Method for utilizing lignin separated from black liquor as lime-kiln fuel

A method of utilizing lignin-containing material separated from spent kraft pulping liquor including: acidifying the liquor to a pH not less than seven thereby precipitating solid particles, separating precipitated solid particles from the accompanying liquid, and subjecting the separated precipitated solid particles to a washing process in which: the separated precipitated solid particles are washed with an aqueous medium or aqueous media in one or more washing steps, in each one of the washing steps, the aqueous washing medium contains, in a dissolved form, significant amounts of one or more added sodium salts, and a combined concentration of the added sodium salts in the washing medium in each of the washing step exceeds three percent by weight; and utilizing as fuel in a lime kiln at least part of the washed lignin-containing material is utilized as fuel in a lime kiln of a pulp mill.