Method and apparatus for conversion of cellulosic material to ethanol

摘要

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.

主权项

1. A method for treatment of cellulosic material comprising the steps of:
exposing said cellulosic material to a first temperature or pressure condition in a first reactor section having an inlet and an outlet, separating a liquid fraction from a solid fraction following the first temperature or pressure condition by pressing a solid fraction of the cellulosic material at the outlet of the first reactor section, wherein the liquid fraction is subsequently subjected to fermentation, and exposing said solid fraction to a second temperature or pressure condition in a second reactor section following said separation of a liquid fraction from the solid fraction.