Automated system and method for growing bacteria
US6335191B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 8, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jan 1, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 8, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S435/818
- WIPO fieldBiotechnology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An automated system and method is provided for cultivating bacteria in a fluid medium and thereafter selectively discharging the fluid medium, wherein an initial supply of the selected strain or strains of bacteria is combined with nutrients and water in a biogenerator in the presence of air to promote mixing and bacterial cultivation. The system and method utilize a vortex created by recirculation of the fluid medium to achieve aeration and mixing without substantial foaming. The system and method are particularly useful for supplying bacteria to control grease accumulation in restaurant grease traps. The system and method use a biogeneration chamber which has a cylindrical sidewall and surface on the inner side. Further, the chamber has a top and a conical bottom. The top has inlet ports and a vent port. There is also a outlet port in the conical bottom. The conical bottom also has a orifice and recirculated fluid inlet port that is directed tangentially along the inside surface of the sidewall to create a downwardly spiraling vortex in the biogeneration chamber.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.