| 摘要 |
The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for continuously hydrolyzing cellulosic material. Cellulosic material is continuously introduced into the top end of a reaction vessel while an acid solution is continuously introduced into the bottom end thereof so as to contact the cellulosic material in a countercurrent fashion. The acid hydrolyzes the cellulosic material to sugars, leaving lignin residue. The sugars and lignin are continuously removed from the reaction vessel at opposing ends. The density of the cellulosic material within the reaction vessel is controlled that the density is within the range of about 10 to about 30 pounds per cubic foot. The liquid volume within the reaction vessel is reduced by displacing a portion of the liquid within the reaction vessel with a vapor. The novel apparatus and methods maximize sugar recovery, while maintaining high concentration of sugar in the recovered sugar solution and while minimizing degradation of the sugar to waste products. |
