Method and apparatus for conveying a cellulosic feedstock

摘要

A method and apparatus for preparing a cellulosic feedstock are disclosed. Embodiments of the method comprise passing the cellulosic feedstock out of at least one outlet of a vessel (such as a holding tank) and obtaining at least two streams of cellulosic feedstock wherein each stream may be fed different hydrolysis reactors. Embodiments of the apparatus comprise passing the cellulosic feedstock downwardly through the vessel and withdrawing the feedstock from the vessel in two different lateral directions.

主权项

1. An apparatus for use in preparing a cellulosic feedstock for ethanol production, comprising:
(a) one or more sidewalls defining a passage extending in a downward direction having an upper portion and a lower portion; (b) at least one inlet adjacent the upper portion, the inlet having a cross sectional area; (c) at least one outlet adjacent the lower portion, the outlet having a cross sectional area wherein the cross sectional area of the outlet is greater than the cross sectional area of the inlet, and wherein one or more sidewalls diverge in the downward direction; (d) at least a first conveyor proximate the at least one outlet configured to convey a first portion of the cellulosic feedstock laterally across the at least one outlet in a first direction to a first conduit that is upstream of a first hydrolysis reactor; and, (e) at least a second conveyor proximate the at least one outlet configured to convey a second portion of the cellulosic feedstock laterally across the at least one outlet in a second direction to a second conduit that is upstream of a second hydrolysis reactor.