Continuous process for conversion of lignin to useful compounds

US9732021B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Biochemtex S.p.A. · IT

Inventors

• Steven Ryba · Wadsworth, US
• Aaron Patrick Murray · Chardon, US
• Guliz Arf Elliott · Northfield Center, US
• Dan Gastaldo · Middleburg Heights, US
• Edwin A. Sisson · Fairlawn, US
• Ehsan Moharreri · Willimantic, US
• Krishna Sharma · Thane, IN

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 24, 2013
• Grant date: Aug 15, 2017
• Expiry date: Feb 24, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T137/0318
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

This specification discloses an operational continuous process to convert lignin as found in ligno-cellulosic biomass before or after converting at least some of the carbohydrates. The continuous process has been demonstrated to create a slurry comprised of lignin, raise the slurry comprised of lignin to ultra-high pressure, deoxygenate the lignin in a lignin conversion reactor over a catalyst which is not a fixed bed without producing char. The conversion products of the carbohydrates or lignin can be further processed into polyester intermediates for use in polyester preforms and bottles.