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US 7,503,981 B2Granted
Removal of minerals from cellulosic biomass
AssigneeTrustees of Dartmouth College
InventorsCharles E. Wyman, Todd A. Lloyd
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Disclosed is a method for removing minerals from a cellulosic biomass. For example, the biomass may be prewashed with an acid solution and rinsed with water to remove minerals prior to acid saccharification. The removal of minerals may reduce overall acid requirements, and decrease pretreatment costs.
Claims11
A method for purifying cellulosic biomass, comprising:
- removing minerals from a cellulosic biomass by use of an acid prewash that is substantially separated from the cellulosic biomass before acid pretreatment, to reduce the mineral content of the biomass,
- wherein the acid prewash contains acid in an effective amount to remove a beneficial quantity of minerals in the biomass without substantially hydrolyzing hemicellulose or cellulose in the biomass;
- and thereafter
- pretreating the biomass by the use of acid.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.