Method and device for continually producing a suspension of cellulose in an aqueous amine oxide

A device for continuous preparation of a suspension of cellulose in an aqueous tertiary amine oxide for use in the Lyocell process the device comprising:

• (a) a mixing apparatus comprising a mixing container, feed nozzles for introducing cellulose and aqueous suspension agents into a mixing vessel to form a cellulose suspension and discharge nozzle for removal of the cellulose suspension,
• (b) a separation apparatus that is communicatively connected to the mixing apparatus comprising means to partially separate the suspension agent from the cellulose to form a dehydrated cellulose suspension;
• (c) a charge system communicatively connected to the separation apparatus comprising a vertical fall pipe having at least one nozzle positioned in the vertical fall pipe for introducing an aqueous amine oxide into the vertical fall pipe for premixing with the dehydrated cellulose suspension to form an aqueous amine oxide-cellulose suspension;
• and
• (d) a shear apparatus communicatively connected to the charge system for receiving the aqueous amine oxide-cellulose suspension, the shear apparatus comprising horizontal shafts equipped with shear tools and a discharge nozzle for discharge of the amine oxide cellulose suspension after passing through the horizontal shafts.