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Chemical Recovery of γ-Valerolactone/Water Biorefinery
Huy Quang Lê1, Juha-Pekka Pokki2, Marc Borrega3
1Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland.
Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research
|November 20, 2018
Summary
Optimized biorefinery pulping using gamma-valerolactone (GVL) solvent reduced liquor-to-wood ratio. Liquid CO2 extraction efficiently recovered GVL and lignin, avoiding problematic residues from distillation.
Area of Science:
- Biorefinery technology
- Chemical engineering
- Sustainable materials
Background:
- Biorefineries offer sustainable alternatives to traditional industries.
- Gamma-valerolactone (GVL)/water fractionation is a promising biomass processing concept.
- Efficient solvent recovery is crucial for the economic viability of biorefineries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To optimize pulping conditions for GVL/water fractionation.
- To evaluate different chemical recovery options for the spent liquor.
- To assess the feasibility of recovering lignin and GVL solvent.
Main Methods:
- Optimization of liquor-to-wood (L:W) ratio in the pulping process.
- Investigated lignin precipitation via water addition.
- Evaluated vacuum distillation and liquid CO2 extraction for GVL and lignin recovery.
Main Results:
- Pulping L:W ratio reduced to 3 L/kg without compromising pulp quality for textiles.
- Two-step lignin precipitation with vacuum distillation recovered >90% lignin and GVL, but left unrecoverable GVL in viscous residue.
- Lignin precipitation combined with liquid CO2 extraction recovered >85% GVL and >90% lignin, without problematic residues.
Conclusions:
- Optimized pulping conditions enhance biorefinery efficiency.
- Liquid CO2 extraction offers a superior method for GVL and lignin recovery compared to distillation, minimizing residue formation.
- Further processing of raffinate can improve overall GVL recovery rates.
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