Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for recovering lignin and kali from an alkaline lignin solution. One or more electrolytic cells are used to anodically acidify the lignin and simultaneously cathodically regenerate alkali. The invention is especially advantageous for the preparation of pure lignin and alkali from the waste liquor of a cellulose process.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the extraction process and provides a novel process and reactor for the continuous extraction of vegetable-fibre material such as wood chips. The process comprises a two stage process, the first stage comprising an extraction process using a methanol:water mixture and the second stage using the same extraction liquid as the first with a greater proportion of water, with sodium hydroxide and anthraquinone. A part of the extraction liquid which is saturated by extraction substances is continually carried away at each stage and after extraction, the mixture is subjected to washing. This process has eliminated the heavy pollution produced by the prior art processes and also has reduced the cost and complexity of the prior art processes.