Abstract: A method and system for removing hydrocarbon deposits from a heat exchanger tube bundle using an organic solvent. After contact with a heat exchanger tube bundle, the contaminated organic solvent may be treated to remove solids, base waters, and/or suspended hydrocarbons, and then again contacted with a heat exchanger tube bundle for the removal of hydrocarbon deposits. This allows for the removal of hydrocarbon deposits from a heat exchanger tube bundle in an efficient and environmentally friendly manner. The treatment of the heat exchanger tube bundle is also preferably performed using a method and system by which, through contact of the heat exchanger tube bundle with an organic solvent, a large percentage of hydrocarbon deposits are removed from the heat exchanger tube bundle in a short period of time.

Abstract: A process for cleaning and beneficiating biomass is described which may allow removal of entrained salts and light volatiles from biomass materials. The process may also minimize energy use through capturing steam and flue gases for re-use. The process may generally comprise the following steps: prewashing and/or preheating a biomass, pressurizing the biomass in a steam explosion vessel, rapidly depressurizing the steam explosion vessel, releasing the steam from the steam explosion vessel entrained with fine lignin-enriched particles into a cyclone-type gas expansion vessel, routing the steam from the gas expansion vessel to the input hopper, subjecting the biomass to a second washing step, mechanically removing a portion of the water from the biomass. After the biomass has been steam-exploded, it may be washed and used as an engineered soil.

Abstract: A processed pyrolysis oil composition, a renewable liquid fuel, having a high energy density, low water content and a more neutral pH, and made with an oxygen-starved microwave sub-system from a processed organic-carbon-containing feedstock made with a beneficiation sub-system is described. Renewable biomass feedstock passed through a beneficiation sub-system to reduce water content to below at least 20 wt % and water-soluble salt reduction of at least 60% from that of unprocessed organic-carbon-containing feedstock on a dry basis. The processed feedstock is introduced into a substantially microwave-transparent reaction chamber. A microwave source emits microwaves which are directed through the microwave-transparent wall of the reaction chamber to impinge on the feedstock within the reaction chamber. The microwave source may be rotated relative to the reaction chamber. The feedstock is subjected to microwaves until the desired reaction occurs to produce a liquid processed pyrolysis oil fuel.

Abstract: A process for dewatering biomass material comprising polysaccharide and water. The process comprises wetting the biomass material with a wetting composition comprising an alcohol to form a biomass slurry comprising wetted biomass material and a liquid component, mechanically separating a portion of the liquid component from the biomass slurry, and mechanically separating at least a portion of the water from the wetted biomass material. A process for extracting polysaccharide from the biomass material and a dewatered biomass material are also disclosed.

Abstract: A filtration apparatus for removing solids and particulates from a liquid stream flowing through a filter media. A magnet is located adjacent to the filter media and the liquid steam to attract metal particles in the liquid stream to the filter media. The magnet may be a rare earth magnet. A variable speed drive motor is coupled to a carrier supporting the filter media to advance the filter media through the liquid stream.

Abstract: A discontinuous centrifuge has a rotatable centrifuge drum with a casing. The cylindrical centrifuge casing is provided with holes to discharge a liquid produced during the centrifugation. The holes have a cross-section with an elliptical shape. The cross-section of the holes is widened from the inside to the outside. The hole wall is continuous in this case. The diameter of the cross-sections of the holes parallel to the drum axis on the inside of the casing is equal to the diameter of the cross-sections of the holes parallel to the drum axis on the outside of the casing. The diameter of the cross-sections of the holes in the peripheral direction, on the other hand, on the inside of the casing is smaller than the diameter of the cross-sections of the holes in the peripheral direction on the outside of the casing. The area of the elliptical holes may be additionally also divided by webs.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provide a system for mitigation and/or elimination of scale precipitation base and side wall build up in a maple syrup primary evaporator pan, by reversing the maple sap flow to prevent liquid stagnation.

Abstract: The specification provides methods for extracting proanthocyanidins, especially from firm fruit such as cranberries, through a sequential extraction procedure, and producing infused fruit products.

Abstract: The portable sugar mill is established on a mobile platform for transport to the harvesting field, so that the juice of the harvested sugar cane may be processed and refined in the field. The portable sugar mill converts the juice, which contains sucrose, into raw sugar crystals (brown sugar) and molasses. The portable sugar mill includes a separator tank, a pre-heating tank, a clarifier, and three successive stages of evaporative crystallization and separation of crystals from syrup. The portable sugar mill has a programmable logic controller and a plurality of sensors, control relays, pumps, motors, heaters, and valves that operate automatically under direction of the programmable logic controller.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compositions X comprising following substances: (1) L-valine; (2) maltol; (3) naringin; (4) maltodextrine MD 14 (5) arabicgum (spraygum); (6) acetoin; (7) delta dodecalactone; (8) delta decalactone; and (9) massoia lactone.

Abstract: A method of alkaline pretreatment of biomass, in particular, pretreating biomass with gaseous ammonia.

Abstract: Self-cleaning apparatus and methods are disclosed for handling viscous fluids, such as thick solid-liquid slurries of lignocellulosic biomass and its components, under high pressure, using an array of retractable valves.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention overcome the well-known recalcitrance of lignocellulosic biomass in an economically viable manner. A process and system are provided for the efficient fractionation of lignocellulosic biomass into cellulose, hemicellulose sugars, lignin, and acetic acid. The cellulose thus obtained is highly amorphous and can be readily converted into glucose using known methods. Fermentable hemicellulose sugars, low-molecular-weight lignin, and purified acetic acid are also major products of the process and system. The modest process conditions and low solvent/solid ratios of some embodiments of the invention imply relatively low capital and processing costs.

Abstract: Digestion of cellulosic biomass solids may be complicated by lignin release therefrom, which can produce a highly viscous phenolics liquid phase comprising lignin polymer. Systems for processing a phenolics liquid phase comprising lignin polymer may comprise: a hydrothermal digestion unit; a viscosity measurement device within the hydrothermal digestion unit or in flow communication with the hydrothermal digestion unit; a temperature control device within the hydrothermal digestion unit or in flow communication with the hydrothermal digestion unit; and a processing device communicatively coupled to the viscosity measurement device and the temperature control device, the processing device being configured to actuate the temperature control device if the viscosity of a fluid phase comprising lignin exceeds a threshold value in the biomass conversion system.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for high yields while using reduced enzyme loads in saccharification and fermentation processes. These methods increase the efficiency of enzymes and result in improved yields and composition of saccharification and fermentation end products.

Abstract: [Problems to be Solved] Provided is a presaccharification treatment device, which can yield from lignocellulosic biomass as a substrate a presaccharification treatment product without heating and thereby at a reduced cost. [Solution] A presaccharification treatment device (1) comprises a treatment unit (2), which mixes lignocellulosic biomass and ammonia water and treats a yielded substrate mixture in a wet powder state for yielding a presaccharification treatment product, and an ammonia separation unit (3), which separates ammonia from the presaccharification treatment product. The treatment unit (2) comprises a treatment vessel (21) and a storage unit (25), in which a presaccharification treatment product is yielded during retention therein for a predetermined time period from the substrate mixture without heating. The ammonia separation unit (3) is installed direct below the storage unit (25).

Abstract: Self-cleaning apparatus and methods are disclosed for handling viscous fluids, such as thick solid-liquid slurries of lignocellulosic biomass and its components, under high pressure, using an array of retractable valves.

Abstract: A process for dewatering biomass material comprising polysaccharide and water. The process comprises wetting the biomass material with a wetting composition comprising an alcohol to form a biomass slurry comprising wetted biomass material and a liquid component, mechanically separating a portion of the liquid component from the biomass slurry, and mechanically separating at least a portion of the water from the wetted biomass material. A process for extracting polysaccharide from the biomass material and a dewatered biomass material are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a continuous vacuum pan (also sometimes referred to as an evaporative crystallizer) for use in the sugar processing industry, and to a heat exchanger used inside the continuous vacuum pan. The invention also relaters to the heat exchanger as used in other applications in the sugar processing industry. The heat exchanger includes a massecuite flow path for conveying massecuite therethrough, and a heat transfer medium flow path for receiving a heat transfer medium to enable heat transfer to the massecuite flow path. The heat exchanger is characterized therein that a periphery thereof is surrounded by an insulated zone in order to prevent heat transfer from the heat transfer medium flow path to the environment.

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: A process is described for pretreating lignocellulosic biomass. The process comprises swelling the lignocellulosic biomass with an aqueous liquid. The pretreated lignocellulosic biomass may be used as a feedstock for the enzymatic conversion to ethanol, or in a thermal conversion. process to produce bio-oil. The pretreatment results in a greater yield and, in the case of a thermal conversion process, a better quality of the bio-oil. The pretreatment process may be used to adjust the composition and amount of inorganic material present in the lignocellulosic biomass material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the manufacture of caramel, comprising: providing air to the bottom of a closed reaction container that contains a sugar liquid, making the air rise from the bottom and discharge from the top of the reaction container. In the whole process, the oxygen participates in the catalytic reaction and greatly reduces the amount of the other auxiliary agents, and caramel with a low residual amount of the auxiliary agents is rapidly produced. The present invention further provides an apparatus for use in the above manufacture method.

Abstract: A compact, self-contained, energy-efficient split-cane apparatus and method of use for separating pith, rind, and epidermis components of a sugarcane stalk, wherein sugarcane billets are driven over a splitter blade, dividing them longitudinally into two billet portions. The billet portions are processed individually by symmetrical processing paths. The pith is milled away from the rind while simultaneously flattening the rind. A deflector is adapted and positioned for directing the pith along a pith processing path, and further directing the rind along a rind processing path. The epidermis is removed from the rind, and each are subsequently shredded by at least one shredder disc, at which point an at least one perforated tumbling drum separates the shredded epidermis from the shredded rind. In addition, the apparatus is adjustable, enabling it to accommodate a wide range of sugarcane stalk thicknesses while maintaining its ability to efficiently separate each sugarcane component.

Abstract: A process (10) and apparatus (2) for extracting juice from a fibrous material. The process (10) comprises a step of feeding the fibrous material (13) into a receiving chamber (30) having a fluid contained therein. The fibrous material (13) is then combined with the fluid in the receiving chamber (30) to form a first fluid mixture. The first fluid mixture is then passed through at least one cell disruptor device (40) to facilitate at least partial release of juice from the fibrous material into the first fluid mixture, thereby forming a second fluid mixture having a relatively higher released juice content than said first fluid mixture with relatively finely disrupted fibrous material suspended therein. The second fluid mixture is then collected.

Abstract: The cane juice extractor includes a wagon that may be hitched to or towed alongside a harvesting machine or combine for application in-field. The wagon includes a frame having an upper deck and a lower deck. The upper deck includes an inlet side where harvested cane may be fed for juice extraction and an outlet side for disposing the pulp. Rotating feeders feed the cane to a cutting station on the upper deck. The cutting station comminutes the cane into billets that are carried by an endless belt through a series of compression roller sets. Each set of rollers compress the cut cane down to smaller dimensions to extract the juice. A chute disposed between the upper and lower decks collects the juices and funnels them into a juice storage tank on the lower deck. The pulp is expelled from the outlet side to the field.

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: The present invention is directed to an automatic washer system mounted within a maple sugar evaporator above the rear flue pan for removing niter and sediment built up during the boiling of sap. The evaporator comprises a furnace, a steam hood, a pan and a nozzle for washing the pan. The steam hood extends over the furnace. The pan is mounted to the furnace and under the steam hood. The nozzle is mounted over the pan. Cleaning fluid is sprayed from the nozzle to clean the pan by an automated process.

Abstract: A process (10) and apparatus (2) for extracting juice from a fibrous material. The process (10) comprises a step of feeding the fibrous material (13) into a receiving chamber (30) having a fluid contained therein. The fibrous material (13) is then combined with the fluid in the receiving chamber (30) to form a first fluid mixture. The first fluid mixture is then passed through at least one cell disruptor device (40) to facilitate at least partial release of juice from the fibrous material into the first fluid mixture, thereby forming a second fluid mixture having a relatively higher released juice content than said first fluid mixture with relatively finely disrupted fibrous material suspended therein. The second fluid mixture is then collected.

Abstract: A compact, self-contained, energy-efficient split-cane apparatus and method of use for separating pith, rind, and epidermis components of a sugarcane stalk, wherein sugarcane billets are driven over a splitter blade, dividing them longitudinally into two billet portions. The billet portions are processed individually by symmetrical processing paths. The pith is milled away from the rind while simultaneously flattening the rind. A deflector is adapted and positioned for directing the pith along a pith processing path, and further directing the rind along a rind processing path. The epidermis is removed from the rind, and each are subsequently shredded by at least one shredder disc, at which point an at least one perforated tumbling drum separates the shredded epidermis from the shredded rind. In addition, the apparatus is adjustable, enabling it to accommodate a wide range of sugarcane stalk thicknesses while maintaining its ability to efficiently separate each sugarcane component.

Abstract: An apparatus for the continuous process of raw mixed sugar juice clarification by means of the settlement of insoluble particles and juice precipitate in a cylindrical clarifier tank that permits non-turbulent vertical subsidation and short retention time of the sugar juice in a relatively large, non-turbulent settling sector of the contents of the cylindrical clarifier tank which is maintained by the continuous rotary advancement of the raw mixed sugar juice entry and clear sugar juice and precipitate extraction station arm that rotates within and around the center of the annular shaped cylindrical clarifier tank. The rotating arm has three internal radial compartments which provide for the introduction of raw mixed sugar juice and the extraction of clear sugar juice and precipitate, in and out of the annular clarifier tank in the immediate vicinity of the respective leading and trailing faces of the rotating arm, through adjustable slots on the leading and trailing faces of the arm.

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.

Abstract: Method for producing refined sugar from sugared juice, such as raw juice from sugar cane or from sugar beet, containing sugar and impurities, which comprises the operations of: tangential filtration of the sugared juice in order to obtain a retentate and a filtrate, softening of the filtrate in order to obtain a softened filtrate, concentration of the softened filtrate in order to obtain a softened syrup, chromatography of the softened syrup in order to obtain an extract enriched in sugars and a raffinate enriched in impurities, crystallisation of the extract in two or more crystallisation/separation steps in order to obtain refined sugar and a run-off, and combination of the run-off with the softened syrup in order that they are both subjected to the chromatography operation.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying a biocide liquid composition to billets formed from sugar cane stalks. In one embodiment of the invention, the apparatus is comprised of a container for containing the liquid composition, a conduit in fluid communication with the container, and one or more nozzles in fluid communication with the conduit, the apparatus being sized and configured for connection to a billet-type sugar cane harvester so that the nozzles are disposed to direct the liquid composition onto the billets either before or as they are received by a hopper configured to receive the billets dispensed from the harvester during operation of the harvester. Related improvements to harvesters and methods of inhibiting microbial degradation of sugar cane.

Abstract: A continuous process of treated raw mixed sugar juice clarification by means of the settlement of insoluble particles and juice precipitate in a vessel that permits non-turbulent vertical subsidation and short retention time of the sugar juice. The relatively large, non-turbulent settling zone of the clarifier is maintained by the continuous advancement of the mixed juice entry and clear juice and mud extraction station which rotates within and around the annular shaped cylindrical clarifier thus permitting efficient, vertical, turbulent-free subsidation of the mud and precipitate.

Abstract: A method for producing a work product including the steps of receiving a first fluid composed of a liquid, a target substance and at least one residual substance; passing the first fluid through a first work station for separating the residual substance from the first fluid to produce a secondary fluid substantially composed of the liquid and the target substance; and treating the secondary fluid to reduce the proportion of the liquid relative to the target substance in the secondary fluid to form the work product.

Abstract: Described are flavored calcium supplement compositions, beverage (e.g., coffee, milk, cocoa and citrus/whey protein), foodstuff, chewing gum and oral care (e.g., toothpaste and mouthwash) compositions and articles comprising flavored calcium supplements, foodstuff, beverage, chewing gum and oral care base compositions and intimately admixed therewith an aroma or taste augmenting, enhancing or imparting quantity and concentration of one or more freeze-dried or spray-dried tastand compositions containing tastands produced from Saccharum officinarum leaves (sugarcane leaves) by means of carrying out one or more physical separation unit operations on a plurality of such leaves, macerates thereof or mixtures of leaves and macerates thereof whereby one or more natural food additives, chewing gum additives or oral care additives is separated and isolated from the remainder of the plurality of leaves, macerates thereof or mixtures of leaves end macerates thereof.

Abstract: The invention is a process for recrystallizing sugar. The invention involves admixing a first quantity of a powdered sugar and a second quantity of an adjuvant, such as an invert sugar, to provide a sugar blend. The sugar blend has up to about 3 percent moisture. The invention then involves mixing the sugar blend with a high shear extruding means at a temperature between about 220.degree. F. and about 300.degree. F. with a residence time in the extruding means of between about 0.5 second and about 12 seconds. The invention includes the product of a combined phase recrystallized sugar.

Abstract: Described is a process for producing one or more tastands including food and beverage additives from Saccharum officinarum leaves (sugarcane leaves) by means of carrying out one or more physical separation unit operations on a plurality of such leaves, macerates thereof or mixtures of leaves and macerates thereof whereby one or more natural food additives is separated and isolated from the remainder of the plurality of leaves, macerates thereof or mixtures of leaves and macerates thereof. Such unit operations include pressurization using hydraulic press means, steam distillation, fractional distillation, supercritical carbon dioxide extraction, volatile solvent extraction and/or charcoal column separation means. Also described is apparatus for carrying out such processes as well as the products produced using such processes and organoleptic uses of such products. Also described are compositions comprising (a) such tastands in admixture with (b) an eatable having a bitter and/or metallic taste.

Abstract: The invention is a process for recrystallizing sugar. The invention involves admixing a first quantity of a powdered sugar and a second quantity of an adjuvant, such as an invert sugar, to provide a sugar blend. The sugar blend has up to about 3 percent moisture. The invention then involves mixing the sugar blend with a high shear extruding means at a temperature between about 220.degree. F. and about 300.degree. F. with a residence time in the extruding means of between about 0.5 second and about 12 seconds. The invention includes the product of a combined phase recrystallized sugar.

Abstract: An evaporator includes a maple sap evaporating pan in fluid communication with a maple syrup forming pan, a fire box in gas communication with gas circulating adjuncts, a flue stack and chimney and an auxiliary reservoir for pre-heating the sap prior to entering the maple sap evaporating pan. The auxiliary reservoir consists of a housing defined in the flue stack with an inlet for receiving cold sap. A series of horizontally spaced open end vertical tubes extends through the housing, each tube including a lower inlet receiving from the adjuncts flue gases that circulate through and heat the tubes and an upper outlet allowing the gases to exit through the chimney. Hence, cold sap received in the auxiliary reservoir is first heated by contact with the hot tubes.

Abstract: A continuous countercurrent process is provided of extracting juice from a bed of fibrous material such as sugar cane, the process comprising a plurality of stages, preferably three, with each stage including the removal of air, displacement of juice by a true plug-flow process, and drainage of the displaced juice and displacing medium.

Abstract: In a process for solid-liquid extraction, in particular of sucrose from beet cossettes, countercurrent extraction in an extraction tower is employed. The tower juice is drawn off together with the small-sized solid constituents obtained in the process, such as sand, essentially exclusively via side screens.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to a process for the preparation of sugar and sugar alcohol esters of general formula I(R--COO--).sub.n --R.sup.1 (I)wherein R is an alkyl group, R.sup.1 is derived from a sugar or a polyol moiety and n is 1 to 3, comprising reacting a sugar or a polyol with an acyl moiety, such as a carboxylic acid or ester, in a suitable solvent therefor and in the presence of an enzymatic catalyst capable of catalyzing the formation of ester bonds, and under reduced pressure sufficient to vaporize the solvent and by-product water, and continuously removing the water.

Abstract: A continuously operating centrifuge for spinning sugar massecuite has a perforated basket which widens conically and rotates about a vertical axis. The perforated basket has a throwing-off edge from which the sugar particles are spun off outwardly and are then collected in a further processing device and undergo additional treatment. The further processing device has a removable collecting channel with at least one discharge nozzle at the base thereof. An overflow nozzle can be installed in the discharge nozzle to cause pooling of liquid and convert the centrifuge from magmatizing operation to dissolving operation. An adjustable rebound member and selectable one of two liquid medium conduits further allow reconfiguration between the two modes of operation. For dry centrifuging, the collecting channel can be removed.

Abstract: The invention is a process for recrystallizing sugar. The invention involves admixing a first quantity of a powdered sugar and a second quantity of an adjuvant, such as an invert sugar, to provide a sugar blend. The sugar blend has up to about 3 percent moisture. The invention then involves mixing the sugar blend with a high shear extruding means at a temperature between about 220.degree. F. and about 300.degree. F. with a residence time in the extruding means of between about 0.5 second and about 12 seconds. The invention includes the product of a combined phase recrystallized sugar.

Abstract: A counterflow single-screw extractor includes a screw conveyor having a helical scroll formed from arcuate flight sections each having a plurality of elongated slots extending away from the direction of screw rotation and permitting the flow of effluent through the product and the flights in a manner controlled by the size, number, and orientation of the slots. The slots permit efficient extraction using relatively little extraction medium and at the same time permit a single-screw extractor to be used without having to periodically reverse the direction of screw rotation to unclog the slots and by the pitch of the screw conveyor. The inventive arrangement permits the use of a multi-section extractor employing different extraction media and/or different extraction media wash rates in different sections of the extractor.

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.

Abstract: A counterflow single-screw extractor includes a screw conveyor having a helical scroll formed from arcuate flight sections each having a plurality of elongated slots extending away from the direction of screw rotation and permitting the flow of effluent through the product and the flights in a manner controlled by the size, number, and orientation of the slots. The slots permit efficient extraction using relatively little extraction medium and at the same time permit a single-screw extractor to be used without having to periodically reverse the direction of screw rotation to unclog the slots and by the pitch of the screw conveyor. The inventive arrangement permits the use of a multi-section extractor employing different extraction media and/or different extraction media wash rates in different sections of the extractor.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for separating milled sugarcane pith from flattened rind upon discharge from a depithing station. The method includes dividing the discharge by a fixed deflector, preferably with a blunt upstream edge, into a primary pith flow and a rind flow which includes a secondary pith flow, and thereafter removing pith from the rind flow and diverting it to join pith from the primary pith flow. Preferred embodiments capture the pith in interstices of a rotating brush which merges with the secondary pith flow, turning such pith away from the rind flow, and then releasing it.