Method for biomass hydrolysis

摘要

Methods and systems for biomass hydrolysis are disclosed. The methods use wash liquor in a sequencing process to maximize sugar yields, particularly C5 saccharides.

主权项

1. A method for biomass hydrolysis to maximize sugar yields from the biomass comprising, in a processing cycle:
forming a mixture comprising fresh water and a first fresh biomass; heating the mixture at a first temperature and a first pressure for a first time period, thereby forming a first liquid fraction and a first solid fraction redirecting at least a portion of the first liquid fraction from the first solid fraction,
wherein the first liquid fraction comprises a product composition; washing the first solid fraction with a first wash liquor;
optionally, wherein the first wash liquor comprises a wash liquor from a previous processing cycle;wherein the washing comprises heating the first solid fraction and the first wash liquor at a second temperature and a second pressure for a second time period, thereby forming a second wash liquor and a second solid fraction; removing at least a portion of the second wash liquor from the second solid fraction; wherein at least a portion of one or more wash liquors is collected; wherein the first temperature is at least about 110° C. and the second temperature is less than the first temperature; and repeating the processing cycle using a second fresh biomass in place of the first fresh biomass; wherein the method is directed toward maximizing sugar yields.