US 9,004,742 B2 · Method and apparatus for conveying a cellulosic feedstock

Abstract

A method and apparatus for conveying a cellulosic feedstock are disclosed. The apparatus, such as a holding tank, has a passage. At the outlet to the passage, a conveyance member is provided to convey the cellulosic feedstock laterally across the outlet. The conveyance member, e.g., at least one screw conveyor, may have a variable pitch along its length. The method comprises passing the cellulosic feedstock through an impregnation chamber to an outlet of the impregnation chamber; passing the cellulosic feedstock from the outlet of the impregnation chamber to an inlet of a holding tank; passing the cellulosic feedstock downwardly through the holding tank; maintaining a generally constant residence time in the holding tank; and subsequently subjecting the cellulosic feedstock to a hydrolysis process.

Claims28

Dependent claims

A holding tank apparatus for preparing a cellulosic feedstock, comprising:

(a) at least one sidewall defining a volume having an upper portion and a lower portion;
(b) at least one inlet adjacent the upper portion;
(c) at least a one outlet adjacent the lower portion, at an elevation below the inlet;
and,
(d) a plurality of screw conveyors comprising a first pair of screw conveyors and a second pair of screw conveyors for conveying the cellulosic feedstock laterally across the outlet, the first and second pairs of screw conveyors having a variable pitch along their respective lengths, wherein the first pair of screw conveyors convey cellulosic feedstock in a first direction and the second pair of screw conveyors conveys cellulosic feedstock in an opposite direction.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method and apparatus for conveying a cellulosic feedstock

Life of this patent

Method and apparatus for conveying a cellulosic feedstock

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims28