Simulation of Biomass Processing into Furfural Using ChemCad

Abstract

To calculate the material balance of the biomass processing into furfural, a simulation was created using ChemСad software. Calculations and a preliminary assessment of the feasibility of using different types of biomasses were carried out. According to the obtained results, the wood of birch and olive trees is the most suitable for furfural production. ChemСad modules were used for the simulation: equilibrium reactors, filters, heat exchangers, and liquid–liquid extractor (LLE). For calculations, the component database was supplemented with information on biomass components—cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and pectin. The thermodynamic model UNIFAC LLE was used for calculations. LLE calculations were carried out for the ternary system furfural-water-cyclopentyl methyl ether.