Biomass Mash Viscosity Reduction via pH Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high viscosity of biomass mash and low control over fermentation processes under anaerobic conditions hinder its adaptation for long-term storage, handling, and use as a feedstock in animal feeding and biogas production, limiting its potential as a homogeneous feed and semi-manufactured product.
Innovation Solution
A non-enzymatic method involving two pH adjustment steps, one at a pH of at least 7.5 and another in the range of 1-6.5, combined with temperatures between 1-40 °C, to break down pectin and reduce microbial activity, thereby reducing viscosity and improving stability and homogenization of biomass mash.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If combined base-acid treatments are applied at highly elevated temperatures to destroy ligno-cellulosic biomass, then the lignin content is reduced and biomass structure is broken down, but the energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from highly elevated temperatures to moderate temperatures (20-40°C), and adjusts pH parameters through sequential base-acid treatment to achieve ligno-cellulosic biomass destruction with significantly reduced energy consumption while maintaining effective treatment outcomes
2Duration of action of stationary object
If biomass mash is stored under anaerobic conditions, then long-term storage is enabled, but fermentation process control is lost and viscosity remains high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary base-acid treatment to the biomass mash before storage, which pre-modifies the ligno-cellulosic structure and adjusts pH levels to inhibit unwanted fermentation, enabling long-term storage under anaerobic conditions while maintaining better control over the fermentation process and reducing viscosity
3Stability of the object's composition
If high lignin content biomass is used, then biomass structure is maintained, but viscosity of the biomass mash increases and handling becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes pH parameters through sequential base-acid treatment at moderate temperatures, which modifies the ligno-cellulosic complex and reduces biomass mash viscosity, making handling easier while maintaining adequate biomass structure for feed quality
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method results in a biomass mash with reduced viscosity, improved anaerobic stability, and extended storage and feeding capabilities, allowing for efficient separation into sugar juice and pulp with sustained sugar levels and reduced energy input.
Implementation Method 1
a first pH adjusting step, in which the pH is adjusted with a base to a pH of at least 7.5... followed by a second pH adjusting step, wherein the pH of the biomass mash is adjusted with an acid to a pH in the range of 1-6.5
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention pertains among others to a method of preparing a biomass mash from a biomass comprising lignin. The invention also pertains to a biomass mash comprising reduced viscosity.