Functionalized Lignin Solubility in Hydrotreatment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lignin's low solubility in organic solvents and carrier liquids hinders its use as a feedstock in oil refineries, leading to compatibility issues and inefficient hydrotreatment processes, and the use of standard solvents is costly or environmentally detrimental.

Innovation Solution

A composition of functionalized lignin dissolved in depolymerized functionalized lignin compounds, which serves as a green carrier liquid, enabling the use of conventional hydrotreaters and reducing the need for additional solvents, allowing for efficient hydrotreatment and production of green light products.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If lignin is used as feedstock in conventional hydrotreaters, then fuel production from biomass is enabled, but lignin's low solubility in carrier liquids causes compatibility issues and process inefficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel production efficiencyVSAvoidlignin solubility and compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the chemical structure of lignin through functionalization with alkyl-containing groups. This chemical modification changes the solubility parameters of lignin, enabling it to dissolve in conventional carrier liquids like gas oil that are used in standard hydrotreaters, thereby resolving the compatibility issue while maintaining fuel production efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing functionalized lignin as a intermediate substance that bridges the gap between raw lignin and conventional hydrotreatment processes. The functionalized lignin acts as a mediator that is compatible with both biomass feedstock and conventional refinery processes, enabling seamless integration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If standard solvents are used to dissolve lignin for hydrotreatment, then lignin solubility is improved, but process cost increases and environmental sustainability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelignin solubilityVSAvoidprocess cost and environmental impact

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by designing a process where functionalized lignin serves its own dissolution needs. The alkyl-functionalized lignin becomes self-soluble in conventional carrier liquids through its modified chemical structure, eliminating the need for external specialized solvents and their associated costs and environmental burdens

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

By changing the chemical parameters of lignin through functionalization, the patent enables the use of inexpensive, environmentally benign conventional carrier liquids instead of costly specialized solvents, thereby reducing both manufacturing costs and environmental impact while maintaining adequate solubility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If high temperatures and high hydrogen pressures are used for hydrotreatment, then lignin conversion efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases and coke formation is exacerbated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelignin conversion efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption and coke formation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing functionalization of lignin before the hydrotreatment step. This pre-modification prepares the lignin molecules in advance to be more reactive and easier to process during subsequent hydrotreatment, allowing the reaction to proceed efficiently at milder conditions with lower energy input and reduced coke formation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 approach allows for the use of fixed bed reactors, lower temperatures, and lower hydrogen pressures, enhancing the efficiency and environmental sustainability of lignin conversion into fuel-grade hydrocarbons, while minimizing the use of fossil fuels and reducing coke formation.

Implementation Method 1

functionalized lignin dissolved in depolymerized functionalized lignin compounds

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

hydrotreatment of functionalized lignin... conversion into fuel-grade hydrocarbons

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrogenation: Hydrogenation

Data Source

PatentEP3601308B1Continuous production of fuel grade hydrocarbons by hydrotreatment of functionalized lignin

Publication Date: 2023.06.14 REN FUEL K2B AB

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a composition and a method of preparing the composition where the composition comprising functionalized lignin having a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of at least l,000g/mol and a green carrier liquid comprising depolymerized functional lignin, wherein the functionalized lignin is dissolved in the green carrier liquid and wherein the amount of depolymerized functionalized lignin compounds in the composition is higher than the amount of functionalized lignin.