Lignin Separation Using Low-Temp Hydrogen Peroxide

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for delignification of lignin-containing materials like cardboard and newspaper are inefficient, requiring high temperatures, harsh chemicals, and high energy, which leads to cellulose degradation and increased production costs, limiting the economic use of recycled materials.

Innovation Solution

A process using low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide at low temperatures with a semipermeable gasket to maintain internal pressure, facilitating the repeated extraction of lignin without damaging cellulose, allowing for efficient delignification in a single column without the need for complex reaction chambers or toxic chemicals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional delignification methods are used, then lignin removal is achieved, but high temperatures and harsh chemicals cause cellulose degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecellulose purityVSAvoidcellulose degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operational parameters by using low temperature (ambient to moderate heat) and low concentration hydrogen peroxide (1-10%) instead of conventional high temperature and high concentration methods, thereby removing lignin while preserving cellulose integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces harsh chemical mechanisms with a milder oxidation system using hydrogen peroxide, substituting aggressive chemical treatments with a controlled oxidative process that selectively removes lignin without degrading cellulose

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If high energy and harsh chemicals are used for delignification, then lignin separation is effective, but production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelignin removal efficiencyVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces production costs by changing process parameters to use lower energy input and cheaper reagents, specifically employing low concentration hydrogen peroxide and moderate temperatures, making the delignification process more economically viable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses hydrogen peroxide as a disposable reagent that decomposes into water and oxygen, eliminating the need for expensive chemical waste treatment and disposal systems associated with conventional harsh chemicals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If conventional delignification processes are used, then lignin is removed, but complex reaction chambers and toxic chemicals are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelignification effectivenessVSAvoidreaction chamber complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes toxic chemicals and complex reaction chamber components from the process, simplifying the system to use only hydrogen peroxide and air, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining delignification effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of oxygen release during hydrogen peroxide decomposition into a beneficial pressurization mechanism, using the generated oxygen pressure to enhance lignin removal without requiring complex pressure control systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 method effectively separates cellulose from lignin at lower costs and with reduced environmental impact, using less energy and milder chemicals, resulting in higher purity and quality cellulose products while minimizing waste and environmental harm.

Implementation Method 1

contacting the aqueous liquor with hydrogen peroxide... removing dissolved lignin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

a column fitted with a semipermeable gasket that pressurizes the column by retaining oxygen released by action of the hydrogen peroxide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas retention through semipermeable membrane: Semipermeable Membrane

Data Source

PatentUS11306434B2Method for separating lignin from ligno-cellulosic material

Publication Date: 2022.04.19 KING ABDULAZIZ UNIV

AI summary

The present invention involves an environmentally friendly process and apparatus for the delignification of lignin-containing materials, such as cardboard newspaper or agricultural or tree pruning wastes. This process produces cellulose using low temperatures and low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. It can be performed using a column fitted with a semipermeable gasket that pressurizes the column by retaining oxygen released by action of the hydrogen peroxide on a lignin-containing material.