Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of making thermoplastic granulates. A comminuted biomass is mixed with a lignin swellant such that the content of substances soluble in diethyl ether is at least 3.0% and ground and processed in a compounding extruder equipped with compaction, heating, cooling venting and grinding zones to form thermoplastic dry blends and granulates.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to animal feed products and a method of producing animal feed products from lignocellulosic biomass. A lignin swellant is mixed with the lignocellulosic biomass and a grain or starch is added to the biomass mixture. The biomass mixture is introduced to an extruder and heated between about 140° C. and 250° C. The treated material is extruded from the extruder and pelletized.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of the disclosure is directed to a method of producing a lignocellulose-based product with reduced contents of hemicellulose, chlorine, sulfur and alkali and alkaline earth metals. A biomass having up to 60% by weight of moisture prior to steam treatment is steam treated. A lignocellulose-based product with reduced contents of hemicelluloses, chlorine, sulfur and alkali and alkaline metals is produced.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the disclosure are directed to a method of producing a lignocellulose-based product. A biomass having up to 65% by weight of moisture prior to steam treatment is treated with steam in a reactor. A sulfite is provided to the reactor. A lignocellulose-based product is produced.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of making animal feed from lignocellulosic biomass. Biomass material having a moisture content of less than 30% is introduced into a pressure vessel. A vacuum is applied to the pressure vessel for at least one and preferably two minutes. Then steam is introduced to heat the biomass material to a temperature range of between about 180° C. and 235° C. where it is maintained for from 1 to 12 minutes before reducing the pressure in the vessel. In particularly preferred embodiments, the moisture content is below 15%, the temperature range is from 190° C. to 215° C. and the residence time is from 2 to 8 minutes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for producing products, such as fuel pellets, from lignocellulosic biomass. Lignocellulosic biomass having a moisture content of less than about 30% by weight is introduced into a reactor. A vacuum of less than about 500 torr is applied to the reactor. Steam having a temperature of between about 180° C. and about 235° C. is injected into the reactor. The biomass is maintained in the reactor between about 1 and about 12 minutes. The treated biomass having a moisture content less than about 30% by weight is removed from the reactor. Treated biomass is formed into a pellet.

Abstract: A system and method for producing foundry quality sand from non-conventional starting materials through the combination of oolitization and classification. Incoming particulate matter is first directed into a controlled energy attrition unit where the particles are made to collide with one another. Such collisions clean and round the particles by chipping away surface projections and coatings without crushing the particles. The particle stream is then directed through a multi-fraction classifier where it is separated into two or more useable grades of foundry sand. An air classifier is preferred for the classification stage.

Abstract: A system and method for producing foundry quality sand from non-conventional starting materials through the combination of oolitization and classification. Incoming particulate matter is first directed into a controlled energy attrition unit where the particles are made to collide with one another. Such collisions clean and round the particles by chipping away surface projections and coatings without crushing the particles. The particle stream is then directed through a multi-fraction classifier where it is separated into two or more useable grades of foundry sand. An air classifier is preferred for the classification stage.

Abstract: A system and method for producing foundry quality sand from non-conventional starting materials through the combination of oolitization and classification. Incoming particulate matter is first directed into a controlled energy attrition unit where the particles are made to collide with one another. Such collisions clean and round the particles by chipping away surface projections and coatings without crushing the particles. The particle stream is then directed through a multi-fraction classifier where it is separated into two or more useable grades of foundry sand. An air classifier is preferred for the classification stage.