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The secret of organic solvent delignification: Why can this method replace conventional pulping?
In the process of industrial papermaking, organic solvent delignification technology has gradually gained attention. This method can not only improve pulping efficiency but also reduce environmental burden. Since its invention in 1968 by Theodor Kleinert, the technology has been seen as an environmentally friendly alternative, especially when compared to traditional kraft pulping. Today we take a closer look at the secrets of organosolv delignification and why it could replace conventional pulping.
The advantage of organosolv delignification technology is the high-quality recovery of lignin, which adds value to a process that would otherwise be considered a waste product.
Choice of organic solvent
The core of organic solvent delignification technology is to use organic solvents to contact the lignocellulosic raw materials, usually at high temperatures of 140 to 220°C. Such high temperatures promote the degradation of lignin, allowing it to be extracted in a soluble form. The most commonly used solvents currently include ethanol, acetone and butanol, among which ethanol is the first choice because of its low cost and easy recycling.
Pulping and fuel ethanol production
Compared to traditional processes, the use of ethanol-water solution for delignification has a higher yield, and studies have shown that its yield is 4 to 4.5% higher than the Kraft process. In the recent biofuel boom, organic solvent delignification technology has once again attracted attention because of its ability to convert lignin into ethanol. The experiment found that under certain treatment conditions, western white pine infested with mountain insects could achieve a glucose conversion rate of 97%.
Organic solvent delignification technology can significantly improve the recovery of lignin and hemicellulose, which not only improves the utilization rate of resources, but also contributes to environmental protection.
The Importance of Lignin Recovery
The recovery of lignin from organosolv delignification is critical. Upon three-fold dilution with acidified water, lignin precipitates and forms tiny spherical aggregates. Although a time-consuming process, filtration works best at temperatures above 100°C. This shows that organic solvent delignification technology has unique advantages in both resource integration and environmental protection.
Popular organic solvent delignification processes
Currently, many countries in the world are using different organic solvent delignification processes. One of the different processes is the Alcell process, which mainly uses a water-ethanol solution to remove lignin from wood and has good environmental performance and economic performance. They all have outstanding performance in terms of benefits.
Prospects
With the increasing demand for renewable resources, organic solvent delignification technology may become the mainstream choice for the pulping industry in the future. Especially in the current environment that emphasizes sustainable development, this technology undoubtedly has great development potential. This will not only help increase industrial output, but also reduce the pressure on the environment.
What is the future of organosolv delignification technology? Can it lead the pulping industry towards a more environmentally friendly direction?
