Lignin Particle Size Control via Rapid Pressure Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processes for delignifying lignocellulosic biomass are costly and inefficient due to equipment fouling and the need for separate pulverization steps, as lignin precipitates in large, sticky particles that clog equipment and require high temperatures for solubilization, leading to suboptimal energy recovery and particle size variability.
Innovation Solution
The method involves cooling lignocellulosic biomass to just above its glass transition temperature and rapidly reducing pressure to precipitate lignin into small particles, avoiding equipment fouling and maximizing energy recovery, with the goal of producing lignin with an average particle size less than 500 microns using supercritical or near-critical fluid extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If high temperatures are used to solubilize lignin, then lignin recovery is achieved, but equipment fouling occurs and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure parameter rapidly from high pressure to atmospheric pressure while maintaining temperature just above the glass transition temperature. This parameter change causes the dissolved lignin to precipitate as fine particles without requiring high temperatures, thus avoiding equipment fouling while achieving lignin recovery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of lignin from dissolved state to precipitated state by controlling pressure and temperature. By rapidly reducing pressure while maintaining temperature above the glass transition temperature, the lignin undergoes a phase transition that produces fine particles suitable for combustion without fouling equipment
2Quantity of substance
If high temperatures are used to solubilize lignin, then lignin recovery is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure parameter rapidly from high pressure to atmospheric pressure while maintaining temperature just above the glass transition temperature. This parameter change causes the dissolved lignin to precipitate as fine particles without requiring high temperatures, thus avoiding equipment fouling while achieving lignin recovery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of lignin from dissolved state to precipitated state by controlling pressure and temperature. By rapidly reducing pressure while maintaining temperature above the glass transition temperature, the lignin undergoes a phase transition that produces fine particles suitable for combustion without fouling equipment
3Quantity of substance
If lignin is recovered as large particles, then recovery is achieved, but combustion efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of lignin from dissolved state to precipitated state by controlling pressure and temperature. By rapidly reducing pressure while maintaining temperature above the glass transition temperature, the lignin undergoes a phase transition that produces fine particles suitable for combustion without fouling equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical pulverization systems with a pressure-driven phase transition process. The rapid pressure reduction naturally fractures and sizes the lignin particles, eliminating the need for separate mechanical pulverization equipment and producing uniformly fine particles for efficient combustion
4Quantity of substance
If conventional delignification processes are used, then lignin removal is achieved, but equipment complexity and operating cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the delignification and lignin recovery processes into a single integrated operation. By combining the hydrolysis step with the pressure reduction and precipitation step, the process eliminates the need for separate equipment systems, reducing overall equipment complexity while achieving effective lignin removal and recovery
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 effectively pulverizes lignin into uniform, small particles, improving handling and combustion efficiency while preventing equipment fouling and enhancing energy recovery, enabling lignin to be used as a high-value feedstock for chemical production.
Implementation Method 1
reducing said first temperature of said lignocellulosic biomass to a second temperature at least about 1° C. above the glass transition temperature of lignin under said first pressure
Implementation Method 2
reducing said first pressure of said lignocellulosic biomass at said second temperature to a second pressure in a time less than about 1 second to precipitate said soluble lignin in said first liquid fraction
Implementation Method 3
lignin having an average size of no greater than about 500 micron; wherein said lignin is processed from lignocellulosic biomass using supercritical or near critical fluid extraction
Data Source
AI summary
Methods are disclosed for preparing lignin from lignocellulosic biomass using rapid full or partial pressure reduction to separate and pulverize the lignin without fouling the equipment and with improved energy recovery.