Abstract: A beet processing process including the step of washing of the beets and the step of partial pressing of the beets for the production, on the one hand, of a press cake containing more than 20% sugar relative to the dry matter content and, on the other hand, of a sugar juice at a concentration greater than 15% dry matter content. The process further includes the step of separation of the press cake and of the sugar juice.

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: The presently disclosed subject matter relates to processes that comprise the vacuum extrusion of plant materials. In some embodiments, the plant materials are subjected to a change in pressure of ?3 kPa or more. The vacuum extrusion can be used to break open the cell walls of the plant material and of any undesirable micro-organisms associated with the plant material. In some embodiments, the vacuum extrusion can be used as a step in a process for producing ethanol from plant materials, such as from sugar beets. In some embodiments, the vacuum extrusion can be used in a process for providing a desired plant cell-derived molecule, such as a sugar or starch.

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

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

Abstract: A process for obtaining a starch and a protein or both from grain flour, the process steps comprising: providing grain flour; mixing the grain flour with processed or fresh water to form a slurry; separating the slurry into it at least two fractions, the at least two fractions including two or more of a heavy A-starch fraction, a protein and B-starch fraction, and a pentosan fraction; and generating a biogas from at least one of the fractions from the separating step, the biogas being used for generating energy.

Abstract: Lignocellulosic biomass materials are fractionated by dissolving at least a portion of the lignocellulosic material in an ionic liquid and separating the resulting mixture into a cellulose-enriched fraction and/or a lignin-enriched fraction. The cellulose-enriched fraction contains about 10 percentage points more glucose than the weight percent glucose contained in the original lignocellulosic biomass material. In certain embodiments, the lignin-enriched fraction includes a lignin content that is 5 percentage points greater than the weight percent lignin present in the original lignocellulosic material. The techniques used to isolate the cellulose-enriched fractions and/or the lignin-enriched fractions from the ionic liquid mixture do not employ environmentally unfriendly solvents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an installation for improving isolation and extraction of constituents from sugar beets (Beta vulgaris).

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for conversion of cellulosic material, such as chopped straw and corn stover, and household waste, to ethanol and other products. The cellulosic material is subjected to continuous hydrothermal pre-treatment without addition of chemicals, and a liquid and a fibre fraction are produced. The fibre fraction is subjected to enzymatic liquefaction and saccharification. The method of the present invention comprises: performing the hydrothermal pre-treatment by subjecting the cellulosic material to at least one soaking operation, and conveying the cellulosic material through at least one pressurised reactor, and subjecting the cellulosic material to at least one pressing operation, creating a fibre fraction and a liquid fraction; selecting the temperature and residence time for the hydrothermal pretreatment, so that the fibrous structure of the feedstock is maintained and at least 80% of the lignin is maintained in the fibre fraction.

Abstract: Inulin, which is contained at a high concentration in agave plants growing in arid areas, has been utilized hitherto exclusively in producing alcoholic drinks as tequila. It is intended to produce highly water-soluble inulin having a high added value from these plants. It is also intended to produce an agave syrup, tequila, an alcoholic drink or highly water-soluble inulin from the squeezed residue. Agave plant bulbs (several tens kg) having been employed in producing tequila called pina are cut into small pieces and enzymes therein are inactivated and the texture is softened either at room temperature or under heating. Next, the pieces are squeezed to give a liquid extract which is then refined by using an adsorbent resin. The refined product is employed either as such as a concentrate or after drying to give a powder.

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 and method for separating joined components, purifying liquid, promoting interaction between two or more components and improving combustion. The apparatus has a housing, a rotor inside of the housing, a plurality of protrusions extending from the rotor, a shaft coupled with the rotor and a prime mover for rotating the shaft. Fluid within the housing cavitates as the rotor rotates and the protrusions move through the fluid. Cavitation causes joined components within the fluid to separate, kills undesirable organisms within the fluid, promotes interaction of components within the fluid and improves combustion of a liquid fuel. The fluid and components may also be subjected to abrasion and centrifugal and impact forces for separating the components, purifying the fluid, promoting interaction of the components and improving combustion.

Abstract: Plant materials such as corn kernels which contain starch and fiber comprising cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and pectin are refined. The starch, cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin are converted to sugars which are then fermented to ethanol. Additional sources of starch and fiber are optionally added to the refining process to further increase the yield of ethanol.

Abstract: The inventive developments disclosed in this application include the following features and combinations thereof: extracting oil from spent bleaching earths for animal feed; using earths and acid water as soil amendment/fertilizer; efficient extraction of substances valuable to plants, animals, and humans from plant, animal, and fish oil soapstock, especially using the “interphase” emulsion from soapstock acidulation; use of “black paste” from oil refining as fertilizer component (nutrient source); use of interphase from agricultural oil refining, especially refining of non-degummed oils, as animal feed; use of “oil refining by-products to fertilizers” process and/or KOH refining in conjunction with “Miscella”-type hexane refining or “Zenith” process refining; fertilizers containing silica/silicates from by-products of agricultural oil refining; use of higher-sodium oil refining by-products as fertilizer for sodium-tolerant plants; using by-products of sugar beet refining as nutrient source; agriculturally us

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: The present invention is directed to a method comprising a multistep process for recovering one or more monosaccharides from a solution containing at least two monosaccharides selected from the group consisting of rhamnose, arabinose, xylose and mixtures thereof by using chromatographic separation comprising at least one step, where a weak acid cation exchange resin is used for the chromatographic separation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sugarcane juice spread and more particularly, the present invention relates to a sugarcane juice spread which incorporates ginger and cumin flavors and a process for preparing the same.

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: The invention relates to a dextrose in powder form,. characterised in that it has a dextrose content at least equal to 99%, an &agr; crystalline form content at least equal to 95%, a water content at most equal to 1% and a compressibility, determined according to a test A, at least equal to 80 N, preferably in the range 100 N and 200 N. The invention also relates to the use of said dextrose in powder form as a sweetener or excipient, particularly in food or pharmaceutical compositions, for example, for the preparation of confectionery or of tablets to be sucked, chewed, dissolved or swallowed.

Abstract: A method of extracting and purifying recombinant protein(s) from transgenic sugarcane is disclosed. Fractioning of sugarcane juice that has been extracted from the cane stalks is obtained by using a multiple stage filtering process that uses multiple stages of decreasing porosity (preferably screening) followed by preferably membrane type filters, ion exchange, membrane adsorber, and chromatographic processes.

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: A method of producing useful products, for example, gypsum and sugar products, from pulp and paper industry wastes.

Abstract: A process for producing sugar from beets includes the step of filtering a sucrose-containing feed juice, which has been obtained from macerated sugar beets, through a first ultrafiltration membrane that has a first molecular weight cutoff. This ultrafiltration step produces a first ultrafiltration permeate and a first ultrafiltration retentate. The first ultrafiltration permeate is filtered through a second ultrafiltration membrane that has a second molecular weight cutoff that is lower than the first molecular weight cutoff. This second ultrafiltration step produces a second ultrafiltration permeate and a second ultrafiltration retentate. The second ultrafiltration permeate is nanofiltered through a nanofiltration membrane, thereby producing a nanofiltration permeate and a nanofiltration retentate.

Abstract: Disclosed are processes and systems for the production of useful organic product from diverse lignocellulose-containing biomass having increased yield and efficiency over existing processes. In particular, the present invention integrates dilute acid hydrolysis and alkaline delignification techniques in processes that enhance the efficiency and yiel of lignocellulostic biomass processing and enable the economic production lignin-based biodegradable plastics and other useful organic products.

Abstract: A process for producing sugar from cane includes the step of filtering a sucrose-containing feed juice, which has been obtained from macerated sugar cane, through a first ultrafiltration membrane that has a first molecular weight cutoff. This ultrafiltration step produces a first ultrafiltration permeate and a first ultrafiltration retentate. The first ultrafiltration permeate is filtered through a second ultrafiltration membrane that has a second molecular weight cutoff that is lower than the first molecular weight cutoff. This second ultrafiltration step produces a second ultrafiltration permeate and a second ultrafiltration retentate. The second ultrafiltration permeate is nanofiltered through a nanofiltration membrane, thereby producing a nanofiltration permeate and a nanofiltration retentate.

Abstract: A process for producing sugar from beets includes the step of filtering a sucrose-containing feed juice, which has been obtained by diffusion from sliced sugar beets, through a first ultrafiltration membrane that has a first molecular weight cutoff. This ultrafiltration step produces a first ultrafiltration permeate and a first ultrafiltration retentate. The first ultrafiltration permeate is filtered through a second ultrafiltration membrane that has a second molecular weight cutoff that is lower than the first molecular weight cutoff. This second ultrafiltration step produces a second ultrafiltration permeate and a second ultrafiltration retentate. The second ultrafiltration permeate is nanofiltered through a nanofiltration membrane, thereby producing a nanofiltration permeate and a nanofiltration retentate.

Abstract: An aqueous two-phase system for extracting glycosides from a herb includes the extractive solution, about 5 wt %-30 wt % of salt, about 5 wt %-30 wt % of polyol and selectively about 0 wt %-30 wt % of alcohols. The salt can be dihydrogen phosphate, hydrogen phosphate and phosphate or a mixture thereof, and it also can be sulfates, chlorides, oxalates, or acetates. In addition, a process for extracting glycosides using an aqueous two-phase system is disclosed. The procedures includes preparation of extractive solution, concentration, phase separation, drying, washing with solvent, cooling, filtration and drying of the final products.

Abstract: A method of recovering corn coarse fiber by flotation, which features the use of a hydrocyclone, or other separating machinery, in which the specific gravity of the slurry contained therein has been increased to approximately 12-14 Baumé so that the corn coarse fiber is of a lighter density than the remainder of the slurry. Therefore, the corn coarse fiber can be separated from the remainder of the slurry because it floats to the top of the slurry. If the present pericarp recovery process is added to a modified dry-grind ethanol production line, a high value co-product (the pericarp) is added to the other co-products and the end-product of ethanol, which can all be sold, and the economic efficiency of the plant is increased.

Abstract: In a process for mechanically dewatering extracted sugar beet pulp, the dry matter content in the pressed pulp is increased by introducing directly into the pressed pulp layer in the pressing region a suspension of salt or salts of polyvalent ions. An apparatus for this process is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to a process for the extraction of sweet compounds from Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni, by column extraction, followed by purification by filtration. The extraction is at temperatures in the range of 0 to 25.degree. C. Preferably, a pre-treatment step of microfiltration is used to clarify the extract. Purification is by ultrafiltration followed by nanofiltration. The filtration conditions are controlled to optimize the recovery of the sweet compounds.

Abstract: A process for refining a raw sugar, particularly raw sugar from the sugar cane sugar industry, characterized in that it comprises the steps of:(a) remelting of the raw sugar for obtaining a raw sugar syrup,(b) carbonatation or phosphatation of said raw sugar syrup, and(c) tangential microfiltration and/or tangential ultrafiltration of the raw sugar syrup, which has been subjected to carbonatation or phosphatation.The process is completed by the steps of:(d) decolorization of the sugar syrup resulting from step (c), and(e) crystallization and/or demineralization of the sugar syrup resulting from step (d).

Abstract: Processes for extracting three sugars, fructose, sucrose and glucose, from dates are disclosed. Pitted dates are frozen and subdivided into particles. The particles are contacted with a heated water solution to extract the sugars from the date fibers. The sugar enriched water solution is separated from the date fibers by passing the water solution through one or more milli-screens. The sugar enriched water solution may be purified, and also may be treated to reduce the water content. The sugar solution containing the three sugars is a novel food product which can be used as a sweetener, for example, for sweetening soft drinks. Alternatively, the liquid product may be freeze-dried, vacuum oven-dried or spray-dried to produce a novel solid product containing the three sugars. The date fibers are dewatered, and admixed with ground date seeds to produce another novel food product.

Abstract: A pulp of milled agave plant heads are liquified during centrifugation and a polyfructose solution is removed and then concentrated to produce a polyfructose concentrate. Small particulates are removed by centrifugation and/or filtration and colloids are removed using termic coagulation techniques to produce a partially purified polyfructose extract substantially free of suspended solids. The polyfructose extract is treated with activated charcoal and cationic and anionic resins to produce a demineralized, partially hydrolyzed polyfructose extract. This partially hydrolyzed polyfructose extract is then hydrolyzed with inulin enzymes to produce a hydrolyzed fructose extract. Concentration of the fructose extract yields a fructose syrup.

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: 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.

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: A method of producing sugars and converting the sugars to ethanol in which particulate biomass resulting from hydrolysis of the hemicellulosic content of the biomass is subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis of the cellulosic content to glucose and fermentation of the glucose to ethanol. The particulate biomass resulting from hydrolysis of the hemicellulosic content of the feed stock is reduced to very fine particle size before enzymatic hydrolysis. The hydrolysis of cellulose and the fermentation of the resulting glucose may be carried out separately or they may be carried out simultaneously. The pentoses and hexoses resulting from hydrolysis of the hemicellulose may be subjected to fermentation separately to produce ethanol or they may be fermented simultaneously with the fermentation of the glucose derived from the cellulose.

Abstract: A syrup of natural carob sugars having 55-75% sucrose, 7-15% fructose, 7-16% glucose, 0.5-3% other sugars, 4-14% cyclitols and 0.5-2% organic and inorganic impurities. Sugars are extracted from carob pulp and the juice thus obtained is subjected to chromatographic separation to separate the sugars from the non-sugars. The product obtained may be used in applications similar to those of other sugars.

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: Cereal grains are ground, slurried in water below the starch gelatinization temperature. Bran, starch granules and protein are removed. .beta.-Glucan is precipitated and dehydrated with alcohol, screened and ground to become a white-colored product with a neutral flavor. The method recovers from 33 to 75 percent of the total natural occurring .beta.-glucan in cereal grains. The .beta.-glucan product is water soluble with purity ranging from 60-90 percent and exhibiting molecular weight of .beta.-glucan ranging from 4.times.10.sup.5 daltons to 2.times.10.sup.6 daltons.

Abstract: Refined sugar is produced without using conventional refining processes. Clarification of melted raw cane sugar is obtained either by ultra-centrifugation or ultra-filtration, and removal of certain compounds responsible for adverse color quality and viscosity is effected through a set of packed columns filled with an absorbent for these compounds. After evaporation and crystallization, refined cane sugar is produced.

Abstract: Method of producing oat extract from rolled oats and oat flour by performing a series of mixing, cooking, filtering and concentrating steps. The method comprises the steps of mixing rolled white oats with oat flour, bacterial or fungal enzymes, and water to form an oat/enzyme solution. The oat/enzyme solution is then mashed by cooking the solution to convert the starches present in the oats into sugars. The undissolved solids remaining from the rolled oats are separated from the oat mash by filtering the cooked oat mash using some of the undissolved solids as a filter bed. The filtering operation produces oat wort which is then concentrated to produce oat extract.

Abstract: Refined sugar is produced directly from sugarcane without using conventional refining processes. Clarification of extracted cane juice is obtained either by ultra-centrifugation or ultra-filtration, and removal of certain compounds responsible for adverse color quality and viscosity is effected through a set of packed columns filled with an absorbent for these compounds. After evaporation and crystallization, refined cane sugar is produced.

Abstract: A syrup of natural carob sugars having 55-75% sucrose, 7-15% fructose, 7-16% glucose, 0.5-3% other sugars, 4-14% cyclitols and 0.5-2% organic and inorganic impurities. Sugars are extracted from carob pulp and the juice thus obtained is subjected to chromatographic separation to separate the sugars from the non-sugars. The product obtained may be used in applications similar to those of other sugars.

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: 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: Extraction processes for the recovery of sugar from sugar cane can be improved by the incorporation of a fiber depither between one or more of the extraction mills. The cane fiber from an extraction mill is fed to a fiber depither where the cane fibers are macerated to break sugar containing cells. The sugar is removed in a liquid stream and the cane fibers in a solids stream. The cane fibers are preferably fed to a subsequent extraction mill. The liquid stream is preferably flowed countercurrent to the flow of cane fiber to the first extraction mill. From the first extraction mill the liquid stream is sent to sugar recovery.

Abstract: An improved sugar cane juice extractor has removable crushing rollers. The juice extractor preferably includes a housing with a juice extracting compartment and a closure for accessing the compartment. The closure is preferably a clear plate which permits viewing of the compartment during operation and, when removed, allows access to the compartment for removal of the crushing rollers and cleaning of the rollers and the compartment. A safety switch can be provided to prevent rotation of the rollers when the closure is displaced. A guide into the compartment is preferably provided to direct the sugar cane and any flavorings into the crushing rollers. A waste channel is provided for the exit of crushed cane pulp.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for depithing bagasse fibers wherein a horizontal perforate surface such as a screen is provided with means for delivering bagasse onto a delivery end and the screen is given sudden vertical accelerations to accelerate the bagasse upwardly separating the pith from the fibers and driving the pith down through the perforations with the accelerations repeated at sequential localized areas along the screen.