Abstract: A biomass processing system is disclosed whereby a counter flow path is provided for recovering yielded product from at least two fermentation stages. In certain configurations, the counter flow path is associated with respective extraction stages that correspond to each respective fermentation stages. To enhance product recovery, certain configurations also disclose mechanical grinding of biomass between fermentation stage to enhance a surface area for further subsequent processing of the biomass. To yet further enhance the system, certain configurations discloses a cell recovery sub-system that agitates processed biomass to separate cells from undigested residues. The recovered cells may be recycled to fermentation stages in the system.

Abstract: A method including reacting carboxylic acids obtained from fermentation and a carboxylic acid recovery step from said fermentation to produce short- or medium-chain triglycerides, wherein the reacting carboxylic acids comprises direct esterification with glycerol in the presence of a catalyst. Such method mentioned above wherein the produced short- or medium-chain triglycerides are further interesterified with an oil, butter, fat or other lipids in the presence of a catalyst to produce structured lipids. Yet another method comprising reacting carboxylic acids obtained from fermentation and a carboxylic acid recovery step from said fermentation to produce structured lipids, wherein reacting the carboxylic acids comprises transesterification with an oil, butter, fat or other lipids in the presence of a catalyst. The use of such short-chain triglycerides, medium-chain triglycerides and structured lipids as nutritional additives, dietary supplements, or both.

Abstract: A process for producing products containing organic salts from biodegradable feedstocks includes fermenting biodegradable feedstock using natural consortia of microorganisms to produce a first product stream comprising carboxylic acid salts, suspended solids and water; removing suspended solids from the first product stream to produce a second product stream comprising carboxylic acid salts; concentrating said second product stream to produce a third product stream and water; and further drying the third product stream to remove water and produce a fourth product stream comprising dry carboxylic acid salts.

Abstract: A process for producing products containing organic salts from biodegradable feedstocks includes fermenting biodegradable feedstock using natural consortia of microorganisms to produce a first product stream including carboxylic acid salts, suspended solids and water; removing suspended solids from the first product stream to produce a second product stream including carboxylic acid salts; concentrating the second product stream to produce a third product stream and water; and further drying the third product stream to remove water and produce a fourth product stream including dry carboxylic acid salts.

Abstract: A method including reacting carboxylic acids obtained from fermentation and a carboxylic acid recovery step from said fermentation to produce short- or medium-chain triglycerides, wherein the reacting carboxylic acids comprises direct esterification with glycerol in the presence of a catalyst. Such method mentioned above wherein the produced short- or medium-chain triglycerides are further interesterified with an oil, butter, fat or other lipids in the presence of a catalyst to produce structured lipids. Yet another method comprising reacting carboxylic acids obtained from fermentation and a carboxylic acid recovery step from said fermentation to produce structured lipids, wherein reacting the carboxylic acids comprises transesterification with an oil, butter, fat or other lipids in the presence of a catalyst. The use of such short-chain triglycerides, medium-chain triglycerides and structured lipids as nutritional additives, dietary supplements, or both.

Abstract: A biomass processing system is disclosed whereby a counter flow path is provided for recovering yielded product from at least two fermentation stages. In certain configurations, the counter flow path is associated with respective extraction stages that correspond to each respective fermentation stages. To enhance product recovery, certain configurations also disclose mechanical grinding of biomass between fermentation stage to enhance a surface area for further subsequent processing of the biomass. To yet further enhance the system, certain configurations discloses a cell recovery sub-system that agitates processed biomass to separate cells from undigested residues. The recovered cells may be recycled to fermentation stages in the system.

Abstract: A method for processing biomass that includes forming a first pile comprising biomass; inoculating said first pile comprising biomass; circulating a liquid in said first pile; fermenting the biomass in said first pile to produce a carboxylate salt; and extracting at least a portion of the liquid in the first pile and passing said portion of liquid to a second pile comprising biomass, wherein said second pile is operating at a higher carboxylate salt concentration than said first pile.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a system for processing biomass comprises a chamber, a biomass input device, a fluid input device, and a retrieval device. The chamber is defined by at least a bottom, at least one wall, and a cover supported by the at least one wall. The biomass input device operable to deliver biomass into the chamber to form a biomass pile. The fluid input device is operable to deliver fluid into the chamber to the biomass pile. The retrieval device operable to receive fluid from the chamber.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a system and method converting biomass into useful chemicals are provided. In a particular embodiment, the method includes fermenting biomass in one or more fermentors to produce a fermentation broth comprising ammonium carboxylate salts, the fermentors containing an ammonium carbonate or ammonium bicarbonate buffer. The method further includes reacting the ammonium carboxylate salts from the fermentors with a high-molecular-weight amine to produce amine carboxylate salt, and thermally cracking the amine carboxylate salt to produce carboxylic acid. In another embodiment, the ammonium carboxylate salts from the fermentors may be reacted with a low-molecular-weight amine to produce a low-molecular-weight-amine carboxylate salt.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a system for processing biomass comprises a chamber, a biomass input device, a fluid input device, and a retrieval device. The chamber is defined by at least a bottom, at least one wall, and a cover supported by the at least one wall. The biomass input device operable to deliver biomass into the chamber to form a biomass pile. The fluid input device is operable to deliver fluid into the chamber to the biomass pile. The retrieval device operable to receive fluid from the chamber.

Abstract: A process for solubilization of protein including application of an alkali, such as lime, and heating. The process may also involve lime recovery and may be accomplished in a single stage or two stages to separate protein solubilized from labile and recalcitrant sources. Systems and devices for use in such process, including a continuous stirred tank reactor and a plug flow reactor are also involved.

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.