PROCESS FOR RECOVERING AND UTILIZING CELLULOSE USING SULFURIC ACID

摘要

A process for recovering cellulose using sulfuric acid and utilizing the recovered cellulose by hydrolyzing to yield glucose comprises hydrolyzing. Cellulosic raw materials by dilute sulfuric acid to remove hemicellulose, after which the solid residue is separated and concentrated sulfuric acid is added thereto to dissolve cellulose in the solid residue. After blending and mixing of the residue in the concentrated sulfuric acid under closely controlled reaction conditions, cellulose is reprecipitated by addition of water or an organic solvent such as methanol. The recovered cellulose can then be hydrolyzed by cellulase enzymes and/or dilute acids to provide a high yield of glucose. High level recovery and reconcentration of the sulfuric acid is also disclosed.