DE-102024003721-A1 - Use of a wash tube as a bioreactor for improved oxygen and nutrient medium supply, as well as foam reduction through the paddle principle

Abstract

The invention describes the repurposing of a wash tube as a bioreactor, which, through the paddle principle, offers improved oxygen and nutrient medium supply while simultaneously minimizing foam formation. This system enables the efficient and scalable implementation of fermentation processes in biotechnological production.

Inventors

• Lothar Weber
• Clark Morris Glauner

Assignees

• Janine Koppelmann
• SOLVECOPUR GMBH

Dates

Publication Date

20260513

Application Date

20241113

Claims (7)

1. Claim: A method for using a wash tube as a bioreactor, wherein the substrate is continuously conveyed and aerated in several chambers by means of a scoop principle to create a to ensure uniform mixing of the nutrient medium and oxygen supply.
2. Claim: Bioreactor according to Claim 1 , in which the chambers can be supplied independently with specific nutrients and gases.
3. Claim: Bioreactor according to Claim 1 or 2 , in which an automated control system continuously monitors and regulates the process parameters.
4. Claim: Use of the bioreactor according to one of the preceding claims for carrying out fermentative processes in which a high oxygen saturation of the medium is required.
5. Claim: A method for continuous fermentation in a bioreactor according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the substrate is conveyed in a continuous flow from one chamber to the next.
6. Claim: Method for using a washing tube as a bioreactor, wherein the substrate, through a scoop principle and the perforated drum, ensures a better supply of oxygen and nutrients via the dead space between the drum and the outer wall of the system.
7. Claim: Method for using one or more UV-C irradiation modules in the washing tube of the bioreactor, wherein the substrate in the last chamber is irradiated for >30 minutes at ≥ 40ml/cm2 and, after emptying the chamber, the dead space between the drum and the outer wall is measured at several measuring points on the inside of the outer drum.

Description

Technical field: The invention relates to a bioreactor, in particular the repurposing of an industrial washing tube such as the Power Trans Vario from Kannegießer, as used in laundries, as a continuous or batch bioreactor. It is suitable for carrying out fermentative processes where efficient oxygenation of the substrate is required, without the problems of conventional stirring systems. State of the art: Conventional bioreactors typically use agitators to homogenize the medium and ensure oxygenation. However, this often leads to excessive foaming, which significantly hinders the fermentation process and, in the worst case, destroys it. Alternatively, bubble aeration systems are used, but these can be inefficient. Kannegießer manufactures washing lines that clean textiles in continuous processes. These systems use paddle mechanisms to transport textiles through the chambers, ensuring even mixing and a controlled flow of liquid. Description of the invention: The invention proposes using a washing tube system, particularly one with multiple chambers and a paddle mechanism, as a bioreactor. The advantage lies in the improved oxygen supply and enhanced mixing of nutrient media such as micronutrients, minerals, and carbon sources, thanks to the paddle principle, which minimizes foaming and ensures a uniform distribution of nutrients within the substrate. Technical features: 1. Modular chamber design: The wash tube is divided into several chambers, allowing the fermentation process to be broken down into sections. Each chamber can be separately aerated, heated or cooled, and supplied with specific nutrients. 2. Scoop principle for improved mass transfer: Instead of a stirrer, the paddles convey the substrate through the chamber, continuously mixing the medium without excessive foaming. 3. Flexible process management: • Batch operation: The substrate remains in the chambers for the duration of the process, with the paddles ensuring gentle mixing.• Continuous operation: The substrate is transported step by step from one chamber to the next, thus enabling continuous fermentation. 4. Integrated ventilation: Each chamber is equipped with individually adjustable ventilation units to adapt the oxygen supply to the specific needs of the fermentation process. 5. Automated control: A system for monitoring and controlling the fermentation parameters (e.g. temperature, pH value, oxygen concentration, sampling, UV-C irradiation modules) ensures optimal conditions. Advantages of the invention: 1. Efficient oxygen and nutrient medium supply: The paddle principle ensures continuous movement of the medium and improves the oxygen and nutrient medium input without the disadvantages of bubble aeration or agitation.2. Minimizing foam formation: Since no strong shear forces occur, foam formation is significantly reduced, which increases the stability of the process.3. Modularity and scalability: The number and size of the chambers can be flexibly adjusted to cover different production volumes and process requirements.4. Careful handling of biomass: The mechanical stress on the microorganisms is minimized, which promotes their vitality and productivity.