Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and processes for improving the carbonatation clarification of sugar liquors and syrups. The improved processes involve adding compositions to a sugar liquor directly in the carbonated liquor holding tank (after the final carbonatation saturator), upstream of the carbonated liquor holding tank but downstream of the final stage Carbonatation saturator, before filtration of the carbonated liquor, or at any stage in the sugar purification process. The compositions provided in this invention are mixed intimately into the sugar liquors or syrups, and allowed sufficient time to react to impart an improvement in the clarified liquor obtained therefrom. Compositions can include combinations of one or more of a particulate sulfur reagent, particulate phosphorous reagent, particulate aluminum reagent, silica reagent, particulate carbonaceous reagent, particulate filter aid, a polymer decolorant, and particulate ammonium reagent.

Abstract: A method for the hydrolysis of cellulosic materials using spent liquor. The spent liquor is derived from a pulping operation or is hydrolyzate from another cellulosic biomass process. The process can be implemented in a batch or semi continuous or continuous process. The hydrolyzate is fermented to a useful product and purified. Combustible biomass residues and chemicals are used to provide energy and chemical recovery.

Abstract: A method for preparing a sugar syrup having high fructose content, is implemented using at least one fruit containing sorbitol, particularly apples, pears, plums, prunes, peaches, nectarines, apricots and grapes, from which a first juice is extracted. The first juice is processed in order to obtain a clarified and demineralised sweet juice having a colour lower than 45 ICUMSA and having a conductometric ash content lower than 0.4%. The clarified and demineralised sweet juice is then processed in order to hydrolyse the saccharose into fructose and glucose. The method further includes an isomerisation of the glucose in fructose, and removing the sorbitol naturally occurring in the starting material.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for producing alcohol from a cellulosic material, said process comprising: hydrolyzing said cellulosic material with an aqueous acid to produce a hydrolysate; extracting acid and water from said hydrolysate with a water-miscible organic extraction solvent to yield (a) a first aqueous acidic solution containing said extraction solvent and (b) a residue containing sugars; subjecting said residue to an oligosaccharide cleavage reaction to yield an aqueous solution of fermentable sugars; fermenting said fermentable sugars and distilling alcohol from the resulting fermented mixture; contacting said first aqueous acidic solution with a pressurized fluid lipophilic solvent in non-gaseous form, which fluid solvent is substantially water-immiscible and is gaseous at ambient conditions, to yield a second aqueous acid solution and a solvent mixture of said extraction solvent and said fluid solvent; depressurizing said solvent mixture to release said extraction solvent for recycling; and,

Abstract: A process for obtaining one or more than one salt of an organic acid(s), or organic acid(s), from an aqueous sugar stream comprising one or more than one mineral acid and the organic acid(s) is provided. The process comprises introducing the aqueous sugar stream to a separation system comprising one or more beds of anion exchange resin and obtaining a stream therefrom comprising the sugar. The one or more beds of anion exchange resin are then regenerated in one or more stages to produce at least one product stream comprising the organic acid, a salt of the organic acid, or a combination thereof, and a separate outlet stream comprising the mineral acid, a salt of the mineral acid, or a combination thereof. The product stream is then recovered. The separation may be conducted with two separation units, or using a single anion exchange unit.

Abstract: A process for the production of liquid sugar by forming a sugar solution of water and natural sugar containing juice, adjusting the pH of a sugar solution to the range of from 1.0 to 2.0 to obtain an inverted juice, filtering the inverted juice, decolorizing the inverted juice to obtain sugar syrup, demineralizing the sugar syrup, evaporating the demineralized sugar syrup, and cooling the sugar syrup to form the liquid sugar.

Abstract: A process for the production of liquid sugar by forming a sugar solution of water and natural sugar containing juice, adjusting the pH of a sugar solution to the range of from 1.0 to 2.0 to obtain an inverted juice, filtering the inverted juice, decolorizing the inverted juice to obtain sugar syrup, demineralizing the sugar syrup, evaporating the demineralized sugar syrup, and cooling the sugar syrup to form the liquid sugar.

Abstract: A method for separating acid and sugars obtained from liquids resulting from the acid hydrolysis of a material containing at least one of cellulose and hemicellulose is disclosed, comprising adding the liquids to a separation unit comprising a bed of anionic exchange or exclusion chromatographic material whereby the acid is adsorbed onto the chromatographic material, thereby producing a series of first fractions comprising sugar solutions and a later series of fractions comprising acid solutions. A process for an economical, energy efficient production of ethanol from municipal solid waste and other cellulosic feedstocks is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for separating acid and sugars obtained from liquids resulting from the acid hydrolysis of a material containing at least one of cellulose and hemicellulose is disclosed, comprising adding the liquids to a separation unit comprising a bed of anionic exchange or exclusion chromatographic material whereby the acid is adsorbed onto the chromatographic material, thereby producing a series of first fractions comprising sugar solutions and a later series of fractions comprising acid solutions. A process for an economical, energy efficient production of ethanol from municipal solid waste and other cellulosic feedstocks is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of providing a stabilized sugar cane juice product for use in soft drinks, that includes providing cleaned sugar cane sticks and extracting cane juice from the sticks. Thereafter, the extracted cane juice is acidified immediately upon extraction by feeding it into a solution comprising ascorbic acid for preventing discoloration of the cane juice and also by feeding it simultaneously into an acidic solution of one of citric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, phosphoric acid and a mixture thereof, for lowering the pH of the cane juice below a pH of 5. Furthermore, one of a sodium citrate solution, a potassium citrate solution, a sodium phosphate di-basic solution or a mixture thereof, is added to the cane juice for stabilizing it. The cane juice is then coagulated and flocculated to remove unwanted foulants and aromas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for fractioning vinasse, in which process the pH value of the vinasse is lowered by adding acid, and the formed precipitate is separated in order to obtain an inorganic fraction, whereupon an organic fraction remains. The invention also relates to the products obtained. The inorganic fraction mainly contains potassium salt, and it is useful for example as a fertilizer. The organic fraction mainly contains organic acids, and it is useful for example as an additive in animal feed and in producing silage.

Abstract: A method for separating acid and sugars obtained from liquids resulting from the acid hydrolysis of a material containing at least one of cellulose and hemicellulose is disclosed, comprising adding the liquids to a separation unit comprising a bed of anionic exchange or exclusion chromatographic material whereby the acid is adsorbed onto the chromatographic material, thereby producing a series of first fractions comprising sugar solutions and a later series of fractions comprising acid solutions. A process for an economical, energy efficient production of ethanol from municipal solid waste and other cellulosic feedstocks is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of recovering concentrated sulfuric acid from the product obtained from the acid hydrolysis of a cellulose-containing material such a biomass. The method involves contacting the product with an extraction solvent comprising one or more of the C.sub.4 -C.sub.7 alcohols as the major component to separate the product into a sulfuric acid enriched phase. The sulfuric acid from this enriched phase is then separated and recovered by a further extraction procedure.