Process for producing microcrystalline cellulose
US12297297B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 6, 2019 |
| Grant date | May 13, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 19, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC D)Textiles; Paper
- CPC primaryD21H11/20
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A process for producing microcrystalline cellulose from fibrous cellulosic material by acid hydrolysis at an MCC plant. In this process a suspension of cellulosic pulp is thickened, so that filtrate is formed. A consistency of the thickened suspension is adjusted to 5-40% by adding dilution liquid, and the pH of the suspension is adjusted to a value of 4 or less with acid. The pulp suspension is subjected to acid hydrolysis of at least 120° C. in a reactor to produce a mixture of microcrystalline cellulose and hydrolysate. The mixture is discharged from the reactor to a lower pressure and lower temperature to flash the mixture and generate flash steam. Microcrystalline cellulose is separated from hydrolysate. The separated cellulose is washed in one or several washing apparatuses. The consistency of the microcrystalline cellulose is increased by thickening and/or drying for further processing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.