Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating biomass, comprising providing a lignocellulosic biomass feedstock; contacting the biomass feedstock in a mixture, which is formed by the biomass, water and an alkaline agent, with an oxidizing agent at an elevated temperature; and continuing the contacting of the biomass feedstock with the oxidizing agent until a notable part of the lignin is solubilized. The step of providing the biomass feedstock comprises contacting a biomass raw-material containing cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin in an aqueous phase with an alkaline agent; continuing the contacting of the biomass with the alkaline agent until a significant portion of the hemicellulose is dissolved in the aqueous phase to provide a modified biomass; recovering the modified biomass; optionally opening the structure of the modified biomass by mechanical treatment; and using the modified biomass as a lignocellulosic biomass feedstock.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating biomass, comprising providing a lignocellulosic biomass feedstock; contacting the biomass feedstock in a mixture, which is formed by the biomass, water and an alkaline agent, with an oxidizing agent at an elevated temperature; and continuing the contacting of the biomass feedstock with the oxidizing agent until a notable part of the lignin is solubilised. The step of providing the biomass feedstock comprises contacting a biomass raw-material containing cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin in an aqueous phase with an alkaline agent; continuing the contacting of the biomass with the alkaline agent until a significant portion of the hemicellulose is dissolved in the aqueous phase to provide a modified biomass; recovering the modified biomass; optionally opening the structure of the modified biomass by mechanical treatment; and using the modified biomass as a lignocellulosic biomass feedstock.

Abstract: A large ship having a hull about 100 meters or more in length, so that the ship is suited for transoceanic traffic, with a narrow wedge-like bow and the broadest part of the underwater hull being located amidships, includes at least one steerable rudder propeller device at the forebody of the ship. The steerable rudder propeller device(s) at the forebody of the ship substantially provide(s) the steering and control of the ship and produce(s) a part of the propulsive force pushing the ship forward at least substantially within all speed ranges. In harbour manoeuvering, the steerable rudder propeller device(s) at the forebody of the ship provide(s), as needed, at least about 20% of the ship's total propulsive power. When steering ahead in sea traffic, the steerable rudder propeller device(s) at the forebody of the ship provide(s) at most about 10% of the ship's total propulsive power.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for steering a water-craft, which comprises at least one main propulsion device which is arranged to push the water-craft forward or backward, and a number of steering propulsion devices, the pushing direction of which can be changed. The steering propulsion devices are arranged in the aft of the water-craft on both sides of the said at least one main propulsion device so that the steering of the water-craft is continuously provided by means of the steering propulsion devices without any separate rudder means or the like to be functionally connected to said at least one main propulsion device.