Abstract: Provided herein are methods and system for the production of biogas, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency classified Class A Biosolids, and pathogen reduced organic liquid fertilizer. Through the digestion of waste materials using sequential phases in an efficient digestion process, enhanced biomass conversion efficiency and improved output of products (in quantity and/or quality) are obtained with a significant reduction in dwell time in each phase.

Abstract: A system for making biofuels comprising methane, ethanol, and biodiesel comprises a tank (100) with a sealable lid (120). An algae mass (105), water, and either a yeast or bacterial culture (106) is added to the tank. Under high temperature conditions, sour (CO2-containing) methane is produced and stored in a container (130). Under lower temperature conditions, ethanol and CO2 are produced. Heated or cooled water passed through a water jacket (160) that surrounds the tank maintains the proper temperature within the tank. The CO2 is stored in a second container (270). The sour methane and the CO2 are optionally passed through a scrubber. Scrubbed methane is suitable for use as a fuel and drives a generator (275) that supplies power to various parts of the system. Carbon credits will be available for CO2 that is trapped in the scrubber. A still (185) separates ethanol and water for later use. Biodiesel can also be made in the apparatus by first making ethanol, then employing a transesterification process.

Abstract: The present discloses a method and a device for biogenic waste, or bio-waste treatment, and said method is as follows: Firstly, the biogenic waste is evenly mixed with water vapor, or steam, heating and pressurizing so that the temperature reaches 130-190° C. and the pressure reaches 1.5-1.9 MPa after mixture, and this state is maintained for 1-25 minutes; Then, the pressure of the mixture of said biogenic waste and water vapor is reduced to normal pressure, such as atmospheric pressure so as to conduct low-molecularization, such as decreasing or reduction of molecular weight of the biogenic waste to obtain a low-molecularized mixture, such as a low molecular weight mixture; finally, the low-molecularized mixture, such as low-molecular weight mixture is separated so as to obtain the final products. Said device includes reaction vessel, stirring device, vapor input device, pressure-reducing regulator and separation device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for preventing or minimizing the death of algae in algae growth systems in the event of a loss of power comprise automated selective alteration of operating parameters of the growth system to minimize the impact of the loss of power.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to processes and business methods and wastewater treatment units for converting the waterborne residuals from wastewater generated by food processing plants into an ingredient suitable for use in animal feeds. The ingredient produced by the processes of the present invention has a high protein content and can be used as a replacement for conventional sources of animal feed protein such as fish meal.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for the anaerobic purification of waste water in an anaerobic reactor, said process comprising burning the biogas produced in the purification, in a gas-burner, using the hot gases obtained thereby for indirect heating of water in a hot water boiler, which boiler is connected with the reactor by means of a line between the gas head of the boiler and a compartment through which the waste water flows, such as a conditioning tank or the anaerobic reactor, which line ends underneath the water level in the said compartment at such a level that a pressure of between 0.25 and 3 m of water column is maintained in the gas head of the boiler, in which boiler steam is generated which enters the said compartment through the said line and heats the waste water, and wherein the said boiler is further provided with a valve to let off steam in case the amount of biogas is in excess of the amount needed to heat the waste water.

Abstract: A lagoon of effluent is established, comprising a set of sub-portions at different levels in the lagoon associated with a corresponding set of concentrations of dissolved oxygen, each sub-portion of the lagoon having a different concentration of dissolved oxygen. An incubator comprising a set of sub-portions associated with said set of concentrations of dissolved oxygen is established, each sub-portion of the incubator having a different concentration of dissolved oxygen. A volume of effluent from each sub-portion of the lagoon is transmitted to a corresponding sub-portion of an incubator having a substantially similar concentration of dissolved oxygen as said sub-portion of the lagoon. A first remediated volume of effluent is generated in said corresponding sub-portion of the incubator responsive to proliferating a first microorganism which uses a first compound in said volume of effluent as substrate for growth, the first microorganism enabling a first chemical reaction which alters the first compound.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a process for exothermal treatment and recovery of masses comprising: urban solid waste (USW—), including differentiated and non-differentiated damp waste and non-differentiated waste of vegetable origin; sludge generated by industrial and non-industrial water treatment; solid, semi-solid, pasty residue and/or sludge residue coming from industrial, agricultural and food-processing operations; soils and inert materials contaminated by organic matrices; solid, semi-solid, pasty residue and/or sludge residue of hydrocarbon compounds, including asphalt and organic-chemical compounds; contaminating animal excrements, such as those of poultry and/or swine. In particular, said process envisages the use of an exothermal reaction produced by mixing the mass to be treated with a mixture of calcium oxides (CaO) and/or calcium hydroxides Ca(OH)2, in the presence of an inert catalyst moistened with water, in the absence of oxygen using the charcoal-pile technique.

Abstract: Compositions, methods and apparatus for the production of methane gas from poultry litter are provided. Particular features are selection of methanogens, well stirring of the digester, and control of critical parameters of digester temperature, pH, and solids content resulting in enhanced methane production and reduced nitrogen compositions. A benefit of the invention is the capability to maintain a closed system without waste by-products.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating wastewater are provided. The method for treating wastewater includes: a pre-treatment step of removing impurities contained in high concentration wastewater and crushing the impurities using a crusher; a first aerobic treatment step of supplying wastewater containing organic acids to a first aerobic tank and injecting air to the first aerobic tank to be aerobically treated; an anaerobic treatment step of supplying the wastewater, from which excess organic acids are removed by the aerobic treatment, to an anaerobic tank to be anaerobically treated; a degassing step of supplying the wastewater treated in the aerobic and anaerobic treatment steps to a degassing tank to remove air and gas; and a post-treatment step of precipitating the wastewater aerobically treated using a solid-liquid separation tank, a pressure floatation tank or a precipitation tank.

Abstract: A process for the stabilization and disinfection of sludge wherein a) raw sludge having a dry matter content of from 3 to 7% by weight is fed continuously or quasi-continuously into a first stage, where it remains for an average retention time of three to ten days under aerobic-thermophilic conditions to obtain a partially stabilized sludge; and b) the partially stabilized sludge is fed into a second stage in which disinfection of the partially stabilized sludge is effected at temperatures of at least 50° C., wherein prior to discharging, there is no charging until the partially stabilized sludge has been disinfected.

Abstract: This invention is a new and useful method for controlling the temperature and biodegradation rate of an anaerobic or aerobic landfill or other enclosed or partially enclosed waste mass. The heat generated by a waste mass is carried away by air and moisture within the air resulting from evaporation of liquid within the waste mass as air passes through the waste mass. With the invention, the resulting exhaust gases are passed through a system acting as a heat exchanger and an exhaust gas director.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for processing organic material, the method employing at least two reactors and including the steps of combining carbon dioxide or carbon-dioxide containing gas and ammonia or ammonia-containing material in a first reactor to form a buffer compound/buffer compounds, then feeding the buffer compound or buffer compounds formed in the first reactor into a second reactor, and performing bioconversion on organic material in the second reactor. In that case, the carbon dioxide of the mixed carbon dioxide gas reacts with the ammonia, forming a buffer compound, such as ammonium bicarbonate and/or ammonium carbonate.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method for heat treatment of a biomass includes allowing biomass in a pretreatment reactor to undergo a pre-treatment reaction process. The pre-treatment reaction process yields pretreated biomass along with soluble components. A first liquid having a first temperature is transported into the pretreatment reactor and the pretreated biomass elevates the first temperature to a second temperature. At least a port of the soluble components are captured in the first liquid, and the at least a portion of the soluble components in the first liquid and the first liquid are removed from the pretreatment reactor. A second liquid having a third temperature is transported into the pretreatment reactor and the pretreated biomass elevates the third temperature to a fourth temperature, the fourth temperature being less than second temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for the wet-mechanical treatment of a substance mixture, particularly of refuse of all types, comprised of inert substances, water and of organic substances having a water-soluble and bioconvertible portion, whereby water is used as a solvent, washing agent and separating agent.

Abstract: A process for the stabilization and disinfection of sludge wherein a) raw sludge having a dry matter content of from 3 to 7% by weight is fed continuously or quasi-continuously into a first stage, where it remains for an average retention time of three to ten days under aerobic-thermophilic conditions to obtain a partially stabilized sludge; and b) the partially stabilized sludge is fed into a second stage in which disinfection of the partially stabilized sludge is effected at temperatures of at least 50° C., wherein prior to discharging, there is no charging until the partially stabilized sludge has been disinfected.

Abstract: An aquaculture or wastewater effluent water quality device to improve water quality and food supply in an aquaculture pond or body of water by incubating beneficial microbes in a temperature controlled environment and systematically releasing them to the surrounding water, allowing the beneficial microbes to perform sanitation functions and to help such systems or water bodies overcome the natural production of harmful microbial species without substantially heating or cooling the entire system any more than is required by the present state of the system or body of water or the inhabitants thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the aerobic-thermophilic stabilization and decontamination of sludge, in which a) raw sludge having a dry substance concentration of 3 to 7 percent by weight is fed to a first stage and remains there for an average dwell time of four to ten days at minimum temperatures of 42° C. while an oxygen-containing gas is added so as to obtain partially stabilized sludge, b) said partially stabilized sludge is fed to a second stage in which the same is further stabilized and decontaminated for an average dwell time that amounts to 30 to 70 percent of the average dwell time of the first stage at temperatures exceeding 500° C. while adding an oxygen-containing gas.

Abstract: The specification discloses a method for treating and digesting organic wastes in a wastewater stream. A first wastewater influent stream is mixed with an activated sludge biomass in an aerobic digestion zone, so that least a portion of the organic wastes in the first wastewater influent stream are digested by activated sludge biomass. The first wastewater influent stream is separated from the activated sludge biomass in a first separation zone to recover activated sludge biomass and to provide a wastewater effluent stream. The second wastewater influent stream is mixed with recovered activated sludge biomass from the aerobic digestion zone in a substantially anaerobic adsorption zone so that at least a portion of the organic wastes in the second wastewater influent stream are adsorbed by the activated sludge biomass.

Abstract: The invention relates to: a method of treating liquid waste (liquid agricultural or industrial effluents or aquatic sites) which is loaded or polluted with tributyl phosphate (TBP), modified bacterial strains which can be used in the aforementioned treatment method, a method for monitoring changes in TBP pollution, and the device which is used to perform said treatment method. According to the invention, the liquid waste-treatment or -purification method essentially comprises: steps (1) consisting in bringing said liquid waste into contact with at least one non-sulphur purple photosynthetic bacterial strain which is resistant to TBP and which is selected from the group containing Rhodopseudomonas palustris (Rp. palustris), Rhodospirillum rubrum (Rs. rubrum), Rhodobacter capsulatus (Rb. capsulatus) or Rhodobacter sphaeroides (Rb.

Abstract: A method is provided for maintaining a biomass disposed on a substrate in a bioreactor tank. The bioreactor tank has an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with a waste treatment system whereby an influent fluid may be selectively introduced through the inlet into the bioreactor tank for removal of waste material therefrom. This produces an effluent fluid which can be returned through the outlet to the waste treatment system. The method comprises processing a quantity of influent fluid through the bioreactor tank to produce a quantity of effluent fluid and removing the effluent fluid from the bioreactor tank through the outlet. The method further comprises isolating the bioreactor tank from the waste treatment system and establishing a set of dry cycle conditions in the bioreactor tank. The dry cycle conditions are selected to effect endogenous growth within at least a portion of the biomass whereby an average age of the at least a portion of the biomass may be tailored.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating particulate biodegradable organic waste includes a thermal hydrolysis reactor receiving the particulate biodegradable organic waste for performing thermal hydrolysis at a temperature of about 130° C. at a pressure at or above the saturated water vapor pressure of the organic waste to produce a slurry including solubilized organic material and residual solids. A pH adjustment means for adjusting the pH of the particulate biodegradable organic waste as necessary to provide an acidic pH of greater than about 3.15 before thermo hydrolysis of the particulate biodegradable organic waste is provided. Separating means receive the solubilized organic material and residual solids for separating solubilized organic material from the residual solids. An anaerobic reactor is configured to receive the solubilized organic material.

Abstract: An apparatus for the fixed-film anaerobic digestion of flushed livestock manure includes an enclosed digester tank (fixed or flexible roof), internal media for biofilm development, a biogas collection and flare system, various pumps, and hydraulic control systems. The preferred media has substantially vertically-oriented, uninterrupted channels to promote enhanced bacterial attachment and biofilm development. The immobilization of microbial biomass within the reactor as a biofilm allows effective treatment of the wastewater at ambient and higher temperatures, as well as reasonable hydraulic retention times. The composition and concentration of bacterial groups in the biofilm developed on the media in the fixed-film digester result in a significantly enhanced anaerobic degradation process. This novel fixed-film digester design expands the potential application of anaerobic digestion to dilute livestock waste with significant levels of suspended solids.

Abstract: An organic matter disposer is disclosed, including a tub, a drum rotatably provided in the tub so as to store organic matters therein, a stirrer provided in the drum so as to stir the organic matters, a driving device for rotating the drum and the stirrer, and a heating device for drying the organic matters.

Abstract: A controlled eutrophication system and process are disclosed. The system includes the combination of a partitioned aquaculture system in conjunction with an anaerobic digester. Wastewater containing pollutants, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, are fed to the partitioned aquaculture system. Algae within the system converts the pollutants into algal biomass. Fish populations, in turn, control the algal populations. The fish populations may then be periodically harvested for human or animal consumption. A polishing chamber is contained in the system in which aquatic organisms remove substantial amounts of the algae from batch fed additions of water. The water is then discharged to an external water source containing virtually no pollutants. In one embodiment, the biomass excreted by the aquatic organisms in the system are collected and fed to a digester.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for anaerobic digestion of high-solids waste are provided. The methods may include and the apparatuses may be used for moving the solid waste in a corkscrew-like fashion through a closed container. The method may further include moving the high-solids waste into contact with a heating device to facilitate the corkscrew-like movement. Other methods and apparatuses may use at least one of a partition and a conduit from which liquid or gas is discharged.

Abstract: Method for purification of process water, in particular coming from a kerosene desulfurization plant, and related plant, comprising the steps of neutralizing the process water, carrying out a washing of the process water by a solvent, and biologically treating the process water with bacteria apt to degrade pollutants.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises an anaerobic digester for receiving organic waste, an aerobic digester, and a feed pump for pumping effluent from the anaerobic digester to the aerobic digester. The digesters each comprise a reaction vessel and each reaction vessel has a spray nozzle at or adjacent to its apex for spraying an anti-foam liquid at the contents of the vessel. A method of treating organic waste is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention describes novel biological methods for efficiently reducing nitrate levels and otherwise conditioning aquarium water and water in similar environments.

Abstract: Novel methods and apparatuses are disclosed for the treatment of wastewater to reduce often associated offensive odors by promoting aerobic conditions through decreasing the amount of oxygen required to maintain aerobic cultures and/or aerobic biological activity in the wastewater. Also, the wastewater is screened or otherwise separated the wastewater to remove or concentrate the solids which are anaerobically digested. By concentrating the solids, a smaller digester can be used. The anaerobic digestion produces biogas that may be collected and used, or burned by a flare or oxidized by a semipermeable membrane to deodorize the biogas. The heat produced from the biogas may have a variety of uses, including raising the temperature of the anaerobic digester and the bacterial metabolism. The wastewater is also clarified to remove nitrogenous and organic carbon wastes.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of sewage sludge which comprises the step of applying to the sludge a biologically effective amount of a composition which contains a lignosulfonate and sludge digesting microbes, preferably from the genus bacillus. The method may be practiced in sewage treatment plants and also may be used for treatment and odor suppression in holding tanks and the like.

Abstract: A process for the production of hydrogen from anaerobically decomposed organic materials by applying an electric potential to the anaerobically decomposed organic materials, including landfill materials and sewage, to form hydrogen, and for decreasing the time required to treat these anaerobically decomposed organic materials. The organic materials decompose to volatile acids such as acetic acid, which may be hydrolyzed by electric current to form hydrogen. The process may be continuously run in sewage digestion tanks with the continuous feed of sewage, at landfill sites, or at any site having a supply of anaerobically decomposed or decomposable organic materials.

Abstract: Anaerobic digestion system and process in which a liquor containing a digestible biomass is processed a retort vessel at a thermophilic temperature and with a vacuum pressure at the surface of the liquor. A pressurized feedstock is introduced into the vessel so that the feedstock impacts upon the surface of the liquor in a manner which serves to break up any scum on the surface and produce a mixing of the liquor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bacterial strain of accession No MTCC 5097 useful for reducing the Total dissolved solids (TDS) levels from both raw as well as electrofloated tannery effluents, a process of preparing innoculum of the strain for reducing the Total dissolved solids (TDS) levels from both raw as well as electrofloated tannery effluents and an aerobic method of reducing Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) from Tannery effluents using the said strain.

Abstract: A denitrification system for denitrified wastewater or nitrified water treatment using a detergent or detergent-like compound comprising available carbon. The system comprises a plurality of interconnected tanks including a mixing tank which feeds detention tanks which in combination provide a detention time period for the effluent. A controller determines the amount of detergent dispensed into the mixing tank in accordance with the measured volume of effluent to be treated. The mixing tank comprises a heater for maintaining the nitrified effluent temperature above 50 degrees F. An optional line filter can be added to the output of the system for further reducing organic nitrogen concentration. An alternate embodiment comprises passing the final denitrified effluent through a pump chamber for pumping of the effluent to a sand filter capable of reducing bacterial populations.

Abstract: Disclosed is a septic heater system and method for preventing a freeze-up in a septic system. The heater system typically is used with a previously-installed septic system that includes a septic tank, drop boxes, connecting sewer pipe, a drainfield, and one or more vertical access/cleanout pipes which rise from one or more portions of the septic system to corresponding access ports at ground level. The heater system, which is adapted for connection to the access ports of one or more of the vertical access cleanout pipes, comprises a heater and fan system defining an output port for providing a flow of heated air at the heater output port. The heater output port is defined by a structure configured for coupling the output port to one or more of the access/cleanout pipes. The heater and fan system, when activated to provide the flow of heated air and when coupled to an access/cleanout pipe, prevents septic-system freeze-up by delivering the heated air down the access/cleanout pipe to the septic system.

Abstract: Both organic waste or wastewater and methane-generating bacteria are contained in organic waste or wastewater. When organic waste or wastewater containing these bacteria is cultured as a base material, the hydrogen produced by the hydrogen-generating bacteria is consumed by the methane-generating bacteria. The purpose of the invention is achieved by controlling the biophase with heat treatment so that the activity of hydrogen-generating bacteria having sporulation ability contained in the organic waste is maintained, while the hydrogen-consuming, methane-producing bacteria are decreased. Specifically, this invention provides a method of effectively generating hydrogen gas using hydrogen-generating bacteria by adjusting the treatment temperature to 68-95° C., and adjusting the treatment time and pH.

Abstract: A process of waste treatment which includes the following steps: (a) passing waste material comprising an insoluble component through an anaerobic bioreactor system including a plurality of bioreactors in series and maintaining said insoluble component as a suspension in the waste material, whereby the pH of the waste material is maintained below 4.9 for a period of at least 24 hours; b) aerating the waste material after step (a); and (c) removing the insoluble component from the waste material before or after step (b). The process also provides for successful treatment of greasetrap waste.

Abstract: The leach field of a septic type sewage system is heated by various means, to raise the temperature and increase biochemical activity in the influence zone of leach field conduits. The capacity for waste water treatment is thus increased or restored. Heating is achieved by alternative means, including by flowing hot air through the leach field conduit and into the influence zone, and by delivering heat directly to the influence zone by means of heat elements embedded in or near the influence zone. The temperature in the influence zone is raised by 1-5° F. or more, preferably to the range 50-100° F. A dedicated, non-dedicated or geothermal heat source may be used. Heat loss upwardly through the soil is inhibited by insulation on the soil surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating organic wastes material and a method for recycling as a liquid fertilizer is disclosed, in which the parasites and pathogens are all annihilated, and the treatment can be carried out at a relatively low cost. The aerobic thermophilic digestion bacteria are added into a closed treatment tank, and the tank accommodates an organic wastes slurry which includes animal manure, kitchen waste, sewage and the like. Then the treatment tank is aerated for promoting the proliferation of the aerobic thermophilic digestion bacteria. Thus, the organic wastes slurry is treated with a thermophilic fermentation. Then photo-tropic bacteria are added to convert the organic waste slurry into a liquid fertilizer. The slurry type organic waste are decomposed by utilizing the aerobic thermophilic digestion bacteria which stably flourishes at about 60° C. Then the decomposing is continued by utilizing the photo-tropic bacteria, thereby finally obtaining the product in the form of a liquid fertilizer.

Abstract: An anaerobic digester for digesting a slurry of organic waste comprising: a tank having an outer side wall and a lower inner wall, a first radiant heating floor between the outer wall and a first side of the inner wall forming a first chamber and a second radiant heating floor between the outer wall and a second and opposite side of the inner wall forming a second chamber, an inlet pipe for delivering the slurry to a lower portion of the first chamber and a outlet pipe for removing digested slurry from a lower portion of the second chamber, the slurry maintained at a depth that is greater than a height of the inner wall; and a gas collection chamber sealed to the tank along the length of the upper surface of the outer wall.

Abstract: A method for extracting contaminants and pollutants from an ecosystem. The method includes extracting from the ecosystem a quantity of animal tissue and grinding or macerating the animal tissue to form a slurry-like mixture and adding the mixture to a digestion vessel. The pH of the ground animal tissue is reduced to a range of from approximately 3.5 to approximately 4.5 and the ground tissue is allowed to decompose through the action of digestive enzymes released from the visceral tissue of the animal tissue by the maceration step. The decomposed tissue is separated into a lipid portion, a proteinaceous portion and a bone fragment or hard tissue portion. At least a part of the lipid portion may then be extracted from the decomposed tissue for further processing or disposal of contaminants and pollutants contained therein.

Abstract: A process for the removal of undesirable bromine salts from fluid streams, especially waste and/or drinking water, comprising the step of exposing the fluid stream to a micro-organism which biochemically aids the reduction of the undesirable bromine salts, characterized in that the microorganisms belong to the group of pure and/or enrichment strains of bacteria grown on one or more of the following: perchlorate, chlorate, and bromate, or belong to bromate respiring bacteria.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for processing municipal waste starts with a biomass that has been treated in at least one steam autoclave and dilutes the resulting biomass in a dilution tank while agitating the resulting mixture a sufficient amount and at an effective temperature to cause cellulose fibers within the biomass that became twisted during processing within the autoclave to relax and straighten out. The biomass mixture is fed into a hybrid anaerobic digester having separate zones for digesting the solid portion of the biomass and the fluid portion of the biomass. The hybrid anaerobic digester is a vessel having an inner zone for digestion of the solid portion of the biomass and a concentric outer zone having attached growth media that retains methane producing organisms which produce biogas from the fluid portion of the biomass.

Abstract: An improved method for the aerobic thermophilic treatment of organic material of the type in which air is passed through organic matter contained in a reactor, in which at least a portion of the air that has passed through the organic matter in the reactor being captured and again passed through the organic matter.

Abstract: In the method of processing an organic chlorine compound in accordance with the present invention, slurry containing fly ash K including dioxins are supplied from a pretreatment bath to a biological treatment bath of a processing apparatus; nitrifying bacteria, denitrifying bacteria, aqueous ammonia, and methanol are supplied to the slurry from a nitrifying bacteria storage bath, a denitrifying bacteria storage bath, an ammonia storage bath, and a methanol storage bath, respectively; and a nitrifying reaction is carried out by the nitrifying bacteria in an aerobic atmosphere, so as to decompose the dioxins along with the nitrifying reaction.

Abstract: A system comprising a first anaerobic digester (12), an ammonia recovery vessel (16) and a second anaerobic digester (14). Microorganisms in the first digester are primarily hydrolyzers and acetogens, while those in the second digester are primarily methanogens. A nitrogen containing feed stock undegoes hydrolysis ans acetogenesis in the first digester. The effluent is passed to the ammonia recovery vessel in which ammonia is removed. The low ammonia effluent stream is passed to the second digester to undergo methanogenesis, generating a biogas. In an alternate embodiment, a single anaerobic digester is used. The effluent is treated for ammonia removal and recycled to the digester to keep the ammonia levels sufficiently low to avoid ammonia inhibition.

Abstract: Both organic waste or wastewater and methane-generating bacteria are contained in organic waste or wastewater. When organic waste or wastewater containing these bacteria is cultured as a base material, the hydrogen produced by the hydrogen-generating bacteria is consumed by the methane-generating bacteria. The purpose of the invention is achieved by controlling the biophase with heat treatment so that the activity of hydrogen-generating bacteria having sporulation ability contained in the organic waste is maintained, while the hydrogen-consuming, methane-producing bacteria are decreased. Specifically, this invention provides a method of effectively generating hydrogen gas using hydrogen-generating bacteria by adjusting the treatment temperature to 68-95° C., and adjusting the treatment time and pH.

Abstract: An improved digester apparatus converts wet carbonaceous biomass materials to biogas in a digestion unit operating at a controlled temperature and having a concentrator component and a pressure swing component each containing anaerobic bacteria. The apparatus conveys slurried aqueous biomass from a biomass source to the concentrator component and removes the biogas from the concentrator component and conveys concentrated aqueous biomass from the concentrator component to the pressure swing component and conveys digested aqueous biomass from the pressure swing component to the concentrator component. The apparatus removes waste solids from the pressure swing component and a pressure swing pump controls the pressure within the pressure swing component in a cycle comprising a sub-atmospheric first pressure phase and a second pressure phase at or above atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: Microbicidal compositions are described. The compositions comprise (a) 2-(Thiocyanomethylthio)benzothiazole (TCMTB) and (b) an N-alkyl heterocyclic compound of the formula: The variable “n” ranges from 5 to 17, and the heterocyclic ring defined by is a substituted or unsubstituted ring having four to eight members. Components (a) and (b) are present in a combined amount effective to control the growth of at least one microorganism. Methods for controlling the growth of microorganisms on various substrates or in aqueous systems are also described. Also described is the industrial application of the microbicidal composition in the leather industry, the lumber industry, the papermaking industry, the textile industry, the agricultural industry, and the coating industry, as well as in aqueous systems.