KINETIC AND ECONOMIC-CONSIDERATIONS ON THE HCL-CATALYZED ACETIC-ACID PROCESSING OF PINE WOOD

Kinetic models describing the main effects caused during the HCl-catal ysed acetic acid processing of Pinus pinaster wood were generalized us ing empirical equations. On this basis, a calculation scheme was devel oped for evaluating the influence of selected operational variables (r eaction time and catalyst concentration) on the mass flow rates and co mposition of the process streams for operation at 115 or 130 degrees C . Material and energy balances allowed the design of the main unit ope rations, providing the information necessary to analyze the effect of the operational conditions on the economic features of the process.