Flow tube reactor

摘要

Devices, systems and methods for increasing fermentation rates of microbes via biostimulation are provided. Electrodes are preferably positioned along an interior or exterior of a tube-shaped component to administer electromagnetic/electric pulses to a solution comprising a microbe. Systems can advantageously be used in new biofuels production plants, or in existing biofuels production plants without the need for significant retrofits.

主权项

1. A flow tube reactor system for facilitating fermentation of a liquid within a first fermentation vat, comprising:
a reactor tube having a lumen, and a length of at least 0.1 meter; a pulse driving circuitry that provides electrical pulses to an interior of the lumen at a pulse length and duty cycle effective to increase a fermentation rate of a microorganism; wherein the electrical pulses are produced at a plurality of electrodes placed along a length of reactor tube; and wherein the reactor tube is sized and dimensioned to be at least one of (a) submerged in a solution of the first fermentation vat, and (b) suspended in the first fermentation vat.