Apparatus and process for treatment of biocomponents

Abstract

A process for treatment of biomass materials is disclosed. The treatment comprises of applying mechanical rubbing and crushing action to the biomass materials that result in significant reduction in the biomass particle size. The treatment is carried out in a chamber where the biomass is subjected to the action of a plurality of rotating pins against channels disposed on the chamber interior wall. The maceration of the biomass is further aided by impact from a plurality of blocks and sand particles placed inside the treatment chamber that are hurled into motion inside the chamber through collision with the rotating pins. Chemical catalysts may be used to speed up the maceration. These include aluminum silicate, either an acid or alkaline pretreatment, gaseous urea or urea granules. The treatment produces materials that are beneficial in a variety of applications such as soil erosion prevention, biofuel manufacturing, plant growth substrates and animal bedding.