Patents by Inventor Panu Tikka
Panu Tikka has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20220127295Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for producing a purified lignin salt from alkaline spent liquor from the chemical cooking of lignocellulosic raw materials. The method comprises the steps of decreasing the spent liquor pH to form a lignin precipitate suspension; filtering the lignin precipitate to form a lignin filter cake and a filtrate; mixing the lignin filter cake into a dilution liquid to form an alkalilignin agglomerate colloid; subjecting the alkalilignin agglomerate colloid to large-pore membrane filtration; and recovering a purified lignin salt concentrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2020Publication date: April 28, 2022Inventors: Eric Enqvist, Ville Tarvo, Panu Tikka
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Patent number: 10239904Abstract: Lignin-rich starting material is suspended in a first medium, which is acidic and aqueous, to form a aqueous acidic suspension, which is heated and allowed to form two continuous phases, a thermoplastic lignin phase and an aqueous phase. The thermoplastic lignin phase is separated from the aqueous phase and passed through a shape giving process into a second medium which is at a temperature lower than that of the thermoplastic lignin phase and in which the thermoplastic lignin phase is essentially insoluble. Solid lignin formed in the second medium is recovered.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2016Date of Patent: March 26, 2019Assignee: VALMET TECHNOLOGIES OYInventors: Eric Enqvist, Ville Tarvo, Panu Tikka, Tobias Wittmann, Henrik Wallmo, Anders Littorin
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Patent number: 10072037Abstract: The method is for separation of lignin from original black liquor (BLIN) that has a first precipitation stage (PR) for precipitation of lignin by a first acidification using acidifier AC1, preferably using CO2, at alkaline conditions, then separating a lignin cake with subsequent suspension of the lignin cake in a strong acid in order to leach our metals from the lignin followed by dewatering and obtaining a clean lignin product LP. The process further is improved by intensified hydrolysis of lignin cake such that most of the carbohydrates are broken down to dissolvable monomers that could be separated from the lignin in the filtrate from a filtering stage subsequent to the hydrolysis. The improved hydrolysis could reduce as much as 90% of the carbohydrate content using a moderately increased temperature and increased charge of acidifier while avoiding any larger lignin yield losses.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2017Date of Patent: September 11, 2018Assignee: VALMET ABInventor: Panu Tikka
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Publication number: 20170355723Abstract: The method is for separation of lignin from original black liquor (BLIN) that has a first precipitation stage (PR) for precipitation of lignin by a first acidification using acidifier AC1, preferably using CO2, at alkaline conditions, then separating a lignin cake with subsequent suspension of the lignin cake in a strong acid in order to leach our metals from the lignin followed by dewatering and obtaining a clean lignin product LP. The process further is improved by intensified hydrolysis of lignin cake such that most of the carbohydrates are broken down to dissolvable monomers that could be separated from the lignin in the filtrate from a filtering stage subsequent to the hydrolysis. The improved hydrolysis could reduce as much as 90% of the carbohydrate content using a moderately increased temperature and increased charge of acidifier while avoiding any larger lignin yield losses.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2017Publication date: December 14, 2017Inventor: Panu Tikka
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Publication number: 20170101430Abstract: Lignin-rich starting material is suspended in a first medium, which is acidic and aqueous, to form a aqueous acidic suspension, which is heated and allowed to form two continuous phases, a thermoplastic lignin phase and an aqueous phase. The thermoplastic lignin phase is separated from the aqueous phase and passed through a shape giving process into a second medium which is at a temperature lower than that of the thermoplastic lignin phase and in which the thermoplastic lignin phase is essentially insoluble. Solid lignin formed in the second medium is recovered.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Applicant: Valmet Technologies OyInventors: Eric Enqvist, Ville Tarvo, Panu Tikka, Tobias Wittmann, Henrik Wallmo, Anders Littorin
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Patent number: 9200406Abstract: The invention relates to an improved process to break down lignin macromolecules and liberating cellulose fibers in lignocellulosic material using delignifying reactants with a gaseous organic agent as a heating and reaction-accelerating media. Lignocellulosic material is first impregnated with reactant chemicals, e.g. commonly used agents such as sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide. Subsequently, the energy required for the delignification reactions is provided through heating with a gaseous organic agent such as methanol or ethanol, condensing and releasing energy to the solid lignocellulosic material. The temperature during the heating step with a gaseous organic agent is higher than the temperature during the impregnation step.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2006Date of Patent: December 1, 2015Assignee: Valmet Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Eric Enqvist, Panu Tikka, Leopold Heinrich, Matti Luhtanen
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Publication number: 20150322104Abstract: The method is for separation of lignin from original black liquor (BLIN) that has a first precipitation stage (PR) for precipitation of lignin by a first acidification using acidifier AC1, preferably using CO2, at alkaline conditions, then separating a lignin cake with subsequent suspension of the lignin cake in a strong acid in order to leach our metals from the lignin followed by dewatering and obtaining a clean lignin product LP. The process further is improved by intensified hydrolysis of lignin cake such that most of the carbohydrates are broken down to dissolvable monomers that could be separated from the lignin in the filtrate from a filtering stage subsequent to the hydrolysis. The improved hydrolysis could reduce as much as 90% of the carbohydrate content using a moderately increased temperature and increased charge of acidifier while avoiding any larger lignin yield losses.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2013Publication date: November 12, 2015Inventor: Panu Tikka
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Patent number: 8524038Abstract: A process for the bleaching of chemical pulp, wherein the initial bleaching of the pulp includes a first chlorine dioxide treatment (D0) and a following alkaline treatment with oxygen and hydrogen peroxide (EOP), which stages are separated from each other with a washing stage, and a treatment of the pulp to reduce the content of transition metals of the pulp prior to the peroxide treatment. The process is characterized in that alkali is added to the pulp after addition of chlorine dioxide in the D0 stage to adjust the pH of the pulp to neutral or basic (N stage) prior to the washing stage following the chlorine dioxide stage, whereby the initial bleaching includes the sequence D0N EOP.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2007Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Oy Lannen Tutkimus—Western Research Inc.Inventors: Aki Vilpponen, Panu Tikka
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Patent number: 8262854Abstract: An improved method for treating lignocellulosic material, including a prehydrolysis-mass transfer process, which produces a concentrated hydrolysate volume during the time required for the hydrolysis itself. The improved process comprises the heating of the digester and chip content by direct steam to the required hydrolysis temperature, starting a flow of hot, stored hydrolysate to the top of the chip bed in order to create a trickle-bed type down-flow of hydrolysate, collecting a first fraction of the trickled-down hydrolysate as a product fraction, adding extraction liquid and continuing the trickle flow to collect a second hydrolysate fraction, which will be discharged from the digester to a hot hydrolysate storage tank to be used as the first trickle flow liquid in the next batch.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2007Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.Inventors: Päivi Uusitalo, Panu Tikka
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Patent number: 8128784Abstract: A process for the bleaching of chemical pulp, comprising a first chlorine dioxide treatment (D) of the initial bleaching and chelation (Q) to be carried out in connection therewith, forming together a DQ treatment. The process is characterized in that the chelation is carried out at the pH of from 2 to 7, and it is followed by an alkalizing stage (N) of the pulp, without intermediate washing for raising the pH of the pulp to above 7 and at most to 12 prior to a following stage which is a washing step.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Oy Lannen Tutkimus—Western Research Inc.Inventors: Aki Vilpponen, Panu Tikka
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Publication number: 20090277596Abstract: A process for the bleaching of chemical pulp, comprising a first chlorine dioxide treatment (D) of the initial bleaching and chelation (Q) to be carried out in connection therewith, forming together a DQ treatment. The process is characterized in that the chelation is carried out at the pH of from 2 to 7, and it is followed by an alkalizing stage (N) of the pulp, without intermediate washing for raising the pH of the pulp to above 7 and at most to 12 prior to a following stage which is a washing step.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2007Publication date: November 12, 2009Applicant: OY LANNEN TUTKIMUS-WESTERN RESEARCH INCInventors: Aki Vilpponen, Panu Tikka
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Publication number: 20090242152Abstract: A process for the bleaching of chemical pulp, wherein the initial bleaching of the pulp includes a first chlorine dioxide treatment (D0) and a following alkaline treatment with oxygen and hydrogen peroxide (EOP), which stages are separated from each other with a washing stage, and a treatment of the pulp to reduce the content of transition metals of the pulp prior to the peroxide treatment. The process is characterized in that alkali is added to the pulp after addition of chlorine dioxide in the D0 stage to adjust the pH of the pulp to neutral or basic (N stage) prior to the washing stage following the chlorine dioxide stage, whereby the initial bleaching includes the sequence D0N EOP.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2007Publication date: October 1, 2009Applicant: OY LANNEN TUTKIMUS - WESTERN RESEARCH INCInventors: Aki Vilpponen, Panu Tikka
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Publication number: 20090218055Abstract: An improved method for treating lignocellulosic material, including a prehydrolysis-mass transfer process, which produces a concentrated hydrolysate volume during the time required for the hydrolysis itself. The improved process comprises the heating of the digester and chip content by direct steam to the required hydrolysis temperature, starting a flow of hot, stored hydrolysate to the top of the chip bed in order to create a trickle-bed type down-flow of hydrolysate, collecting a first fraction of the trickled-down hydrolysate as a product fraction, adding extraction liquid and continuing the trickle flow to collect a second hydrolysate fraction, which will be discharged from the digester to a hot hydrolysate storage tank to be used as the first trickle flow liquid in the next batch.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2007Publication date: September 3, 2009Inventors: Paivi Uusitalo, Panu Tikka
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Publication number: 20090014138Abstract: The invention relates to an improved process to break down lignin macromolecules and liberating cellulose fibers in lignocellulosic material using delignifying reactants with a gaseous organic agent as a heating and reaction-accelerating media. Lignocellulosic material is first impregnated with reactant chemicals, e.g. commonly used agents such as sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide. Subsequently, the energy required for the delignification reactions is provided through heating with a gaseous organic agent such as methanol or ethanol, condensing and releasing energy to the solid lignocellulosic material. The temperature during the heating step with a gaseous organic agent is higher than the temperature during the impregnation step.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2006Publication date: January 15, 2009Applicant: Metso Paper, Inc.Inventors: Eric Enqvist, Panu Tikka, Leopold Heinrich, Matti Luhtanen
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Publication number: 20060175029Abstract: According to the invention, polysulfide is used in the manufacture of kraft pulp in the initial stage of a displacement batch process in order to improve the yield. Polysulfide-containing white liquor is added inter-mixed with the first liquor charged to the digester, or as a separate charge before the impregnation liquor is introduced. Preferably, a cooking catalyst, e.g. antraquinone, is added to the white liquor charge as the cooking stage commences.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2004Publication date: August 10, 2006Applicant: Metso Paper Inc.Inventors: Seppo Martikainen, Panu Tikka, Olli Timonen, Mikael Svedman
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Publication number: 20050173082Abstract: Methods are disclosed for bleaching medium consistency cellulose pulp including generating a stream of ozone-containing gas having an ozone concentration of at least 10% by weight and radially injecting the stream of ozone-containing gas into a stream of cellulose pulp flowing through a reactor so as to provide a stream of bleached cellulose pulp. A low to medium intensity mixer operating at no more than 800 rpm may be used, downstream from the injection site.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2005Publication date: August 11, 2005Applicant: Arbozon Oy Ltd.Inventors: Rolf De Vos, Panu Tikka
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Patent number: 6533896Abstract: A method for preparing pulp from lignin-containing cellulosic material is disclosed, including a step for acid cleaning of the lignocellulosic material, followed by alkaline delignification. The acidic step removes undesired components such as metal ions and side groups of polysaccharides, which may have adverse effects on the process especially when extensive recycling of liquors is employed within the plant.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2000Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Assignee: Metso Chemical Pulping OyInventors: Panu Tikka, Mikael Svedman, Thomas Fant
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Patent number: 5589033Abstract: Processes for preparing pulp from lignin-containing cellulosic material are disclosed including a prehydrolysis step followed by neutralizing hydrolysate and the prehydrolyzed cellulosic material in the reactor with alkaline neutralizing liquor, removing the neutralized hydrolysate from the reactor and delignifying the neutralized prehydrolyzed cellulosic material with alkaline cooking liquor containing sodium sulfide and sodium hydroxide.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 1994Date of Patent: December 31, 1996Assignee: Sunds Defibrator Pori OYInventors: Panu Tikka, Kari Kovasin
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Patent number: 5183535Abstract: Processes for prepariing kraft pulp are disclosed. The processes include pretreating cellulosic material or chips with spent cooking liquor at the temperature of about 20.degree. to 100.degree. C., followed by heating the impregnated chips at the temperature of from about 120.degree. to 180.degree. C., followed by digestion of the lignin with white liquor, which is facilitated by using this pretreatment process.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1991Date of Patent: February 2, 1993Assignee: Sunds Defibrator Rauma OyInventor: Panu Tikka
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Patent number: 4895618Abstract: A method of controlling an alkaline pulping process, sulphate pulping in particular. The concentration of the dissolved components as well as the concentration of the recidual cooking chemical are measured. The measurements are carried out by means of an analyzer positioned outside of the cooking process in a separate liquid flow. The measuring devices are per se known detectors. The cooking process is observed and the necessary corrections are made on the basis of the measuring results.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 1989Date of Patent: January 23, 1990Assignee: Afora OYInventors: Panu Tikka, Nils-Erik Virkola