Company Filing History:
Years Active: 2014
Title: Alan MacFarlane: Innovator in Lignin Recovery
Introduction
Alan MacFarlane is a notable inventor based in Auckland, New Zealand. He has made significant contributions to the field of plant material processing, particularly in the recovery of valuable components from woody plant materials. His innovative approach has the potential to enhance the efficiency of biomass utilization.
Latest Patents
Alan MacFarlane holds a patent for the "Recovery of lignin and water soluble sugars from plant materials." This patent describes a process that involves treating woody plant material with a continuous flow of an aqueous ethanol solution at elevated temperature and pressure. The process promotes the extraction of ethanol-soluble lignin while retaining hemicellulose sugars, xylose, and cellulose in the treated plant material solids. Additionally, the patent outlines a method for extracting hemicellulose sugars from lignin-depleted plant material solids by contacting them with water under similar conditions.
Career Highlights
Alan MacFarlane is associated with Vertichem Corporation, where he applies his expertise in plant material processing. His work focuses on developing sustainable methods for extracting valuable resources from biomass, contributing to advancements in the field of renewable energy and materials.
Collaborations
Some of his notable coworkers include Helene Belanger and Ross L Prestidge. Their collaborative efforts have furthered research and development in the area of lignin recovery and biomass processing.
Conclusion
Alan MacFarlane's innovative work in lignin recovery exemplifies the potential for advancements in sustainable resource extraction. His contributions are paving the way for more efficient utilization of plant materials in various industries.