Abstract: A method for controlling at least one culture parameter in a bioreactor bag (1; 31 a, 31 b) provided in a bioreactor system, the method comprising the steps of: providing bioreactor information to a control unit (5; 35) controlling the bioreactor system; controlling the at least one culture parameter in dependence of the bioreactor information.

Abstract: An object of the present disclosure is to provide a cell culture system, a cell culture environment evaluation device, and a program, capable of performing evaluation of a culture environment without causing an adverse effect on cell culture. An isolator is provided with a culture environment for housing a cell culture vessel having a culture solution containing cells to be cultured placed therein. A sensing unit measures the state of the culture environment and transmits the measurement result of the culture environment to the outside of the isolator. A control device receives the measurement result and performs evaluation in the culture environment based on the measurement result.

Abstract: A food recycler can include a housing having a housing volume, a motor in electrical communication with a controller, a grinding mechanism in mechanical communication with the motor, a bucket having a bucket volume, the bucket being configured with the grinding mechanism contained therein, and a removable filter having a side wall, a top surface, a bottom surface and a filter material, wherein the side wall, the top surface, the bottom surface and the filter material are all made from a compostable or biodegradable material. A ratio of the bucket volume to the housing volume can be between 0.0717 and 0.2857, inclusive. The motor can be configured within the housing adjacent, at least in part, to the bucket.

Abstract: A process and machine for filling a container with a top opening with swarf. The machine may include an apparatus to deposit a pile of swarf in the container with a portion of the pile extending above the top opening, a blade extending laterally across this portion and an actuator configured to move the blade across at least part of the pile to move at least part of the top portion of the pile into the container and desirably below the top opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to composite components and methods of producing composite components. In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of producing a composite component using anaerobically digested biomass. In still yet another embodiment, the method further comprises using liquid effluent from the digester. In still yet another embodiment, the method further comprises wet-mat forming and cold pressing the anaerobically digested biomass and wet-mat drying under heat and pressure.

Abstract: A process for producing products from biomass comprising fermenting biomass to produce a first product stream comprising carboxylic acid salts; acidifying at least one of the first product stream and a second product stream to produce a third product stream comprising acids; extracting such acids from the third product stream with a solvent; separating the extracting solvent from the acids to produce the separated extracting solvent and a fourth product stream comprising acids; and processing the fourth product stream to produce a fifth product stream.

Abstract: A ventilation unit is arranged to effect flow reversal, according to two opposite directions, of a gas flow generated by a fan without reversing the rotation direction of the fan. The ventilation unit includes a fan, at least a first piping arrangement through which a gas flow is intended to pass in one of the two possible directions depending on whether it is blown or sucked by the fan, and a switching assembly arranged between the fan and the first piping arrangement, at least a switching device being provided in the switching assembly and being movable between two positions for selectively and alternately connecting the first piping arrangement to a delivery duct and to a suction duct of the fan, so as to allow the passage of a gas flow in a direction or in the opposite direction within the first piping arrangement.

Abstract: A mixing vessel (10) for containing a liquid, comprises a chamber having a lower chamber portion and an upper chamber portion wider than the lower portion, gas inlet means (14) for supplying gas to the lower portion and means for redirecting rising gas (24), such that, in use, rising gas in the form of bubbles, initially rises substantially vertically and is redirected in a substantially horizontal direction by the means for redirecting rising gas.

Abstract: A mixing vessel (10) for containing a liquid, comprises a chamber having a lower chamber portion and an upper chamber portion wider than the lower portion, gas inlet means (14) for supplying gas to the lower portion and means for redirecting rising gas (24), such that, in use, rising gas in the form of bubbles, initially rises substantially vertically and is redirected in a substantially horizontal direction by the means for redirecting rising gas.

Abstract: A method for the continuous liquefying of organic solids in a fermenter, wherein an outwardly directed flow of solids is produced in a dammed-up liquid, the solids are added in the lower region of the fermenter and the solid fermentation residues are essentially collected and removed below the level of the dammed-up liquid.

Abstract: A device for transforming refuse into compost according to a cycle of operation has a cabinet, a hopper, a first reducing mechanism in the hopper, a first heating element coupled to the hopper, a transfer mechanism disposed in a conduit from the hopper to an outlet, a motor beneath the hopper and the transfer mechanism, a container removably mounted in the cabinet and beneath the outlet, a second reducing mechanism in the container, and a second heating element coupled to the container.

Abstract: A composting apparatus comprising a container for receiving material to be composted a base member in the apparatus for supporting material to be composted and the compost when formed, the base having a curved lower wall and an upper opening to define a volume for receiving a drainage medium, a leachate chamber formed in the wall so that when leachate forms, the leachate is able to flow through the medium into the chamber; and an outlet from the chamber for supplying the leachate to the outside of the container.

Abstract: There is provided a garbage separating apparatus including an input unit having an inlet opening through which garbage is input, a crushing unit configured to crush garbage input through the inlet opening, a filtering chamber having an outlet opening and a perforation member provided with a plurality of holes for allowing separation of the garbage crushed by the crushing unit, a food waste collection chamber for accommodating, among the crushed garbage, food waste having passed through the perforation member, and a sweeper device configured to move, among the crushed garbage, impurity garbage remaining on the perforation member to the outlet opening.

Abstract: A method and system to improve in vitro anaerobic digestion processes are disclosed. Simultaneous digestion of dairy manures with various food wastes improves anaerobic process stability and methane production. Co-digestion with blood meal and sweet clover (“BMSC”) at the proper concentrations improves nutrient balance and digestion, biogas production, gives more predictable ammonia concentrations, enhances nutrient content of soil amendment products, and increases the potential for production of ammonia-based fertilizer synthesis. Balanced introduction of BMSC with dairy manure increases methane production, reduces or eliminates co-digestion process limitations, and simplifies storage and delivery of the co-substrate. Following digestion, downstream or back-end products can be produced, including methane, and ammonium based fertilizers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system that has been devised to overcome the two most important limitations for sustained biological hydrogen production, namely contamination of the microbial hydrogen-producing cultures with methane-producing cultures necessitating frequent re-start-up and/or other methanogenic bacteria inactivation techniques, and the low bacterial yield of hydrogen-producers culminating in microbial washout from the system and failure. The system includes a continuously stirred bioreactor (CSTR) for biological hydrogen production, followed by a gravity settler positioned downstream of the CSTR, which combination forms a biohydrogenator. The biomass concentration in the hydrogen reactor is kept at the desired range through biomass recirculation from the bottom of the gravity settler and/or biomass wastage from the gravity settler's underflow.

Abstract: A process of preparing a microbe digested liquid plant nutrient containing metabolites, amino acids and polypeptides, comprising the steps of partial composting of animal effluent solids; adding the partially composted animal effluent to a vessel containing water and held in suspension; the aqueous dispersion is thoroughly aerated for up to 4 days. Solids and liquids are subsequently removed from the metabolic reactor, separated and used as plant nutrients.

Abstract: An apparatus for the aerobic in-vessel rotary drum composting of feedstock into nutrient-rich compost comprising means for shredding said input material, said means configured and powered for shredding said feedstock into a particle size no larger than one cubic inch, a vessel having an input port on top of such vessel and a discharge port, said vessel comprising one chamber, said vessel configured and powered for composting said shredded feedstock, and said vessel tilted from the input port to the discharge port, means for passing said feedstock from said means for shredding into said vessel, means for rotating said vessel, means for introducing air into said vessel and a process controller, said process controller communicating with said means for shredding, said vessel, said means for rotating said vessel and said means for introducing air into said vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Method and system for completion of Ecological cycle of Biomass, applying Nature to Nature (N2N) theory, by biological treatment of any biodegradable waste or organic waste, including biodegradable part of MSW, to produce rich biological fertilizer as end product, methane and many useful byproducts using natural processes and natural/organic materials within a very short time span. Thus, whatever is taken from nature is returned back to the nature in natural time span called as N2N Theory.

Abstract: Integrated biorefineries are provided that integrate biomass cultivation with processing to convert cultivated biomass to a fuel, and further integrate carbon recovery from the biomass processing. Biomass processing to fuels begins in a treatment system, such as a hydrothermal treatment system, that produces an organic phase that is suitable for refining to a fuel and also produces a waste stream. The biorefinery optionally includes a dewatering system, a refining system to convert the organic phase to the fuel, and a cogeneration system configured to use at least some of the fuel produced by the treatment system to generate electricity and heat that can be used for biorefinery operations.

Abstract: A static solid state bioreactor and method of using same. The bioreactor comprises a vessel having an upper end and a lower end, the upper end having a sealable opening. A gas distribution system in communication with the upper end and the lower end of the vessel. A liquid distribution system in communication with the upper end of the vessel. A liquid recovery system in communication with the lower end of the vessel. A material removal system disposed at the lower end of the vessel for removing biomass from the vessel.

Abstract: A process control method, the method comprising the steps of: (i) Passing a portion of a biomass containing liquid from a first reactor (12) in which a batch anaerobic digestion of organic material is being or has been conducted to a liquid storage vessel (14), methane being produced in both the first reactor (12) and the liquid storage vessel (14); (ii) Passing a portion of the liquid from the liquid storage vessel (14) back to a first reactor (12) that may or may not be the same reactor (12) of step (i); (iii) Passing a portion of the liquid from either or both of the first reactor (12) and the liquid storage vessel (14) to a second reactor (16); and (iv) Passing a portion of the liquid from the second reactor (16) to either the liquid storage vessel (14) or to the first reactor (12), wherein the direction of liquid to the second reactor (16) allows control of the level of volatile fatty acids (VFA) in the liquid to be returned to the first reactor (12) by way of exposure to additional anaerobic methanogeni

Abstract: A bio-chamber and a method of making organic fertilizer from poultry manure. The bio-chamber has a chamber body that defines a receiving chamber and an aeration chamber. The aeration chamber underlies the receiving chamber and is divided therefrom by a partition. The partition has a plurality of holes formed therein. An oxygen probe and a temperature probe are positioned inside the receiving chamber. An air blower is connected to the aeration chamber and is operable to blow air therein. The method comprises: mixing the poultry manure with a carbon carrier; loading the mixture into the receiving chamber; monitoring the temperature and the oxygen concentration of the mixture; aerating the mixture; and regulating the temperature and the oxygen concentration by adjusting the operation of the air blower. The temperature and oxygen concentration are regulated to provide conditions that permit aerobic bacteria to propagate and biodegrade the mixture.

Abstract: The proposed invention is an in-situ system for aerobic heat treatment of biodegradable organic waste, comprising a bioreactor made up of a dish-shaped decomposition chamber. The decomposition chamber has a lid at the top through which an air extraction device is connected. The air extraction device enables fresh air to enter the decomposition chamber and a preparation for a device supplies the biodegradable organic waste. The decomposition chamber is also connected to a system of pipes which convey a hot fluid from the supply tank into a plurality of minitubes located longitudinally on the inner perimeter of the decomposition chamber, and into a shaft that forms part of the mixing mechanism. A centrifugal pump conveys the same fluid, which is now “cold”, from inside the minitubes and shaft to a solar collector, to heat it, before delivering it to a storage tank for subsequent recirculation.

Abstract: A bioreactor having improved gas yield is described, wherein the necessary residence time of the biomass in the digestion tank is reduced. During the fermentation of dry, i.e. non-pumpable biomass, percolating juices, so-called percolate, is generated as a result of the moisture contained in the biomass, which percolate is withdrawn via a drainage system and, if necessary, recirculated from the top onto the biomass to be fermented. It has now been found that the biomass yield is significantly increased—in the region of between 10% and 40%—when the resultant percolate is not immediately withdrawn by way of the drainage system, but is accumulated in the digestion tank up to a specific level. This is achieved by a technical device wherein the digestion tank is liquid-tight, i.e. also the flap for loading and unloading the digestion tank must be liquid-tight and also be designed in a correspondingly solid manner in order to withstand the resultant liquid pressure.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a biogas generator with tunnel fermentation chamber, equipped with biomass container with thermally insulated base and essentially vertical foundation walls, installations for moisturising biomass with a process liquid, installations for recirculation of seepage water, arch roof covering spread over arch load-bearing construction and supported on essentially vertical foundation walls, gas-tight gable walls, and biogas store created by double layer of roof covering foil with inlet to biogas store situated in upper part of fermentation chamber. The invention also includes installation to be used in the aforesaid biogas generator.

Abstract: A composting apparatus and method is described. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical drum which is horizontally rotatably supported. A hopper is disposed at a feed end of the drum for receiving organic waste material in soft or hard form. A material shredding mechanism and a grinding mechanism are rotatably secured in the hopper and driven in counter-rotation for shredding and grinding the organic waste material and feeding it into an inlet opening of the drum. A series of material mixing and conveying vane assemblies are secured spaced-apart inside the drum and define sub-composting compartments therebetween. The material mixing and conveying vane assemblies have a plurality of vanes secured in spaced-apart relationship and project interiorly towards a central longitudinal axis of the drum and are oriented at a common angle to mix, further shred and displace shredded and ground material from the inlet opening towards the rear discharge end of the drum.

Abstract: Wheat bran culture mix is used to inoculate organic waste and produce an inoculated waste material, where the wheat bran culture mix includes soil derived microbes. The inoculated waste material is shredded to produce shredded inoculated waste material which is fermented the shredded inoculated waste material for at least 7 days. Contents from the fermenter are then transferred into a dewatering device to produce dewatered contents which are then separated into soluble and suspended products.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for treating a biomass feedstock at a high temperature, including: a cooling means for cooling a biomass liquid treated at a high temperature; an enzymatic saccharification tank for subjecting a cooled treated liquid to saccharification with an enzyme; a solid-liquid separation apparatus for removing water-slightly soluble fermentation inhibitory substances contained in the saccharide solution taken out from the enzymatic saccharification tank and a foreign substance removing unit provided with a microfiltlation (MF) membrane 113a; a dilution tank, disposed downstream of the foreign substance removing unit, for adding water thereto so as to dilute the saccharide solution; a water separation unit, provided with a reverse osmosis (RO) membrane, for removing water from the diluted saccharide solution to obtain concentrated saccharide solution; and a fermentation tank for fermenting the concentrated saccharide solution.

Abstract: A system and method for the production of microbial consortiums and by-product material is provided. A physical containment system comprising phase spaces arranged in a discrete order to favor specific biological reactions is also provided. Phase profiles and phase data sets include the pre-determined physical and biological parameters for the phase space transitions. Movement of material from one phase to the next is hydraulically balanced enabling working fluid to continuously move in a fixed direction and rate of flow. Continuous monitoring of phase profiles and phase data sets provide feedback to the system enabling alteration of the conditions in the system to control reactions therein.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for growing genetically enhanced aquatic photoautotrophic organisms in a stable culture, causing the organisms to produce ethanol, and then separating, collecting, and removing the ethanol in situ.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to systems and methods for digestion of solid waste that simplify solids handling. In certain embodiments, anaerobic methane extraction takes place for a period of time (e.g., from 1 to 4 weeks), after which an aerobic composting process begins in the same chamber. The organic waste remains in place and oxygen (e.g., in air) is forced into the chamber for an additional period of time (e.g., from 2 to 4 weeks). At the conclusion of the aerobic phase, the process yields a rough compost product that is stable and pathogen free. The rough compost can be further processed and blended to create high value engineered soils.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for treating organic waste including: a first circulation line having a first circulation pump connected thereon so as to supply a portion of the organic waste being acid fermented in an acid fermenter to a methane fermenter; a second circulation line having a second circulation pump connected thereon so as to supply a portion of anaerobic digestive fluid methane fermented in the methane fermenter to the acid fermenter; and vortex generating means having a plurality of first, second and third nozzles disposed in the methane fermenter so as to allow the anaerobic digestive fluid in the methane fermenter to be agitated by vortices generated thereof.

Abstract: The subject invention provides advantageous systems and processes for anaerobic digestion of organic waste streams, particularly agricultural waste streams. According to this invention, a new process is provided in which a liquid fraction from an organic waste stream comprising soluble compounds is segregated and incubated in a reactor separate from the solids fraction of the organic waste stream. Digestion of waste in both reactors occurs substantially simultaneously and both reactors produce biogas (thus both reactors function essentially like single stage reactors but allow for continuous or intermittent loading). According to one aspect of the invention, at least one cross-flow baffle is provided for use in an anaerobic digester to collect biogas and break up clumped solids in the reactor. In another aspect of the invention, packing media for use in an anaerobic digester is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a digester (10) for a digester plant (1), comprising a digester tank (11) defining a digester tank chamber (62) and having a module opening (69) and a digester module (72) located in the module opening and extending into the digester tank chamber (62). The digester module is removably attached to the digester tank and comprises a heater (84) for heating material in the digester tank (11) together with at least one pipe (94; 96; 118) with an inlet (98; 108) and an outlet (102 104; 110; 122), one of which is inside the digester tank chamber 62 and the other of which is outside the digester tank chamber (62).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the hydrothermal carbonization of biological material and to the use of the obtained process water for fermentation. In a first process stage, biomass is obtained after a fermentation process with subsequent distillation and/or rectification, and in a second process stage this biomass of the first process stage is converted into a high-carbon product by means of hydrothermal carbonization, wherein the obtained process water of the second process stage is again supplied to the first process stage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for transforming refuse into compost. The device includes a first chamber having a grinding mechanism to grind refuse. The device also includes a second chamber attached to the first chamber, and a conduit interconnecting the first chamber to the second chamber. The second chamber stores the ground refuse to promote the composting process, and the conduit allows thermal energy and moisture to be shared between the first and second chambers.

Abstract: An anaerobic digester system for producing a biogas from organic material is disclosed. The system includes a hydrolysis reactor comprising therein acidogenic and hydrolytic bacterial culture for which the organic material is a hydrolysis substrate, a biogasification reactor comprising therein acetogenic and methanogenic bacterial culture, and a biostabilization reactor comprising therein a methanogenic bacterial culture. The operating conditions of the biostabilization reactor are tailored to increase the digestion rate and energy conversion efficiency of the system. A method of using the system is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a bioreactor for producing high rates of hydrogen from plant biomass. It also relates to the rapid screening, selection and isolation of biofilm forming mesophilic and/or thermophilic bacteria or bacteria consortia that generate high levels of hydrogen from plant biomass or from soluble hydrolysates derived from the hydrolysis of cellulosic materials including hemicellulose. The reactor comprises a primary reactor vessel having a bed of hydrogen producing bacteria towards its base located within a secondary reactor vessel which functions as a hydrogen gas collector and as a clarifier and separator. The plant biomass may be one or a mixture of insoluble cellulosic material and a hydrolysate derived from hydrolysis of cellulosic material. In one embodiment the bed of the primary reactor vessel is fluidised by recycling hydrogen gas saturated plant biomass effluent from the secondary reactor vessel to the primary reactor vessel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention overcome the well-known recalcitrance of lignocellulosic biomass in an economically viable manner. A process and a system are provided for the efficient fractionation of lignocellulosic biomass into cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. The cellulose and hemicellulose thus obtained are highly amorphous and can be readily converted into highly concentrated mixtures of five and six carbon sugars using known methods. Typical yields of sugars exceed 100 grams of sugars per liter of sugar solution. Other products, such as alcohols, can easily be prepared according to methods of the invention. The modest process conditions and low solvent/solid ratios of some embodiments of the invention require relatively low capital and processing costs.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for producing chemical products by anaerobically fermenting a particular biomass using anaerobic bacteria. Such chemical products include hydrogen and other gases, acetic acid and other volatile organic acids, solvents, solids, and salts of volatile organic acids.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing methane gas, synthetic hydrocarbon gas, and fertilizer is provided. The apparatus includes a mix tank for mixing cellulosic material with a solvent into a slurry and a generator having an exhaust. The apparatus further includes a stir tank reactor for converting the slurry to a solution containing lignin-like carbon and liquid, and a separator for separating the lignin-like carbon and liquid. An anaerobic digester decomposes the received liquid received from the stir tank into methane and liquid components. A carbon dioxide scrubber scrubs the methane component of carbon dioxide. The method includes mixing cellulosic material with a solvent into a slurry, and converting the slurry to a solution containing lignin-like carbon and liquid. It also includes separating the lignin-like carbon and liquid and decomposing the liquid into methane and liquid components, and scrubbing the methane component of carbon dioxide.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for assisting hygienization of organic waste. The apparatus comprises at least one reception means for receiving organic solid matter and organic waste, mixing means for mixing the organic waste and the organic solid matter together into an organic mixture, selecting means for selecting whether to expose the organic mixture in the mixing means to either: aeration in order to create a homogenized and internally oxygenous organic mixture, thereby accelerating the hygienization of the organic mixture, or a heat treatment, wherein the heat treatment performs the hygienization of the organic mixture, or to neither the aeration nor the heat treatment. The mixing means may then expose the organic mixture to the aeration, or to the heat treatment, or to neither of the aeration nor the heat treatment on the basis of the selection. The apparatus may further comprise delivery means for passing the organic mixture to either aerobic biodegradation or an end user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the ideal time for and outcome of reproductive health procedures including in vitro fertilization by establishing a correlation between the successful outcome of said procedure and the spectra of a body fluid obtained using a chosen analytical modality for a population of patients, acquiring for a patient a spectrum of the body fluid of the patient using said chosen modality.

Abstract: There is provided a garbage separating apparatus including an input unit having an inlet opening through which garbage is input, a crushing unit configured to crush garbage input through the inlet opening, a filtering chamber having an outlet opening and a perforation member provided with a plurality of holes for allowing separation of the garbage crushed by the crushing unit, a food waste collection chamber for accommodating, among the crushed garbage, food waste having passed through the perforation member, and a sweeper device configured to move, among the crushed garbage, impurity garbage remaining on the perforation member to the outlet opening.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for harvesting algae in continuous fermentation. There is a harvester including a main moving belt, a plurality of rollers, and a motor for driving the main motor belt. There is a reactor tank and a vacuum extractor for applying a vacuum over a width of the main moving belt to extract biomass and to dry the main moving belt. The main moving belt has one end in the reactor tanks and another end extended into the vacuum extractor. The algae contained in the reactor tank is collected for further processing, including oil extraction. With algae harvested in the large-scale manner of the present invention, a more efficient oil extraction method can be used because of the concentration, temperature, and pressure can be more easily controlled.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for harvesting algae in continuous fermentation. There is a harvester including a main moving belt, a plurality of rollers, and a motor for driving the main moving belt. There is a reactor tank and a vacuum extractor for applying a vacuum over a width of the main moving belt to extract biomass and to dry the main moving belt. The main moving belt has one end in the reactor tanks and another end extended into the vacuum extractor. The algae contained in the reactor tank is collected for further processing, including oil extraction. With algae harvested in the large-scale manner of the present invention, a more efficient oil extraction method can be used because the concentration, temperature, and pressure can be more easily controlled.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to systems and methods for digestion of solid waste that simplify solids handling. In certain embodiments, anaerobic methane extraction takes place for a period of time (e.g., from 1 to 4 weeks), after which an aerobic composting process begins in the same chamber. The organic waste remains in place and oxygen (e.g., in air) is forced into the chamber for an additional period of time (e.g., from 2 to 4 weeks). At the conclusion of the aerobic phase, the process yields a rough compost product that is stable and pathogen free. The rough compost can be further processed and blended to create high value engineered soils.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for growing genetically enhanced aquatic photoautotrophic organisms in a stable culture, causing said organisms to produce ethanol, and then separating, collecting, and removing the ethanol in situ.

Abstract: A method of biodegrading municipal solid waste includes providing a quantity of municipal solid waste and promoting anaerobic digestion in the quantity of municipal solid waste by methanogenic organisms to produce methane. The methane production is monitored and when it is determined that production of methane from the quantity of municipal solid waste has subsided, aerobic digestion of the quantity of municipal solid waste is promoted. A gas collection system in operative association with the quantity of organic waste collects biogas and the biogas is monitored and the rate of gas collection is adjusted as necessary to maximize methane collection. A leachate collection system collects leachate from the quantity of municipal solid waste and circulates the leachate back to the quantity of organic waste during the anaerobic digestion and aerobic digestion steps.

Abstract: A static solid state bioreactor and method of using same. The bioreactor comprises a vessel having an upper end and a lower end, the upper end having a sealable opening. A gas distribution system in communication with the upper end and the lower end of the vessel. A liquid distribution system in communication with the upper end of the vessel. A liquid recovery system in communication with the lower end of the vessel. A material removal system disposed at the lower end of the vessel for removing biomass from the vessel.