Lignin Fraction Formation with Mechanical Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for forming lignin from biomass result in crude lignin residues with high non-hydrolyzed lignocellulose content, leading to high operating and capital costs, inefficient filtration, and low dry solids content, due to small lignin particle sizes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving enzymatic treatment and/or ionic liquid treatment of crude lignin, followed by lignin liberation and separation into solid phases using mechanical separation techniques, with optional chemical stabilization and washing, to produce a purified lignin fraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If chemical dissolution and precipitation methods are used to purify lignin, then lignin purity is improved, but operating costs and capital costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes non-hydrolyzed lignocellulose particles from crude lignin through mechanical separation techniques, obtaining purified lignin without using costly chemical dissolution and precipitation processes. This extraction approach eliminates the need for expensive dissolvents and salt recovery operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces chemical separation methods (dissolution in NaOH, alcohol-water mixtures, or organic acids followed by precipitation) with mechanical separation techniques. This substitution eliminates the need for chemical dissolvents, precipitation agents, and associated recovery equipment, significantly reducing both operating and capital costs.
2Manufacturing precision
If chemical dissolution and precipitation methods are used to purify lignin, then lignin purity is improved, but equipment investment and operating expenses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes non-hydrolyzed lignocellulose particles from crude lignin through mechanical separation techniques, obtaining purified lignin without using costly chemical dissolution and precipitation processes. This extraction approach eliminates the need for expensive dissolvents and salt recovery operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces chemical separation methods (dissolution in NaOH, alcohol-water mixtures, or organic acids followed by precipitation) with mechanical separation techniques. This substitution eliminates the need for chemical dissolvents, precipitation agents, and associated recovery equipment, significantly reducing both operating and capital costs.
3Quantity of substance
If filtration is used to dewater lignin, then lignin can be concentrated, but filtration rate is low and dry solids content is reduced due to small particle size
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary mechanical separation to remove non-hydrolyzed lignocellulose particles before dewatering operations. This preliminary action increases the effective particle size and improves subsequent filtration performance, achieving both high filtration rates and high dry solids content in the filter cake.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes non-hydrolyzed lignocellulose particles from crude lignin through mechanical separation techniques, obtaining purified lignin without using costly chemical dissolution and precipitation processes. This extraction approach eliminates the need for expensive dissolvents and salt recovery operations.
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 improves lignin purity and filtration rates, increases dry solids content, and allows for the recovery of lignocellulose for recirculation, enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of lignin-based product production.
Implementation Method 1
The crude lignin has been processed by means of a treatment step selected from enzymatic treatment, treatment with ionic liquid and their combinations
Implementation Method 2
enzymatic treatment, treatment with ionic liquid
Implementation Method 3
The crude lignin has been processed by means of a treatment step selected from enzymatic treatment, treatment with ionic liquid and their combinations
Implementation Method 4
separating a lignin fraction by means of at least one separation step
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for forming a lignin fraction from crude lignin which has been processed by means of a treatment step selected from enzymatic treatment, treatment with ionic liquid and their combinations. The method comprises treating the crude lignin (1) by a lignin liberation in at least one lignin liberation step (3), and separating a lignin fraction (6) in at least one separation step (5). Further, the invention relates to a lignin composition and its use.