Abstract: A process for recovering alkali from power boiler ash is provided. The power boiler ash is first contacted with Na2CO3 to produce a mixture containing settling and non-settling solid particles. A fraction of the settling particles is then separated from the mixture to produce a first clarified alkaline solution. The first clarified alkaline solution contains species such as NaOH and KOH depending upon the power boiler ash characteristics. The non-settling solid particles may optionally be further separated from the first clarified alkaline solution to obtain a second clarified alkaline solution. This process is also applicable for the extraction of alkali from other oxide/hydroxide containing materials.

Abstract: A water-based process was developed for the synthesis of aminated lignin copolymers with high MW, thermal stability and solubility in water over a wide range of p H values. The cationic lignin copolymer described herein comprises: a grafting ratio of (weight of cationic amine compound)/(weight of lignin) of 70 to 200% and a charge density of +1.4-3.0 meq/g. This cationic lignin copolymer can be used as a flocculant in numerous wastewater streams including municipal and industrial systems and sludge dewatering in the pulp & paper, mining and oil industries.

Abstract: Acid hydrolysis of biomass is an important step for releasing the component sugars before converting them to fuels and/or biochemicals. During such a process, a significant amount of mineral acid, such as sulfuric acid, is used. In most cases, the residual acid is neutralized with lime before the sugar conversion step. By doing so, a waste calcium sulphate stream is generated and sent to disposal. The efficient separation of acid from the sugars would allow the recycle of the acid and make the entire process more economically viable. We found that a resin bed packed with an acid retardation resin can be used to achieve an efficient separation (i.e. 98.5% recovery of the acid) of the sulfuric acid from the sugars. The resin bed can be simply regenerated with water.

Abstract: Acid hydrolysis of biomass is an important step for releasing the component sugars before converting them to fuels and/or biochemicals. During such a process, a significant amount of mineral acid, such as sulfuric acid, is used. In most cases, the residual acid is neutralized with lime before the sugar conversion step. By doing so, a waste calcium sulphate stream is generated and sent to disposal. The efficient separation of acid from the sugars would allow the recycle of the acid and make the entire process more economically viable. We found that a resin bed packed with an acid retardation resin can be used to achieve an efficient separation (i.e. 98.5% recovery of the acid) of the sulfuric acid from the sugars. The resin bed can be simply regenerated with water.