The presently disclosed subject matter relates to an industrial system for processing various plant materials to produce marketable materials. Particularly, the system integrates subcritical water extraction technology and includes a pre-processing module and a two-stage extractor (processing module) with constant control of temperature, pressure, and/or residence time. In some embodiments, the final product of the disclosed system can include feedstock constituents for biofuel production (sugars and/or oil), biochar, raw materials for various industries (such as pulp for manufacturing paper or cellulose for use in various industries). The disclosed system can be modular or non-modular, stationary or mobile, and can include prefabricated elements with programmed automatic or manual operation so that it can be easily moved and/or assembled on site.

A method and an arrangement for generating process steam at a chemical pulp mill. Water is heated by subjecting it to an indirect heat exchange contact with steam in a heat exchanger. The water is heated with live steam produced in a steam boiler for generating process steam, whereby the live steam is condensed and the generated condensate is recovered. The process steam is subjected to a direct heat exchange contact with a material for heating the material. The water used for process steam production is obtained from secondary condensates, purified waste water and/or raw water. Process steam can be used in the treatment of cellulosic fibrous material, such as chips.

Described herein is a method for upcycling single use paper cups into value-added products such as loose fibre insulation as well as paper-plastic composite materials which can be tailored to be used for example as construction products such as flooring, decking, siding or cabinet films. This recycling-based technology reduces dependence on petroleum-based materials such as plastic resins for example, for production of flooring, decking and siding of wood-plastic composites with employing recycled paper cup content in composite materials.

Described herein is a method for upcycling single use paper cups into value-added products such as loose fibre insulation as well as paper-plastic composite materials which can be tailored to be used for example as construction products such as flooring, decking, siding or cabinet films. This recycling-based technology reduces dependence on petroleum-based materials such as plastic resins for example, for production of flooring, decking and siding of wood-plastic composites with employing recycled paper cup content in composite materials.

A refiner disc of a refiner for refining of lignocellulosic material has an active surface configured to face another refiner disc when used in the refiner. active surface comprises a pattern of bars and grooves disposed in a plurality of pattern areas. The pattern areas are positioned side by side with each other to cover at least a part of the active surface.

A refiner disc of a refiner for refining of lignocellulosic material has an active surface configured to face another refiner disc when used in the refiner. active surface comprises a pattern of bars and grooves disposed in a plurality of pattern areas. The pattern areas are positioned side by side with each other to cover at least a part of the active surface.

The presently disclosed subject matter relates to an industrial system for processing various plant materials to produce marketable materials. Particularly, the system integrates subcritical water extraction technology and includes a pre-processing module and a two-stage extractor (processing module) with constant control of temperature, pressure, and/or residence time. In some embodiments, the final product of the disclosed system can include feedstock constituents for biofuel production (sugars and/or oil), biochar, raw materials for various industries (such as pulp for manufacturing paper or cellulose for use in various industries). The disclosed system can be modular or non-modular, stationary or mobile, and can include prefabricated elements with programmed automatic or manual operation so that it can be easily moved and/or assembled on site.

The presently disclosed subject matter relates to an industrial system for processing various plant materials to produce marketable materials. Particularly, the system integrates subcritical water extraction technology and includes a pre-processing module and a two-stage extractor (processing module) with constant control of temperature, pressure, and/or residence time. In some embodiments, the final product of the disclosed system can include feedstock constituents for biofuel production (sugars and/or oil), biochar, raw materials for various industries (such as pulp for manufacturing paper or cellulose for use in various industries). The disclosed system can be modular or non-modular, stationary or mobile, and can include prefabricated elements with programmed automatic or manual operation so that it can be easily moved and/or assembled on site.

Some variations provide a new nanolignocellulose composition comprising, on a bone-dry, ash-free, and acetyl-free basis, from 35 wt % to 80 wt % cellulose nanofibrils, cellulose microfibrils, or a combination thereof, from 15 wt % to 45 wt % lignin, and from 5 wt % to 20 wt % hemicelluloses. The hemicelluloses may contain xylan or mannan as the major component. Novel properties arise from the hemicellulose content that is intermediate between high hemicellulose content of raw biomass and low hemicellulose content of conventional nanocellulose. The nanolignocellulose composition is hydrophobic due to the presence of lignin. Processes for making and using the nanolignocellulose compositions are also described.

Various processes are disclosed for producing nanocellulose materials following steam extraction or hot-water digestion of biomass. Processes are also disclosed for producing nanocellulose materials from a wide variety of starting pulps or pretreated biomass feedstocks. The nanocellulose materials may be used as rheology modifiers in many applications. Water-based and oil-based drilling fluid formulations and additives are provided. Also, water-based and oil-based hydraulic fracturing fluid formulations and additives are provided. In other embodiments, polymer-nanocellulose composites are provided.