Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention overcome the well-known recalcitrance of lignocellulosic biomass in an economically viable manner. A process and a system are provided for the efficient fractionation of lignocellulosic biomass into cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. The cellulose and hemicellulose thus obtained are highly amorphous and can be readily converted into highly concentrated mixtures of five and six carbon sugars using known methods. Typical yields of sugars exceed 100 grams of sugars per liter of sugar solution. Other products, such as alcohols, can easily be prepared according to methods of the invention. The modest process conditions and low solvent/solid ratios of some embodiments of the invention require relatively low capital and processing costs.

Abstract: A method for treating biomass is provided, which includes, in a reactor, allowing gaseous ammonia to condense on the biomass and react with water present in the biomass to produce pretreated biomass, wherein reactivity of polysaccharides in the biomass is increased during subsequent biological conversion as compared to polysaccharides in biomass which has not been pretreated. A method for treating biomass with a liquid ammonia and recovering the liquid ammonia is also provided. Related systems which include a biochemical or biofuel production facility are disclosed.

Abstract: A reactor for the treatment of lignocellulosic material and related methods. The reactor includes a vessel having an upper portion and a lower portion. A pressure envelope is formed between an outer wall of the vessel and at least one lower wall of the lower portion of the vessel, and the upper portion of the vessel and the pressure envelope are operatively connected with a pressurization line, such that a pressure of the pressure envelope and a pressure of the upper portion may be equalized.

Abstract: A system for pre-treating biomass for the production of ethanol is provided. The system comprises a method for pre-treating biomass. The method comprises supplying biomass to a steaming bin, wherein the biomass is mixed with water, and inputting the steamed biomass to a first pretreatment reactor, wherein the steamed biomass comprises liquids and solids. The method also comprises removing a bulk of liquids from the solids and feeding the solids into a second pretreatment reactor. The method further comprises applying a pressure drop to the solids in the second pretreatment reactor, wherein the pressure drop opens up a structure of the solids, and sending the solids to a fermentation process for ethanol processing.

Abstract: A method comprising: (a) providing a lignocellulosic substrate; (b) contacting said lignocellulosic substrate with an extractant comprising a water-soluble organic solvent to form an extracted substrate and a miscella; (c) removing miscella from said extracted substrate; and (d) hydrolyzing said extracted substrate using a chemically catalyzed process.

Abstract: A method for the dissolving and rapid hydrolyzing of the lignocellulose biomass and the device thereof are disclosed. The lignocellulose biomass is put in the pure water and rapidly heated to 330˜403° C., and then 89˜99% of the lignocellulose biomass is dissolved and rapidly hydrolyzed to saccharide in 3.38˜21.79 s. The following hydrolysis reaction can be carried out under the homogeneous phase condition for the dissolving of the lignocellulose biomass. At the same time, the solvated biomass could be easily used in the high pressure flow reactor to continuously pretreat the biomass and hydrolyze for producing saccharide, other biofuel and product. The present invention doesn't need any catalyst and doesn't pollute the environment, furthermore the process is simple and the cost is low, and it belongs to green, continuable industry encouraged by the state, and a good prospect of market application could be taken on.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention overcome the well-known recalcitrance of lignocellulosic biomass in an economically viable manner. A process and a system are provided for the efficient fractionation of lignocellulosic biomass into cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. The cellulose and hemicellulose thus obtained are highly amorphous and can be readily converted into highly concentrated mixtures of five and six carbon sugars using known methods. Typical yields of sugars exceed 100 grams of sugars per liter of sugar solution. Other products, such as alcohols, can easily be prepared according to methods of the invention. The modest process conditions and low solvent/solid ratios of some embodiments of the invention require relatively low capital and processing costs.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for the hydrolyzation of ensiled biomass is disclosed. Ensiled biomass is processed in multiple phases, resulting in a liquid precursor hydrozate and a solid precursor hydrozate. The liquid precursor having significant economic value, and being suitable for uses such as, for example, lower cost and improved efficiency ethanol production. A method for lower cost, improved efficiency alcohol production that uses the resulting liquid precursor hydrozate being produced at distributed sources is further disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for hardwood pulp liquid hydrolysate conditioning is provided. The system includes a first evaporator, a hydrolysis unit, at least one lignin separation device, a neutralization device, a precipitate removal device, a solvent extraction unit, a lignin removal and recovery unit, an acid and furfural separation and conditioning unit, and an electrodialysis device, which process a quantity of hardwood mix to produce a desalinated solution containing sugar.

Abstract: An apparatus for pre-treating a cellulosic feedstock are disclosed. 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: 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: The present invention is a process and apparatus for forming various bio-products from cellulosic plant material. The plant material is subjected to a pulping step in which lignin is extracted from the material by an aqueous lignin solvent to form a lignin-solvent mixture and purified cellulose. The lignin-solvent mixture can be separated from the water to form a high energy density fuel that can be used independently or combined with biodiesel. The purified cellulose can be used in conventional processes, e.g., paper making, or can be converted to fermentable sugars with a cellulase enzyme to produce other bio-products depending on the operating conditions of the fermenter. The bio-products produced by the fermenter can include the solvent that may be recycled for use in extracting the lignin.

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: The hydrolytic saccharification method and hydrolytic saccharification apparatus according to the present invention use a hydraulic cylinder-type pressurized reactor as a reactor for causing cellulosic biomass to be in a supercritical or subcritical state, and use a hydraulic cylinder-type steam compressor as a source of superheated steam, such that the reactor and the compressor are operated in conjunction with each other. Surplus hydraulic pressure that is generated when hydrolysis of the cellulosic biomass is completed is recovered as compression power of the hydraulic cylinder-type steam compressor. Moreover, flash steam generated from slurry containing a hydrolysate is supplied to the hydraulic cylinder-type steam compressor for cyclic use of the flash steam.

Abstract: Systems for converting aldose sugars to ketose sugars and separating and/or concentrating these sugars using differences in the sugars' abilities to bind to specific affinity ligands are described.

Abstract: A method of inverting sucrose, including (i) determining an initial solids concentration of an aqueous sucrose solution, an initial bed volume of a sucrose inversion resin system, a minimum target inversion percentage, a maximum target inversion percentage, a target maximum hydroxymethylfuran (HMF) concentration, a minimum target pH, or a maximum target pH; (ii) contacting the sucrose inversion resin system with the aqueous sucrose solution under conditions of aqueous solution flow rate and aqueous solution temperature to produce an inverted sucrose solution having an inversion percentage, an HMF concentration, and a pH; (iii) observing an instantaneous inversion percentage, an instantaneous HMF concentration, or an instantaneous pH of the inverted sucrose solution; and, if appropriate; (iv) changing at least one of the aqueous solution flow rate or the aqueous solution temperature to yield a product having a desired inversion percentage, HMF concentration, and/or pH.

Abstract: A biomass cooking device including: a treatment vessel having an biomass inlet adapted to receive biomass material to a processing chamber of the vessel, a biomass outlet adapted to discharge from the processing chamber the biomass material processed in the vessel, an extraction region of the vessel and a liquids outlet to the extraction region to discharge dissolved hemi-cellulosic material extracted from the biomass material in the processing chamber; a piston press in the cooking vessel defining a moveable wall of the processing chamber, wherein the piston press moves to reduce the processing chamber and thereby compress the biomass material; and a screen plate in the vessel forming a barrier between the processing chamber and an extraction region of the vessel, the screen plate having apertures to pass the dissolved hemi-cellulosic material through the screen plate from the processing chamber to the extraction region.

Abstract: A method is provided for hydrolyzing polysaccharides in a lignocellulosic feedstock to produce monosaccharides or pretreating a lignocellulosic feedstock, in which an aqueous slurry of the lignocellulosic feedstock is fed into a pressurized dewatering zone wherein the feedstock is partially dewatered and then is compressed into a plug. The plug is introduced into a reaction zone that operates at a pressure (Pr) equal to greater than about 90 psia and under suitable temperature and pH conditions to hydrolyze the polysaccharides or pretreat the feedstock. The plug provides a pressure seal between the outlet of the dewatering zone and the reaction zone. The pressure (Pdwi) of the aqueous slurry of the lignocellulosic feedstock at the inlet of the dewatering device is related to Pr as follows: 0??P<the lesser of [(Pr?20 psia) and 220 psia], and where ?P is the absolute difference in pressure between Pr and Pdwi in psia.

Abstract: A biomass treatment device (A) includes a hot compressed water reaction device (1) that hydrolyzes a biomass by passing hot compressed water to the biomass to prepare polysaccharides, and a solid-acid catalytic reaction device (2 and 3) that generates monosaccharides from the polysaccharides using a solid-acid catalyst, and the device includes at least one of a first heat exchanger (1b and 1b?) for heating the hot compressed water by the heat of a monosaccharide solution including the monosaccharides delivered from the solid-acid-catalytic reaction device and a second heat exchanger (1c) for heating the hot compressed water by the heat of a polysaccharide solution including the polysaccharides introduced into the solid-acid-catalytic reaction device from the hot compressed water reaction device. According to the biomass treatment device, it is possible to improve the energy efficiency more than the related art.

Abstract: The hot water-flowing type saccharification apparatus (A) which hydrolyzes a raw material organic substance (X) stored in a reaction pipe (1) by passing pressurized hot water therethrough, includes a raw material hopper (4) which stores the raw material organic substance (X), a raw material-feeding pipe (3) which receives the raw material organic substance (X) dropped from the raw material hopper (4) and communicates with the reaction pipe (1), a raw material transfer unit (5) which transfers the raw material organic substance (X) to the reaction pipe (1) by extruding the raw material organic substance (X) from one end of the raw material-feeding pipe (3) toward the reaction pipe (1), a shutoff valve (2) provided between the raw material-feeding pipe (3) and the reaction pipe (1), a residue discharge unit (6) provided in the reaction pipe (1) on an opposite side to the raw material-feeding pipe (3) so as to discharge a residue (Xa) outside, a pressurized hot water supply unit (7) which supplies pressurized ho

Abstract: A solid-acid-catalyzed saccharification device (A) includes a catalytic reaction vessel (3) configured to contain a polysaccharide feedstock with water and a solid-acid catalyst (X2) as a liquid mixture (X3) to monosaccharify the polysaccharide using the solid-acid catalyst (X2), an agitation device (4) configured to agitate the liquid mixture (X3) in the catalytic reaction vessel (3), an oxidation-reduction electrometer (5) configured to measure the redox potential of the liquid mixture (X3) in the catalytic reaction vessel (3), and a pH meter (6) configured to measure the pH of the liquid mixture (X3) in the catalytic reaction vessel (3). According to the solid-acid-catalyzed saccharification device (A), it is possible to accurately follow the reaction state of a saccharification process of a feedstock using a solid acid catalyst.

Abstract: A method of treating vegetative saccharides and their compounds to provide hydrolysates suitable for use as bio-stimulants, fertilizers, soil conditioners and wind soil erosion suppressants. The method comprises the step of treating the vegetative saccharides and their compounds, in series, in acid and alkali environments at temperature higher than ambient with the forced extraction of the toxins for soil and with cooking product mixing. The produced product contains humins, humic, levulinic, saccharinic and aldonic acid salts which are effective bio-stumulants and fertilizers for plant growth. Their hydroscopic properties provide (as soil conditioner) the increased water sorption of soil. Saccharinic acid salts binding properties provide forming soil particles together protecting soil against wind erosion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing xylose and cellulose from a biomass comprising: (a) mixing a biomass with a reactive fluid comprising water and a supercritical C1-C5 alcohol to form a mixture at a first temperature and a first pressure; (b) maintaining the mixture at the first temperature and first pressure for a first time period, wherein a reaction occurs; and (c) quenching the reaction to form at least one reaction product mixture; wherein xylose and cellulose are produced by the process. Lignin may also be produced by the processes of the invention.

Abstract: A hydrolysis system comprising: (a) a reactor vessel including a sprinkler at an upper portion thereof and a drain; (b) a pump re-circulating a flow of an acidic reaction liquid from a selected height in said vessel to said sprinkler; (c) an acid supply mechanism delivering a supply of HCl at a concentration?39% to a lower portion of said reactor vessel; and (d) a flow splitter diverting a portion of the acidic reaction liquid so that a level of liquid in the vessel remains in a predetermined range.

Abstract: An integrated plant comprising: (a) one or more lignocellulose processing units producing one or more sugar streams and one or more lignin streams; (b) one or more lignin-processing units processing one or more of said lignin streams into a lignin product; and (c) one or more sugar processing units processing one or more of said sugar streams into a sugar product; (d) at least one transfer mechanism transferring one or more of said sugar stream(s) to one or more of said sugar processing units over a distance of 5 km or less; and (e) at least one transfer mechanism transferring said lignin stream from one or more of said lignocellulose processing units to one or more of said lignin processing units over a distance of 5 km or less.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing alcohol from a cellulosic material, said process comprising: hydrolyzing said cellulosic material with an aqueous acid to produce a hydrolysate; extracting acid and water from said hydrolysate with a water-miscible organic extraction solvent to yield (a) a first aqueous acidic solution containing said extraction solvent and (b) a residue containing sugars; subjecting said residue to an oligosaccharide cleavage reaction to yield an aqueous solution of fermentable sugars; fermenting said fermentable sugars and distilling alcohol from the resulting fermented mixture; contacting said first aqueous acidic solution with a water-immiscible liquid lipophilic solvent to yield a second aqueous acid solution and a solvent mixture of said extraction solvent and said liquid solvent; separating said solvent mixture to yield extraction solvent for recycling; and separating from said second aqueous acid solution an aqueous acid for recycling.

Abstract: Cellulosic materials are treated with Supercritical Carbon Dioxide in an extruder. Machine configuration and operating parameters are strictly controlled in a manner to enhance the ability of Supercritical CO2 to enter into the cells. This results in a controlled deterioration of the ceil walls, increasing the reactivity of cellulose and also enhancing the rate and the extern of cellulose hydrolysis. This precisely controlled combination of pressure, shear & temperature accelerates the penetration of carbon dioxide molecules into the crystalline structures, thus more glucose is produced from cellulosic materials after the cell is destructurized as compared to those without the pretreatment increasing glucose yield by as much as 50%. Concurrent saccharification and fermentation tests also show the increase in the available carbon source from the cellulosic materials for fermentation to produce ethanol.

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 for processing sugar cane to concurrently produce sugar from cane juice, and ethanol and other co-products from bagasse. The apparatus comprises equipment for separating a cane juice stream and a fibrous bagasse from a sugar cane feed-stock, equipment for refining the cane juice, equipment for processing the fibrous bagasse for recovery therefrom of a cellulosic pulp and a liquor stream, equipment for saccharification and fermentation of the cellulosic pulp to produce a fermentation beer therefrom, and equipment for recovery of an ethanol stream from the fermentation beer. Legacy sugar mills may be retrofitted with a bagasse biorefining apparatus to concurrently produce ethanol and co-products, with existing cane juice extraction and processing operations.

Abstract: A system and method for hardwood pulp liquid hydrolysate conditioning includes a first evaporator receives a hardwood mix extract and outputting a quantity of vapor and extract. A hydrolysis unit receives the extract, hydrolyzes and outputs to a lignin separation device, which separates and recovers a quantity of lignin. A neutralization device receives extract from the lignin separation device and a neutralizing agent, producing a mixture of solid precipitate and a fifth extract. The solid precipitate is removed from the fifth extract. A second evaporator removes a quantity of acid from the fifth extract in a vapor form. This vapor may be recycled to improve total acid recovery or discarded. A desalination device receives the diluted extract, separates out some of the acid and salt and outputs a desalinated solution.

Abstract: A system has been developed for pretreating cellulosic biomass feed stock including: a first pressurized reactor receiving the feed stock, wherein the feed stock undergoes hydrolysis in the first pressurized reactor; a sealing device having a first pressurized coupling to a feedstock discharge port of the first pressurized reactor, and a second pressurized coupling to a second pressurized reactor; a drain for a liquid including dissolved hemi-cellulosic material extracted from the feed stock in at least one of the first pressurized reactor and the sealing and extraction device; the second pressurized reactor assembly receiving the pressurized feed stock from the sealing device at a pressure substantially greater than the pressure in the first pressurized reactor, wherein cells of the feed stock are infused with water in the second pressurized reactor, and an expansion device downstream of the second pressurized reactor assembly, wherein the expansion device rapidly releases the pressure of the feed stock disc

Abstract: A method of subjecting a flowable suspension comprising a biogenic material to a temperature hydrolysis includes passing the flowable suspension through a first downward conduit section. The flowable suspension is passed through a first connecting conduit section and a first upward part. The first connecting conduit section is configured to connect an outlet of the first downward conduit section with an inlet of a second downward conduit section. The flowable suspension is passed through the second downward conduit section. A first flow velocity in the first upward part exceeds a second flow velocity in each of the first downward conduit section and the second downward conduit section.

Abstract: Improvements in a process for rapid acid hydrolysis of lignocellulosic material and in a hydrolysis reactor, said lignocellulosic material being fed in different levels of a reactor and contacted with flows of lignin organic solvent, water and an extremely dilute solution of a strong inorganic acid, for obtaining a liquid phase of hydrolysis extract and a solid phase of non-reacted and non-dissolved material. A controlled steam flow is injected into the different levels of the reactor, so as to provide adequate temperatures of organic solvent and strong inorganic acid and forming the desired products (sugars). A flow of the liquid phase is recirculated in different levels of the reactor, the remainder thereof being withdrawn from the reactor, abruptly cooled with the solvent submitted to evaporation to obtain a concentrate. The lignin is transferred by decantation and the concentrate is transferred to subsequent process steps.

Abstract: A reactor for the treatment of lignocellulosic material and related methods. The reactor includes a vessel having an upper portion and a lower portion. A pressure envelope is formed between an outer wall of the vessel and at least one lower wall of the lower portion of the vessel, and the upper portion of the vessel and the pressure envelope are operatively connected with a pressurization line, such that a pressure of the pressure envelope and a pressure of the upper portion may be equalized.

Abstract: Methods and systems for fractionating lignocellulosic biomass including hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin, including exploding the biomass cells to devolatilize the biomass, hydrolyzing the hemicellulose to produce a liquid component including hemicellulosic sugars and a solid component including less than 10% hemicellulose, separating the liquid and solid components, vaporizing the cellulose in the solid component, and condensing the cellulosic sugar vapors. The methods and systems may vaporize the cellulose in a continuous steam reactor at a temperature of about 400-550° C. and a pressure of about 1-3 bara. Electromagnetic and/or electroaccoustic treatment such as ultrasound and/or microwave treatment may be applied to the biomass immediately before or during cellulose hydrolysis.

Abstract: A system for pre-treating biomass for the production of ethanol is provided. The system comprises a method for pre-treating biomass. The method comprises supplying biomass to a steaming bin, wherein the biomass is mixed with water, and inputting the steamed biomass to a first pretreatment reactor, wherein the steamed biomass comprises liquids and solids. The method also comprises removing a bulk of liquids from the solids and feeding the solids into a second pretreatment reactor. The method further comprises applying a pressure drop to the solids in the second pretreatment reactor, wherein the pressure drop opens up a structure of the solids, and sending the solids to a fermentation process for ethanol processing.

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: A biomass hydrothermal decomposition apparatus includes, a biomass feeder (31) that feeds biomass material (11) under normal pressure to under increased pressure, a hydrothermal decomposition device (41A) that allows the fed biomass material (11) to be gradually moved inside a gradient device main body (42) from a lower end thereof with a conveyor screw (43), and also allows hot compressed water (15) to be fed from an other end of a feed section (31) for the biomass material into the main body (42), so as to cause the biomass material (11) and the hot compressed water (15) to countercurrently contact with each other and undergo hydrothermal decomposition, and that transfers a lignin component and a hemicellulose component into the hot compressed water, so as to separate the lignin component and the hemicellulose component from the biomass material (11); and a biomass discharger (51) that discharges, from the upper end of the device main body (42), a biomass solid residue (17) under increased pressure to an un

Abstract: Methods and systems for continuous multistage processing of particulate solids that can control the distribution of residence times of processed particles. One disclosed method includes admitting fluidizing gas into transfer tunnels between fluidized bed vessel stages, using gas inlets located in or outputting directly into the transfer tunnel to promote flow of the fluidized solids through the transfer tunnel. A common gas distributor plate can supply gas to the stage vessels and to any transfer tunnels having gas inlets. The distributor plate can be separable from the system or openable to provide access for removal of obstructions and for maintenance. A common base plate can incorporate lower portions of the stage vessels and the sides and roofs of the transfer tunnels, the bottoms of the vessels and tunnels optionally being provided by the gas distributor plate. Some multistage systems and processing methods have from 15 to 200 or more stages.

Abstract: A method for treating biomass was developed that uses an apparatus which moves a biomass and dilute aqueous ammonia mixture through reaction chambers without compaction. The apparatus moves the biomass using a non-compressing piston. The resulting treated biomass is saccharified to produce fermentable sugars.

Abstract: The reactor pump for hydrolytic splitting of cellulose is configured to pump cellulose, under high pressure, with low availability of sugar into a reactor. The reactor has an upstream transition segment connected to a downstream reaction chamber. The transition segment has an inlet that is smaller than the outlet. The inner walls taper outward. The chamber has an inlet that is larger than the discharge outlet. The inner walls taper inward. The transition segment outlet has an area that is substantially the same as the area of the chamber inlet. Back pressure in the chamber forms a cellulose plug within the inlet of the transition segment. The plug stops cellulose from escaping out the inlet. High pressure pumping forms a cellulose plug within the discharge outlet of the chamber. The plug slows downstream movement of the cooking cellulose giving the cellulose time to cook. Cooking cellulose begins to breakdown under heat and the injection of acid, if required.

Abstract: A reactor for hydrolytic splitting of cellulose under high pressure and heat has an inlet and outlet each with a cross-sectional area smaller than the cross-sectional area of the reactor. The pressure and heat in the reactor forms a cellulose plug within the inlet and the outlet. The inlet plug stops cellulose from escaping out the inlet. Cellulose begins to breakdown under heat, pressure, and if required an acid or a lubricant. The outlet plug slows downstream movement of cooking cellulose. Cellulose may be pre-treated by the addition of water, a weak acid, a lubricant, or a combination of the foregoing. The outer surface of the plug cooks faster than the inner core of the plug, becomes a liquefied slurry, and slides faster towards the outlet than the inner core.

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: 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 system for hydrolyzing cellulose and/or hemicellulose contained in a biomass into monosaccharides and oligosaccharides by using high-temperature and high-pressure water in a subcritical condition is provided. In hydrolyzing cellulose or hemicellulose into saccharides by using high-temperature and high-pressure water in a subcritical condition, a large amount of slurry is cooled into a condition below the subcritical condition by subjecting the slurry contained in a pressure vessel under a high-temperature and high-pressure condition to flash evaporation in a pressure vessel charged with a slurry of a cellulosic biomass and heated halfway. It is possible to prevent saccharides from degrading into organic acids and to save energy by recovery of thermal energy. The cellulosic biomass is charged into a water-permeable vessel and then the water-permeable vessel is encapsulated into the pressure vessel together with water.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with an apparatus and method for continuous fluidization which comprises at least two cells connected by an aperture permitting the solid material to be introduced into the next downstream cell by fluidized horizontal flow, an isolated freeboard within each cell, at least two filter sticks contained within the isolated freeboard of each cell, and at least one blow back valve contained within each filter stick. The apparatus allows processing of materials that are typically difficult to fluidize by maintaining a substantially constant pressure difference between each isolated freeboard.

Abstract: A biomass cooking device including: a treatment vessel having an biomass inlet adapted to receive biomass material to a processing chamber of the vessel, a biomass outlet adapted to discharge from the processing chamber the biomass material processed in the vessel, an extraction region of the vessel and a liquids outlet to the extraction region to discharge dissolved hemi-cellulosic material extracted from the biomass material in the processing chamber; a piston press in the cooking vessel defining a moveable wall of the processing chamber, wherein the piston press moves to reduce the processing chamber and thereby compress the biomass material; and a screen plate in the vessel forming a barrier between the processing chamber and an extraction region of the vessel, the screen plate having apertures to pass the dissolved hemi-cellulosic material through the screen plate from the processing chamber to the extraction region.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing xylose and cellulose from a biomass comprising: (a) mixing a biomass with a reactive fluid comprising water and a supercritical C1-C5 alcohol to form a mixture at a first temperature and a first pressure; (b) maintaining the mixture at the first temperature and first pressure for a first time period, wherein a reaction occurs; and (c) quenching the reaction to form at least one reaction product mixture; wherein xylose and cellulose are produced by the process. Lignin may also be produced by the processes of the invention.

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: 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.