Method for increasing nutrition value of animal forage

Abstract

A method for increasing the nutritional value of forage used for animal feed includes exposing the forage to a vapor of methytrichlorosilane MTS in a heated environment, the MTS reacts with water moisture in the forage to form hydrochloric acid and then introducing a vapor of anhydrous ammonia which reacts with the hydrochloric acid to form and diffusely distribute ammonia chloride onto and through forage material.

Description

[0001] Attorney Docket: B1194-PAPC-02 Method For Increasing Nutrition Value Of Animal Forage CLAIM OF PRIORITY The present Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) application includes subject matter disclosed in and claims priority to provisional patent application entitled “Method For Increasing Nutrition Value Of Animal Forage” filed December 27, 2023 and assigned Serial No.63 / 615,026; and includes subject matter disclosed in U.S. patent application Serial No.18 / 438,044, filed February 9, 2024, describing inventions made by the present inventor, and both herein incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present disclosure relates to a method for increasing the nutritional value of forage used for animal feed. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a method of adding ammonium chloride to bagasse and other animal forages to increase its nutritional value. 2. Description of Related Art The U. S. sugar cane industry is located in the tropical and subtropical regions of Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. Except for Hawaii, where sugar cane production takes place year-round, sugar mills operate seasonally from two to five months per year. Sugar cane (saccharum officinarum) is a large grass with a bamboo-like stalk that grows eight to fifteen feet (two to five meters) tall. Only the stalk contains sufficient sucrose for processing into sugar. All other parts of the sugar cane (i.e., leaves, top growth, and roots) are termed “trash” and often treated as a waste product. The objective of harvesting is to deliver the sugar cane to the mill with a minimum of trash or other extraneous material. The cane trash is normally burned in the field to remove a major portion of the trash and to control insects and rodents. The three most common methods of harvesting of sugar cane are hand cutting, machine cutting, and mechanical raking. The cane that is delivered to a particular sugar mill will vary in trash and dirt content depending on the harvesting method and weather conditions. Attorney Docket: B1194-PAPC-02 Inside the mill, cane preparation for extraction usually involves washing the cane to remove trash and dirt, chopping, and then crushing. Juice is extracted in the milling portion of the plant by passing the chopped and crushed cane through a series of grooved rolls. The cane remaining after milling is bagasse. Bagasse is the matted cellulose fiber residue from sugar cane that has been processed in a sugar mill. Sugar cane bagasse (SCB) is an abundant byproduct of the sugar and ethanol industry. SCB is generally used as a fertilizer or is disposed of in landfills, which has led to intensified environmental concerns. Sugarcane bagasse (SCB) is a biomass of agricultural waste obtained from sugarcane processing that has been found in abundance globally. Due to its practical abundance, researchers have been harnessing this biomass for numerous applications such as in energy and environmental sustainability. Bagasse has been used by the sugar industry as a fuel source. Plantations, where irrigation requirements are minor, have always had an excess supply of bagasse. Since 1969, in response to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requirements, numerous plantations have enlarged their boiler capacity as a means of bagasse disposal. Bagasse as a by-product of sugar industry is the heterogeneous fibrous residue that remains after sugarcane stalks are crushed for sugar extraction. Dry bagasse consists of approximately 45% cellulose, 28% hemicellulose, 20% lignin, 5% sugar, 1% minerals, and 2% ash. Bagasse is similar in component to wood except that it has high moisture content. Thus, it is currently used as a biofuel and in the manufacture of pulp and paper products, filler for building materials and as a substrate for growing mushrooms. Considering the fact that much more bagasse is available than utilized for energy production, further value creation might be possible. Previously, bagasse was burned as a means of solid waste disposal. It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a method and system for achieving recovery and recycling of the bagasse. It is a further object of the present invention to improve or transform biomass for agricultural feed. These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art as the description thereof proceeds. Attorney Docket: B1194-PAPC-02 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a system for the treatment or enhancement of an organic compound, such as bagasse, by exposure to gaseous material, preferably a silane. The organic compound is exposed to gaseous material. Preferably the gas is methyltrichlorosilane (MTS). The system may include an input hopper and a track to drive the bagasse material for treatment. Untreated bagasse enters a channel, preferably a trommel. The bagasse is preferably continually exercised / churned / tossed / agitated by internal flights or other mechanism to stir the mixture. The trommel is preferably a revolving tubular / cylindrical sieve, preferably with flights or other tossing / agitating systems. The trommel may be surrounded by a tubular sleeve or sheeting to prevent gas loss. Preferably the trommel is only 10-20% full of bagasse with the remaining volume occupied by air and gases. The bagasse may be heated to evaporate water vapor within the system. A source of the gas is applied early, soon after the entry of the bagasse and mixed with the tossed bagasse for treatment. Untreated bagasse enters the trommel, begins treatment, and is exited through an outlet on the far side. The outlet may include a dust or gas curtain. Gas may be recycled by pumping from near the exit back to near the entry within the trommel. Bagasse is treated instantaneously through exposure to the gas. Treated bagasse, with a higher solid nitrogen component, is sent out of the trommel and into a storage bin or other catch. The treated bagasse can then be used as animal feed. The present invention also includes a method for the treatment or enhancement of an organic compound by exposure to gaseous material. The material is fed into a stage where it may be exposed to a gas, preferably MTS. The treated material exits the treatment stage and can be recovered as a treated material with enhanced attributes, such as higher nutrition, nitrogen, or ammonium, or amino acid content. Excess moisture may be removed from the organic material during the process, preferably by heating. The moisture and resulting water vapor may interact with the gas to help form nitrogen compound deposits on the bagasse. The bagasse may be dried before exposure to the treatment gas. The drying may be set immediately before entry to the trommel, or may be a first stage within the trommel prior to exposure to gas. In the trommel, the gas may react with water vapor to activate or use as catalysis when contacting the bagasse. Attorney Docket: B1194-PAPC-02 The treated organic material may be used directly or mixed with a filler, or further enhancement and used as animal forage (feed).

[0002] Attorney Docket: B1194-PAPC-02 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will be described with greater specificity and clarity with reference to the following drawings, in which: Fig.1 illustrates a side view diagram of a single trommel treatment system and process of an embodiment of the present invention. Fig.2 illustrates a cross-sectional side view diagram of the treatment system shown in Fig.1. Fig.3 illustrates a side view diagram of a dual trommel chamber treatment system of an embodiment of the present invention. Fig.4 illustrates a cross-sectional side view diagram of the treatment system shown in Fig.3. Fig.5 is a flow-chart diagram of a process of an embodiment of the present invention. Fig.6 is a flow-chart diagram of an alternative process of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0003] Attorney Docket: B1194-PAPC-02 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present disclosure describes a method of increasing the nutritional value of forages commonly used as animal feed, and particularly animal feed for ruminants such as cattle. The method is applicable to any bulk forage that is commonly used as feed for animals, however the disclosure herein will describe the method as related to bagasse. Bagasse as organic material useful in this invention may be sourced as dry pulpy fibrous material that remains after crushing sugarcane or sorghum stalks to extract their juice. It is used as a biofuel for the production of heat, energy, and electricity, and in the manufacture of pulp and building materials. Agave bagasse is similar, and useful, as remnant from extracting blue agave sap. Most any organic materials including cellulose fibers, such as bagasse, may be useful in the present invention. Ammonium Chloride is a highly effective source of nitrogen, an essential nutrient for protein synthesis in animals. As a source of nitrogen, Ammonium Chloride supports protein synthesis, which is vital for the growth and development of animals. It is particularly beneficial in the diets of ruminants like cattle and sheep, where it helps prevent common health issues such as urinary calculi. NH4Cl is often added to feed formulations to ensure that livestock receive the necessary nutrients to support their growth, reproduction, and overall health. Ammonium Chloride is also used to maintain the acid-base balance in animal diets. A proper balance is crucial for various physiological processes, including digestion and metabolism. By ensuring that the diet is not overly alkaline, Ammonium Chloride helps maintain optimal conditions for nutrient absorption and overall health. By providing a readily available source of nitrogen, Ammonium Chloride supports protein synthesis, which is essential for growth and muscle development in livestock. This leads to improved weight gain, higher milk production, and overall better performance in animals. Anhydrous ammonia is mixed with HCl to provide ammonium chloride precipitation: NH3(g) + HCl (g) -> NH4Cl(s). When ammonia is mixed with hydrochloric acid a neutralization of base and acid occurs, producing ammonium chloride which appears as a white smoke due to the solid particles forming in the air when the gases are mixed. Attorney Docket: B1194-PAPC-02 Saturating bagasse with HCl gas before subjecting it to dilute acid hydrolysis can make cellulose more susceptible to hydrolysis, which can double the glucose yield. HCl gas can make cellulose more susceptible to acid hydrolysis. HCl gas can deconstruct the macrostructure of bagasse while preserving its cellular structure. The initial moisture content of the bagasse plays a key role in the hydrolysis process. The bagasse can be methanolized with HCl gas to produce methylxylosides, which can be converted to xylose and furfural. In some embodiments the bagasse is initially treated with HCl source (e.g., MTS) to begin this softening. In a preferred embodiment, the treatment of the bagasse with ammonia first, in the absence of HCl is begun, thereafter introducing HCl gas to the saturated bagasse / ammonia mixture. The method takes advantage of the reaction between silicon-hydrogen compounds, such as silanes, silanides, silylenes, etc. (SiHx) (generally referred to as “silanes”), and water to form hydroxysilanes (or hydrosilanes, e.g. phenylsilane (PhSiH3), triethoxysilane ((C2H5O)3SiH), etc.). Thus, the method to be effective requires the presence of some moisture in the forage. Too much moisture in the forage may, however, frustrate optimally efficient application of the method. Therefore, it may be desirable in some instances to dry the materials to lower the moisture content to between about 2% to about 40%, prior to gas exposure. According to one implementation of the invention, forage materials (e.g. bagasse) having moisture content as mentioned is immersed in an inert gas that creates an environment in which the silane vapors can be safely introduced while avoiding volatility and safety concerns. Suitable inert gases include without limitation nitrogen, carbon monoxide, helium, carbon dioxide, argon, etc. The forage is then heated in the channel to a first temperature of between about 180°F and about 250° F (82° C to 121° C) and exposed to a vapor of silane, preferably methytrichlorosilane (CH₃SiCl₃, MTS) until the MTS reacts with water moisture present in the materials to form hydrochloric acid, HCl. MeSiCl3+ 3 H2O → MeSi(OH)3+ 3 HCl. (Me ~ CHx) (For the purposes of this disclosure, while reference to the preferred silane, MTS, is used, other silanes may be substituted or combined). (Resultant silanol Si-O-H compounds, organosilanol(s), are either left in the treated goods, or removed). In one implementation of the invention the first Attorney Docket: B1194-PAPC-02 temperature range is between about 180° F and about 250° F (82° C to 121° C). MTS vaporizes at approximately 150° F or 66° C, thus immediately begins vaporization when introduced to the channel. The tumbling and agitation facilitate vaporization of MTS and production of gaseous HCl. One particular advantage of the method is that HCl associates strongly with the water moisture which is diffusely present throughout the forage which results in the HCl also being diffusely distributed throughout the forage material. After treatment with MTS, the forage is exposed to a vapor of anhydrous ammonia, NH3, which penetrates the forage material and reacts with the HCl to create ammonium chloride, [NH₄]Cl. The result of the treatment is that ammonium chloride is produced in and diffusely distributed throughout the forage. Applicants have determined that the pH of the material after treatment is not significantly different than that of the untreated material. Residual HCl can be scrubbed using well understood technologies or it will react or evaporate naturally within a relatively short time. Resultant silanetriol or silanols can be unstable and may eventually condense to give a polymer network: MeSi(OH)3 → MeSiO1.5 + 1.5 H2O. The silanols may be scrubbed, allowed to fall out of a mesh network in the trommel structure, or remain in the processed forage. The amount of ammonium chloride resident in the forage is directly proportional to the amount of MTS introduced to a volume of bagasse. Applicant has determined that 1 mL of MTS yields 3 mL of HCl assuming adequate moisture content in the forage. HCl in turn combines with an equal amount of anhydrous ammonia resulting in double the weight of ammonium chloride. For example, every 3 mL of HCl will combine with 3 mL of anhydrous ammonia to create 6 mL of ammonium chloride. Therefore, by controlling how much MTS the forage is exposed to, the amount of ammonium chloride in the resulting, product forage can be controlled. An advantage to the method is that the nutritional value of forage can be increased by preselected percentages. Accordingly, forages of different nutritional values can be made to feed specifications such as ten percent, twenty percent, and thirty percent ammonia chloride, as may be needed for different stages of development of livestock. As the bagasse is treated, the ammonium content in the bagasse increased and the nutritional content of the bagasse as useful Attorney Docket: B1194-PAPC-02 for animal forage is increased. Thus, the refuse bagasse may be converted into a useful feed source. In the processing, bagasse is fed into hopper or trommel or like conveyor. Bagasse is tumbled via paddles, and conveyor preferably includes an enclosed pathway. The enclosed pathway may include a coved trommel, and more preferably a series of stages all under enclosure to prevent gases from escaping. In a preferred embodiment each stage is isolated from another, as may be possible with the bagasse being transferred between stages, often through dust curtains. Preferably, the gas in each stage is introduced towards (and just past) the entry way, and recycled by a vacuum or otherwise from a point near the end of the stage to move the remnant gas back to the start of the stage. Bagasse fed into the initial end opening, preferably via gravity from a pile or truck, and may be onto a conveyor belt. As bagasse travels down conveyor, it is tumbled. Shortly after the entrance, a fluid entry pathway provides access to input liquid silanes into the channel with the bagasse. The liquid MTS quickly vaporizes in the channel and is mixed, in gaseous form, with the tumbling organic material. Anhydrous ammonium may be inserted in the channel, or in a second / further stage. As the product flows, the pressure in the system draws the gas along with the physically tumbled or moving organic material. After exposure for a few seconds, or up to one-minute, organic material as improved for animal feed exits the further end, preferably through a curtain. The amount of gas provided relative to the volume and mass of organic material impacts the percentage of ammonium in the final enhanced product. Methyltrichlorosilane (MTS), also known as trichloromethylsilane, is a monomer and organosilicon compound with the formula CH3SiCl3. It is a colorless liquid with a sharp odor similar to that of hydrochloric acid. Methyltrichlorosilane is used in production of methyl silicone resins, its vapor reacts with water on surfaces to give a thin layer of methylpolysiloxane which makes it a water-repellent film. MTS is flammable and releases poisonous gases. As methyltrichlorosilane is a reactive compound, it is mainly used as a precursor for forming various cross-linked siloxane polymers. Silanes useful in practicing the disclosed method include, without limitation: Methyltrichlorosilane, CH3SiCl3; (chloromethyl) trichlorosilane, C2H4Cl4Si; 3- Attorney Docket: B1194-PAPC-02 (heptafluoroisoproxy)propyl trichlorosilane (CF3)2C(F)O(CH2)3SiCl3; 1,6- bis(trichlorosilyl)hexane, Cl3Si(CH2)6SiCl3; 3-bromopropyltrichlorosilane, Br(CH2)3SiCl3or Br(CH2)3OSi(CH3)2C(CH3)3; allylbromodimethylsilane, C5H11BrSi; allyltrichlorosilane, H2C=CHCH2SiCl3; bromomethylchlorodimethylsilane, BrCH2Si(CH3)2Cl; bromothimethylsilane, (CH3)3SiBr; chloro(chloromethyl)dimethylsilane, ClCH2Si(CH3)2Cl; chlorodiisopropyloctylsilane, CH3(CH2)7Si[CH(CH3)2]2Cl; chlorodiisopropylsilane, [(CH3)2CH]2SiHCl; chlorodimethylethylsilane, C2H5Si(CH3)2Cl; DMCS; chlorodimethylphenylsilane, C6H5Si(CH3)2Cl; chlorodimethylsilane, (CH3)2SiHCl; chlorodiphenylmethylsilane, CH3Si(C6H5)2Cl; chlorotriethylsilane, (C2H5)3SiCl; chlorotrimethylsilane, (CH3)3SiCl; dichloromethylsilane, CH3SiHCl2; dichloromethylvinylsilane, H2C=CHSi(CH3)Cl2; diphenyldichlorosilane, (C6H5)2SiCl2; di-t- butylchlorosilane, [(CH3)3C]2SiHCl; ethyltrichlorosilane, C2H5Cl3Si; lodotrimethylsilane, (CH3)3SiI; phentyltrichlorosilane, C6H5SiCl3; trichloro(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)silane, CF3CH2CH2SiCl3; trichloro(dichloromethyl)silane, Cl2CHSiCl3; and trichlorovinylsilane, H2C=CHSiCl3, etc. An important advantage of the method is that methyltrichlorosilane can be procured at low-cost and is readily available whereas ammonium chloride is much more expensive. The method thus enables introduction of ammonium chloride in a forage at greatly reduced cost. Types of forage materials that can benefit from the treatment described above include corn stalks, barley stalks, wheat stalks and other crop residues. It is generally understood that livestock can just maintain body condition with such crop residues but increasing the nutritional value of such secondary crop materials could provide a readily available and abundant source of nutrition for livestock. A process flow diagram for the method is described herein. The bagasse may be moved on a feed roll, uptake roll, or conveyor belt, through a processing chamber where the forage is treated. In other instances, additional steps, treatments, or processes may occur before, after, or between what is described above. The treatment system 1 may introduce bagasse may be supplied in container 2. Bagasse material 5 flows on an optional platform 3, or bottom of Attorney Docket: B1194-PAPC-02 container, along angled pathway 4 to an entry 12 of trommel 10. Pathway may take the form of a conveyor belt. Any hollow tube or channel is useful for the trommel of the present invention, however, a cylindrical trommel with flights 11 is preferred. Trommel may include a sealed exterior, or as is normal, a perforated shell. Sealing the trommel is preferred to ensure no / minimal gas loss, and for the safety of personnel operating the equipment (outside of trommel) who may not be otherwise protected from noxious gases. Trommel 10 may have flights 11 that are mounted onto internal walls 13 of the trommel. As the trommel is rotated the flights serve to toss or agitate the solid bagasse material 5 therein. Untreated bagasse 5A enters entry 12. Soon thereafter, an inlet 23 for the gaseous material, such as MTS (preferably stored in liquid form in tank 20 (supplied through bung or sealed opening 21). Opening 21 may serve as a pressure-vacuum vent 27 or one-way valve vent to allow inflow of ambient air to fill volume as stored liquid / gas for treatment is drawn out. Gas / liquid for treatment may be forced at a set rate via a motor pump (not shown). The treatment fluid leaves the tank 20 through tube 22 to opening at inlet 23. As the liquid (or gas) falls on into the trommel 10, the liquid vapor pressure may cause the liquid to gasify / vaporize. Preferably, gravity is used to draw the treatment fluid from tank into the trommel to expose to the bagasse to the gas in the trommel. The (anhydrous) ammonia is preferably added to the line upstream (or before) the MTS is added. A second tank may be set on the trommel or channel either in a single continuous chamber, or in separate isolated stages. The second tank preferably introduces a source of ammonia, preferably liquid anhydrous ammonia. Anhydrous ammonia may be initially contained under pressure as a liquefied, compressed gas, or in a refrigerated tank. The vapors of the ammonia gas then may contact surfaces and surface area of agitated bagasse as the bagasse moves 6 through / in trommel 10. The gases react with the bagasse and form new compounds within the trommel. Treated bagasse 5B leaves trommel 10 through exit way 14 with optional curtain on support 15 (preferably a conveyor belt), and treated bagasse 5B flows 16 into a container. Bagasse may be moved with gravity, via an motorized conveyor, or other system known in the art. For example, before entering the first chamber the cellulose material may be in a storage Attorney Docket: B1194-PAPC-02 area or treatment area in which the forage material is dried or arrives at a moisture content level in a desired range such as 10%-30% or 10%-20%. By way of example, green or fresh wood chips freshly formed from lumber or wood may have a moisture content at or about 50% and will be dried or cured until the moisture content level is in a range of 10%-30% or 10%-20%. Moisture content of wood (cellulose material, or bagasse) is equal to the weight of the water in the wood divided by the weight of the wood without the water. Moisture Content % = (weight of water / ovendry weight of wood) x 100. Furthermore, after the treatment, the bagasse may be moved on to additional storage areas or bins, from which they may undergo subsequent processing such as adding molasses for improved taste, salts, vitamins, antibiotics, or other additives. The cellulose material may pass through the treatments described herein and be shown as the treatment apparatus of the system. The cellulose material may be collected on the conveyor, the cellulose material entering a first zone, area, or chamber 1 in which may be an inert zone comprised of first inert gas, such as Nitrogen. The inert gas may be supplied to the first chamber by an inlet zone, nozzle, spigot, perforated pipe or other ingress. An egress or outlet from the first chamber by or through an outlet zone, nozzle, spigot, perforated pipe or other egress. The inlet gas, inlet zone and first vapor outlet zone may comprise one single chamber, and alternatively may comprise or be subdivided into one or more separate chambers separated by a zone divider such as, for example, a curtain or soft baffle. Alternative preferred embodiments of the present inventions include the introduction of anhydrous ammonia after introduction of MTS in the line. In a long flight tube (line) with trommels, the bagasse is instantaneously exposed to MTS. Bagasse enters the line, with MTS added a few feet down the line after the liquid anhydrous ammonia. The MTS begins as a liquid and vaporizes in the heated line. The trommel preferably includes rotating flights and paddle to push the bagasse through as the line rotates. Bagasse may fill as much as 1 / 3 of the volume of the line. In prior embodiments, liquid forms and pentane produces a hydrocarbon. In this embodiment, vapor silane is formed by the MTS exposure and expands significantly. MTS chlorine tabs may be hung on MTS when vaporized and mixed with hydrogen chloride acid Attorney Docket: B1194-PAPC-02 (HCl). When water vapor is added, chloride ions react with the ammonia to form ammonium chloride which is deposited on bagasse on the line. When setting up the line, an inert Nitrogen gas blanket may be used to keep the vaporized MTS gas low in the trommel to prevent escape upwards, and to encourage mixing with the bagasse as it falls. (Nitrogen gas also provides fire safety.) The mixture is preferably a ratio of 1:3 of MTS to HCl. HCl reacts with anhydrous ammonia. The ammonia is preferably added to the line upstream (or before) the MTS is added. As anhydrous ammonia mixes with the bagasse (without the presence of vaporized MTS), the HCl and ammonia penetrate into the bagasse and begin to react with the bagasse to prepare the bagasse to receive, and mix with the MTS, and allows the final product to form along the outer layers of the bagasse to create a feed source. A heater may be used to help dry the bagasse before or initially upon entering the line. The temperature ensures that when added, the MTS is quickly vaporized. Heat is also used to ensure the water in the system is vaporized to fill (portions) of the line to allow the water vapor to react. Oxygen in the line is preferably kept to a minimum, preferably less than 5% by volume, and the Nitrogen gas inserted is managed to keep the gas levels regular. Sensors 28 on the return venting system determine the amount of gas and constituents of the exiting gas to help understand the gas mixture in the trommel. A vacuum air pump 40 in vent return line 37 is preferably placed at the end of the line to capture the gases, the gases from the line through the vacuum can then be directed and fed back into the front of the line through gas tube 41. Sensor 28 may be set along this tube to test the constituents of gases pulled from trommel to determine amount of supplied liquid from tank to trommel. Alternatively, if the sensors detect no active gases (e.g., HCl or ammonia), outgoing air may be vented at sensor to ambient air. Return gas tube may couple with supply tube 22 into trommel, or otherwise run separately, to allow entry of return gasses towards the entry side of trommel. A curtain may be used at the end of the line to allow passage of solid bagasse, while reducing loss of gas from within the line. Flight along the system (tube) is causes by the trommels, and produces a slight air flow in the direction of the line. The resultant Nitrogen-rich food additive is deposited on the bagasse, which is then collected off the line. Bagasse may also include corn and other organic plant waste, especially Attorney Docket: B1194-PAPC-02 those items high in cellulose. As seen in Figs.3-4, a dual trommel system may be used to allow separate addition of MTS and ammonium in two separate chambers 110 and 210. First chamber may include entry 112 and exit 114, while second chamber may include entry 221 and exit 214. First chamber may include a first tank 120 which may release anhydrous ammonium as in a first embodiment, or silane, such as MTS, in an alternative embodiment. Tanks 120 and 220 include Pressure vacuum valve openings 121, and 221, respectively, With supply tubes 122 to gas inlet 123 into first chamber (trommel) 110, and supply tube 222 to gas inlet 223 to second chamber 210. A sensor 28 may be placed on the first chamber to test the gaseous mix toward exit of first chamber – thus guiding a determination of the flow rate from first tank 120. As bagasse passes from first chamber to second chamber, the joint 150 may include a semi-permeable gas curtain, but otherwise, it is expected that gases will pass along with bagasse from first to second chamber through joint. It is contemplated that only second chamber would include a return vent system with sensor, pump and return line to return one or both active gases for further reaction in second / final chamber. In some embodiments where the first reaction in a separate first chamber is important, e.g. significant degradation by HCl, the first chamber may also be outfitted with a return line and pump. As shown in the flow chart of Fig.5, in a first embodiment, bagasse is added to a production line, such as via a chute or onto a conveyor belt, and introduced into a channel (or trommel or the like). The bagasse is preferably agitated or tossed as by a trommel with rotating flights. A source of ammonia, such as liquid or vaporizing anhydrous ammonia, is added to the channel and mixed with the bagasse. The channel preferably being heated to above the boiling point of the active silane. MTS, or another silane, is thereafter added in liquid or vaporizing form into the channel, and tossed with the bagasse and ammonia. As the bagasse is sent down the trommel, the ammonia and HCl mixed, and agitated in the channel. Ammonium chloride is produced and deposited on and into the bagasse. The resultant silanetriol (CH3Si(OH)3or MeSi(OH)3) is either removed, or remains on / with the bagasse. The processed bagasse is then passed out of the channel and deposited (and transported) for use as feed. Attorney Docket: B1194-PAPC-02 As shown in the flow chart of Fig.6, in a second embodiment, bagasse is added to a production line, such as via a chute or onto a conveyor belt, and introduced into a channel (or trommel or the like). The bagasse is preferably agitated or tossed as by a trommel with rotating flights. The channel preferably being heated to above the boiling point of the active silane. MTS, or another silane, is thereafter added in liquid or vaporizing form into the channel and produces HCl in contact with water vapor in the channel. The HCl begins to react with the bagasse. Next, a source of ammonia, such as liquid or vaporizing anhydrous ammonia, is added to the channel and mixed with the bagasse and HCl. The bagasse is tossed with the ammonia and HCl forming precipitating ammonium chloride which is deposited on the bagasse. The resultant silanetriol (CH3Si(OH)3or MeSi(OH)3) is either removed, or remains on / with the bagasse. The processed bagasse is then passed out of the channel and deposited (and transported) for use as feed.

Claims

Attorney Docket: B1194-PAPC-02 AIM:

1. A system for the treatment or enhancement of an organic compound by exposure to gaseous material, said system comprising: a. an organic compound; and b. a gaseous material exposed to the organic compound.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the organic compound exposed to the gaseous material comprises bagasse.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein a gaseous material comprises a silane.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein a gaseous material comprises ammonium.

5. The system of claim 4 wherein the gaseous material comprises MTS.

6. A method for the treatment or enhancement of an organic compound by exposure to at least two gaseous materials, said method comprising the steps of: a. exposing the organic material to a mixture of the at least two gaseous materials.

7. The method of Claim 6 further comprising the step of removing excess moisture from the organic material.

8. The method of Claim 6 further comprising the step of causing ammonium chloride to precipitate onto the organic material.

9. A method of improving animal feed through the addition of ammonium chloride, said method comprising the steps of: a. Providing an untreated bagasse into a channel; b. Adding a first chemical into the channel at a temperature above a boiling point of the first chemical; c. adding a second chemical into the channel with the bagasse at a temperature above a boiling point of the second chemical; d. agitating the bagasse in a combined gas chamber e. removing an improved bagasse with deposits of ammonium chloride set in or thereon.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the first chemical is anhydrous ammonia.Attorney Docket: B1194-PAPC-02 11. The method of claim 9 wherein the second chemical is a silane.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein the second chemical is MTS.

13. The method of claim 9 wherein the first chemical is a silane.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein the bagasse is exposed to HCl created by a reaction of the silane with H2O.

15. The method of claim 13 wherein the first chemical is MTS.

16. The method of claim 9 further comprising the step of drying the bagasse to a moisture content less than 30% prior to said step of adding.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein the step of drying the bagasse is conducted to a moisture content to less than 20%.

Images