Modified Sulfuric Acid Delignification at Room Temperature
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The kraft pulping process for delignification is energy-intensive, requires high temperatures and pressures, and generates substantial emissions, making it environmentally and economically inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A novel aqueous acidic composition comprising sulfuric acid, a carbonyl-containing nitrogenous base compound, and a peroxide, which allows for delignification of biomass at room temperature, reducing energy input and emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional kraft pulping process is used for delignification, then lignin removal is achieved, but energy consumption increases and emissions are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the pulping process by using a modified sulfuric acid composition with specific molar ratios of sulfuric acid to hydrogen peroxide, enabling delignification at room temperature instead of high temperatures, thus reducing energy consumption and emissions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a strong oxidizing system formed by sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide, which accelerates the oxidation of lignin to water-soluble fragments, achieving effective delignification under mild conditions without requiring high temperature and pressure
2Object-generated harmful factors
If high temperatures and pressures are applied in kraft pulping, then delignification is achieved, but capital expenditures and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the operating parameters from high temperature and pressure to room temperature and atmospheric pressure, eliminating the need for complex pressure vessels and high-temperature equipment, thus reducing capital expenditures and operational costs
3Object-generated harmful factors
If mechanical treatment is used to separate fibers from lignin, then fiber separation is achieved, but fiber strength degrades and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical treatment with a chemical oxidation system, where sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide chemically degrade lignin to water-soluble fragments, allowing fiber separation through washing rather than mechanical force, thus preserving fiber strength
Solution Approach 2:
The strong oxidizing action of sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide selectively degrades lignin while leaving cellulose fibers intact, enabling clean separation without the mechanical stress that would weaken fiber bonds
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 composition effectively delignifies biomass at significantly lower temperatures than conventional kraft pulping, reducing energy consumption, emissions, and capital expenditures while maintaining the integrity of cellulose fibers.
Implementation Method 1
The composition effectively delignifies biomass at significantly lower temperatures than conventional kraft pulping, reducing energy consumption, emissions, and capital expenditures while maintaining the integrity of cellulose fibers
Data Source
AI summary
A one-pot process to separate lignin from a lignocellulosic feedstock includes providing a vessel; providing a lignocellulosic feedstock; providing a composition comprising an acid, a modifying agent comprising a carbonyl-containing nitrogenous base compound, and a peroxide; exposing the lignocellulosic feedstock to the composition in the vessel for a period of time sufficient to remove at least 80% of the lignin present in the lignocellulosic feedstock; and optionally, removing a liquid phase comprising dissolved lignin fragments from a solid phase comprising cellulose fibres.