PROCESSING COMPLEX MATRICES: DESCRIPTION, REACTION-SEPARATION, MODELLING

The DREAM project focuses on the transformation of complex matrices for the chemical industry of the future. It will focus on Kraft black liquor as a case study.

It proposes to design new intensified processes coupling reaction and separation in continuous mode to fractionate a complex matrix: deep-eutectic solvent (DES)-assisted extraction of lignin coupled with depolymerisation, CO2-assisted lignin segregation coupled with pyrolysis, and membrane filtration coupled with oxidative depolymerisation. each fraction will then be valorised into products of interest through reactive distillation or catalytic upgrading.

These processes will be monitored by original descriptors designed using data from on-line analysis.

The modelling of each reaction and separation step will be carried out based on these descriptors, to give modules that will be assembled in a global simulation of the process.

The interdisciplinary approach combining biomass chemistry, catalysis and chemical engineering will be enhanced through educational methods to overcome epistemological, cognitive and communication barriers between disciplines.The DREAM project represents a radically new approach for studying complex matrices, combining cutting-edge technical expertise with social and philosophical expertise to address challenges of the interdisciplinary research process.

By developing new descriptors, models, and integration strategies, it aims to establish a feedstock-product relationship and design new, more efficient, and greener processes, as well as new interdisciplinary methodologies.