Abstract: Method of forming colloidal lignin particles, comprising the step of dissolving lignin in a mixture of organic solvents, feeding of the said solution into water, and forming acolloidal dispersion of lignin. The used solvents are recovered with methods such as distillation and reused in the process. Water is removed from the colloidal dispersion by ultrafiltration and reused in the process. The concentrated colloidal dispersion is dried by spray drying. The invention can be used in applications where the colloidal nature of lignin will afford an advantage over bulk lignin.

Abstract: Method of forming colloidal lignin particles, comprising the step of dissolving lignin in a mixture of organic solvents, feeding of the said solution into water, and forming acolloidal dispersion of lignin. The used solvents are recovered with methods such as distillation and reused in the process. Water is removed from the colloidal dispersion by ultrafiltration and reused in the process. The concentrated colloidal dispersion is dried by spray drying. The invention can be used in applications where the colloidal nature of lignin will afford an advantage over bulk lignin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the recovery of concentrated high purity formic acid having a concentration of at least 50%, most preferably at least 95%, from biomass wherein an aqueous liquid mixture containing levulinic acid and possibly furfural is subjected to a liquid-liquid extraction step, followed by the recovery of furfural, formic acid and levulinic acid.

Abstract: Processes for the recovery of formate salt from biomass and the product obtained thereof generally include subjecting an aqueous liquid mixture containing levulinic acid, formic acid and possibly furfural to a liquid-liquid extraction process, followed by the recovery of the furfural, the formate salt and the levulinic acid or the levulinate salt.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the recovery of concentrated high purity formic acid having a concentration of at least 50%, most preferably at least 95%, from biomass wherein an aqueous liquid mixture containing levulinic acid and possibly furfural is subjected to a liquid-liquid extraction step, followed by the recovery of furfural, formic acid and levulinic acid.

Abstract: Processes for the recovery of formate salt from biomass and the product obtained thereof generally include subjecting an aqueous liquid mixture containing levulinic acid, formic acid and possibly furfural to a liquid-liquid extraction process, followed by the recovery of the furfural, the formate salt and the levulinic acid or the levulinate salt.

Abstract: Compositions and processes for separating bitumen from oil sands ore include contacting the oil sand ores with a composition including a carboxylate salt and/or acid and an aqueous liquid carrier. The carboxylate salt and/or acid is a C1-C7 alkyl, and in one embodiment, is a monocarboxylate.

Abstract: A method for recovering at least one metal from an acidified waste water sludge by liquid-liquid extraction by providing an acidified waste water sludge containing ions of at least one metal and organic material, treating the waste water with an oxidizer to convert the organic material into a form that does not have an unfavorable effect on a subsequent liquid-liquid extraction, and subjecting the treated, acidified waste water sludge to a liquid-liquid extraction thereby obtaining an organic phase loaded with ions of said at least one metal, and subsequently recovering ions of said at least one metal from said organic phase.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of melamine from urea by feeding molten urea and hot ammonia gas into a reactor having a pressure within the range 50-150 bar and a temperature within the range 360.degree.-430.degree. C., whereby a reaction product is obtained which contains a liquid melamine melt and a gas mixture. This gas mixture is separated from the liquid melamine melt, and the liquid melamine melt thus obtained is directed to a vaporizer and is vaporized therein, and the melamine-containing gas obtained from the vaporizer is cooled in a quencher, in which case the melamine crystallizes in a very pure state, the purity being typically at minimum 99.9%.