Controlling a fermentation plant
US5601720A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 20, 1994 |
| Grant date | Feb 11, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 20, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02W30/40
- WIPO fieldBiotechnology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Controlling a fermentation plant working with a horizontal fermentor which operates per the regenerative flow process is particularly difficult, if there is a high proportion of dry substance. Biogenic decomposition in the fermentor was thus far influenced merely by recycling a portion of the ferment from the outlet to the fermentor entrance. According to the invention, the process of control is enhanced by the measurement of the pH and the dry substance portion at various points in the fermentor and controlling the fermentor on the basis of these measurements in such a way that the measurement data lie within certain established ranges. It is additionally possible, moreover, to adjust the pH and the portion of dry substance in the fermentor by the introduction of press water laden with methanobacteria from the ferment at inoculation points in the fermentor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.