Lignin Particle Separation by Aggregation for Faster Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for separating lignocellulose and lignin fractions are costly, inefficient, and result in low filtration rates due to small lignin particle sizes and high operating costs, with dissolved solvents causing additional expenses and filtration complications.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of polysaccharides and hydrophobic chemicals to stabilize lignocellulose particles and aggregate lignin particles, followed by mechanical separation techniques such as centrifugation and filtration, to purify lignin and separate lignocellulose fractions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If lignin is precipitated from solution using conventional methods, then pure lignin can be obtained, but filtration rate decreases and operating costs increase due to small particle size
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical-chemical parameters of lignin particles by adjusting pH to isoelectric point and using antifoam agents, which causes particles to aggregate into larger sizes (1-5 mm) that filter much faster while maintaining purity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces intermediary substances (antifoam agents containing hydrophobic chemicals and polysaccharides) that mediate between the lignin particles and the filtration process, causing particles to aggregate and improving filtration without requiring solvent removal
2Manufacturing precision
If dissolvents are used to dissolve and precipitate lignin, then pure lignin can be produced, but operating and capital costs increase due to solvent removal and recovery
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the dissolvent step from the conventional process by using direct precipitation from aqueous solution with pH adjustment and antifoam agents, removing the need for expensive solvent removal and recovery operations while maintaining lignin purity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive, reusable dissolvents (alcohols, organic acids) with a simple, disposable pH adjustment system using acid or base and antifoam agents, eliminating the need for costly solvent recovery infrastructure
3Quantity of substance
If small lignin particles are produced by conventional precipitation, then lignin can be separated from solution, but dewatering efficiency decreases and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes particle size parameters through pH adjustment and antifoam agent addition, transforming fine particles into larger aggregates (1-5 mm) that dewater more efficiently with lower energy consumption and higher dry solids content in filter cake
4Quantity of substance
If conventional filtration is used on precipitated lignin, then lignin can be separated, but filtration rate decreases due to small particle size
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical parameters of lignin particles by adjusting pH to isoelectric point and adding antifoam agents, causing particles to aggregate into larger sizes (1-5 mm) that achieve filtration rates up to 10 times higher than conventional methods
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
Improves filtration rates and reduces operating costs by enhancing the separation efficiency of lignin and lignocellulose fractions, allowing for higher dry solids content and energy savings in dewatering, while minimizing waste water and increasing the heat value of the compositions.
Implementation Method 1
adding a polysaccharide or modified polysaccharide as stabilizing chemical and/or hydrophobic chemical selected from the group consisting of diesel oil, biodiesel oil, fuel oil, bio fuel oil, kerosene, biokerosene, other middle distillate fraction
Implementation Method 2
adding a polysaccharide or modified polysaccharide as stabilizing chemical into the crude lignin
Implementation Method 3
treating the crude lignin by separating the lignin particle fraction and lignocellulose particle fraction from each other in at least one solid-solid separation step
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for separating lignocellulose particle fraction (3) and lignin particle fraction (4), in which crude lignin (1) formed from starting material (6) comprises lignocellulose particles and lignin particles. According to the invention, the method comprises adding stabilizing chemical (11) and/or hydrophobic chemical (12) into the crude lignin (1) in at least one step, and treating the crude lignin by separating the lignin particle fraction (4) and lignocellulose particle fraction (3) from each other in at least one separation step (2,8,9,10). Further, the invention relates to a lignocellulose particle fraction and a lignin particle fraction and their uses.