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A new process developed for separation of lignin from ammonium hydroxide pretreatment solutions
Author(s) -
Sherman Steven R.,
Goodell John J.,
Milliken Charles E.,
Morris Jacob A.,
Gorensek Maximilian B.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
environmental progress and sustainable energy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.495
H-Index - 66
eISSN - 1944-7450
pISSN - 1944-7442
DOI - 10.1002/ep.10544
Subject(s) - lignin , ammonium hydroxide , ammonium , chemistry , precipitation , pulp and paper industry , hydroxide , process (computing) , chemical engineering , organic chemistry , engineering , computer science , physics , meteorology , operating system
A method is described for separating lignin from liquid solutions resulting from the pretreatment of lignocellulosic materials such as switchgrass with ammonium hydroxide. The method involves a sequence of steps including acidification, evaporation, and precipitation or centrifugation that are performed under defined conditions, and results in a relatively pure, solid lignin product. The method is tested on ammonium hydroxide solutions containing lignin extracted from switchgrass. Experimental results show that the method is capable of recovering between 66–95% of dissolved lignin as a precipitated solid. Cost estimates of pilot‐scale and industrial‐scale expressions of the process indicate that breakeven lignin prices of $2.36/kg and $0.78/kg, respectively, may be obtainable with this recovery method. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2012