Lignocellulosic Biomass Separation via Multi-Solvent Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current processes for separating lignocellulosic biomass into its components, such as lignin, hemicelluloses, and cellulose, often result in low yields and require additional purification steps, making the other components minimally valuable.

Innovation Solution

An integrated process involving multiple solvent treatments at specific temperatures and severities to separate lignocellulosic biomass into its components, including the use of a first solvent to remove extractives and ash, a second solvent to remove hemicelluloses, and a third solvent to separate lignin and cellulose, thereby achieving high purity and yield.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional processes are used to separate lignocellulosic biomass into components, then separation is achieved, but yield is low and additional purification steps are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveyield of biomass componentsVSAvoidnumber of purification steps

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The separation process is divided into three distinct stages using different solvents: first solvent for extractives removal, second solvent for hemicellulose removal, and third solvent for lignin-cellulose separation. Each stage targets specific components with optimized conditions, achieving high purity in a single integrated process without requiring additional purification steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The process utilizes controlled changes in solvent type, temperature, and severity parameters across the three stages to selectively dissolve and separate different biomass components. By adjusting these parameters systematically, the process achieves high yield separation while maintaining component purity, eliminating the need for multiple purification operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If processes focus on optimizing only one or two components from lignocellulosic biomass, then those specific components are improved, but other components become minimally valuable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalue of biomass componentsVSAvoidvalue of remaining components

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated three-solvent process is designed to simultaneously optimize the recovery of all three major biomass components (lignin, cellulose, and hemicelluloses) rather than focusing on a single component. Each solvent stage is optimized to preserve and purify its target component while minimizing damage to others, thereby maximizing the overall value of all recovered materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The process converts the traditional approach where removing one component damages others into a beneficial system where selective solvent treatments protect and enhance all components. By using mild, selective solvents in sequence rather than harsh single-step treatments, the process transforms potential harm to remaining components into preserved or enhanced value for all biomass fractions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

The process allows for the high-yield separation and purification of lignin, hemicelluloses, and cellulose, reducing waste and eliminating the need for additional processing steps, enabling the production of high-purity lignin for applications like carbon fibers and enhancing the properties of cellulose for various industrial uses.

Implementation Method 1

contacting the lignocellulosic biomass with a first solvent, for a period of time and at a first temperature at a severity in the range of about 2 to about 4 to remove extractive components and a portion of ash from the biomass

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectExtraction: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

The biomass from step (a) is then contacted with a second solvent, and optional catalyst, at a second temperature at a severity in the range of about 1 to 5 to remove hemicelluloses and additional ash from the biomass

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectExtraction: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 3

The biomass from step (b) is separated into a lignin product and a cellulose product by contacting the biomass from step (b) with a third solvent at a severity in the range of about 1.5 to 5 to provide a black liquor and a solid fraction containing cellulose

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase separation: Liquid-Liquid Extraction

Data Source

PatentUS10145063B2Comprehensive process for selectively separating lignocellulosic biomass into purified components with high yield

Publication Date: 2018.12.04 UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE RESEARCH FOUNDATION

AI summary

A comprehensive process for treating lignocellulosic biomass in order to separate the biomass into its component parts, the process comprising: a) contacting the lignocellulosic biomass with a first solvent for a period of time and at a first temperature at a severity in the range of about 2 to about 4 to remove extractive components and a portion of ash from the biomass; b) contacting the biomass from step (a) with a second solvent, and optional catalyst, at a second temperature at a severity in the range of about 1 to 5 to remove hemicelluloses and additional ash from the biomass; and c) separating the biomass from step (b) into a lignin product and a cellulose product by contacting the biomass from step (b) with a third solvent at a severity in the range of about 1.5 to 5 to provide a spent liquor product and a solid fraction containing cellulose.