초록

A process for the utilization of the methane produced by enteric fermentation, specifically to a process that utilizes methane produced by ruminant animals through enteric fermentation as a source of carbon and/or energy for the directed production of methane-based goods or processes is provided.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A system configured to simultaneously reduce environmental enteric fermentation methane emissions and produce harvestable biomass, comprising: (a) one or more ruminant animals;(b) a first and second gas, wherein said first gas comprises enteric fermentation-derived methane gas that has been emitt

1. A system configured to simultaneously reduce environmental enteric fermentation methane emissions and produce harvestable biomass, comprising: (a) one or more ruminant animals;(b) a first and second gas, wherein said first gas comprises enteric fermentation-derived methane gas that has been emitted by and collected from said animals,wherein said second gas comprises oxygen and said first gas;(c) a bioreactor housing a culture of microorganisms; and(d) a conveyor configured to direct, move, and/or convey said second gas to contact said device;wherein introduction of said first gas and said second gas to said device results in oxidation of a portion of said first gas to methanol, water, and/or carbon dioxide, thereby simultaneously reducing environmental enteric fermentation methane emissions and producing harvestable biomass. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein said conveyor is configured to reduce the flow rate of said second gas through said enclosure to increase the concentration of said enteric fermentation-derived methane within said first gas. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the concentration of said enteric fermentation-derived methane in said first gas is above 1.7 ppm. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the harvestable biomass is suitable for processing into one or more of nutritional foodstuffs, adhesives or cosmetics. 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least a portion of the culture of microorganisms comprise genetically-engineered microorganisms.