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Abstract

An apparatus for continuously producing alcohol by fermenting a mash containing starch, sugar, and similar carbohydrates includes a series of main fermentation vessels and an auxiliary fermentation vessel. The mash, in mixture with yeast, is transferred in succession through the main vessels during normal operation of the apparatus. When the main fermentation vessels are to be cleaned, the further flow of the mash is diverted into the auxiliary fermentation vessel for a period of time sufficient to empty and clean the first main fermentation vessel in the series, whereupon the supply of the mash to the first main fermentation vessel is restored. The gap in the mash supply propagates through the series of the main fermentation vessels so that the remaining vessels can be in turn cleaned as well. By the time the last of the main fermentation vessels is empty, the mash in the auxiliary fermentation vessel is completely fermented so that it can be used to provide continuity in the stream of fermented product leaving the apparatus. The carbon dioxide developing in the fermentation vessels during the fermentation operation is scrubbed with water and the thus CO.sub.2 -enriched water is used for washing the inner walls of the fermentation vessels.

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First Claim