Small Cellulose Particles via Supercritical Fluid Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for converting lignocellulosic biomass into cellulose are capital intensive, time-consuming, and require harsh toxic chemicals, necessitating the development of environmentally friendly and efficient processes for preparing cellulose compositions.
Innovation Solution
The production of small particle size cellulose particles with a d75 of less than about 8 microns, d50 of about 0.4 to 5 microns, aspect ratio of about 1 to 1.5, and non-spherical shape, using sub-critical, near-critical, or supercritical fluids to form gluco-oligosaccharides and cellulose particles, followed by solvent treatment to isolate type-II cellulose.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional methods are used to convert lignocellulosic biomass into cellulose, then cellulose can be produced, but the process is capital intensive, time-consuming, and requires harsh toxic chemicals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using sub-critical, near-critical, or supercritical water instead of conventional harsh chemicals. This changes the physical and chemical parameters of the processing medium, enabling cellulose extraction without toxic substances while maintaining effectiveness. The critical temperature and pressure parameters of water are utilized to achieve selective dissolution of lignin and hemicellulose.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical and chemical-intensive systems with a fluid-based system using sub-critical or supercritical water. This substitution eliminates the need for harsh toxic chemicals while achieving the same separation objectives through controlled phase behavior and solubility characteristics of the water under extreme conditions.
2Productivity
If conventional cellulose production methods are used, then cellulose can be obtained, but the process is capital intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent exploits phase transitions of water between sub-critical, near-critical, and supercritical states to achieve rapid separation of cellulose from lignocellulosic biomass. By controlling temperature and pressure to transition water through these phases, the process achieves fast extraction without lengthy conventional processing steps, significantly reducing production time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action through cyclic heating and pressurization to achieve repeated dissolution and precipitation cycles. This periodic processing allows for efficient batch-wise extraction of cellulose, improving overall productivity by maintaining continuous operation with rapid cycle times compared to conventional batch methods.
3Reliability
If cellulose particles are produced with small particle size (d75 < 8 microns, d50 = 0.4-5 microns), then viscosity and stability in compositions are enhanced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by allowing the sub-critical or supercritical water process to naturally produce the desired particle size distribution through controlled precipitation. The extreme conditions cause automatic breakdown of cellulose into fine particles with d75 < 8 microns and d50 = 0.4-5 microns without requiring additional size reduction equipment or precise mechanical control, achieving both small particle size and manufacturing simplicity.
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 method enables the production of cellulose particles that significantly increase viscosity and stability in compositions, enhancing their use in various applications such as food products, personal care formulations, and industrial fluids.
Implementation Method 1
contacting a cellulosic substrate with a sub-critical, near-critical or supercritical fluid for a duration sufficient to form a mixture of liquid and solids, said mixture comprising gluco-oligosaccharides (GOS) and particles comprising cellulose
Implementation Method 2
followed by solvent treatment to isolate type-II cellulose
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to compositions comprising cellulose particles and methods for making and using same. This invention also relates to compositions comprising a fluid and particles comprising cellulose. Thus, disclosed herein are methods of manufacture, isolation, purification, and handling of cellulose particles. Also disclosed are uses for cellulose particles as additives in leavened or leavenable food products, or in an emulsion or emulsifiable product, or as a suspension aid, or in a thickened composition, or in a meat or meat analog product, or in a personal care formulation, or in a beauty formulation, or in a cosmetic formulation, or in a skin care formulation. Also disclosed are uses for cellulose particles in subterranean treatment compositions. Also disclosed are uses for cellulose particles in metal working compositions, cutting compositions, and stamping compositions. Also disclosed herein are resuspendable particles comprising cellulose. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.