Separation of Chemical Compounds

Chemical Compounds

In the traditional forest industry, cooking liquors are utilized to break down wood fibres and remove lignin to produce pulp. Yeast tanks are employed to ferment wood fibers into ethanol and other bio-based chemicals. Black liquor is a by-product of the sulfate cooking process of wood pulp and is often used as fuel or recycled to extract chemicals for other parts of the process.

In the field of biorefinery, similar processes are employed to extract a variety of bio-based products from biomass, such as lignin, cellulose, and sugar. The ability to separate and purify these chemical liquids is crucial to achieve high-quality products and maximize the yield of valuable components from the raw material.

Through efficient separation and purification methods, companies in the forest industry and biorefinery sector can increase their production capacity, reduce waste, and enhance the sustainability of their processes. This can lead to increased profitability and competitiveness in the market while contributing to a more sustainable use of natural resources.

When it comes to organic acids, common compounds include formic acid, acetic acid, levulinic acid, butyric acid, isobutyric acid, valeric acid, isovaleric acid, hexanoic acid, and heptanoic acid. Additionally, other compounds such as methanol, ethanol, glycerol, and lactic acid are included, along with furan derivatives like hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and furfural. These compounds are often present in various biological and chemical samples, and their quantification is essential for understanding and monitoring chemical processes, such as fermentation, biomass degradation, or synthesis of organic compounds.

Organic acids are common in various types of samples within the forestry industry and paper production. Here are some examples of sample types where organic acids can be analyzed:

1. Cooking liquors: In the manufacturing of pulp, cooking liquors are used to break down wood fibre and remove lignin. During this process, various organic acids are formed, which can affect product quality and process efficiency.

2. Spent liquors: Spent liquor is a chemical solution used to extract chemicals from biomass. It may contain organic acids that are byproducts of biomass degradation.

3. Fermentation tank samples: Samples from fermentation tanks are taken during the process where wood fibere is converted into ethanol and other bio-based chemicals. Organic acids formed during this process can affect the fermentation process and product quality.

4. Black liquor: Black liquor is a byproduct of sulfate pulping of wood fibre and is often used as fuel or recycled to extract chemicals that can be used in other parts of the process. Black liquor may contain various organic acids that are important to monitor and control to ensure process efficiency and safety.

Furthermore, optical brighteners are a vital component in paper production. These chemicals are used to enhance the optical properties and whiteness of paper. To ensure effective use and minimal environmental impact, it is crucial to monitor the presence of optical brighteners both in the paper and in wastewater. HPLC analysis enables both qualitative and quantitative assessments of the presence of optical brighteners in various streams around the paper machine. In competitor analyses, it is also possible to determine the type of optical brightener used, which is crucial for optimizing the papermaking process and ensuring high product quality.

Methods, Instruments and Expertise

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) systems are equipped with advanced features that enable control of multiple parameters, including the composition of eluent mixtures, gradient usage, and temperature. This flexibility allows for the analysis of complex sample matrices with high precision and accuracy.

The HPLC system is equipped with two types of detectors: a refractive index detector (RI) and a ultraviolet detector (UV) of the Diode Array Detector (DAD) type. These detectors enable comprehensive analysis of compounds by providing the capability to obtain full UV-VIS spectra for each compound. By combining the information from both detectors, users can gain a detailed understanding of the chemical properties of the analyzed compounds.

In addition to analyzing common compounds, the HPLC system also has the capability to analyze high molecular weight materials. This means that detailed information on the molecular weight distribution of various polymeric compounds such as lignin, lignosulfonate, and other polymers can be obtained. This information is crucial for understanding the structure and properties of these materials and for optimizing production processes in industries such as the forestry industry and the biorefinery sector.

In the expanding field of biorefinery, the need to analyze new compounds is becoming increasingly evident. An example is various components derived from lignin, which is an important biomass resource. By using HPLC systems with advanced detection techniques, researchers and industries can thoroughly explore and characterize these new compounds, thereby opening up new possibilities for biomass utilization and contributing to the development of more sustainable production processes.

Expertise:

Through our expertise in HPLC and our extensive experience in pulp and paper technology, we are well-equipped to conduct a variety of analyses and studies in areas related to pulp, paper, cardboard, and other related materials. We always aim to deliver high-quality results and tailored solutions that meet our customers' specific needs and contribute to their success in the market.

Delivery

RISE offers a report that includes data in Excel format along with relevant images and diagrams. It is meticulously compiled using standard methods for the conducted analyses. The report also includes an assessment of measurement uncertainty to ensure the reliability of the presented results. All pertinent parameters relevant to the specific analysis are included to provide a comprehensive picture of the situation. Furthermore, detailed comments and explanations are included to provide additional insight and understanding of the presented data. 

RISE aims to ensure the highest possible quality and reliability in the presented results, thereby assisting customers and stakeholders in making well-informed decisions based on the provided information.