CONTINUOUS COUNTER-CURRENT ORGANOSOLV PROCESSING OF LIGNOCELLULOSIC FEEDSTOCKS

• US 20090118477A1
• Filed: 11/26/2008
• Published: 05/07/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 05/31/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Suzano Canada Inc. (Suzano S.A.)
• Original Assignee: Lignol Innovations Ltd (Suzano S.A.)
• Inventors: MA, Raymond, GJENNSTAD, Gordon, PYE, Edward Kendall, MACLACHLAN, John Ross, BERLIN, Alex, O'CONNOR, Donald, RUSHTON, Michael, HALLBERG, Christer
• Granted Patent: US 8,193,324 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 530/500
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 3/002 by continuous methods
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 3/143 by two or more of a fractionation, separation or rectification step
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 3/145 One step being separation by permeation
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 3/148 in combination with at least one evaporator
• CPC Class Codes: C07H 19/00 Compounds containing a hetero ring sharing one ring hetero atom with a saccharide radical; Nucleosides; Mononucleotides; Anhydro-derivatives thereof
• CPC Class Codes: C08H 8/00 Macromolecular compounds derived from lignocellulosic materials pretreatment thereof B27N
• CPC Class Codes: C12M 21/04 for producing gas, e.g. biogas digesters for manure with production of biogas A01C3/028, biological treatment of water, waste water or sewage C02F3/00, C02F11/02, preparation of natural gas or syngas C10L3/06, C10L3/10
• CPC Class Codes: C12M 45/06 by chemical means or hydrolysis
• CPC Class Codes: C12M 45/09 by enzymatic treatment
• CPC Class Codes: C12P 19/14 produced by the action of a carbohydrase (EC 3.2.x), e.g. by alpha-amylase , e.g. by cellulase, hemicellulase
• CPC Class Codes: C12P 5/023 Methane
• CPC Class Codes: C12P 7/00 Preparation of oxygen-containing organic compounds
• CPC Class Codes: C12P 7/08 produced as by-product or from waste or cellulosic material substrate
• CPC Class Codes: C12P 7/16 Butanols
• CPC Class Codes: C12P 7/18 polyhydric
• CPC Class Codes: C12P 7/40 containing a carboxyl group including Peroxycarboxylic acids
• CPC Class Codes: C12P 7/54 Acetic acid vinegar C12J
• CPC Class Codes: C12P 7/56 Lactic acid
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 50/10 Biofuels, e.g. bio-diesel
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 50/30 Fuel from waste, e.g. synthetic alcohol or diesel

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 de-lignified 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 recovering small-chain alcohols and optionally a first class of lignin derivatives from the cellulosic solids fraction, a third processing module configured for recovering from the liquid fraction at least one of a second class and a third class of lignin derivatives or mixtures thereof, and waste stream comprising a fourth class of lignin derivatives. The fourth processing module may optionally recover the fourth class of lignin derivatives.

Claims

1. A modular biorefining process for separating a lignocellulosic feedstock into component parts and further processing of said component parts;

the modular process comprising;

a first processing module provided with a first series of steps for receiving, physically screening, and physico-chemically fractionating a lignocellulosic feedstock with an organic solvent separately provided thereto thereby extracting component parts therefrom, and separating said component parts into a first liquid fraction and a cellulosic solids fraction comprising a plurality of a first class of very high molecular weight (VHMW) lignin derivatives therein;

a second processing module provided with a second series of steps for receiving therein said cellulosic solids fraction and at least de-lignifying said cellulosic solids fraction;

a third processing module provided with a third series of steps comprising

separating at least a first solids fraction from the first liquid fraction thereby producing a second liquid fraction, said first solids fraction comprising at least one of a plurality of a second class of high molecular weight (HMW) lignin derivatives and a plurality of a third class of medium molecular weight (MMW) lignin derivatives;

recovering from the second liquid fraction at least a portion of the organic solvent and a processed second liquid fraction, the processed second liquid fraction comprising a plurality of a fourth class of very low molecular weight (VLMW) lignin derivatives; and

a fourth processing module provided with a fourth series of steps for recovery of a first semi-solid waste material therefrom said processed second liquid fraction.

2. A modular biorefining process according to claim 1, additionally provided with a fifth processing module comprising an anaerobic digestion module configured for receiving and processing therein said first semi-solid waste material into at least a collectable biogas and a liquid effluent.

3. A modular biorefining process according to claim 1, wherein the second series of steps comprises de-lignification of the cellulosic solids stream by one of an elemental chlorine-free (ECF) bleaching process and a total chlorine-free (TCF) bleaching process, recovering therefrom a de-lignified cellulose pulp stream.

4. A modular biorefining process according to claim 1, wherein the second series of steps additionally comprises steps for recovering at least a portion of the plurality of VHMW lignin derivatives in a solids form.

5. A modular biorefining process according to claim 3, wherein the second series of steps comprises an ECF bleaching process and includes at least the steps of:

washing the cellulosic solids stream comprising the plurality of VHMW lignin derivatives, with 3%-4% chlorine dioxide at a temperature selected from the range of about 60°

C. to about 80°

C., followed by washing with water;

then washing the cellulosic solids stream with a dilute alkali solution at a temperature selected from the range of about 45°

C. to about 90°

C., followed by washing with water;

then washing the cellulosic solids stream a second time with 3-4% chlorine dioxide at a temperature selected from the range of about 60°

C. to about 80°

C., followed by washing with water;

and recovering therefrom the de-lignified cellulose pulp stream.

7. A modular biorefining process according to claim 3, wherein the second series of steps comprises an TCF bleaching process and includes at least the steps of:

washing the cellulosic solids stream with a mild alkali solution at a temperature ranging from about 60°

C. to about 80°

C. in a vessel pressurized with oxygen, followed by washing with water;

then washing the cellulosic solids stream with at least two washes with hydrogen peroxide, each wash followed by washing with water;

and recovering therefrom the de-lignified cellulose pulp stream.

8. A modular biorefining process according to claim 7, additional comprising steps for recovering at least a portion of the plurality of VHMW lignin derivatives from the washings.

9. A modular biorefining process according to claim 1, wherein the second series of steps comprises steps for controllably reducing the viscosity of the de-lignified cellulosic solids fraction, controllably digesting the reduced-viscosity de-lignified cellulosic solids fraction, and recovering therefrom a third liquid fraction comprising at least soluble sugars and a first spent solids faction.

10. A modular biorefining process according to claim 9, additionally comprising a step configured for decrystallizing cellulose therein the de-lignified cellulose solids fraction.

11. A modular biorefining process according to claim 10, wherein the cellulose is decrystallized by commingling with at least one of phosphoric acid, trifloroacetic acid, monoethylamine, sodium hydroxide, ionic liquids.

12. A modular biorefining process according to claim 9, wherein the second series of steps comprises at least one step for adding an enzyme preparation configured for controllably digesting the reduced-viscosity cellulosic solids fraction, said enzyme preparation comprising at least one enzyme selected from the group consisting of endo-β

-1,4-glucanases, cellobiohydrolases, cellulases, hemicellulases, β

-glucosidases, β

-xylosidases, xylanases, α

-amylases, β

-amylases, pullulases, and esterases.

13. A modular biorefining process according to claim 12, wherein the second series of steps additionally comprises steps for post-digestion recovery and recycling of a portion of the enzyme preparation.

14. A modular biorefining process according to claim 9, wherein the second series of steps additionally comprises at least one step for adding an inoculum preparation configured for controllably fermenting the third liquid fraction, the inoculum composition comprising at least one microbial strain selected from a group containing yeast strains, fungal strains and bacterial strains, and recovering therefrom a fermentation beer and a second spent solids fraction.

15. A modular biorefining process according to claim 14, wherein the inoculum preparation comprises at least one microbial strain selected from a group containing naturally occurring and genetically engineered Saccharomyces spp. strains, Pichia spp. strains, Aspergillus spp. strains, Trichoderma spp. strains, Escherichia coli strains, Zymomonas spp. strains, Clostridium spp. strains, and Corynebacterium spp. strains, and combinations thereof.

16. A modular biorefining process according to claim 14, wherein the second series of steps additionally comprises steps for post-fermentation recovery and recycling of a portion of the inoculum preparation.

17. A modular biorefining process according to claim 14, wherein the second series of steps additionally comprises steps for processing said fermentation beer to recover a short-chain alcohol stream therefrom.

18. A modular biorefining process according to claim 17, wherein the second series of steps additionally comprises steps for refining said short-chain alcohol stream to produce at least one of a fuel-grade short-chain alcohol stream and an industrial-grade short-chain alcohol stream

19. A modular biorefining process according to claim 17, wherein the short-chain alcohol stream comprises one of an ethanol stream and a butanol stream.

20. A modular biorefining process according to claim 9, wherein the second series of steps additionally comprises steps for concurrently:

(a) controllably digesting the reduced-viscosity de-lignified cellulosic solids fraction to produce therefrom a fourth liquid fraction comprising at least soluble sugars, (b) fermenting said third liquid fraction to produce a fermention beer therefrom, and (c) recovering said fermentation beer and a third spent solids fraction.

21. A modular biorefining process according to claim 20, wherein the second series of steps comprises steps for concurrently adding:

(a) an enzyme preparation configured for controllably digesting the reduced-viscosity cellulosic solids fraction, said enzyme preparation comprising at least one enzyme selected from the group consisting of endo-β

-1,4-glucanases, cellobiohydrolases, cellulases, hemicellulases, β

-glucosidases, β

-xylosidases, xylanases, α

-amylases, β

-amylases, pullulases, and esterases, and (b) a fermentative inoculum preparation comprising at least one microbial strain selected from a group containing naturally occurring and genetically engineered Saccharomyces spp. strains, Pichia spp. strains, Aspergillus spp. strains, Trichoderma spp. strains, Escherichia coli strains, Zymomonas spp. strains, Clostridium spp. strains, and Corynebacterium spp. strains, and combinations thereof.

22. A modular biorefining process according to claim 14, wherein the second series of steps additionally comprises steps for post-fermentation recovery and recycling of at least one of a portion of the enzyme preparation and a portion of the inoculum preparation.

23. A modular biorefining process according to claim 20, wherein the second series of steps additionally comprises steps for processing said fermentation beer to recover a short-chain alcohol stream therefrom.

24. A modular biorefining process according to claim 23, wherein the second series of steps additionally comprises steps for refining said short-chain alcohol stream to produce at least one of a fuel-grade short-chain alcohol stream and an industrial-grade short-chain alcohol stream

25. A modular biorefining process according to claim 23, wherein the short-chain alcohol stream comprises one of an ethanol stream and a butanol stream.

26. A modular biorefining process according to claim 1, wherein the second series of steps comprises steps for controllably reducing the viscosity of the cellulosic solids fraction, controllably digesting the reduced-viscosity cellulosic solids fraction to produce a fifth liquid fraction comprising at least soluble sugars, controllably fermenting the fifth liquid fraction, and recovering therefrom a beer comprising a short-chain alcohol.

27. A modular biorefining process according to claim 26, wherein the second series of steps additionally comprises steps for processing said beer to recover therefrom a short-chain alcohol stream and a beer waste stream.

28. A modular biorefining process according to claim 27, wherein the second series of steps additionally comprises steps for refining said short-chain alcohol stream to produce at least one of a fuel-grade short-chain alcohol stream and an industrial-grade short-chain alcohol stream

29. A modular biorefining process according to claim 27, wherein the short-chain alcohol stream comprises one of an ethanol stream and a butanol stream.

30. A modular biorefining process according to claim 27, wherein the second series of steps additionally comprises steps for refining said beer waste stream to recover therefrom at least one of a fusel oil stream, a portion of the plurality of VHMW lignin derivatives, and a detoxified aqueous stream.

31. A modular biorefining process according to claim 30, wherein viscosity of the cellulosic solids fraction is controllably reduced with said detoxified aqueous stream.

32. A modular process according to claim 30, wherein the second series of steps additionally comprises steps for recovery of a second semi-solid waste material therefrom said beer waste stream.

33. A modular biorefining process according to claim 32, wherein the second semi-solid waste material is anaerobically digested to produce at least a collectable biogas and a liquid effluent.

34. A modular biorefining process according to claim 26, additionally comprising a step configured for decrystallizing cellulose therein the cellulosic solids fraction.

35. A modular biorefining process according to claim 34, wherein the cellulose is decrystallized by commingling with at least one of phosphoric acid, trifloroacetic acid, monoethylamine, sodium hydroxide, ionic liquids.

36. A modular biorefining process according to claim 26, wherein the second series of steps comprises at least one step for adding an enzyme preparation configured for controllably digesting the reduced-viscosity cellulosic solids fraction, said enzyme preparation comprising at least one enzyme selected from the group consisting of endo-β

-1,4-glucanases, cellobiohydrolases, cellulases, hemicellulases, β

-glucosidases, β

-xylosidases, xylanases, α

-amylases, β

-amylases, pullulases, and esterases.

37. A modular biorefining process according to claim 36, wherein the second series of steps additionally comprises steps for post-digestion recovery and recycling of a portion of the enzyme preparation.

38. A modular biorefining process according to claim 26, wherein the second series of steps additionally comprises a step for adding an inoculum preparation configured for controllably fermenting the fifth liquid fraction, the inoculum preparation comprising at least one microbial strain selected from a group containing yeast strains, fungal strains and bacterial strains.

39. A modular biorefining process according to claim 38, wherein the inoculum preparation comprises at least one microbial strain selected from a group containing naturally occurring and genetically engineered Saccharomyces spp. strains, Pichia spp. strains, Aspergillus spp. strains, Trichoderma spp. strains, Escherichia coli strains, Zymomonas spp. strains, Clostridium spp. strains, and Corynebacterium spp. strains, and combinations thereof.

40. A modular biorefining process according to claim 38, wherein the second series of steps additionally comprises steps for post-fermentation recovery and recycling of a portion of the inoculum preparation.

41. A modular biorefining process according to claim 26, wherein said digestion step and said fermentation step are concurrently performed within a single vessel.

42. A modular biorefining process according to claim 1, wherein the third series of steps comprises steps for separating a second solids fraction from the first liquid fraction thereby producing a first filtrate, wherein the second solids fraction comprises a plurality of HMW lignin derivatives.

43. A modular biorefining process according to claim 42, wherein the third series of steps additionally comprises steps for separating a third solids fraction from the first filtrate thereby producing a second filtrate, wherein the third solids fraction comprises a plurality of MMW lignin derivatives.

44. A modular biorefining process according to claim 43, wherein the third series of steps additionally comprises steps for recovering therefrom the second filtrate, a portion of the organic solvent and a processed second filtrate.

45. A modular biorefining process according to claim 44, wherein the recovered portion of organic solvent is recycled into the first processing module.

46. A modular biorefining process according to claim 45, wherein the recovered portion of organic solvent is blended with a portion of the short-chain alcohol stream recovered in the second processing module.

47. A modular biorefining process according to claim 45, wherein the short-chain alcohol stream is an ethanol stream.

48. A modular biorefining process according to claim 1, wherein the fourth series of steps comprises steps for receiving therein from the third series of steps, at least one of a processed second liquid fraction, a first filtrate, a second filtrate and a processed second filtrate, and recovering therefrom at least one of an acetic acid-containing liquid fraction, a carbohydrates syrup, a portion of the plurality of VLMW lignin derivatives, and a second semi-solid waste material.

49. A modular biorefining process according to claim 48, wherein a portion of the carbohydrates syrup produced in the fourth processing module is controllably delivered into the second module for production therein of a short-chain alcohol therefrom.

50. A modular biorefining process according to claim 49, wherein the short-chain alcohol is one of ethanol and butanol.

51. A modular biorefining process according to claim 48, wherein a portion of the carbohydrates syrup produced in the fourth processing module is controllably delivered to an anaerobic digestion module comprising an acidification step for acidification of said carbohydrates syrup therein.

52. A modular process according to claim 48, additionally provided with a sixth processing module comprising a fermentation module configured for receiving, fermenting and distilling therein said carbohydrates syrup, and for recovering therefrom a distillate comprising at least 1,3-propanediol and a lactic acid stream.

53. A modular process according to claim 52, wherein said distillate comprises at least 1,3 propanediol.

54. A modular process according to claim 2, wherein the anaerobic digestion module comprises a first step of biologically liquifying said first semi-solid waste material thereby producing a fifth liquid fraction, a second step of biologically acidifying the fifth liquid fraction thereby producing a liquid organic acid stream therefrom, a third step of biologically acetifying the liquid organic stream thereby producing at least acetic acid, and a fourth step of biologically producing at least a biogas and a liquid effluent from said acetic acid.

55. A modular process according to claim 54, wherein:

the first step is additionally provided with an inoculation step wherein an inoculum comprising at least one microbial strain selected from a group containing at least naturally occurring and genetically engineered Enterobacter sp., is controllably commingled with said solid waste material;

the second step is additionally provided with an inoculation step wherein an inoculum comprising at least one microbial strain selected from a group containing at least naturally occurring and genetically engineered Bacillus sp., Lactobacillus sp. and Streptococcus sp., is controllably commingled with said fifth liquid fraction;

the third step is additionally provided with an inoculation step wherein an inoculum comprising at least one microbial strain selected from a group containing at least naturally occurring and genetically engineered Acetobacter sp., Gluconobacter sp., and Clostridium sp., is controllably commingled with said liquid organic acid stream; and

the fourth step is additionally provided with an inoculation step wherein an inoculum comprising at least one microbial strain selected from a group containing at least naturally occurring and genetically engineered Methanobacteria sp., Methanococci sp., and Methanopyri sp., is controllably commingled with said at least acetic acid.

56. A modular process according to claim 1, wherein the first series of steps comprises steps for physically separating non-lignocellulosic materials from the lignocellulosic feedstock, delivering said lignocellulosic feedstock into a first end of a heatable and pressurizable digestion vessel, said vessel heated and pressurized, conveying said lignocellulosic feedstock to about a second end of the digestion vessel, commingling said lignocellulosic feedstock with said organic solvent and producing therefrom the cellulosic solids fraction and the first liquid fraction, discharging the solids fraction from about the second end of the digestion vessel, and discharging the first liquid fraction from about the first end of the digestion vessel.

57. A modular process according to claim 56, wherein the lignocellulosic feedstock is commingled and circulated through the organic solvent by a method selected from the group containing:

(a) a first method comprising counterflowing the organic solvent from about the second end to about the first end the digestion vessel, and (b) a second method comprising re-circulating the organic solvent therewithin and about the digestion vessel.

58. A modular process according to claim 56, wherein the first series of steps additionally comprises steps for first controllably saturating the lignocellulosic feedstock with a heated organic solvent for a selected period of time, and then for controllably removing the heated organic solvent from the lignocellulosic feedstock prior to delivering said lignocellulosic feedstock into about the first end of the digestion vessel.

59. A modular process according to claim 1, wherein the organic solvent comprises at least one solvent selected from the group containing short-chain alcohols and ketones.

60. A modular process according to claim 59, wherein the organic solvent comprises at least one short-chain alcohol selected from the group containing methanol, ethanol, butanol, propanol, and aromatic alcohols.

61. A modular process according to claim 60, wherein the organic solvent comprises at least acetone.

62. A modular process according to claim 1, wherein the first processing module is configured to continuously receive, physically process, and physico-chemically digest a lignocellulosic feedstock thereby continuously producing the cellulosic solids fraction and the first liquid fraction.

63. A modular process according to claim 1, wherein the first processing module is configured to receive, physically process, and physico-chemically digest a batch of lignocellulosic feedstock thereby producing the cellulosic solids fraction and the first liquid fraction.

6. A modular biorefining process according to claim 6, additional comprising steps for recovering at least a portion of the plurality of VHMW lignin derivatives from the washings.

64. A modular biorefining system for organosolv fractionation of lignocellulosic feedstock into component parts and further processing of said component parts;

the modular process comprising;

a first processing module configured for receiving, physically processing, and physico-chemically fractionating a lignocellulose feedstock by commingling and circulating therethrough an organic solvent separately provided thereto, and separating said component parts into a first liquid fraction and a cellulosic solids fraction comprising therein a plurality of a first class of very high molecular weight (VHMW) lignin derivatives;

a second processing module configured for receiving and processing therein said cellulosic solids fraction, and recovering therefrom at least a de-lignified cellulose pulp stream;

a third processing module configured for separating the first liquid fraction into a second liquid fraction and a first solids fraction comprising at least one of a plurality of a second class of high molecular weight (HMW) lignin derivatives and a plurality of a third class of medium molecular weight (MMW) lignin derivatives, and recovering from the second liquid fraction at least a portion of the organic solvent and a processed second liquid fraction comprising a plurality of a fourth class of very low molecular weight (VLMW) lignin derivatives; and

a fourth processing module configured for recovery of a first semi-solid waste material therefrom said processed second liquid fraction.

65. A modular biorefining system according to claim 64, additionally provided with a fifth processing module configured for anaerobic digestion and processing of the first semi-solid waste material into at least a collectable biogas and an liquid effluent.

66. A modular biorefining system according to claim 64, wherein the first processing module comprises a plurality of equipment selected and configured for controllable and manipulable communication and cooperation for:

receiving therein a lignocellulosic feedstock;

processing the lignocellulosic feedstock by physically separating non-lignocellulosic materials therefrom;

physico-chemically hydrolyzing the processed lignocellulosic feedstock by commingling said feedstock with a separately supplied organic solvent while controllably manipulating at least the temperature and pressure therein and thereabout, thereby producing the first liquid fraction and the cellulosic solids fraction comprising therein a plurality of VHMW lignin derivatives; and

separately and controllably discharging the cellulosic solids fraction and the first liquid fraction.

67. A modular biorefining system according to claim 64, wherein the first processing module is configured to continuously receive, physically process, and physico-chemically hydrolyze a lignocellulosic feedstock thereby continuously producing the cellulosic solids fraction and the first liquid fraction.

68. A modular biorefining system according to claim 64, wherein the first processing module is configured to receive, physically process, and physico-chemically hydrolyze a batch of lignocellulosic feedstock thereby producing the cellulosic solids fraction and the first liquid fraction.

69. A modular biorefining system according to claim 64, wherein the first processing module is provided with a temperature-controllable and pressure-controllable vessel configured to:

receive therein the processed lignocellulosic feed stock at about a first end and to convey said feedstock therethrough to about a second end;

receive therein an organic solvent at about the second end, and to flow said organic solvent therethrough to about the first end;

discharge the cellulosic solids fraction through an outlet provided therefor approximate the second end; and

discharge the first liquid fraction through an outlet provided therefor approximate the first end.

70. A modular biorefining system according to claim 69, wherein the temperature-controllable and pressure-controllable vessel is configured to:

receive therein the processed lignocellulosic feed stock at about a first end and to convey said feedstock therethrough to about a second end;

receive therein an organic solvent at about the first end, and to circulate said organic solvent therethrough and thereabout;

discharge the cellulosic solids fraction through an outlet provided therefor approximate the second end; and

discharge the first liquid fraction through an outlet provided therefor approximate the second end.

71. A modular biorefining system according to claim 69, wherein the temperature-controllable and pressure-controllable vessel is configured to:

receive therein the processed lignocellulosic feed stock at about a first end and to convey said feedstock therethrough to about a second end;

receive therein an organic solvent interposed the first end and second end, and to circulate said organic solvent therethrough and thereabout;

discharge the cellulosic solids fraction through an outlet provided therefor approximate the second end; and

discharge the first liquid fraction through an outlet provided therefor approximate the first end.

72. A modular biorefining system according to claim 64, wherein the first processing module is additionally provided with equipment configured to sequentially saturate and de-saturate the processed lignocellulosic feedstock with an organic solvent prior to physico-chemically hydrolyzing said processed lignocellulosic feedstock.

73. A modular biorefining system according to claim 64, wherein the second processing module comprises a plurality of equipment selected and configured for receiving therein the cellulosic solids fraction comprising a plurality of VHMW lignin derivatives, controllably de-lignifying said cellulosic solids fraction, and recovery of a de-lignified cellulosic pulp.

74. A modular biorefining system according to claim 70, wherein the second processing module comprises equipment configured for de-lignifying the cellulosic solids fraction with a bleaching process.

75. A modular biorefining system according to claim 74, wherein the bleaching process is one of an elemental chlorine-free (ECF) bleaching process and a total chlorine-free (TCF) bleaching process.

76. A modular biorefining system according to claim 73, wherein the second processing module is additionally configured for recovery and processing of at least a portion of said plurality of VHMW lignin derivatives.

77. A modular biorefining system according to claim 73, wherein the second processing module additionally comprises a plurality of equipment selected and configured for:

receiving therein the de-lignified cellulosic pulp stream;

reducing the viscosity of the de-lignified cellulosic pulp stream;

enzymatic digestion of the reduced-viscosity de-lignified cellulosic pulp stream thereby producing a first carbohydrates liquid stream; and

recovery therefrom of the first carbohydrates liquid stream and a first spent solids fraction.

78. A modular biorefining system according to claim 77, additionally configured for decrystallization of the de-lignified cellulosic pulp stream

79. A modular biorefining system according to claim 77, additionally configured for recovering at least one of a portion of the first carbohydrates liquid stream and a portion of the first spent solids fraction, said portions comprising a plurality of enzyme moieties, and for recycling said portions comprising a plurality of enzyme moieties.

80. A modular biorefining system according to claim 77, additionally configured for receiving therein said first carbohydrates liquid stream, fermenting said first carbohydrates liquid stream, and recovering therefrom a first fermentation beer.

81. A modular biorefining system according to claim 80, additionally configured for separating therefrom the first fermentation beer, a first short-chain alcohol stream and a second spent solids fraction.

82. A modular biorefining system according to claim 77, additionally configured for recovering at least one of a portion of the first fermentation beer and a portion of the second spent solids fraction, said portions comprising a plurality of fermenting microorganisms, and for recycling said portions comprising said plurality of fermenting microorganisms.

83. A modular biorefining system according to claim 77, wherein the second processing module is provided with a vessel for containing therein concurrent enzymatic digestion of the reduced-viscosity de-lignified cellulosic solids fraction and fermentation of the first carbohydrates liquid stream produced therefrom.

84. A modular biorefining system according to claim 81, additionally configured for refining the first short-chain alcohol stream into one of a fuel-grade alcohol stream and an industrial-grade alcohol stream, and recovering a first aqueous waste stream.

85. A modular biorefining system according to claim 81, wherein the first short-chain alcohol stream is one of an ethanol stream and a butanol stream.

86. A modular biorefining system according to claim 83, additionally configured for de-toxifying the first waste aqueous stream, and for reducing the viscosity of the de-lignified cellulosic pulp stream therewith the de-toxified waste aqueous stream.

87. A modular biorefining system according to claim 64, wherein the second processing module comprises a plurality of equipment configured for controllably and manipulably:

receiving therein the cellulosic solids fraction discharged from the first processing module, said cellulosic solids fraction comprising therein a plurality of VHMW lignin derivatives;

controllably reducing the viscosity of the cellulosic solids fraction;

enzymatic digestion of the reduced-viscosity de-lignified cellulosic pulp stream thereby producing a second carbohydrates liquid stream; and

recovery therefrom of the second carbohydrates liquid stream and a third spent solids fraction.

88. A modular biorefining system according to claim 87, additionally configured for decrystallization of the de-lignified cellulosic pulp stream

89. A modular biorefining system according to claim 87, additionally configured for recovering at least one of a portion of the second carbohydrates liquid stream and a portion of the third spent solids fraction, said portions comprising a plurality of enzyme moieties, and for recycling said portions comprising a plurality of enzyme moieties.

90. A modular biorefining system according to claim 87, additionally configured for receiving therein said second carbohydrates liquid stream, fermenting said second carbohydrates liquid stream, and recovering therefrom a second fermentation beer.

91. A modular biorefining system according to claim 90, additionally configured for separating therefrom the second fermentation beer, a second short-chain alcohol stream and a fourth spent solids fraction.

92. A modular biorefining system according to claim 87 additionally configured for recovering at least one of a portion of the second fermentation beer and a portion of the fourth spent solids fraction, said portions comprising a plurality of fermenting microorganisms, and for recycling said portions comprising said plurality of fermenting microorganisms.

93. A modular biorefining system according to claim 91, additionally configured for refining the second short-chain alcohol stream into one of a fuel-grade alcohol stream and an industrial-grade alcohol stream, and recovering a second aqueous waste stream.

94. A modular biorefining system according to claim 91, wherein the second short-chain alcohol stream is one of an ethanol stream and a butanol stream.

95. A modular biorefining system according to claim 93, additionally configured for de-toxifying the second waste aqueous stream, and for reducing the viscosity of the de-lignified cellulosic pulp stream therewith the de-toxified second waste aqueous stream.

96. A modular biorefining system according to claim 91, additionally configured for recovery therefrom the fourth spent solids fraction, at least a portion of the plurality of VHMW lignin derivatives.

97. A modular biorefining system according to claim 87, wherein the second processing module is provided with a vessel for containing therein concurrent enzymatic digestion of the reduced-viscosity cellulosic solids fraction and fermentation of the second carbohydrates liquid stream produced therefrom.

98. A modular biorefining system according to claim 64, wherein the third processing module is configured for separating a second solids fraction from the first liquid fraction thereby producing a first filtrate, wherein the second solids fraction comprises a plurality of HMW lignin derivatives.

99. A modular biorefining system according to claim 98, wherein the third processing module is additionally configured for separating a third solids fraction from the first filtrate thereby producing a second filtrate, wherein the third solids fraction comprises a plurality of MMW lignin derivatives.

100. A modular biorefining system according to claim 98, wherein the third processing module is additionally configured for recovering therefrom one of the first filtrate and the second filtrate, a portion of the organic solvent and a processed third liquid fraction comprising a plurality of a fourth class of VLMW lignin derivatives.

101. A modular biorefining system according to claim 100, wherein the third processing module is additionally configured for recovery of furfurals concurrent with the recovery of the portion of the organic solvent.

102. A modular biorefining system according to claim 100, wherein the recovered portion of organic solvent is recycled into the first processing module.

103. A modular biorefining system according to claim 102, wherein the recovered portion of organic solvent is blended with a portion of the short-chain alcohol stream recovered in the second processing module.

104. A modular biorefining system according to claim 103, wherein the short-chain alcohol stream is an ethanol stream.

105. A modular biorefining system according to claim 64, wherein the fourth processing module is additionally configured for receiving therein from the third processing module, at least one of the processed second liquid fraction, the second filtrate, and the processed third liquid fraction, and recovering therefrom at least one of an acetic acid-containing liquid fraction, a carbohydrates syrup fraction, a portion of the plurality of VLMW lignin derivatives, and a second semi-solid waste material.

106. A modular biorefining process according to claim 105, wherein a portion of the carbohydrates syrup fraction, is controllably delivered into the second module for production therein of a short-chain alcohol therefrom.

107. A modular biorefining process according to claim 106, wherein the short-chain alcohol is one of ethanol and butanol.

108. A modular biorefining process according to claim 105, wherein a portion of the carbohydrates syrup fraction is controllably delivered to an anaerobic digestion module comprising an acidification step for acidification of said carbohydrates syrup fraction therein.

109. A modular biorefining process according to claim 64, wherein the fifth processing module is provided with a plurality of equipment configured for:

receiving and biologically hydrolyzing therein the semi-solid solid waste material separated by the fourth processing module thereby producing a third liquid fraction;

recovering and biologically acidifying therein the third liquid fraction thereby producing a biologically acidified liquid fraction;

recovering and biologically acetifying therein the biologically acidified liquid fraction thereby producing at least acetic acid; and

recovering the at least acetic acid and biologically producing at least a biogas and a liquid effluent therefrom.

110. A modular biorefining process according to claim 109, wherein the fifth processing module is additionally configured for controllably receiving therein a portion of the carbohydrates syrup fraction separated in the fourth processing module, and commingling said portion of the carbohydrates syrup fraction with the third liquid fraction.

111. A modular biorefining process according to claim 109, wherein the fifth processing module is additionally configured for controllably receiving therein the second semi-solid waste material.

112. A modular biorefining process according to claim 109, additionally provided with a sixth processing module configured for receiving, fermenting and distilling therein said carbohydrates syrup fraction separated in the fourth processing module, and for separating therefrom a distillate.

113. A modular biorefining process according to claim 110, wherein said distillate comprises at least 1,3 propanediol.

114. A modular biorefining process according to claim 110, wherein said distillate comprises at least polylactic acid.

115. A first class of very high molecular weight (VHMW) lignin derivatives, said first class of VHMW lignin derivatives produced by a process comprising:

a first step comprising hydrolizing a cellulosic solids material thereby producing a liquid stream containing at least soluble monosaccharides;

a second step comprising fermentation of said liquid stream containing at least soluble monosaccharides thereby producing a fermentation beer;

a third step comprising distillation of said beer to produce an ethanol and a stillage therefrom; and

a fourth step of precipitating and separating a plurality of components comprising VHMW lignin derivatives from said stillage.

116. A second class of medium molecular weight (MMW) lignin derivatives, said second class of MMW lignin derivatives produced by a process comprising:

a first series of steps for fractionating a lignocellulosic feedstock into a cellulosics solids fraction and a pressurized first liquids fraction, separating said fractions, and recovering at least the pressurized first liquids fraction;

a second series of steps for depressurizing and cooling the first liquids fraction thereby precipiting a first lignin solids fraction therefrom, and recovering a second liquids fraction;

a third series of steps comprising commingling the second liquids fraction with a water supply thereby precipitating a second lignin solids fraction therefrom;

and recovering said second lignin solids fraction, said second lignin fraction comprising a plurality of MMW lignin derivatives.