Method and apparatus for treating a cellulosic feedstock

A cellulosic feedstock treatment apparatus, comprising:

• a) a moisture sensor providing an output value corresponding to an initial moisture content of a portion of the cellulosic feedstock;
• b) a weight sensor providing an output value corresponding to a weight of the portion of the cellulosic feedstock;
• c) a processor coupled to the moisture sensor and the weight sensor, the processor being configured to determine an amount of moisture to be added to the portion of the cellulosic feedstock based on the weight of the portion of the cellulosic feedstock and the initial moisture content of the portion of the cellulosic feedstock to obtain a treated cellulosic feedstock having a moisture content of between about 30 wt. % and 60 wt. % based on the total weight of the cellulosic feedstock;
• d) at least one moisture addition zone in which the amount of moisture is automatically added to the portion of the cellulosic feedstock, under the control of the processor;
• and
• e) a mixing vessel downstream from the weight sensor configured to allow the moisture to generally equilibrate through the cellulosic feedstock, the mixing vessel having a heating jacket configured to heat the cellulosic feedstock from less than about 50° C. at the mixing vessel inlet to between about 50° C. and about 70° C. at the mixing vessel outlet.