摘要 |
An improved anaerobic fermentation process and apparatus for converting an influent liquid containing suspended organic matter to effluent gas and liquid products are provided. The influent liquid is introduced into and maintained in an anaerobic fermentation reactor containing anaerobic microorganisms at a temperature and a first pressure and for a time sufficient to form a gas containing methane and to form a liquid containing dissolved gas and suspended bacterial cell mass particles. The liquid is introduced into and maintained in a flotation vessel at a temperature, at a second pressure and for a time whereby gas dissolved in the liquid is liberated forming solution gas bubbles which rise and cause the suspended bacterial cell mass particles to be floated to the surface of the liquid. The floated bacterial cell mass particles are withdrawn from the surface of the liquid and from the flotation zone and recycled to the fermentation zone.
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