Method for processing sugar cane filter cake mud and extracting component products

Abstract

A process for the treatment of sugar cane filter cake mud separates and extracts the mud's components into useful materials. The materials include fiber, lignin, beta-carotene, oil containing a high content of phytosterols, and refined wax. The fiber can be used as an animal feed or a source of energy, the refined wax is a resource of policosanol and other established purposes, and resin can be used an additive in asphalt mixtures and tire manufacturing or can be recycled back into the sugar milling process. The process is self contained, requiring the input only of fresh water and chemical additives to adjust pH and coloration.

1 . A method for separating sugar cane wax and other useful components from sugar cane mud comprising:
 (a) contacting the sugar cane mud with a liquid extractant to form a mixture comprising the extractant, the sugar cane wax, a fiber, a resin and an oil;   (b) emulsifying the sugar cane wax to provide a liquid phase comprising the sugar cane wax and the extractant, the liquid phase having suspended therein the fiber, the resin, and the oil, wherein the oil is associated with the resin;   (c) clarifying the liquid phase by extracting the fiber, the resin and the oil therefrom to provide an emulsion comprising sugar cane wax and extractant substantially free of fiber, resin and oil.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the liquid extractant is water. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the mixture additionally comprises a lignin and emulsifying comprises the steps of heating and agitating the mixture. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the mixture is heated to at least about 85° C. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein extracting the fiber comprises the step of draining the liquid phase through a perforated surface having perforations sufficiently small to retain the fiber and form a first extract. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein extracting the resin and the oil comprises the step of centrifuging the first extract to provide an emulsion comprising sugar cane wax and water substantially free of the resin and the oil. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein centrifuging additionally provides a solid comprising the resin and the oil. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the oil is extracted from the resin by contacting the resin with an organic solvent. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the organic solvent is a hydrocarbon. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the oil contains phytosterols and the method additionally comprises extracting the phytosterols from the oil. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the method additionally comprises the step of breaking the emulsion and causing the wax to separate from the liquid phase and form a slurry. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein breaking the emulsion involves adding sufficient base to the emulsion to raise its pH to about 8.5. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , additionally comprising separating the wax from the slurry to provide a clarified liquid and a moist wax, washing the wax with at least one fresh water wash and isolating the wax. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein isolating the wax comprises filtering the wax. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein isolating the wax comprises centrifuging the wax. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the method additionally comprises drying the wax. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the clarified liquid comprises an aqueous solution of lignin and the method further comprises isolating the lignin from the clarified liquid. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein isolating the lignin comprises extracting the lignin with a solvent. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the clarified liquid comprises an aqueous solution of β-carotene and the method further comprises isolating the β-carotene from the clarified liquid. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein isolating the β-carotene comprises extracting the β-carotene with a solvent.