Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously producing pulp from previously unusable agricultural fibers, such as plantain. The pulp is used in papermaking. The pulp effluent is recycled and concentrated during the process, thereby enabling economical recovery of chemical by-products for use as fertilizer or animal feed material.

Abstract: The extraction of fibres from corn husks and/or leaves or corn husks alone is accomplished to provide fibres which are substantially free of the vegetable binder material. The corn husks (and leaves) are preferably allowed to dry to a substantially moisture-free state and are then soaked in a caustic solution for a predetermined period in which the caustic solution frees the fibres from the vegetable matter of the corn husks (and leaves) and reacts with the fibre to strengthen the same. Before the caustic material has an opportunity to degrade the fibres of the corn husks (and leaves), the caustic solution is diluted by rinsing the corn husks (and leaves). While still wet, the fibrous material is straightened so as to dispose the fibrous components of the corn husks (and leaves) in substantially parallel arrangement and in the process the excess binder material is separated from the fibrous material.

Abstract: The pith removal from bagasse fiber is significantly enhanced by the flow of fiber directly from one depithing zone to a second depithing zone without any intermediate settling or pilings of the fiber. The fiber is maintained in a separated condition during the flow from one depithing zone to another depithing zone. The result is a bagasse fiber having a greater quantity of the pith removed with less fiber damage. It is also advantageous to provide a number of conveyors to transport fibrous material to a dual zone depithers and for the removal of depithed fiber and pitch from these depithers. This reduces fiber handling before, during and after depithing.