Abstract: It is disclosed a process to transfer a ligno-cellulosic feedstock from a low pressure zone to a high pressure zone. A slurry the ligno-cellulosic feedstock is first provided, which is then subjected to a multi-step liquid removal process comprising draining by gravity at least a portion of the free liquid; removing a first portion of the capillary liquid in a low pressure zone by continuously compressing a stream of the ligno-cellulosic feedstock to reach a moisture content in a first target range; removing a second portion of the capillary liquid by shearing and compressing the ligno-cellulosic stream in a plug forming device, to form a ligno-cellulosic feedstock plug having a moisture content in a second target range at an outlet of the plug forming device connected to the high pressure zone.

Abstract: It is disclosed a process to transfer a ligno-cellulosic feedstock from a low pressure zone to a high pressure zone. A slurry the ligno-cellulosic feedstock is first provided, which is then subjected to a multi-step liquid removal process comprising draining by gravity at least a portion of the free liquid; removing a first portion of the capillary liquid in a low pressure zone by continuously compressing a stream of the ligno-cellulosic feedstock to reach a moisture content in a first target range; removing a second portion of the capillary liquid by shearing and compressing the ligno-cellulosic stream in a plug forming device, to form a ligno-cellulosic feedstock plug having a moisture content in a second target range at an outlet of the plug forming device connected to the high pressure zone.

Abstract: The present specification discloses a composition comprising a plurality of diols which is useful for the production of polyester bottles, wherein the diols are mainly obtained from the conversion of a ligno-cellulosic biomass feedstock stream. The composition comprises ethylene glycol and at least one diol selected from the group of diols having a formula of CH(OH)2, wherein n is the total number of carbons and is an integer in the range from 3 to 20, z is an integer in the range from 0 to 2n, and C1 and C2 are each attached to one of the OH groups of the formula (e.g. 1,2-Propylene glycol, 1,2-Butanediol and 1,2-Pentanediol) and wherein the composition is substantially free of diols which absorb light at a wavelength of 275 nm, so that the percent light transmission of the composition at a wavelength of 275 nm is greater than 40%.

Abstract: Recyclable multi-layer material of polyester resin suitable for the production of beverage and food containers comprising a layer of foam in polyester resin with density lower than 700 kg/m3, and a film of polyester resin adhered to the foamed sheet. On the multi-layer material a pattern is creased according to which by folding it is possible to develop the shape of a container.

Abstract: Polyester resin foamed sheet, usable for the production of containers for beverages and foods, having a density lower than 700 kg/m3 and crystallization rate such that, when the material is heated at 120° C. for 5 minutes, the crystallinity does not reach values higher than 15%. The aromatic polyester resin used for preparing the foamed sheet can be mixed with an aliphatic polyester resin to impart biodegradability and/or compostability to the sheet.

Abstract: Process for the purification of an inert gas recycled from a solid state polycondensation (SSP) reactor of aromatic polyester resins, comprising the step of adding the gas with oxygen or gas containing oxygen in stoichiometric quantity or in such an excess that the gas at the outlet of the catalytic bed contains no more than 250 ppm of oxygen, circulating the gas on a catalytic bed comprising Pt or Pt and Pd heated at temperatures from 250.degree. to 600.degree. C. and recycling the gas to SSP reactor with previous drying to eliminate the water formed in the oxidation stage.

Abstract: Process for the purification of inert gases containing impurities of organic nature particularly of gas (nitrogen) coming from solid state polycondensation reactors or polyester resins including the gas treatment with the stoichiometric quantity (or slightly higher) of oxygen as regards the present impurities at a temperature between 250.degree. and 600.degree. C. by using Pt or Pt/Pd catalysts supported on a porous solid and the gas recycling directly to the polycondensation reactor before drying to eliminate the water produced during the reaction of impurities oxidation.

Abstract: A process for the solid state upgrading of a polyester resin by polyaddition reaction in which the resin is upgraded in the presence of an upgrading additive which is a compound different from a dianhydride of an aromatic tetracarboxylic acid, containing two groups capable of addition reactions with the terminal groups of the polyester, selected for example in the group of the dianhydrides of aliphatic and cycloaliphatic tetracarboxylic acids.

Abstract: A process for the solid state polyaddition of a polyester resin in which the resin, blended in a molten state with a dianhydride of an aromatic tetracarboxylic acid is granulated, crystallized and then upgraded, characterized in that the crystallization and upgrading temperature is comprised in the range between the TG and 170.degree. C., preferably between 130.degree. and 170.degree. C.

Abstract: The intrinsic viscosities have been determined on a solution of 0,5 g. of polyester pellets into 100 ml. of solution phenol/tetrachloroethane with a weight ratio of 60:40 at a temperature of 25.degree. C. The free acetaldehyde content has been determined with gas chromatographic methods previously described in DE-OS 2834 162.The content of the acetaldehyde within the container ("head-space methods") has been determined using the method described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,764,323.