Production of Dimethyl Sulfoxide from Lignin Jacob Biberstein, Russell Boyer, Michael Czepizak, Stanley Das, Krista Sutton, Jeffrey Umbach University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) Project Goal: Production of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) from black liquor, derived from a Kraft paper mill Overall process: 1.Production of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) from reaction of lignin and molten sulfur. 2.Conversion of ammonia to nitrogen dioxide. 3.Oxidation of dimethyl sulfide to dimethyl sulfoxide with generated nitrogen dioxide. 4.Separation and regeneration of nitrogen oxides via pressure swing adsorption (PSA). Figures Objective Economic Data Economics This process is sustainable because the feedstock derives from trees, which are easily renewable. Furthermore, this process utilizes a waste stream from another process, increasing the sustainability of both processes. This process will be co-located with a Kraft mill, to reduce the costs of the feedstock. The spent black liquor will be sent back to the Kraft mill for burning in their recovery boiler. The extreme conditions mandated by the ammonia oxidation reactor require metallurgy resistant to temperatures greater than 1100°F. Therefore, the alloy used for this reactor will be Inconel 600. All other units, due to corrosion concerns from sulfur and oxides of nitrogen, will be fabricated out of stainless steel. This process has a simple payback period between two to three years. Annual profits from this process are approximately $9 million per year. For more information… Component Information Black liquor: An aqueous solution (65% solids) derived from the Kraft process for paper production. Contains lignin feedstock along with salts used in Kraft process. Usually burned for energy by Kraft mills. Lignin: Biopolymer naturally found in wood. Found in greater abundance in softwood trees. Is 45% of the solids content of black liquor. Reacts with elemental sulfur to produce DMS. DMSO: Polar, aprotic, nonvolatile solvent useful for its low volatility and its low toxicity relative to other solvents of this type. Used in the electronic industry as photoresist, and deuterated DMSO is useful as a NMR solvent. DMS: Disagreeable volatile liquid that can be oxidized to DMSO. Used as a flavor component, presulfiding agent, furnace passivator, and as an odorant. Capital Costs o$22,500,000 Utilities o$642,000/year Raw Materials o$14,900,000/year Labor and Maintenance o$1,900,000/year Other Costs o$3,440,000/year Total Operating Costs o$20,800,000/year Total Product Sales o$30,400,000/year Profit per Year o$9,550,000/year Payback Period (x) o2 > x > 3 Years Block flow diagram for the entirety of this process. Block flow diagram for the production of DMS from lignin. Lignin/sulfur reactor operates at 347°F and 116 psia of pressure. Black liquor must be made alkaline (mixer 1) and molten sulfur has tall oil added to it to reduce viscosity (mixer 2). Block flow diagram for the oxidation of DMS to DMSO. DMS Oxidizer runs at 133°F and 14.7 psia of pressure. Block flow diagram for the oxidation of ammonia. Ammonia oxidizer runs at 1472°F and 14.7 psia of pressure. The catalyst used in this reactor is platinum with a small percentage (5-10%) rhodium. Proposed layout of the facility. Sodium hydroxide storage tank located inside the facility for improved temperature regulation. Approximate size of the facility is 72,000 square feet (48,000 square feet interior).