Method for separating and recovering lignin and meltable flowable biolignin polymers
AssigneeBioleum Corporation
InventorDavid J. WINSNESS
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Lignin is recovered from biomass or byproducts from biomass processing through the use of organic solvents and water while modifying the form or composition of the lignin. During the separation and recovery process, the lignin can be modified or integrated into a form which is more suitable for its intended use. As the lignin is suspended or is soluble within the organic solvent, the integration of materials or reactants may be more easily blended or dispersed within the lignin to improve performance, quality and overall production efficiency.
Claims20
A method creating a flowable lignin biofuel feedstock comprising:
- a) mixing a biomass comprising lignin with at least one non-polar lignin solvent and water to form a mixture;
- b) heating the mixture to a temperature sufficient for at least a portion of the lignin from the biomass to become soluble in the at least one non-polar lignin solvent;
- d) separating the mixture into a liquid fraction and a pulp fraction;
- e) separating the liquid fraction of the mixture into an organic layer and an aqueous layer, wherein the organic layer comprises a mixture of lignin and the at least one non-polar lignin solvent, and wherein the aqueous layer comprises water and water-soluble solids;
- f) adding at least one carrier fluid to the organic layer, wherein the at least one carrier fluid has a higher boiling point than the at least one non-polar lignin solvent;
- and
- g) removing at least a portion of the at least one non-polar lignin solvent from the organic layer to create the flowable lignin biofuel feedstock.
A method creating a flowable lignin biofuel feedstock comprising:
- a) mixing a biomass comprising lignin with at least one non-polar lignin solvent and water to form a mixture;
- b) heating the mixture to a temperature sufficient for at least a portion of the lignin from the biomass to become soluble in the at least one non-polar lignin solvent;
- d) separating the mixture into a liquid fraction and a pulp fraction;
- e) separating the liquid fraction of the mixture into an organic layer and an aqueous layer, wherein the organic layer comprises a mixture of lignin and the at least one non-polar lignin solvent, and wherein the aqueous layer comprises water and water-soluble solids;
- f) evaporating at least a portion of the at least one non-polar lignin solvent from the organic layer;
- and
- g) adding at least one carrier fluid to the organic layer to create the flowable lignin biofuel feedstock, wherein the at least one carrier fluid has a higher boiling point than the at least one non-polar lignin solvent.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.