TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Method: The method further comprises delivering the biomass to a feed inlet of the screw conveyor, discharging the biomass through an outlet of the screw conveyor, conveying the material to a second treatment cell equipped with an second electron beam device, irradiating the material with an electron beam using the second electron beam device, and comminuting the biomass material while conveying the biomass material. The step of comminuting comprises shredding or shearing. The cooling step reduces the temperature of the material by 1-110 degrees C, preferably 10-50 degrees C. Preferred Components: The biomass has been treated by accelerated electrons to reduce its recalcitrance. The electrons have energy of 0.3-5, preferably 0.5 -3.5 megaelectron volts. The biomass received a dose of 0.5-50, preferably 5-15 milliradian, prior to conveying the biomass. The screw conveyor comprises interior portions such as screw shaft, flighting and/or housing that are cooled. The interior portions are cooled using a chilled liquid, such as water or glycol water mixtures. The chilled water is chilled utilizing a cooling tower and/or geothermal cooling. The conveyer has a biomass inlet and a biomass discharge. The difference in temperature between the biomass at the inlet and the discharge is less than 110 degrees C, preferably 25 degrees C. The additive is combined with the biomass material prior to, during and/or after conveying the treated biomass material. The additive comprises water, acid including sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid or phosphoric acid, base, metal, resin and/or an inorganic material. The total dose of biomass delivered is 1-200, preferably 20-40 milliradian. The temperature of the material during the irradiation does not exceed about 200 degrees C, preferably 110 degrees C. The temperature of the material during irradiation increases from 10-250 degrees C, preferably 75-150 degrees C. The screw conveyor comprises two or more screws.