Increasing the efficiency of the use of the energy of a steam explosion in the processing of lignin-cellulose raw materials

Abstract

An analysis was made of the physical processes occurring during a steam explosion and the exit from the reactor of a stream containing lignocellulosic raw materials and a vapor-liquid medium. It is shown that it is necessary to install a Laval nozzle at the reactor outlet. By selecting the design parameters of the reactor and the Laval nozzle, it is possible to ensure the occurrence of a self-oscillating mode of the vapor-liquid medium in the expanding part of the nozzle. Lignocellulosic raw materials passing through the emerging shocks is subjected to additional impact, which leads to its destruction, an increase in the specific surface area, and, consequently, to an increase in reactivity.