Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for hydrothermal pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass. A mechanically simple and inexpensive vertical steam reactor is fed with biomass feedstock from the top, while pretreated material is removed from the bottom in steady-state by operation of moveable upper and lower restrictor means, which project across the reactor cross section when engaged. The vertical column of biomass is supported by the upper restrictor means. This is periodically withdrawn from the reactor cross section, permitting the column of biomass to fall by force of gravity onto the lower restrictor means. The upper restrictor means is then re-inserted, after which the lower restrictor means is withdrawn permitting a “plug” of pretreated material to be removed by force of gravity.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for hydrothermal pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass. A mechanically simple and inexpensive vertical steam reactor is fed with biomass feedstock from the top, while pretreated material is removed from the bottom in steady-state by operation of moveable upper and lower restrictor means, which project across the reactor cross section when engaged. The vertical column of biomass is supported by the upper restrictor means. This is periodically withdrawn from the reactor cross section, permitting the column of biomass to fall by force of gravity onto the lower restrictor means. The upper restrictor means is then re-inserted, after which the lower restrictor means is withdrawn permitting a “plug” of pretreated material to be removed by force of gravity.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an anaerobic digestion of animal manures, energy crops and similar organic substrates. The process is capable of refining nutrients comprised in the digested biomass to fertilizers of commercial quality. The invention also provides a method for oprocessing animal carcasses or fractions thereof including meat and bone meal etc., with the objective of providing an alternative means for processing the organic waste material of animal origin while at the same time facilitating the production of fertilizers. The risk of spreading BSE prions or any other prions to animals or humans is thus substantially reduced if not eliminated. The biogas and slurry separation system according to the present invention is preferably integrated with the operations of animal husbandries into a total concept in which the internal and external performances of animal husbandries are optimised.

Abstract: The present invention in a first aspect provides a method and a system for stripping volatile compounds such as ammonia from e.g. fermentation liquids. Part of the ammonia is stripped from the liquid in a stripper system comprising a shunt through which liquid such as e.g. fermentation medium comprising a biomass can be diverted in the form of a side stream in liquid contact with a main fermentor(s). The stripper system is connected to an evaporator. In the evaporator aqueous liquid is heated at a pressure below atmospheric pressure whereby vapour is developed at a temperature below 100° C. The vapour from the evaporator is directed to the liquid medium comprising ammonia and this results in ammonia being stripped from the liquid and transferred to the vapour phase. The vapour phase is condensed in a first condenser at a low pressure, e.g. a pressure well below 1 bar, and the liquid thus obtained is further treated in a stripper unit at a higher pressure, such as e.g.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an anaerobic digestion of animal manures, energy crops and similar organic substrates. The process is capable of refining nutrients comprised in the digested biomass to fertilizers of commercial quality. The invention also provides a method for oprocessing animal carcasses or fractions thereof including meat and bone meal etc., with the objective of providing an alternative means for processing the organic waste material of animal origin while at the same time facilitating the production of fertilizers. The risk of spreading BSE prions or any other prions to animals or humans is thus substantially reduced if not eliminated. The biogas and slurry separation system according to the present ivnention is preferably integrated with the operations of animal husbandries into a total concept in which the internal and external performances of animal husbandries are optimised.