Clifford E. George
Engineering at Mangrove Palm, Starkville, MS
License number
Louisiana PE.0014751
Issued Date
Jan 7, 1975
Expiration Date
Mar 31, 2002
Category
Civil Engineer
Type
Chemical Engineer
Address
Address
203 Mangrove Palm, Starkville, MS 39759
Professional information
Apparatus And Method For Cellulose Processing Using Microwave Pretreatment
US Patent:
5196069, Mar 23, 1993
Filed:
Jul 5, 1991
Appl. No.:
7/728901
Inventors:
Hatice S. Cullingford - Houston TX
Clifford E. George - Starkville MS
George R. Lightsey - Starkville MS
Clifford E. George - Starkville MS
George R. Lightsey - Starkville MS
Assignee:
The United States of America as represented by the United States
National Aeronautics and Space Administration - Washington DC
National Aeronautics and Space Administration - Washington DC
International Classification:
C13K 102, D21C 320, D21C 500
US Classification:
127 37
Abstract:
A method for pretreating a cellulosic waste product with microwaves is disclosed as well as a method and apparatus for converting cellulosic wastes into soluble saccharides. The invention greatly enhances a reaction rate for enzymatic hydrolysis. A feed mixture of cellulose, water and acetic acid are irradiated with microwaves at a superatmospheric pressure in an autoclave reaction vessel and the treated cellulose is enzymatically hydrolyzed in a bioreactor. The acid and enzymes are optionally separated for reuse. As a feed stock for the culture of microbes, the sugars can be further processed into ethanol or food protein. High yield, low hazard potential, low energy usage and ready preparation in space of acetic acid and the enzyme makes the present invention well suited for use on long duration space missions.