Abstract: A process for producing microcrystalline cellulose. The process comprising the following steps: a) preparation of a pulp by repulping, b) pressing of the pulp obtained in a), c) decompaction of the pulp obtained in b), d) feeding of the pulp obtained in c) into a pre-heated reactor, e) cooking of the pulp at a temperature, a time and a pressure allowing to obtain a pulp having a desired degree of polymerization, f) cooling and partial controlled depressurization of the reactor by purging the reactor, followed by a water injection into the jacket and directly into the reactor, g) filtering the pulp obtained in f), h) bleaching of the pulp obtained in g), and i) drying the pulp obtained in h). The process allows the application of a controlled depressurization in step f), which in turn allows to keep the natural texture of the fibers and to obtain a cellulose having a low degree of polymerization.

Abstract: A thermo- and photo stable composition comprising a chitosan/xanthan hydrogel including at least one thermo- or photo-sensitive substance chosen among the following: vitamins, amino-acids, nucleic acids, and polypeptides. The hydrogel can be adapted to release the thermo- or photo-sensible substances in either a human or an animal. The present invention also discloses a method of making these hydrogel composition. Additionally, the present invention presents a method of using these hydrogel composition in dermatology or as a food supplement.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating material, such as lignocellulose material, fibrous material, particulate material, cellulosic material, and the like. The apparatus includes a feed system, a reactor, a conveyor, and a discharge system. The feed system has an inlet for receiving the material from a supply source at ambient pressure conditions and an outlet for releasing the material. The reactor is used for treating the material and has an inlet connected to the outlet of the feed system for receiving the material released from the feed system, and an outlet for releasing the material treated by the reactor. The conveyor is located inside the reactor for conveying the material from the inlet of the reactor to the outlet thereof. The discharge system is used for discharging the material and has a chamber and a pump. The chamber has an inlet connected to the outlet of the reactor for receiving the material treated by the reactor, and an outlet.

Abstract: Provided herein is a granular filtration apparatus for the removal of particulate material from hot gas by contacting said hot gas with granular filtration material. The apparatus being of the type having a filtration chamber containing granular filtration material and having a tapered lower portion comprising at least one inlet tubing for feeding therein hot gases to be filtered and at least one outlet tubing for drawing filtered hot gas. The main feature of the present invention consists in a filtration unit mounted in the filtration chamber above each inlet tubing. The filtration unit comprising a first tubular member mounted above the inlet tubing so as to prevent granular material from entering or blocking said inlet tubing and a second tubular member having a bottom and a top end and being mounted essentially in a co-axial and spaced relationship above the first tubular member.

Abstract: A process for producing microcrystalline cellulose.