NOVELTY - Preparing lignin from lignocellulosic biomass, comprises: providing lignocellulosic biomass under a first pressure and at a first temperature; gradually reducing the first pressure of the lignocellulosic biomass to a second pressure while substantially simultaneously and gradually reducing the first temperature of the lignocellulosic biomass to a second temperature; and optionally, substantially simultaneously reducing the second pressure and the second temperature to a third pressure and a third temperature.    USE - The methods are useful for preparing lignin from lignocellulosic biomass, where the lignin product is used as a fuel, tackifier, phenol formaldehyde resin extender in the manufacture of particle board and plywood, in the manufacture of molding compounds, urethane and epoxy resins, antioxidants, controlled-release agents, flow control agents, cement/concrete mixing, plasterboard production, oil drilling, general dispersion, tanning leather, road covering, vanillin production, dimethyl sulfide and dimethyl sulfoxide production, phenol substitute in phenolic resins incorporation into polyolefin blends, aromatic (phenol) monomers, additional miscellaneous monomers, carbon fibers, metal sequestration in solutions, basis of gel formation, polyurethane copolymer, and combinations; and for reducing lignin fouling during processing of lignocellulosic biomass (all claimed).    ADVANTAGE - The method efficiently provides lignin product of a small particle size for improving burning efficiency and for avoiding typical equipment fouling problems while maximizing energy recovery.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - Preparing lignin from lignocellulosic biomass, comprises: providing lignocellulosic biomass under a first pressure of at least 220 bar and at a first temperature of at least 360 degrees C, comprising: a first solid fraction comprising: insoluble lignin; and a first liquid fraction comprising: soluble C6 saccharides; and soluble lignin; gradually reducing the first pressure of the lignocellulosic biomass to a second pressure while substantially simultaneously and gradually reducing the first temperature of the lignocellulosic biomass to a second temperature at least 1 degrees C above the glass transition temperature of lignin at the second pressure; where the first liquid fraction is not substantially gasified; and optionally, substantially simultaneously reducing the second pressure and the second temperature to a third pressure and a third temperature in a time less than 1 second to precipitate the soluble lignin in the first liquid fraction and form a mixture comprising: a second solid fraction comprising: insoluble lignin; and precipitated lignin; and a second liquid fraction comprising: soluble C6 saccharides. INDEPENDENT CLAIMS are:    (1) a lignin product produced by the method above;    (2) a method of reducing lignin fouling during processing of lignocellulosic biomass, comprising: providing lignocellulosic biomass under a first pressure of at least 220 bar and at a first temperature of at least 360 degrees C, comprising: a first solid fraction comprising: insoluble lignin; and a first liquid fraction comprising: soluble C6 saccharides; and soluble lignin; gradually reducing the first pressure of the lignocellulosic biomass to a second pressure while substantially simultaneously and gradually reducing the first temperature of the lignocellulosic biomass to a second temperature at least 1 degrees C above the glass transition temperature of lignin at the second pressure; where the first liquid fraction is not substantially gasified; and optionally, substantially simultaneously reducing the second pressure and the second temperature to a third pressure and a third temperature in a time less than 1 second to precipitate the soluble lignin in the first liquid fraction and form a mixture comprising: a second solid fraction comprising: insoluble lignin; and precipitated lignin; and a second liquid fraction comprising: soluble C6 saccharides; and    (3) a composition, comprising: lignin; where the lignin is processed from lignocellulosic biomass using supercritical or near critical fluid extraction.