FURFURAL FROM WOOD IN CATALYZED ACETIC-ACID MEDIA - A MATHEMATICAL ASSESSMENT

Eucalyptus globulus wood samples were treated at 120 or 130 degrees C with 95% acetic acid solutions containing 0.2 or 0.4% HCl. At given re action times, the composition of both solid residues and liquors were determined. For the various experimental conditions assayed, the time courses of unconverted hemicelluloses, sugar concentrations and furfur al concentrations were measured. These variables were correlated with the reaction rime following equations derived from a kinetic model, an d this provided a satisfactory interpretation of the experimental resu lts. The set of kinetic parameters calculated by regression of experim ental data provided information useful for simulation and design purpo ses. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.