Sonichem converts lignocellulosic biomasses into cellulose, natural sugars, and lignin. These biomasses include hard and soft woods, sugar cane bagasse, straws, and grasses. Over 95% of the feedstocks are transformed into valuable products. Using ultrasound to break chemical bonds, this technology separates woody feedstocks into a fractioned mixture of cellulose, sugars, and lignin. The fractioned mixture is then separated into high-quality biochemical products with mild organic solvents. These solvents are received and reused, reducing the inventory of chemicals held on site. Due to the use of mild processing conditions, the hemicellulose sugars, lignin, and cellulose retain high quality. This process enables the production of non-sulfonated lignin, a high-value lignin that is not widely available with current alternative technologies. Unlike conventional separation processes, Sonichem does not utilize highly corrosive mineral acids. Ultrasonic energy also requires significantly lower temperatures and pressures than alternative processes, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
