Lignin Composition Extraction Low Temperature Solvent Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current processes for producing lignin-based products are complex, energy-intensive, and costly, often requiring high temperatures and pressures, which can lead to undesirable condensation reactions and reduce the efficiency and stability of the lignin composition.
Innovation Solution
A simplified process involving a lignin slurry extraction at a low temperature (less than 100°C) and optional low pressure, followed by separation into heavy and light fractions, and suspension in a polar organic solvent to achieve a lignin composition with a high dry matter content and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high temperature and pressure are used in lignin processing, then extraction efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases and condensation reactions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the extraction parameters by using low temperature (less than 100°C) and low pressure conditions instead of conventional high temperature and pressure. This parameter change achieves effective lignin extraction while avoiding excessive energy consumption and unwanted condensation reactions, directly resolving the technical contradiction between extraction efficiency and energy consumption.
2Productivity
If high temperature processing is applied, then extraction efficiency is improved, but condensation reactions occur reducing product stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by conducting extraction at low temperature (less than 100°C) to prevent condensation reactions that would otherwise occur at high temperatures. This maintains the stability of the lignin composition while still achieving effective extraction, resolving the contradiction between productivity and composition stability.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex processing steps are used, then product quality is improved, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and focuses on the essential extraction step using low temperature and pressure, removing unnecessary complex processing steps. The method separates the key function (lignin extraction) from complex auxiliary processes, achieving good product quality through a simplified extraction process followed by simple separation into heavy and light fractions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the processing into distinct simple steps: low temperature extraction, separation into heavy and light fractions, and suspension in polar organic solvent. This segmentation allows each step to be performed simply and efficiently, maintaining product quality while reducing overall process complexity.
4Quantity of substance
If conventional extraction methods are used, then lignin is obtained, but equipment complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the extraction parameters to low temperature (less than 100°C) and low pressure, which allows the use of simpler equipment without compromising lignin production. The modified parameters enable effective extraction using basic extraction vessels and separation equipment, resolving the contradiction between maintaining production quantity and reducing equipment complexity.
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 results in a stable lignin composition with a high dry matter content, suitable for use as a fuel, while reducing equipment complexity and energy consumption, thereby offering technical, environmental, and economic advantages.
Implementation Method 1
subjecting the lignin slurry to extraction at an extraction temperature of less than 100° C. for an extraction time of at least 1 minute to provide an extracted slurry
Implementation Method 2
separating the extracted slurry into a heavy fraction and a light fraction, wherein the light fraction comprises an extracted lignin
Implementation Method 3
suspending the extracted lignin in a polar organic solvent to provide a lignin composition having a dry matter content of at least 30% by weight
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a process for producing a lignin composition, which process comprises:providing a lignin slurry comprising water and a water miscible organic solvent;subjecting the lignin slurry to extraction at an extraction temperature of less than 100° C. for an extraction time of at least 1 minute to provide an extracted slurry;removing liquid from the extracted slurry to provide an extracted lignin; andsuspending the extracted lignin in a polar organic solvent to provide a lignin composition having a dry matter content of at least 30% by weight.The present invention also relates to a lignin composition comprising hardwood Kraft lignin and a polar organic solvent, which composition has a dry matter content of at least 30% by weight. The present invention also relates to use of the lignin composition as a fuel.