US3738488A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Processes and apparatus for the recovery of micro-organisms cultivated on a hydrocarbon substrate
Assignee: BP PLC
•
Filing: 1970-10-02
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Granted: 1973-06-12
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Expires: 1990-10-02
Abstract
Abstract A process and apparatus for use in the recovery of a microorganism cultivated on a hydrocarbon substrate. The feature of the process and apparatus being the provision of a settling zone wherein the aerated cultivated broth containing the microorganism undergoes a phase separation and a relatively dense fraction containing spent aqueous medium is removed. The remaining aerated fraction is then subjected, in the presence of a wetting agent, to foam breaking agitation, preferably provided by the action of a rotating paddle. The deaerated broth fraction thus obtained can then be centrifuged in the normal industrial centrifuges to separate a micro-organism rich product.
Inventors
- 👤 J Hondermark
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 21:11
CPC Classifications
C; C12; C12N; C12N1/00; C12N1/02; B; B01; B01D; B01D19/00; B01D19/02; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S435/00; Y10S435/803; Y10S435/812
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
20 words
A process according to claim 1 in which foam breaking agitation is provided by the action of a rotating paddle.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
15 words
A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein the micro-organism is a hydrocarbon consuming yeast.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein the deaerated cream is subjected for centrifugation whereby a micro-organism rich product is separated from the remaining constituents of the cream.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-06-11 | 1976-12-11 | 1977-06-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-06-11 | 1980-12-11 | 1981-06-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-06-11 | 1984-12-11 | 1985-06-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |