Patent ID: 8900370

Claim:
A method for preparing a cellulosic feedstock comprising: (a) obtaining a cellulosic feedstock having a moisture content of 30 wt % and 60 wt %; (b) passing the moistened cellulosic feedstock through a heated holding tank, the heated holding tank comprising (i) at least one sidewall defining a passage having an upper portion and a lower portion, (ii) at least one inlet adjacent to the upper portion, and (iii) at least one outlet adjacent the lower portion, wherein the holding tank has a longitudinal axis and at least one of the at least one sidewalls diverges from the longitudinal axis from the upper portion to the lower portion; (c) withdrawing the cellulosic feedstock from the at least one outlet of the heated holding tank; and, (d) subsequently subjecting the cellulosic feedstock to hydrolysis.