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Biomass Treatment Method

  • US 20090050134A1
  • Filed: 08/22/2007
  • Published: 02/26/2009
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/22/2007
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method for treating biomass comprising:

  • a) providing biomass;

    b) loading the biomass of (a) using a non-compacting feeder into an apparatus comprising;

    i) a cylindrical barrel having a first end fitted with a piston and a second end fitted with a discharge valve;

    ii) optionally, an offset attached at one offset end to the cylindrical barrel near the cylindrical barrel first end, and having a sealable valve at the unattached offset end;

    iii) at least 2 sealable ports in the cylindrical barrel or in the offset;

    iv) optionally, a valve in the cylindrical barrel dividing the barrel into separate first and second chambers, said first chamber having the barrel first end fitted with said piston, and said second chamber having the barrel second end with the discharge valve; and

    v) a flash tank attached to the discharge valve at the second end of the barrel;

    wherein said biomass is loaded into the cylindrical barrel or optionally into said offset attached to said cylindrical barrel;

    c) closing off said cylindrical barrel and offset, if present;

    d) optionally applying vacuum via at least one port in the cylindrical barrel;

    e) adding through said at least one port in the cylindrical barrel or offset an aqueous solution comprising ammonia in an amount that is less than about 12 weight percent relative to dry weight of biomass in the barrel, creating a biomass and aqueous ammonia mixture, and further wherein the dry weight of biomass is at a high solids concentration of at least about 15 weight percent relative to the weight of the biomass and aqueous ammonia mixture, and adding steam through said second port in the cylindrical barrel or offset, if present, to reach a temperature inside the barrel that is between about 85°

    C. and about 180°

    C.;

    f) closing the ports in the cylindrical barrel and offset, if present, to provide an impermeable chamber;

    g) holding the biomass and aqueous ammonia mixture in the impermeable chamber at suitable temperature for a time that is between about 30 seconds and about 4 hours;

    h) optionally moving the biomass and aqueous ammonia mixture to a second chamber in the cylindrical barrel, if present, by displacement with said piston wherein the biomass is not compacted, and holding it for a time that is between about 2 minutes and 4 hours; and

    i) moving the biomass and aqueous ammonia mixture with said piston through the impermeable cylindrical barrel of (g) or (h) through the discharge valve into the flash tank;

    wherein treated biomass is produced.

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