Method and system for the large scale collection, preparation, handling and refining of ligno-cellulosic biomass

Abstract

A system for collecting ligno-cellulosic biomass over a large area to enable the commercial refining of biomass from 2,500 to in excess of 50,000 tons of biomass per day to produce ethanol or other products. The biomass is collected at a series of collection points and then transported through a network of conduit “loops” interconnecting each of the collection points and the central refining plant. The water used to transport the biomass, as a slurry, is recovered and sequentially recycled in the same pipeline system to push the biomass slurry around the system in a “loop”.

1 .- 11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . A method for collecting and refining biomass, comprising:
 collecting biomass at a plurality of collection points which are connected with a biomass refining plant by at least one conduit loop;   introducing the biomass into at least one conduit loop to form a slurry of biomass and liquid;   transporting the slurry of biomass and liquid through at least one conduit loop to the refining plant where the biomass is subjected to cooking; and   removing water from the slurry and continuously reusing the water to transport additional biomass.   
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 12 , further comprising pretreating the slurry of biomass and water in the network to a pH favorable for a later disintegration of lignin and cellulose bonds at the refining plant. 
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 12 , further comprising the steps of joining streams of slurry transported from two or more of the plurality of collection points into a single slurry stream directed to the refining plant and splitting the water removed from the slurry coming from the refining plant for recirculation. 
     
     
         15 . A method according to  claim 13  wherein the biomass is reduced in size and the slurry is pH-adjusted for introduction into the cooking phase. 
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 12 , further comprising the step of removing water to maintain a relatively constant amount of water circulating in the system. 
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 12 , comprising a plurality of conduit loops connecting the collection points to the refining plant. 
     
     
         18 . A method according to  claim 17 , wherein each of the loops can be operated independently. 
     
     
         19 . A method according to  claim 17 , wherein the number of loops is matched to the refining plant production capability.