Patent ID: 6730223
Filing Date: 2004-05-04
Classification: B09B,C02F,C12M,Y02E,Y02W

Abstract:
A method of treating waste material, including organic and inorganic materials with the organic materials including starches, cellulose and other carbohydrates, the method comprising:subjecting the waste material to increased temperature, pressure and moisture within an apparatus by introducing steam into the apparatus; increasing the temperature and pressure within the apparatus by an effective amount to cause the steam to reach a saturated state within the apparatus; rapidly reducing the pressure within the apparatus to reach a pressure less than atmospheric and to cause the steam to become superheated; removing the material from the apparatus and passing the material through a screen to separate the material by size; and diluting at least a first portion of the material with water while agitating the resulting diluted mixture a sufficient amount and at an effective temperature to cause cellulose fibers that became twisted and tangled during processing within the apparatus to relax and straighten out or untangle.