Abstract: Herein disclosed is a process for solubilizing protein from a biological source selected from the group consisting of animal tissue and keratinous material and combinations thereof, the process comprising: forming an alkaline slurry comprising the biological source and a first alkali comprising hydrated lime or quicklime; heating the alkaline slurry to a first temperature of at least 50° C. for a first treatment time to solubilize protein while minimizing degradation of amino acids and obtain a first treated slurry; separating from the first treated slurry a first liquid product and a solid product, wherein the first liquid product comprises the solubilized protein and calcium; and removing at least a portion of the calcium from the liquid product by adjusting pH to higher than 8 to precipitate calcium and produce a low-calcium liquid product.

Abstract: A method of biomass pretreatment that includes forming a mixture comprising alkali and lignocellulosic biomass; controlling at least one physical property of the mixture selected from the group of pressure, temperature, and a combination thereof; contacting the mixture with a fluid; fermenting at least a portion of the mixture; and collecting carboxylate salts formed from fermenting.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a system for processing biomass includes a water-impermeable bottom liner, a gravel layer supported by the bottom liner, a drain pipe disposed within the gravel layer, a biomass input device operable to deliver biomass over the gravel layer to form a biomass pile, a lime input device operable to deliver lime to the biomass for pretreating the biomass, a distribution pipe elevated above the gravel layer, and a pump operable to circulate water through the biomass pile by delivering water to the distribution pipe and receiving water from the drain pipe after it has traveled through the biomass pile. According to another embodiment, a method for biomass pretreatment with alkali, conducted at ambient pressure for approximately 4-16 weeks at temperatures ranging from approximately 25° C. to 95° C. Biomass may be lignocellulosic biomass and may be rendered suitable for enzymatic digestion or pulp production.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a system for processing biomass includes a water-impermeable bottom liner, a gravel layer supported by the bottom liner, a drain pipe disposed within the gravel layer, a biomass input device operable to deliver biomass over the gravel layer to form a biomass pile, a lime input device operable to deliver lime to the biomass for pretreating the biomass, a distribution pipe elevated above the gravel layer, and a pump operable to circulate water through the biomass pile by delivering water to the distribution pipe and receiving water from the drain pipe after it has traveled through the biomass pile. According to another embodiment, a method for biomass pretreatment with alkali, conducted at ambient pressure for approximately 4-16 weeks at temperatures ranging from approximately 25° C. to 95° C. Biomass may be lignocellulosic biomass and may be rendered suitable for enzymatic digestion or pulp production.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a system for processing biomass includes a water-impermeable bottom liner, a gravel layer supported by the bottom liner, a drain pipe disposed within the gravel layer, a biomass input device operable to deliver biomass over the gravel layer to form a biomass pile, a lime input device operable to deliver lime to the biomass for pretreating the biomass, a distribution pipe elevated above the gravel layer, and a pump operable to circulate water through the biomass pile by delivering water to the distribution pipe and receiving water from the drain pipe after it has traveled through the biomass pile.