Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for liquefaction and saccharification of polysaccharide containing biomasses, having a relatively high dry matter content. The present invention combines enzymatic hydrolysis with a type of mixing relying on the principle of gravity ensuring that the biomasses are subjected to mechanical forces, primarily shear and tear forces. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the further utilization of such processed biomasses, e.g. for subsequent fermentation into bio-ethanol, bio-gas, specialty carbohydrates for food and fees as well as carbon feedstock for processing into plastics and chemicals.

Abstract: Disclosed are processes for liquefaction and saccharification of polysacharide containing biomasses having high dry matter content (>20%) and preferably possessing large average particle size. The polysaccharide containing biomasses are subject to enzymatic hydrolysis in a mixer that utilizes “free fall” mixing. “Free fall” mixing provides mechanical degradation of the biomass during hydrolysis and, in the case of lignocellulosic biomass, promotes movement of cellulase enzymes along cellulose chains, which improves enzymatic hydrolysis at high dry matter.