Abstract: Multiphase contacting between gas, solid and liquid phases is effected using a novel apparatus comprising a cylindrical vessel, a draft tube, a conical bottom and a gas-sparger system. Mild and uniform mixing is achieved within the novel apparatus while stagnant zones and zones of high shear within the vessel are eliminated. Gas-liquid mass transfer is achieved at rates comparable to conventional high-shear mechanically-stirred devices while the efficiency of liquid mixing in the vessel is better than conventional low-shear pneumatically-stirred devices. The apparatus is preferably used in fermentation processes.

Abstract: Agricultural waste material, including animal manure and crop wastes, are converted into proteinaceous animal feed products by a fermentation process using the fungus, Chaetomium cellulolyticum.

Abstract: An industrial cellulosic pulp material, such as wood pulp and paper stock, pulp sludges resulting from the manufacture of paper, coffee and sugar and starch-rich cellulosic materials, such as, bananas and root crops, is converted into a protein-enriched producing having significant amounts of microbial biomass in the form of the fungus, Chaetomium cellulolyticum.

Abstract: Cereal grain straws are converted into protein-enriched products having significnt amounts of microbial biomass in the form of the fungus, Chaetomium cellulolyticum.

Abstract: An industrial cellulosic pulp material, such as wood pulp and paper stock, pulp sludges resulting from the manufacture of paper, coffee and sugar and starch-rich cellulosic materials, such as, bananas and root crops, is converted into a protein-enriched product having significant amounts of microbial biomass in the form of the fungus, Chaetomium cellulolyticum.