Advanced biorefinery process
First Claim
1. A method of refining lignocellulosic biomass comprising cellulose and hemicellulose fractions, the cellulose and hemicellulose fractions comprising cells having structure, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) applying high shear and cavitation to a slurry containing the biomass to disrupt the cellular structure of the cellulose and hemicellulose fractions of the biomass;
(b) subsequent to step a, removing native biomass protein from the slurry; and
(c) subsequent to step b, heating the slurry to a temperature of between 150°
C. and 300°
C. for a duration sufficient to hydrolyze a high percentage of the biomass.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention is a method for refining native biomass to extremely fine and highly disrupted particles using high shear and/or cavitation in combination with high temperature and high or low pH conditions which dissolve biomass to a high percentage. The method of the present invention results in a high percentage of hydrolysis, in many cases near theoretical levels, in short residence times while minimizing inputs over other methods, using low chemical inputs, and optionally with no chemical inputs in certain stages compared to existing processes. The method of the present invention also uses minimal electrical energy inputs and conserves heat energy within the process and reduces equipment requirements while producing concentrated products.
-
Citations
19 Claims
-
1. A method of refining lignocellulosic biomass comprising cellulose and hemicellulose fractions, the cellulose and hemicellulose fractions comprising cells having structure, the method comprising the steps of:
-
(a) applying high shear and cavitation to a slurry containing the biomass to disrupt the cellular structure of the cellulose and hemicellulose fractions of the biomass; (b) subsequent to step a, removing native biomass protein from the slurry; and (c) subsequent to step b, heating the slurry to a temperature of between 150°
C. and 300°
C. for a duration sufficient to hydrolyze a high percentage of the biomass. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
-
Specification