Solid and liquid separation process

摘要

A process for separation of solid and liquid components in a distillation whole stillage utilizing airless spray drying is disclosed, which is more efficient and economical than conventional processes. In the process, distillation whole stillage resulting from distillation of fermented biomass is first subjected to an evaporation step for separating the whole stillage into a condensate and a concentrate including water, dissolved solids and suspended solids. The concentrate is then subjected to airless steam spray drying for converting the concentrate into dried solids, steam and vapors. All steam and vapors resulting from the airless steam spray drying step are then redirected as energy source to a processing step upstream of the airless spray drying step. At least some of the steam generated in the airless spray drying step is airless steam.

主权项

1. A process for separating solid and liquid components in a distillation whole stillage resulting from distillation of fermented lignocellulosic biomass, comprising the steps of:
a) subjecting the whole stillage in an evaporation step to airless steam for separating the whole stillage into a condensate and a concentrate, the concentrate including water, dissolved solids and suspended solids; b) subjecting the concentrate to a step of airless steam spray drying for converting the concentrate into dried solids, excess airless steam and vapours; and c) redirecting all excess airless steam and vapours resulting from the airless steam spray drying step as an energy source to step a) and to another processing step upstream of the airless spray drying step.