The present invention provides processes and systems for treating biomass
and, e.g., making biofuels, such as bioethanol, from the biomass. More
particularly, one process according to the present invention includes (a)
inducing at least a first portion of a composition containing biomass and
a working fluid to flow into a passage of a fluid processing apparatus,
(b) injecting a high velocity transport fluid into the composition
through a nozzle communicating with the passage of the fluid processing
apparatus, whereby the transport fluid applies a shear force to the
composition such that the working fluid is atomised and a vapour and
droplet flow regime is formed downstream of the nozzle, (c) condensing
the vapour and droplet flow regime, (d) transferring the composition to a
first holding vessel, and (e) holding the composition in the first
holding vessel at a first predetermined temperature for a first
predetermined period of time, wherein a liquefaction enzyme is added to
the composition prior to or during the process. Thereafter, the
composition may be further processed to form a biofuel, such as, e.g.,
bioethanol.