Separation of reactive cellulose from lignocellulosic biomass with high lignin content
US8603295B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 23, 2010 |
| Grant date | Dec 10, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 29, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E50/10
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A process for separating the components of lignocellulosic biomass for the purpose of producing a pure reactive cellulose is disclosed. The process has two stages. In the first stage, the lignocellulosic biomass is pretreated with steam, with or without an acid catalyst, and then pressed, with or without the presence of an eluent, to remove hemicellulose and other impurities. In the second stage, the pretreated biomass is extracted with a solvent such as ethanol with or without acid catalysts in order to remove lignin and release a purified cellulose stream. The extracted cellulose is then rapidly decompressed to rupture the fibrous structure. The process provides a purified cellulose stream that is relatively easy to hydrolyze with enzymes and ferment to biofuels and other chemicals such as ethanol.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.