# US 11,078,225 B2 · Method and an apparatus for forming a lignin fraction, a lignin composition and its use

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- Number: US 11,078,225 B2
- Document ID: US11078225B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 15/577,624
- Filed: 2016-05-26
- Published: 2018-06-14
- Granted: 2021-08-03
- Earliest claimed: 2015-05-29
- Assignees: Upm-Kymmene Corporation
- Applicants: Upm-Kymmene Corporation
- Inventors: Mauno Miettinen
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11078225B2

## CPC

- C07G 1/00: Low-molecular-weight derivatives of lignin (high-molecular-weight derivatives of lignin {C08H6/00})
- B01J 31/003: {containing enzymes}
- B01J 31/0277: {comprising ionic liquids, as components in catalyst systems or catalysts per se, the ionic liquid compounds being used in the molten state at the respective reaction temperature}
- B01J 37/36: Biochemical methods
- C08H 6/00: {Macromolecular compounds derived from lignin, e.g. tannins, humic acids}
- C07G: COMPOUNDS OF UNKNOWN CONSTITUTION (sulfonated fats, oils or waxes of undetermined constitution C07C309/62)
- B01J: CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
- C08H: DERIVATIVES OF NATURAL MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS (polysaccharides C08B; natural rubber C08C; natural resins or their derivatives C09F; bituminous materials C10)

## Abstract

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.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A method for forming a lignin fraction from crude lignin wherein the method comprises:
forming crude lignin using enzymatic treatment, treatment with ionic liquid, or the combination thereof;
treating the crude lignin by a lignin liberation at a temperature of at least 170° C. in at least one lignin liberation step, wherein the lignin is liberated using a dilute acid hydrolysis and a steam explosion and wherein two solid phases are formed; and
separating a lignin fraction and a lignocellulose fraction in at least one solid-solid separation step after the lignin liberation.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the cellulose content of the crude lignin is between about 10-60% by weight.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The method according to claim 1, wherein below 70% of glucan is dissolved during the lignin liberation.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The method according to claim 1, wherein the crude lignin is treated by dewatering, washing, filtrating, centrifuging, or a combination thereof in at least one washing and separation step before the lignin liberation.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The method according to claim 1, wherein the separating the lignin fraction and the lignocellulose is carried out in more than one separation step.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The method according to claim 1, wherein a stabilizing chemical is added into the treated crude lignin in connection with the act of separating the lignin fraction and the lignocellulose fraction.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

The method according to claim 6, wherein the stabilizing chemical includes carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) or guar gum.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The method according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the lignocellulose fraction is recirculated to the enzymatic treatment, the treatment with ionic liquid, or the combination thereof.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, further comprising forming a lignin composition including the lignin fraction.

### Claim 10 (depends on 9)

The method of claim 9, wherein the lignin composition is configured to be used as a component in a product selected from the group consisting of activated carbon, carbon fiber, lignin composite, binder material, polymers, resins, phenolic component, dispersion agent, feed, food or their combination.

### Claim 11 (depends on 9)

The method of claim 9, wherein the lignin composition is configured to be used as an adsorbent for oil, hydrocarbon composition, or heavy metals.

### Claim 12 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, further comprising forming a lignocellulose composition including the lignocellulose fraction.

### Claim 13 (depends on 12)

The method of claim 12, wherein the lignocellulose composition is configured to be used as a component in a product selected from the group consisting of composites, wood composites, lignin-wood composites, wood-plastic composites, resins, wood based materials, wood based fillers, construction materials, building boards, glue boards and/or other wood based hoards, or as combustible matter, or as raw material in a production of microcrystalline cellulose, nanocrystalline cellulose or nanofibrillated cellulose.