Method and apparatus for conversion of cellulosic material to ethanol
First Claim
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1. A method of continuous hydrothermal pretreatment of cellulosic material, preliminary to enzymatic liquefaction and saccharification, comprising the steps of:
- conveying cellulosic feedstock through at least one continuous, pressurized reactor, having at least two consecutive sections, in such manner that the pressurized part of hydrothermal pretreatment is conducted at more than one set of temperature/pressure conditions with each set corresponding to a respective reactor section,pressing the feedstock under pressurized conditions between each stage having a set of temperature/pressure conditions, thereby creating a fiber fraction and a liquid fraction, andunloading the liquid fraction from the pressurized reactor between each stage having a set of temperature/pressure conditions.
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Abstract
The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for conversion of cellulosic material, such as chopped straw and corn stover, and household waste, to ethanol and other products. The cellulosic material is subjected to continuous hydrothermal pre-treatment without addition of chemicals, and a liquid and a fiber fraction are produced. The fiber fraction is subjected to enzymatic liquefaction and saccharification. The method of the present invention comprises:
- performing the hydrothermal pre-treatment by subjecting the cellulosic material to at least one soaking operation, and conveying the cellulosic material through at least one pressurized reactor, and subjecting the cellulosic material to at least one pressing operation, creating a fiber fraction and a liquid fraction;
- selecting the temperature and residence time for the hydrothermal pretreatment, so that the fibrous structure of the feedstock is maintained and at least 80% of the lignin is maintained in the fiber fraction.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A method of continuous hydrothermal pretreatment of cellulosic material, preliminary to enzymatic liquefaction and saccharification, comprising the steps of:
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conveying cellulosic feedstock through at least one continuous, pressurized reactor, having at least two consecutive sections, in such manner that the pressurized part of hydrothermal pretreatment is conducted at more than one set of temperature/pressure conditions with each set corresponding to a respective reactor section, pressing the feedstock under pressurized conditions between each stage having a set of temperature/pressure conditions, thereby creating a fiber fraction and a liquid fraction, and unloading the liquid fraction from the pressurized reactor between each stage having a set of temperature/pressure conditions. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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