Abstract: A torrefaction reactor includes a preheater section and a torrefaction section arranged to receive the biomass material from the preheater section. The preheater section includes a plurality of preheater plates arranged to facilitate the flow of the biomass material between the preheater plates by the force of gravity, each of the preheater plates facilitates a flow of a preheater fluid through the preheater plate for heating the biomass material. The torrefaction section includes a plurality of torrefaction plates arranged to facilitate the flow of the biomass material between the torrefaction plates by the force of gravity, each the torrefaction plates facilitates a flow of a torrefaction fluid through the torrefaction plate for heating the biomass material to the torrefaction temperature, and a first and second torrefaction purge gas openings to facilitate a flow of a torrefaction purge gas for providing an oxygen-depleted environment within the torrefaction section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of removing the fibrous shells from cereal grains. This method according to the invention includes a pretreatment step, wherein the moisture content of the cereal grains is increased, e.g. in the case of corn grains from 16 to more than 20% by weight, followed by the step of exposure of the pretreated grains to a thermal shock by means of a cryogenic medium and thereafter mechanical treatment step thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of removing the fibrous shells from cereal grains. This method according to the invention comprises a pretreatment step, wherein the moisture content of the cereal grains is increased, e.g. in the case of corn grains from 16 to more than 20% by weight, followed by the step of exposure of the pretreated grains to a thermal shock by means of a cryogenic medium and thereafter mechanical treatment step thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of removing the fibrous shells from cereal grains. This method according to the invention comprises a pretreatment step, wherein the moisture content of the cereal grains is increased, e.g. in the case of corn grains from 16 to more than 20% by weight, followed by the step of exposure of the pretreated grains to a thermal shock by means of a cryogenic medium and thereafter mechanical treatment step thereof.

Abstract: A conditioned fertilizer product is provided. The conditioned fertilizer product includes urea containing fertilizer and lactic acid derived conditioning agent. The conditioning agent is preferably included at a concentration of between about 0.1% by wt. and about 5% by wt. The conditioning agent is preferably lactic acid, lactide, and/or polylactide. A method for conditioning fertilizer is provided including a step of mixing urea containing fertilizer and conditioning agent at a temperature of between about 135° C. and about 145° C. A method for using conditioned fertilizer product is provided.