Abstract: Lignocellulosic biomass is treated to increase accessibility of the material to enzymes and fermentative processes. Accessibility is increased by physical pre-treatment of the biomass using ultrasound and/or microwave and/or cool plasma. The physical treatments degrade the waxy cuticle of the biomass facilitating enzyme accessibility to cellulose and hemicellulose for conversion to utilizable matter, in nutritive and chemical or biofuel industries. These physical treatments improve enzyme accessibility to cellulose and hemicellulose, for enhancing conversion into a range of feed stocks amenable to further processing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling a level in a receptacle capable of storing a fluid. The apparatus includes a first valve governing ingress of the fluid to the receptacle, a second valve governing egress of fluid from the receptacle, wherein the second valve is positioned below the first valve. The apparatus also includes a first switch deployed between the first valve and the second valve, wherein the first switch is capable of providing a first signal indicative of fluid at the first switch and a second switch deployed between the first switch and the second valve, wherein the second switch is capable of providing a second signal indicative of an absence of fluid at the second switch. The apparatus also includes a controller capable of controlling a fluid level in the receptacle by opening and closing the first and second valves responsive to the first and second signals.