Novel Fermentation Systems and Methods

• US 20190309248A1
• Filed: 01/05/2018
• Published: 10/10/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 01/06/2017
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Locus Solutions IPCO LLC
• Original Assignee: Locus IP Company, LLC
• Inventors: ALIBEK, Ken, FARMER, Sean, ADAMS, Kent
• Application Number:
  US16/470,224
• Publication Number:
  US 20190309248A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: A01C 21/00 Methods of fertilising , sowing or planting
• CPC Class Codes: A01N 43/16 with oxygen as the ring hetero atom
• CPC Class Codes: A01N 63/00 Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators containing microorganisms, viruses, microbial fungi, animals or substances produced by, or obtained from, microorganisms, viruses, microbial fungi or animals, e.g. enzymes or fermentates containing compounds of determined constitution A01N27/00 - A01N59/00; unicellular algae A01N65/03
• CPC Class Codes: A01N 63/30 Microbial fungi; Substances produced thereby or obtained therefrom
• CPC Class Codes: A01N 63/32 Yeast
• CPC Class Codes: A23K 10/00 Animal feeding-stuffs
• CPC Class Codes: A23K 10/12 by fermentation of natural products, e.g. of vegetable material, animal waste material or biomass
• CPC Class Codes: A23K 10/16 Addition of microorganisms or extracts thereof, e.g. single-cell proteins, to feeding-stuff compositions A23K10/12 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A23K 10/18 of live microorganisms
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/07 Steam
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/10 Ultraviolet radiation
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/22 Phase substances, e.g. smokes, aerosols or sprayed or atomised substances
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2202/17 Combination with washing or cleaning means
• CPC Class Codes: B08B 2209/027 for cleaning the internal surfaces
• CPC Class Codes: B08B 9/027 Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 1/001 Processes for the treatment of water whereby the filtration technique is of importance C02F1/44 takes precedence; construction of filters in general B01D24/00 - B01D41/00
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 1/32 with ultraviolet light
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2303/04 Disinfection
• CPC Class Codes: C05F 11/08 Organic fertilisers containing added bacterial cultures, mycelia or the like
• CPC Class Codes: C09K 8/52 Compositions for preventing, limiting or eliminating depositions, e.g. for cleaning
• CPC Class Codes: C09K 8/584 : characterised by the use of specific surfactants
• CPC Class Codes: C11D 1/662 : Carbohydrates or derivatives
• CPC Class Codes: C11D 2111/20 : Industrial or commercial equipment, e.g. reactors, tubes or engines
• CPC Class Codes: C11D 3/38 : Products with no well-defined composition , e.g. natural products
• CPC Class Codes: C11D 3/381 : Microorganisms
• CPC Class Codes: C12M 23/00 : Constructional details, e.g. recesses, hinges flow directing inserts in C12M27/18-C12M27/24; apparatus for chemical or physical processes in general B01J, chemical or physical laboratory apparatus in general B01L
• CPC Class Codes: C12M 23/52 : Mobile; Means for transporting the apparatus transportable laboratories B01L1/52
• CPC Class Codes: C12M 23/58 : Reaction vessels connected in series or in parallel combinations of bioreactors with other apparatus, C12M43/00
• CPC Class Codes: C12M 29/00 : Means for introduction, extraction or recirculation of materials, e.g. pumps pumps per se F04B
• CPC Class Codes: C12M 29/14 : Pressurized fluid
• CPC Class Codes: C12M 37/00 : Means for sterilizing, maintaining sterile conditions or avoiding chemical or biological contamination C12M23/38 takes precedence; filtration in general and filters per se B01D24/00-B01D41/00; autoclaves B01J3/04; treatment of microorganisms with electrical or wave energy C12N13/00
• CPC Class Codes: C12N 1/14 : Fungi culture of mushrooms A01G18/00; as new plants A01H15/00; Culture media therefor
• CPC Class Codes: C12N 1/16 : Yeasts; Culture media therefor
• CPC Class Codes: C12N 1/20 : Bacteria; Culture media therefor
• CPC Class Codes: C12P 19/44 : Preparation of O-glycosides, e.g. glucosides polysaccharides and not substituted disaccharides C12P19/04, C12P19/12
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 17/006 : Accessories for drilling pipes, e.g. cleaners wear protectors E21B17/10; handling drilling pipes E21B19/00; thread protectors B65D59/00
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 43/16 : Enhanced recovery methods for obtaining hydrocarbons
• CPC Class Codes: Y02A 40/10 : in agriculture

Abstract

The subject invention provides systems and apparatuses for producing microbe-based compositions that can be used in the oil and gas industry, environmental cleanup, as well as for other applications. More specifically, the present invention includes biological reactors, equipment, and materials for fermenting microbe-based compositions.

Claims

1. A system for producing a microbe-based composition comprising:

a reactor comprising a first tank and a second tank;

a pump having an input connected to the first tank via a first tube, and an output connected to the second tank via a second tube;

a third tube connecting from the second tank to the first tank wherein said third tube is suitable for allowing liquid to flow under hydrostatic pressure from the second tank to the first tank.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising one or more air blowers or air compressors, wherein the one or more air blowers or compressors are connected to one or more gas injectors, bubblers, and/or spargers.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the reactor has a working volume of 10 to 40,000 gallons.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a frame for supporting system components.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising wheels and handles for maneuvering the system.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is configured on the back of a truck trailer and/or semi-trailer, and/or wherein the system is portable.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more pumps are capable of establishing a recycle ratio ranging from 30 to 0.1.

8. A method for cultivating microorganism without contamination, wherein said method comprises:

adding a culture medium comprising water and nutrient components to the system of claim 1 using a peristaltic pump;

inoculating the system with a viable microorganism; and

optionally, adding an antimicrobial agent to the system.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the microorganism is a yeast.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the microorganism is Starmerella bombicola.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the microorganism is Pseudozyma aphidis.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein the system of claim 1 is sterilized prior to cultivating the microorganism.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein sterilization comprises:

washing the internal surfaces of the reactor with a disinfectant;

fogging the inside of the reactor with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution; and

/or

steaming the inside of the reactor with water at a temperature of 105°

C. to 110°

C.

14. The method of claim 8, wherein the culture medium is decontaminated prior to being added to the system.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein decontamination is achieved by:

autoclaving the culture medium components;

filtering the water using a 0.1-micron water filter; and

UV sterilizing the water.

17. The method of claim 8, wherein the antimicrobial agent is biosurfactant.

18. A composition comprising a microorganism and/or one or more products of the growth of that microorganism produced by the system of claim 1.

20. The composition of claim 18, wherein the microorganism is Starmerella bombicola.

21. The composition of claim 18, wherein the microorganism is Pseudozyma aphidis.

22. The composition of claim 18, wherein the growth by-product is a biosurfactant.

23. The composition of claim 22, wherein the biosurfactant is a sophorolipid.

24. The composition of claim 22, wherein the biosurfactant is a mannosylerythritol lipid.

25. A method for enhancing the amount of oil recoverable from an oil-containing formation, wherein said method comprises applying a composition of claim 18 to the oil-containing formation.

26. A method for cleaning an oil well rod, tubing and/or casing, wherein said method comprises applying to the oil well rod, tubing and casing structures a composition of claim 18.

27. A method for improving plant growth, yield, and/or health, wherein said method comprises applying to the plant or its environment a composition of claim 18.

28. A method for controlling a pest of animals wherein said method comprises contacting the pest with a composition of claim 18.

29. A method for feeding an animal, wherein the method comprises adding the composition of claim 18 to the animal'"'"'s food and/or drinking water source.

16. (canceled)

19. (canceled)