MOVING BED BIOMASS FRACTIONATION SYSTEM AND METHOD
First Claim
1. A continuous, countercurrent process of one or more stages for the fractionation of a lignocellulosic biomass feedstock, comprising:
- feeding the biomass feedstock into a first stage of a pressurized reaction vessel;
injecting a first wash liquid into the first stage countercurrently to the biomass feedstock;
discharging the first wash liquid from the first stage; and
discharging a solid biomass product from the reaction vessel in slurry form.
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Abstract
Countercurrent extraction of lignocellulosic biomass such as trees, grasses, shrubs, and agricultural residues or waste involves the separation of cellulose fibers from other constituents, for subsequent use in the manufacture of paper, plastics, ethanol, and other industrial chemicals. Systems and methods involve continuous, multiple processing steps that may include chemical reactions with mixing at elevated temperature and/or pressure, efficient reagent or solvent utilization, filtration at elevated temperature and/or pressure, controlled discharge of liquid and solid products, and energy recuperation.
102 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A continuous, countercurrent process of one or more stages for the fractionation of a lignocellulosic biomass feedstock, comprising:
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feeding the biomass feedstock into a first stage of a pressurized reaction vessel; injecting a first wash liquid into the first stage countercurrently to the biomass feedstock; discharging the first wash liquid from the first stage; and discharging a solid biomass product from the reaction vessel in slurry form. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A continuous, countercurrent system of one or more stages for the fractionation of a lignocellulosic biomass, the system comprising:
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means for feeding the biomass into an elongated, pressurized reaction vessel; means for conveying the biomass through the length of the reaction vessel; means for discharging a processed biomass from the reaction vessel; means for injecting a counter-flow of pressurized wash liquid into each stage of the reaction vessel; means for discharging the wash liquid from each stage of the reaction vessel; means for separating liquids from solids in each stage of the reaction vessel prior to discharging the wash liquid; means for maintaining a desired temperature in each stage of the reaction vessel; means for transferring heat from the liquid being discharged to the liquid being injected; and means for controlling pressure throughout each stage of the reaction vessel such that boiling nowhere occurs, separate countercurrent flows are established in each stage where desired, and mixing of liquids between stages is minimized. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11)
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12. A simulated moving bed (SMB) system of one or more stages for the countercurrent fractionation of lignocellulosic biomass, the system comprising:
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a plurality of elongated, pressurized reactors interconnected with a plumbing system for controlling and directing one or more fluid flows; means for sequential loading of the plurality of reactors with a biomass feedstock and for sequential unloading of a processed biomass; means for injecting countercurrently a pressurized wash liquid into each stage of the simulated moving bed system; means for discharging the wash liquid from each stage of the simulated moving bed system; means for separating liquids from solids prior to discharging the wash liquid and transferring the wash liquid between reactors; means for maintaining a desired temperature in each of the plurality of reactors of the simulated moving bed system; means for transferring heat from the wash liquid being discharged to the wash liquid being injected; means for controlling a pressure in each of the plurality of reactors to prevent boiling and to maintain a desired liquid flow throughout the simulated moving bed system; and means for sequential switching of a plurality of valves to create a desired countercurrent, moving bed simulation. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification