Continuous counter-current organosolv processing of lignocellulosic feedstocks

A modular biorefining system for organosolv fractionation of lignocellulosic feedstock into component parts and further processing of said component parts, the modular process comprising:

• a first processing module configured for receiving, physically processing, and physico-chemically fractionating a lignocellulose feedstock by commingling and circulating therethrough an organic solvent separately provided thereto, and separating said component parts into a first liquid fraction and a cellulosic solids fraction comprising therein a plurality of a first class of lignin derivatives;
• a second processing module configured for receiving and processing therein said cellulosic solids fraction, and recovering therefrom a de-lignified cellulose pulp stream;
• a third processing module provided with a third series of steps comprising:
• separating a first solids fraction from the first liquid fraction thereby producing a second liquid fraction, said first solids fraction comprising a plurality of a second class of lignin derivatives;
• separating a second solids fraction from the second liquid fraction thereby producing a third liquid fraction, said second solids fraction comprising a plurality of a third class of lignin derivatives;
• recovering from the third liquid fraction at least a portion of the organic solvent and a processed third liquid fraction;
• and
• a fourth processing module configured for recovery of a first semi-solid waste material therefrom said processed second liquid fraction.

A modular biorefining system for organosolv fractionation of lignocellulosic feedstock into component parts and further processing of said component parts;

• the modular process comprising:
• a first processing module configured for receiving, physically processing, and physico-chemically fractionating a lignocellulose feedstock by commingling and circulating therethrough an organic solvent separately provided thereto, and separating said component parts into a first liquid fraction and a cellulosic solids fraction comprising therein a plurality of a first class of lignin derivatives;
• a second processing module configured for receiving and processing therein said cellulosic solids fraction, and recovering therefrom a sugar fraction;
• a third processing module provided with a third series of steps comprising:
• separating a first solids fraction from the first liquid fraction thereby producing a second liquid fraction, said first solids fraction comprising a plurality of a second class of lignin derivatives;
• separating a second solids fraction from the second liquid fraction thereby producing a third liquid fraction, said second solids fraction comprising a plurality of a third class of lignin derivatives;
• recovering from the third liquid fraction at least a portion of the organic solvent and a processed third liquid fraction;
• and
• a fourth processing module configured for recovery of a first semi-solid waste material therefrom said processed second liquid fraction.