Abstract: The invention concerns a process for treating lignocellulosic material, preferably wood, comprising the following successive steps: (1) extracting lignin by a fluid in supercritical or subcritical phase to extract 40 to 85% by weight % of the lignin of the initial material; (2) filling by a filling compound, preferably in the presence of a fluid in supercritical or subcritical phase; and (3) finishing, so as to obtain a composite material formed by a three-dimensional network of filling compound that is transformed and incorporated in a network of cellulose and lignin.

Abstract: A method of alkaline pretreatment of biomass, in particular, pretreating biomass with gaseous ammonia.

Abstract: A process for converting a starting material to a purified pulp material, comprising removing lignin from a starting material to form a wet pulp comprising at least 5 wt. % water, extracting hemicellulose from the wet pulp with an extractant, and separating the extracted hemicellulose from the extraction mixture to form a cellulosic product comprising less hemicellulose than the wet pulp. The extractant comprises a cellulose solvent and a co-solvent. The cellulosic product advantageously retains its cellulosic fiber morphology. The process involves separating and recovering hemicellulose and separating and recycling various process streams employed in the process.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy or sugary materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

Abstract: A method of pre-treating a cellulosic material before hydrolysis is provided. The method comprises the steps of: impregnating the cellulosic material with a reactive water-soluble gas, such as sulphur dioxide (SO2) or carbon dioxide (CO2), in an impregnation chamber to obtain impregnated material; and heating the impregnated material to obtain pre-treated material, wherein the cellulosic material is compressed right before or when it is transferred to the impregnation chamber. A corresponding system is also provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for exploiting coated paper products such as coated paper cups. End products include biofuels that have a high energy density. The biofuels may be mixed with coal or other fuels and have good binding characteristics. In some embodiments, useful chemicals such as HMF are produced. The methods involve heat treatment at relatively mild temperatures and pressures under acidic conditions.

Abstract: Methods and systems for fractionating lignocellulosic biomass including hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin, including exploding the biomass cells to devolatilize the biomass, hydrolyzing the hemicellulose to produce a liquid component including hemicellulosic sugars and a solid component including less than 10% hemicellulose, separating the liquid and solid components, vaporizing the cellulose in the solid component, and condensing the cellulosic sugar vapors. The methods and systems may vaporize the cellulose in a continuous steam reactor at a temperature of about 400-550° C. and a pressure of about 1-3 bara. Electromagnetic and/or electroaccoustic treatment such as ultrasound and/or microwave treatment may be applied to the biomass immediately before or during cellulose hydrolysis.

Abstract: Provided is a process for manufacturing shaped cellulose materials from lignocellulose where a dissolving grade pulp is manufactured and dissolved in an aqueous alkaline or acidic solvent system forming a solution suitable for shaping new cellulose structures including fibers, films and cellulose derivatives. At least a part of the spent cellulose dissolving or cellulose shaping chemicals are recovered in one or more unit operations in a pulp mill chemical recovery cycle.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the preparation of a modified lignocellulosic material by treating the lignocellulosic material in a first activator zone having an atmosphere of one or more acid anhydrides in vapour form in a gas at a gauge pressure of 0-50 kPag and a temperature of 100-160° C., and then treating the lignocellulosic material in a second reactor zone having an atmosphere of a gas at a gauge pressure of 0-50 kPag and a temperature of 120-190° C., thereafter stripping the lignocellulosic material with steam or water in a stripper zone, and optionally further processing. The process is more efficient as compared with the prior art processes by providing a better access of the acid anhydrides to the sites of the reactive lignocellulosic hydroxyl groups (—OH), which are located on the internal surfaces of pores and capillary channels in the lignocellulose. Furthermore, the apparatus is relatively simple.

Abstract: A process for treatment of fibers is disclosed. The treatment comprises simultaneously and continuously macerating the fibers and exposing the fibers to superheated steam, ammonia gas and ethylenediamine gas. The treatment is carried out in a chamber where the fibers are subjected to the mechanical rubbing and crushing action of a plurality of rotating pins against channels disposed on the chamber interior wall. The treatment results in improved fiber water holding capacity and improved conversion efficiency in the production of ethanol from the treated fibers.

Abstract: A process for the pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass, in particular during the production of ethanol from biomass. The process including a cooking step where the biomass is exposed to steam at elevated temperatures and pressures for a preselected period of time in a treatment vessel. During the process, volatile and liquid compounds are purged from the treatment vessel.

Abstract: Compositions containing biomass, an ionic liquid, and an amide are described herein. Methods of their preparation and use in extracting and processing biomass are also described herein. Further described herein are films and fibers prepared from the compositions. Methods of recovering the ionic liquids used to process the biomass are also provided.

Abstract: A process for treatment of fibers is disclosed. The treatment comprises simultaneously and continuously macerating the fibers and exposing the fibers to superheated steam, ammonia gas and ethylenediamine gas. The treatment is carried out in a chamber where the fibers are subjected to the mechanical rubbing and crushing action of a plurality of rotating pins against channels disposed on the chamber interior wall. The treatment results in improved fiber water holding capacity and improved conversion efficiency in the production of biofuels from the treated fibers.

Abstract: The system and method reduce the liquid/wood ratio at the top of a vapor phase digester in a continuous digester plant. Chips that are to be cooked in the vapor phase digester are fed as a mixture of chips and liquid at a liquid/wood ratio that exceeds 8:1 in a transfer line to an inverted top separator arranged at the top of the vapor phase digester. The top separator feeds the chips upwardly. More than 50% of the liquid content of the mixture of chips and liquid is withdrawn in the top separator and the remaining liquid is fed out from the top separator to the top of the vapor phase digester. A pile of chips and a liquid volume are established at the top, wherein the pile of chips is disposed above the liquid surface of the liquid volume.

Abstract: A process for treatment of fibers is disclosed. The treatment comprises simultaneously and continuously macerating the fibers and exposing the fibers to superheated steam, ammonia gas and ethylenediamine gas. The treatment is carried out in a chamber where the fibers are subjected to the mechanical rubbing and crushing action of a plurality of rotating pins against channels disposed on the chamber interior wall. The treatment results in improved fiber water holding capacity and improved conversion efficiency in the production of ethanol from the treated fibers.

Abstract: A through-air dryer system that diverts the airflow within the through-air dryer during warm up and cool down from the normal airflow during the drying of paper in the papermaking process. During warm up and cool down, a majority of the airflow is supplied to one of the dryer's heads and extracted through the opposite head to reduce thermal stresses. If needed to further reduce thermal stresses, a minority of the airflow is supplied through the dryer's shell.

Abstract: The arrangement and method are for the steam pre-treatment of chips during the production of cellulose pulp to avoid the blow-through of gases in the steam pre-treatment vessel. This prevents foul-smelling gases from being released into the atmosphere. Spreader nozzles for the injection of cooling fluid are arranged in the gas phase of the steam pre-treatment vessel. In the event of the risk for blow-through of steam, cooling that is proportional to the risk is activated. It is possible to avoid the emission of gases from the chip bin when interruptions in the process occur, whereby the release of odors into the surroundings can be minimized.

Abstract: A method of alkaline pretreatment of biomass, in particular, pretreating biomass with gaseous ammonia.

Abstract: The method is for the impregnation of chips during the manufacture of chemical pulp. The chips are continuously fed without preceding steam treatment to the top of an impregnation vessel that maintains atmospheric pressure. Impregnation fluid (BL) is added to the impregnation vessel and establishes a fluid level (LIQ_LEV). The chips that have been added establish a chips level (CH_LEV) that lies at least 3-5 meters over the fluid level. The temperature at the top of the vessel essentially corresponds to ambient temperature. Impregnation fluid BL is fed in to the impregnation vessel in such an amount and at such a temperature that the temperature that is established at the fluid level (LIQ_LEV) is established within the interval 90-115° C., preferably within the interval 95-105° C.

Abstract: The system and method reduce the liquid/wood ratio at the top of a vapor phase digester in a continuous digester plant. Chips that are to be cooked in the vapor phase digester are fed as a mixture of chips and liquid at a liquid/wood ratio that exceeds 8:1 in a transfer line to an inverted top separator arranged at the top of the vapor phase digester. The top separator feeds the chips upwardly. More than 50% of the liquid content of the mixture of chips and liquid is withdrawn in the top separator and the remaining liquid is fed out from the top separator to the top of the vapor phase digester. A pile of chips and a liquid volume are established at the top, wherein the pile of chips is disposed above the liquid surface of the liquid volume.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an absorbent fiber product, starting with a parent fiber product that comprises fibers that, on the one hand, lie at a statistical distance from one another and, on the other hand, make contact with one another at contact points. The method comprises treating the parent fiber product with a fluid medium in such a way that the fibers are at least partially wetted and the fluid medium is then rapidly evaporated by irradiation, so that the evaporation pressure generated by the evaporating fluid medium has a kinematic effect on the fibers, which increases the distance between them. In this way the risk of inadvertent, in particular, thermal damage to the fibers is eliminated. Furthermore, the intrinsic fiber structure is left unaffected, or is only affected in a controlled manner. This prevents the uncontrolled destruction of the fiber structure and a detrimental effect on the fiber product, for example, to its tear resistance when wet.

Abstract: A process for producing fibrous material which includes the following: preparing a solution of chemicals that includes less than 25% of sulphite (calculated as Na2SO3), based on the oven-dry amount of the lignocellulosic raw material; mixing the solution of chemicals with wood in a specified liquor material; heating the solution of chemicals and the wood to a temperature above room temperature; and then either of the following alternatives: (1) removing the free-flowing solution of chemicals and digestion of the wood in the vapor phase; (2) having the wood digested in the liquid phase and separating the free-flowing solution of chemicals and the wood.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the deresination of pulp as well as to the use of carbon dioxide or a (bi)carbonate compound for the deresination of pulp. The process concerns the removal of wood extractives or resin from an aqueous pulp suspension in an alkaline process stage of the pulping process, such as an oxygen delignification stage, at a pH above 10. Carbonate ions are provided in the pulp at the high pH for solubilizing a significant part of the wood extractives in the pulp. The alkaline pulp is dewatered to remove solubilized extractives and for providing a deresinated pulp.

Abstract: A method for producing fibrous material from softwood, hardwood, or annual plants, including preparing a solution of chemicals having one of: more than 5% of chemicals for softwood, more than 3.5% of chemicals for hardwood, or more than 2.5% of chemicals for annual plants. The method includes: mixing the solution of chemicals with the lignocellulosic material in a predetermined liquor ratio; heating the solution of chemicals and the lignocellulosic material to a temperature above room temperature; and, after the heating, performing one of: removing a free-flowing portion of the solution of chemicals and digesting the lignocellulosic material in a vapor phase, or digesting the lignocellulosic material in a liquid phase and separating the free-flowing portion of the solution of chemicals and the lignocellulosic material. The produced fibrous material has a lignin content of at least 15% for softwood, at least 12% for hardwood, and at least 10% for annual plants.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a tissue web, which is produced from a stock suspension including fibers. In this case, the volume and the tearing length are to be improved with the lowest possible freeness by the stock suspension containing lignocellolosic fibrous material made of wood or annual plants which has a tearing length of more than 6.5 km at 12°SR or a tearing length of more than 8.0 km at 15°SR and a lignin content of at least 15%, based on the oven-dry fibrous material, for coniferous wood in the unbleached state, or a tearing length of more than 4.5 km at 20°SR and a lignin content of at least 12%, based on the oven-dry fibrous material, for deciduous wood in the unbleached state, or a tearing length of more than 3.5 km at 20°SR and a lignin content of at least 10%, based on the oven-dry fibrous material, for annual plants in the unbleached state.

Abstract: A method for the fractionation of lignocellulosic materials into cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin in a batch or continuous process in a treatment with vaporous mixture of aliphatic alcohol, sulfur dioxide and water. Cooking conditions are varied to get different proportions of cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin. Chemical recovery through pressure release is described.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for producing a pulp from a fibrous lignocellulose material or source using a treatment or pretreatment step which exposes the material to oxalic acid derivatives, particularly dialkyl ester derivatives, particularly in the vapor phase. Once treated, the material may be refined using any one of the several pulping methods to produce a final pulp product and the production of the product is accompanied by strength increases in paper made from the pulp and energy savings in making the pulp, hi addition the treatment or pretreatment produces a soluble carbohydrate source and other components (e.g. acetic acid, other wood components) for further product development. In certain cases a pulp product is not produced and all of the carbohydrate present in the lignocellulose is converted into soluble sugars.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for production of wood material articles with low emissions of chemical compounds. The applied wood is treated with bisulphite before bonding. On using formaldehyde resins in the bonding agent, wood material articles can be produced with the inventive method with extremely low formaldehyde emissions and very bright colours.

Abstract: A method of producing a modified pulp comprising treating wood chips in an extraction process to remove hemicellose to form treated wood chips; and subjecting said treated wood chips to chemical or semichemical pulping to form a modified Kraft pulp wherein the amount of hemicellulose contained in the modified Kraft pulp is from about 5 to about 10% by dry weight of the modified pulp.

Abstract: The present invention serves for loading a pulp suspension (S) with calcium carbonate. Liquid calcium hydroxide as milk of lime (7) is added during or before the pulp operation (1) carried out to form the pulp. By introducing gaseous carbon dioxide (8) into the pulp suspension thus treated, a chemical reaction is triggered therein, in which the finely divided calcium carbonate is precipitated. The present invention is particularly economic and effective due to the early addition of calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide.

Abstract: Dried, singulated cellulose pulp fiber is produced by introducing wet pulp steam and air into a jet dryer. The air is heated to a temperature of 250° C. to 600° C. Steam is injected at a nozzle pressure of from 344 KPa (50 psig) to 4,137 KPa (600 psig). The pulp is removed from the jet dryer and separated from the air. The product formed has advantageous properties such as low fines count, improved kink curl and twist, and high permeability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of and apparatus for treating pulp with filler. The method and apparatus according to the invention are especially well suitable for treating pulp with filler, the mixing of which to the pulp requires simultaneous treatment of the pulp with gas. The treatment of cellulose pulp suspension of the paper making industry and calcium hydroxide with carbon dioxide is presented as one preferred embodiment of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for stabilizing the pH of a pulp suspension with buffering agents and to a process for producing paper from a stabilized pulp suspension. The alkalinity of the pulp suspension is increased by a combination of an alkali metal hydroxide feed and a carbon dioxide feed. Said feeds provide a significant buffering effect which stablilizes the pH of said pulp suspension for the paper making process.

Abstract: A system and method for feeding comminuted cellulosic fibrous material such as wood chips to the top of a treatment vessel such as a continuous digester provide enhanced simplicity, operability, and maintainability by eliminating the high pressure transfer device conventionally used in the prior art. Instead of a high pressure transfer device the steamed and slurried chips are pressurized using a single vane slurry pump in series with a centrifugal slurry pump both of which are located at least thirty feet below the top of the treatment vessel and for pressurizing the slurry to a pressure of at least about 10 bar gauge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating condensates containing compounds, which are more volatile than water, in an evaporation plant, where liquid, such as effluent liquid from a pulp or paper mill is evaporated in multiple effects and where condensates generated in the evaporation are flashed and purified in a steam stripping column. In the method, the condensates from at least two evaporation effects are combined and flashed together, and the vapor obtained from the flashing is made to contact with a condensate stream to be purified in the stripping column, wherefrom the impurities-containing vapor and the purified condensate stream are discharged.

Abstract: This invention provides a dried singulated cellulose pulp fiber product as well as an apparatus and a method for forming singulated and dried fibers. In accordance with the process a feed pulp is delivered to a jet drier. The jet drier singulates and dries the feed pulp. The singulated and dried fibers are collected from the jet drier. The feed pulp may be treated with a treatment substance. The jet drier may be maintained at negative pressure. The product fibers may have low knot count, a low fines count, as well improved kink, curl and twist. The apparatus for carrying out the process may include a pretreatment station for supplying the treatment substance, a pulp feed device designed for pulp, a pulp feed device designed for pulp and foam suspensions, and/or a fiber separation station having a vacuum conveyor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the removal of lignin from lignocellulose containing material comprising treating the lignocellulose containing material prior to a high-yield pulping process with a delignifying gas comprising gaseous compounds comprising at least one oxygen atom such as chlorine dioxide containing gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of and apparatus for treating pulp with filler. The method and apparatus according to the invention ae especially well suitable for treating pulp with filler, the mixing of which to the pulp requires simultaneous treatment of the pulp with gas. The treatment of cellulose pulp suspension of the paper making industry and calcium hydroxide with carbon dioxide is presented as one preferred embodiment of the invention.

Abstract: A process for the bleaching of lignin present in pulp fibers in an aqueous environment such as a pulp suspension. The invention also relates to a process for producing paper or board from pulp containing bleached lignin. According to the invention carbon dioxide is used for the bleaching of lignin.

Abstract: In impregnating or extracting treatments of resin-containing wood substrates using a resin-soluble supercritical fluid as delivering or extractive solvent medium problems due to exudation of resin from the wood substrate at pressure release necessary before the termination of the treatment are avoided or reduced by a controlled pulsating pressure release down to atmospheric pressure. Thereby the total process time can be substantially reduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the bleaching of an aqueous lignocellulosic pulp under acidic conditions in the bleaching plant of a pulp mill. The bleached pulp is used for the production of paper or pulp. The selectivity of the bleaching agent towards primary reactions with lignin is enhanced by the use of a carbon dioxide providing medium in the pulp.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in the bleaching of a lignocellulosic pulp by adding carbon dioxide to provide a beneficial pH profile in the chlorine dioxide bleaching or delignification. The resulting bleached pulp is used in the production of paper or pulp. The invention also relates to the use of carbon dioxide for providing a desired pH profile in a chlorine dioxide bleaching stage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for stabilizing the pH of a pulp suspension with buffering agents and to a process for producing paper from a stabilized pulp suspension. The alkalinity of the pulp suspension is increased by a combination of an alkali metal hydroxide feed and a carbon dioxide feed. Said feeds provide a significant buffering effect which stablilizes the pH of said pulp suspension for the paper making process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for improving the drainage or dewatering of cellulosic pulp suspensions in a paper making machine, a drying machine or the like assembly. The invention also relates to a process for producing a dried cellulosic product from said pulp suspension. The drainage of said pulp suspension is improved by treating it with carbon dioxide just prior to its entering a dewatering device such as the wire section of a paper machine.

Abstract: A pre-treatment device for wood chips for pulping comprises a tube through which the wood chips fall into a digester. Steam is injected into the tube through rings of nozzles, which are angled circumferentially to impart a rotary and turbulent motion to the falling chips. Some nozzles are angled downwardly to encourage the chips to flow freely through the tube, some are horizontal to encourage a longer dwell time near the nozzles. Digesting liquor is also sprayed onto the chips from spray nozzles after the first ring of steam nozzles. The heat and steam expel air and other non-condensable gases and volatiles from the chips, allowing them to absorb the liquor. At the bottom of the tube, the chips are propelled down and outwards by jets of higher-pressure steam, spreading and packing them into the digester.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the removal of lignin from lignocellulose containing material comprising treating the lignocellulose containing material prior to a chemical pulping process with a delignifying gas, wherein the gas comprises chlorine dioxide.

Abstract: A method for producing pulp, comprising digesting lignocellulosic wood, containing one or more xylan derivatives selected from the group consisting of xylan bound with lignin, xylan bound with hexenuronic acid, and mixtures thereof, with an aqueous alkaline pulping solution containing sulfide and having an initial free hydroxyl ion concentration of at least 1 mole per liter, under conditions whereunder xylan is dissociated from said one or more xylan derivatives and the pH of the solution remains above 12.5; and then while the pH of said solution is above 12.5, adding a sufficient amount of an acidic agent to said pulping solution to precipitate dissociated xylan from said pulping solution while minimizing precipitation of lignin from said pulping solution. Carbon dioxide is a preferred acidic agent.

Abstract: A method for eliminating detrimental substances in a process liquid. The process liquid has a first pH and, in addition to said detrimental substances, comprises metal ions and suspended material. Carbon dioxide is added to the process liquid in order to bring the process liquid to a second pH, lower than the first pH. Thereby, the metal ions comprise hydroxide builders, wherein the carbon dioxide (CO2) is added in an amount which causes the second pH to be between 8 and 6.5, so that the carbon dioxide primarily forms bicarbonate ions (HCO3−) having a pH-buffering effect and the metal ions primarily form metal hydroxides. Thereafter, the detrimental substances coagulate or agglomerate with the metal hydroxides and are adhered to the suspended material so that they become inactive. The method is advantageously used in connection with pulp and/or paper making processes.

Abstract: A multi-function process is described for the separation of cellulose fibers from the other constituents of lignocellulosic biomass such as found in trees, grasses, agricultural waste, and waste paper with application in the preparation of feedstocks for use in the manufacture of paper, plastics, ethanol, and other chemicals. This process minimizes waste disposal problems since it uses only steam, water, and oxygen at elevated temperature in the range of 180° C. to 240° C. for 1 to 10 minutes plus a small amount of chemical reagents to maintain pH in the range 8 to 13. An energy recuperation function is important to the economic viability of the process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the removal of lignin from lignocellulose containing material comprising treating the lignocellulose containing material prior to a high-yield pulping process with a delignifying gas comprising gaseous compounds comprising at least one oxygen atom such as chlorine dioxide containing gas.