Method and apparatus for conveying a cellulosic feedstock
First Claim
1. A method for preparing a cellulosic feedstock comprising:
- (a) obtaining a cellulosic feedstock having a moisture content of 30 wt % and 60 wt %;
(b) passing the moistened cellulosic feedstock through a heated holding tank, the heated holding tank comprising (i) at least one sidewall defining a passage having an upper portion and a lower portion, (ii) at least one inlet adjacent to the upper portion, and (iii) at least one outlet adjacent the lower portion, wherein the holding tank has a longitudinal axis and at least one of the at least one sidewalls diverges from the longitudinal axis from the upper portion to the lower portion;
(c) withdrawing the cellulosic feedstock from the at least one outlet of the heated holding tank; and
,(d) subsequently subjecting the cellulosic feedstock to hydrolysis.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for preparing a cellulosic feedstock are disclosed. Embodiments of the method comprise obtaining a cellulosic feedstock having a moisture content of 30 wt % to 60 wt %; passing the cellulosic feedstock through a heated holding tank; withdrawing the cellulosic feedstock from the holding tank; and, subsequently subjecting the cellulosic feedstock to hydrolysis. Embodiments of the apparatus comprise at least one sidewall defining a volume having an upper portion and a lower portion. At least one inlet is provided adjacent the upper portion, and the inlet is in fluid communication with an impregnation chamber provided upstream from the holding tank. At least one outlet is provided adjacent the lower portion, and the outlet is in fluid communication with hydrolysis reactor positioned downstream from the holding tank. At least one conveyor is positioned adjacent the at least one outlet. A heating jacket provided on at least a portion of the apparatus.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A method for preparing a cellulosic feedstock comprising:
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(a) obtaining a cellulosic feedstock having a moisture content of 30 wt % and 60 wt %; (b) passing the moistened cellulosic feedstock through a heated holding tank, the heated holding tank comprising (i) at least one sidewall defining a passage having an upper portion and a lower portion, (ii) at least one inlet adjacent to the upper portion, and (iii) at least one outlet adjacent the lower portion, wherein the holding tank has a longitudinal axis and at least one of the at least one sidewalls diverges from the longitudinal axis from the upper portion to the lower portion; (c) withdrawing the cellulosic feedstock from the at least one outlet of the heated holding tank; and
,(d) subsequently subjecting the cellulosic feedstock to hydrolysis. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A method for preparing a cellulosic feedstock comprising:
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(a) treating a starting cellulosic feedstock in an impregnator with water and obtaining a moistened cellulosic feedstock; (b) passing the moistened cellulosic feedstock through a heated holding tank, the heated holding tank comprising (i) at least one sidewall defining a passage having an upper portion and a lower portion, (ii) at least one inlet adjacent to the upper portion, and (iii) at least one outlet adjacent the lower portion, wherein the holding tank has a longitudinal axis and at least one of the at least one sidewalls diverges from the longitudinal axis from the upper portion to the lower portion; (c) withdrawing heated moistened cellulosic feedstock from the at least one outlet of the heated holding tank, wherein the cellulosic feedstock is maintained at a temperature of between 50°
C. and 70°
C. while in the heated holding tank; and
,(d) subsequently conveying the cellulosic feedstock to a steam explosion reactor. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22)
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Specification