Method and apparatus for conveying a cellulosic feedstock

A method of preparing a cellulosic feedstock for ethanol production, comprising:

• passing the cellulosic feedstock through a moisture impregnation chamber to an outlet of the impregnation chamber, wherein the moisture content of the cellulosic feedstock is raised to from about 30 wt % to about 60 wt % and the temperature is raised to between about 50° Celsius and about 75° Celsius;
• passing the cellulosic feedstock from the outlet of the impregnation chamber to an inlet of a holding tank, the holding tank having an outlet, an upper portion, a lower portion and outer periphery extending between the inlet and the outlet of the holding tank, the lower portion having a greater cross-sectional area than the upper portion;
• conveying the cellulosic feedstock downwardly and laterally outwardly through the holding tank;
• and,
• withdrawing the cellulosic feedstock from the outlet of the holding tank.