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Abstract

The invention concerns a procedure for recovery of soluble carbohydrates present in wood, in connection with the alkaline cellulose digesting process. According to the invention, recovery of carbohydrates takes place at the initial phase of the cellulose digesting process, where the digesting solution contains dissolved polysaccharides in abundance, while the content of polymeric lignin in the solution is low. A situation like this exists at the stage when the digesting solution has not yet reached the temperature at which the digestion process mainly takes place. As taught by the invention, the carbohydrates are recovered by conducting digesting solution to an ultrafilter, which separates the carbohydrates therefrom, and by returning the filtered solution to the cellulose digestion. The carbohydrates that are obtained may be used e.g. in the manufacturing of sugar alcohols, or as raw materials for biotechnical processes.

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First Claim