Abstract: Provided is a defoamer for fermentation which has excellent dispersibility in water and forms neither a precipitate nor oil droplets when the dispersion is heated, and which is highly effective in defoaming fermentation media. This defoamer contains a reaction product obtained by mixing a fat or oil having an iodine value of 40 to 130 with glycerin or like in a molar ratio of from 3/2 to 1/2 to obtain a mixture, causing 4 to 17 mol of propylene oxide to add to 1 mol of the mixture, and then causing 20 to 40 mol of ethylene oxide and 70 to 110 mol of propylene oxide to block-wise add thereto in this order, the reaction product having an ethylene oxide/propylene oxide molar ratio of from 1/4 to 2/5.

Abstract: A method for producing a solid antifoaming agent comprising the following steps: providing an alkaline solution; adding an oil to the above alkaline solution to produce a saponification reaction; adding a liquid antifoaming agent; and putting aside the mixture containing the above alkaline solution, the oil and the liquid antifoaming agent to form the solid antifoaming agent. The ingredients of the solid antifoaming agent according to the present invention include 5˜40 weight percent vegetable oil, a 20˜40 weight percent sodium hydroxide solution and a 30˜60 weight percent liquid antifoaming agent.

Abstract: A control system for optimizing a chemical loop system includes one or more sensors for measuring one or more parameters in a chemical loop. The sensors are disposed on or in a conduit positioned in the chemical loop. The sensors generate one or more data signals representative of an amount of solids in the conduit. The control system includes a data acquisition system in communication with the sensors and a controller in communication with the data acquisition system. The data acquisition system receives the data signals and the controller generates the control signals. The controller is in communication with one or more valves positioned in the chemical loop. The valves are configured to regulate a flow of the solids through the chemical loop.

Abstract: A control system for optimizing a chemical loop system includes one or more sensors for measuring one or more parameters in a chemical loop. The sensors are disposed on or in a conduit positioned in the chemical loop. The sensors generate one or more data signals representative of an amount of solids in the conduit. The control system includes a data acquisition system in communication with the sensors and a controller in communication with the data acquisition system. The data acquisition system receives the data signals and the controller generates the control signals. The controller is in communication with one or more valves positioned in the chemical loop. The valves are configured to regulate a flow of the solids through the chemical loop.

Abstract: A control system for industrial water systems that utilizes multiple measurements of information and models to decide optimal control actions to maximize corrosion/scaling/fouling inhibition and particulate dispersancy performance and minimize cost of water and treatment chemicals. This system is capable of automatic operation for a wide range of process conditions, ensures multiple performance objectives, achieves robust operation under a variety or un-measurable disturbances and achieves the least costly solution delivery.

Abstract: A bioremediation assembly and method for bioremediation are described and which includes a bioremediation reservoir defining a cavity; a pump mounted within the bioremediation reservoir and which removes the aqueous bioremediating fluid from the bioremediation reservoir; and a fluid dispensing manifold positioned within the bioremediation reservoir and which is coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the pump, and which directs a stream of bioremediating fluid downwardly so as to aerate the volume of bioremediating fluid.

Abstract: Methods suitable for selecting optimal defoamers for use in fermentation processes are described wherein the methods comprise: (a) determining an amount of each of two or more defoamers which provides a requisite dynamic surface tension of at most 50 mN/m at a particular frequency in a fermentation medium; and (b) selecting the defoamer which provides the requisite dynamic surface tension at the lowest amount. Methods for controlling foam by determining and adjusting dynamic surface tension are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining a gushing factor for a beverage, in which method the quantity of hydrophobin is determined from the raw material of the beverage and/or from the beverage. The hydrophobin determination is performed immunologically using an immunological reaction between a hydrophobin antigen and an antibody.

Abstract: There is disclosed a defoaming rotor capable of skimming foam from the surface of the fermentation broth in a bioreactor, separating the solid and liquid components from the gaseous component of the foam, and returning the solid and liquid components to the broth.

Abstract: A silicone composition having a continuous phase of a polar organic liquid including particles of a silicone active material encapsulated within an organic encapsulating material which is a solid at 25° C. The silicone active material is sparingly soluble in the polar organic liquid at 25° C., but is substantially dissolved in the polar organic liquid at temperatures of from 40 to 100° C. The three phase contact angle between the organic encapsulating material, the silicone antifoam, and the polar organic liquid is below 130° C., with the angle measured through the silicone.

Abstract: A device for separating and removing kraeusen from fermenting beer. The device includes a pan having a circular bottom wall with a peripheral side wall extending upwardly therefrom. In the center of the bottom wall is a cone-shaped recess that serves as a well for the collection of particulate matter falling from suspension in kraeusen. Extending upwardly from the bottom of the recess to a height approaching that of the side wall is a tubular passageway for the upward passage of kraeusen into the pan. The recess may be covered with a screen or perforated plate upon which particulate matter can collect. An aperture is provided in the tubular passageway at the top of the recess to permit any beer carried by kraeusen into the pan to drain from the pan.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for defoaming alcoholic fermentations. An aqueous composition of polydimethylsiloxane, an ethylene oxide/propylene oxide block copolymer and a silicone/silica blend is employed to treat the fermentation for foaming.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for defoaming alcoholic fermentations. An aqueous composition of polydimethylsiloxane, an ethylene oxide/propylene oxide block copolymer and a silicone/silica blend is employed to treat the fermentation for foaming.

Abstract: An antifoaming agent for fermentation, which comprises (A) a reaction product obtained by the addition polymerization of 50 to 250 moles of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide (the molar ratio of ethylene oxide to propylene oxide=1:1 to 1:4 ) to 1 mole of a mixture composed of an oil or fat and a polyhydric alcohol containing at least three hydroxyl groups; and (B) a fatty acid, an alcohol, a polyoxyalkylene polyhydric alcohol ether, a polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether, a polyoxyalkylene fatty acid ester, a polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether fatty acid ester and/or a polyoxyalkylene polymer. The above antifoaming agent has both foam-breaking effects and foam-inhibiting effects so that it has excellent antifoaming effects and does not adversely affect the fermentation production.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the removal of foam produced in the primary fermentation step of home brewmaking comprises primarily a kraeusen trap including a platform of a diameter slightly less than the inside diameter of a primary fermenter and one or more chimneys to permit the flow of foam from below the platform to the top surface of the platform. The device may also include means for maintaining a space between the perimeter of the platform and the inside surface of the primary fermenter. This space permits foam to flow around the platform to the top surface of the platform, and for beer brought with the foam to settle back into the batch. Each of the one or more chimneys may also include one or more drain holes for the flow of beer into the batch. The space between the platform and the inside diameter of the primary fermented is preferably maintained by a plurality of spacers, which preferably clip onto the perimeter of the platform.

Abstract: An improved method and fermentor for aerobic production of microbial cells and/or cell metabolites, having at least one ascending flow chambers and at least one descending flow chamber. The fermentor is especially useful in conducting high cell density fermentation processes which involves the controlled addition of an antifoam agent, for maintaining a predetermined and relatively high gas holdup within the fermentor or by release of the constituents of the microbial cells into the fermentor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are antifoaming agents for fermentation which include, as active ingredient at least one of (a) a reaction product obtained by adding at least one alkylene oxide to a mixture of a fat and/or oil with a trihydric or still higher polyhydric alcohol, or (b) a compound represented by the following general formula (1): ##STR1## wherein n stands for a number of 2-50, R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 mean individually a hydrogen atom or an acyl group having 2-31 carbon atoms, x denotes an alkylene group having 2-4 carbon atoms, and m1, m2 and m3 are individually a number of 0-200, an L-amino acid-producing medium containing either one of these components, and a production process for L-amino acids making use of this medium. The use of this antifoaming agent permits the quick, sure and durable suppression of bubbling during incubation, and the overall production of the L-amino acid is significantly improved.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for defoaming aerobic fermentation cultures is provided, where the amount of liquid culture medium used is greater than that in conventional aerobic cultures (70% or more of the total capacity of the culture tank) without lowering the productivity of the intended, desired product. In the present apparatus and method, a device for separating vapor from liquid of a foam is in fluid communication with the fermentation tank, a device for condensing residual liquid of the vapor received from the separating device is in fluid communication with the separating device, and a sensor for detecting foams is provided in a location along the fluid communication pathway. In the defoaming apparatus, an optional defoaming device is provided, which may be based on either a rotary body rotating at a high speed by use of an electric motor which beats the foams, or on a centrifugal atomizer. The defoaming device may be provided between the vapor-liquid separating device and the condensing device.

Abstract: A method for aerobic production of microbial cells and/or cell metabolites in a fermentation vessel having at least a riser and at least a downcomer. The method is especially useful to conduct high cell density fermentation processes and involves the controlled addition of an antifoam agent, for maintaining a predetermined and relatively high gas hold up within the fermentor. Also disclosed are various types of fermentors for practicing the method of the invention.

Abstract: Methods of use of carbonic acid esters corresponding to general formula I: ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 is an alkyl radical derived from an aliphatic saturated primary alcohol containing 1 to 22 carbon atoms and R.sup.2 is an alkyl radical derived from an aliphatic, saturated primary alcohol containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms and/or has the same meaning as R.sup.1 and n is a number of 2 to 20 while m is 0 or has the same meaning as n, as foam control agents for the sugar beet or potato-processing food industry and/or in fermentation processes are provided. In the industrial processing of sugar-containing plant juices, as carried out on an industrial scale in the case of sugar beet, particular difficulties are caused by excessive foaming in the defecation units, during transport of the beet, in the diffusors and in the carbonizing tanks and before the evaporators, thus, use of the esters in these processes is advantageous.

Abstract: Amino acid fermentation is conducted by fermenting bacterial cells in a culture medium in a fermentor and separating fermentation solution withdrawn from the fermentor into a solution containing said bacterial cells and a solution not containing bacterial cells by a cell separator. The solution containing said bacterial cells being circulated from said cell separator to said fermenter by circulating means to perform amino acid fermentation continuously, and bubbles being removed from said fermentation solution by a bubble separator before said fermentation solution is fed to said circulating means and said cell separator.

Abstract: A mixture of C.sub.16 -C.sub.28 alkyl glucosides (A) and C.sub.16 -C.sub.28 fatty alcohols (B) in a weight ratio (A):(B) of between 20:1 and 1:9 possesses foam inhibiting properties even when highly diluted. The mixture is suitable for use in the food industry, and is preferably employed in a chemically inert liquid carrier oil that is immiscible with water.

Abstract: A post-fermentation degassing technique is provided which is directed for use in degassing foamed fermentation broths containing cultured microorganisms. Such a broth is charged while pressurized first through a heat exchanger to cool same, and then through a nozzle to form a spray suspension in a gaseous spray chamber located in a gravitationally upper part of a degassing vessel. The spray chamber is vented to the atmosphere. The spray suspension is coalesced to form a bulk liquid phase located in a gravitationally lower portion of the degassing vessel whereby the unpon surface of such bulk liquid phase forms the buttom surface of such spray chamber. The nozzle is so oriented that the spray suspension therefrom is downwardly directed towards the surface of the bulk liquid phase and the layer of foam characteristically formed thereon.

Abstract: The recoverable yield of recombinant human albumin in the fermentation of genetically engineered yeast that expresses the albumin and secretes it into the culture medium is increased by the addition of a stabilizing agent comprising a polyoxyalkylene compound, for example, polypropylene glycol or a polyoxypropylene/polyoxyethylene copolymer. The presence of these compounds in concentrations of from about 0.5 to 10 g per liter, preferably 1 to 5 g per liter, of fermentation broth prevents the degradation of the rHA produced under intensive fermentation conditions thereby raising the effective yield.

Abstract: Amino acid fermentation is conducted by fermenting using bacterial cells in a culture medium in a fermentor and separating fermentation solution withdrawn from the fermentor into a solution containing the bacterial cells and a solution not containing bacterial cells by a cell separator, the solution containing the bacterial cells being circulated from the cell separator to the fermenter by a circulating device to perform amino acid fermentation continuously, and bubbles being removed from the fermentation solution by a bubble separator before the fermentation solution is fed to the circulating device and the cell separator.

Abstract: A method for the mass growth of cells (2) which consists in growing the cells (2) in a thin film, e.g. a bubble or foam, of nutrient medium (4), which is continuously recirculated to the bulk medium (1) for replenishing. Growth rate and yields obtained with this method in large scale cell culturing are far superior to those obtained by know methods, due to the increased metabolic exchange of the cells (2) with the environment.

Abstract: A post-fermentation degassing technique is provided for use in degassing foamed fermentation broths containing cultured microorganisms. Such a broth is charged while pressurized through a nozzle to form a spray suspension in a gaseous spray chamber located in a gravitationally upper part of a degassing vessel. The spray chamber is vented to the atmosphere. The spray suspension is coalesced to form a bulk liquid phase located in a gravitationally lower portion of the degassing vessel whereby the upper surface of such bulk liquid phase forms the bottom surface of such spray chamber. The nozzle is so oriented that the spray suspension it produces is downwardly directed towards the surface of the bulk liquid phase and the layer of foam characteristically foamed thereon. Additionally, a portion of the bulk liquid phase is recycled to the upper part of the vessel through a second nozzle to form a second spray suspension which is coalesced into the bulk liquid phase.

Abstract: In concepts relating to biotechnology, fermentor and bioreactor apparatus and technology are provided for maximizing aeration for the cultivation and growth of aerobic microorganisms and tissue cells in artificial media such as aqueous growth media. The apparatus comprises a chamber with an impeller assembly for downward peripheral rotary flow under circumferential baffles that are downwardly disposed alongside microporous air sparger tubes. The agitation system preferably comprises a tree-turbine or a spherical-shaped impeller system. The apparatus provides advantages with respect to low shear, low power requirement, and high oxygen absorption rate, the latter being higher than conventional rates by an order of magnitude. In a preferred embodiment for the suppression of headspace foam, the invention comprises an assembly for forcing foam-destructive downdraft air into the headspace as well as stirrer or agitator assembly for stirring and breaking up foam that is present in the headspace.

Abstract: A method for processing aqueous fermentation broths in a bioreactor vessel, in which a foam inhibitor is added to the fermentation broth in the bioreactor vessel in order to prevent the accumulation and buildup of foam in the bioreactor vessel caused by oxygen sparging of the fermentation broth contained therein. The aqueous fermentation broth processed in the bioreactor vessel is conveyed as a feed solution to an ultrafiltration system including a membrane for concentrating the aqueous fermentation broth. The ultrafiltration system is typically located downstream of the bioreactor vessel. The improvement involves reducing the amount of fouling of the membrane in the ultrafiltration system by adding to the aqueous fermentation broth in the bioreactor vessel as the foam inhibitor, an antifoam which is an oil based liquid in the form of droplets, the droplets of the oil based liquid antifoam being dispersed, encased, entrapped, and imbedded, within solid particles of a water soluble encapsulating material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the foam in a vinegar fermentation process. As in the prior art, the foam accumulating on the upper surface of the fermentation substrate is moved along a given path axially through a rotor of the apparatus and revolved about the path by the rotor so as to be subjected to centrifugal forces and broken up into a gas portion which is exhausted in the direction of movement along the path and a liquid portion, possibly still including some foam particles, which is separated from the gas portion in a direction radially of the path. According to the invention, in order to minimize the foam accumulation in the fermentation tank, it is proposed to completely eliminante the liquid portion of the broken-up foam from the fermentation process, i.e., not to recycle the separated liquid portion into the fermentation tank, either by disposing of it or by further processing it and/or mixing it with the recovered vinegar end product apart from the fermentation process.

Abstract: The use of a probe for the control of foam build up in a fermenter, which probe comprises a guard electrode (13), first and second insulators (14 and 15) separated by the guard electrode, a detecting electrode (12) separated from the guard electrode by the first insulator, and a plug (18) and socket (17) for connecting the probe to a power source, the second insulator being provided with fermenter mounting means in the form of a flange (16), a sensor comprising the aforementioned probe for use with an antifoam supply regulator, a foam control system and a method of controlling the build up of foam in a fermentation vessel.

Abstract: A post-fermentation degassing technique and apparatus are provided which is directed for use in degassing foamed fermentation broths containing cultured microorganisms. Such a broth is charged while pressurized first through a heat exchanger to cool same, and then through a nozzle means to form a spray suspension in a gaseous spray chamber located in a gravitationally upper part of a degassing vessel. The spray chamber is vented to the atmosphere. The spray suspension is coalesced to form a bulk liquid phase located in a gravitationally lower portion of the degassing vessel whereby the unpon surface of such bulk liquid phase forms the bottom surface of such spray chamber. The nozzle means is so oriented that the spray suspension therefrom is downwardly directed towards the surface of the bulk liquid phase and the layer of foam characteristically formed thereon.

Abstract: A post-fermentation degassing technique and apparatus are provided for use in degassing foamed fermentation broths containing cultured microorganisms. Such a broth is charged while pressurized through a nozzle means to form a spray suspension in a gaseous spray chamber located in a gravitationally upper part of a degassing vessel. The spray chamber is vented to the atmosphere. The spray suspension is coalesced to form a bulk liquid phase located in a gravitationally lower portion of the degassing vessel whereby the upper surface of such bulk liquid phase forms the bottom surface of such spray chamber. The nozzle means is so oriented that the spray suspension it produces is downwardly directed towards the surface of the bulk liquid phase and the layer of foam characteristically foamed thereon.

Abstract: Terminally blocked polyethoxylated fatty alcohols of the formula:R--O--(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n --R.sup.1 (I)wherein R is a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl group having from 6 to 28 carbon atoms, R.sub.1 is a linear alkyl group having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and n is an integer having a value of from 2 to 12 are used as anti-foaming additives in the manufacture and/or processing of food stuffs as well as in fermentation processes.

Abstract: Antifoaming agents are commonly used during culturing of enzyme-producing microorganisms. These antifoams often persist through enzyme processing, slowing filtrations, clogging filtration membranes and adversely affecting the quality of the final product. The present invention describes a method for removing antifoams, and often carbohydrates and pigments, from enzyme systems using mineral clay, the preferred clay being bentonite.

Abstract: A process for the production of microbial cells by fermentation of carbonaceous material in a foam fermenter containing an oxygen-enriched nutrient medium. The process uses a source of carbon which is assimilable by the microorganism for the produciton of the microbial cells. The microbial cells are separated and removed from the foam fermenter for use as a food product high in protein content. The process includes the controlled release of a quantity of the constituents of a portion of the microorganism within the fermenter to increase the maintenance of the source of carbon and the nutrient medium in a foamed condition at a predetermined level in the fermenter. Also dislosed are various forms of apparatus for practicing the process of the present invention.

Abstract: Foam is controlled in the sugar industry and yeast industry by a process in which oxyalkylation products of the formula IR--O--(X.sub.1).sub.n --(X.sub.2).sub.m --(X.sub.3).sub.p --Zwhere R is alkyl of 6 to 22 carbon atoms or alkylphenyl where alkyl is of 6 to 12 carbon atoms, X.sub.1 and X.sub.3 are ethylene oxide units, n and p are each from 0 to 15 and the sum of n and p is not less than 2, the groups X.sub.2 are propylene oxide and/or butylene oxide units, m is from 0 to 15 and Z is straight-chain or branched alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, allyl or benzyl, having a turbidity point of <75.degree. C., are used as antifoams.

Abstract: A process for the production of microbial cells by fermentation of carbonaceous material in a foam fermenter containing an oxygen-enriched nutrient medium. The process uses a source of carbon which is assimilable by the microorganism for the production of the microbial cells. The microbial cells are separated and removed from the foam fermenter for use as a food product high in protein content. The process includes the controlled release of a quantity of the constituents of a portion of the microorganism within the fermenter to increase the maintenance of the source of carbon and the nutrient medium in a foamed condition at a predetermined level in the fermenter. Also disclosed are various forms of apparatus for practicing the process of the present invention.

Abstract: A method for production of HA fraction containing protective antigens of Bordetella pertussis (i.e. a fraction containing F-HA and LPF-HA) in an industrial scale, for instance, with a fermentater, which comprises inoculating a strain of B. pertussis in a liquid culture containing a cyclodextrin or its derivative, culturing it by a spinner culture under controlling the culture temperature and the amount of dissolved oxygen and under defoaming condition, optionally under controlling the pH range, and harvesting the produced HA fraction from the culture broth at a stage of from logarithmic growth phase to static grow phase, and a method for production of a pertussis vaccine from the HA fraction thus obtained by formalinizing the HA fraction in the presence of an amino acid.

Abstract: Troublesome foaming in the fermentation of yeast is suppressed by the addition of polyglycol ethers which are derived from saturated and monounsaturated C.sub.16 -C.sub.18 fatty alcohols and which contain on an average of from 1 to 4 ethylene and/or propylene glycol ether groups. Preferred defoamers contain oleyl and cetyl alcohol residues in a ratio of from 3:1 to 1:1, and on average 2 ethylene glycol ether groups. The defoamers do not inhibit yeast growth or lead to premature softening and liquefaction of the compressed yeast.

Abstract: Novel strains of Rhizobium phaseoli which do not produce acidic extracellular polysaccharides or their constituents, which produces cyclic .beta.-1,2-glucan effectively.

Abstract: An apparatus for chemical froth suppression in a fermenter comprises a vessel containing a chemical froth suppressor and communicating via a pressure pipe with the fermenter. The pressure pipe has arranged at a preselected level with respect to the froth height a nozzle intended to form a jet of froth suppressor which enters a chamber through an inlet port thereof. This chamber is accommodated inside the fermenter substantially above the level of froth therein. The jet of froth suppressor is reflected from the concave wall of the chamber to be conveyed along the discharge pipe by a pneumatic or suction pump into the vessel containing the froth suppressor. The discharge pipe is provided at tne end thereof inside the vessel with a nozzle intended to form a jet of the chemical froth suppressor flowing along this discharge pipe into the vessel.

Abstract: A composition for the control of unwanted foaming comprising(a) Soya bean oil(b) a mineral oil(c) a finely divided silica(d) an unsubstituted fatty acid monoester of glycerol(e) an unsubstituted fatty acid ester of a polyoxyalkylated sorbitan.These compositions are valuable for the control of foam especially in fermentations since they are stable to sterilization.Also they may be used in paints since they do not give the defects often associated with silicone antifoams.

Abstract: An apparatus useful for foam breaking operations and particularly useful for fermentation processes is described having a foam breaking body wherein the foam breaking surfaces are created by a multitude of elements arranged in contact with each other and defining a multitude of paths for the foam and fluids there through. This body is arranged for rotation and the gas phase is withdrawn from said body at or near the rotational axis.

Abstract: An organism rich fluid is withdrawn from a foam fermenting apparatus by collecting and withdrawing the fluid from the foam breaker. In another embodiment the fluid from the foam breaker inside of the fermentor is subjected to a liquid/solid centrifugal action and an organism rich fluid stream as well as an organism depleted fluid stream is recovered.

Abstract: The means includes a layer which comprises a multiplicity of preferably spherical floating bodies with eccentric centers of gravity and which floats on the surface of the beer wort or the new beer or the beer.As a result of their eccentric center of gravity, the floating bodies maintain a stable floatation position and both the floatation foam which is formed during floatation of the beer wort and also the fermentation foam which is formed during fermentation and post-fermentation of the wort or the new beer are deposited on the floating bodies. In addition, this layer reduces damaging contact of the liquid with the oxygen component in the air space in the wort vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for chemical froth suppression in a fermenter comprises a froth sensor installed in the fermenter for tracing the froth and a vessel containing a chemical froth suppressor which is fed to the froth sensor and to the fermenter. The froth sensor comprises a hollow chamber accommodating a throttle and a nozzle. The chamber has a through opening with the walls having two ports congruent to and coaxial with the outlet orifice of the nozzle, through which passes a jet of the froth suppressor leaving the outlet orifice of the nozzle to fly past the through opening and to get into the chamber to be reflected from its concave wall for being removed into the vessel containing the chemical froth suppressor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the recovery of gas evolved from fermentation is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a vessel containing the fermentation material, and a head slidably mounted on the vessel forming a substantially gas tight chamber therewith. Mounted on the head are a series of projections of various shapes which extend into the chamber. As the fermentation proceeds, the generation of gas causes the head to rise. When it has risen a sufficient amount, a gas outlet valve is opened and the gas is introduced into a collector. The reduction in gas pressure causes the head to drop. The movement of the head causes the projections to break through the scum layer at the surface of the fermentation broth, thereby enhancing the reaction. In a preferred form of the device, the projections are so formed as to urge the scum towards the discharge means, thereby breaking and removing the scum without the use of any additional energy. A method for using the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of 6-amino-6-deoxy-L-sorbose which comprises culturing an aerobic micro-organism capable of oxidizing 1-amino-1-deoxy-D-glucitol or an enzymatic extract obtained from said aerobic micro-organism under aerobic conditions and at a suitable temperature in an aqueous nutrient medium containing 1-amino-1-deoxy-D-glucitol or a salt thereof and also containing assimilable sources of carbon, nitrogen and essential trace element to impart said 6-amino-6-deoxy-L-sorbose to said aqueous nutrient medium.

Abstract: In cultivation of the Basidiomycetes under aeration and agitation in an aqueous liquid medium containing saccharide as a carbon source and yeast extract, peptone, casamino acid and/or meat extract as nutrient, the initial charge of the medium is adjusted such that it is less than about 70% of the capacity of the fermentor used, and the medium or at least one component thereof is supplied additionally in portions as cultivation advances. Such control of the medium feed suppresses excessive foaming which occurs in the aqueous medium during cultivation, and allows smooth and efficient cultivation of the Basidiomycetes.