WO2008148941A1

WO2008148941A1 - Apparatus for producing a mixture of ethanol and water

Info

Publication number: WO2008148941A1
Application number: PCT/FI2008/050336
Authority: WO
Inventors: Antti Pasanen; Mikko Ahokas
Original assignee: ST1 Biofuels Oy
Current assignee: ST1 Biofuels Oy
Priority date: 2007-06-07
Filing date: 2008-06-09
Publication date: 2008-12-11
Anticipated expiration: 2009-12-07
Also published as: FI20075422A0

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for a method for producing ethanol. The apparatus comprises a fermentor (6) for receiving fermentable raw material (2), forming a fermentation mixture (8) and feeding a stream of fermentation mixture (8) from the fermentor (6). The apparatus comprises a separator (9) for separating a stream of fermenter beer (10) from said stream of fermentation mixture (8). The apparatus comprises a first evapor ator (13) for evaporating said stream of fermenter beer (10) and separating a stream of mixture of ethanol and water (14). The apparatus comprises a concentrator (17) for concentrating said stream of mixture of ethanol and water (14) to a stream of concentrated mixture of ethanol and water (18). The apparatus comprises a first storage tank (20) for receiving and storing said stream of concentrated mixture of ethanol and water (18). The apparatus comprises a process unit module (21 to 30).

Description

APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING A MIXTURE OF ETHANOL AND WATER

Field of the invention

The invention relates to an apparatus for a method for producing a mixture of ethanol and water as defined in the preamble of independent claim 1.

WO 2006/125854 discloses an ap paratus for producing a mixture of ethanol and water as defined in the preamble of independent claim 1.

WO 2006/125854 discloses an apparatus for a method for producing a mixture of ethanol and water. The method disclosed in WO 2006/125854 includes a fermentation step in a fermentor, in which fermentation step fermentable raw material and necessary auxiliary substances are fed into the fermentor and a fermentation mixture is formed in the fermentor using fermentable raw material and necessary auxiliary substances, and the fermentation mixture is fed from the fermentor. The fermentation step is followed by a separation step in a separator, in which separation step fermentation mixture is fed into the separator , fermenter beer is separated from the fermentati on mixture and fermenter beer is fed from the separator. The separation step is followed by an evaporation step in a first falling film evaporator , in which evaporation step fermenter beer is fed into the first falling film evaporator, fermenter beer is evaporated in the first falling film evaporator to separate mixture of ethanol and water from the fermenter beer and the mixture of ethanol and water is fed from the first falling film evaporator. The evaporation step is followed by a concentration step in a second falling film evaporator, in which concentration step mixture of ethanol and water is fed into the second falling film evaporator, mixture of ethanol and water is evaporated in the second falling film evaporator to separate concentrated mixture of ethanol and water from the mixture of ethanol and water and concentrated mixture of ethanol and water is fed from the second falling film evaporator. The concentration step is followed by a storing step in a storage tank, in which storing step the concentrated mixture of ethanol and water is fed into the storage tank for use storage.

Publication US 2005/0260554 ( Gaalswyk) discloses a modular scalable ethanol production system, comprising: a plurality of small processing tanks disposed in fluid communication with each other to enable the production of ethanol and an automated network including a plurality of input/output points distributed throughout the system. Pre-built modules including the processing tanks and the automated network are assembled together within a complex, with the result being that individual systems function in parallel to create an ethanol production plant of any desired capacity. In this known system each pre -built module of the scalable ethanol production system includes all necessary devices for several chemical unit processes for a full and complete chemical process for the production of ethanol for example from grain. By adding pre -built modules to the system the capacity of the system can be increased.

Objective of the invention

The object of the invention is to improve the apparatus disclosed in the publication WO 2006/125854. More precisely, the object of the invention is to provide an apparatus, which can easily be manufactured in one place, be transported to the site in which the apparatus is meant to be used for production of mixture of ethanol and water, and which apparatus can easi Iy be assembled at the site for production of a mixture of ethanol and water.

Short description of the invention The apparatus of the invention is characterized by the definitions of independent claim 1.

Preferred embodiments of the apparatus are defined in the dependent claims 2 to

24.The invention relates to an apparatus for a method for producing a mixture of ethanol and water. The apparatus comp rises a fermentor for a method step , in other words, for a chemical unit process of receiving fermentable raw material and necessary auxiliary substances and forming a fermentation mixture of fermentable raw material and necessary auxiliary substances and feeding a stream of fermentation mixture from the fermentor. The apparatus comprises also a separator for a method step , in other words, for a chemical unit process of separating a stream of fermenter beer from said stream of fermentation mixture.

The apparatus comprises also a first evaporator for a method step , in other words, for a chemical unit process of evaporating said stream of fermenter beer and separating a stream of mixture of ethanol and water from said stream of fermenter beer.

The apparatus co mprises also a concentrator for a method step , in other words, for a chemical unit process of concentrating said stream of mixture of ethanol and water to a stream of concentrated mixture of ethanol and water.

The apparatus comprises also a first storage t ank for a method step , in other words, for a chemical unit process of receiving and storing said stream of concentrated mixture of ethanol and water. The invention is based on the idea that the apparatus comprises o ne or more process unit modules for performing at least one of the above-mentioned method steps of a method for producing a mixture of ethanol and water. In other words, at least one of the above mentioned process apparatuses (the fermentor, the separator, the first evaporator, the concentrator, or the storage tank) of the apparatus is a part of a process unit module , which is repeatable connectable to the rest of the apparatus and correspondingly repeatable disconnectable from the rest of the apparatus .

In the apparatus of the invention each process unit module of the apparatus comprises the process apparatus or apparatuses for a chemical unit process . The process apparatus or apparatuses of process unit modules can be functionally releasable connected together to form a complete chemical process , which in this context is to produce a mixture of ethanol and water from fermentable raw material and necessary auxiliary substances.

The process unit module comprises a supporting structure for supporting the process apparatus or the process apparatuses of the process unit module . The process unit module forms preferably, but not necessarily, a self supporting structure. An advantage of such self supporting structure is that the process unit module can be placed and supported on a surface, for example the ground without additional supporting. An advantage of such self supporting structure is that the process unit module can be placed and supported on top of another process unit module of the apparatus also being in the form of self supporting structure without additional supporting.

The process unit module comprises mechanical connection means for functionally releasable connecting the process apparatus or the process apparatuses of the process unit module to appropriate other process apparatuses of the ap paratus so that the process apparatus or each process apparatuses of the process unit module can, when functionally connected to appropriate other process apparatuses of the apparatus , perform a method step of the method for producing a mixture of ethanol and water.

Because the process unit module comprises mechanical connection means for functionally releasable connecting the process apparatus or the process apparatuses of the process unit module to appropriate other process apparatuses , can the process unit module be repeatable connected and disconnected from the apparatus.

Because the apparatus comprises at least one process unit module , the apparatus can be transported disassembled in parts to the site where the apparatus is meant to be used and the apparatus can be assembled at the site to be used at the site for the production of a mixture of ethanol and water of fermentable raw material and necessary auxiliary substances. The site can for example be a plant for food production , where such waste is generated as a by- product of the food production , which waste can be used as fermentable raw material in the apparatus for the method for producing a mixture of ethanol and water .

The complete apparatus consists preferably, but not necessarily, of process unit modules and each process unit module of the apparatus of the invention comprises preferably, but not necessarily, only one of the process apparatuses, in other words, only one of the fermentor, the separator, the first evaporator, the concentrator, and t he storage tank. Such arrangement, where the complete apparatus consists of process unit module s and where each process unit module comprises only one process apparatus, allows to divide the apparatus into smaller process unit module s, which are for exampl e easy to transport to the site in which the apparatus is to be used.

In a preferred embodiment of the apparatus each of the fermentor, the separator, the first evaporator, the concentrator, and the storage tank are parts of separate process unit modules, which separate process unit modules are functionally releasable connectable to each other to form an apparatus for a method of producing a mixture of ethanol and water . In a preferred embodiment of the invention the apparatus comp rises ten separate process unit modules, which each comprise process apparatuses for performing method steps of a method for producing a mixture of ethanol and water and which process apparatuses of the separate process unit module s are functionally releasable connectable to each other to form an apparatus for producing a mixture of ethanol and water : 1) a feeding module comprising a feeding and mixing unit and a first supporting structure for supporting the feeding and mixing unit , the feeding and mixing unit of the feeding module being configured for a method step of receiving fermentable raw material, the fermentable raw material being selected from sugars and raw materials capable of being hydrolyzed into fermentable sugars, and for fine dividing fermentable raw material and for mixing fine divided fermentable raw material with a fluid, such as distilled water, and for feeding dissolved fine divided fermentable raw material from the feeding and mixing unit of the feeding module ;

2) a hydrolyzing module comprising a hydrolyser and a second supporting structure for supporting the hydrolyser, the hydrolyser of the hydrolyzing module being configured for a method step of receiving dissolved fine divided fermentable raw material from the feeding and mixing unit of the feeding module and hydrolyzing said fermentable raw material at least partly into fermentable sugars and feeding the hydrolyzed fine divided fermentable raw material from the hydrolyser of the hydrolyzing module ;

3) a fermentor module comprising a fementor and a third supp orting structure for supporting the fermentor, the fermentor being configured for a method step of receiving hydrolyzed fine divided fermentable raw material from the hydrolyser of the hydrolyzing module and for receiving necessary auxiliary substances and for forming fermentation mixture of hydrolyzed fine divided fermentable raw material and necessary auxiliary substances and for feeding a stream of fermentation mixture from the fermentor of the fermentor module ; 4) a separator module comprising a separator and a fourth supporting structure for supporting the separator, the separator being configured for a method step of receiving fermentation mixture from the fermentor of the fermentor module and for separating a stream of fermenter beer from said stream of fermentation mixture and for feeding a stream of fermenter beer from the separator of the separator module ; 5) an evaporator and concentrator module comprising a first evaporator and a concentrator and a fifth supporting structure for supporting the fir st evaporator and the concentrator, the first evaporator being configured for a method step of receiving a stream of fermenter beer from the separator of the separator module and for evaporating said stream of fermenter beer and separating a stream of mixt ure of ethanol and water from said stream of fermenter beer and for feeding a stream of mixture of ethanol and water from the first evaporator of the evaporator and concentrator module to the concentrator of the evaporator and concentrator module, the concentrator being configured for a method step of receiving a stream of mixture of ethanol and water from the first evaporator of the evaporator and concentrator module and concentrating said stream of mixture of ethanol and water and separating a stream of concentrated mixture of ethanol and water from said stream of mixture of ethanol and water and for feeding a stream of concentrated mixture of ethanol and water from the concentrator of the concentrator module ;

6) a first storage tank module comprising a fi rst storage tank and sixth supporting structure for supporting the first storage tank, the first storage tank of the first storage tank module being configured for a method step of receiving a stream of concentrated mixture of ethanol and water from the concentrator of the evaporator and concentrator module and storing said concentrated mixture of ethanol and water ;

7) a second storage tank module comprising a second storage tank and seventh supporting structure for supporting the second storage tank, the second storage tank of the second storage tank module being configured for a method step of receiving a stream of solid matter containing sludge from the separator of the separator module and for storing said solid matter containing sludge and/or for a meth od step of receiving non -fermentted matter from the fermentor of the fermentor module and for storing said non -fermentted matter; 8) a third tank module comprising a third storage tank and eight supporting structure for supporting the third storage tank, the third storage tank of the third storage tank module being configured for a method step of receiving a residual bottom stream from the first evaporator of the concentrator and evaporator module and for storing said residual bottom stream ;

9) a thermo module for providing thermal energy to the hydrolyser of the hydrolyzing module, the first evaporator of the evaporator and concentrator module, and concentrator of the evaporator and concentrator module, the thermo module comprising a ninth supporting structure, and

10) a electrical energy and automatization and chemical additives module comprising means for providing the process apparatuses of the apparatus with electrical energy and comprising means for controlling the process apparatuses of the apparatus and comprising additives mixture tanks for feeding for example said auxiliary substances to the fermentor of the fermentor module and a tenth supporting structure for supporting the devices of the electrical energy and automatization and chemical additives module, the electrical energy and automatization and chemical additives module comprising a tenth supporting structure .

The apparatus of the invention is preferably, but not necessarily, provided with conduit means for leading substances in the apparatus between the process apparatuses of the process modules when using the apparatus for a method for producing a mixture of ethanol and water. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus comprises the above mentioned ten process unit module s, which each are configured for performing a method step of the method for producing a mixture of ethanol and water , and

1) the mechanical connection means of the feeding module and/or of the hydrolyser module comprises first conduit means for releasable conne cting the feeding and mixing unit of the feeding module with the hydrolyser of the hydrolyzing module and for leading fine divided fermentable raw material from the feeding and mixing unit of the feeding module to the hydrolyser of the hydrolyzing module ;

2) the mechanical connection means of the hydrolyzing module and/or of the fermentor module comprises second conduit means for releasable connecting the fermentor of the fermentor module with the separator of the separator module and for leading hydrolyzed fine divided fermentable raw material from the hydrolyser of the hydrolyzing module to the fermentor of the fermentor module ;

3) the mechanical connection means of the fermentor module and/or of the separator module comprises third conduit means for relea sable connecting the fermentor of the fermentor module with the separator of the separator module and for leading a stream of fermentation mixture from the fermentor of the fermentor module to the separator of the separator module ;

4) the mechanical connection means of the separator module and/or of the evaporator and concentrator module comprises fourth conduit means for releasable connecting the separator of the separator module with the first evaporator of the evaporator and concentrator module and for leading a stream of fermenter beer from the separator of the separator module unit to the first evaporator of the evaporator and concentrator module;

5) the mechanical connection means of the concentrator of the evaporator and concentration module and/or of the first storage tank of the first storage tank module comprises fifth conduit means for releasable connecting the concentrator of the evaporator and concentration module with the first storage tank of the first storage tank module and for leading a str earn of concentrated mixture of ethanol and water from the concentrator of the evaporator and concentrator module to the first storage tank of the first storage tank module ;

6) the mechanical connection means of the separator module and/or of the second storage tank of the second storage tank module comprises sixth conduit means for releasable connecting the separator of the separator module unit with the second storage tank of the second storage tank module and for leading a stream of solid matter containing sludge from the separator of the separator module to the second storage tank of the second storage tank module and/o r for releasable connecting the fermentor of the fermentor module with the second storage tank of the second storage tank module and for leading a stream of non -fermented matter from the fermentor of the fermentor module to the second storage tank of the second storage tank module ; and 7) the mechanical connection means of the evaporator and concentrator module and/or of the third storage tank module comprises seventh conduit means for releasable connecting the first evaporator of the evaporator and concentrator module with the third storage tank of the third storage tank module and for leading a residual bottom stream from the first evaporat or of the evaporator and concentrator module to the third storage tank of the third storage tank module .

The apparatus comprises preferably, but not necessarily, mechanical connection means comprising eight conduit means for releasable connecting the separator of the separator module with the fementor and for leading solid matter containing sludge from the separator of the separator module back to the fermentor of the fermentor module . The apparatus comprises preferably , but not necessarily, mechanical connection means comprising ninth conduit means for releasable connecting the first evaporator of the evaporator and concentrator module with the fermentor of the fermentor module and for leading a residual bottom stream containing for example microbes from th e first evaporator of the evaporator and concentrator module back to the fermentor of the fermentor module .

The apparatus comprises preferably, but not necessarily, mechanical connection means comprising tenth conduit means for releasable connecting the fermentor of the fermentor module with the first evaporator of the evaporator and concentrator module and for leading fermention mixture from the fermentor of the fermentor module directly to the first evaporator of the evaporator and concentrator module , and not via the separator of the separator module . The apparatus comprises preferably, but not necessarily, mechanical connection means comprising eleventh conduit means for feeding for releasable connecting the fermentor of the fermentor module with the hyd rolyser of the hydro lyzing module and for leading fermentation mixture from the fermentor of the fermentor module to the hydro lyser of the hydro lyzing module. The apparatus comprises preferably, but not necessarily, mechanical connection means comprising twelfth conduit means for feeding for releasable connecting the concentrator of the evaporation and concentration module with the feeding and mixing unit of the feeding module and for leading distilled water from the concentrator of the evaporation and cone entration module to the feeding and mixing unit of the feeding module.

The apparatus comprises preferably, but not necessarily, mechanical connection means comprising fourteenth c onduit means for feeding for releasable connecting the fermentor of the ferme ntor module with the second storage tank of the second storage tank module and for leading non -fermented matter from the fermentor of the fermentor module to the second storage tank of the second storage tank module.

The apparatus comprises preferably, but not necessarily, also mechanical connection means for functionally releasable connecting each of the conduit means to the two process apparatuses of the apparatus between which the conduit means is arranged .

At least one of the process modules is preferab Iy dimensioned and designed such that it can be placed on or under another of the process modules.

At least one process unit module comprise preferably, but not necessary, mechanical fastening means for fastening the process unit modules to at least one other process unit module.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the apparatus comprises at least one process unit module for performing at least one of the method steps of the method for producing a mixture of ethanol and water, which process unit module having a size and a shape corresponding essentially to the size and the shape of a standard 20 or 40 feet container. This makes it possible to transport the process unit module on a truck to the size where the apparatus is to be used. List of figures In the following the invention will described in more detail by referring to the figures, of which

Fig. 1 is a flow sheet of a first embodiment of the invention, the flow sheet showing the material flows

Fig. 2 is a first functional diagram of the first embodiment of the invention, Fig. 3 is a second functional diagram of the first embodiment of the invention, and

Fig 4 is a view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the invention .

Detailed description of the invention The figure shows an example of an a pparatus according to the invention for a method for producing a mixture of ethanol and water.

The apparatus shown in the figures comprises a feeding and mixing unit 1 for a method step of receiving fermentable raw mate rial 2 and for fine dividing fermentable raw material 2 into fine divided raw materials and for mixing the fine divided raw materials with distilled water 3 prior to feeding the fermentable raw material 2 to a hydrolyser 5 . The fermentable raw material 2 are preferably, but not necessarily, selected from sugars and raw materials capable of being hydrolyzed into fermentable sugars.

In the feeding and mixing unit 1 shown in the figures the fermentable raw material 2 are divided into fine particles and the fine particles are mixed with distilled water 3 to form dissolved fine divided fermentable raw material 4 prior feeding the fermentable raw material 2 to the hydrolyser 5.

The feeding and mixing unit 1 comprises raw material feeding means 67 for fermentable raw material 2 into the feeding and m ixing unit 1.

The feeding and mixing unit 1 comprises first water feeding means (not marked with a reference numeral) for feeding distilled water 3 into the feeding and mixing unit 1 .

The apparatus shown in the figures comprises a hydrolyser 5 for a method step of receiving dissolved fine divided fermentable raw material 4 from the feeding and mixing unit 1 and of hydrolyzing the dissolved fine divided fermentable raw material 4 at least partly into fermentable sugars prior to feeding the dissolved fine divided fermentable raw material 4 to the fermentor 6. The hydrolyser 5 comprises preferable first temperature control means (not shown in the figures) connected with a thermo apparatus 59 of a thermo module 29 for controlling and adjusting the temperature in the hydrolyser 5.

The apparatus shown in the figures comprises a fermentor 6 for a method step of receiving hydrolysed fine divided fermentable raw material 53 from the hydrolyser 5 and of adding necessary auxiliary substances 7 and of forming a fermentation mixture 8 of the hydrolysed fine divided fermentable raw material 53 and necessary auxiliary substances 7 and of feeding a stream of fermentation mixture 8 from the fermentor 6.

The fermentor 6 comprises preferable second temperature control means (not shown in the figures) connected with thermo apparatus 59 of the thermo module 29 for controlling and adjusting the temperature in the fermentor 6.

The fermentor 6 comprises preferable second water feeding means (not marked with a reference numeral) for fe eding water 57 into the fermentor 5.

The necessarily auxiliary substances 7 includes preferably, but not necessarily, air, microbes which are able to form ethanol and required nutrients for microbes, like a source of carbon and nitrogen, salts and substanc es for pH adjusting .

The apparatus shown in the figures also comprises a separator 9 for a method step of receiving a said stream of fermentation mixture 8 from the fermentor 6 and separating a stream of fermenter beer 10 from said stream of fermentation mixture 8 , which is fed to the separator 9 from the fermentor 6. In the apparatus shown in the figures is the separator 9 also configured to separate a stream of solid matter containing sludge 11 from the fermentation mixture 8 , which is fed to the separator 9 from the fermentor 6.

The apparatus shown in the figures also comprises a second storage tank 12 for solid animal food for a method step of receiving and storing a stream of solid matter containing sludge 11 from the separator 9 and for a method step of receiving non- fermented matter 55 from the fermentor 6. Alternatively may the apparatus comprise a second storage tank 12 for solid animal food for a method step of receiving and storing a stream of solid matter containing sludge 11 from the separator 9 or for a method step of receiving non -fermentted matter 55 from the fermentor 6. The apparatus comprises preferably, but not necessarily, mechanical connection means comprising fourteenth conduit means 56 for feeding for releasable connecting the fermentor 6 of the fermentor module 23 with the second storage tank 12 of the second storage tank module 28 and for leading non -fermented matter 55 from the fermentor 6 of the fermentor module 23 to the second storage tank 12 of the second storage tank module 28. The apparatus shown in the figures also comprises a first evaporator 13 for a method step of receiving a stream of fermenter beer 10 from the separator 9 and for evaporating said stream of fermenter beer 10 and separating a stream of mixture of ethanol and water 14 from said stream of fermenter beer 10 , which is fed to the first evaporator 13 from the separator 9. In the apparatus shown in the figures the first evaporator 13 is also configured to separate a residual bottom stream 15 from said stream of fermenter beer 10, which is fed to the first evaporator 13 from the separator 9.

The apparatus shown in the figures also comprises a third storage tank 16 for liquid animal food for a method step of receiving and storing the residual bottom stream 15 from the first evaporator 13 .

The apparatus shown in the figures also comprises a concentrator 17 for a method step of receiving a said stream of mixture of ethanol and water 14 from the first evaporator 13 and concentrating said stream of mixture of ethanol and wat er 14 to a stream of concentrated mixture of ethanol and water 18 , which mixture of ethanol and water 14 is fed from the first evaporator 13 to the concentrator 17 . In the apparatus shown in the figures the evaporator 13 is also configured to separate a st ream of distilled water 19 from said stream of mixture of ethanol and water 14 , which is fed from the first evaporator 13 to the concentrator 17 .

The apparatus shown in the figures also comprises a first storage tank 20 for a method step of receiving and s toring said stream of concentrated mixture of ethanol and water 18 from the concentrator 17.

The apparatus of the invention comprises a process unit module 21 to 30 for performing at least one of the method steps of the method for producing a mixture of ethanol and water 14 . The process unit module comprises at least one of the fermentor 6 , the separator

9, the first evaporator 13 , the concentrator 17 , and the first storage tank 20 .

The process unit module of the apparatus of the invention comprises prefe rably one of the fermentor 6 , the separator 9 , the first evaporator 13 , the concentrator 17 , and the storage tank. The process unit module comprises a supporting structure 31 to 40 for supporting at least one of the fermentor 6 , the separator 9 , the first evaporator 13 , the concentrator 17, and the storage tank, i.e. the process apparatus or the process apparatuses of the process unit module . The supporting structure is preferably, but not necessary , a self supporting structure, which can stand freely and i ndependently on a base (not shown in the figures) . The process apparatus is preferably, but not necessarily, fixedly or releasably fastened to the supporting structure 31 to 40. The supporting structure can be a frame structure, like a container without walls, a bottom or a top or a similar block, at least partly surrounding at least one of the fermentor 6, the separator 9 , the first evaporator 13 , the concentrator 17 , and the storage tank, i.e. the process apparatus or those process apparatuses of the process unit module . In figure 4 some of the supporting structures comprises a rectangular open bottom structure (not marked with a reference numeral) and a rectangular open top structure (not marked with a reference numeral) . B oth the rectangular open top structure and the rectangular open bottom structure comprise four horizontal bars _(not marked with a reference numeral) , which form the rectangular open top structure and respectively the rectangular open bottom structure. In the figure s size and dimensions o f the rectangular open top structure corresponds essentially to the size and dimensions of the rectangular open bottom structure. Each edge of the rectangular open top structure is connected with a vertical pole (not marked with a reference numeral) with a corresponding edge the rectangular open bottom structure. T he horizontal bars and the vertical poles form a support structure having the form of a rectangular parallelepiped. The width and the height of the rectangular parallelepiped (the support structure) can for example be 3 meter or less, which makes it possible to use ordinary truck transportation to transport the process unit module s to the site on a truck . The length of the rectangular parallelepiped (the support structure) can for example be 9 to 12 meters for the same reason. The size and shape of the rectangular parallelepiped (the support structure) can for example correspond to the size and shape of a standard 20 or 40 foot container for the same reason.

At least one supporting structure of a process unit module comprises preferably, but not necessarily, attachment means (not marked with a reference numeral) for releasable connecting the process unit module with at least one other process unit module.

The apparatus shown in the figures comprises ten process unit modules: 1) a feeding module 21 , 2) a hydrolyzing module 22 , 3) a fermentor module 23 , 4) a separator module 24 , 5) a evaporator and concentrator module 25 , 6) a first storage tank module 26 for enriched mixture of ethanol and water, 7) a second storage tank module 28 for solid animal food, 8) a third storage tank module 27 for liquid animal food, 9) a thermo module 29 , and 10) a electrical energy and automatization and chemicals module 30.

The apparatus shown in the figures comprises a process unit module in the form of a feeding module 21 comprising the feeding and mixing unit 1 and a first supporting structure 31 for supporting the feeding and mixing unit 1 . The feeding and mixing unit 1 is preferably, but not necessarily, fixedly or releasable fastened to the supporting first structure 31.

The apparatus shown in the figures comprises a process unit module in the form of a hydrolyzing module 22 comprising the hydrolyser 5 and a second supporting structure 32 for supporting the hydrolyser 5.

The hydrolyser 5 is preferably, but not necessarily, fixedly or releasable fastened to the second supporting structure 32.

The feeding module 21 and/or the hydrolyzing module 22 comprise preferably, but not necessarily, first conduit means 41 for relea sable connecting the feeding and mixing unit 1 of the feeding module 21 with the hydrolyser 5 of the hydrolyzing module 22 and for leading dissolved fine divided fermentable raw material 4 from the feeding and mixing unit 1 of the feeding module 21 to the hydrolyser 5 of the hydrolyzing module 22.

Alternatively may a first section of the first conduit means 41 may be a part of the feeding module 21 and a second section of the first conduit means 41 may be a part of the hydrolyzing module 22.

The first conduit means 41 for releasable connecting the feeding and mixing unit 1 of the feeding module 21 with the hydrolyser 5 of the hydrolyzing module can also comprise or be a separate part, which cannot be considered to be a part of the feeding module 21 or the hydrolyzing module.

The apparatus comprises preferably, but not necessarily, first mechanical connection means (not shown in the figures) for releasable connecting the first conduit means 41 with the feeding and mixing unit 1 of the feeding module 21 and/or with the hydrolyser 5 of the hydrolyzing module , or for releasable connecting together a part of the first conduit means 41, which is a part of the feeding and mixing unit 1 of the feeding module 21, and a part of the first conduit means 41, which is a pa rt of the hydrolyser 5 of the hydrolyzing module 22.

The apparatus shown in the figures comprises a process unit module in the form of a fermentor module 23 comprising the fermentor 6 and a third supporting structure 33 for supporting the fermentor 6.

The fermentor 6 is preferably, but not necessarily, fixedly or releasably fastened to the third supporting structure 33.

The hydrolyzing module 22 and/or the fermentor module 23 comprise preferably, but not necessarily, second conduit means 42 for releasabl e connecting the hydrolyser 5 of the hydrolyzing module 22 with the fermentor 6 of the fermentor module 23 and for leading hydro lyzed fine divided fermentable raw material 53 from the hydro lyser 5 of the hydro lyzing module 22 to the fermentor 6 of the ferm entor module 23.

Alternatively may a first section of the second conduit means 42 may be a part of the hydro lyzing module 22 and a second section of the second conduit means 42 may be a part of the fermentor module 23.

The second conduit means 42 for releasable connecting the hydrolyser 5 of the hydrolyzing module 22 with the fermentor 6 of the fermentor module 23 can also comprise or be a separate part, which cannot be considered to be a part of the hydrolyzing module 22 or the fermentor module 33. The apparatus comprises preferably, but not necessarily, second mechanical connection means (not shown in the figures) for releasable connecting the second conduit means 42 with the hydrolyser 5 of the hydrolyzing module 22 and/or with the fermentor 6 of the fermentor module 23 or for releasable connecting together a part of the second conduit means 42, which is a part of the hydrolyser 5 of the hydrolyzing module 22, and a part of the second conduit means 42, which is a part of the fermentor 6 of the fermentor module 23.

The apparatus shown in the figures also comprise eleventh conduit means 51 for releasable connecting the fermentor 6 of the fermentor module 23 with the hydrolyser 5 of the hydrolyzing module 22 and for leading fermentation mixture 8 back from the fermentor 6 of the fermentor module 23 to the hydrolyser 5 of the hydrolyzing module

22.

The apparatus shown in the figures comprises a process unit module in the form of a separator module 24 comprising the separator 9 and a fourth supporting structure 34 for supporting the separator 9. The separator 9 is preferably, but not necessarily, fixedly or releasable fastened to the fourth supporting structure 34.

The fermentor module 23 and/or the separator module 24 comprise preferably, but not necessarily, third conduit means 43 for releasable connecting the fermentor 6 of the fermentor module 23 with the separator 9 of the separator module 24 and for leading fermentation mixture 8 from the fermentor 6 of the fermentor module 23 to the separator

9 of the separator module 24.

Alternatively may a first section of the third conduit means 43 may be a part of the fermentor module 23 and a second section of the third conduit means 43 may be a part of the separator module 24. The third conduit means 43 for releasable connecting the fermentor 6 of the fermentor module 23 with the separator 9 of the separator module 24 unit can also comprise or be a separate part, which cannot be considered to be a part of the fermentor module 23 or the separator module 24.

The apparatus comprises preferably, but not necessarily, third mechanical connection means (not shown in the figures) for releasable connecting the third conduit means 43 with the fermentor 6 of the fermentor module 23 and/or with the separator 9 of the separator module 24 or for releasable connecting together a part of the third conduit means 43, which is a part of the fermentor 6 of the fermentor module 23, and a part of the third conduit means 43 , which is a part of the separator 9 of the separator module 24.

The apparatus comprises preferably, but not necessarily, eight conduit means 48 for releasable connecting the separator 9 of the separator module 24 with the fementor and for leading solid matter containing sludge 11 from the separator 9 of the separator module 24 back to the fermentor 6 of the fermentor module 23 .

The apparatus shown in the figures comprises a process unit module in the form of an evaporator and concentrator module 25 comprising the first evaporator 13 , the concentrator 17 and a fifth supporting structure 35 for supporting the first evaporator 13 and the concentrator 17.

The first evaporator 13 and the concentrator 17 are preferably, but not necessarily, fixedly or releasable fastened to the fifth supporting structure 35.

In the apparatus according shown in figure 4 , the first evaporator 13 of the evaporator and concentrator module 25 is disposed horizontally when the apparatus is assembled to be used for a method for producing a mixture of ethanol and water .

The first evaporator 13 of the evaporator and concentrator module 25 is preferably, but not necessarily, a falling film evaporator. A falling film evaporator allows for evaporation and separation of mixture of ethanol and water 14 from the fermenter beer 10 in low temperature and a low pressure, which is an advantage if a residual bottom stream 15 containing ethanol producing microbes is to be recirculated back from the first evaporator 13 of the evaporator and concentrator module 25 to the fermentor 6 in the fermentor module 23 for re -use in the fermentor in the fermentor module 23 , because the ethanol producing microbes survives, they does not die in the evaporation process in the first evaporator 13 . The evaporation temperature can for example be 38°C and the pressure can be 150 mbar.

The concentrator 17 of the evaporator and concentrator module 25 is in the apparatus show in the figures a second evaporator. The second evaporator is preferably a falling film evaporator. In figure 4, the second evaporator of the evaporator and concentrator module 25 is disposed horizontally when the apparatus is assembled to be used for a method for producing a mixture of ethanol and water 14 .

Alternatively may the concentrator 17 comprise a chemical extraction unit (not shown in the figures).

The first evaporator 13 of the evaporator and concentrator module 25 and the concentrator 17 of the evaporator and concentrator module 25 comprise thirteenth conduit means 54 for connecting the first evaporator 13 with the concentrator 17 and for leading a stream of mixture of ethanol and water 14 from the first evaporator 13 to the concentrator 17.

The thirteenth conduit means 54 is preferably provided with a first condenser (not shown in the figures) for condensing an evaporated top stream of mixture of ethanol and water 14 to a stream of liquid mixture of ethanol and water 14 .

The separator module 24 and the evaporator and concentrator module 25 comprise preferably, but not necessarily, fourth conduit means 44 for releasable connecting the separator 9 of the separator module 24 with the first evaporator 13 of the evaporator and concentrator module 25 and for leading a stream of fermenter beer 10 from the separator 9 of the separator module 24 to the first evaporator 13 of the evaporator and concentrator module 25. Alternatively may a first section of the fourth conduit means 44 may be a part of the separator module 24 and a second section of the fourth conduit means 44 may be a part of the evaporator and concentrator module 25 .

The fourth conduit means 44 for releasable connecting the separator 9 of the separator module 24 with the first evaporator 13 of the evaporator and concentrator module 25 can also comprise or be a separate part, which cannot be considered to be a part of the separator module 24 or the evaporator and concentrator module 25 .

The apparatus comprises preferably, but not necessarily, fourth mechanical connection means (not shown in the figures) for releasable connecting the fourth conduit means with the separator 9 of the separator module 24 and/or with the first evaporator 13 of the evaporator and concentrator module 25 or for releasable connecting together a part of the fourth conduit means 44 , which is a part of the separator 9 of the separator module 24, and a part of the fourth conduit means 44 , which is a part of the first evaporator 13 of the evaporator and concentrator module 25 .

The apparatus shown in the figures comprises in addition conduit means 50 for releasable connecting the fermentor 6 of the fermentor module 23 with the first evaporator 13 of the evaporator and concentrator module 25 and for leading a stream of fermentation mixture 8 directly from fermentor 6 of the fermentor module 23 to first evaporator 13 of the evaporator and concentrator module 25 past the separator 9 of the separator module 24 i.e. not via the separator 9 of the separator module 24.

The mentioned tenth conduit means 50 for releasable connecting the fermentor 6 of the fermentor module 23 with the first evaporator 13 of the evaporator and concentrator module 25 and for leading a stream of fermentation mixture 8 directly from fermentor 6 of the fermentor module 23 to first evaporator 13 of the evaporator and concentrator module 25 past the separator 9 of the separator module 24 are preferably, but not necessarily, a p art of the fermentor module 23 and/or the evaporator and concentrator module 25 .

Alternatively may a first section of the tenth conduit means 50 may be a part of the fermentor module 23 and a second section of the tenth conduit means 50 may be a part of the evaporator and concentrator module 25 .

The tenth conduit means 50 for releasable connecting the fermentor 6 of the fermentor module 23 with the first evaporator 13 of the evaporator and concentrator module 25 can also comprise or be a separate part, whi ch cannot be considered to be a part of the fermentor module 23 or the evaporator and concentrator module 25 .

The apparatus shown in fig 1 comprises in addition ninth conduit means 49 for releasable connecting the first evaporator 13 of the evaporator and concentrator module 25 with the fermentor 6 of the fermentor module 23 and for leading a residual bottom stream 15 from first evaporator 13 of the evaporator and concentrator module 25 to fermentor 6 of the fermentor module 23 . The residual bottom stream 1 5 can comprise microbes etc. which can be reused in the fermentation process in the fermentor 6 of the fermentor module 23 . The mentioned ninth conduit means 49 for releasable connecting the first evaporator 13 of the evaporator and concentrator module 25 with the fermentor 6 of the fermentor module 23 and for leading said residual bottom stream 15 of first evaporator 13 of the evaporator and concentrator module 25 to the fermentor 6 of the fermentor module 23 preferably, but not necessarily, a part of the evaporator and concentrator module 25 and/or the fermentor module 23 .

Alternatively may a first section of the ninth conduit means 49 may be a part of the evaporator and concentrator module 25 and a second section of the ninth conduit means 49 may be a part of the fermentor module 23 .

The ninth conduit means 49 for releasable connecting the first evaporator 13 of the concentrator and evaporator module with the fermentor 6 of the fermentor module 23 can also comprise or be a separate part, which cannot be c onsidered to be a part of the evaporator and concentrator module 25 or the fermentor module 23 .

The apparatus comprises preferably, but not necessarily, twelfth c onduit means 52 for releasable connecting the concentrator 17 of the evaporation and concentra tion module 25 with the feeding and mixing unit 1 of the feeding module 21 and for leading distilled water 3 from the concentrator 17 of the evaporation and concentration module 25 to the feeding and mixing unit 1 of the feeding module 21 .

The apparatus sh own in the figures comprises a process unit module in the form of a first storage tank module 26 comprising the first storage tank 20 and a sixth supporting structure 36 for supporting the first storage tank 20 . The first storage tank 20 comprises discharging means 58 for discharging enriched mixture of ethanol and water for use for example as a component in fuel.

The first storage tank 20 is preferably, but not necessarily, fixedly or releasable fastened to the sixth supporting structure 36. The first storage tank module 26 comprises preferably appropriate protection for protecting the first storage tank 20 and its content .

The evaporation and concentration module 25 and/or the first storage tank module 26 comprise preferably, but not necessarily, fifth co nduit means 45 for releasable connecting the concentrator 17 of the evaporation and concentrator module 25 with the first storage tank 20 of the first storage tank module 26 and for leading a stream of concentrated mixture of ethanol and water 18 from the concentrator 17 of the evaporation and concentrator module 25 to the first storage tank 20 of the first storage tank module 26.

Alternatively can a first section of the fifth conduit means 45 may be a part of the evaporation and concentration module 25 and a second section of the fifth conduit means 45 may be a part of the first storage tank module 26 .

The fifth conduit means 45 for releasable connecting the concentrator 17 of the evaporation and concentrator module with the first storage tank 20 of the first storage tank module 26 can also comprise or be a separate part, which cannot be considered to be a part of the evaporation and concentration module 25 or the first storage tank module 26 .

The apparatus comprises preferably, but not necessarily, fifth mechanical connection means (not shown) for releasable connecting the fifth conduit means 45 with the concentrator 17 of the evaporation and concentrator module 25 and/or with the first storage tank 20 of the first storage tank module 26 or for releasable connecting together a part of the fifth conduit means 45 , which is a part of the evaporation and concentrator module 25 , and a part of the fifth conduit means 45 , which is a part of the first storage tank module 26 .

It the concentrator 17 is a second evapora tor, the fifth conduit means 45 is preferably, but not necessarily, pro vided with a second condenser (not shown) for condensing an evaporated top stream of mixture of ethanol and water 14 to a stream of liquid concentrated mixture of ethanol and water 18 .

The apparatus shown in the figures comprises a process unit module in the form of a third storage tank module 27 for solid animal food comprising a third storage tank 16 for solid animal food and a seventh supporting structure 37 for supporting the third storage tank 16.

The third storage tank 16 is preferably, but not necessarily, fixedly or releasable fastened to the seventh supporting structure 37.

The first evaporator 13 of the evaporation and concentrator module 25 and/or the third storage tank 16 of the third storage tank module 27 comprises seventh conduit means 47 for releasable connecting the first evaporator 13 of the evaporator and concentrator module 25 with the third storage tank 16 of the third storage tank module 27 and for leading a residual bottom stream 15 from the first evaporator 13 of the evaporator and concentrator module 25 to the third storage tank 16 of the third storage tank module 27. The apparatus shown in the figures comprises a process unit module in the form of a second storage tank module 28 for liquid animal food comprising a second storage tank 12 for liquid animal food and an eight supporting structure 38 for supporting the second storage tank 12 .

The second storage tank 12 is preferably, but not necessarily, fixedly or rel easable fastened to the eight supporting structure 38.

The separator 9 of the separator module 24 and/or the second storage tank 12 of the second storage tank module 28 comprises in figure 1 sixth conduit means 46 for releasable connecting the separator 9 of the separator module 24 unit with the second storage tank 12 of the second storage tank module 28 and for leading a stream of solid matter containing sludge 11 from the separator 9 of the separator module 24 to the second storage tank 12 of the second storage tank module 28 .

The apparatus shown in the figures comprises a thermo module 29 comprising a thermo apparatus 59 for providing thermal energy to the hydrolyser 5 of the hydrolyzing module 22, the first evaporator 13 of the evaporator and concentrator module 25, and concentrator 17 of the evaporator and concentrator module 25 , the thermo module 29 comprising a ninth supporting structure 39. The thermo apparatus 59 can also be configured for cooling the fermentor 6. Figure 3 shows lines 63 for connecting the heating apparatus 59 of the thermo module 29 with the hydrolyser 5 of the hydrolyzing module 22, the first evaporator 13 of the evaporator and concentrator module 25, and concentrator 17 of the evaporator and concentrator module 25. The thermo apparatus 59 is preferably, but not necessarily, fixedly or releasable fastened to the ninth supporting structure 39.

The apparatus shown in the figures comprises a electrical energy and automatization and chemical additive module 30 comprising electrical energy means 60 for providing the process apparatuses of the apparatus with electrical energy , control means 61 for controlling the apparatuses of the apparatus , a chemical feeding means 62 and a tenth supporting structure 40 for supporting the devices of th e electrical energy and automatization and chemical additive module 30.

The electrical energy means 60 and the control means 61 and the chemical feeding means 62 are preferably, but not necessarily, fixedly or releasable fastened to the tenth supporting s tructure 40.

Figure 2 shows electrical energy and control lines 64 for connecting the process apparatuses of the process unit modules 21 to 30 with the electrical energy means 60 and the control means 61 of the electrical energy and automatization and chemical additive module 30. Figure 2 shows chemical feeding lines 65 for connecting the fermentor 6 of the fermentor module 23 with the chemical feeding means 62 of the electrical energy and automatization and chemical additive module 30.

Each of the conduit means comprises preferably, but not necessarily, conduits, pipes and/or hoses for feeding or leading the mixtures, streams or the like between appropriate process apparatuses of the apparatus or other part of the apparatus in accordance with that which h as been described.

It is apparent to a person skilled in the art that as technology advanced, the basic idea of the invention can be implemented in various ways. The invention and its embodiments are therefore not restricted to the above examples, but they may vary within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for a method for producing a mixture of ethanol and water , the apparatus comprising a fermentor (6) for a method step of receiving fermentable raw material (2) and necessary auxiliary subst ances (7) and forming a fermentation mixture (8) of fermentable raw material (2) and necessary auxiliary substances (7) and feeding a stream of fermentation mixture (8) from the fermentor (6) , a separator (9) for a method step of separating a stream of fermenter beer (10) from said stream of fermentation mixture (8) , a first evaporator (13) for a method step of evaporating said stream of fermenter beer (10) and separating a stream of mixture of ethanol and water (14) from said stream of fermenter beer (10), a concentrator (17) for a method step of concentrating said stream of mixture of ethanol and water (14) to a stream of concentrated mixture of ethanol and water (18) , and a first storage tank (20) for a method step of receiving and storing said stream of concentrated mixture of ethanol and water (18) , characterized in that the apparatus comprises a process unit module (21 to 30) for performing at least one of the method steps of the method for producing a mixture of ethanol and water, in that the process unit module (21 to 30) comprises at least one of the fermentor

(6), the separator (9), the first evaporator (13) , the concentrator (17), and the first storage tank (20), in that the process unit module (21 to 30) comprises a supporting structure ( 31 to 40) for supporting at least one of the fermentor (6) , the separator (9), the first evaporator (13), the concentrator (17) , and the first storage tank (20), and in that the process unit module (21 to 30) comprises mechanical connection means (41 to 45) for functionally releasable connecting said at least one of the fermentor (6), the separator (9), the first evaporator (13) , the concentrator (17) , and the first storage tank (20) of the process unit module (21 to 30) to the apparatus so that said at least one of the fermentor (6) , the separator (9), the first evaporator (13) , the concentrator (17) , and the storage tank (20) of the process unit module (21 to 30) can perform a method step in the apparatus for a method for producing a mixture of ethanol and wate r.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by comprising a feeding and mixing unit (1) for a method step of receiving fermentable raw material (2) , and for fine dividing fermentable raw material (2) and for mixing the fine divided fermentabl e raw material (2) with a fluid, such as distilled water (3) , and for feeding fermentable raw material (2) in the form of dissolved fine divided fermentable raw material (4) to the fermentor (6) .

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized by a process unit module in the form of a feeding module (21) comprising the feeding and mixing unit (1) and a first supporting structure ( 31) for supporting the feeding and mixing unit (1).

4. The apparatus according to claims 2 or 3 , characterized by comprising a hydrolyser (5) for a method step of receiving dissolved fine divided fermentable raw material (4) from the feeding and mixing unit (1), and for hydro lyzing said dissolved fine divided fermentable raw material (4) at least partly to fermentable sugars prior, and for feeding fermentable raw material (2) in the form of hydrolysed fine divided fermentable raw material (8) to the fermentor (6) .

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, characterized by a process unit module in the form of a hydrolyzing module (22) comprising the hydrolyser (5) and a second supporting structure ( 32) for supporting the hydrolyser (5) .

6. The apparatus according to claim 3 and 5, characterized in that the mechanical connection means comprising of the feeding module (21) and/or of the hydrolyzing module (22) comprises first conduit means (41) for releasable connecting the feeding and mixing unit (1) of the feeding module (21) with the hydrolyser (5) of the hydrolyzing module (22) and for leading dissolved fine divided fermentable raw material (4) from the feeding and mixing unit (1) of the feeding module (21) to the hydrolyser (5) of the hydrolyzing module (22).

7. The apparatus according to any of the claims 1 to 6 , characterized by a process unit module in the form of a fermentor module (23) comprising the fermentor (6) and a third supporting structure (33) for supporting the fermentor (6) .

8. The apparatus according to claim 5 and 7, characterized in that the mechanical connection means of the hydrolyzing module (22) and/or of the fermentor module (23) comprises second conduit means (42) for releasable connecting the hydrolyser (5) of the hydrolyzing module (22) with the fermentor (6) of the fermentor module (23) and for leading hydro lyzed fine divided fermentable raw material ( 53) from the hydro lyser (5) of the hydrolyzing module (22) to the fermentor (6) of the fermentor module (23) .

9. The apparatus according to any of the claims 1 to 8, characterized by a process unit module in the form of a separator module (24) comprising the separator (9) and a fourth supporting structure (34) for supporting the separator (9).

10. The apparatus according to claim 7 and 9 , characterized in that mechanical connection means of the fermentor module (23) and/or of the separator module (24) comprises third conduit means (43) for releasable connecting the fermentor (6) of the fermentor module (23) with the separator (9) of the separator module (24) and for leading a stream of fermentation mixture (8) from the fermentor (6) of the fermentor module (23) to the separator (9) of the separator module (24) .

11 . The apparatus according to any of the claims 1 to 10, characterized by a process unit module in the form of a evaporator and concentrator module (25) comprising the first evaporator (13) and t he concentrator (17) and thirteenth conduit means (54) for connecting the first evaporator (13) with the concentrator (17) and for leading a stream of mixture of ethanol and water (14) from the first evaporator (13) to the concentrator (17) , and a fifth supporting structure ( 35) for supporting the first evaporator (13) and the concentrator (17) .

12. The apparatus according to any of the claims 1 to 11 , characterized in that the first evaporator (13) is disposed horizontally in the apparatus when the first evaporator (13) is assembled to the apparatus .

13. The apparatus according to any of the claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the first evaporator (13) is a falling film evaporator.

14. The apparatus according to any of the claims 1 to 13 , characterized in that the concentrator (17) comprises a second evaporator.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the second evaporator is disposed horizontally in the apparatus when the second evaporator is assembled to the apparatus.

16. The apparatus according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the second evaporator is a falling film evaporator.

17. The apparatus according to any of the claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the concentrator (17) comprises a chemical extraction unit.

18. The apparatus according to claim 9 and 11 , characterized in that mechanical connection means of the separator module (24) and/or of the evaporator and concentrator module (25) comprises fourth conduit means (44) for releasable connecting the separator (9) of the separator module (24) with the first evaporator (13) of the evaporator and concentrator module (25) and for leading a stream of fermenter beer (10) from the separator (9) of the separator module (24) unit to the first evaporator (13) of the evaporator and concentrator module (25) .

19. The apparatus according to any of the claims 1 to 18, characterized by a process unit module in the form of a first storage tank module (26) comprising the first storage tank (20) and a sixth supporting structure (36) for supporting the first storage tank (20).

20. The apparatus according to claim 18 and 19, characterized in that mechanical connection means of the evaporator and concentrator module (25) and/or of the first storage tank module (26) comprises fifth conduit means (45) for releasable connecting the concentrator (17) of the evaporator and concentrator module (25) with the first storage tank (20) of the first storage tank module (26) and for leading a stream of concentrated mixture of ethanol and water ( 18) from the concentrator (17) of the evaporator and concentrator module (25) to the first storage tank (20) of the first storage tank module (26) .

21 . The apparatus according to any of the claims 1 to 20, characterized by a second storage tank (12) for solid animal food for a method step of receiving and storing a stream of solid matter conta ining sludge (11) from the separator (9) of the separator module (24) and/or for a method step of receiving non -fermented matter from the fermentor (6) , and by a process unit module in the form of a second storage tank module (28) comprising the second storage tank (12) and a ninth supporting structure (38) for supporting the second storage tank (12) .

22. The apparatus according to claim 9 and 21 , characterized in that mechanical connection means of the separator module (24) and/or of the second storage tank module (28) comprises sixth conduit means (46) for releasable connecting the separator (9) of the separator module (24) with the second storage tank (12) of the second storage tank module (28) and for leading a stream of solid matter containing sludge (11) from the separator (9) of the separator module (24) to the second storage tank (12) of the second storage tank module (28) and/of for releasable connecting the fermentor (6) of the fermentor module (23) with the second storage tank (12) of the second storage tank module (28) and for leading a stream of non -fermented matter from the fermentor (6) of the fermentor module (23) to the second storage tank (12) of the second storage tank module (28).

23. The apparatus according to any of the claims 1 to 22, characterized by a third storage tank (16) for liquid animal food for a method step of receiving and storing a residual bottom stream (15) from the first evaporator (13) of the evaporator module, and by a process unit module in the form of a third storage tank module (27) comprising the third storage tank (16) and a eight supporting structure (37) for supporting the third storage tank (16) .

24. The apparatus accor ding to claim 11 and 23 , characterized in that mechanical connection means of the evaporator and concentrator module (25) and/or of the third storage tank module (27) comprises seventh conduit means (47) for releasable connecting the first evaporator (13) of the evaporator and concentrator module (25) with the third storage tank (16) of the third storage tank module (27) and for leading a residual bottom stream (15) from the first evaporator (13) of the evaporator and concentrator module (25) to the third storage tank (16) of the third storage tank module (27) .