MULTIPHASE POROUS FLOW REACTORS AND METHODS OF USING SAME

摘要

PFRs for running multiphasic processes are disclosed. The PFRs are sing!e or multi- chamber devices having at ieast three types of regions (a liquid-contacting region, a gas- contacting region and a Ssquid-coSiection region), and a porous substrate providing fluid communication at Ieast between the liquid-contacting and gas-contacting regions. Removal of Iiquid from the porous substrate, such as by collecting the Iiquid as it flows off the bottom of the porous substrate in the Siquid-coSSection region or such as by evaporation of the Iiquid from the porous substrate in the evaporation region supports a continuous flow process. Methods of using the PFRs are also disclosed, for example methods of using the PFRs as photobioreactors for cultivating photosynthetic microorganisms, for producing fermentable sugars, for producing ethanoi, for fermenting synthesis gas and producing single celi protein from natural gas.