CIRCUBLACK. New concept of biorefinery integrated in the paper sector through the direct valorisation of black liquor

2024-2027

Valorisation of the black liquor, main by-product of the paper industry, as 1) Source of bioaromatic compounds for application as antioxidants in different sectors (food, nutraceuticals, rubber and fuels) and 2) Precursor of advanced fuels.
A pre-treatment step of the black liquor will be used to isolate two distinct fractions: one with a higher molecular weight and high lignin content, and a lighter one, rich in polysaccharides.
The heavy fraction will be processed using the OHRIGINS technology developed by CENER to obtain antioxidants of renewable origin.
The light fraction will be transformed by the HTL (hydrothermal liquefaction) process to produce biocrude, which will then undergo an up-grading process to improve its performance as an advanced fuel.
A techno-economic and life cycle study will be carried out to assess the impact of the process in economic and environmental terms.

Lider of Activities 2 and 3
Development of the black liquor pre-treatment process (Act.2)
Reasearch, tuning and scale-up of the OHRIGINS (Act.3) and HTL (Act.4) processes to produce antioxidants and biocrude oils from pre-treated black liquor.
Production of batches of antioxidants and biocrudes for their formulation and validation in different applications (Act. 5).
TEA and LCA studies and characterisation of streams for the integration of the process in the paper industry business model (Act. 6).