PROCESSING LIGNOCELLULOSIC BIOMASS TO FIXED, HIGH LEVELS OF DRY MATTER CONTENT

摘要

Improved methods of processing lignocellulosic biomass are provided that optimize energy efficiency of production scale pretreatment without loss of eventual ethanol yield from fermentation mixtures. Lignocellulosic biomass is wetted with an amount of aqueous solution sufficient to provide moisture level at or near the inherent water holding capacity of the material. Wetted biomass is then thoroughly mixed, optionally using a mixer that massages water content into lignocellulosic fibers. Wetted biomass having fixed high dry matter is subsequently subject to pretreatment and/or enzymatic hydrolysis.