Continuous counter-current organosolv processing of lignocellulosic feedstocks

摘要

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.

主权项

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.