摘要:
A method and apparatus for contacting and reacting fine cellulosic material with acid to produce partly-hydrolyzed cellulose, in which the cellulose is compressed to form higher density material, resulting in reduced consumption of acid and increased uniformity of reaction times. Cellulosic material, such as ground wood pulp, is compressed to reduce the interstitial spaces therein. The compressed material is contacted with an acid, such as sulfuric acid, which is allowed to wick into the interstitial spaces and react with the cellulose to produce partly-hydrolyzed cellulose.