A new pilot reactor for solid-state fermentation: Application to the protein enrichment of sugar beet pulp.

A new pilot reactor for solid-state fermentation has been used for single-cell protein production on raw sugar beet pulp with a mutant, Trichoderma viride T.S. This pilot plant, having a maximum working capacity of one ton (ca. 200 kg dry matter) can be scaled up to the production plant level. During the process, the protein content increases from 9 to 20-21% (on the basis of dry matter) in 48 h. A material and heat balance is presented in relation with temperature and moisture level regulation during the process.