| abstract |
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for conversion of cellulosic material, such as chopped straw and corn silage, and household waste, to ethanol and other products. The cellulosic material is subjected to continuous hydrothermal pretreatment without the addition of chemicals, and a liquid and fiber fraction is produced. The fiber fraction is subjected to liquefaction and enzymatic saccharification. The method of the present invention comprises: - performing the hydrothermal pretreatment by subjecting the cellulosic material in at least one soaking operation and transporting the cellulosic material through at least one pressurized reactor, and submitting the cellulosic material in at least one compression operation, creating a fiber fraction and a liquid fraction; -select the temperature and residence time for hydrothermal pretreatment, so that the fibrous structure of the raw material is maintained and at least 80% of the lignin is maintained in the fiber fraction. |