Abstract: A Low Temperature Conversion apparatus composed of tri-tubes which simultaneously carries out the functions of vessel and heat exchanger is provided. The apparatus is capable of thermally decomposing any kind of organic material to obtain coal, oil, water and non-condensable gases, and also decontaminating soils and residues contaminated with organochlorides and dioxins and comprises: an outer box (2) with a hermetic lid (19); a thermal insulation layer (5) disposed throughout the inner surface of the outer box (2) and lid; and at least a structure with three concentric tubes disposed internally, positioned substantially vertically and with a wall width suitable for heating by means of gases from an inner side and outer side of said structure. An associated process for thermal decomposition using the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A process wherein biomass is compacted at 300 kg/m3 by a helical feeder, degassed, flooded, heated, stirred, and pre-hydrolyzed. The sugar being recovered at a first washing within the reactor with values higher than 90%. The control of the process enables one to produce cellulignin with a high specific surface, 2 m2/g (measured by BET), compared with the value of 0.4 m2/g of non-hydrolyzed biomass, maintain crystallinity of the cellulose fibers, aiming at grinding it into fine particles (f<250 mm), globulizing the lignin, exposing the cellulose to attacks by micro-organisms from cud of ruminants, fungi, bacteria or enzymes in microbiological or enzymatic fermentation.

Abstract: An apparatus for the processing of pre-hydrolysis of biomass, particularly a reactor of the failsafe type, either mobile or not, which may be manufactured of microbonded carbon steel and coated with special material (refractory metals, plastics, etc.). The insertion of vacuum between the shell of the reactor and its coating prevents its implosion and permits the detection of leakage with the helium gas. The resistance to corrosion of the refractory metals enables carrying out of pre-hydrolysis and mineral digestion.