METHOD OF CONVERTING CELLULOSE MATERIAL TO ETHANOL Russian patent published in 2011 - IPC C08H7/00 C12P7/10 A23K1/06 

FIELD: chemistry.

SUBSTANCE: lignocellulose biomass is in form of maize stalks, chopped whole plants and pulp. The method involves infusion of lignocellulose biomass, followed by continuous hydrothermal preliminary treatment of the material at temperature 170-200°C. Infusion can be carried out in a liquid containing acetic acid. The lignocellulose biomass at the infusion step is saturated with organic acids formed at the next steps. Pre-treated material is then pressed to obtain a fibre fraction and a liquid fraction. The fibre structure of lignocellulose biomass is retained. Transfer of hemicellulose sugars from the lignocellulose biomass into the liquid fraction is not less than 60% of the initial content of lignocellulose biomass. Over 80% of lignin initially contained in the lignocellulose biomass is retained in the fibre fraction. The fibre fraction undergoes enzymatic softening and saccharification. Enzymatic softening of the fibre fraction takes place in a cylindrical drum fitted with a rotor with hoisting devices. As a result fermentation, lignin microparticles are suitable for co-combustion as solid fuel with coal dust. Part of the liquid fraction is used to obtain feed for ruminant animals.

EFFECT: method is energy saving and enables to obtain ethanol from lignocellulose biomass without adding acids, bases or other chemicals which must be extracted.

17 cl, 3 dwg