Biomass conversion system having a single-vessel hydrothermal digestion unit and a catalytic reduction reactor unit for integrated stabilization of a hydrolysate and method for use thereof

摘要

Digestion of cellulosic biomass solids may be conducted in a pressure vessel that contains both a hydrothermal digestion unit and a catalytic reduction reactor unit. Biomass conversion systems incorporating such a feature may comprise: a pressure vessel that comprises a first section comprising a hydrothermal digestion unit and a second section comprising a first catalytic reduction reactor unit that contains a first catalyst capable of activating molecular hydrogen; wherein the hydrothermal digestion unit and the first catalytic reduction reactor unit are in fluid communication with one another; a biomass feed mechanism that is operatively connected to the pressure vessel, the biomass feed mechanism being capable of introducing cellulosic biomass solids to the pressure vessel and also capable of withdrawing a reaction product from the first catalytic reduction reactor unit; and a hydrogen feed line that is operatively connected to the first catalytic reduction reactor unit.