Abstract:
A modular process for organosolv fractionation of lignocellulosic feedstocks into component parts and further processing of said component parts into one or more of a delignified cellulose stream, a sugar stream, small-chain alcohol streams and four structurally distinct classes of lignin derivatives. The modular process comprises a first processing module configured for digesting lignocellulosic feedstocks with an organic solvent thereby producing a cellulosic solids fraction and a liquid fraction, a second processing module configured for de-lignifying the cellulosic solids fraction or for separating a sugar fraction from the cellulosic solids fraction, a third processing module configured for recovering from the liquid fraction at least a second class and a third class of lignin derivatives. At least some of the organic solvent is recovered, and a fourth module recovers a semi-solid waste material.