SOLVENT PULPING OF BIOMASS
A method and apparatus for solvent pulping of cellulose containing biomass, comprising: a) at least one atmospheric steaming vessel (22) having a first outlet, b) at least one super-atmospheric impregnation vessel (28) operatively connected to the first outlet, and having a second outlet, c) a solvent delignification reactor (80) operatively connected to b) and capable of operating at a pressure of 350 psig or more, and having a third outlet; and a plurality of series connected pressure diffusers (51).