Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing a cellulosic feedstock are disclosed. Embodiments of the method comprise passing the cellulosic feedstock out of at least one outlet of a vessel (such as a holding tank) and obtaining at least two streams of cellulosic feedstock wherein each stream may be fed different hydrolysis reactors. Embodiments of the apparatus comprise passing the cellulosic feedstock downwardly through the vessel and withdrawing the feedstock from the vessel in two different lateral directions.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying a cellulosic feedstock is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an enclosed volume having a lower surface comprising a plurality of longitudinally extending portions. Each longitudinally extending portion has an inner surface that is arcuate in transverse section. A plurality of conveyance members are provided within the enclosed volume. Each conveyance member is associated with one of the inner surfaces and configured to sweep the one of the inner surfaces. Additionally, a method for treating a cellulosic feedstock is disclosed. The method comprises providing a cellulosic feedstock being less than 100% saturated moisture. The cellulosic feedstock is introduced into a longitudinally extending enclosed volume, and conveyed longitudinally through the enclosed volume while being mixed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conveying a cellulosic feedstock are disclosed. The apparatus, such as a holding tank, has a passage. At the outlet to the passage, a conveyance member is provided to convey the cellulosic feedstock laterally across the outlet. The conveyance member, e.g., at least one screw conveyor, may have a variable pitch along its length. The method comprises passing the cellulosic feedstock through an impregnation chamber to an outlet of the impregnation chamber; passing the cellulosic feedstock from the outlet of the impregnation chamber to an inlet of a holding tank; passing the cellulosic feedstock downwardly through the holding tank; maintaining a generally constant residence time in the holding tank; and subsequently subjecting the cellulosic feedstock to a hydrolysis process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing a cellulosic feedstock are disclosed. Embodiments of the method comprise passing the cellulosic feedstock through an optional impregnation chamber to an outlet of the impregnation chamber, passing the cellulosic feedstock from the outlet of the impregnation chamber to a holding tank having an inlet and an outlet, and conveying the cellulosic feedstock downwardly and laterally as it travels through the holding tank. Embodiments of the apparatus comprise at least one sidewall defining a passage. The passage has an upper portion and a lower portion, and the lower portion has a greater cross-sectional area than the upper portion. At least one inlet is provided adjacent the upper portion, and at least one outlet is provided adjacent the lower portion, at an elevation below the inlet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing a cellulosic feedstock are disclosed. Embodiments of the method comprise passing the cellulosic feedstock through an optional impregnation chamber to an outlet of the impregnation chamber, passing the cellulosic feedstock from the outlet of the impregnation chamber to a holding tank having an inlet and an outlet, and conveying the cellulosic feedstock downwardly and laterally as it travels through the holding tank. Embodiments of the apparatus comprise at least one sidewall defining a passage. The passage has an upper portion and a lower portion, and the lower portion has a greater cross-sectional area than the upper portion. At least one inlet is provided adjacent the upper portion, and at least one outlet is provided adjacent the lower portion, at an elevation below the inlet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing a cellulosic feedstock are disclosed. Embodiments of the method comprise obtaining a cellulosic feedstock having a moisture content of 30 wt % to 60 wt %; passing the cellulosic feedstock through a heated holding tank; withdrawing the cellulosic feedstock from the holding tank; and, subsequently subjecting the cellulosic feedstock to hydrolysis. Embodiments of the apparatus comprise at least one sidewall defining a volume having an upper portion and a lower portion. At least one inlet is provided adjacent the upper portion, and the inlet is in fluid communication with an impregnation chamber provided upstream from the holding tank. At least one outlet is provided adjacent the lower portion, and the outlet is in fluid communication with hydrolysis reactor positioned downstream from the holding tank. At least one conveyor is positioned adjacent the at least one outlet. A heating jacket provided on at least a portion of the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for compressing a loose solid feedstock. The apparatus includes a two stage compressor. The first compression stage is a screw compressor. The second compressor stage is a reciprocating compressor. The reciprocating compressor operates co-axially with, and receives its feed from, the screw compressor. A choke cone maintains pressure in the outfeed from the compressor stages. The reciprocating compressor, the screw compressor, and the choke cone are all adjustable in real time to control the compression of the feedstock according to a pre-programmed schedule that need not have equal compression and retraction strokes. The operation of the screw compressor may be advanced or eased off depending on the motion of the reciprocating compressor. The operation of the choke cone may be actively controlled to obtain a coordination with the compressor stages.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a cellulosic feedstock, such as for subsequent ethanol production, are disclosed. The method comprises determining an initial moisture content of the cellulosic feedstock and adding an amount of moisture to the cellulosic feedstock to obtain a predetermined moisture content of the cellulosic feedstock, wherein the cellulosic feedstock may subsequently be subjected to hydrolysis. The apparatus comprises a moisture sensor that provides an initial moisture content reading of the cellulosic feedstock, and a weight sensor providing the weight of the cellulosic feedstock. A processor is configured to determine an amount of moisture to be added to the cellulosic feedstock based on the weight and the initial moisture content of the cellulosic feedstock to obtain treated cellulosic feedstock having a predetermined moisture content.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for compressing a loose solid feedstock. The apparatus includes a two stage compressor. The first compression stage is a screw compressor. The second compressor stage is a reciprocating compressor. The reciprocating compressor operates co-axially with, and receives its feed from, the screw compressor. A choke cone maintains pressure in the outfeed from the compressor stages. The reciprocating compressor includes a piston that is driven by a pair of hydraulic rams. The position and operation of the hydraulic rams, the screw conveyor, and the choke cone is monitored by sensors. The reciprocating compressor, the screw conveyor, and the choke cone are all adjustable in real time to control the compression of the feedstock according to a pre-programmed schedule that need not have equal compression and retraction strokes. The operation of the screw conveyor may be advanced or eased off depending on the motion of the reciprocating compressor.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for compressing a loose solid feedstock. The apparatus includes a two stage compressor. The first compression stage is a screw compressor. The second compressor stage is a reciprocating compressor. The reciprocating compressor operates co-axially with, and receives its feed from, the screw compressor. The compressor establishes feedstock plug in a discharge pipe. A choke cone maintains pressure in the plug. The choke cone is actively controlled in response to operation of the compressor. The discharge from the compressor has a cooling jacket, and includes an expanding taper. The reciprocating compressor, the screw compressor, and the choke cone are all adjustable in real time to control the compression of the feedstock according to a pre-programmed schedule that need not have equal compression and retraction strokes. The operation of the screw compressor may be advanced or eased off depending on the motion of the reciprocating compressor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pre-treating a cellulosic feedstock are disclosed. Embodiments of the method comprise conveying the cellulosic feedstock through an enclosed volume, adding moisture to the cellulosic feedstock simultaneously at multiple spaced-apart moisture injection points as the cellulosic feedstock travels through the volume, and heating the cellulosic feedstock as it travels through the volume to obtain a heated moistened feedstock. Embodiments of the apparatus comprise a shell defining a treatment chamber having a lower inner surface. The treatment chamber has an inlet and an outlet spaced longitudinally apart from the inlet to define an axial length. A conveyance member is housed within the shell and is configured to sweep the lower inner surface. A plurality of injection ports are provided in at least one of the shell and the conveyance member.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for treating a loose fibrous solid organic feedstock. The apparatus includes a reactor vessel and a compressor operable to introduce feedstock at elevated pressure into the reactor chamber. The apparatus includes means for controlling and modulating moisture level within the reactor. The apparatus includes an outflow or discharge assembly that has its own feeder or drive for packing feedstock into a discharge accumulator. The discharge accumulator feeds an outflow valve, in this case a uni-directional rotation ball valve operated by a servo motor. Discharge from the valve may be carried through a diffuser into a settling cyclone. In operation the ball valve is rotated to open and close the outflow passageway, the rate of rotation being variable in real time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing a cellulosic feedstock are disclosed. Embodiments of the method comprise passing the cellulosic feedstock through an optional impregnation chamber to an outlet of the impregnation chamber, passing the cellulosic feedstock from the outlet of the impregnation chamber to a holding tank having an inlet and an outlet, and conveying the cellulosic feedstock downwardly and laterally as it travels through the holding tank. Embodiments of the apparatus comprise at least one sidewall defining a passage. The passage has an upper portion and a lower portion, and the lower portion has a greater cross-sectional area than the upper portion. At least one inlet is provided adjacent the upper portion, and at least one outlet is provided adjacent the lower portion, at an elevation below the inlet.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating, pre-treating, preparing and conveying a cellulosic feedstock, such as for ethanol production, are disclosed. More specifically, the invention relates to methods and apparatus for treating a cellulosic feedstock by mixing and heating the cellulosic feedstock and/or by moistening and heating the cellulosic feedstock. The invention also relates to a holding tank, and a method of utilizing the holding tank whereby bridging may be reduced or eliminated and may result in a product stream from autohydrolysis or hydrolysis having an improved yield. The invention further relates to methods and apparatus for obtaining and conveying a cellulosic feedstock, which may be used for the subsequent production of a fermentable sugar stream from the cellulose and hemicellulose in the cellulosic feedstock wherein the fermentable sugar stream may be used for subsequent ethanol production.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for compressing a loose solid feedstock. The apparatus includes a two stage compressor. The first compression stage is a screw compressor. The second compressor stage is a reciprocating compressor. The reciprocating compressor operates co-axially with, and receives its feed from, the screw compressor. A choke cone maintains pressure in the outfeed from the compressor stages. The reciprocating compressor, the screw compressor, and the choke cone are all adjustable in real time to control the compression of the feedstock according to a pre-programmed schedule that need not have equal compression and retraction strokes. The operation of the screw compressor may be advanced or eased off depending on the motion of the reciprocating compressor. The operation of the choke cone may be actively controlled to obtain a coordination with the compressor stages.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating a cellulosic feedstock prior to hydrolysis is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a pressurizable treatment chamber, a mixing and conveyance member configured to deaggregate the cellulosic feedstock and mix the cellulosic feedstock with gas in the upper portion of the chamber, and a heating member. The treatment chamber is at a pressure comparable to the pressure of a downstream hydrolyzer. Additionally, a method is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for compressing a loose solid feedstock. The apparatus includes a two stage compressor. The first compression stage is a screw compressor. The second compressor stage is a reciprocating compressor. The reciprocating compressor operates co-axially with, and receives its feed from, the screw compressor. A choke cone maintains pressure in the outfeed from the compressor stages. The reciprocating compressor includes a piston that is driven by a pair of hydraulic rams. The position and operation of the hydraulic rams, the screw conveyor, and the choke cone is monitored by sensors. The reciprocating compressor, the screw conveyor, and the choke cone are all adjustable in real time to control the compression of the feedstock according to a pre-programmed schedule that need not have equal compression and retraction strokes. The operation of the screw conveyor may be advanced or eased off depending on the motion of the reciprocating compressor.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for compressing a loose solid feedstock. The apparatus includes a two stage compressor. The first compression stage is a screw compressor. The second compressor stage is a reciprocating compressor. The reciprocating compressor operates co-axially with, and receives its feed from, the screw compressor. The compressor establishes feedstock plug in a discharge pipe. A choke cone maintains pressure in the plug. The choke cone is actively controlled in response to operation of the compressor. The discharge from the compressor has a cooling jacket, and includes an expanding taper. The reciprocating compressor, the screw compressor, and the choke cone are all adjustable in real time to control the compression of the feedstock according to a pre-programmed schedule that need not have equal compression and retraction strokes. The operation of the screw compressor may be advanced or eased off depending on the motion of the reciprocating compressor.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for treating a loose fibrous solid organic feedstock. The apparatus includes a reactor vessel and a compressor operable to introduce feedstock at elevated pressure into the reactor chamber. The apparatus includes means for controlling and modulating moisture level within the reactor. The apparatus includes an outflow or discharge assembly that has its own feeder or drive for packing feedstock into a discharge accumulator. The discharge accumulator feeds an outflow valve, in this case a uni-directional rotation ball valve operated by a servo motor. Discharge from the valve may be carried through a diffuser into a settling cyclone. In operation the ball valve is rotated to open and close the outflow passageway, the rate of rotation being variable in real time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conveying a cellulosic feedstock are disclosed. The apparatus, such as a holding tank, has a passage. At the outlet to the passage, a conveyance member is provided to convey the cellulosic feedstock laterally across the outlet. The conveyance member, e.g., at least one screw conveyor, may have a variable pitch along its length. The method comprises passing the cellulosic feedstock through an impregnation chamber to an outlet of the impregnation chamber; passing the cellulosic feedstock from the outlet of the impregnation chamber to an inlet of a holding tank; passing the cellulosic feedstock downwardly through the holding tank; maintaining a generally constant residence time in the holding tank; and subsequently subjecting the cellulosic feedstock to a hydrolysis process.