness of the separation is proportional to the partial pressure of the gas. In one embodiment, a waste gas stream is used as the CO.sub.2 -containing gas.

Abstract: A stable polysaccharide gelled acid is produced by heating a polysaccharide solution which has not previously been heated at temperatures in excess of about 60.degree. F. at a temperature of from about 60.degree. C. up to the boiling point of the polysaccharide solution for about 5 minutes to 120 minutes and subsequently adding acid. Preferably, the polysaccharide solution when heated contains a phenol or aldehyde.

Abstract: Residual polymeric material from a post-secondary oil recovery operation is consumed by microorganisms injected into the oil-bearing reservoir. The resulting metabolic products, including surfactant-acting substances, enhance additional oil production from the reservoir.

Abstract: A post-primary oil recovery process is provided in which carbon dioxide-tolerating microorganisms are injected into an oil-bearing subterranean formation and feed on nutrients which are extracted from the oil by carbon dioxide injected and maintained under a pressure of at least about 500 psig. The products of microorganism growth enhance petroleum recovery from the formation.

Abstract: There is disclosed disposal of effluent from a low cell density fermentation process by using such effluent as at least a portion of the feed material to a high cell density fermentation process. A stream containing microbial cells from the high cell density fermentation process is subjected to direct drying.

Abstract: Removal of ambient oxygen from aqueous liquids is effectively catalyzed by enzymatic deoxygenation systems comprising alcohol oxidase in the presence of alcohol optionally with catalase. Suitable deoxygenation systems described can be used to alleviate corrosion and oxidative degradation in areas such as oil field fluids, circulating water systems, water storage tanks, alcoholic beverages and foodstuffs. As desired, the enzymatic systems can be immobilized on supports or used in solution.

Abstract: The separation of a first cellular product comprising relatively small cells from a first liquid by centrifugal separation is facilitated by addition to the first liquid of a second cellular material comprising relatively larger cells.

Abstract: An organism rich fluid is withdrawn from a foam fermenting apparatus by collecting and withdrawing the fluid from the foam breaker. In another embodiment the fluid from the foam breaker inside of the fermenter is subjected to a liquid/solid centrifugal action and an organism rich fluid stream as well as an organism depleted fluid stream is recovered.

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: An organism rich fluid is withdrawn from a foam fermenting apparatus by collecting and withdrawing the fluid from the foam breaker. In another embodiment the fluid from the foam breaker inside of the fermentor is subjected to a liquid/solid centrifugal action and an organism rich fluid stream as well as an organism depleted fluid stream is recovered.

Abstract: Single cell protein (SCP) and other fermentation products are produced by aerobic fermentation processes at relatively high fermentation temperature conditions employing oxygenated hydrocarbon compounds, such as an alcohol, as carbon and energy source material, and employing a unique thermophilic mixed culture of bacteria NRRL B-8158 as microbial conversion agent.

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: During the aerobic fermentation process, when it is desired to kill the microorganism, a growth essential material such as the carbon source or the oxygen source is interrupted for a period of time sufficient to lower the concentration of the material to a level at which the microorganism substantially ceases to propagate. After this concentration has been reached, flow of the material is then rapidly reestablished in a quantity so that the concentration of the material in the fermentation medium is such that the microorganism will generate a toxic amount of formaldehyde and thereby kill the microorganism.

Abstract: A process for preparing protein which employs an integrated system comprising a fermentation facility, air-separation means, ammonia production means and methanol production means. Microbial cellular material from the fermentor can be employed in feed formulations such that liquid and solid waste disposal in the process is minimal.

Abstract: Natural gas is subjected to partial oxidation with the hot effluent from the oxidation injected into an underground formation to provide hot contact fluid, solvent liquids, and drive force for recovering oil from the formation. In one embodiment liquid product, including methanol, is recovered from the hot oxidation effluent before injection of the effluent into the underground formation.

Abstract: Cellular protein products are recovered from microbiologically produced masses by incorporation therewith of a protein material suitable as a food which acts as a flocculant.

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.