Dictionary of Oil, Gas, and Petrochemical Processing

250

L

Lignin

L

ignin: The cross-linked polymer of linked benzene rings that makes hard-

wood hard. It is an important structural material for most land plants and

is usually found mixed in with cellulose. The partial digestion of lignin by

enzymes (completely different from the ones that break down cellulose)

gives complex materials called humic and fulvic acids. These are the sub-

stances that give Adelaide water its unique color and avor.

Lignite: (1) Usually a dark-brown substance that is the lowest rank of coal.

(2)Very young coal. Moderate to low energy yield.

Lignosulfonates: A multipurpose additive base derived as a by-product

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