METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR HYDROLYZING CELLULOSIC MATERIAL
First Claim
1. A method of hydrolyzing woody cellulosic material containing lignin and air pockets, the method comprising the steps of:
- impregnating the woody cellulosic material with a first alkali having a pH of from 10 to 14 such that the first alkali is in contact with the lignin within the lignin-containing woody cellulosic material and, thereafter, advancing the woody cellulosic material through a gravity pressure vessel for the acid hydrolysis conversion of cellulosic material to sugars.
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Abstract
A method of hydrolyzing woody cellulosic material containing lignin and air pockets involves impregnating the woody cellulosic material a first alkali having a pH of from 10 to 14 such that the first alkali is in contact with the lignin within the woody cellulosic material. Thereafter, the woody cellulosic material is advanced through a gravity pressure vessel for the acid hydrolysis conversion of cellulosic material to sugars. In accordance with other methods, ultrasound may be introduced during impregnation or at the gravity pressure vessel or both.
18 Citations
13 Claims
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1. A method of hydrolyzing woody cellulosic material containing lignin and air pockets, the method comprising the steps of:
impregnating the woody cellulosic material with a first alkali having a pH of from 10 to 14 such that the first alkali is in contact with the lignin within the lignin-containing woody cellulosic material and, thereafter, advancing the woody cellulosic material through a gravity pressure vessel for the acid hydrolysis conversion of cellulosic material to sugars. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A method of hydrolyzing woody cellulosic material containing lignin and air pockets, the method comprising the steps of:
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introducing woody cellulosic material into a gravity pressure vessel, wherein the gravity pressure vessel includes; a tubular casing having a lower closed end, a counterflow tubular casing positioned within the tubular casing and having an lower open end whereby an outer reaction annulus is formed between the tubular casing and the counterflow tubular casing, and a starved oxidation reaction zone proximate the lower closed end of the tubular casing; and introducing ultrasound at the starved oxidation reaction zone. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method of hydrolyzing woody cellulosic material containing lignin and air pockets, the method comprising the steps of:
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impregnating the woody cellulosic material with a first alkali having a pH of from 10 to 14 such that the first alkali is in contact with the lignin within the woody cellulosic material, and thereafter introducing the woody cellulosic material into a gravity pressure vessel, wherein the gravity pressure vessel includes; a tubular casing having a lower closed end, a counterflow tubular casing positioned within the tubular casing and having an lower open end whereby an outer reaction annulus is formed between the tubular casing and the counterflow tubular casing, and a starved oxidation reaction zone proximate the lower closed end of the tubular casing; and introducing ultrasound at the starved oxidation reaction zone.
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Specification