journal article·2022-06-27Open access

Oxidation process concept to produce lignin dispersants at a kraft pulp mill

Anna Kalliola, Petteri Kangas, Iris Winberg, Tapio Vehmas, Hanna Kyllönen, Juha Heikkinen, Outi Poukka, Katariina Kemppainen, Pauliina Sjögård, Lauri Pehu-Lehtonen, Tiina Liitiä

Abstract

Abstract This paper presents the concept of an alkali-O2 oxidation process for producing lignin dispersants in a feasible manner at a kraft pulp mill. The oxidation process uses O2 gas to increase the anionic charge of lignin and the final oxidised lignin can serve as a concrete plasticiser or versatile dispersant. The integrated process provides several benefits for lignin recovery, the following lignin oxidation, and recycling of chemicals. Firstly, CO2 precipitated kraft lignin can be used without a sulphuric acid washing step. This simplifies the lignin recovery and no excess sulphur is introduced into mill cycle. As the unwashed lignin is alkaline in nature, the need for fresh alkali in the lignin oxidation is reduced. Moreover, oxidised white liquor, readily available in the mill, can be applied as a partial source of alkali. Finally, membrane filtration of the oxidised lignin solution enables the recirculation of sodium and sulphur back to the chemical cycle and provides a concentrated lignin product. Based on a simulation study, this novel concept significantly decreased the need for purging fly ash at the mill when compared to conventional lignin recovery. It was also demonstrated that the novel lignin dispersants can compete with the tested commercial oil-based plasticisers.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Lignin and Wood Chemistry · Enzyme-mediated dye degradation · Catalysis and Hydrodesulfurization Studies

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Sustainable Products and Materials , 3259 VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd , P. O. BOX 1000 , Espoo , Finland

Carbon neutral solutions , 3259 VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd , P. O. BOX 1000 , Espoo , Finland

Sustainable Products and Materials , 3259 VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd , P. O. BOX 1604 , Jyväskylä , Finland

Business Development , Metsä Fibre Oy , P. O. BOX 30 , Metsä , Finland

Group R&D , Metsä Spring Oy , Revontulenpuisto 2 , Espoo , Finland

Recovery and Power , 355471 ANDRITZ Oy , Hermiankatu 8D , Tampere , Finland

Recovery and Power , 355471 ANDRITZ Oy , Tammasaarenkatu 1 , Helsinki , Finland

Currently 86568 Kemira , R&D Fiber and Bioeconomy , Luoteisrinne 2 , Espoo , Finland

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