Furfural Extraction via High-Temperature Aromatic Solvent Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing furfural from non-edible biomass resources face inefficiencies in two-layer separation, particularly in extracting furfural into the organic layer with high distribution ratios and minimizing organic impurities in the aqueous layer, while also requiring contradictory temperature conditions for extraction efficiency and aqueous layer recycling.
Innovation Solution
Carrying out two-layer separation at a temperature higher than 90°C and lower than 150°C, using an aromatic hydrocarbon solvent with a density of 0.90 g/cm3 to 1.1 g/cm3, and controlling the concentration of organic acids to enhance extraction efficiency and reduce impurities in the aqueous layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If two-layer separation is carried out at low temperature, then extraction efficiency of furfural into organic layer is improved, but the aqueous layer temperature is too low for efficient recycling and reuse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from conventional low temperature to high temperature (90-150°C) for two-layer separation. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by achieving both high extraction efficiency and high aqueous layer temperature for efficient recycling, eliminating the need for reheating the aqueous layer
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by conducting separation at high temperature instead of low temperature. This inversion resolves the contradiction because the high temperature simultaneously improves extraction efficiency and provides adequately heated aqueous layer for recycling, turning what was traditionally a disadvantage into an advantage
2Productivity
If conventional hydrophobic organic solvents are used for two-layer separation, then furfural can be extracted into organic layer, but organic impurities mix into the aqueous layer reducing recycling efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the organic solvent from low density to high density (close to or greater than water density). This parameter change resolves the contradiction by enabling efficient furfural extraction while preventing organic impurities from mixing into the aqueous layer, improving recycling efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a different type of organic solvent with density similar to or greater than water, copying the desired density characteristic from aqueous solutions. This allows the organic solvent to form a lower layer during separation, preventing organic impurities from contaminating the recycled aqueous layer while maintaining high furfural extraction efficiency
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly improves the yield of purified furfural in the organic layer, reduces organic impurities in the aqueous layer for reuse, and decreases heating energy requirements, maintaining a high aqueous layer temperature for efficient recycling and reducing distillation energy.
Implementation Method 1
two-layer separating the reaction solution into an organic layer containing the furfural and an aqueous layer
Implementation Method 2
the reaction solution is separated into two layers at a temperature higher than 90° C. and lower than 150° C.
Implementation Method 3
converting the xylulose generated in isomerization of the xylose into furfural by a dehydration reaction
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for producing furfural, including: obtaining a sugar solution containing at least one of a monosaccharide having 5 carbon atoms and a polysaccharide containing the monosaccharide having 5 carbon atoms by carrying out a reaction with a specific resource as a raw material in the presence of a catalyst in a solvent; converting at least one of the monosaccharide and the polysaccharide containing the monosaccharide in the sugar solution into furfural by a dehydration reaction, so as to obtain a reaction solution; and separating the reaction solution into an organic layer and an aqueous layer, wherein an aromatic hydrocarbon solvent having a density of from 0.90 g/cm3 to 1.1 g/cm3 at 25° C. and under atmospheric pressure is used, and wherein the reaction solution is separated at a temperature higher than 90° C. and lower than 150° C.