Patent EP0100013A2 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3815331A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for the recovery of micro-organisms cultivated on a hydrocarbon substrate
Assignee: BP PLC
•
Filing: 1972-11-21
•
Granted: 1974-06-11
•
Expires: 1992-11-21
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for use in the recovery of a micro-organism cultivated on a hydrocarbon substrate. The feature of apparatus being the provision of a settling zone wherein the aerated cultivated broth containing the micro-organism 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 11:03
CPC Classifications
C; C12; C12N; C12N1/00; C12N1/02; B; B01; B01D; B01D19/00; B01D19/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
110 words
An apparatus suitable for use in the recovery of microorganisms cultivated on a hydrocarbon substrate comprising a decanter vessel having a take-off point for the withdrawal of a relatively dense aqueous phase, a degasser vessel having a take off point for a de-aerated cream containing a micro-organism, a weir connecting the decanter and the degasser vessels, by which in use, a less dense foam from the decanter vessel overflows into the degasser vessel, a rotary paddle situated in the degasser vessel and adapted, in use, to break foam in the degasser vessel and a pipe system by which in use a surface active agent is fed into the degasser vessel.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
110 words
An apparatus suitable for use in the recovery of microorganisms cultivated on a hydrocarbon substrate comprising a decanter vessel having a take-off point for the withdrawal of a relatively dense aqueous phase, a degasser vessel having a take off point for a de-aerated cream containing a micro-organism, a weir connecting the decanter and the degasser vessels, by which in use, a less dense foam from the decanter vessel overflows into the degasser vessel, a rotary paddle situated in the degasser vessel and adapted, in use, to break foam in the degasser vessel and a pipe system by which in use a surface active agent is fed into the degasser vessel.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
79 words
An apparatus suitable for use in the recovery of micro-organisms cultivated on a hydrocarbon substrate comprising a vessel of annular cross section surrounding an inner vessel of circular cross section, a wall between tee vessels constituting a weir by which, in use foam passes from the annular vessel into the inner vessel, said inner vessel being equipped with a rotary paddle and a pipe system by which, in use a surface active agent is fed into the inner vessel.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
79 words
An apparatus suitable for use in the recovery of micro-organisms cultivated on a hydrocarbon substrate comprising a vessel of annular cross section surrounding an inner vessel of circular cross section, a wall between tee vessels constituting a weir by which, in use foam passes from the annular vessel into the inner vessel, said inner vessel being equipped with a rotary paddle and a pipe system by which, in use a surface active agent is fed into the inner vessel.
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) | 1977-06-10 | 1977-12-10 | 1978-06-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-06-10 | 1981-12-10 | 1982-06-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-06-10 | 1985-12-10 | 1986-06-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |