Abstract: A degradation product of a polysaccharide derivative comprising a mixture of oligomers of the polysaccharide derivative, the majority of said oligomers having a molecular weight such that the oligomer conforms to a rod-like configuration.

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.

Abstract: An insoluble polymeric capsule comprising at least two polymeric components, wherein one of said components is a hydrophilic colloid, and another of said components comprises a degradation product of a cellulose derivative, the degradation product comprising a mixture of oligomers, a majority of said oligomers having a degree of polymerization such that the oligomers conform to a rod-like configuration.

Abstract: Two stage hydrolysis of lignocellulosic material, conditions during the first stage being such as to hydrolyze or depolymerize the hemicellulosic component without substantial degradation of resulting monosaccharides, conditions during the second stage being such as to hydrolyze the cellulose to glucose without substantial degradation of the glucose. The solids left after first stage hydrolysis are disintegrated mechanically thereby greatly facilitating second stage hydrolysis. Hydrolysis in both stages is preferably accomplished by the use of nitric acid. The pH retention time and temperature in both stages are selected to maximize production of the desired monosaccharide or monosaccharides.

Abstract: An energy efficient process for hydrolyzing lignocellulosic materials which comprises using a primary system by providing a start-up energy input to operating saturated steam conditions and thereafter operating the primary system with substantially constant energy input, the condition of the hydrolyzing saturated steam being controlled by water injection and/or steam bleeding from the primary system. The dwell time of the solids stream in the primary sustem is controlled by controlling its passage with flashing off of steam into a secondary system where drying occurs together with some small measure of hydrolysis in a lower pressure superheated steam environment, there being an energy input into the secondary system using steam bled from the primary system. The output solids material stream is preferably capable of being self polymerized into a formed shape eg a board.

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.

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 process is described for the production of anhydrosugars such as levoglucosan (1,6-anhydro-.beta.-D-glucopyranose), from liquids obtained by the fast thermal pyrolysis of pretreated lignocellulosics or celluloses. In this process, the pyrolytic liquids containing the anhydrosugars are produced with a substantially reduced amount of lignin-derived components by using as feedstock materials which have been previously delignified and then pretreated, or by preferential oxidation of the lignin fraction of a pretreated biomass during pyrolysis. The preparation from pretreated biomass of pyrolytic liquors from which the lignin derived chemical products of fast pyrolysis are absent or in low concentrations permits simpler and more economical recovery of crystalline levoglucosan and other anhydrosugars, or a more economical preparation of readily fermentable aqueous sugar solutions therefrom. A new procedure for the recovery of crystalline levoglucosan from such solutions is described.

Abstract: Two stage hydrolysis of lignocellulosic material, conditions during the first stage being such as to hydrolyze or depolymerize the hemicellulosic component without substantial degradation of resulting monosaccharides, conditions during the second stage being such as to hydrolyze the cellulose to glucose without substantial degradation of the glucose. The solids left after first stage hydrolysis are disintegrated mechanically thereby greatly facilitating second stage hydrolysis. Hydrolysis in both stages is preferably accomplished by the use of nitric acid. The pH retention time and temperature in both stages are selected to maximize production of the desired monosaccharide or monosaccharides.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of compositions for modifying crop yield and fruit development including extracting a mixture of polyhydroxycarboxylic acids, carbohydrates, phenols and alcohols, from vegetable residues such as rice and oat hulls, and the compositions resulting from the method. Methods for use of these compositions for modifying crop yield and fruit development are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for producing xylose from a ligno-cellulosic material comprising xylan-containing hemicellulose in which the ligno-cellulosic material is subjected initially to the three steps (1) hydrolysis to produce an aqueous xylose-containing medium and an insoluble residue; (2) separation of the insoluble residue from the medium; and (3) treatment of the medium to remove organic and/or inorganic nutrients therefrom. The medium is thereafter concentrated to a syrup having a water content in the range 20% to 40% by weight which is then mixed with ethanol and the xylose is separated from the ethanolic solution.

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.

Abstract: An energy efficient process for hydrolyzing lignocellulosic materials which comprises using a primary system by providing a start-up energy input to operating saturated steam conditions and thereafter operating the primary system with substantially constant energy input, the condition of the hydrolysing saturated steam being controlled by water injection and/or steam bleeding from the primary system. The dwell time of the solids stream in the primary system is controlled by controlling its passage with flashing off of steam into a secondary system where drying occurs together with some small measure of hydrolysis in a lower pressure superheated steam environment, there being an energy input into the secondary system using steam bled from the primary system. The output solids material stream is preferably capable of being self polymerized into a formed shape eg a board.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for separating acid from an acid-sugar hydrolyzate in an electrodialysis apparatus comprising the steps of continuously passing the hydrolyzate through a diluate compartment of the electrodialysis apparatus, continuously passing a carrier fluid through a concentrate compartment of the electrodialysis apparatus, and maintaining a current between the anode-cathode pair of the electrodialysis apparatus that forces the anions and cations of the acid to migrate from the diluate compartment into a concentrate compartment.

Abstract: Two stage hydrolysis of lignocellulosic material, conditions during the first stage being such as to hydrolyze or depolymerize the hemicellulosic component without substantial degradation of resulting monosaccharides, conditions during the second stage being such as to hydrolyze the cellulose to glucose without substantial degradation of the glucose. The solids left after first stage hydrolysis are disintegrated mechanically thereby greatly facilitating second stage hydrolysis. Hydrolysis in both stages is preferably accomplished by the use of nitric acid. The pH, retention time and temperature in both stages are selected to maximize production of the desired monosaccharide or monosaccharides.

Abstract: A method of producing high quantities of ethanol and a high quality pulp to produce a variety of papers. The method comprises preparing the bamboo by chipping, shredding and washing. This bamboo fiber is then processed in two stages of prehydrolysis to separate the ethanol producing portion from the pulp producing portion. The ethanol producing portion is condensed and subject to enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation to produce an ethanol product. The pulp producing portion is processed in two stages of digestion to produce a pulp in high yield that is suitable to produce a variety of papers.

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.

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.

Abstract: A two-stage dilute acid prehydrolysis process on xylan containing hemicellulose in biomass is effected by: treating feedstock of hemicellulosic material comprising xylan that is slow hydrolyzable and xylan that is fast hydrolyzable under predetermined low temperature conditions with a dilute acid for a residence time sufficient to hydrolyze the fast hydrolyzable xylan to xylose; removing said xylose from said fast hydrolyzable xylan and leaving a residue; and treating said residue having a slow hydrolyzable xylan with a dilute acid under predetermined high temperature conditions for a residence time required to hydrolyze said slow hydrolyzable xylan to xylose.

Abstract: A process for recovering xylose from pentosan-containing raw materials includes the steps of hydrolyzing the raw material, feeding the hydrolyzed material to a chromatographic column comprising a strong anion-exchanger having a quaternary ammonium functional group fixed to a cross-linked polystyrene or acrylic resin matrix and eluting a xylose-rich fraction.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of milling grain, especially corn, comprising cleaning the grain, steeping the grain in water to soften it, and then milling the grain with a cellulase enzyme.

Abstract: High-fiber baked goods contain an improved powdered cellulose fiber derived from cottonseed linters. The powder has a very small particle size and good hydration capability. As compared with cellulose derived from wood, the baked goods have improved volume. The combination of small particle size and good hydration characteristics permits the substitution of the powdered cellulose for a large percentage of the flour in bread to create high-fiber and/or reduced-calorie breads.

Abstract: A non-woody biomass is delignified through extrusion technology, utilizing hydrogen peroxide and an alkali agent, to break down complex biomass materials. The process is useful in forming a highly absorbant fiber material for use as a dietary fiber or an absorbant fiber. Alternatively, the process is useful for preparing dietary feeds for ruminant animals, as well as produce a broad range of alcohols or polymers from the non-woody lignocellulosic substrate.

Abstract: An extremely white water absorbent fiber having a high percentage of total dietary fiber and hemicellulose and a low concentration of lignin and silica is disclosed. The dietary fiber is formed by subjecting ground oat hulls to an alkaline digestion at elevated temperatures and pressures. The digested oat hulls are then filtered, neutralized and bleached to form the desired end product. The formed fibers are comparable or better than fibers formed by digestion of wood products. These fibers can be added in high concentrations to bakery products, particularly bread, without imparting a gritty feel to the bread or causing significant discoloration of the bread.

Abstract: A synergistic combination of high-shear mechanical disruption and alkali pretreatment in a high solids reaction mixture constitutes a significant improvement in the alkaline peroxide treatment of lignocellulosic materials. The simultaneous application of these conditions greatly reduces the amounts of reagents otherwise required, and also eliminates the waste stream of liquid byproducts. Suitable sources of substrate treatable by this process include nonwoody plant parts, crop residues, and agricultural byproducts. The products of this treatment are nontoxic and characterized by high cellulose availability. These products are thereby useful as carbohydrate sources in ruminant feeds, as microbial feedstocks, and as sources of dietary fiber for humans and other monogastrics.

Abstract: Pretreatment of cellulosic material with carbon dioxide gas, preparatory to being converted chemically, as by hydrolysis, etc. Biomass material, such as branches, stalks, brush, or foliage, or cellulosic products, such as waste paper or cardboard, is reduced to finely divided dry form and is exposed to carbon dioxide in an anhydrous environment, is compressed to superatmospheric pressure and then is decompressed to subatmospheric pressure, expelling air and other gases, particulates, water, other volatiles, etc. Then the cellulosic material is returned to atmospheric pressure, and subsequently is either recycled through such compression and decompression and return, or is compressed to even high pressure. Such environment is enriched in carbon dioxide, such as comprising it in substantial or major part or consisting essentially thereof.

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.

Abstract: A method for the continuous countercurrent production of lignins and sugars from wood and other ligno cellulosic materials by organosolv delignification or saccharification at elevated temperatures and pressures is disclosed. The novel method comprises: (a) continuously introducing comminuted lignocellulose materials with a natural mositure content into a reaction vessel from one end; (b) continuously introducing a cooking liquor comprising a major proportion of organic solvent, a minor proportion of water, and a slight amount of inorganic acid countercurrently into the reaction vessel from the opposite end; (c) causing the comminuted lignocellulosic material to be contacted by the cooking liquor; and (d) continuously withdrawing cooking liquor from the reaction vessel after it has commingled with and has dissolved sugars and lignin and other substances from the comminuted lignocellulosic material.

Abstract: A cellulose-containing biomass such as wood is liquefied by heat-treatment under a pressurized condition in the presence of water and a neutral, oxygen-containing organic liquid such as an ester, ether, ketone or alcohol. An alkaline catalyst such as potassium carbonate may be added to accelerate the liquefaction when the organic liquid is one other than acetone. Also provided is a process for the liquefaction of a cellulose-containing biomass including heat-treating the biomass in an aqueous medium in the pressurized atmosphere of an inert gas or steam at a temperature of 250.degree.-385.degree. C. in the presence of an alkaline catalyst in an amount of 0.01-0.1 part by weight per one part by weight of the biomass on the dry basis.

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.

Abstract: A process for the liquifaction of beets or chicory roots which includes washing and grinding the beets or chicory roots to provide a ground product; mixing the ground product with a mixture of enzymes that include SPS-ase, cellulase and cellobiase, as well as an acid so as to provide a pH of about 3 to 5.5; leaving the mixture for about 1 to 6 hours to accomplish a prehydrolysis of the ground product; grinding the prehydrolyzed ground product; allowing the prehydrolyzed ground product to hydrolyze for about 20 to 120 hours; and recovering the liquid hydrolyzed product.

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.

Abstract: A non-woody biomass is delignified through extrusion technology, utilizing hydrogen peroxide and an alkali agent, to break down complex biomass materials. The process is useful in forming a highly absorbent fiber material for use as a dietary fiber or an absorbent fiber. Alternatively, the process is useful for preparing dietary feeds for ruminant animals, as well as produce a broad range of alcohols or polymers from the non-woody lignocellulosic substrate.

Abstract: Polysaccharides are at least partially hydrolyzed by contact with a composition containing urea, sulfuric acid, and water in which the urea/sulfuric acid molar ratio is less than 2. Such proportions of urea and sulfuric acid assure the presence of the monourea adduct of sulfuric acid. The polysaccharide can be hydrolyzed to an extent sufficient only to hydrate the polysaccharide to produce a hydrated polysaccharide such as hydrated cellulose, or it can be completely hydrolyzed to its constituent monosaccharides. Thus, cellulose can be converted to glucose.

Abstract: Methods for the isolation of certain biologically important polymers from parenchymal cell-containing plant materials, especially sugar beet and citrus pulp, are disclosed. Hydrolysis under extremes of pH and under elevated temperatures for short reaction periods with physical shearing are disclosed which lead to the isolation of hemicellulosic and cellulosic components of such plant materials without substantial degradation thereof. Novel cellulosic products and vegetable gums are provided having unique physical, chemical and rheological properties.

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.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for production of L-arabionose in crystalline form. Starting material are extracted sugar beet pulp or other L-araban containing plant materials. These are heated in an autoclave as an aqueous suspension in the presence of Ca(OH).sub.2. The so obtained solution is chromatographed on a cationic exchanger in the Ca-form. The araban containing fraction is hydrolyzed after adding H.sub.2 SO.sub.4, neutralized and rechromatographed on a cationic exchanger in Ca-form. After concentrating the arabinose containing fractions L-arabinose is obtained in form of crystals by cooling crystallization.

Abstract: Nonwoody lignocellulosic portions of plant fruits, roots, and tubers, such as sugar beet pulp, citrus pulp, seed hulls, and cereal bran are treated with hydrogen peroxide under alkaline conditions thereby delignifying the materials and rendering the cellulose and hemicellulose highly available for subsequent use. The products are characterized by enhanced water-binding capacity of the cellulose as indicated by high water swellability. The products are also nontoxic and thereby useful as carbohydrate sources in ruminant feeds, as microbial feedstocks, and as sources of dietary fiber for humans and other monogastrics.

Abstract: A process for the modification, solubilization and/or hydrolysis of a glycosidically linked carbohydrate having reducing groups using a mixture comprising water, an inorganic acid and a halide of lithium, magnesium or calcium. The process is particularly useful for converting cellulose (derived for example from waste-paper, wood or sawdust) or starch to glucose. When cellulose is the starting material the preferred halide is a lithium halide. When starch is the starting material a magnesium halide is preferred.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a fibrous natural product comprising agitating an aqueous slurry of ground material from the outer seed coat of a legume, especially yellow or green field peas, to dissolve only water-soluble protein and sugar products, filtering the slurry and drying the solid product thus obtained to provide a novel fibrous natural product. The latter is useful as an additive for edible food products such as bread, muffins and pasta to increase the fibrous content thereof.

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.

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.

Abstract: Corn kernel hulls are found to be an essentially lignin-free material which is readily hydrolyzed to a mixture principally of three monosaccharides: D-glucose, D-xylose, and L-arabinose. Several discrete processing methods employing a combination of acid and enzymatic hydrolysis afford product streams rich either in glucose or in a mixture of the two pentoses, D-xylose and L-arabinose.

Abstract: A process for the production of sugars, and optionally cellulose and lignin, from lignocellulosic vegetable materials which comprises subjecting the vegetable materials to a chemical pretreatment with a mixture of water and lower aliphatic alcohols and/or ketones at a temperature from 100.degree. to 190.degree. C. for a period of from 4 hours to 2 minutes with control of the breakdown of the hemicellulose components followed by separation of residue and a subsequent main chemical treatment with a similar solvent mixture at elevated temperatures for a further period of from 6 hours to 2 minutes.

Abstract: Pulps having a tactile sense of softness which are made from hardwoods and processes for making such pulps. The process comprises the steps of: providing hardwood chips having specified sizes; introducing the chips into a digester; removing substantially all the free oxygen from the chips within the digester; providing a cooking liquor comprising from about 0.4% to about 3% ammonia and from about 9% to about 14% sulphur dioxide; completely submerging in cooking liquor all the chips within the digester; sulfonating the lignin within the chips at a temperature of less than about 110.degree. C.; rapidly increasing the temperature to an appropriate hydrolysis temperature; hydrolyzing the lignin sulfonation products at a temperature of from about 140.degree. to about 155.degree. C. at a pH from about 2 to about 3; and rapidly reducing the temperature of the system following the hydrolysis. Pulps made by this process were made into useful tissue paper webs having enhanced softness properties.

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.

Abstract: A process for the modification, solubilization and/or hydrolysis of a glycosidically linked carbohydrate having reducing groups using a mixture comprising water, an inorganic acid and a halide of lithium, magnesium or calcium. The process is particularly useful for converting cellulose (derived for example from waste-paper, wood or sawdust) or starch to glucose. When cellulose is the starting material the preferred halide is a lithium halide. When starch is the starting material a magnesium halide is preferred.

Abstract: A method for acid-catalyzed hydrolytic splitting of cellulose to give a high yield in sugar with a minimal expenditure in energy, in particular, with the smallest possible charge of live steam. Admission of steam is performed in a plurality of successive, discrete reaction stages having in each case defined temperature and pressure values in such a manner that the temperature rises from one stage to the next while the reaction time decreases and a rapid expansion takes place subsequently to the last reaction stage. A high pressure poured bed reactor is used for performing this method.

Abstract: A method of hydrolyzing cellulose to glucose and other saccharides, involving the bringing together in a reaction area an alphacellulose containing material, water, an effective amount of a calcium chloride catalyst and a minor amount of HCl. The temperature of said reaction mixture is adjusted to between 150.degree. C. to 250.degree. C. at a pressure of at least 160 psig for a retention time of at least 10 seconds in the reaction area to convert the alphacellulose to glucose and other saccharides. The method involves the use of HCl on a total mass basis, ranging from 0.025% to 1.0% by weight of the reaction mixture which is fed into the reactor.