Technology

Pressurised Hot Water Extraction (PHWE) is an efficient, inexpensive, and chemical-free process to extract valuable natural products from lignocellulosic feedstock. 

Our extraction process has been optimized aiming at the production of a hemicellulose-rich fraction consisting mainly of galactoglucomannans (GGM) from Norway spruce (Picea abies) sawdust. The mild processing conditions allow for hemicellulose sugars recovery without hydrolysis and lignin fraction recovery without sulfonation or depolymerisation. 

The residual chips from extraction process are low in water-soluble contents and they have high temperature stability compared to untreated wood. Hydrothermally treated dry or wet solid particles can be converted into valuable raw materials for a variety of demanding applications or used for heat and energy production.

This rapid, simple, and robust extraction technique is easily scalable, and it can be flexibly applied to different types of lignocellulosic feedstocks. Through modular construction it can be integrated where such residual biomass side streams are generated to optimise the supply chain and the market demand for the products.

Our process promotes zero-waste, and leverages closed-loop water circulation and energy recovery.