This report describes the design and use of a new type of Continuous P
lug Flow Reactor (CPFR). The reactor comprises a continuous glass tube
(diameter of 19 mm) arranged into a spiral (0.4 m external diameter)
consisting of five loops, which rotate around an axle. The CPFR has ad
vantages over other reactors in that continuous fermentation is possib
le without dilution of the culture and biomass or metabolite yield is
increased. In addition temperature and water activity may be adjusted
to a different optimum level for each physiological stage of the culti
vated microorganism.