Cellulose hydrolysis apparatus for high solid loads

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus (1) for use in cellulose hydrolysis. The apparatus (1) comprises a channel (10) for guiding a flow of cellulose-containing waste in the flow direction (FD). The apparatus (1) further comprises one, two or more shafts (20) arranged to rotate about each longitudinal axis (A), so that when rotating, one or more side surfaces (71) of the shafts (20) exhibit a linear velocity vector perpendicular to the axis (A). The two or more shafts (20) include one or more projections (70) extending radially from the axis (A). The present invention further proposes a method for cellulose hydrolysis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to chemical engineering apparatuses for enzymatic hydrolysis, second-generation biofuel production, and use in biorefining. In particular, the present invention relates to a cellulose hydrolysis apparatus capable of treating high solid loads.

Background Art

[0002] Cellulose is a polysaccharide formed from glucose monomers. A plurality of polysaccharide molecules form elongated fibers that constitute each polymeric filament. Cellulose molecules that are strongly bonded to each other form "crystalline cellulose". On the other hand, when cellulose molecules are loosely bonded to each other compared to crystalline cellulose, each structure is referred to as "amorphous cellulose".

[0003] The water retention capacity of amorphous cellulose is significantly higher compared to that of crystalline cellulose because water molecules can easily penetrate between the loosely bonded cellulose molecules (fibers) in the polymeric filaments of amorphous cellulose. Furthermore, enzymes can also be easily introduced between the fibers of such amorphous cellulose filaments. Therefore, amorphous cellulose has relatively low resistance to cellulase enzymes compared to that of crystalline cellulose.

[0004] Cellulose hydrolysis is used in second-generation bioethanol and biogas production processes. Cellulose hydrolysis can be chemical or enzymatic. Chemical hydrolysis employs acids such as sulfuric acid, whereas enzymatic hydrolysis utilizes various enzymes that break down cellulose into its monomers.

[0005] Enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose can be exemplified as follows: a material containing cellulose fibers (e.g., straw) is chemically pretreated and then hydrolyzed (enzymatically) in an aqueous suspension in the presence of an enzyme, for example, at a temperature of 50°C to 55°C for 24 to 72 hours. This hydrolysis process is usually carried out at a low dry matter percentage in which the suspension exhibits fluid behavior. The suspension is mixed using a mixer, and at the same time, the cellulose filament particles suspended in the suspension are separated from it. The cellulose molecules are hydrolyzed to glucose, forming molasses.

[0006] Papermaking sludge, as a cellulosic waste, is a non-fluid, high-viscosity material containing cellulose fibers and filaments along with fillers. Papermaking sludge has high water retention capabilities. Due to its cellulose content, papermaking sludge has significant potential for use in fermentation-based biofuel production processes. Since papermaking sludge is industrial waste that should be disposed of, the input cost contributing to its production as a raw material is considered zero.

[0007] The papermaking process creates loose bonds between cellulose fibers, which exposes the cellulose filaments in the papermaking sludge and allows for the introduction of aqueous fluids between the fibers. Consequently, papermaking sludge has a very high water retention capacity compared to other wood or straw-based materials. This results in a very high viscosity in the aqueous suspension of papermaking sludge, hindering mixing under industrial conditions.

[0008] Papermaking sludge can exhibit solid-like behavior when its dry matter content reaches or exceeds 20% by weight. Enzymatic hydrolysis of such solid-like papermaking sludge is extremely difficult due to the difficulty in mixing.

[0009] More specifically, - The solid load ratio is low in hydrolysis carried out in a liquid medium. For example, a total medium weight of 1000 kg may contain 900 kg of aqueous carrier (which may contain buffering components, surfactants, etc.), 99 kg of cellulose, and 1 kg of enzyme. This system can be considered a liquid. - Systems with a higher solids load ratio may contain 50% to 80% by weight of water relative to the total weight of each medium. Such systems employ a much lower water content compared to the liquid systems described above, and allow for the use of a smaller reactor in terms of volume to hydrolyze the same amount of dry cellulose compared to each liquid system. In hydrolysis systems with low solids (or dryness) loads, the water-holding capacity of deligninized cellulosic materials, such as water sludge, is very high. Consequently, the viscosity is very high even with a dryness content of 1% by weight relative to the total weight of each medium. Such viscosity requires a high energy consumption in mixing the mediums. Hydrolysis with such low solids loads requires high-capacity mixers. Furthermore, the solids content must be kept low to allow the use of industrial mixers. These measures dramatically increase the energy consumption per unit solids content in the medium. - With low solid loads, the mixer agitates the water, but the mixer power consumed is not directly and efficiently applied to the particles suspended in the medium. Therefore, the torque and shear force of the mixer are not efficiently applied to the particles. - Hydrogen crosslinking between water and cellulose molecules allows for water retention. On the other hand, the polymeric structure of cellulose yarn is formed via hydrogen bonds between cellulose molecules, which provides resistance; that is, these hydrogen bonds between cellulose molecules may prevent the introduction of water and enzymes between cellulose fibers in the yarn. In particular, due to the strong bonds between the cellulose fibers mentioned above, the interaction of each suspension of crystalline cellulose with the aqueous medium occurs only at a superficial level. This is because the aqueous medium (or water itself) cannot penetrate the hydrogen crosslinks between the cellulose fibers in the crystalline cellulose filaments, resulting in bulk movement of cellulose in the suspension. Consequently, enzymes in the aqueous medium cannot be efficiently introduced between the cellulose fibers, and each enzymatic reaction occurs mainly at a superficial level.

[0010] To solve this problem, the level of crystallinity in cellulose can be reduced by various methods such as the steam explosion method, the ammonia fiber expansion method (AFEX), and dilute acid treatment. However, such measures lead to increased processing costs.

[0011] An advanced cellulose hydrolysis apparatus for use with high solid loads is described in Patent Document 1. The apparatus described in the above document provides a high degree of grinding. However, it is still desirable to further increase the degree of grinding for loads with high solid content.

[0012] Therefore, improvements to processing equipment for use in cellulose hydrolysis are needed. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0013] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2023 / 063895 [Overview of the project]

[0014] The main objective of this application is to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art. Another objective of the present invention is to propose an apparatus and method that enables the minimization of the amount of enzyme required per cellulose unit to effectively hydrolyze cellulose units. A further objective of the present invention is to propose an apparatus and method that enables the processing of papermaking sludge with a relatively high solid load, thereby minimizing energy and equipment investment costs. A further objective of the present invention is to propose an apparatus and method that minimizes residence time in the hydrolysis reaction, thereby enabling increased cellulose hydrolysis capacity.

[0015] The present invention achieves the above objectives through the features comprising the attached independent claims.

[0016] The present improvement provides an apparatus and method for effecting the comminution of cellulose fibers and strands. This comminution allows the crystallinity of the cellulose to be further reduced compared to the prior art. Accordingly, the water retention and enzyme receptive properties of the cellulose are increased. In response, the surface contact between the enzyme and the cellulose is maximized, thereby effectively maximizing the hydrolysis rate. This enables the residence time and the size of the hydrolysis reactor to be minimized without sacrificing capacity, effectively hydrolyzing high solids load cellulose waste without increasing the costs associated with investment and operation. Accordingly, the following, - minimization of the amount of enzyme required per cellulose unit to effectively hydrolyze the cellulose units, - minimization of the energy and equipment investment costs by treating paper sludge having a relatively high solids load, and - increase in the cellulose hydrolysis capacity at a minimized residence time in the hydrolysis reaction are achieved by the apparatus and method proposed herein.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1] A perspective view of an exemplary apparatus according to the present invention, showing a state where one or more shafts are in a first position relative to a channel. [Figure 2] A front view along the flow direction of the exemplary apparatus shown in FIG. 1. The channel is omitted in FIG. 2 to emphasize the shaft. [Figure 3] A perspective view based on FIG. 2 is shown. [Figure 4] A series of shafts arranged parallel to each other is shown. [Figure 5] An upper perspective view based on FIG. 4 is shown. [Figure 6] A side view of an exemplary shaft for an apparatus within the scope of the present application is shown. [Figure 7] An enlarged view of detail J of FIG. 6 is shown.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Referring to the drawings briefly described above, the present invention proposes an apparatus (1) for use in cellulose hydrolysis. The apparatus (1) comprises a channel (10) for guiding a flow of cellulose-containing waste in a flow direction (FD). The apparatus (1) further comprises two or more shafts (20) arranged to rotate about respective axes (A).

[0019] Each of the two or more shafts (20) includes one or more protrusions (70) extending radially from the axis (A). Thus, upon rotation, one or more side surfaces (71) of the shaft (20) exhibit a linear velocity vector about the axis (A). When compared with prior art apparatuses having cylinders without protrusions, a comparable linear velocity can be achieved at the side surfaces (71) of the protrusions (70) provided on a shaft (20) of relatively small diameter. When the shafts (20) are made of a similar material, the weight of the shafts (20) will necessarily be lower than the cylinders of prior art apparatuses.

[0020] Moreover, the protrusions (70) provide an increased range of contact surfaces contributing to the comminution of the waste. In particular, when compared with prior art apparatuses having cylindrical side surfaces, in a cross-section transverse to the flow direction (FD), the length of the side surfaces (71) in contact with the waste increases significantly per flow area. Thus, the protrusions (70) exert an additional shear on the waste.

[0021] Thus, when the shaft (20) rotates at a certain rotational frequency, it is considered that the side surfaces (71) on the protrusions (70) perform a periodic proximity / approach / reciprocating motion with respect to complementary surfaces on the protrusions (70) of an adjacent shaft (20). In other words, when the shaft (20) rotates, the side surfaces (71) and the complementary surfaces cooperate in comminuting the waste.

[0022] Furthermore, it is conceivable that these complementary surfaces may also become the side surfaces (71) of projections (70) on adjacent shafts (20). Such cooperative shafts (20) can be arranged such that the axes (A) of adjacent pairs of shafts (20) are substantially parallel to each other.

[0023] These characteristics allow for the simultaneous application of high mechanical tension and pressure to each cellulosic waste material, thereby pulverizing them. Consequently, hydrogen crosslinks / bonds between any of the cellulose fibers are easily loosened, and at the same time, an enzyme-containing aqueous medium can be introduced into the cellulose. As a result, the proposed system (and each method) facilitates and accelerates the cellulose hydrolysis reaction.

[0024] In one possible embodiment, the projection (70) may have a side surface (71) with a recess. The recess enhances pulverization by increasing the contact surface and also contributes to mixing in the waste flow. Thus, the length of the side surface (71) in contact with the waste is further significantly increased per unit flow area. Consequently, the projection (70) imparts even greater shear to the waste. This measure causes the side surface (71) to act in providing roughness, thereby further enhancing pulverization. The roughness increases the degree of pulverization and therefore increases the efficiency and rate of cellulose hydrolysis.

[0025] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary apparatus (1) according to the present invention, showing two or more shafts (20) (here, a plurality thereof) in a first position relative to a channel (10). In Figure 1, the shafts (20) are shown schematicly without showing structural details such as projections (70) in order to simply visualize their exemplary positioning in the apparatus (1). Here, the shafts (20) are in a state where they are introduced into the channel (10) and, when the apparatus (1) is in use, they come into contact with and crush the flow of waste that may be supplied to the channel (10). In other words, the shafts (20) are positioned (here, lowered) to come into contact with the flow of waste flowing through the channel (10) along the flow direction (FD).

[0026] Figure 2 is a front view of the exemplary apparatus shown in Figure 1, along the flow direction. Here, the possible positioning of the exemplary protrusions (70) and their respective shafts (20) is visualized.

[0027] In accordance with the above teachings, the present invention further proposes a method for cellulose hydrolysis. This method can be carried out, for example, by the apparatus (1) described above. All the technical effects and advantageous effects of the possible features of apparatus (1) described herein are effective by this method when each embodiment of apparatus (1) is employed. Therefore, this method can be considered as the use of each embodiment of apparatus (1) relating to this application.

[0028] The proposed method is as follows: - A step of guiding the flow of cellulose-containing waste along the channel (10) in the flow direction (FD), - A step of crushing the waste between the projections (70) that extend radially from each of the two or more shafts (20) that rotate around the axis (A), This includes the operation of

[0029] In any preferred embodiment of the above version of the proposed apparatus (1), two or more shafts (20) may be arranged such that, when the apparatus (1) is in use, each shaft (A) extends along the gravity vector (g) and perpendicular to the flow direction (FD). Figures 1 to 3 constitute an example of such an embodiment. When the apparatus (1) is in use, the waste flow is guided horizontally along the flow direction (FD) substantially perpendicular to the shaft (A), and thus the waste flow is effectively mixed by the shafts (20).

[0030] In any preferred embodiment of the above version of the proposed apparatus (1), two or more shafts (20) are arranged so as to rotate in opposite directions to one or more additional adjacent shafts (20). Thus, the cooperating side surfaces (71) of the two adjacent shafts (20) guide the waste in a direction parallel to the flow direction (70). That is, the waste around the shaft (20) is guided in the flow direction (FD) on the first side of the shaft (20), while on the second side opposite to the first side with respect to the axis (A), the waste is guided in the opposite direction to the flow direction (FD). Thus, flow mixing is induced, increasing the degree of waste treatment.

[0031] In any preferred embodiment of the above version of the proposed apparatus (1), the two or more shafts (20) (e.g., each of them) are arranged to rotate such that each side surface (71) on the projection (20) exhibits a linear velocity other than that of the corresponding complementary surface. In other words, each of the two or more shafts (20) is arranged and rotates such that each side surface (71) on the projection (70) exhibits a relative linear velocity greater than zero with respect to the complementary side surface (71) on the projection (70) of the adjacent shaft (20). This enhances the mixing exerted on the waste flow. Thus, the grinding is enhanced.

[0032] In any embodiment of the above version of the proposed device (1), one or more projections (70) can be fixedly positioned on each shaft (20) across two or more joints (72), thereby providing one or more holes (73) defined between the projections (70) and the shafts (20). This allows waste to pass through these holes (73), increasing the shear exerted on the waste, improving the degree of mixing, and thereby increasing the homogeneity of waste processing. Figure 6 shows an example of such an embodiment in which one or more projections (70) are fixedly positioned on the shafts (20) across two joints (72), thereby giving the projections (70) having each hole (73) a handle-like shape.

[0033] Figure 7 shows an enlarged view of detail J in Figure 6. Referring to Figure 7, the joints (72) between the projection (70) and each shaft (20) can be distributed in different alignments along the axis (A). That is, the first joint (72) may be on a first radial projection on the axis (A), and further joints (72) may be on a second radial projection different from the first radial projection. Thus, the projection (70) can be considered to have a handle-shaped or C-shaped structure connected to the shaft at different positions along the axis (A). In any embodiment of the present invention, the manufacture of the shaft (20) is easy and inexpensive. Considering that the shaft (20) can be made of a metallic material such as steel, the projection (70) can be formed, for example, by welding it at the joint, or simply by attaching it to the shaft (20).

[0034] Referring further to Figure 7, the joints (72) between the projections (70) and each shaft (20) can be distributed along the axis (A) at different angular alignments. That is, with respect to the projection (70), one joint (72) may be located at a first radial position about axis (A), and the other joint (72) may be located at a second radial position about axis (A), where the first radial position is different from the second radial position. As a result, the projection (70) has an inclined arrangement with respect to axis (A). Considering cooperating projections (70) on further adjacent shafts (20), a local guiding force component parallel to axis (A) (i.e., inclined with respect to the flow direction (FD)) is imparted to the waste flow. This enhances the mixing of the waste flow and also enhances the kneading and grinding effects.

[0035] In possible embodiments, the shaft (20) may have a plurality of projections (70) which are commonly aligned in the axial direction and distributed in different radial directions around the axis (A). In other words, the plurality of projections (70) on the shaft (20) may be aligned axially with respect to each other and extend in different radial directions relative to the axis (A). Such a shaft (20) will work effectively for crushing regardless of its instantaneous rotational position. Furthermore, the number of projections (70) may be increased, thus improving the crushing and processing efficiency of the apparatus (1). Such arrangements of projections (70) are illustrated in Figures 2 to 7.

[0036] In one embodiment, one or more pairs of shafts (20) arranged adjacent to each other may be provided with projections (70) that are in mutually overlapping axial alignments.

[0037] More preferably, each shaft (20) of the above set of shafts (20) may be provided with a plurality of projections (70) distributed at equal angles around the axis (A) in the axial alignment. This provides more stable shaft rotation by balancing the weight distribution of the projections (70) around the axis (A). For example, in a group of three projections (70) that are commonly distributed radially around the axis (A) in the axial position, adjacent projections (70) may have a radial angle of about 120° between them. In other words, each shaft (20) of such a set of shafts (20) may be provided with three projections (70) in the axial alignment, which are distributed at an angle of 120 degrees around the axis between adjacent projections (70).

[0038] Preferably, adjacent shafts (20) may have a cooperative set of inclined and radially dispersed projections (70) that are common to one or more axial alignments. For example, each projection (70) may have a first end and a second end that is in a different axial alignment with respect to the axial alignment of the first end, and in a pair of adjacent shafts (20), each projection (70) having overlapping axial alignments is positioned such that, in the stationary position, the distance between their respective first ends is different from the distance between their respective second ends. Figures 2 to 4 show exemplary versions of such embodiments.

[0039] In particular, for cellulosic waste with a high solid load, if the distance between the cooperating projections (70) of two or more shafts perpendicular to their respective axes (A) is less than 0.7 cm, difficulty begins to arise in introducing the waste between the side surface (71) and the corresponding complementary surface. On the other hand, if this distance is longer than 4 cm, shearing becomes insufficient to achieve effective pulverization of the waste. Therefore, when the cooperating projections (70) are positioned at their respective angular positions facing each other, it is preferable that this distance be in the range of 0.7 cm to 4 cm. From the viewpoint of increasing the effectiveness of hydrolysis of cellulosic waste with a high solid load, an optimal zone is found when this distance is in the range of 1.5 cm to 3 cm, which balances easy introduction of waste between the side surface (71) and the corresponding complementary surface with achieving effective shearing.

[0040] If the projection (70) is provided with a recess having a sharp edge or acute angle (for example, greater than 5° over the entire 360° angle), it is further confirmed that cellulose adheres to and fills the recess. This reduces the efficiency of cellulose grinding. Therefore, it is preferable that any recess on the projection (70) has an angle of up to 5°. For example, the recess may be rounded, curved, smoothed, or wavy to avoid the acute angle on the projection (70).

[0041] Given the above background, the term "corresponding complementary surface" corresponds to the respective grinding zones that are closest to each side surface (71) of the projection (70) in terms of the distance defined above.

[0042] In the background of this application, it is assumed that the rows of shafts are aligned along a lateral direction (-y / +y) perpendicular to the flow direction (FD) and also to gravity (g) when the device (1) is in use.

[0043] Any embodiment of the apparatus (1) may include a plurality (e.g., two) of rows arranged along the flow direction (FD), thereby enabling contact between the upstream row and the waste that has already come into contact with the upstream row by the downstream row.

[0044] Such an embodiment of the apparatus (1) may include a plurality (e.g., two) of rows arranged along the flow direction (FD), and considering that this allows contact between the upstream row and the waste already in contact with the upstream row by the downstream row, - Preferably, the axes (A) of the shafts (20) in different rows are positioned to be offset with respect to the flow direction (FD). This feature allows the waste passing through the gaps in the downstream row to be crushed by the subsequent row.

[0045] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, two or more shafts (20) may be mounted on a carrier (30) so that the shafts (20) are fixed relative to each other in the translational direction but movable in the rotational direction.

[0046] In any preferred embodiment of the above version of the proposed apparatus (1), the apparatus (1) comprises two or more shafts (20) and carriers (30) arranged to provide a first translational motion along the flow direction (FD) with respect to the channel (10). Referring to the accompanying drawings, in the context of the present invention, the flow direction (FD) corresponds to the downstream direction (+x) in the direction of -x / +x. Thus, in the first translational motion, the alternating components of the reciprocating motion can be considered as one upstream (+x) motion and the other downstream (-x) motion.

[0047] Translating the shaft (20) in the upstream direction (-x) ensures that multiple parts of the waste are ground only once in a single grinding round. Thus, the uniformity of hydrolysis is increased throughout the channel (10).

[0048] Therefore, a preferred version of this method includes imparting a first translational motion along the flow direction (FD) to the channel (10) to two or more shafts (20). These corresponding measures contributing to the apparatus (1) and method according to the present invention enable the two or more shafts (20) to be guided to impart grinding along the channel (10). Thus, the uniformity of waste treatment is increased. The first translational motion is as follows: i. Translation of two or more shafts (20) along the channel (10) in the flow direction (FD) (i.e., downstream direction (+x)) (for example, during the crushing of each waste), ii. Transfer that returns the two or more shafts (20) mentioned above to the upstream direction (-x) and repeats the translation (for example, a return state to prepare for repeating the crushing state), This is considered a first reciprocating motion that includes [the specified element].

[0049] Figure 1 shows an exemplary apparatus (1) according to this embodiment, showing that two or more shafts (20) are located at the upstream end of the channel (10) and are capable of translating along the channel (10) in the flow direction (FD).

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the carrier (30) is positioned such that the first translational motion of two or more shafts (20) is perpendicular to their respective axes (A). This feature allows for the effective use of the minimum possible height along each axis (A) of the shafts (20).

[0051] In any preferred embodiment of the above version of the proposed apparatus (1), the carrier (30) is arranged to provide a second translational motion to the channel (10) perpendicular to the flow direction (FD) to two or more shafts (20). Thus, the preferred version of the method includes providing a second translational motion to the channel (10) perpendicular to the flow direction (FD) to two or more shafts (20). These corresponding measures contributing to the apparatus (1) and method according to the present invention allow the two or more shafts (20) to be separated from the flow during return transport in the upstream direction, thereby avoiding unwanted frictional losses and obstruction of the flow of waste in the flow direction (FD).

[0052] Referring to the attached drawings, in the background of the present invention, the second translational motion described above occurs in the direction of -z / +z. The direction of -z / +z is perpendicular to the flow direction (FD) in the direction of -x / +x. Therefore, when the device (1) is in use, the alternating components of the reciprocating motion in the second translational motion can be considered as one upward (+z) motion and the other downward (-z) motion.

[0053] Considering that the waste flow is supported by the bottom surface of the channel (10) against gravity (g), the second translational motion is as follows: a) Moving the shaft (20) upward (+z) (i.e., away from the bottom surface of the channel (10)) temporarily withdraws the shaft (20) from the channel, and thus temporarily separates the shaft (20) from the flow, and thereafter, b) Reintroduction of shaft (20) into the channel and therefore into the stream by moving shaft (20) downward (-z) (i.e., towards the bottom surface of channel (10) This is considered a second reciprocating motion, including the following:

[0054] In this context, Figure 1 illustrates the positioning of two or more shafts (20) in a state (first position) where they are introduced (or reintroduced) into the channel (10) by, for example, being extended from a carrier (30). Here, the shafts (20) are translated (introduced, extended, or immersed) within the channel in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction (FD), for example, according to gravity (g). Therefore, in this state, contact is possible between the two or more shafts (20) and the respective waste flow.

[0055] The shaft (20) may be retracted by the carrier (30) and positioned (here, raised) for separation / withdrawal from the waste flowing through the channel (10). Such withdrawal may be performed, for example, by retracting the shaft (20) into the carrier (30). Such positioning can be achieved, for example, before the start of the hydrolysis procedure, during cleaning of the apparatus (1), or at the moment the shaft (20) is returned from the downstream end of the channel (10) so that it is reintroduced into the waste flow at the upstream end of the channel (10).

[0056] The upward movement of the shaft (20) by the carrier (30) makes it possible to avoid contact between the shaft (20) and the flow of each waste, thereby facilitating the first translational motion of the shaft (20) along the flow direction (FD) relative to the channel (10).

[0057] Exemplary details regarding a process using the apparatus (1) described in this application: 1) The shaft (20) can rotate at a very low speed (here, rotational speed), for example, up to 10 rpm. The device (1) may be provided with one or more reduction gears (not shown) for determining / changing the rotational speed of the two or more shafts (20). Thus, high torque can be achieved with low rotational speed. As a result, the mechanical energy consumed by the device (1) may be substantially attributable to grinding. 2) The shaft (20) can be translated along the flow direction (FD) at a very low speed, for example, up to 50 cm / min. 3) The following may be considered: When the shaft (20) protrudes into the channel, the first translational motion in the downstream direction (+x) corresponds to the guidance of waste in the flow direction (FD). The overall linear velocity of the waste flow through channel (10) can be determined by manipulating the velocity of the first translational motion, and thus the residence time can be manipulated. 4) When the shaft (20) reaches the downstream end of the channel as a result of a first translational motion in the downstream direction (+x), the carrier (30) is operable to separate the shaft (20) from the channel (10) by moving the shaft (20) upward (+z) away from its base. The carrier (30) is then operable to translate the shaft (20) upstream (-x). As a result, the shaft (20) can be transported, for example, to the upstream end of the channel (10) and then reintroduced into the channel (10) by moving / translating it downward (-z). 5) As described in item (2) above, the shaft (20) is again translational and corresponds to repeated crushing of waste and propulsion of waste along the flow direction (FD). If unhydrolyzed waste is supplied from the upstream end and a corresponding amount of (at least partially) hydrolyzed waste is discharged (i.e., removed or removed) from the downstream end, then apparatus (1) corresponds to a continuous hydrolysis reactor (in other approaches, the hydrolyzed waste can be reintroduced into channel (10) through the upstream end, in which case apparatus (1) corresponds to a recirculation or semi-batch hydrolysis reactor). 6) Within a predetermined residence time, the iteration can be repeated (e.g., 100-200 times) to impart pulverization to the waste as it flows through the channel (10). Increasing the number of rows allows for an increase in the pulverization rate even if the number of iterations or repetitions decreases. 7) The solid load of cellulosic waste imparts a high internal friction coefficient to the waste, reducing its fluidity. Therefore, the effectiveness of crushing is increased by such a high solid load. In the background of this application, cellulosic waste such as papermaking sludge is considered to have a high solid load when the solid load is in the range of 35% (by weight) to 40% (by weight) of the total weight of the waste. 8) As an indicator of the degree of hydrolysis, viscosity refers to the corresponding degree of decomposition of the polymer cellulose structure at the end of the residence time. Therefore, as hydrolysis proceeds in channel (10), the viscosity of the waste gradually decreases, resulting in a gradual decrease in the effectiveness of grinding. Thus, the effectiveness of grinding (and its contribution to effective hydrolysis) is considered to be at its maximum in the earlier stages of operation of the apparatus (1) and gradually decreases throughout the entire residence time. Grinding is considered to be neither effective nor necessary in the later stages of hydrolysis, when cellulose is almost completely converted to glucose and viscosity reaches its minimum possible value. Therefore, the apparatus (1) and method according to the present invention are considered to be most useful in the "partial hydrolysis" of cellulosic waste with high solid loads, especially waste containing crystalline cellulose. As an example of partial hydrolysis, the waste flow may have an average glucose number of 10,000 when it enters the apparatus (1), and may be hydrolyzed throughout the entire residence time until the average glucose monomer number of cellulose molecules decreases to the range of 5 to 5,000. In other words, hydrolysis may be carried out in a partial range such that the waste flow, upon discharge from the apparatus (1), has an average number of glucose monomers in the range of 5 to 5000, preferably 1000 or less, for example, 100 cellulose molecules. 9) In order to carry out hydrolysis during the residence time, each method is considered to involve the introduction of one or more enzymes (cellulases) or one or more cellulose-degrading microorganisms / bacteria (e.g., Cellulomonas fimi or Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) into the waste to be processed in apparatus (1). 10) The apparatus (1) may include one or more heating means and one or more temperature sensors, preferably communicating with a temperature controller, in order to adjust the waste temperature to an optimal level for hydrolysis. 11) Along with the crushing function, the protrusions are considered to constitute a mixing means that contributes to improving the uniformity of the waste in the channel (10). [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1 device 10 channels 20 shafts 30 Carriers 70 protrusions 71 Side view 72 Joint 73 holes A-axis FD flow direction g gravity +x downstream direction -x upstream direction -y / +y lateral direction +z upward direction -z downward direction

Claims

1. Apparatus (1) for use in cellulose hydrolysis, A channel (10) for guiding the flow of cellulose-containing waste in the flow direction (FD), Two or more shafts (20) are arranged to rotate around their respective axes (A) which are parallel to each other, Equipped with, The apparatus comprises two or more shafts (20) including one or more projections (70) extending radially from the axis (A).

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a recess is provided on the side surface (71) of the projection (70).

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the two or more shafts (20) are arranged such that when the apparatus (1) is in use, each of their axes (A) extends along the gravity vector (g) and perpendicular to the flow direction (FD).

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each of the two or more shafts (20) is arranged to rotate in a direction opposite to that of one or more adjacent shafts.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each of the two or more shafts (20) is arranged and rotates such that each of the two or more shafts (20) exhibits a relative linear velocity greater than zero with respect to a complementary side surface (71) on a projection (70) of an adjacent shaft (20).

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the one or more projections (70) are fixedly arranged on each of the shafts (20) across two or more joints.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the joints between the projection (70) and each shaft (20) are distributed in different alignments along the axis (A).

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the shaft (20) is provided with a plurality of protrusions (70), the plurality of protrusions (70) are commonly provided in an axial alignment and are distributed in different radial directions with respect to the axis (A).

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein one or more pairs of shafts (20) arranged adjacent to each other are provided with projections (70) in mutually overlapping axial alignments.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein each shaft (20) of the set of shafts (20) is provided with a plurality of protrusions (70) in axial alignment, and the plurality of protrusions (70) are distributed at equal angles with respect to the axis (A).

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein each shaft (20) of the set of shafts (20) is provided with three projections (70) in axial alignment, the three projections (70) being adjacent to each other with respect to the axis and dispersed at an angle of 120 degrees between them.

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein one or more of the projections (70) are arranged at an inclination with respect to the axis (A).

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein each projection (70) comprises a first end and a second end which is in a different axial alignment with respect to the axial alignment of the first end, and in a pair of adjacent shafts (20), each projection (70) having overlapping axial alignments is arranged such that, in a stationary position, the distance between each first end is different from the distance between each second end.

14. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a carrier (30) arranged to provide one or more of the shafts (20) with respect to the channel (10) a first translational motion along the flow direction (FD).

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the carrier (30) is arranged such that the first translational motion of one or more shafts (20) is perpendicular to each of their respective axes (A).

16. The apparatus according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the carrier (30) is arranged to provide a second translational motion to one or more shafts (20) along the direction of gravity (g) when the apparatus (1) is in use.

17. A method for hydrolyzing cellulose, A step of guiding the flow of cellulose-containing waste along the channel (10) in the flow direction (FD), The steps include crushing the waste between projections (70) that extend radially from each axis (A) of two or more shafts (20) that rotate around an axis (A), A method that includes the operation.

18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising providing one or more of the shafts (20) with respect to the channel (10) a first translational motion along the flow direction (FD).

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, further comprising providing one or more of the shafts (20) with a second translational motion perpendicular to the flow direction (FD) with respect to the channel (10).

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