# US 8,772,427 B2 · Continuous counter-current organosolv processing of lignocellulosic feedstocks > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 8,772,427 B2 - Document ID: US8772427B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 13/484,003 - Filed: 2012-05-30 - Published: 2012-09-20 - Granted: 2014-07-08 - Earliest claimed: 2008-11-26 - Assignees: Lignol Innovations Ltd. - Applicants: Christer Hallberg; Donald O'Connor; Michael Rushton; Edward Kendall Pye; Gordon Gjennstad; Alex Berlin; John Ross McLachlan; Raymond Ma - Inventors: Christer Hallberg; Donald O'Connor; Michael Rushton; Edward Kendall Pye; Gordon Gjennstad; Alex Berlin; John Ross McLachlan; Raymond Ma - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8772427B2 ## CPC - B01D 3/002: {by continuous methods} - B01D 3/145: {One step being separation by permeation} - C07H 19/00: Compounds containing a hetero ring sharing one ring hetero atom with a saccharide radical; Nucleosides; Mononucleotides ; Anhydro-derivatives thereof - C08H 8/00: Macromolecular compounds derived from lignocellulosic materials {(pretreatment thereof B27N)} - C12M 21/04: {for producing gas, e.g. biogas (digesters for manure with production of biogas A01C3/028, biological treatment of water, waste water or sewage C02F3/00, C02F11/02, preparation of natural gas or syngas C10L3/06, C10L3/10)} - C12M 45/06: {by chemical means or hydrolysis} - C12M 45/09: {by enzymatic treatment} - C12P 5/023: {Methane} - C12P 7/00: Preparation of oxygen-containing organic compounds - C12P 7/08: produced as by-product or from waste or cellulosic material substrate - C12P 7/16: Butanols - C12P 7/18: polyhydric - C12P 7/40: containing a carboxyl group {including Peroxycarboxylic acids} - C12P 7/54: Acetic acid (vinegar C12J) - C12P 7/56: Lactic acid - C12P 19/14: produced by the action of a carbohydrase {(EC 3.2.x)}, e.g. by alpha-amylase {, e.g. by cellulase, hemicellulase} - B01D 3/143: {by two or more of a fractionation, separation or rectification step} - B01D 3/148: {in combination with at least one evaporator} - Y02E 50/10: Biofuels, e.g. bio-diesel - Y02E 50/30: Fuel from waste, e.g. synthetic alcohol or diesel - B01D: SEPARATION (separating solids from solids by wet methods B03B, B03D; by pneumatic jigs or tables B03B; by other dry methods B07; magnetic or electrostatic separation of solid materials from solid materials or fluids, separation by high-voltage electric fields B03C; centrifuges, vortex apparatus B04; presses per se for squeezing-out liquid from liquid-containing material B30B9/02; treatment of water C02F, e.g. softening by ion-exchange C02F1/42; {arrangements of air intake cleaners in gas turbine plants F02C7/05} ; arrangements or mounting of filters in air-conditioning, air-humidification or ventilation F24F13/28) - C07H: SUGARS; DERIVATIVES THEREOF; NUCLEOSIDES; NUCLEOTIDES; NUCLEIC ACIDS (derivatives of aldonic or saccharic acids C07C, C07D; aldonic acids, saccharic acids C07C59/105, C07C59/285; cyanohydrins C07C255/16; glycals C07D; compounds of unknown constitution C07G; polysaccharides, derivatives thereof C08B; DNA or RNA concerning genetic engineering, vectors, e.g. plasmids, or their isolation, preparation or purification C12N15/00; sugar industry C13) - C08H: DERIVATIVES OF NATURAL MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS (polysaccharides C08B; natural rubber C08C; natural resins or their derivatives C09F; bituminous materials C10) - C12M: APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY; {APPARATUS FOR CULTURING MICROORGANISMS FOR PRODUCING BIOMASS, FOR GROWING CELLS OR FOR OBTAINING FERMENTATION OR METABOLIC PRODUCTS, i.e. BIOREACTORS OR FERMENTERS} - C12P: FERMENTATION OR ENZYME-USING PROCESSES TO SYNTHESISE A DESIRED CHEMICAL COMPOUND OR COMPOSITION OR TO SEPARATE OPTICAL ISOMERS FROM A RACEMIC MIXTURE {(brewing of beer C12C; producing vinegar C12J; producing specific peptides or proteins C07K; producing enzymes C12N9/00; DNA or RNA concerning genetic engineering, vectors, e.g. plasmids, or their isolation, preparation or purification C12N15/00; measuring or testing processes involving enzymes or microorganisms C12Q; measuring or testing processes involving nucleic acid amplification reactions C12Q1/6844; fermentation processes to form a food composition, A21 or A23; compounds in general, see the relevant compound class, e.g. C01, C07)} - Y02E: REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION ## Abstract A modular process for organosolv fractionation of lignocellulosic feedstocks into component parts and further processing of said component parts into one or more of a de-lignified cellulose stream, a sugar stream, small-chain alcohol streams and four structurally distinct classes of lignin derivatives. The modular process comprises a first processing module configured for digesting lignocellulosic feedstocks with an organic solvent thereby producing a cellulosic solids fraction and a liquid fraction, a second processing module configured for recovering small-chain alcohols and optionally a first class of lignin derivatives from the cellulosic solids fraction, a third processing module configured for recovering from the liquid fraction at least one of a second class and a third class of lignin derivatives or mixtures thereof, and waste stream comprising a fourth class of lignin derivatives. The fourth processing module may optionally recover the fourth class of lignin derivatives. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A modular biorefining process for separating a lignocellulosic feedstock into component parts and further processing of said component parts; the modular process comprising: a first processing module provided with a first series of steps for receiving, physically screening, and physico-chemically fractionating a lignocellulosic feedstock with an organic solvent separately provided thereto thereby extracting component parts therefrom, and separating said component parts into a first liquid fraction and a cellulosic solids fraction comprising a plurality of a first class of lignin derivatives therein; a second processing module provided with a second series of steps for receiving therein said cellulosic solids fraction and separating 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 provided with at least one step for recovery of a first semi-solid waste material therefrom said processed third liquid fraction. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) A modular biorefining process according to claim 1, wherein the second series of steps comprises steps for controllably reducing the viscosity of the cellulosic solids fraction, controllably digesting the reduced-viscosity de-lignified cellulosic solids fraction, and recovering therefrom a fourth liquid fraction comprising at least one sugar. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) A modular biorefining process according to claim 2, wherein the second series of steps comprises at least one step for adding an enzyme preparation configured for controllably digesting the reduced-viscosity cellulosic solids fraction, said enzyme preparation comprising at least one enzyme selected from the group consisting of endo-β-1,4-glucanases, cellobiohydrolases, cellulases, hemicellulases, β-glucosidases, β-xylosidases, xylanases, α-amylases, β-amylases, pullulases, and esterases. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) A modular biorefining process according to claim 3, wherein the second series of steps additionally comprises steps for post-digestion recovery and recycling of a portion of the enzyme preparation. ### Claim 5 (depends on 2) A modular biorefining process according to claim 2, wherein the second series of steps additionally comprises steps for: commingling the fourth liquid fraction with a microbial inoculum preparation comprising a fermentative microorganism; recovering therefrom a fermentation beer; and processing said fermentation beer to recover a short-chain alcohol stream and a semi-solid waste therefrom. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) A modular biorefining process according to claim 5, wherein the microbial inoculum preparation comprises at least one fermentative microorganism selected from a group containing naturally occurring and genetically engineered Saccharomyces spp. strains, Pichia spp. strains, Aspergillus spp. strains, Trichoderma spp. strains, Escherichia coli strains, Zymomonas spp. strains, Clostridium spp. strains, and Corynebacterium spp. strains, and combinations thereof. ### Claim 7 (depends on 5) A modular biorefining process according to claim 5, wherein the second series of steps additionally comprises steps for refining said short-chain alcohol stream to produce one of a fuel-grade short-chain alcohol stream and an industrial-grade short-chain alcohol stream. ### Claim 8 (depends on 5) A modular biorefining process according to claim 5, wherein the short-chain alcohol stream comprises one of an ethanol stream and a butanol stream. ### Claim 9 (depends on 5) A modular biorefining process according to claim 5, wherein the second series of steps additionally comprises steps for post-fermentation recovery and recycling of a portion of the inoculum preparation. ### Claim 10 (depends on 2) A modular biorefining process according to claim 2, wherein the second series of steps additionally comprises steps for controllably commingling with the reduced-viscosity cellulosic solids fraction for concurrently converting the fourth liquid fraction produced therefrom into a fermentation beer, a microbial inoculum preparation comprising at least one fermentative microorganism selected from a group containing naturally occurring and genetically engineered Saccharomyces spp. strains, Pichia spp. strains, Aspergillus spp. strains, Trichoderma spp. strains, Escherichia coli strains, Zymomonas spp. strains, Clostridium spp. strains, and Corynebacterium spp. strains. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) A modular biorefining process according to claim 10, wherein the second series of steps additionally comprises steps for recovering the fermentation beer, and processing said fermentation beer to recover therefrom a short-chain alcohol stream and a semi-solid waste. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) A modular biorefining process according to claim 11, wherein the second series of steps additionally comprises steps for refining said short-chain alcohol stream to produce at least one of a fuel-grade short-chain alcohol stream and an industrial-grade short-chain alcohol stream. ### Claim 13 (depends on 11) A modular biorefining process according to claim 11, wherein the short-chain alcohol stream comprises one of an ethanol stream and a butanol stream. ### Claim 14 (depends on 10) A modular biorefining process according to claim 10, wherein the second series of steps additionally comprises steps for post-fermentation recovery and recycling of at least one of a portion of the microbial inoculum preparation. ### Claim 15 (depends on 12) A modular biorefining process according to claim 12, wherein the second series of steps additionally comprises steps for post-fermentation recovery of a portion of the first class of lignin derivatives therefrom said semi-solid waste. ### Claim 16 (depends on 1) A modular biorefining process according to claim 1, wherein the fourth processing module is additionally provided with steps for recovering from the processed third liquid fraction, one or more of an acetic acid-containing liquid fraction, a fourth class of lignin derivatives, a sugar syrup, and a semi-solid waste material. ### Claim 17 (depends on 16) A modular biorefining process according to claim 16, wherein a portion of the sugar syrup separated in the fourth processing module is controllably delivered into the second module for production of a short-chain alcohol therefrom. ### Claim 18 (depends on 1) A modular biorefining process according to claim 1, additionally provided with a fifth processing module configured for receiving and processing therein said semi-solid waste material from the fourth module, into at least a collectable biogas and a liquid effluent. ### Claim 19 (depends on 18) A modular biorefining process according to claim 18, wherein the fifth processing module is additionally configured for receiving and processing therein a semi-solid waste material from the second module. ### Claim 20 (depends on 18) A modular process according to claim 18, additionally provided with a sixth processing module comprising a fermentation module configured for receiving, fermenting and distilling therein said sugar syrup, and for recovering therefrom a distillate comprising at least 1,3-propanediol and a lactic acid stream. ### Claim 21 (depends on 20) A modular process according to claim 20, wherein said distillate comprises at least 1,3 propanediol. ### Claim 22 (depends on 19) A modular process according to claim 19, wherein the fifth processing module comprises a first step of biologically liquifying said first semi-solid waste material thereby producing a fifth liquid fraction, a second step of biologically acidifying the fifth liquid fraction thereby producing a liquid organic acid stream therefrom, a third step of biologically acetifying the liquid organic stream thereby producing at least acetic acid, and a fourth step of biologically producing at least a biogas and a liquid effluent from said acetic acid. ### Claim 23 (depends on 22) A modular process according to claim 22, wherein: the first step is additionally provided with an inoculation step wherein an inoculum comprising at least one microbial strain selected from a group containing at least naturally occurring and genetically engineered Enterobacter sp., is controllably commingled with said solid waste material; the second step is additionally provided with an inoculation step wherein an inoculum comprising at least one microbial strain selected from a group containing at least naturally occurring and genetically engineered Bacillus sp., Lactobacillus sp. and Streptococcus sp., is controllably commingled with said fifth liquid fraction; the third step is additionally provided with an inoculation step wherein an inoculum comprising at least one microbial strain selected from a group containing at least naturally occurring and genetically engineered Acetobacter sp., Gluconobacter sp., and Clostridium sp., is controllably commingled with said liquid organic acid stream; and the fourth step is additionally provided with an inoculation step wherein an inoculum comprising at least one microbial strain selected from a group containing at least naturally occurring and genetically engineered Methanobacteria sp., Methanococci sp., and Methanopyri sp., is controllably commingled with said at least acetic acid. ### Claim 24 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. ### Claim 25 (depends on 24) A modular biorefining system according to claim 24, additionally provided with a fifth processing module configured for anaerobic digestion and processing of the first semi-solid waste material into at least a collectable biogas and an liquid effluent. ### Claim 26 (depends on 24) A modular biorefining system according to claim 24, wherein the first processing module comprises a plurality of equipment selected and configured for controllable and manipulable communication and cooperation for: receiving therein a lignocellulosic feedstock; processing the lignocellulosic feedstock by physically separating non-lignocellulosic materials therefrom; physico-chemically hydrolyzing the processed lignocellulosic feedstock by commingling said feedstock with a separately supplied organic solvent while controllably manipulating at least the temperature and pressure therein and thereabout, thereby producing the first liquid fraction and the cellulosic solids fraction; and separately and controllably discharging the cellulosic solids fraction and the first liquid fraction. ### Claim 27 (depends on 24) A modular biorefining system according to claim 24, wherein the first processing module is configured to continuously receive, physically process, and physico-chemically hydrolyze a lignocellulosic feedstock thereby continuously producing the cellulosic solids fraction and the first liquid fraction. ### Claim 28 (depends on 24) A modular biorefining system according to claim 24, wherein the first processing module is configured to receive, physically process, and physico-chemically hydrolyze a batch of lignocellulosic feedstock thereby producing the cellulosic solids fraction and the first liquid fraction. ### Claim 29 (depends on 28) A modular biorefining system according to claim 28, wherein the first processing module is provided with a temperature-controllable and pressure-controllable vessel configured to: receive therein the processed lignocellulosic feed stock at about a first end and to convey said feedstock therethrough to about a second end; receive therein an organic solvent at about the second end, and to flow said organic solvent therethrough to about the first end; discharge the cellulosic solids fraction through an outlet provided therefor approximate the second end; and discharge the first liquid fraction through an outlet provided therefor approximate the first end. ### Claim 30 (depends on 28) A modular biorefining system according to claim 28, wherein the temperature controllable and pressure-controllable vessel is configured to: receive therein the processed lignocellulosic feed stock at about a first end and to convey said feedstock therethrough to about a second end; receive therein an organic solvent at about the first end, and to circulate said organic solvent therethrough and thereabout; discharge the cellulosic solids fraction through an outlet provided therefor approximate the second end; and discharge the first liquid fraction through an outlet provided therefor approximate the second end. ### Claim 31 (depends on 28) A modular biorefining system according to claim 28, wherein the temperature controllable and pressure-controllable vessel is configured to: receive therein the processed lignocellulosic feed stock at about a first end and to convey said feedstock therethrough to about a second end; receive therein an organic solvent interposed the first end and second end, and to circulate said organic solvent therethrough and thereabout; discharge the cellulosic solids fraction through an outlet provided therefor approximate the second end; and discharge the first liquid fraction though an outlet provided therefor approximate the first end. ### Claim 32 (depends on 24) A modular biorefining system according to claim 24, wherein the first processing module is additionally provided with equipment configured to sequentially saturate and de-saturate the processed lignocellulosic feedstock with an organic solvent prior to physico-chemically hydrolyzing said processed lignocellulosic feedstock. ### Claim 33 (depends on 24) A modular biorefining system according to claim 24, wherein the second processing module comprises a plurality of equipment selected and configured for receiving therein the cellulosic solids fraction comprising a plurality of the first class of lignin derivatives, controllably de-lignifying said cellulosic solids fraction, and recovery of a de-lignified cellulosic pulp. ### Claim 34 (depends on 33) A modular biorefining system according to claim 33, wherein the second processing module comprises equipment configured for de-lignifying the cellulosic solids fraction with a bleaching process. ### Claim 35 (depends on 34) A modular biorefining system according to claim 34, wherein the bleaching process is one of an elemental chlorine-free (ECF) bleaching process and a total chlorine-free (TCF) bleaching process. ### Claim 36 (depends on 33) A modular biorefining system according to claim 33, additionally configured for decrystallization of the de-dignified cellulosic pulp stream. ### Claim 37 (depends on 33) A modular biorefining system according to claim 33, wherein the second processing module is additionally configured for recovery and processing of at least a portion of said first class of lignin derivatives. ### Claim 38 (depends on 33) A modular biorefining system according to claim 33, wherein the second processing module additionally comprises a plurality of equipment selected and configured for: receiving therein the de-lignified cellulosic pulp stream; reducing the viscosity of the de-lignified cellulosic pulp stream; enzymatic digestion of the reduced-viscosity de-lignified cellulosic pulp stream thereby producing a first carbohydrates liquid stream; and recovery therefrom of the first carbohydrates liquid stream and a first spent solids fraction. ### Claim 39 (depends on 38) A modular biorefining system according to claim 38, additionally configured for recovering at least one of a portion of the first carbohydrates liquid stream and a portion of the first spent solids fraction, said portions comprising a plurality of enzyme moieties, and for recycling said portions comprising a plurality of enzyme moieties. ### Claim 40 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. ### Claim 41 (depends on 40) A modular biorefining system according to claim 40, wherein the second processing module comprises a plurality of equipment configured for controllably and manipulably: receiving therein the cellulosic solids fraction discharged from the first processing module; controllably reducing the viscosity of the cellulosic solids fraction; enzymatically digesting the reduced-viscosity de-lignified cellulosic pulp stream thereby producing a second carbohydrates liquid stream; and recovering therefrom a second carbohydrates liquid stream comprising the sugar fraction and a third spent solids fraction. ### Claim 42 (depends on 41) A modular biorefining system according to claim 41, wherein the second processing module is additionally configured for recovering at least one of a portion of the second carbohydrates liquid stream and a portion of the third spent solids fraction, said portions comprising a plurality of enzyme moieties, and for recycling said portions comprising a plurality of enzyme moieties. ### Claim 43 (depends on 41) A modular biorefining system according to claim 41, additionally configured for fermenting said second carbohydrates liquid stream, and recovering therefrom a second fermentation beer. ### Claim 44 (depends on 43) A modular biorefining system according to claim 43, additionally configured for separating therefrom the second fermentation beer, a second short-chain alcohol stream and a fourth spent solids fraction. ### Claim 45 (depends on 44) A modular biorefining system according to claim 44 additionally configured for recovering a portion of the second fermentation beer, said portion comprising a plurality of fermenting microorganisms, and for recycling said portion of the second fermentation beer. ### Claim 46 (depends on 44) A modular biorefining system according to claim 44, additionally configured for refining the second short-chain alcohol stream into one of a fuel-grade alcohol stream and an industrial-grade alcohol stream, and recovering a second aqueous waste stream. ### Claim 47 (depends on 44) A modular biorefining system according to claim 44, wherein the second short chain alcohol stream is one of an ethanol stream and a butanol stream. ### Claim 48 (depends on 47) A modular biorefining system according to claim 47, additionally configured for de-toxifying the second waste aqueous stream, and for reducing the viscosity of the de-lignified cellulosic pulp stream therewith the de-toxified second waste aqueous stream. ### Claim 49 (depends on 44) A modular biorefining system according to claim 44, additionally configured for recovery therefrom the fourth spent solids fraction, at least a portion of the first class of lignin derivatives. ### Claim 50 (depends on 41) A modular biorefining system according to claim 41, wherein the second processing module is provided with a vessel for containing therein concurrent enzymatic digestion of the reduced-viscosity cellulosic solids fraction and fermentation of the second carbohydrates liquid stream produced therefrom. ### Claim 51 (depends on 40) A modular biorefining system according to claim 40, wherein the third processing module is additionally configured for recovery of furfurals concurrent with recovery of the portion of the organic solvent. ### Claim 52 (depends on 51) A modular biorefining system according to claim 51, wherein the recovered portion of organic solvent is recycled into the first processing module. ### Claim 53 (depends on 52) A modular biorefining system according to claim 52, wherein the recovered portion of organic solvent is blended with a portion of the short-chain alcohol stream recovered in the second processing module. ### Claim 54 (depends on 53) A modular biorefining system according to claim 53, wherein the short-chain alcohol stream is an ethanol stream. ### Claim 55 (depends on 40) A modular biorefining system according to claim 40, wherein the fourth processing module is additionally configured for recovering therefrom processed third liquid fraction, one or more of an acetic acid-containing liquid fraction, a carbohydrates syrup fraction, a portion of the fourth class of lignin derivatives, and a second semi-solid waste material. ### Claim 56 (depends on 55) A modular biorefining system according to claim 55, wherein a portion of the carbohydrates syrup fraction is controllably delivered into the second module for production of a short-chain alcohol therefrom. ### Claim 57 (depends on 40) A modular biorefining system according to claim 40, additionally provided with a fifth processing module comprising a plurality of equipment configured for: receiving and biologically hydrolyzing therein the semi-solid solid waste material separated by the fourth processing module thereby producing a third liquid fraction; recovering and biologically acidifying therein the third liquid fraction thereby producing a biologically acidified liquid fraction; recovering and biologically acetifying therein the biologically acidified liquid fraction thereby producing at least acetic acid; recovering the acetic acid; and biologically producing at least a biogas and a liquid effluent. ### Claim 58 (depends on 57) A modular biorefining system according to claim 57, wherein the fifth processing module is additionally configured for controllably receiving therein a portion of the carbohydrates syrup fraction separated in the fourth processing module, and commingling said portion of the carbohydrates syrup fraction with the third liquid fraction. ### Claim 59 (depends on 57) A modular biorefining system according to claim 57, wherein the fifth processing module is additionally configured for controllably receiving therein the second semi-solid waste material. ### Claim 60 (depends on 57) A modular biorefining system according to claim 57, additionally provided with a sixth processing module configured for receiving, fermenting and distilling therein said carbohydrates syrup fraction separated in the fourth processing module, and for separating therefrom a distillate. ### Claim 61 (depends on 60) A modular biorefining system according to claim 60, wherein said distillate comprises at least 1,3 propanediol. ### Claim 62 (depends on 60) A modular biorefining system according to claim 60, wherein said distillate comprises at least lactic acid.