HYDROLYSIS AND FRACTIONING OF LIGNOCELLULOSE BIOMASS Russian patent published in 2002 - IPC

FIELD: cellulose industry. SUBSTANCE: invention aims at separating hemicellulose sugars from other biomass components. Initial solid biomass or solid partially fractionated lignocellulose biomass is fed into at least one continuously-operated compressible-bed flow reactor. Into reactor, dilute acid with pH 1.0-5.0 is also loaded. Main stage of hydrolysis process is carried out in reactor at 140-220 C for 10-60 min at volumetric acid stream flow 1 to 5 reactor volumes to maintain constant ratio of solid and liquid phases during the process and to increase yield of hemicellulose sugars. A variety of mineral acids, in particular carbonic acid, are used for hydrolysis. If necessary, additional hydrolysis stages are performed. Conically- or cylindrically-shaped reactor is used or a series of reactors with gradually decreasing volume, wherein biomass is transferred from larger-volume reactor to reactor with smaller volume. EFFECT: increased yield of sugars and improved contact between liquid and solid mass. 11 cl, 7 dwg