ACID-CATALYZED HYDROLYSIS OF RICE HULL - EVALUATION OF FURFURAL PRODUCTION

One- ann two-stage processes to obtain furfural from rice hull were ex amined. I When the reaction was carried out in am autoclave at differe nt liquid/solid ratios and sulphuric acid concentrations, a low produc tion of furfural was observed Metallic oxides catalysed the conversion ann enhanced furfural production. In a two-stage process (pre-hydroly sis and dehydration) the yield was the highest and critical variables were solid/liquid ratio and acid concentration in the dehydration. Met allic oxides and chlorides increased the furfural production. (C) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.