Abstract: A continuous fermentation device for receiving a suspension culture of cells includes a fermentation vessel having inlet means to deliver suspension culture medium; baffle means defining, in combination with interior walls of said vessel, a downcomer and a riser; pump means for forcing a suspension culture to circulate in the riser and downcomer; a portion of said baffle means further defining a static settling zone disposed within said vessel, wherein said zone is surrounded by at least one of said riser and said downcomer, said zone having a bottom opening communicating with at least one of said riser and downcomer, and a top opening connected to outlet means to draw off culture supernatant, and wherein said zone provides for cells to settle out in its bottom so as to result in a cell concentration lower in the supernatant than in the suspension. The device may be employed in a method for the suspension culture of cells by culturing cells therein.