Modeling of percolation process in hemicellulose hydrolysis
D R Cahela1, Y Y Lee, R P Chambers
1Department of Chemical Engineering Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849, USA.
Biotechnology and Bioengineering
|January 1, 1983
Summary
A mathematical model for percolation reactors was developed to simulate acid-catalyzed hydrolysis reactions. This model aids in process design and optimization by providing an analytically derived reactor equation.
Area of Science:
- Chemical Engineering
- Biomass Conversion
Background:
- Cellulose and hemicellulose hydrolysis are key steps in biomass conversion.
- Acid catalysis is commonly used for these hydrolysis reactions.
- Percolation reactors offer potential advantages for solid-liquid reactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a mathematical model for a percolation reactor.
- To simulate consecutive first-order reactions, specifically acid-catalyzed cellulose or hemicellulose hydrolysis.
- To provide a tool for process design and reactor optimization.
Main Methods:
- Development of a mathematical model for a percolation reactor.
- Analytical derivation of a reactor equation incorporating mass-transfer effects.
- Simulation of consecutive first-order reactions.
Main Results:
- An analytically derived reactor equation was obtained.
- The model successfully simulated acid-catalyzed cellulose or hemicellulose hydrolysis.
- The model was validated using experimental data from hemicellulose hydrolysis.
Conclusions:
- The developed mathematical model is effective for percolation reactors.
- The model aids in the process design and optimization of biomass hydrolysis.
- Mass-transfer effects are crucial and included in the derived reactor equation.
