Patent ID: 6251643
Filing Date: 2001-06-26
Classification: A23K,C12M,C12P,Y02E

Abstract:
Process for the utilization of biomass from agricultural crop in a naturally moist state, the comprising the steps of:(a) preparation of the biomass in a chopped form for processing in screw presses;(b) pressing of the prepared biomass from step (a) and concomitant separation of the pressed biomass into each of a high-solid phase of high solids content and a low-solid phase of low solids content for the latter's utilization;(c) processing of the high-solid phase from step (b) with pressurized vapor;(d) releasing pressure of the pressurization built up at step (c) and concomitant separation of the vapor-treated phase from step (c) into a vapor phase and a high-solid phase of high solids content, and separation of the vapor phase for the latter's utilization;(e) cooling of the high-solid phase from step (d) under utilization of the heat recovered in this step;(f) decomposition of materials in the cooled phase from step (d) by the action of enzymes and/or through fermentation with microorganisms and concomitant separation of the decomposed phase into a gaseous phase and a phase capable of flowing, and separation of the gaseous phase for the latter's utilization;(g) separation of the phase capable of flowing from step (f) into a high-solid phase of high solids content and a low-solid phase of low solids content, and separation of the high-solid phase for the latter's utilization; and(h) utilization of the low-solid phase from at least one of the steps (b) and (g).