Method For Processing A Biomass Containing Lignocellulose

A method for processing a biomass containing lignocellulose, said method comprising a water vapour explosion such that cellulose and hemicellulose are made accessible for further processing, wherein processed lignocellulose is used for producing biofuels, characterised in that the method comprises:

• repeated compressions of the biomass in a reciprocating piston press, where loose biomass is continuously fed into a piston chamber in front of a piston which moves the loose biomass into a tubular reaction chamber in which the biomass is compressed, and that a pressure of 500 to 3000 bar is applied in the biomass during compression whereby the kinetic energy of the piston is deposited in the biomass in the form of heat, at the same time, the kinetic energy of the piston is deposited in the straw in the form of heat, said heat and said repeated compressions are used for producing a mechanically induced water vapour explosion and autohydrolysis under simultaneous displacement of compressed biomass through the reaction chamber.