Cross-flow process for the production of decomposable soluble products from a slurry of solids
AssigneeTrustees of Dartmouth College
InventorAlvin Omar Converse
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A process is described for the production of decomposable soluble products from a slurry of solids in which the slurry is convey axially through the reactor and excess liquid is removed radially through the walls of the reactor. The primary example is the hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass to form sugars, usually using an acid catalyst. In one variation of the process liquid and possibly steam are added through the inner wall of the reactor to provide additional flow in the radial direction and to control the temperature. Pressures are maintained such that the product stream is thermally quenched due to partial flashing as it leaves the reactor.
Claims17
A process in which a solid reactant in a aqueous slurry is converted chemically into a soluble, decomposable product(s), and in which a portion of the liquid is withdrawn through a perforated wall in a direction approximately perpendicular to the direction in which the slurry flows, and quenched to stop the reaction.
A process as described in the above claims and in which the pressure in the outer annulus is raised periodically to cause back flow into the annulus in order to clean out the pores in the wall.
A process as described in the above claims in which the pores or ports in the outer wall of the annulus can be adjusted to control the flow into the outer annulus.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.