Hydrolyzing Patents (Class 127/1)
  • Publication number: 20100024807
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: SUNOPTA BIOPROCESS INC.
    Inventors: Murray J. Burke, Sunalie N. Hillier
  • Publication number: 20100024809
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: SUNOPTA BIOPROCESS INC.
    Inventors: Murray J. Burke, Sunalie N. Hillier
  • Publication number: 20100006091
    Abstract: A method for preparing a sugar syrup having high fructose content, is implemented using at least one fruit containing sorbitol, particularly apples, pears, plums, prunes, peaches, nectarines, apricots and grapes, from which a first juice is extracted. The first juice is processed in order to obtain a clarified and demineralised sweet juice having a colour lower than 45 ICUMSA and having a conductometric ash content lower than 0.4%. The clarified and demineralised sweet juice is then processed in order to hydrolyse the saccharose into fructose and glucose. The method further includes an isomerisation of the glucose in fructose, and removing the sorbitol naturally occurring in the starting material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicants: NUTRITIS, INSTITUT NATIONAL DES SCIENCES APPLIQUEES DE TOULO USE
    Inventors: Pierre Lapoujade, Alain Guibert, Francoise Ouarne
  • Publication number: 20090229599
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventor: Y.H. Percival ZHANG
  • Patent number: 7547539
    Abstract: Disclosed is a reaction apparatus for organic and/or other substance(s) employing supercritical fluid(s) and/or subcritical fluid(s) permitting injection of organic substance(s) and/or other reactant substance(s) in homogeneous state(s) to reactor(s) without occurrence of clogging at location(s) of such injection, and also permitting actuation to occur in industrial fashion and at high energy efficiency. Reactor(s) (12) of this reaction apparatus comprise cylinder(s) (12a) and piston(s) (12b) provided at such cylinder(s) (12a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignees: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Ikegami, Ken Kawabe
  • Patent number: 7501025
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for the conversion of cellulosic biomass, in particular lignocellulose-containing biomass into fermentable sugars. The invention is further directed to apparatus suitable for carrying out such processes. According to the invention biomass is converted into fermentable sugars by contacting in a reactor said biomass with an acid, while passing an inert gas stream capable of taking up water through said reactor, by which the pH in said reactor can be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignees: Agrotechnology & Food Innovations B.V., Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast-Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek TNO, Techno Invent Ingenieursbureau voor Milieutechniek B.V.
    Inventors: Robert Reurd C. Bakker, Jacob Hendrik O. Hazewinkel, Johannes Wouterus Van Groenestijn
  • Publication number: 20080299628
    Abstract: A modular process for organosolv fractionation of lignocellulosic feedstocks into component parts and further processing of said component parts into at least fuel-grade ethanol and four classes of lignin derivatives. The modular process comprises a first processing module configured for physico-chemically digesting lignocellulosic feedstocks with an organic solvent thereby producing a cellulosic solids fraction and a liquid fraction, a second processing module configured for producing at least a fuel-grade ethanol and a first class of novel lignin derivatives from the cellulosic solids fraction, a third processing module configured for separating a second class and a third class of lignin derivatives from the liquid fraction and further processing the liquid fraction to produce a distillate and a stillage, a fourth processing module configured for separating a fourth class of lignin derivatives from the stillage and further processing the stillage to produce a sugar syrup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: Lignol Energy Corporation
    Inventors: Christer Hallberg, Donald O'Connor, Michael Rushton, Edward Kendall Pye, Gordon Gjennestadt
  • Patent number: 7449330
    Abstract: A bioreactor apparatus for processing waste, comprising a cylindrical pressure vessel having an inlet end and an exit end, an internally rotating main shaft having spaced apart ends, and a plurality of paddles and agitator bars attached to and extending radially from the shaft. At least some of the plurality of paddles and/or agitator bars extend radially outward from the shaft and form a helical spiral pattern when viewed from either of the spaced apart ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Bouldin Corporation
    Inventor: Floyd E. Bouldin
  • Patent number: 7442359
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for the recovery of sulphuric acid from a mixture comprising sulphuric acid and hydrocarbons, in particular carbohydrates. In accordance with the present invention the mixture comprising sulphuric acid and carbohydrates, is contacted with an anion selective membrane, thus producing a sulphuric acid rich filtrate stream and a stream depleted in sulphuric acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast-Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek TNO
    Inventors: Johannes Wouterus Van Groenestijn, Jacob Hendrik Obbo Hazewinkel, Raymond Johannes Maria Creusen, Koen Peter Henri Meesters
  • Patent number: 7238242
    Abstract: A process wherein biomass is compacted at 300 kg/m3 by a helical feeder, degassed, flooded, heated, stirred, and pre-hydrolyzed. The sugar being recovered at a first washing within the reactor with values higher than 90%. The control of the process enables one to produce cellulignin with a high specific surface, 2 m2/g (measured by BET), compared with the value of 0.4 m2/g of non-hydrolyzed biomass, maintain crystallinity of the cellulose fibers, aiming at grinding it into fine particles (f<250 mm), globulizing the lignin, exposing the cellulose to attacks by micro-organisms from cud of ruminants, fungi, bacteria or enzymes in microbiological or enzymatic fermentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: RM Materials Refratarios LTDA
    Inventors: Daltro Garcia Pinatti, Alvaro Guedes Soares
  • Patent number: 7115170
    Abstract: A bulk product melt system including a portable support platform positionable with respect to a bulk product source vessel. A water heating system is positioned with respect to the support platform and includes a water tank, which contains a volume of water heated to a selected process water temperature. A water flowmeter in control communication with the water tank monitors a water flowmeter rate of the heated water from the water tank. A mixing eductor in fluidic communication with the water tank receives the heated water at a controlled water flowmeter rate from the water tank. The portable bulk product melt system also includes a bulk product mixing system that is positioned with respect to the portable support platform and includes a bulk product receiver having an inlet portion in fluidic communication with an outlet of the bulk product source vessel and an outlet portion in fluidic communication with the mixing eductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Superior Bulk Logistics, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Blackmon
  • Patent number: 7078003
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the transfer between a solid matter and a liquid, comprising an outer drum and a perforated inner drum, means for commonly rotating the drums, and means situated inside the inner drum for moving the solid matter. In between the two drums, a number of troughs are formed which, during the rotation of the drums, bring up liquid and pour it out higher up through the inner drum. Along the front rim of each trough, the drum is provided with a drain opening, opposite to which means are provided for preventing, when the drain opening, during the rotation of the drums, is at the bottom, the penetration of solid matter through said opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: De Smet Engineering naamloze vennootschap
    Inventors: Jean Baie, Fédérico Lopez, Etienne Le Clef
  • Patent number: 7041175
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the continuous production of hydrolytically broken down starch or hydrolytically broken down substituted starch products such as hydroxyethyl- or hydroxypropyl starch. The invention essentially consists of carrying out most of the hydrolytic breakdown in a pipe-shaped, temperature-controlled reactor having no mixing elements. The remaining breakdown is carried out in one or more reactors fitted with mixing elements (fine hydrolysis). The product obtained can be used both in the food industry and for medical purposes, especially as plasma diluent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Fresenius AG
    Inventors: Klaus Sommermeyer, Klaus Henning, Michael Gorg, Thomas Maul
  • Patent number: 6878212
    Abstract: An apparatus for the processing of pre-hydrolysis of biomass, particularly a reactor of the failsafe type, either mobile or not, which may be manufactured of microbonded carbon steel and coated with special material (refractory metals, plastics, etc.). The insertion of vacuum between the shell of the reactor and its coating prevents its implosion and permits the detection of leakage with the helium gas. The resistance to corrosion of the refractory metals enables carrying out of pre-hydrolysis and mineral digestion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: RM Materials Refratarios LTDA
    Inventors: Daltro Garcia Pinatti, Alvaro Guedes Soares
  • Publication number: 20040231661
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing xylose from lignocellulosic feedstock. The method comprises disrupting lignocellulosic feedstock; leaching the lignocellulosic feedstock by contacting the feedstock with at least one aqueous solution for a period greater than about 2 minutes to produce a leached feedstock and a leachate; removing the leachate from the leached feedstock; acidifying the leached feedstock to a pH between about 0.5 and about 3 to produce an acidified feedstock, and; reacting the acidified feedstock under conditions which disrupt fiber structure and hydrolyze a portion of hemicellulose and cellulose of the acidified feedstock, to produce a composition comprising xylose and a pretreated feedstock. The xylose may be purified from the pretreated feedstock or it may be converted to ethanol with the pretreated feedstock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: Robert Griffin, Colin Nicholson, Corinne Mott, Jeffrey S. Tolan, Vijay Anand
  • Publication number: 20040094144
    Abstract: Disclosed is a reaction apparatus for organic and/or other substance(s) employing supercritical fluid(s) and/or subcritical fluid(s) permitting injection of organic substance(s) and/or other reactant substance(s) in homogeneous state(s) to reactor(s) without occurrence of clogging at location(s) of such injection, and also permitting actuation to occur in industrial fashion and at high energy efficiency. Reactor(s) (12) of this reaction apparatus comprise cylinder(s) (12a) and piston(s) (12b) provided at such cylinder(s) (12a).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Makoto Ikegami, Ken Kawabe
  • Publication number: 20040043480
    Abstract: A bioreactor apparatus for processing waste, comprising a cylindrical pressure vessel having an inlet end and an exit end, an internally rotating main shaft having spaced apart ends, and a plurality of paddles and agitator bars attached to and extending radially from the shaft. At least some of the plurality of paddles and/or agitator bars extend radially outward from the shaft and form a helical spiral pattern when viewed from either of the spaced apart ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventor: Floyd E. Bouldin
  • Patent number: 6632286
    Abstract: A process is described for the production of decomposable soluble products from a slurry of solids in which the slurry is convey axially through the reactor and excess liquid is removed radially through the walls of the reactor. The primary example is the hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass to form sugars, usually using an acid catalyst. In one variation of the process liquid and possibly steam are added through the inner wall of the reactor to provide additional flow in the radial direction and to control the temperature. Pressures are maintained such that the product stream is thermally quenched due to partial flashing as it leaves the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Trustees of Dartmouth College
    Inventor: Alvin Omar Converse
  • Patent number: 6228177
    Abstract: A multi-function process for hydrolysis and fractionation of lignocellulosic biomass to separate hemicellulosic sugars from other biomass components comprising extractives and proteins; a portion of a solubilized lignin; cellulose; glucose derived from cellulose; and insoluble lignin from said biomass comprising: a) introducing either solid fresh biomass or partially fractioned lignocellulosic biomass material with entrained acid or water into a reactor and heating to a temperature of up to about 185° C.-205° C. b) allowing the reaction to proceed to a point where about 60% of the hemicellulose has been hydrolyzed in the case of water or complete dissolution in case of acid; c) adding a dilute acid liquid at a pH below about 5 at a temperature of up to about 205° C. for a period ranging from about 5 to about 10 minutes; to hydrolyze the remaining 40% of hemicellulose if water is used. d) quenching the reaction at a temperature of up to about 140° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Midwest Research Institute
    Inventor: Robert W. Torget
  • Patent number: 6063204
    Abstract: A process, system, and apparatus for effectively and economically producing fermentable sugars from cellulosic feedstocks is described. The economic viability of using wood and/or agricultural waste, containing large fractions of cellulose and hemicellulose is highly dependent on the method used for hydrolysis. Underlying the gist of this invention are newly discovered methods, means, and techniques by which both the pentosans and hexosans comprising the hemicellulose fraction of the selected feedstock and the hexosans comprising the cellulose fraction of the selected feedstock can be quickly and efficiently converted in a single pass through a single device to fermentable sugars containing minimal quantities of degradation products known to inhibit fermentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignees: Tennessee Valley Authority, University of Southern Mississippi
    Inventors: Roger D. Hester, George E. Farina
  • Patent number: 6022419
    Abstract: A multi-function process is described for the hydrolysis and fractionation of lignocellulosic biomass to separate hemicellulosic sugars from other biomass components such as extractives and proteins; a portion of the solubilized lignin; cellulose; glucose derived from cellulose; and insoluble lignin from said biomass comprising one or more of the following: optionally, as function 1, introducing a dilute acid of pH 1.0-5.0 into a continual shrinking bed reactor containing a lignocellulosic biomass material at a temperature of about 94 to about 160.degree. C. for a period of about 10 to about 120 minutes at a volumetric flow rate of about 1 to about 5 reactor volumes to effect solubilization of extractives, lignin, and protein by keeping the solid to liquid ratio constant throughout the solubilization process; as function 2, introducing a dilute acid of pH 1.0-5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Midwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Robert W. Torget, Nandan Padukone, Christos Hatzis, Charles E. Wyman
  • Patent number: 5972118
    Abstract: A process, system, and apparatus for effectively and economically producing fermentable sugars from cellulosic feedstocks is described. The economic viability of using wood and/or agricultural waste, containing large fractions of cellulose and hemicellulose is highly dependent on the method used for hydrolysis. Underlying the gist of this invention are newly discovered methods, means, and techniques by which both the pentosans and hexosans comprising the hemicellulose fraction of the selected feedstock and the hexosans comprising the cellulose fraction of the selected feedstock can be quickly and efficiently converted in a single pass through a single device to fermentable sugars containing minimal quantities of degradation products known to inhibit fermentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Tennessee Valley Authority
    Inventors: Roger D. Hester, George E. Farina
  • Patent number: 5944905
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for performing a continuous reaction with at least one liquid reaction phase incorporating at least one starting compound in the presence of at least one solid-phase catalyst, wherein the phases to be contacted are circulated through at least one pulsed reaction column (1). The liquid reaction phase is continuously fed into the middle or lower portion of the pulsed column (1), the liquid phase is circulated upwards through the pulsed column (1), and a counterflow made up of lumps (9) of a solid selective extraction compound is continuously circulated. Furthermore, each solid catalyst is continuously circulated through the pulsed column (1) in contact with the liquid phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Agrichimie
    Inventors: Pierre Faugeras, Fran.cedilla.oise Laporte, Marie-Claude Neau, Gabriel Roux
  • Patent number: 5888306
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for making a simple sugar solution from a liquid solution including at least one compound sugar by performing hydrolysis in the presence of a heterogeneous catalyst. The method comprises contacting the hydrolysis reaction medium with at least one microporous solid adsorbent compound selected for compatibility with the hydrolysis and . catalysis conditions and for selectively adsorbing by-products other than simple sugars under the hydrolysis reaction conditions. A pure, colourless, food-grade simple sugar solution is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Agrichimie
    Inventors: Germain-Robert Durand, Pierre Faugeras, Fran.cedilla.oise Laporte, Claude Moreau, Marie-Claude Neau, Gabriel Roux
  • Patent number: 5879637
    Abstract: Cellulosic material is converted to ethanol by hydrolyzing the cellulosic material in a gravity pressure vessel (50), and fermenting the product thereof. The gravity pressure vessel (50) employed is adapted to accommodate a continuous hydrolysis reaction and maximize the fermentable product yield on a commercial scale. The gravity pressure vessel (50) employed is also adapted to maximize the thermodynamic efficiencies of the hydrolysis reaction, as well as the entire ethanol producing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Eau-Viron Incorporated
    Inventor: James A. Titmas
  • Patent number: 5879463
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous process for acid hydrolysis of lignocellulosic material through which the delignification and saccharification operations are carried out in a single reaction cycle utilizing a solubilizing organic solvent of lignin and a strong and extremely diluted inorganic acid, and obtaining highly concentrated recoveries of sugar. For the execution of the present process a hydrolysis reactor is further presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Dedini S/A.Administracao e Participacoes
    Inventor: Antonio Geraldo Proenca, Hilst
  • Patent number: 5782982
    Abstract: A method of removing silica or silicates from solids results from the acid hydrolysis of materials containing cellulose and hemicellulose is disclosed. The method includes the steps of treating the solids with a metal hydroxide solution to produce an extract, reducing the pH of the extract to produce silicic acid, and removing the silicic acid from the extract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Arkenol, Inc.
    Inventors: William A. Farone, John E. Cuzens
  • Patent number: 5726046
    Abstract: A economically viable method for producing sugars using concentrated acid hydrolysis of biomass containing cellulose and hemicellulose is disclosed. The cellulose and hemicellulose in the biomass is first decrystallized and then hydrolyzed to produce a hydrolysate containing both sugars and acid. Silica and silicates present in the biomass can then be removed for further processing. The remaining solids are then subjected to a second decrystallization if necessary and a second hydrolyzation to optimize the sugar yields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Arkenol, Inc.
    Inventors: William A. Farone, John E. Cuzens
  • Patent number: 5711817
    Abstract: Cellulosic material is converted to ethanol by hydrolyzing the cellulosic material in a gravity pressure vessel (50), and fermenting the product thereof. The gravity pressure vessel (50) employed is adapted to accommodate a continuous hydrolysis reaction and maximize the fermentable product yield on a commercial scale. The gravity pressure vessel (50) employed is also adapted to maximize the thermodynamic efficiencies of the hydrolysis reaction, as well as the entire ethanol producing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Eau-Viron Incorporated
    Inventor: James A. Titmas
  • Patent number: 5705369
    Abstract: The invention relates to the prehydrolysis of lignocellulose by passing an acidic or alkaline solution through solid lignocellulosic particles with removal of soluble components as they are formed. The technique permits a less severe combination of pH, temperature and time than conventional prehydrolysis. Furthermore, greater extraction of both hemicellulose and lignin occurs simultaneously in the same reactor and under the same conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Midwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Robert W. Torget, Kiran L. Kadam, Teh-An Hsu, George P. Philippidis, Charles E. Wyman
  • Patent number: 5620877
    Abstract: An economically viable method of fermenting a mixture of sugars resulting from the acid hydrolysis of material containing cellulose and hemicellulose allows for the simultaneous fermentation of both pentose and hexose sugars. The sugar solution is mixed with a microbial organism known to produce a useful fermentation product, and the fermentation process is allowed to proceed for 3-5 days, during and after which the fermentation products are removed and purified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Arkenol, Inc.
    Inventors: William A. Farone, John E. Cuzens
  • Patent number: 5597714
    Abstract: A economically viable method for producing sugars using concentrated acid hydrolysis of biomass containing cellulose and hemicellulose is disclosed. The cellulose and hemicellulose in the biomass is first decrystallized and then hydrolyzed to produce a hydrolysate containing both sugars and acid. Silica and silicates present in the biomass can then be removed for further processing. The remaining solids are then subjected to a second decrystallization if necessary and a second hydrolyzation to optimize the sugar yields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Arkenol, Inc.
    Inventors: William A. Farone, John E. Cuzens
  • Patent number: 5580389
    Abstract: A economically viable method for producing sugars using concentrated acid hydrolysis of biomass containing cellulose and hemicellulose is disclosed. The cellulose and hemicellulose in the biomass is first decrystallized and then hydrolyzed to produce a hydrolysate containing both sugars and acid. Silica present in the biomass can then be removed for further processing. The remaining solids are then subjected to a second decrystallization and hydrolyzation to optimize the sugar yields. An improved method for separating the sugars from the acid in the hydrolysate is also disclosed. The resulting sugar stream can then be fermented, using an improved method which allows both hexose and pentose sugars to be fermented simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Arkenol, Inc.
    Inventors: William A. Farone, John E. Cuzens
  • Patent number: 5562777
    Abstract: A economically viable method for producing sugars using concentrated acid hydrolysis of biomass containing cellulose and hemicellulose is disclosed. The cellulose and hemicellulose in the biomass is first decrystallized and then hydrolyzed to produce a hydrolysate containing both sugars and acid. Silica present in the biomass can then be removed for further processing. The remaining solids are then subjected to a second decrystallization and hydrolyzation to optimize the sugar yields. An improved method for separating the sugars from the acid in the hydrolysate is also disclosed. The resulting sugar stream can then be fermented, using an improved method which allows both hexose and pentose sugars to be fermented simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Arkenol, Inc.
    Inventors: William A. Farone, John E. Cuzens
  • Patent number: 5521305
    Abstract: Recycling materials comprising cellulosic and synthetic fibersDescribed is a process for recycling materials comprising fiber mixtures comprising cellulose fibers, comprising the steps of:i) providing fiber mixtures comprising cellulosic fibers and fibers composed of synthetic polymers, andii) subjecting these mixtures to a microbial hydrolysis in which the cellulosic fibers are completely degraded.The process makes it possible in particular to separate fiber mixtures. For this, the microorganisms and the hydrolyzate are removed in a conventional manner following step ii), and the remaining synthetic polymers are carried off in a conventional manner to be further recycled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Bernd Huber, Gerhard Stein
  • Patent number: 5424417
    Abstract: The invention relates to the prehydrolysis of lignocellulose by passing an acidic or alkaline solution through solid lignocellulosic particles with removal of soluble components as they are formed. The technique permits a less severe combination of pH, temperature and time than conventional prehydrolysis. Furthermore, greater extraction of both hemicellulose and lignin occurs simultaneously in the same reactor and under the same conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignee: Midwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Robert W. Torget, Kiran L. Kadam, Teh-An Hsu, George P. Philippidis, Charles E. Wyman
  • Patent number: 5411594
    Abstract: An improved two-stage dilute-acid hydrolysis process and apparatus the continuous saccharification of ligno-cellulosic biomass, or other cellulosic material feedstocks, with higher efficiency and better economics than known art, is disclosed. It comprises two double-tube heat-exchanger and plug-flow-reactor systems, in series. The improved process is primarily by reverse interstage transfer-flow, opposite to biomass, of second-stage surplus of: 1. process heat, 2. dilute- acid and 3. ingredient and solution water, all in an alpha cellulose hydrolysate, dilute-acid solution. It also comprises recycle of a fraction of unhydrolyzed alpha-cellulose hydrolysis residue, thereby achieving higher hydrolysis conversion of alpha-cellulose to glucose; and providing: 1. lower hydrolysate sugar decomposition, 2. reduced reaction time and 3. increased reactor processing capacity, without increased dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Inventor: Donald L. Brelsford
  • Patent number: 5378286
    Abstract: A food formulation having a reduced level of fat and/or oil is provided. The food formulation is a mixture of a foodstuff and a fragmented, amylopectin starch hydrolysate as a replacement for at least a substantial portion of the fat and/or oil of said food formulation. The fragmented starch hydrolysate is capable of forming an aqueous dispersion at about 20% hydrolysate solids exhibiting a yield stress of from about 100 to about 1,500 pascals. Also provided is a method of formulating a food containing a fat and/or oil ingredient comprising replacing at least a portion of said fat and/or oil ingredient with the fragmented, amylopectin starch hydrolysate. Examples of food formulations include those for margarine, salad dressings (pourable and spoonable), frostings, and frozen novelties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: A. E. Staley Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Ruth G. Chiou, Cheryl C. Brown, Jeanette A. Little, Austin H. Young, Robert V. Schanefelt, Donald W. Harris, Keith D. Stanley, Helen D. Coontz, Carolyn J. Hamdan, Jody A. Wolf-Rueff, Lori A. Slowinski, Kent R. Anderson, William F. Lehnhardt, Zbigniew J. Witczak
  • Patent number: 5338366
    Abstract: Biomass, such as bagasse, is pre-hydrolyzed, to ultimately effect hydrolysis of hemicellulose to sugars. Biomass is mixed with a mineral acid solution to form a slurry having a consistency of about 8 to 12% so that the acid solution properly wets the biomass. Then the slurry is dewatered to about 35 to 50% consistency, and is heated to reaction temperature (e. g. about 320.degree. F.) by direct contact with steam in the vapor phase of a vertical pressurized reactor, having a pressure of about 40 psig. A fluffer is preferably provided in the top of the reaction vessel. After a reaction time of about 30 minutes, the biomass is diluted and cold blown out of the bottom of the reactor. Pressate from the dewatering has acid added to it and is heated by indirect heat exchange with a sugar solution obtained by washing of the biomass discharged from the reactor, and is then mixed with the biomass as the acid solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: Kamyr, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd S. Grace, Mark D. Barrett, Vic L. Bilodeau, Gary L. McCarty, Brian F. Greenwood, J. Robert Prough, Louis O. Torregrossa
  • Patent number: 5196069
    Abstract: A method for pretreating a cellulosic waste product with microwaves is disclosed as well as a method and apparatus for converting cellulosic wastes into soluble saccharides. The invention greatly enhances a reaction rate for enzymatic hydrolysis. A feed mixture of cellulose, water and acetic acid are irradiated with microwaves at a superatmospheric pressure in an autoclave reaction vessel and the treated cellulose is enzymatically hydrolyzed in a bioreactor. The acid and enzymes are optionally separated for reuse. As a feed stock for the culture of microbes, the sugars can be further processed into ethanol or food protein. High yield, low hazard potential, low energy usage and ready preparation in space of acetic acid and the enzyme makes the present invention well suited for use on long duration space missions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Hatice S. Cullingford, Clifford E. George, George R. Lightsey
  • Patent number: 5188673
    Abstract: A single step method of converting lignocellulosic materials to sugars including combining and mixing a low solids content lignocellulosic material with concentrated sulfuric acid, allowing the reaction to proceed and then separating the sulfuric acid and sugar solution from the reaction product. A modified single step method includes dilution of the reaction product with water, followed by continued reaction and subsequent separation of the sulfuric acid and sugar solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Inventors: Edgar C. Clausen, James L. Gaddy
  • Patent number: 5114488
    Abstract: An improved, low cost, energy efficient extrusion device and method for processing of cellulose, hemicellulose, and like fiber-bearing materials is described which includes a pretreatment extrusion zone and a reaction extrusion zone separated by a pressure sensitive variable die. The method hereof includes the steps of extruding cellulosic material through the pretreatment zone at an elevated pressure and temperature, passing the material into the reaction zone where it is mixed with an acid and is processed at a lower pressure and temperature than in the pretreatment zone, and extruding the material through a final extrusion die. The surging and blowing usually experienced with extrusion of fibrous material is drastically reduced by the unique construction of the extruder die members. The cellulosic material may be hydrolyzed to simple sugars in accordance with the method and apparatus hereof with a minimum of acid degradation of the extrusion equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Assignee: Wenger Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon R. Huber, LaVon G. Wenger, Bobble W. Hauck, Galen J. Rokey, Lawrence E. Schmelzle, Timothy R. Hartter
  • Patent number: 5069919
    Abstract: A high yield process is provided for treating lignocellulose food fiber to sanitize and bleach the fiber. The process is not only a high yield process but produces better or equivalent bleaching than alternative processes and further does not produce a waste disposal problem. The process also has the advantage of requiring very little energy compared to alternative processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventor: A. Thomas Weibel
  • Patent number: 4992105
    Abstract: A plurality of reactors, which can all be interconnected selectively by way of pipes, are used for the hydrolytic separation of a cellulose-containing substrate so that a stepwise pressure reduction in one reactor is made possible and thus a stepwise pressure build-up in all the other reactors. The steam entering and leaving the reactors is used to produce a fluidized bed of the substrate. A high output with a low specific expenditure of energy is achieved by these measures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1991
    Assignee: Werner & Pfleiderer, GmbH
    Inventors: Johannes Werner, Klaus-Jurgen Hinger
  • Patent number: 4908067
    Abstract: A continuous hydrolysis process for the hydrolysis of wood and wood derived products into sugars and other products, wherein woodchip or other feedstock is formed into a slurry which is acidified, pressurized and heated before being hydrolyzed in reactors J. Three heat exchangers L1, L2 and L3 form a closed circuit in which exchanger L2 recovers heat from the slurry, L1 returns heat to the slurry and L3 makes up lost heat. The slurry is cooled before pressure reduction by pressure reducing means N and separation of the solids and liquid. The cooling prevents flashing to steam of part of the liquid in the slurry so that the process is single phase where generation of steam is avoided. After separation the solids can proceed to further processing or to discharge as lignin as indicated by arrow B. The liquid can proceed to further processing or discharge as indicated by arrow D.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Assignee: Jack T. H. Just
    Inventor: Jack T. H. Just
  • Patent number: 4880473
    Abstract: A process for the production of fermentable sugars from wood or other cellulose-containing biomasses, comprises the steps of (a) hydrolysing the biomass with a dilute sulfuric acid to dissolve hemicellulose while leaving most of cellulose in a solid phase, (b) separating the cellulose-containing solid phase, (c) subjecting the solid phase to rapid pyrolysis at a temperature of 400.degree.-600.degree. C. at atmospheric pressure, preferably in a fluidized bed reactor with a short vapor residence time, to obtain a crude pyrolysis product by condensing the pyrolytic vapors, (d) adjusting the water content of the crude product to form an aqueous phase with high carbohydrate content and a water-insoluble phase containing lignin-derived material, and (e) separating the aqueous phase. Optionally, the aqueous phase may be purified, e.g. by absorption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1989
    Assignee: Canadian Patents & Development Ltd.
    Inventors: Donald S. Scott, Jan Piskorz
  • Patent number: 4818295
    Abstract: A system is provided to produce sugars from a liquid-solid mixture containing biomass, and an acid, wherein the mixture is heated to an appropriate temperature to achieve hydrolysis. The liquid-solid mixture is introduced as a stream into the circular-cylindrical chamber of a cyclone reaction vessel and steam is introduced to the vessel to provide the necessary heat for hydrolysis as well as to establish the liquid-solid mixture in a rotary flow field whereby the liquids and solids of the mixture move along spiral paths within the chamber. The liquid-solid mixture may be introduced at the periphery of the chamber to spiral down toward and be discharged at or near the center of the chamber. Because of differing mass, the solid particles in the mixture move radially inward at a different rate than the liquid and that rate is controlled to maximize the hydrolysis of the solids and to minimize the decomposition of sugars, thus formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Alvin O. Converse, Hans E. Grethlein, Joseph E. Holland
  • Patent number: 4772334
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for producing highly pure rhamnose from gum arabic, which the process comprises after partially hydrolyzing gum arabic in an aqueous solution of a mineral acid, neutralyzing and condensing the liquid hydrolyzate, thereby obtaining an aqueous solution containing from 40 to 70% by weight of organic substances, adding a polar organic solvent in an amount of from 5 to 20 times by volume of the amount of the aqueous solution, thereby precipitating an insolubilized substance, removing the insolubilized substance from a mixture of the aqueous solution and the polar organic solvent, removing the polar organic solvent from the mixture, thereby obtaining an aqueous solution containing monosaccharides formed by the hydrolysis of gum arabic, and subjecting the thus obtained aqueous solution to strongly cationic ion-exchanging resin-chromatography and then to a method of adsorption and separation by using activated carbon, thereby obtaining the highly pure rhamnose from the aqueous solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1988
    Assignee: Kureha Kagaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masayoshi Hatanaka, Eizi Yokoyama, Masatoshi Sano, Satoru Kumazawa, Tsutomu Takagi
  • Patent number: 4769082
    Abstract: The efficiency of enzymatic saccharification and fermentation of cellulose in a waste cellulose resource can be increased by a preliminary treatment with ionizing radiation. This irradiation of the waste cellulose resource can be accelerated by the preliminary addition of an aqueous alkali solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1988
    Assignee: Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute
    Inventors: Minoru Kumakura, Noboru Kasai, Masao Tamada, Isao Kaetsu
  • Patent number: 4728367
    Abstract: An improved, low cost, energy efficient extrusion device and method for processing of cellulose, hemicellulose, and like fiber-bearing materials is described which includes a pretreatment extrusion zone and a reaction extrusion zone separated by a pressure sensitive variable die. The method hereof includes the steps of extruding cellulosic material through the pretreatment zone at an elevated pressure and temperature, passing the material into the reaction zone where it is mixed with an acid and is processed at a lower pressure and temperature than in the pretreatment zone, and extruding the material through a final extrusion die. The surging and blowing usually experienced with extrusion of fibrous material is drastically reduced by the unique construction of the extruder die members. The cellulosic material may be hydrolyzed to simple sugars in accordance with the method and apparatus hereof with a minimum of acid degradation of the extrusion equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: Wenger Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon R. Huber, LaVon G. Wenger, Bobbie W. Hauck, Galen J. Rokey, Lawrence E. Schmelzle, Timothy R. Hartter