US 2014/0209092 A1 · SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ACID RECYCLE

Abstract

Methods and systems for pretreating lignocellulosic biomass are disclosed. An acid solution between 1% to 1.6% sulfuric acid is applied to the biomass. The biomass is subjected to an elevated temperature to cause the production of xylose, glucose, and furfural. Adjustments to temperature, acid concentration, and time can generate at least 80% or 90% of theoretical xylose, 45% or 50% of the theoretical glucose, and less than 4000 ppm of furfural in the xylose liquor. A portion of the resulting xylose liquor may be separated from the glucan solids. The xylose liquor, still highly acidic, can be recycled to reduce subsequent acid loading requirements. Makeup acid solution is added to the xylose liquor and subsequent biomass to ensure a proper solids to liquids ratio. The biomass is again treated to higher temperatures to yield sugars. The process may be repeated for each subsequent cycle.

Claims16

Dependent claims

A method for pretreating lignocellulosic biomass, comprising:

a) applying an acid solution to a first portion of biomass;
b) maintaining an elevated temperature of the first portion of biomass such that a xylose yield of greater than about 80% of theoretical is achieved, wherein a liquid xylose liquor and a glucan solid are produced from the first portion of biomass while maintaining the elevated temperature;
c) separating at least a portion of the liquid xylose liquor from the glucan solid;
d) applying the portion of the liquid xylose liquor to a subsequent portion of the biomass;
e) applying a makeup acid solution to the subsequent portion of the biomass;
f) maintaining an elevated temperature of the subsequent portion of the biomass such that xylose yield of greater than about 80% of theoretical is achieved, wherein a liquid xylose liquor and a glucan solid are produced from the subsequent portion of the biomass while maintaining the elevated temperature;
and
g) repeating steps c) through f).

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Systems and methods for acid recycle

Life of this patent

Systems and methods for acid recycle

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims16