Method and apparatus for conveying a cellulosic feedstock
First Claim
1. A method of preparing a cellulosic feedstock for ethanol production, comprising:
- passing the cellulosic feedstock through a moisture impregnation chamber to an outlet of the impregnation chamber, wherein the moisture content of the cellulosic feedstock is raised to from about 30 wt % to about 60 wt % and the temperature is raised to between about 50°
Celsius and about 75°
Celsius;
passing the cellulosic feedstock from the outlet of the impregnation chamber to an inlet of a holding tank, the holding tank having an outlet, an upper portion, a lower portion and outer periphery extending between the inlet and the outlet of the holding tank, the lower portion having a greater cross-sectional area than the upper portion;
conveying the cellulosic feedstock downwardly and laterally outwardly through the holding tank; and
,withdrawing the cellulosic feedstock from the outlet of the holding tank.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for preparing a cellulosic feedstock are disclosed. Embodiments of the method comprise passing the cellulosic feedstock through an optional impregnation chamber to an outlet of the impregnation chamber, passing the cellulosic feedstock from the outlet of the impregnation chamber to a holding tank having an inlet and an outlet, and conveying the cellulosic feedstock downwardly and laterally as it travels through the holding tank. Embodiments of the apparatus comprise at least one sidewall defining a passage. The passage has an upper portion and a lower portion, and the lower portion has a greater cross-sectional area than the upper portion. At least one inlet is provided adjacent the upper portion, and at least one outlet is provided adjacent the lower portion, at an elevation below the inlet.
189 Citations
9 Claims
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1. A method of preparing a cellulosic feedstock for ethanol production, comprising:
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passing the cellulosic feedstock through a moisture impregnation chamber to an outlet of the impregnation chamber, wherein the moisture content of the cellulosic feedstock is raised to from about 30 wt % to about 60 wt % and the temperature is raised to between about 50°
Celsius and about 75°
Celsius;passing the cellulosic feedstock from the outlet of the impregnation chamber to an inlet of a holding tank, the holding tank having an outlet, an upper portion, a lower portion and outer periphery extending between the inlet and the outlet of the holding tank, the lower portion having a greater cross-sectional area than the upper portion; conveying the cellulosic feedstock downwardly and laterally outwardly through the holding tank; and
,withdrawing the cellulosic feedstock from the outlet of the holding tank. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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Specification