Abstract: A method of hydrolyzing woody cellulosic material containing lignin and air pockets involves impregnating the woody cellulosic material a first alkali having a pH of from 10 to 14 such that the first alkali is in contact with the lignin within the woody cellulosic material. Thereafter, the woody cellulosic material is advanced through a gravity pressure vessel for the acid hydrolysis conversion of cellulosic material to sugars. In accordance with other methods, ultrasound may be introduced during impregnation or at the gravity pressure vessel or both.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting supercritical wet oxidation reactions wherein any precipitated solids do not contact the solid side walls of the containment vessel so as to prevent any of these precipitated solids from adhering to or corrode the vessel walls is provided. To do this, a controlled, continuous flow of clean fluid, preferably under supercritical conditions, is introduced to the process so as to form a film-like, clean fluid surface between the physical containment vessel walls and the supercritical wet oxidation reactants.

Abstract: A retort apparatus includes a primary rotating pipe within a second rotating pipe within a fixed pipe (27). The interior area of the primary rotating pipe is bounded by a heated pipe. A first annulus is formed between the primary and second rotating pipes. A second annulus is formed between the second rotating pipe and the heated pipe. A third annulus is formed between the primary rotating pipe and the fixed pipe. A heater is positioned within the interior area of said primary rotating pipe. In one embodiment, an inlet gate is provided for introducing a liquid and solid mixture into the first annulus proximate the second end thereof. A first conveyor is provided to move the mixture toward the hot end of the primary rotating pipe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting supercritical wet oxidation reactions wherein any precipitated solids do not contact the solid side walls of the containment vessel so as to prevent any of these precipitated solids from adhering to or corrode the vessel walls is provided. To do this, a controlled, continuous flow of clean fluid, preferably under supercritical conditions, is introduced to the process so as to form a film-like, clean fluid surface between the physical containment vessel walls and the supercritical wet oxidation reactants.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting supercritical wet oxidation reactions wherein any precipitated solids do not contact the solid side walls of the containment vessel so as to prevent any of these precipitated solids from adhering to or corrode the vessel walls is provided. To do this, a controlled, continuous flow of clean fluid, preferably under supercritical conditions, is introduced to the process so as to form a film-like, clean fluid surface between the physical containment vessel walls and the supercritical wet oxidation reactants.

Abstract: A method of hydrolyzing woody cellulosic material containing lignin and air pockets involves impregnating the woody cellulosic material a first alkali having a pH of from 10 to 14 such that the first alkali is in contact with the lignin within the woody cellulosic material. Thereafter, the woody cellulosic material is advanced through a gravity pressure vessel for the acid hydrolysis conversion of cellulosic material to sugars. In accordance with other methods, ultrasound may be introduced during impregnation or at the gravity pressure vessel or both.

Abstract: A retort apparatus includes a primary rotating pipe within a second rotating pipe within a fixed pipe (27). The interior area of the primary rotating pipe is bounded by a heated pipe. A first annulus is formed between the primary and second rotating pipes. A second annulus is formed between the second rotating pipe and the heated pipe. A third annulus is formed between the primary rotating pipe and the fixed pipe. A heater is positioned within the interior area of said primary rotating pipe. In one embodiment, an inlet gate is provided for introducing a liquid and solid mixture into the first annulus proximate the second end thereof. A first conveyor is provided to move the mixture toward the hot end of the primary rotating pipe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting supercritical wet oxidation reactions wherein any precipitated solids do not contact the solid side walls of the containment vessel so as to prevent any of these precipitated solids from adhering to or corrode the vessel walls is provided. To do this, a controlled, continuous flow of clean fluid, preferably under supercritical conditions, is introduced to the process so as to form a film-like, clean fluid surface between the physical containment vessel walls and the supercritical wet oxidation reactants.

Abstract: A method for treating vulcanized rubber, the method including the steps of (i) providing an aqueous stream that includes vulcanized rubber particles suspended in water, (ii) feeding the aqueous stream to the top of a hydraulic downdraft column, (iii) conducting the aqueous stream to the bottom of the hydraulic downdraft column, (iv) conducting the aqueous stream into an ultrasonic treatment zone, (v) subjecting the aqueous stream to ultrasonic energy and, (vi) conducting the aqueous stream up a hydraulic updraft column.

Abstract: A gravity pressure vessel (GPV) for processing a fluid stream containing organic materials provides several improvements to the art. In one embodiment, a GPV of the present invention sustains the heat energy requirements of a hydrolysis GPV by including therein, a first reaction chamber for conducting an exothermic reaction, and subsequently providing a second reaction chamber for hydrolysis of certain organic materials refractory to the exothermic reaction. Another embodiment provides for the perpetual cleaning of the heat transfer surfaces of the GPV. Still another embodiment provides for selective alteration of a hydrolysis reaction within a GPV independent of the flow of the fluid stream through the GPV.