Patent ID: 9139857
Filing Date: 2015-09-22
Classification: C08B,C08H,C12P,C13K,F23G

Abstract:
1. A process to enzymatically hydrolyze cellulose to glucose, said process comprising: (a) providing a cellulose-containing pulp at a starting solids concentration from 3% to 12% by weight; (b) providing an enzyme formulation comprising cellulase enzymes; (c) mechanically mixing a first amount of said pulp with a first amount of said enzyme formulation, to promote enzyme contact with cellulose fibers in said pulp; (d) hydrolyzing said cellulose fibers in a retention tank, while maintaining mixing, to produce a partially hydrolyzed pulp suspension, wherein from 25% to 50% of said pulp by weight is hydrolyzed; (e) concentrating or diluting said partially hydrolyzed pulp suspension to a suspension solid concentration from 3% to 12% by weight; (f) introducing a second amount of said enzyme formulation to said partially hydrolyzed pulp suspension, to maintain hydrolysis activity; (g) introducing a second amount of said pulp to said partially hydrolyzed pulp suspension, to adjust said suspension solids concentration and to increase glucose production; and (h) removing unhydrolyzed solids from said partially hydrolyzed pulp suspension, to produce a sugar solution comprising glucose.