Abstract: Methods are disclosed for preparing lignin from lignocellulosic biomass using rapid full or partial pressure reduction to separate and pulverize the lignin without fouling the equipment and with improved energy recovery.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for increasing the yields of fermentable C6 sugars from lignocellulosic biomass by using a multistage cellulose hydrolysis and quench, with or without acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for hydrolyzing cellulose, comprising: (a) contacting cellulose with a fluid mixture comprising supercritical CO2 and sub-critical or near-critical water to form a reactant mixture at a first temperature and first pressure for a first time period, wherein a reaction occurs and forms one or more hydrolysis products; (b) quenching the reaction; and (c) recovering at least one hydrolysis product.

Abstract: Methods of making glucose and/or furfural from biomass require one or more supercritical fluids that may be used to process biomass, cellulose from the biomass, and/or xylose from the biomass. Examples of supercritical fluids for use in processing biomass include ethanol, water, and carbon dioxide at a temperature and pressure above the critical points for ethanol and carbon dioxide but at a temperature and/or pressure below that of the critical point for water. A supercritical fluid containing carbon dioxide and water may be used to convert cellulose to glucose or convert xylose to furfural. The fluid has a temperature and pressure above the critical point of carbon dioxide, but at least one of the temperature and pressure is below the critical point for water.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for the continuous treatment of biomass comprising a pretreatment step, wherein said biomass is contacted with a first supercritical, near-critical, or sub-critical fluid to form a solid matrix and a first liquid fraction; and a hydrolysis step, wherein said solid matrix formed in said pretreatment step is contacted with a second supercritical or near-supercritical fluid to produce a second liquid fraction and a insoluble lignin-containing fraction. Also disclosed are apparatuses for the continuous conversion of biomass comprising a pretreatment reactor and a hydrolysis reactor associated with said pretreatment reactor.

Abstract: Compositions comprising C5 and C6 saccharides of varying degrees of polymerization and low levels of undesirable impurities, such as compounds containing sulfur, nitrogen, or metals, are disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions comprising C5 and C6 monosaccharides and low levels of undesirable impurities, such as compounds containing sulfur, nitrogen, or metals, are disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions comprising C5 and C6 saccharides of varying degrees of polymerization and low levels of undesirable impurities, such as compounds containing sulfur, nitrogen, or metals, are disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions comprising lignin and low levels of undesirable impurities, such as compounds containing sulfur, nitrogen, or metals, are disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions comprising C5 and C6 monosaccharides and low levels of undesirable impurities, such as compounds containing sulfur, nitrogen, or metals, are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for providing recovered lignin of suitable quantity and quality to provide sufficient heating value to power the generation of supercritical or near critical water without the need for outside sources of energy. Supercritical or near critical water generator devices and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Self-cleaning apparatus and methods are disclosed for handling viscous fluids, such as thick solid-liquid slurries of lignocellulosic biomass and its components, under high pressure, using an array of retractable valves.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for providing lignin product of a small particle size for improving burning efficiency and for avoiding typical equipment fouling problems while maximizing energy recovery.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for providing lignin product of a small particle size for improving burning efficiency and for avoiding typical equipment fouling problems while maximizing energy recovery.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for the continuous treatment of biomass comprising a pretreatment step, wherein said biomass is contacted with a first supercritical, near-critical, or sub-critical fluid to form a solid matrix and a first liquid fraction; and a hydrolysis step, wherein said solid matrix formed in said pretreatment step is contacted with a second supercritical or near-supercritical fluid to produce a second liquid fraction and a insoluble lignin-containing fraction. Also disclosed are apparatuses for the continuous conversion of biomass comprising a pretreatment reactor and a hydrolysis reactor associated with said pretreatment reactor.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for increasing the yields of fermentable C6 sugars from lignocellulosic biomass by using a multistage cellulose hydrolysis and quench, with or without acid.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for providing lignin product of a small particle size for improving burning efficiency and for avoiding typical equipment fouling problems while maximizing energy recovery.

Abstract: Self-cleaning apparatus and methods are disclosed for handling viscous fluids, such as thick solid-liquid slurries of lignocellulosic biomass and its components, under high pressure, using an array of retractable valves.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for increasing the level of C5 monosaccharides produced from lignocellulosic biomass using a multistage fractionation process to handle recalcitrant C5 oligosaccharides without producing unwanted degradation products. Methods for reducing C5 monosaccharides degradation products produced from lignocellulosic biomass are also disclosed. In addition, compositions and products produced by the methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Self-cleaning apparatus and methods are disclosed for handling viscous fluids, such as thick solid-liquid slurries of lignocellulosic biomass and its components, under high pressure, using an array of retractable valves.