Model-based process intensification of dilute acid pre-hydrolysis of oil palm empty fruit bunch biomass for pretreatment and furfural production

A novel process for simultaneous production of furfural and pretreatment of oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) by dilute acid pre-hydrolysis was developed based on non-isothermal kinetic modeling. Mass transfer analysis suggested that the internal diffusion could be neglected as diffusion time of sulfuric acid in EFB particles was significantly shorter than the pre-hydrolysis period, whereas the heating stage could not be neglected due to a significant part of xylan was solubilized at the stage. A strategy for increasing furfural yield was developed by intermittent discharging of steam, resulting in 71.4 % furfural yield. The pretreated solids showed good enzy-matic digestibility. 136.3 g/L glucose corresponding to 81.6 % yield was obtained by high-solid loading hy-drolysis. 95.4 g furfural and 212 g glucose could be obtained from 1 kg dry EFB. Therefore, non-isothermal effects on polysaccharide hydrolysis and pentose decomposition should be considered carefully for an efficient process design of EFB biorefining.

Automated summary

A novel process for simultaneous production of furfural and pretreatment of oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) was developed. Mass transfer analysis suggested that internal diffusion could be neglected, while heating stage could not be neglected due to significant solubilization of xylan. Steam intermittent discharging strategy was developed to increase furfural yield. The pretreated solids showed good enzymatic digestibility, and high glucose yield was obtained. Non-isothermal effects on polysaccharide hydrolysis and pentose decomposition should be considered for an efficient process design.