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 an 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: Apparatus is disclosed for substantially reducing the momentum, velocity, or both of a first liquid that is flowing into a second liquid. The device allows one to substantially reduce or even eliminate large-scale turbulent eddies that could otherwise be produced by liquid flowing into or within a vessel, for example in a clarifier. Suitably-sized and positioned plates and baffles induce changes of flow direction in a limited volume. By the time the fluid leaves this volume, the fluid velocity is low, and turbulence is nearly or entirely eliminated. Several of the devices may be placed at different inputs within a single clarifier, and thus increase efficiency further.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to processes for recovery of values from a fermentation mass obtained in producing ethanol. Further, the present invention relates to processes for the recovery of values from an inorganic- and lignin-containing mass. The present invention also relates to processes for the recovery of a fraction having enhanced silica content from a silica-containing mass. Still further, the present invention relates to processes for the recovery of crude ethanol from a fermentation mass. The present invention relates to various lignin-containing products and solutions and mineral-rich products.

Abstract: A process for improving phosphatation clarification of sugars can include adding to a sugar liquor a composition having at least one particulate sulfur reagent and at least one or more other particulate solids selected from, a particulate phosphorous reagent, a particulate carbonaceous reagent, a particulate aluminum reagent, a particulate filter aid, and a particulate ammonium reagent. The composition can be added to the phosphatation chemical reaction tank or prior to the phosphatation chemical reaction tank. Phosphatation chemicals, for example polymer decolorant, phosphoric acid, lime and a flocculent, can be added into the process at least five minutes after adding the composition. In using the process, the amount of phosphatation chemicals added is less than the amount of phosphatation chemicals required in the absence of addition of the composition or the purity of the sugar is improved as measured by one or more of color, turbidity and ash.

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: 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: The present invention relates to an improved method for the purification of crude sugar beet juice. The present invention relates moreover to methods for the manufacture of non-sucrose substance combinations from crude sugar beet juice, as well as two devices for the purification of crude sugar beet juice. The measures according to the invention allow a reduction of lime consumption during the purification.

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: The invention concerns an improved method for purification of raw sugar beet juice, which is obtained by extraction from sugar beets, and to devices for purification of raw sugar beet juice. The invention further concerns a method for producing sucrose syrup or sucrose from raw sugar beet raw.

Abstract: A process to clarify raw sugar cane juice, which comprises adding a source of lime, adding an anionic inorganic colloid, and separating of the resulting sugar cane juice, is disclosed.

Abstract: A process to clarify raw sugar cane juice, which comprises adding a source of lime, adding an anionic inorganic colloid or polyacyrlamide, and carbonating.

Abstract: A process for the continuous treatment of sugar cane filter cane mud separates and extracts components including fiber which can be used as an animal feed or a source of energy generation, lignin, beta-carotene, oil containing a high content of phytosterol, refined wax which is a resource of policosanol and which can also be used for many other established purposes, and resin which can be used an additive in asphalt mixtures and tire manufacturing or can be recycled back into the sugar milling process. The process is self contained, requiring the input only of fresh water and chemical additives to adjust pH and coloration.

Abstract: A method is provided for extracting and processing sugar cane juice from sugar cane sticks to produce a natural juice product. The method includes the steps of: providing sugar cane sticks having a high sucrose level; extracting sugar cane juice from the sugar cane sticks using a roller mill apparatus; filtering the extracted sugar cane juice through a screen filter; stabilizing the pH of the juice in a non-acidic solution of calcium hydroxide; flocculating the sugar cane juice with a mixture of water and at least one natural flocculate product; evaporating the sugar cane juice to form a sugar cane juice concentrate and extracting the sugar cane juice concentrate from the evaporator.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for clarifying sugar are disclosed. Compositions of a condensation polymer of a dihaloalkyl compound and a dialkylamine compound and a phosphate compound are effective at clarifying the sugar syrup during its production as well as reducing the total amount of phosphate used.

Abstract: An improved process for clarifying sugar syrup in the flotation system of a sugar making operation. Neutral phosphate-based compounds are added to the flotation system to aid in clarifying the sugar syrup. The use of the neutral phosphate-based compounds will eliminate the use of phosphoric acid and the commensurate need for neutralizing chemical as well as elimination of the tanks for phosphoric acid and neutralizing chemical mixing at field installations.

Abstract: Diffusion juice of a sugar plant is heated under stable sucrose conditions, notably alkaline pH, and held above 70.degree. C. for sufficient duration to effect significant agglomeration. The agglomerated particulates are removed by phase separation procedures, leaving a clarified juice containing a very low, typically 0.1-0.5 volume percent, solids load.

Abstract: Methods for the purification of sugar solutions using hydrolyzed polyacrylamides as flocculants are herein described. The hydrolyzed polyacrylamides are prepared from emulsion or microemulsion polymerization of acrylamide monomer, and subsequently hydrolyzed to a degree of hydrolysis of about 10 to about 50 mole %. The hydrolyzed polyacrylamides have a molecular weight of at least about 10,000,000.

Abstract: A process to produce solid glucose from a hydrolyzate consisting of a mixture of glucose, water, and an acid used in the hydrolysis of a biomass material is covered herein. In the process, the hydrolyzate is concentrated, as required, to form two phases: a solid glucose phase and an acidic liquid phase. The phases are formed in a vessel where they are separated for recovery of the acidic liquid phase. The solid glucose phase, containing residual acidic liquid phase, is then extracted to remove most of the residual acid to produce solid glucose mostly free of acid. The recovered acid may then be recycled. The solid glucose may be further processed including purification and also drying.

Abstract: An efficient method for manufacturing a purified juice product from sugar beets. Untreated beet juice is initially prelimed using lime and CaCO.sub.3 to produce a prelimed juice product. Instead of subjecting the prelimed product to main liming and dual carbonation stages, the product is delivered to a porous filtration membrane which allows sugar molecules to pass therethrough which preventing the passage of solid matter and dissolved impurities. Optimum results are achieved if the prelimed product flows across the membrane from end to end. The membrane permeate is thereafter combined with CO.sub.2(g) in a single carbonation stage to remove dissolved lime. This step generates a purified juice product which can be processed to manufacture pure crystalline sugar. The membrane retentate can be combined with water and refiltered to collect residual sugar materials. The foregoing process uses less energy and raw materials (e.g. lime) compared with conventional methods.

Abstract: A process for producing refined sugar directly from plants of cane or beet raw juices which bypasses the traditional manufacturing of an intermediate product called "raw sugar". After treatment of the sugar juice with a flocculant, the juice has pressurized air dissolved in it, followed by rapid lowering of the pressure to ambient in a dissolved air flotation cell to separate impurities by aeration. Further amounts of flocculant are added, and the juice is passed through a serpentine flocculator comprising a pipe containing a plurality of relatively straight section interrupted by sharp bends to expose the juice sequentially to different turbulent regimes defined by different ranges of Reynolds numbers to form flocs containing undissolved solids. Flocs and other undissolved solids are separated from the juice by flotation and settling. The sugar juice or liquor is partially evaporated to a concentration between about 45.degree. and 50.degree.

Abstract: A solid-liquid slurry, particularly sugar juice, is flocculated and clarified in an arrangement including a clarifier tank containing therein a mud bed of concentrated removed solids. A preflocculating vessel extends into the top of the clarifier tank and includes upper and lower chambers. The slurry is introduced into the upper chamber to flow turbulently therein, thereby deaerating the slurry. The slurry is transferred from the upper chamber to the lower chamber while the turbulent flow of the slurry is changed to a laminar flow. A flocculating agent, for example a suitable polymer, is introduced into the slurry, such that solids of the slurry coagulate as flocs in the lower chamber. The thus preflocculated slurry is introduced directly into the clarifier tank at a level beneath the surface of the mud bed therein. The liquid of the slurry percolates upwardly through the mud bed and is filtered, thus forming clarified liquid, and the flocs of solids settle downwardly into and form the mud bed.

Abstract: A process for removing color, turbidity, flavor, and odor from impure, high Brix, sugar syrup involves entrapping the sugar impurities in an insoluble, primary calcium phosphate or aluminum hydroxide floc at about neutral pH, dividing the sugar syrup into a small portion and a large portion, aerating the small portion of the syrup at a specific Brix, recombining the small portion and the large portion, adding a polyelectrolyte to convert the primary floc into a secondary floc to which the air bubbles easily adhere and to cause flotation of said secondary floc, thus forming a scum mat at the top of the vessel. The purified sugar syrup is then filtered with or without activated carbon and small amounts of a filter aid to produce a sugar syrup with substantially reduced color, turbidity, flavor, and odor. The sugar in the scum is recovered by mixing it with water and allowing a second flotation to take place without any further aeration or chemicals addition.

Abstract: A process for removing color, turbidity, flavor, and odor from impure, high Brix, sugar syrup involves entrapping the sugar impurities in an insoluble, primary calcium phosphate or aluminum hydroxide floc at about neutral pH, dividing the sugar syrup into a small portion and a large portion, aerating the small portion of the syrup at a specific Brix, recombining the small portion and the large portion, adding a polyelectrolyte to convert the primary floc into a secondary floc to which the air bubbles easily adhere and to cause flotation of said secondary floc, thus forming a scum mat at the top of the vessel. The purified sugar syrup is then filtered with or without activated carbon and small amounts of a filter aid to produce a sugar syrup with substantially reduced color, turbidity, flavor, and odor. The sugar in the scum is recovered by mixing it with water and allowing a second flotation to take place without any further aeration or chemicals addition.

Abstract: Hydrolyzed corn or other starch is clarified by a process which comprises forming in the syrup at a pH of 3.5 to 6.5 a primary floc formed between aluminum ions, hydroxide ions, and phosphate ions; aerating the syrup containing the primary floc; distributing an anionic organic polymeric flocculant through the aerated syrup to initiate the formation of a secondary floc; allowing the secondary floc to grow, and to segregate by flotation; and separating flocculated solids from clarified syrup.

Abstract: A process for removing color, turbidity, flavor, and odor from impure sugar syrups by entrapping the sugar impurities in an insoluble, primary calcium phosphate or aluminum hydroxide floc at about neutral pH, adding a suitable amount of hydrogen peroxide, rapidly decomposing the hydrogen peroxide with catalase to form a quantity of oxygen bubbles, and, during bubble formation, adding a polyelectrolyte to convert the primary floc into a secondary floc in which the oxygen bubbles are entrapped thereby causing flotation. The purified sugar syrup is then filtered with or without activated carbon and small amounts of a filter aid to produce a sugar syrup with substantially reduced color, turbidity, flavor, and odor.

Abstract: A process for the purification of evaporated sugar solutions prior to cryllization, utilizing the discovery that most of the suspended non-sugar particles within the evaporated sugar solution are hydrophobic in nature and thus thrown out of solution during the loss of water during the evaporation process, by thoroughly mixing air in large quantities with the evaporated sugar solution containing such particles and repeatedly subjecting the mixture of air, sugar solution and non-sugar particles to high shear forces by a surging flow with flow reversals through an aerator so as to produce a uniform creamy mixture of micron size bubbles to which the non-sugar particles are intimately and mechanically attached, having moved out of the evaporated sugar solution because of the hydrophobic character of the particles. Optionally, this aggregation of the particles with the micron size bubbles may be further increased by a controlled addition of an anionic partially hydrolized polyacrylamide following aeration.

Abstract: Apparatus for the purification of evaporated sugar solution prior to cryslization in which the evaporated sugar solution is mechanically transformed in an in-line continuous process into a homogeneous creamy mixture of sugar solution and hydrophobic particles of non-sugars attached to micron size bubbles from which the sugar solution is separated. The apparatus through which the evaporated sugar solution is passed to so transform it for purification includes, in order, an open-top pump supply tank into which the solution is discharged to revolve about an outlet in the tank so as to form a vortex in the tank outlet drawing large bubbles of air into the solution, a standpipe connecting the tank outlet to the inlet of a centrifugal pump having a high speed impeller with straight radial blades, the standpipe and supply tank having such a relationship to the pump as to provide a pump suction static head only slightly greater than the vapor pressure of the evaporated sugar solution.

Abstract: A process for clarifying by flocculation a turbid liquid which forms a foam with injected gas and which contains material that, with gas, will form a floatable floc. A gas compatible with the liquid is injected into the liquid in order to form foam atop the body of liquid, and components of a floc within the body of liquid. The liquid after said treatment with gas is permitted to reside quietly so that the floc components form a floatable floc and rise to the surface of the body of liquid. Clarified liquid collects below the floc. Gas for injection into the body of liquid can be withdrawn from a region containing the foam, whereby to recover liquid from the foam, thereby substantially eliminating loss of liquid as foam.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing growth of precipitates in systems requiring separation of undesirable contaminants. Cane sugar juice, as exemplary, is introduced at an elevated temperature into an apparatus having means for separately introducing chemical treating agents, such as milk of lime and coagulants. The juice flows through a treating zone where the agents are introduced, into a holding zone and over a dispersion cone before being withdrawn from the holding zone by a siphoning means. The dispersion cone and holding zone bottom permit rapid growth of the insoluble particles while simultaneously diverting the flow direction gently so as to prevent breakup of the particles. The flow down through the treating zone, over the dispersion cone, down the conical holding zone bottom, and back up the siphoning means permits sufficient residence time for rapid growth of the insoluble particles so that coagulants need not be added in the subsequent clarification process.

Abstract: To recover amino acids from raw sugar juice, as obtained in beet extraction, the juice is treated with acid or with lime to coagulate impurities which are separated off. The juice may be treated before or after coagulation with a pectin-cleaving enzyme. The juice so pretreated can be directly passed through a strong cation exchanger and a weak anion exchanger whereby the amino acids are adsorbed. Switchover to a new cation exchanger is initiated when betaine flows out the column. Elution is effected, preferably with an ammonium compound, and eluate is collected, preferably each fraction being enriched in a different amino acid. The sugar juice may be concentrated and crystallized in known manner and is of comparatively high purity.

Abstract: A method of continuous precipitation of insoluble solids formed by the reaction of a liquid solution and a reactant by hydrodynamic agitation of the solution and the reactant in a continuous hydrodynamic precipitation apparatus.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for treating fresh, unheated sugar cane juice which involves adding a sufficient amount of an aqueous alkaline slurry containing powdered active carbon to the juice to raise the pH of the juice to 6.8-8.5. The resulting mud is separated and a water white juice is obtained. The water white juice is concentrated to form a direct white sugar and an edible molasses having a natural maple flavor and odor. The juice may be subjected to a preliminary cyclone separation and the sugar cane from which the juice is obtained may be subjected to a steam-cleaning operation to remove cane wax and dirt.