Process for hydrolysing lignocellulose

Abstract

A process for hydrolysing plant-based biomasses, cardboard articles, cellulose residues and other hydrolyzable materials such as PLA, of any degree of moisture, using concentrated hydrochloric acid.

Description

[0001] Process for the hydrolysis of lignocellulose

[0002] Description

[0003] I. Introduction

[0004] It is generally known that plant biomass consists of approximately 50%-70% cellulose and hemicellulose in its chemical composition. Both cellulose and hemicellulose are polymers of various carbohydrate monomers, although the individual carbohydrate monomers can vary in their individual amounts depending on the plant. In the following, the terms "saccharide" and "sugar" are used as synonyms for the term "carbohydrate." If the carbohydrates are polymers, such as cellulose, the terms "polysaccharide" and "sugar" are permissible. The term "sugar" can refer to the singular or plural of possible sugars and / or carbohydrates and / or saccharides. For example, cellulose and hemicellulose can be referred to as "polymeric carbohydrates," "polysaccharides," and "sugars" (plural here).

[0005] The breakdown of cellulose and hemicellulose into their monomers has always been an intensively researched field, as these carbohydrate monomers represent a potential and important material resource and, in their monomeric form, can serve as the starting point for any desired chemical tree. Especially in times of climate change, plants provide us with a solar-generated material reservoir. This makes it possible, in principle, to convert all carbon-based chemistry to biomass.

[0006] In the following, the process of digesting carbohydrates from biomass is referred to as "hydrolytic digestion" and / or "saccharification." This does not involve a final monomerization of the carbohydrates, cellulose and / or hemicellulose, but rather the conversion into a soluble form or another form that enables the technical use of the material resource cellulose and / or hemicellulose for technical processes. For example, it may be sufficient to separate oligomeric saccharides from the cellulose and / or hemicellulose and subject them to further utilization, such as microbial conversion. This separation would then also be "saccharification" in the broader sense of the following description.

[0007] The splitting of cellulose and hemicellulose is, in chemical terms, a hydrolysis, i.e. a reaction with water, whereby this water is split and its splitting products are added to the fragments of the broken glycosidic bond (formula 1).

[0008] XY + H-OH XH + Y-OH (1)

[0009] In the past, three different principles have been established for the hydrolytic decomposition of hemicellulose and cellulose (hereinafter also referred to as "saccharification") in large-scale technology. These are:

[0010] • the use of enzymatic or microbial methods,

[0011] • the use of diluted acids in heat,

[0012] • the use of concentrated acids in cold conditions.

[0013] All principles have advantages and disadvantages. The principle considered in the following invention concerns the use of acids in general, specifically concentrated acids in cold conditions, specifically hydrohalic acids, specifically hydrochloric acid. Regarding the principle of the use of concentrated acids in cold conditions, generally speaking, processes using concentrated sulfuric acid have been established in large-scale industrial applications, in addition to processes using concentrated hydrochloric acid. Approaches using hydrofluoric acid have not achieved any technical relevance.

[0014] The present invention relates to the use of

[0015] Hydrohalic acids in general and hydrochloric acid in

[0016] Special where these are in a concentration range of >0.01% including >0.1% including including >2% including including >4% including including including >7% including including including including including >12% including including including including including including including including >20% including >21% including >22% including >23% including >24% including >25% including >26% including >27% including >28% including >29% including including including >32% including including >34% including >35% including including >37% including including including >40% including >41% including >42% including >43% including >44% including >45% including >46% including >47% including >48% including >49% including The percentages are

[0017] Percentage by weight. A percentage of means that

[0018] Hydrochloric acid is present in this solution with a weight of 20% of the total mass of the solution. Unless otherwise stated, percentages should always be interpreted as percentages by weight, as described for the example of 20% hydrochloric acid.

[0019] In the following, all statements regarding the state of the art and the invention itself are made using hydrochloric acid as an example.

[0020] This represents all hydrohalic acids, since the principle of hydrolysis is not limited to hydrochloric acid per se. The invention described here is claimed for all hydrohalic acids.

[0021] II. State of the art

[0022] Among the processes that use concentrated hydrochloric acid at low temperatures (ambient temperature) for the hydrolysis of plant biomass, only the Bergius process modified by Riehm has been able to establish itself on a large-scale. This process was limited in its application to biomass that was so highly lignified "that the lignin particles remaining after hydrolysis are so rigid that the resulting sugar-hydrochloric acid solution can still flow through the lignin layer" (quote from DE 3539492). It was not possible to process weakly lignified biomass, such as straw, economically. The underlying mechanism is very well described in EP 2906727.

[0023] Riehm himself formulated a procedural solution in DE 3539492, which adapted the principles of the Bergius process in its final form to the problem of weak lignification. However, this solution was never tested in practice.

[0024] However, to date, no technical solution is known that allows plant biomass to be processed using concentrated hydrochloric acid in a hydrolytic process, which has a higher moisture content than that generally described by the term "air-dry", which generally means a moisture content of approximately 10%. The background is that any moisture in the biomass:

[0025] 1. the concentration of hydrochloric acid is reduced so that the

[0026] Inhibits hydrolysis, 2. in order to maintain the concentration of hydrochloric acid in the process cycle, it must be removed from the cycle and is therefore associated with economic expenditure.

[0027] III. The invention

[0028] Surprisingly, a procedural solution was found which:

[0029] 1.allows the cellulose and hemicellulose in biomasses of any moisture content and with any degree of lignification to be split into their monomers in a hydrolytic treatment using concentrated hydrochloric acid, and

[0030] 2.It also makes it possible to add the plant biomass to the hydrolytic process in an aqueous suspension.

[0031] The term "suspension" in the following description always means suspensions or dispersions or mixtures in which the plant biomass and / or its insoluble reaction products after hydrolytic digestion preferably form the solid phase and wherein particles of this solid phase in a size range of greater than 0.10 pm to 100,000.00 pm in compacted or uncompacted form may be used in the process.

[0032] For example, it is possible to disperse grass clippings in water and feed them into the process in this dispersed form. It is equally permissible to feed dry and pelletized wood chips into the process via air flow, then flood these added wood pellets with water, and further treat the resulting mixture according to the process. In these two application examples, to clarify the term "suspension," the aqueous phase may also contain hydrochloric acid or other components, because the limitations of the term "suspension" described above refer only to the solid phase.

[0033] For the purposes of the invention, all information disclosed in the patent applications with the file numbers 102024 000098.4 and 10 2024 000 099.2 are hereby incorporated into the description presented here as also disclosed. Important note: Essential descriptions of the prior art are included by reference to the patent application with the file number 102024 000 098.4 and are also disclosed.

[0034] The patent application with the file number 10 2024 000 098.4 corresponds to the patent application with the file number 102023 000 583.5, the latter of which contains essential content of the PCT application PCT / IB2022 / 057695 and was filed on February 14, 2023. Priority to the patent application with the file number 10 2023 000 583.5 (February 14, 2023) is hereby claimed. The PCT application itself was only published on February 23, 2023, and therefore does not affect the novelty of the invention disclosed here.

[0035] The patent application with the file number 10 2024 000 099.2 corresponds to the patent application with the file number 102023 000 626.2, the latter of which was filed on February 16, 2023. Priority to the patent application with the file number 10 2023 000 626.2 (February 16, 2023) is hereby claimed. The patent application with the file number 102024 000 099.2 relates to disclosures in the chapter "Extending technical measures and methods."

[0036] Surprisingly, the process engineering solution disclosed here, in its essential steps, requires a simple apparatus conception, consisting of a limited number of similar, preferably identically constructed vessels, and a rectification column, but always follows the following concrete principles, which are set out here as "RULES", in the plural as "RULES".

[0037] 1.For suspensions with a hydrochloric acid concentration below the azeotropic point, the hydrochloric acid is introduced into these suspensions by introducing vapors containing hydrogen chloride into the suspension, whereby: a. the suspension itself is at boiling temperature, b. the vapors in the suspension become enriched with water, the suspension itself absorbs hydrochloric acid, c. the vapors coming from the suspension are passed into a rectification column, at the top of which a partial precipitation may occur, but water is always effectively discharged in liquid or gaseous form, and d. the reflux from the column is returned to the suspension.

[0038] 2.For suspensions with a hydrochloric acid concentration below the azeotropic point, the sequence of vapors introduced for the purpose of increased introduction of hydrochloric acid shall be carried out in accordance with RULE 1 in order of ascending concentrations.

[0039] 3.For suspensions with a hydrochloric acid concentration above the azeotropic point, the introduction of hydrochloric acid into the suspension occurs by introducing vapors containing hydrogen chloride and absorbing the hydrogen chloride contained therein into the suspension.

[0040] 4.The generation of hydrogen chloride-containing vapors for the introduction of hydrochloric acid into suspensions with a hydrochloric acid concentration below the azeotropic point according to RULE 1 is carried out by: a.evaporation of hydrogen chloride-containing vapors from suspensions in which hydrolysis has already taken place, or b.hydrogen chloride-containing residual gases which have not been bound after the absorptive process according to RULE 3, or c.hydrogen chloride-containing residual gases which have been

[0041] Introducing and passing water vapor into suspensions containing hydrogen chloride at

[0042] Boiling temperature at which hydrolysis has already taken place.

[0043] 5.The generation of hydrogen chloride-containing vapors for

[0044] The introduction of hydrochloric acid into suspensions above the azeotropic point in accordance with RULE 3 is carried out by evaporating vapors containing hydrogen chloride from suspensions with a hydrochloric acid concentration above or equal to the azeotropic point in which hydrolysis has already taken place, whereby these vapors can be passed through a cascade of vessels containing suspensions in an increasing concentration of hydrochloric acid before absorption in accordance with RULE 3, the vapors being enriched with hydrogen chloride on their way through the cascade, or b.they are passed directly to absorption and not through a cascade in accordance with RULE 5a.

[0045] 6.Residual gases containing hydrogen chloride which were not bound after the absorptive process according to RULE 3 according to RULE 4b can optionally and preferably be passed at the bottom of the column into the rectification column according to RULE 1c.

[0046] RULE 3 often includes the partial or complete precipitation of the aqueous portion in the introduced vapors, since the absorption of the hydrogen chloride contained in the vapors is associated with the evolution of heat, which is removed by cooling the suspension, and the aqueous portion of the vapor is also partially or completely precipitated.

[0047] The vessels in the cascade according to RULE 5a are often not cooled and are often at boiling temperature when the vapors are passed through.

[0048] In contrast to all previously proposed procedures, the implementation of the process can be carried out step by step (see definition of "STEPS" below), which significantly simplifies the handling of the process in the event of a malfunction. Different steps can be carried out separately in different compartments of a technical facility to implement the process and at their own speed. A malfunction in one compartment therefore does not lead to interruptions in other compartments.

[0049] The technical aspect is crucial for understanding the invention.

[0050] Concept of "cascade".

[0051] Essential features of a cascade of containers in the sense of the invention disclosed here are that:

[0052] • at least two containers are connected in a cascade,

[0053] • the containers are not completely filled with a liquid or suspension, so that a space filled with gas remains in the container,

[0054] • the gas-filled space of a container upstream in the cascade is connected to the liquid-filled space of the container downstream in the cascade in such a way that the gas from the upstream container can be introduced into the liquid of the downstream container or brought into contact with the liquid of the downstream container,

[0055] • the interposition of devices and / or equipment (e.g. compressor, valve, heat exchanger) between the vessels is permitted if the interposed devices and / or equipment serve to regulate and / or modify the gas flow from the upstream vessel.

[0056] The effectiveness of the RULES and technical specifications listed here can be demonstrated with the following application example and will thus become much more understandable.

[0057] Application example 1

[0058] The application example comprises, in its essential components, five identical vessels (B1, B2, B3, B4, and B5) and a rectification column (Gl), at the top of which a controlled precipitation of the vapors rising in column Gl can take place. Depending on the progress of the process, the vapors can be discharged at the top of Gl partially or completely, in liquid or gaseous form. The presence of a heat exchanger at the top of the column for the purpose of precipitation by cooling, in order to discharge the vapors in liquid form, is taken for granted by those skilled in the art.

[0059] The fact that each of these components requires a surrounding infrastructure for operation is also taken for granted by the specialist.

[0060] These containers B1 to B5 are characterized by the following functions. (Their structural and device design is not part of the invention, but can be implemented in a variety of ways. Corresponding information is disclosed in the patent application with the file number 102024 000 098.4 and is hereby incorporated by reference.)

[0061] • Liquids (including suspensions) can be added and removed.

[0062] • Gases can be added and removed.

[0063] • Pressure and temperature are regulated and adjusted separately.

[0064] • Heat energy can be added and removed.

[0065] • Circulation of the suspension is optionally possible.

[0066] The use of acid-resistant materials for the construction of the vessels and the rectification column is disclosed in patent application file number 102024 000 098.4 and is hereby incorporated. These materials are preferably plastics such as PVC, PVC-C, PVDF, PTFE, Teflon®, and carbon-like or carbon-containing materials, including carbon itself.

[0067] The two essential interaction patterns in the apparatus connection between the individual vessels and the rectification column (hereinafter referred to as "INTERACTION PATTERNS") are shown in Figure 1 and are to be explained here together with reference to the RULES implemented therein. Important for understanding the INTERACTION PATTERNS is their overarching mode of operation, which consists in the fact that both INTERACTION PATTERNS repeat alternately, but always "migrate" one vessel to the right. The apparatus function of the vessel on the right edge "migrates" to the vessel on the far left. In a certain sense, the process steps carried out in the individual similar, preferably identical, vessels circulate through the similar, preferably identical, vessels themselves. After 4 repetitions of the INTERACTION PATTERNS (shown in Figures 2 to 5), the process is at its starting point and is facing

[0068] Step 1. INTERACTION PATTERNS are defined instrumental

[0069] Links between similar, preferably identically constructed vessels including the rectification column and identify the individual steps of the process, which are further referred to as "STEP" or "STEPS".

[0070] STEPS (here STEPS 1 to 10) always pursue the implementation of the RULES through the corresponding apparatus linking of the similar, preferably identically constructed vessels, including the rectification column, as defined in the INTERACTION PATTERNS in such a way that hydrochloric acid is removed from the similar, preferably identically constructed vessels (or the suspensions contained therein) in which hydrolysis has already taken place, preferably this removed hydrochloric acid is fed into the vessels (or the suspensions contained therein) and bound there in which no hydrolysis has yet taken place, and that water is discharged from the process according to RULE 1.

[0071] Overall, the process in this application example is carried out continuously in 10 STEPS. This is made clear by Table 1, in which the processes in the vessels are named with reference to the corresponding RULE. For the sake of clarity, it should be noted here that a process according to RULE 1 in this application example is always also linked to RULE 4b (not listed in Table 1 for reasons of space). As an example, in STEP 1, reference is made to the connection between B4 and B5 at the top of the two vessels. If not all of the vapors in B4 have been absorbed according to RULE 3, these vapors can be directed into column CI according to RULE 6 by opening a valve at the top of B4. The reflux from column CI, which is now also fed by the vapors from B4, flows into vessel B5 according to RULE 1d and thus corresponds to RULE 4b.

[0072] Table 1: Overview of the various processes in containers B1, B2, B3, B4, and B5 with reference to the RULES. The odd steps correspond to INTERACTION PATTERN 1, the even steps correspond to INTERACTION PATTERN 2, with the proviso that all processes performed in the containers have continuously moved around one container. This means that the process in B1 is executed in the following STEP with the same INTERACTION PATTERN in B2, the process in B2 is executed in the following STEP with the same INTERACTION PATTERN in B3, the process in B3 is executed in the following STEP with the same INTERACTION PATTERN in B4, the process in B4 is executed in the following STEP with the same INTERACTION PATTERN in B5, and the process in B5 is executed in the following STEP with the same INTERACTION PATTERN in B1 (circular closure). The abbreviation "corr. 5a" means "according to RULE 5a."The designation "RULE x for Bx" as an entry in the "By" column means that vapors are generated in vessel By according to rule x and these vapors are directed to Bx ("x" and "y" denote numbers). The designation "RULE x of Bx" as an entry in the "By" column means that vapors are introduced and processed in vessel By according to rule x and these vapors were generated in Bx ("x" and.

[0073] "y" denotes numbers).

[0074]

[0075] To illustrate the application example, the processes in Bl are described here as examples for all containers for the individual STEPS.

[0076] STEP 1: A hydrolysate is taken from Bl as a product of a hydrolysis process, Bl is refilled with a suspension of plant biomass and water.

[0077] STEP 2: B1 is brought to boiling temperature (here preferably at 50 mbar) and vapors generated in B2 according to RULE 4c are passed through it according to RULE 1. The concentration of hydrochloric acid in the suspension (in B1) increases by a few percent, and water with slight traces of hydrochloric acid is discharged from the top of B1.

[0078] STEP 3: Bl remains at boiling temperature (here preferably at

[0079] 50 mbar) and vapors generated according to RULE 4a in B3 are passed through according to RULE 1. The concentration of hydrochloric acid in the suspension rises to the azeotropic point; water with slight traces of hydrochloric acid is discharged at the top of CI.

[0080] STEP 4: Bl is cooled, and vapors generated in B4 and B5 according to RULE 5a are absorbed according to RULE 3. Excess vapors are passed to the rectification column Gl as required according to RULE 6. Any hydrogen chloride contained in these vapors is returned to B2 via the rectification process, thereby removing water via Gl. The concentration of hydrochloric acid in Bl can already reach a level sufficient for hydrolysis. The pressure in Bl is preferably at atmospheric pressure, but can also assume other pressures.

[0081] STEP 5: B1 is cooled, and vapors generated in B5 according to RULE 5b are absorbed according to RULE 3. Excess vapors according to RULE 6 are passed to the rectification column G1 as needed. The hydrogen chloride contained in these vapors is returned to B2 via the rectification process, thereby removing water via C1. The hydrochloric acid concentration in B1 reaches a level sufficient for hydrolysis (preferably 42%). Hydrolysis takes place. The pressure in B1 is preferably at atmospheric pressure, but can also assume other pressures.

[0082] STEP 6: B1 is part of a cascade according to RULE 5a. The temperature in B5 is at boiling temperature, and the pressure is preferably at atmospheric pressure. The vapors from B5 are enriched with hydrogen chloride in B1. This reduces the concentration of hydrochloric acid in B1. The vapors passed through are absorbed or precipitated in B2 according to RULE 3. STEP 7: Evaporation takes place in B1, with the pressure continuously decreasing. The concentration in B1 does not reach the azeotropic point. The evaporated vapors are absorbed in B2 according to RULE 3. Unabsorbed vapors can be passed to column G1 according to RULE 6, and the hydrogen chloride contained therein passes into B3.

[0083] STEP 8: B1 is part of a cascade according to RULE 5a. In contrast to step 6, no vapors are passed through B1 and enriched with hydrochloric acid; instead, vapors are generated by evaporation, while the pressure is further reduced. The vapors generated in B1 are passed to B2, enriched with hydrogen chloride in B2 (as previously for B1 in step 6), and absorbed in B3 according to RULE 3. The concentration of hydrochloric acid in B1 reaches the azeotropic point.

[0084] STEP 9: In B1, vapors are evaporated according to RULE 4a and fed to B4 for enrichment according to RULE 1. B1 preferably operates at 50 mbar. The suspension has reached a considerable dry matter content (thickened). Due to the nature of hydrochloric acid, the concentration is still at the azeotropic equivalence point.

[0085] STEP 10: Steam is introduced into B1 at a pressure of preferably 50 mbar. The suspension is at boiling temperature. The vapors become enriched with hydrogen chloride in the suspension and are passed to B5, where hydrogen chloride is released and water is discharged via the connected column C1. In the B1 suspension, a hydrochloric acid concentration of approximately 10% (without solids) with a high dry matter content is achieved. For the purpose of post-hydrolysis, the suspension is removed from tank B1 in the next step (which would then be step 1 again), diluted with water in a ratio of approximately 1:5 to 1:10, and heated at elevated temperatures (between approximately 100°C and 150°C) for several hours (between 1 and 5 hours).

[0086] Comparing the processes along the column entries in Table 1, it becomes clear that all 10 process steps actually move through each container at an offset of two steps. In this application example, all process steps are therefore carried out within two steps (these represent the two interaction patterns in the device-related link), but never simultaneously in one step. This type of organization of the process steps in successively repeating interaction patterns is referred to here as "parallelized" or "parallelized process management." The advantage is that the number of similar, preferably identical, containers required can be reduced. In principle, the creation of more than two repeating interaction patterns should be possible.A special case of parallelized process control is parallel process control, in which all process steps are carried out simultaneously in a similar, preferably identically constructed container in one STEP, and this STEP is continuously repeated with the proviso that all process steps "wander" around one container, thus there is only one INTERACTION PATTERN. As will be explained further below, the similarity of the containers also makes it possible to let the suspension "wander" and to fix the process step to the container.

[0087] In the apparatus implementation of the invention, it proves expedient to arrange the vessels B1 to B5 (or their functionally equivalent) in a circle and to arrange central elements, such as the rectification column, compressors (for example, in STEP 1 between B3 and B4), the post-hydrolysis, and equipment for filling with suspended biomass, in the center of the circle and to switch them on as needed depending on the progress. This would reduce the need for these equipment in a simple design. It would also be conceivable to carry out the absorption of hydrogen chloride in accordance with RULE 3 in a dedicated central vessel, pump the suspension into this vessel for absorption, and pump it into the original (or alternatively other) vessels for non-absorptive processes according to the other RULES.The advantage would be that the containers themselves would not have to be repeatedly cooled and heated in the sequence of the intended processes.

[0088] In principle, as indicated above, it would also be possible to perform the functions or process steps in a fixed manner in individual, similar, preferably identically constructed containers, and to circulate only the suspensions from container to container and from process step to process step. This option arises from the fact that the containers are similar, where "similar" means that similar containers, within the meaning of the process described here, would be interchangeable without changing the process sequence. For a sequence of similar containers, it would therefore be irrelevant whether the process step or the suspension were to migrate along the containers. However, if the suspension were to migrate, 10 instead of 5 containers would always be necessary in application example 1, since each process step would have to be carried out in a separate container.

[0089] Application example 2

[0090] The effectiveness of the process is not limited to a specific number of similar vessels. In this example, we expand the number of similar vessels, in which the process steps are carried out in parallel, to 6 vessels (B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6), always in conjunction with a rectification column CI for the purpose of

[0091] Discharge of water from the process.

[0092] Figure 6 illustrates the two interaction patterns already introduced in application example 1. Here, too, the following applies: The interaction patterns have a superior effect in the sense that both interaction patterns repeat alternately, with functions or process steps always "moving" one container to the right. The function or the executed process step of the container on the right edge "moves" to the container on the far left. After 5 repetitions, the process is at its starting point as shown in Figure 6. For container B1, this results in process steps that correspond to the process steps shown in Figure 6 as follows.

[0093] STEP 1: Corresponds to the process in STEP 1 in Figure 6. A hydrolysate is taken from Bl as a product of a hydrolysis process, and Bl is refilled with a suspension of plant biomass and water.

[0094] STEP 2: Corresponds to the process in STEP 2 in Figure 6. B1 is brought to boiling temperature (here preferably at 50 mbar) and vapors generated in B2 according to RULE 4c are passed through it according to RULE 1. The concentration of hydrochloric acid in the suspension (in B1) increases by a few percent, and water with slight traces of hydrochloric acid is discharged from the top of B1.

[0095] STEP 3: Corresponds to the process in STEP 1 in B6 in Figure 6. B1 remains at boiling temperature (here preferably at 50 mbar), and vapors generated according to RULE 4a in B3 are passed through according to RULE 1. The concentration of hydrochloric acid in the suspension increases, and water with slight traces of hydrochloric acid is discharged from the top of B1. STEP 4: Corresponds to the process in STEP 2 in B6 in Figure 6.

[0096] Bl remains at boiling temperature (here preferably at 50 mbar), and vapors generated according to RULE 4a in B4 are passed through according to RULE 1. The concentration of hydrochloric acid in the suspension rises to or is already at the azeotropic point; water with slight traces of hydrochloric acid is discharged from the top of Gl.

[0097] STEP 5: Corresponds to the process in STEP 1 in B5 in Figure 6. B1 is cooled, and vapors generated in B5 and B6 according to RULE 5a are absorbed according to RULE 3. Excess vapors according to RULE 6 are passed to the rectification column CI as needed. The hydrogen chloride contained in these vapors is returned to B2 via the rectification process, thereby removing water via CI. The hydrochloric acid concentration in B1 can already reach a level sufficient for hydrolysis. The pressure in B1 is preferably at atmospheric pressure, but can also assume other pressures.

[0098] STEP 6: Corresponds to the process in STEP 2 in B5 in Figure 6. B1 is cooled, and vapors generated in B6 according to RULE 5b are absorbed according to RULE 3. Excess vapors according to RULE 6 are passed to the rectification column CI as needed. The hydrogen chloride contained in these vapors is returned to B2 via the rectification process, thereby removing water via CI. The concentration of hydrochloric acid in B1 reaches a level sufficient for hydrolysis (preferably 42%). Hydrolysis takes place. The pressure in B1 is preferably at atmospheric pressure, but can also assume other pressures.

[0099] STEP 7: Corresponds to the process in STEP 1 in B4 in Figure 6. B1 is part of a cascade according to RULE 5a. The temperature in B1 is at boiling temperature, the pressure preferably at atmospheric pressure. The vapors from B6 are enriched with hydrogen chloride in B1. This reduces the concentration of hydrochloric acid in B1. The vapors passed through are absorbed or precipitated in B2 according to RULE 3. Excess vapors from B2 are passed to the rectification column Gl as required according to RULE 6. The hydrogen chloride contained in these vapors is returned to B3 via the rectification process, thereby removing water via Cl.

[0100] STEP 8: Corresponds to the process in STEP 2 in B4 in Figure 6. Evaporation occurs in B1, during which the pressure is continuously reduced. The concentration in B1 does not reach the azeotropic point. The evaporated vapors are absorbed in B2 according to RULE 3. Unabsorbed vapors can be directed to column CI according to RULE 6, and the hydrogen chloride contained therein passes into B3.

[0101] STEP 9: Corresponds to the process in STEP 1 in B3 in Figure 6. Bl is part of a cascade according to RULE 5a. In contrast to STEP 7, vapors are not passed through Bl and enriched with hydrochloric acid; instead, vapors are generated by evaporation, and the pressure is further reduced. The vapors generated in Bl are passed to B2, enriched with hydrogen chloride in B2 (as previously for Bl in STEP 7), and absorbed in B3 according to RULE 3. Unabsorbed vapors can be passed to column CI according to RULE 6, and the hydrogen chloride contained therein passes into B4. The concentration of hydrochloric acid in Bl reaches the azeotropic point.

[0102] STEP 10: Corresponds to the process in STEP 2 in B3 in Figure 6. In B1, vapors are evaporated according to RULE 4a and fed to B4 for enrichment according to RULE 1. B1 preferably operates at 50 mbar. The suspension reaches a considerable dry matter content (thickening). Due to the nature of hydrochloric acid, the concentration is at the azeotropic equivalence point.

[0103] STEP 11: Corresponds to the process in STEP 1 in B2 in Figure 6. In B1, vapors are evaporated according to RULE 4a and fed to B5 for enrichment according to RULE 1. B1 preferably operates at 50 mbar. The suspension reaches a considerable dry matter content (thickening). Due to the nature of hydrochloric acid, the concentration is at the azeotropic equivalence point. It is quite possible that the suspension may need to be recirculated at this point to prevent incrustation.

[0104] STEP 12: Corresponds to the process in STEP 2 in B2 in Figure 6. Steam is introduced into B1 at a pressure of preferably 50 mbar. The suspension is at boiling temperature. The vapors become enriched with hydrogen chloride in the suspension and are passed to B6, where the hydrochloric acid concentration in the vapors is reduced and water is removed via the connected column CI. In the suspension of B1, a hydrochloric acid concentration of approximately 10% (calculated without solids) with a high dry matter content is achieved. For the purpose of post-hydrolysis, the suspension is removed from tank B1 in the following STEP (which would then be STEP 1 again), diluted with water in a ratio of approximately 1:5 to 1:10, and heated at elevated temperatures (between approximately 100°C and 150°C) for several hours (between 1 and 5 hours).

[0105] The rules and interaction patterns presented here can be expanded and / or modified. For example, the vapors passed through B1 in STEP 2 leave vessel B1 virtually free of hydrogen chloride and could be precipitated immediately. Introduction into column C1 is therefore not absolutely necessary. Regardless of the changes and modifications, it is fundamental to the invention that the process steps concerning the suspension with biomass and the hydrochloric acid are carried out in parallel in different similar vessels, with the individual process steps for the suspension preferably being carried out in the same vessel (or the apparatus provided for this purpose).The similarity of the containers also allows, as described above, the option of carrying out the process steps concerning the suspension with biomass and the hydrochloric acid in parallel at the same time and for each process step in a fixed, similar container, and for the individual suspension in a different container for each process step.

[0106] So what is the invention?

[0107] The invention consists in a process for the hydrolysis of lignocellulose in plant biomass with any moisture content and any degree of lignification using concentrated hydrochloric acid:

[0108] • all necessary process steps concerning hydrochloric acid, these are: o increasing the hydrochloric acid concentration in the suspension with plant biomass by means of absorption and enrichment (by passing through vapors containing hydrogen chloride), o hydrolysis of the plant biomass by means of hydrochloric acid, o reducing the hydrochloric acid concentration in the suspension with plant biomass by means of evaporation and expulsion, in the aqueous suspension with plant biomass itself,

[0109] • the process steps concerning the suspension with biomass, o parallelized in different similar containers, for the suspension in question in detail preferably in the same container (or the apparatus provided for this purpose), or the process steps concerning the suspension, parallel at the same time and for the respective

[0110] Process step in a defined similar

[0111] Container, for the suspension in detail always to be carried out in a different container for each process step (unless for the absorption of hydrochloric acid it is intended to carry out this in a separate container or the apparatus provided for this purpose for all suspensions, the suspensions in question for the purpose of absorbing hydrochloric acid into this container or the apparatus provided for this purpose and to pump them out after absorption),

[0112] • to carry out or guide the process steps or the suspension in a circular manner in the similar containers (or the equipment provided for this purpose),

[0113] • to link the increase and decrease of the hydrochloric acid concentration in the suspension according to RULES 1 to 6, so that: o hydrochloric acid is removed from the similar, preferably identically constructed containers (or the suspensions contained therein) in which hydrolysis has already taken place, o preferably this removed hydrochloric acid is fed into the similar, preferably identically constructed containers (or the suspensions contained therein) and bound there, in which no hydrolysis has yet taken place, o and that water is removed from the process according to RULE 1,

[0114] • to organize the equipment linking of similar, preferably identically constructed containers, including the rectification column, in the form of repeating INTERACTION PATTERNS in order to parallelize the process flow and reduce the need for similar, preferably identically constructed containers.

[0115] The term "similar" in connection with containers always means that similar containers would be interchangeable within the meaning of the process described here without the process sequence having to be changed.

[0116] The term "simultaneous" means that process steps are carried out in one STEP, and that the circulating process steps and the constantly changing interconnection of similar containers result in a synchronization of the

[0117] procedural steps.

[0118] The moisture content of the plant biomass supplied to the process described here is hereby claimed to be greater than 15%, including greater than 20%, including greater than 30%, including greater than 40%, including greater than 50%, including greater than 60%, including greater than 70%, including greater than 80%, including greater than 90%.

[0119] Why is the invention new?

[0120] In the past, water in the biomass always led to a dilution of the hydrochloric acid during the hydrolysis process itself and had to be removed economically. This applies to the moisture in the biomass as well as the moisture if the biomass were introduced as an aqueous suspension. This is avoided in the present process by carrying out the following processes concerning the hydrochloric acid:

[0121] • increasing the hydrochloric acid concentration by absorption and enrichment of hydrogen chloride (by passing hydrogen chloride-containing vapors), hydrolysis of plant biomass,

[0122] • the reduction of the hydrochloric acid concentration by means of evaporation and expulsion of the hydrochloric acid, carried out in the suspension itself, the removal of water in the process is ensured by the application of RULE 1. A large-scale process for the splitting of:

[0123] • plant biomass with a low degree of lignification, for example annual plants, or

[0124] • Vegetable cellulose or hemicellulose in processed form such as cardboard using concentrated hydrochloric acid did not yet exist.

[0125] A parallelisation of the process steps in the form of repeating INTERACTION PATTERNS in the apparatus linking of simple,_ similar,_ preferably identically constructed containers and a rectification column for a complete hydrolysis of plant biomass in a suspension using hydrochloric acid, the input and output of which is carried out in parallel in the named similar containers in such a way that all process steps concerning the hydrochloric acid (or the suspensions in the containers themselves) circulate through the similar containers, has never been proposed, published or publicly tested.

[0126] Why is she inventive?

[0127] Based on the derivation of generally valid RULES, a procedural concept was created which:

[0128] • it makes it possible to carry out hydrolysis with a significantly reduced number of mostly functionally identical containers, structuring processes into separate process steps that nevertheless circulate continuously between the functionally identical containers, whereby these process steps can be controlled separately (and thus may have their own speed), but are synchronised by the circulation itself in such a way that generally required devices, such as the rectification column or the compressor, are only required in a simple design,

[0129] • through freedom in the derivation of INTERACTION PATTERNS in the equipment design for implementing the RULES, it is possible to optimize the throughput of biomass and capital costs in the form of an increase in throughput or a reduction in the number of containers required.

[0130] This simple concept allows small-scale local plants to achieve economic viability and thus corresponds to the fact that plant biomass is generated over a large area and should be processed decentrally in small plants.

[0131] In addition, many agricultural residues (e.g. straw) have a low degree of lignification and cannot be processed using conventional methods using hydrochloric acid.

[0132] Why is the invention industrially applicable?

[0133] Plant biomass is locally available and it makes sense to convert it into a valuable material, i.e. sugar syrup, in a small-scale application, which is the basis for biomass-based chemistry.

[0134] Extended technical measures and procedures The technical extension presented here is to be explained using Figure 7 and includes an apparatus solution for the implementation of the RULES and their handling including derived procedural steps.

[0135] The apparatus shown in Figure 7 consists of:

[0136] • from a container containing the suspension with biomass,

[0137] • a connected rectification column, the reflux of which is returned to the container.

[0138] The container corresponds to the "similar" containers in application examples 1 and 2.

[0139] The technical extension concerns acid-resistant internals (hereinafter referred to as "INTERNAL COMPONENTS"), which at the same time have good thermal conductivity and are installed in the chamber of the apparatus in which the suspension with biomass is located.

[0140] Initially, the technical extension of the implementation of RULE 1 will be explained.

[0141] Initially, the container contains a suspension that does not contain hydrochloric acid. However, for the implementation of the invention in accordance with the aforementioned RULE 1, it is only relevant that the hydrochloric acid present in the suspension does not lead to a concentration above the azeotropic point, or that another RULE applies once the azeotropic concentration is reached.

[0142] The suspension is at boiling temperature. Hydrogen chloride-containing vapors are introduced primarily from below. The mass transfer that now initiates causes the liquid to heat up as hydrogen chloride is dissolved. At the same time, however, the buoyancy of the bubbles is inhibited by the biomass particles present in the suspension.

[0143] The internals extend into the suspension or are located completely in the suspension and conduct the heat from the lower to the upper regions of the suspension without the bubbles having to rise. Mass and energy transport are essentially separated. In the lower regions, hydrogen chloride dissolves more frequently and water condenses, while in the upper regions, evaporation increases. Overall, the desired effect is achieved: hydrochloric acid is enriched in the suspension and water can be discharged via the rectification column without the need for circulation. This circulation, whether forced or occurring automatically, would not be detrimental to the functioning.

[0144] During the process, the hydrochloric acid concentration in the upper layers also increases, so that more hydrogen chloride is evaporated from the suspension. However, since these vapors are from a suspension where the concentration is below the azeotropic point, water is the more volatile substance and is ultimately discharged at the top of the column after the vapors are introduced into the column.

[0145] The hydrochloric acid-enriched reflux from the column is preferably introduced into the vessel from the bottom. This is because it has a higher specific density, so the biomass particles "float" on this layer, thus causing compression and preventing rising bubbles from rising. This enhances the evaporation of the lower-hydrochloric-acid, lower-density liquid in the upper regions, thus achieving the intended effect of removing more water. For RULE 2, no further explanations are required regarding the handling of the technical extension, since RULE 2 explains the handling of RULE 1.

[0146] If hydrogen chloride-containing vapors are to be absorbed in the suspension (RULE 3 and RULE 5b), the internals can also be used to dissipate heat. For example, this could be achieved by constructing the internals as tubes made of carbon or carbon-containing composites, through which a coolant flows. Here, too, the particles in the suspension reinforce their inhibiting effect on the rise of the bubbles.

[0147] In principle, this apparatus can also be used for processes in which hydrogen chloride is to be removed by introducing vapors containing hydrogen chloride (RULE 5a in the cascade). In this case, the suspension differs in that the concentration is above the azeotropic point, but is also at boiling temperature. The apparatus itself must therefore be designed for higher concentrations of hydrochloric acid.

[0148] For the sake of completeness, it should be mentioned that the vessel described here can also be used for evaporation itself (without introducing hydrogen chloride-containing gases) (RULE 4). In this case, the internals are used to supply heat.

[0149] For example, this could be achieved by constructing the internals as tubes made of carbon or carbon-containing composites, through which a heating medium flows. In this case, it would probably be advisable to force or automatically circulate the suspension. RULE 6 concerns the handling of previously explained RULES and does not require any further additions here.

[0150] Overall, this apparatus concept allows both hydrogen chloride and water vapor (or any mixture thereof) to be introduced into and removed from an aqueous suspension.

[0151] As a technical detail, a procedural specification for the implementation of the RULES should be formulated here, according to which:

[0152] • acid-resistant and heat-conductive components, preferably made of carbon or carbon-containing materials, are located in the container part of the similar, preferably identically constructed containers containing the suspension,

[0153] • Mass and energy transport are separated by: o gases, for example hydrogen chloride and / or water vapor, being fully or partially absorbed or condensed on one side of the INSTALLATIONS, o the heat caused by absorption and condensation is conducted through the INSTALLATIONS into another part of the suspension without the need for mass transport, o the heat transported causes evaporation and / or expulsion of water and / or hydrochloric acid at another point in the suspension,

[0154] • heating and / or cooling means can be passed through these INSTALLATIONS so that heat can be removed from the suspension or introduced into the suspension.

[0155] The operation of the INSTALLATIONS described here, presented in the form of the process specification, can also be transferred to the introduction and discharge of gases other than hydrogen chloride gas and water vapor (or any mixtures thereof) into and from liquids other than hydrochloric acid and water (or any mixtures thereof) by:

[0156] • the liquids either contain solid particles in the form of suspended particles or the liquid space is artificially filled with solids or fillers.

[0157] This combination of internals, process specifications, and the use of solid or packing elements could therefore be applied beyond the process presented here. Irrespective of this, the use of packing elements in the liquid space and process specifications for the hydrochloric acid / water system is advantageous and can be optimized by manufacturing the packing elements from materials with good thermal conductivity, preferably carbon or carbon-like or carbon-containing materials.

[0158] A further additional technical measure concerns the compressor (for example, in Figure 1 between the similar vessels B3 and B4), via which vapors can be transported and exchanged regardless of pressure differences between the similar vessels. This compression leads to the heating of the vapors themselves by supplying the compression work. This allows these vapors to be used to heat any similar vessel, and heat recovery can be achieved. This is achieved by passing the compressed vapors preferentially through the internals, where they can transfer their heat to the suspension in the similar vessel. This corresponds to the procedure described above in conjunction with RULE 4, where the heating medium here corresponds to the compressed vapors.

[0159] No further specifications are made here regarding the number and arrangement of compressors for directing the gas flows. Within the scope of the procedure, a wide variety of arrangements, connections, and combinations of one or more compressors are permissible. It is possible to install a compressor exclusively for the purpose of heat recovery, thus removing it from its position among similar vessels.

[0160] All proposed apparatuses and associated processes for the hydrolysis of plant biomass using concentrated hydrochloric acid are applicable to all weakly woody biomasses, preferably residues from agriculture (e.g. straw, husks, green waste, etc.), cellulose-containing materials (e.g. cardboard or residual streams from the pulp industry), hydrolyzable materials (e.g. PLA).

[0161] All containers can be used as:

[0162] • rubber-coated steel containers, or

[0163] • insulated rubber-lined steel containers, or

[0164] • rubber-lined steel containers with internal lining without insulation, or

[0165] • brick containers, or

[0166] • PVC containers, or

[0167] • insulated PVC containers, or

[0168] • PVC-C containers, or

[0169] • insulated PVC-C containers, or

[0170] • GRP containers, or

[0171] • insulated GRP containers, or

[0172] • Container made of Teflon or PTFE, or

[0173] • insulated containers made of Teflon or PTFE, or

[0174] • Containers with inner lining made of Teflon and / or PTFE, or insulated containers with inner lining made of Teflon and / or

[0175] PTFE. The use of these materials for the

[0176] Implementation of the described processes is hereby disclosed.

[0177] Compensation of hydrochloric acid losses

[0178] The correct balance of water and hydrochloric acid in the hydrochloric acid-catalyzed hydrolysis process was and is fundamental to the proposed processes. This is also the case here. While the water inlet and outlet is relatively easy to manage by regulating the water supply during filling, the hydrochloric acid is simply discharged from the process. Biomass usually occurs in a moist form, but not in combination with hydrochloric acid. Of course, hydrochloric acid losses can also be compensated by admixture during filling. However, according to RULES 1, 3 and 5, a convenient situation arises in which gases are introduced into the similar, preferably identically constructed vessel filled with a suspension in accordance with these RULES; these vessels are preferably equipped with FITTINGS and these gases arise from the combustion of chlorine-containing materials.Gases resulting from the combustion of chlorine-containing materials typically contain hydrogen chloride. This is a common problem in waste management. By introducing gases from the combustion of chlorine-containing materials, two processes can be profitably combined. Gases are purified, thus replacing hydrochloric acid losses. Please note: Figure 7 shows a bubble-cap column. This column shape is not preferred for the purposes of the invention.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 19 July 2024 (19.07.2024) 1.Process for the hydrolytic digestion of plant Biomasses using highly concentrated hydrochloric acid, characterized by: a. all necessary process steps concerning hydrochloric acid, which are: i. increasing the hydrochloric acid concentration by means of Absorption and enrichment of hydrogen chloride by passing hydrogen chloride-containing vapors, ii. the hydrolysis of plant biomass by means of Hydrochloric acid, the reduction of the hydrochloric acid concentration by means of Evaporation and expulsion of hydrochloric acid in the aqueous suspension with plant biomass are carried out by the plant itself, b. the process steps concerning the suspension with biomass are carried out in similar, preferably identical, containers, whereby similar containers would be interchangeable within the meaning of the procedure described here without changing the procedure, 2.Process for the hydrolytic digestion of plant Biomasses using highly concentrated hydrochloric acid Claim 1, characterized in that: a. the process is carried out in so-called "STEPS", where i. STEPS are characterized by the apparatus linking of the similar, preferably identically constructed containers to each other and to a rectification column, ii. these apparatus linkings as "INTERACTION PATTERNS" are called, the INTERACTION PATTERNS the device functions of all similar containers including rectification column, and iv. the resulting in the similar containers including Rectification column implemented process steps are realized, b. the interpretation and conduct of the procedure with a INTERACTION PATTERN or with several INTERACTION PATTERNS is possible, c. this one INTERACTION PATTERN or these several INTERACTION PATTERNS one after the other in consecutive STEPS are repeated, whereby upon repetition i. the INTERACTION PATTERN, the device functions corresponding to the INTERACTION PATTERN of all similar containers including Rectification column, and the resulting similar containers including rectification column along a circular and unchangeable sequence of similar Containers move along this path due to the circularity of the unchanging sequence. order, ii. the procedure with several INTERACTION PATTERNS the parallelized Procedure management refers to the procedure management with an INTERACTION PATTERN the special case of the parallelized Procedural conduct, the parallel procedural conduct. 3.Process for the hydrolytic digestion of plant Biomasses using highly concentrated hydrochloric acid according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the Process steps in similar, preferably identically constructed vessels including the rectification column follow the following principles, referred to as “RULES”: a. For suspensions with a hydrochloric acid concentration below the azeotropic point, the hydrochloric acid is introduced into these Suspensions by introducing hydrogen chloride-containing Vapours into the suspension, whereby: i. the suspension itself is at boiling temperature, ii. the vapours in the suspension become enriched with water, the suspension itself absorbs hydrochloric acid, the vapors coming from the suspension into a rectification column, at the top of which a partial precipitation may occur, but effectively water is always discharged in liquid or gaseous form, and iv. the reflux of the column is returned to the b. For suspensions with a hydrochloric acid concentration below the azeotropic point, the sequence of introduced Steaming for the purpose of increased introduction of hydrochloric acid according to 3.a. in the order of ascending concentrations. c. For suspensions with a hydrochloric acid concentration above the azeotropic point, the hydrochloric acid is added to the Suspension via the discharge of hydrogen chloride-containing vapors and the absorption of the contained Hydrogen chloride in suspension. d. The generation of hydrogen chloride-containing vapors for Introduction of hydrochloric acid into suspensions with a Hydrochloric acid concentration below the azeotropic point according to 3.a. is achieved by: i. Evaporation of hydrogen chloride-containing vapors from Suspensions in which hydrolysis has already taken place, or ii. residual gases containing hydrogen chloride which were not bound after the absorption process according to 3.c., or residual gases containing hydrogen chloride which have been Introducing and passing water vapor into suspensions containing hydrogen chloride at Boiling temperature in which hydrolysis has already taken place. e. The generation of hydrogen chloride-containing vapors for Introduction of hydrochloric acid into suspensions above the azeotropic Point according to 3.c. is carried out by evaporation of hydrogen chloride-containing vapors from suspensions with a Concentration of hydrochloric acid above or equal to the azeotropic Point where hydrolysis has already taken place, whereby these vapors, before absorption according to 3.c., can either: i. be passed through a cascade of containers containing suspensions in an ascending concentration of hydrochloric acid, the vapors passing through are enriched with hydrogen chloride on their way through the cascade, or ii. directly and not through a cascade according to RULE 3.ei be fed to the absorption. f. Residual gases containing hydrogen chloride, which are RULE 3.d.ii. after the absorptive process according to 3.c. have not been bound, can optionally and preferably be added to the bottom of the rectification column Rectification column according to 3.a.iii. 4.Process for the hydrolytic digestion of plant Biomasses using highly concentrated hydrochloric acid according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that STEPS always involve the implementation of the RULES by the INTERACTION PATTERNS defined corresponding equipment Links of similar, preferably identical Tanks including rectification column in such a way that: a. Hydrochloric acid from the similar, preferably identical containers, or the suspensions contained therein, in which hydrolysis has already taken place, b. this removed hydrochloric acid is preferably fed into the containers, or the suspensions contained therein, in which no hydrolysis has yet taken place and bound there, and that in this case, according to RULE 3.a., water is removed from the process is carried out. 5.Process for the hydrolytic digestion of plant Biomasses according to claims 1 to 4, characterized in that due to the similarity of the similar Containers for parallelized process control as well as the Special case of parallelized procedure, the parallel Procedural conduct, it is possible that in case of repetition of an INTERACTION PATTERN: a. the INTERACTION PATTERN, the device functions corresponding to the INTERACTION PATTERN of all similar Vessel including rectification column, and the process steps implemented in the similar vessel including rectification column along a b. the suspensions present in the similar containers are moved along the circularly linked and unchangeable sequence of the similar containers, circulating along this sequence due to the circular closure of the unchangeable sequence. 6.Process for the hydrolytic digestion of plant Biomasses according to claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the INTERACTION PATTERNS and the RULES according to claim 3 can be extended and / or modified if it is ensured that: a. the process steps concerning the suspension with biomass as well as the hydrochloric acid are i. carried out in parallel, or ii. as a special case of parallel processing, are carried out in parallel in different similar containers, for the suspension in particular in preferably the same similar container, or the apparatus provided for it, or b. due to the similarity of the containers, the Process steps concerning the suspension with biomass as well as the hydrochloric acid are carried out in parallel at the same time and for each process step in a specified, similar container, and for the individual suspension in each process step always in a different, similar container. 7.Process for the hydrolytic digestion of plant Biomasses according to claims 1 to 6, modified by the fact that it is permissible to use a. Suspensions from similar containers for the purpose of absorbing hydrogen chloride, according to the RULE according to 3.c., into a container provided for that purpose, b. Suspensions from the container intended for the purpose of absorption of Hydrogen chloride, according to RULE 3.c., provided After the absorption of hydrogen chloride has been completed, return the container to its original position or alternatively to another to pump the container. 8.Process for the hydrolytic digestion of plant Biomasses according to claims 1 to 7, modified in that: a. acid-resistant and highly thermally conductive internals made of preferably carbon or carbon-containing materials, further designated as "INTERNAL FITTINGS", are located in the container part of the similar containers in which the suspension with biomass is located, b. these INSTALLATIONS protrude into the suspension or are located completely in the suspension, c. these INSTALLATIONS facilitate heat conduction between different regions of the suspension without the need for material transport. 9.Process for the hydrolytic digestion of plant Biomasses according to claim 8, characterized in that: a. on one side of the INCORPORATED gases, for example Hydrogen chloride and / or water vapor are completely or partially absorbed or condensed, b. the heat, caused by absorption and condensation, is conducted through the internals into another part of the suspension without the need for mass transport, c. the heat transported is transferred to another part of the Suspension is subjected to evaporation and / or expulsion of water and / or hydrochloric acid.

10. Process for the hydrolytic digestion of plant Biomasses according to claim 8, according to which heating and / or cooling means can be passed through the INSTALLATIONS so that heat can be removed from the suspension or introduced into the suspension.

11. Process for the hydrolytic digestion of plant Biomasses according to claims 1 to 10, according to which a. packings are located in the liquid space, b. the packings are made of materials with good Thermal conductivity, preferably made of carbon or carbon-like or carbon-containing materials.

12. Process for the hydrolytic digestion of plant Biomasses according to claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: a. a compressor between the similar containers ensures that vapors can be transported and exchanged regardless of pressure differences between the similar containers, b. the compression by the compressor by supplying the Compression work leads to heating of the vapors themselves, c. the compressed vapors are preferably guided through INSTALLATIONS according to claim 10 and here their transfer heat to the suspension in the similar container, 13. Process for the hydrolytic digestion of plant Biomasses using concentrated hydrochloric acid according to claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it is applicable to all weakly woody biomasses, preferably residues from the Agriculture, for example straw, husks, green waste or similar, cellulose-containing materials, for example cardboard or Residual streams from the pulp industry, hydrolyzable materials, such as PLA, are used.

14. Process for the hydrolytic digestion of plant Biomasses using concentrated hydrochloric acid according to claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the loss of hydrochloric acid in the process is compensated by introducing gases from the combustion of chlorine-containing materials into the biomass suspension according to the RULES in claims 3.a, 3.c and 3.e.

15. Process for the hydrolytic digestion of plant Biomasses using concentrated hydrochloric acid according to claims 1 to 14, characterized in that all Vessels as: a. rubber-lined steel vessels, or b. insulated rubber-lined steel vessels, or c. rubber-lined steel vessels with internal lining without insulation, or d. brick-built tanks, or e. PVC tanks, or f. insulated PVC tanks, or g. PVC-C tanks, or h. insulated PVC-C tanks, or i. GRP tanks, or j. insulated GRP tanks, or k. Teflon or PTFE tanks, or 1. insulated containers made of Teflon or PTFE, or m. containers with inner lining made of Teflon and / or PTFE, or n. insulated containers with inner lining made of Teflon and / or can be made of PTFE.

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