Lignocellulosic chemicals
Turning lignocellulosic side streams and waste into high-value chemicals and solvents.
Lignocellulosic (2G) biomass is the cornerstone of the next-generation bioeconomy, but its processing often leaves valuable chemicals untapped or trapped in dilute aqueous streams. Sulzer delivers innovative, cost-effective, and energy-efficient solutions to recover and purify these compounds from challenging sources like black liquor or steam condensates. We empower producers to upgrade chemicals and solvents to turn a costly waste problem into a profitable revenue stream, driving circularity and commercial success.
Main applications of lignocellulosic chemical industry
Recovered chemicals
- 5-HMF (5-hydroxymethylfurfural), Furfural, Acetic acid, Methanol (Grade AA), Levulinic acid, Glycerol (USP grade)
Source streams
- Black liquor, Steam explosion condensates, Pretreatment hydrolysates (C5/C6 sugars), Crude glycerol from biodiesel
Key challenges in recovering 2G chemicals
在当今的化工行业运营意味着要应对多个相互关联的挑战：
Dilute aqueous streams
Valuable 2G chemicals are trapped in large volumes of water. Efficient liquid-liquid extraction, stripping and evaporation are needed to capture and concentrate them cost-effectively.
Heat-sensitive molecules
Compounds such as 5-HMF and levulinic acid degrade at high temperature. Low-temperature evaporation and vacuum distillation preserve chemical stability and purity.
Azeotropes and tight water bonds
Furfural and other intermediates form azeotropes with water. Extraction or steam stripping combined with azeotropic distillation is required to reach technical-grade purity.
Environmental compliance
Pretreatment generates acetic acid and inhibitors that raise COD and BOD. Recovering them cleans the effluent for safe discharge and removes fermentation inhibitors from sugar streams.
Sulzer’s tailored process solutions are built on process innovation and robust, proprietary equipment. We partner with producers of wood-based and 2G chemicals to design and implement systems that are highly effective and energy-efficient, minimizing operational costs.
5-HMF: specialized extraction and low-temperature EvapCare™ evaporation recover 5-HMF from acidic aqueous phases, preventing thermal degradation.
Furfural: OptimEXT™ liquid-liquid extraction or PEMFlux™ steam stripping combined with azeotropic distillation break water-furfural bonds, delivering technical-grade purity.
Acetic acid: OptimEXT™ extraction with proprietary solvents washes the acid out of the water, followed by DistilCare™ fractional distillation to high-purity specifications.
Methanol: DistilCare™ distillation and rectification reach Grade AA; OptimEXT™ extraction removes challenging contaminants such as sulfur compounds for direct circular reuse.
Levulinic acid: OptimEXT™ extraction followed by DistilCare™ vacuum distillation ensures high-purity recovery without thermal degradation.
Glycerol: glycerin drying, glycerin–fatty matter separation, and refining to USP grade upgrade crude glycerol from biodiesel into a high-value product.
Our solutions for lignocellulosic industry
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Explore some of our references for lignocellulosic industry
Petrochemical
Petrochemical Refinery
Challenge:
Optimization of refining processes
Solution:
Installation of high-efficiency pumps and intelligent control system
Technology:
95+ Heater
Results:
Installation of high-efficiency pumps and intelligent control system
Petrochemical
Petrochemical Refinery - 95+Heater™ - Shell
Challenge:
Optimization of refining processes
Solution:
Installation of high-efficiency pumps and intelligent control system
Solution:
Installation of high-efficiency pumps and intelligent control system
Results:
Installation of high-efficiency pumps and intelligent control system
Petrochemical
Challenge:
Optimization of refining processes
Solution:
Installation of high-efficiency pumps and intelligent control system
Solution:
Installation of high-efficiency pumps and intelligent control system
Results:
Installation of high-efficiency pumps and intelligent control system
150+ Years Experience
Proven track record in chemical process engineering and equipment manufacturing.
Global Presence
Worldwide support network with local expertise and rapid response capabilities.
Quality Assurance
ISO certified processes and rigorous quality control for reliable, safe operations.