Abstract: A bioreactor production system for growing commercial volumes of algae or other biomass in a uniquely configured, enclosed, biosecure, photo-type reactor vessel, having internal artificial growth light production as well as exterior solar energy capturing devices or the like designed to facilitate enhanced sunlight exposure for photosynthesis organism production. A unique electromagnetic field generation system is integrated with the bioreactor and its operation to substantially enhance growth rate and overall productivity.

Abstract: A bioprocessing system for protein manufacturing is provided that is compact, integrated and suited for on-demand production and delivery of therapeutic proteins to patients. The system can also be used for efficient on-demand production of any type of protein.

Abstract: A method for the methanation of biomass and the energetic use of the biogas obtained in a plant featuring at least one fermenter operating in a batch process, the fermenter is filled with biomass, a loading opening is closed in an airtight manner, methane-rich biogas produced in a fermentation phase is fed into a first gas storage unit, at least intermittently, during the flushing of the fermenter with flushing air, mixed gas with low methane content is fed into a second gas storage unit, at least intermittently, the loading opening is opened and the fermentation residue is removed from the fermenter. The energetic use of gas stored in the second gas storage unit is carried out such that gas removed from this gas storage unit is mixed with the biogas removed from the first gas storage unit before the mixed gas produced in this way is subsequently used energetically.

Abstract: A method and system for efficiently producing a fermentative product alcohol such as butanol utilizing in situ product extraction are provided. The efficiency is obtained through separating undissolved solids after liquefying a given feedstock to create a feedstock and prior to fermentation, for example, through centrifugation. Removal of the undissolved solids avoids problems associated with having the undissolved solids present during in situ production extraction, and thereby increases the efficiency of the alcohol production.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of cultivation of algae or cyanobacteria in the presence of a luminous material that converts light of a first wavelength to a second wavelength more suitable for use in photosynthesis by the algae or cyanobacteria, and apparatus for performing the method. In one embodiment the apparatus (50) is of flexible plastic with fluorescent light concentrator or light guide (76) and perforated pipe (56) for bubbling carbon dioxide through the culture. The algae or cyanobacteria may be used to produce biofuels.

Abstract: A multilayered cell culture apparatus for the culturing of cells is disclosed. The cell culture apparatus is defined as an integral structure having a plurality of cell culture chambers in combination with tracheal space(s). The body of the apparatus has imparted therein gas permeable membranes in combination with tracheal spaces that will allow the free flow of gases between the cell culture chambers and the external environment. The flask body also includes an aperture that will allow access to the cell growth chambers by means of a needle or cannula. The size of the apparatus, and location of an optional neck and cap section, allows for its manipulation by standard automated assay equipment, further making the apparatus ideal for high throughput applications.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the development of continuous processing technology for the purification of biopharmaceuticals and biological products, such as monoclonal antibodies, protein therapeutics, and vaccines. Methods for continuous processing of a biological product in a feed stream toward formulation of a purified bulk product are described.

Abstract: A process for the production of C2? alcohols from a methane-containing feedstock which process comprises a) optionally reacting in a pre-reformer the methane-containing feedstock in the presence of steam, where the steam plus C02 to methane molar ratio is less than 5:1; b) reforming at least a portion of the methane-containing feedstock in a first reformer optionally in the presence of steam, where the steam plus C02 to methane molar ratio is less than 5:1 to produce a first product stream comprising CO, H2 and C02; c) optionally subjecting at least a portion of the first product stream and/or a portion of the methane containing feedstock to a reforming process in a second reformer in the presence of steam and oxygen to produce a second product stream comprising CO, H2 and C02 d) subjecting the product streams to a bacterial fermentation process in a fermenter to produce a third product stream comprising an aqueous solution of at least one C2? alcohol, nutrients and reaction intermediates and a fourth product

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for separating high value by-products, such as oil and/or germ, from grains used for alcohol production. In one embodiment, a method for separating by-products from grains used for alcohol production includes, subjecting milled grains to liquefaction to provide a liquefied starch solution including fiber, protein, and germ. The germ is separated from the liquefied starch solution. The separated germ is ground, e.g., to a particle size less than 50 microns, to release oil to provide a germ/oil mixture. Then, prior to fermentation, the oil is separated from the germ/oil mixture to yield an oil by-product. The pH of the germ/oil mixture can be adjusted to about 8 to about 10.5 and/or cell wall breaking enzymes or chemicals may be added to help release oil from the germ. In one example, the oil yield is greater than 1.0 lb/Bu.

Abstract: A modular process for organosolv fractionation of lignocellulosic feedstocks into component parts and further processing of said component parts into at least fuel-grade ethanol and four classes of lignin derivatives. The modular process includes a first processing module configured for physico-chemically digesting lignocellulosic feedstocks with an organic solvent thereby producing a cellulosic solids fraction and a liquid fraction, a second processing module configured for producing at least a fuel-grade ethanol and a first class of novel lignin derivatives from the cellulosic solids fraction, a third processing module configured for separating a second class and a third class of lignin derivatives from the liquid fraction and further processing the liquid fraction to produce a distillate and a stillage, a fourth processing module configured for separating a fourth class of lignin derivatives from the stillage and further processing the stillage to produce a sugar syrup.

Abstract: There are provided methods for producing at least one biogas comprising submitting an organic material to an anaerobic digestion process in an apparatus effective for carrying such a process so as to produce the at least one biogas, pressurizing the produced at least one biogas, and using the at least one biogas for conveying the organic material through the apparatus. Apparatuses for producing at least one biogas are also disclosed.

Abstract: Transfecting biology cells with nucleic acid molecules (DNA, siRNA) is an essential prerequisite in elucidating how genes function in complex cellular context and how their activities could be modulated for therapeutic intervention. Traditionally studies are carried out on a low throughput gene-by-gene scale, which has created a huge bottleneck in functional genomic study and drug discovery. Development of high-throughput cell transfection technology will permit functional analysis of massive number of genes and how their activities could be modulated by chemical or biological entities inside cells. This invention describes design, construction of device and apparatus for high throughput effective cell transfection. Procedures and protocols for using the device and apparatus are also described in the application. Novel methods of using the device in cell-based assays are also disclosed.

Abstract: Transfecting biology cells with nucleic acid molecules (DNA, siRNA) is an essential prerequisite in elucidating how genes function in complex cellular context and how their activities could be modulated for therapeutic intervention. Traditionally studies are carried out on a low throughput gene-by-gene scale, which has created a huge bottleneck in functional genomic study and drug discovery. Development of high-throughput cell transfection technology will permit functional analysis of massive number of genes and how their activities could be modulated by chemical or biological entities inside cells. This invention describes design, construction of device and apparatus for high throughput effective cell transfection. Procedures and protocols for using the device and apparatus are also described in the application. Novel methods of using the device in cell-based assays are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for recovery of phosphorus from wastewater and producing inorganic phosphorus complexes.

Abstract: A system for processing oil from algae is disclosed. Specifically, the system involves the use of a consortium of algae strains as its input, wherein each algae strain has a unique characteristic for resisting/dominating a particular operational/environmental factor. Also, the system recycles byproducts of the process for use as nutrients during algae growth and oil production. The system includes a conduit for growing algae and an algae separator that removes the algae from the conduit. Also, the system includes a device for lysing the algae and an oil separator to remove the oil from the lysed matter. Further, the system includes a biofuel reactor that receives oil from the oil separator and synthesizes biofuel and glycerin. Moreover, the algae separator, oil separator and biofuel reactor all recycle byproducts back to the conduit to support further algae growth.

Abstract: A saccharide-solution producing apparatus 11A according to the present invention is a saccharide-solution producing apparatus for producing a saccharide solution 22 derived from a carbohydrate-based material 21, and includes a saccharide-solution controlling unit 15A that controls the saccharide solution derived from the carbohydrate-based material 21, a cellulosic biomass saccharifying unit 16 that saccharifies hydrothermally treated biomass obtained by hydrothermally decomposing a cellulosic biomass material 35 that contains a lignin component and a hemicellulose component, and produces a diluted saccharide solution 37, and a diluted-saccharide-solution supply pipe L11 that mixes the diluted saccharide solution 37 produced by the cellulosic biomass saccharifying unit 16 into the saccharide-solution controlling unit 15A. With this configuration, it is possible to improve production efficiency of the saccharide solution 22 and to realize cost reduction.

Abstract: A device to produce biogas that includes at least one fermenter (1) to receive a substrate (2) to be percolated, and a percolate container (3). The fermenter (1) and the percolate container (3) are connected with each other such that the percolate within the fermenter (1) seeping through the substrate (2) makes its way into the percolate container (3), from which it may be directed back to the fermenter (1) as necessary. A thermal reservoir (3) and/or a percolate collector (5) are located at least partially below the floor surface (1a) of the fermenter (1).

Abstract: An apparatus for separating magnetic particles from a liquid which contains said particles, said liquid being contained in an elongated vessel (11) having a length axis (12), said vessel being arranged in a vessel holder (13) with its length axis (12) in a substantially vertical position, said vessel (11) having a bottom and a tapered cross-section that diminishes towards the bottom of the vessel and a side wall (14) which has an outer surface which forms an angle with the length axis (12) of said vessel (11).

Abstract: A multilayered cell culture apparatus for the culturing of cells is disclosed. The cell culture apparatus is defined as an integral structure having a plurality of cell culture chambers in combination with tracheal space(s). The body of the apparatus has imparted therein gas permeable membranes in combination with tracheal spaces that will allow the free flow of gases between the cell culture chambers and the external environment. The flask body also includes an aperture that will allow access to the cell growth chambers by means of a needle or cannula. The size of the apparatus, and location of an optional neck and cap section, allows for its manipulation by standard automated assay equipment, further making the apparatus ideal for high throughput applications.

Abstract: A system (100, 200) is described for correcting constant volume acidity of fermentative media for the production of organic acids, which comprises a fermenter (1) provided with a pH sensor (P1) a filtration module (2) provided with a filtering element, an addition vessel (3) provided with a main metering element (4), and a heat exchanger (5). Operation of the system (100, 200) is controlled by a controller (CT). As soon as the sensor (P1) detects a reduction in pH to below the ideal values for producing organic acid, the controller (CT) calculates the amount of fermentative medium to be withdrawn from the fermenter (1) and said amount is conveyed to the vessel (3) in order to be alkalinized and returned to the system. Arrangements of the system with more than one fermenter are also described. The process for correcting acidity used by the system (100, 200) of the invention is likewise described.

Abstract: A method of pre-treating a cellulosic material before hydrolysis is provided. The method comprises the steps of: impregnating the cellulosic material with a reactive water-soluble gas, such as sulphur dioxide (SO2) or carbon dioxide (CO2), in an impregnation chamber to obtain impregnated material; and heating the impregnated material to obtain pre-treated material, wherein the cellulosic material is compressed right before or when it is transferred to the impregnation chamber. A corresponding system is also provided.

Abstract: There is provided a culture observation system by which even a culture other than an observation target culture can be cultured and observation can be properly performed by a microscope during culturing of the culture. A culture observation system S includes a culturing cabinet 2 for forming an environment suitable for culturing cells in a culturing room 13 and an image pick-up device 3 for photographing a microscopic image of the cells. The image pick-up device 3 includes a light source 47 which is provided in the culturing room 13 and a table 37 which is provided in the culturing room 13 to hold the culture as an image pick-up target, and a shelf 7 for accommodating the cells is provided in the culturing room 13 other than the light source 47 and the table 37.

Abstract: This invention relates to metabolically engineered microorganism strains, such as bacterial strains, in which there is an increased utilization of malonyl-CoA for production of a chemical product, which includes polyketides and 3-hydroxypropionic acid.

Abstract: A primary object of the present invention is to provide a polylactic acid decomposition method that efficiently decomposes polylactic acid so that the polylactic acid can readily undergo degradation by a biological treatment such as methane fermentation. Specifically, the present invention provides a polylactic acid decomposition method involving a step of impregnating a polylactic acid-containing organic material with a treatment solution containing an organic acid salt and/or inorganic acid salt of an amine compound.

Abstract: A method and system for the enzymatic treatment of a lipid containing feedstock comprises contacting the feedstock with a processing aid, then causing the feedstock to pass at a substantially constant flow rate through a treatment system comprising a plurality of enzyme-containing fixed bed reactors connected to one another in series. The fixed bed reactors can be individually serviceable, the flow rate of the feedstock remaining substantially constant through the system when one of the fixed bed reactors is taken offline for servicing. In the most preferred embodiment, the processing aid is a substantially moisture-free silica. The processing aid can be placed in one or more of the fixed bed reactors, disposed above the enzyme in the reactor, or it can be in a pre-treatment system which can comprise one or more reactors.

Abstract: An alcohol production system that produces alcohol by alcoholic fermentation using a saccharide solution, including an alcoholic fermentation vessel in which the saccharide solution is fermented by adding yeast to produce alcohol, which is an organic feedstock, and a biomass-hydrothermally-treated-product adding means that adds a biomass hydrothermally-treated product obtained by hydrothermally treating a biomass feedstock to the alcoholic fermentation vessel. The alcohol production system can improve alcoholic fermentation efficiency and realize cost reduction without adding only a mineral salt from outside.

Abstract: This invention relates to metabolically engineered microorganism strains, such as bacterial strains, in which there is an increased utilization of malonyl-CoA for production of a chemical product, which includes 3-hydroxypropionic acid.

Abstract: This invention is directed to methods for recovery of C3-C6 alcohols from dilute aqueous solutions, such as fermentation broths. Such methods provide improved volumetric productivity for the fermentation and allows recovery of the alcohol. Such methods also allow for reduced energy use in the production and drying of spent fermentation broth due to increased effective concentration of the alcohol product by the simultaneous fermentation and recovery process which increases the quantity of alcohol produced and recovered per quantity of fermentation broth dried. Thus, the invention allows for production and recovery of C3-C6 alcohols at low capital and reduced operating costs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the production of an alkanol (e.g. butanol) comprising converting a carbon source such as a biomass into a carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof using a microorganism, and electrochemically reducing said acid to said alkanol, as well as an apparatus for carrying out said process.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices, systems, and methods providing for an invasion assay using microfluidic culture systems.

Abstract: The present invention, in one aspect, provides a culture vessel which includes a body having at least a first edge at least partially perimetrically bounding the body, and at least a first seal extending from the first edge. The first seal is breachable and fluid-tight, and disposed obliquely to the first edge so as to subtend an acute angle therewith. The first seal separates the body into first and second chambers. Advantageously, with the subject invention, a culture vessel is provided which allows for volume expansion in situ.

Abstract: A method for treating municipal solid waste and other waste is provided which comprises: introducing said waste into a rotary autoclave which is downwardly inclined towards its discharge end and has a door at the discharge end; and injecting steam through said door into said autoclave to treat the load. A method is also provided for treating waste, comprising steam autoclaving the waste, anaerobically digesting an organic-rich fraction of the autoclaved waste, recovering methane-containing gas from anaerobic digestion, internally combusting the methane-containing gas to generate power and exhaust gas, and generating steam for autoclaving using the waste heat.

Abstract: A bioreactor is provided that includes a main reactor having a configuration selected from the group consisting of stirred and unstirred tank reactor, trickle bed reactor (TBR), cocurrent contactor (CCC), moving bed bioreactor (MBBR), and a bubble column reactor. The bioreactor also includes a growth reactor continuous with the main reactor and having a configuration selected from the group consisting of stirred and unstirred tank reactor, trickle bed reactor (TBR), cocurrent contactor (CCC), moving bed bioreactor (MBBR), and a bubble column reactor. A method is also provided where acetogenic bacteria are contacted with syngas in a growth fermentor section of a reactor vessel that is continuous with a main fermentor section of a reactor vessel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for integrating thermochemical processing of biomass and anaerobic digestion are provided. Light oxygenated organic compounds are produced as byproducts of thermochemical biomass processing e.g. by torrefaction and/or pyrolysis, and are converted to methane by anaerobic digestion. Thermochemical processing units may or may not be co-located with the anaerobic digestion units, with co-location providing benefits for e.g. rural agricultural enterprises.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates to Managed Ecosystem Fermentation (MEF) which is a continuous microbial process utilizing a managed ecosystem approach employing dozens to thousands of species of microorganisms, occurring in a controlled artificial environment and consuming organic materials without benefit of sterilization. The process of utilizing this fermentation for the consumption of organic materials on a continuous basis is within the scope of this disclosed subject matter. The process of separating chemicals as industrial chemicals from this fermentation on a continuous basis is within the scope of this disclosed subject matter. The process of separating biomass useful as high protein animal feed or fertilizer from this fermentation on a continuous (or semi-continuous) basis is within the scope of this disclosed subject matter.

Abstract: Systems and methods for converting aquatic plants to liquid methane are disclosed. A representative system includes an aquatic plant cultivator, an anaerobic digester operatively coupled to the aquatic plant cultivator to receive aquatic plants and produce biogas, and a biogas converter coupled to the anaerobic digester to receive the biogas and produce liquefied methane and thermal energy, at least a portion of the thermal energy resulting from a methane liquefaction process. The system can further include a thermal path between the biogas converter and at least one of the aquatic plant cultivator and the anaerobic digester. A controller can be coupled to the biogas converter and the aquatic plant cultivator and/or the anaerobic digester. The controller can be programmed with instructions that, when executed (e.g., based on measured variables of the system), direct the portion of thermal energy between the biogas converter and the aquatic plant cultivator and/or anaerobic digester.

Abstract: A modular process for organosolv fractionation of lignocellulosic feedstocks into component parts and further processing of said component parts into at least fuel-grade ethanol and four classes of lignin derivatives. The modular process comprises a first processing module configured for physico-chemically digesting lignocellulosic feedstocks with an organic solvent thereby producing a cellulosic solids fraction and a liquid fraction, a second processing module configured for producing at least a fuel-grade ethanol and a first class of novel lignin derivatives from the cellulosic solids fraction, a third processing module configured for separating a second class and a third class of lignin derivatives from the liquid fraction and further processing the liquid fraction to produce a distillate and a stillage, a fourth processing module configured for separating a fourth class of lignin derivatives from the stillage and further processing the stillage to produce a sugar syrup.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes, inter alia, for the treatment of a starch-based feedstock. The processes include mixing together a starch-based feedstock and a working fluid to form a slurry, hydrating the starch-based feedstock with the working fluid, adding an enzyme to the slurry, pumping the slurry into a substantially constant diameter passage of a fluid mover, and injecting a high velocity transport fluid into the slurry through one or more nozzles communicating with the passage, thereby further hydrating and heating the starch-based feedstock and dispersing the starch content of the slurry. Apparatuses for carrying out such processes are also provided. Processes for converting starch in feedstocks into oligosaccharides and systems for producing sugars and ethanol using the processes and apparatuses of the invention are also provided. Processes for calculating ethanol yield using the apparatuses are also provided.

Abstract: Process for the biological treatment of organic wastes, includes a first anaerobic digestion phase and a second aerobic digestion phase in succession, a respective filtration phase of the solid substance being provided between the two digestion phases, a separation phase of the biogas released in the anaerobic digestion phase and a nitrogen recovery phase from the exhaust gases rich in ammoniac substances separated from the aerobic digestion phase. The solid substance coming from each of the filtration phases is separately returned to the respective digestion phase, while the liquid phase coming from the filtration phase downstream of the anaerobic digestion phase is sent to aerobic phase. In the nitrogen recovery phase the gaseous current consisting of exhaust gases rich in ammoniac substances is treated with a solution of carbonic acid supplied in countercurrent in a first gas/liquid contactor to obtain a mixture of nitrogen salts (ammonium bicarbonate, ammonium carbonate, etc.).

Abstract: A device, system and method for treating biological cells includes a voltage source, a half-controlled bridge connected to the voltage source, and a load connected across the half-controlled bridge. The half-controlled bridge includes a first switch, a second switch, a first diode and a second diode. The load includes an inductor connected in parallel with a cell or chamber. A controller is connected to the first and second switches and operates the first switch and the second switch to selectively generate one or more bipolar pulses, wherein each bipolar pulse comprises a positive polarity voltage pulse and a negative polarity voltage pulse with a negligible delay between the positive polarity voltage pulse and the negative polarity voltage pulse.

Abstract: A multilayered cell culture apparatus for the culturing of cells is disclosed. The cell culture apparatus is defined as an integral structure having a plurality of cell culture chambers in combination with tracheal space(s). The body of the apparatus has imparted therein gas permeable membranes in combination with tracheal spaces that will allow the free flow of gases between the cell culture chambers and the external environment. The flask body also includes an aperture that will allow access to the cell growth chambers by means of a needle or cannula. The size of the apparatus, and location of an optional neck and cap section, allows for its manipulation by standard automated assay equipment, further making the apparatus ideal for high throughput applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing glucose from a lignocellulosic feedstock. The method comprises the steps of (i) providing a pretreated lignocellulosic feedstock slurry; (ii) moving the pretreated feedstock slurry through a pipe, which slurry has an undissolved solids content of between about 15 and about 30 wt %; (iii) adding cellulase enzyme to the pretreated slurry to produce a slurry comprising cellulase enzyme; (iv) dispersing the cellulase enzyme added in step (iii) in the pretreated slurry by using a high shear in-line mixing device, thereby producing a pretreated slurry comprising dispersed cellulase enzyme; and thereafter (v) subjecting the pretreated slurry comprising dispersed cellulase enzyme to hydrolysis so as to produce glucose from cellulose contained therein.

Abstract: A diffusion controlling bioreactor that selectively controls the molecular diffusion between fluids through at least one microchannel in fluid communication with a reaction reservoir. Length and cross-sectional area of the microchannel may be selected to obtain a predetermined rate of molecular diffusion between fluids. When the fluids are liquids, flow through the microchannel is laminar and the capillary action of the microchannel and fluid is such that the fluid flow is regulated, and may have a structure configured to minimize the chances of fluid leakage from the bioreactor, even if the bioreactor is turned in various directions. In certain embodiments, one or more diffusion control chambers regulate fluid flow and diffusion between a reaction reservoir and an outside atmosphere.

Abstract: A cell culture apparatus includes a cell culture chamber formed by a first major surface, an opposing second major surface spaced apart from the first major surface, and a first side wall around the first chamber and extending between the first and second major surfaces. A portion of the first sidewall proximate the first major surface comprises an infrared absorbent material, and a portion the first sidewall proximate the second major surface is formed from substantially non-infrared absorbent material. The first major surface is formed by a gas permeable polymeric film that is impermeable to cell culture liquid.

Abstract: A cell culture device comprises a fluid mechanism for branching a liquid appropriately in its flow passage when the liquid is injected to a plurality of culture vessels in a set and feeding equal amounts of the culture broth to the culture vessels at the same time. The device, in one form, has one or plural recess portions so that one or plural culture vessels can be contained in alignment, in view of space efficiency, m x n (row x column) pieces of culture vessels can be set in a matrix type. By using a pump, the culture broth is branched by a multi-way valve for distributing the liquid in an appropriate amount from a tank containing the culture broth, and the liquid is fed at the same time to the plurality of culture vessels in the culture vessel set.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device intended for the culture of cells or micro-organisms, characterised by the fact that it comprises a chamber (100) composed of a tank (110) and a lid (150), adapted so that when in the closed state, it defines a sealed volume under a controlled pressure, and an assembly (200) designed to be placed inside the chamber (100), while being removable from it when the lid (150) is opened, said assembly comprising (200) a support frame (210) and a plurality of plates (250) carried by the support frame (210), the chamber (100) also comprising means designed to successively sterilise its content, for seeding a culture medium placed in the trays (250) and a means for controlling the atmosphere in the chamber (100), to enable the culture of cells or micro-organisms.

Abstract: A method and system for efficiently producing a fermentative product alcohol such as butanol utilizing in situ product extraction are provided. The efficiency is obtained through separating undissolved solids after liquefying a given feedstock to create a feedstock and prior to fermentation, for example, through centrifugation. Removal of the undissolved solids avoids problems associated with having the undissolved solids present during in situ production extraction, and thereby increases the efficiency of the alcohol production.

Abstract: Provided herein is a multi-phase, gas-lift bioreactor device for digestion and production of biogas or biofuel from organic material, as well as methods of use thereof.

Abstract: A device for trapping extraneous gas or bubbles is disclosed. The device is defined as having a gas collection area in a tapered neck portion such that when used as a cell culturing apparatus, extraneous gas or bubbles are trapped and isolated from the cell growth areas where cells or media reside.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bioreactor (1) comprising a reactor vessel (41) having a mixing chamber (3) separated by a partition (44) from a reaction chamber (2) located generally above the mixing chamber (3), the mixing chamber (3) having an inlet system (4) for influent or a mixture of influent and recycled material, wherein the inlet system (4) has an outlet opening (60-64) in the mixing chamber (3). In an embodiment the partition (44) has an opening (66) forming a connection between the mixing chamber (3) and the reaction chamber (2), wherein the outlet opening (60-64) of the inlet system (4) is directed at the opening in the partition. In an embodiment the mixing chamber (3) has a skeleton for reinforcing the mixing chamber.