Hydrothermal pretreatment

Next comes the patented hydrothermal pretreatment. During pretreatment, the biomass is continuously mixed with water and heated to around 180-200ºC for 5-15 minutes in order to break down the protecting lignin structure and make the cellulose available for enzymes. Another important function of the pretreatment is to separate the alkali content and a portion of the inhibitors formed through partial degradation of the hemicellulose. 


Thermal pretreatment pilot plant.

The process operates at high (30% - 40%) dry matter content, minimizing the consumption of water and energy.

The straw is fed into the pressure reactor with the Inbicon proprietary particle pumps.

 
The picture above illustrates the raw wheat straw, and the pretreated wheat straw (after hydrothermal treatment).