Experience the future of lignin dispersants with ANDRITZ LigniOx. Embrace a sustainable, high-performance solution that meets the demands of various industries while contributing to a greener planet. Contact us today to learn more about how LigniOx can revolutionize your operations.
LigniOx™ lignin recovery
ANDRITZ LigniOx lignin recovery: Transforming lignin into high-performance dispersants for diverse industrial applications.
LigniOx is an alkali-O2 oxidation process for lignin solubilization. LigniOx was invented by VTT and the process was further developed in the EU LigniOx project (2017-2022) by consortium of research institutes (including VVT and VITO), biorefineries, technology providers and chemical industry operators. VTT owns the patent for LigniOx application use and there is a shared patent for the integration of the LigniOx process into a kraft pulp mill owned by Metsä, ANDRITZ and VTT.
The LigniOx process consists of three major process steps:
- Precipitation of lignin with help of CO2
- Lignin oxidation
- Membrane filtration
Final concentrate needs little to no modification for use. Concentrate can be dried for easier transportation. This cutting-edge technology produces a versatile oxidized lignin product. LigniOx dispersants have a wide range of applications. The LigniOx process can be used, for example, to produce concrete plasticizers, offering superior performance compared to traditional lignosulfonate products and even competing with synthetic superplasticizers.
LigniOx concept for a kraft pulp mill
Environmental and economic benefits
LigniOx technology not only delivers high-quality dispersants but also offers significant environmental and economic advantages:
- Reduced production costs: No excess sulfur in chemical circulation when compared to ‘traditional’ lignin recovery.
- Environmental sustainability: Reduced climate impact when compared to fossil-based alternatives.
- Efficient chemical recovery: Recovery of valuable chemicals (Na, S) and the possibility for production of biomethanol as a co-product.
Demonstration plant
Metsä Group, in collaboration with ANDRITZ, is set to construct a demonstration plant for LigniOx in Äänekoski, Finland. ANDRITZ will serve as the technology provider for this plant. The primary goal of the demo plant is to showcase the LigniOx process. This initiative is a joint effort between Metsä, ANDRITZ, and DOW industries to introduce new lignin-based materials to the market. The Äänekoski bioproduct mill will highlight the technology's potential, demonstrating its capability to replace fossil-based chemicals.
Future prospects and business opportunities
ANDRITZ is committed to advancing the LigniOx technology for commercial-scale applications. By partnering with industry leaders and leveraging insights from the demo plant, ANDRITZ aims to enable the market entry of LigniOx products and create new business opportunities for biorefineries, and the chemical industry.
ANDRITZ is also working together with the VTT Technical Research Center of Finland for testing and development of the LigniOx process for interested pulp and paper customers.
