Bioreactor or fermentor

A bioreactor is a vessel in which microorganisms can act upon a given substrate in a controlled environment. The substrate is biochemically processed by the microorganism, and the resulting product can be harnessed. Sometimes, the word fermentor is used instead of bioreactor, because the vessel can be used for fermentation.

Large vessel surrounded by a thermal jacket is called the reactor tank filled with liquid with spinning blades attached to an external agitation system inside. Liquid medium is pumped by a feeding pump and enters through the top and the effluent leaves through the bottom. Air is pumped inside and emerge as bubbles from a bottom piece labelled submerged aerator. Sensory probes in the liquid lead to a system monitor.

Figure 1: Fermentor diagram.