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 conversion of a cellulosic material, comprising an enzymatic liquefaction of said cellulosic material at high dry matter content, said method comprising the steps of:
conveyance of cellulosic material through at least one pressurized hydrothermal pre-treatment reactor, followed by pressing to create a fibre fraction having dry matter content between 20-60% w/w and a liquid fraction; application of enzymes to the fibre fraction to create an enzyme-loaded fibre fraction; followed by mixing of the enzyme-loaded fibre fraction to provide liquefied material; followed by submersion of enzyme-loaded fibre fraction into the liquefied material obtained from mixing enzyme-loaded fibre fraction.